In Spontaneous Healing, Dr. Weil shares the seven attitudes or strategies common to cases of spontaneous healing and more in this very inspiring and informative book. For those wishing to make informed choices for natural holistic health care from among the many healing therapies and options known to support good health and as treatments for diseases, I consider the book a useful educational tool.   

Dr. Weil teaches us that the human body has an innate ability to maintain health and recover from illness through a multitude of complex functions, that healing comes from within and is influenced by our thoughts and emotions, and that individuals can take responsibility for their well-being through self care with the support, education and guidance that natural health practitioners offer.

Dr. Weil puts forth very compelling patient histories from his personal practice, describing cases of spontaneous healing and explaining the influence of the mind and spirit on the healing systems of the human body. The cases of spontaneous healing include conditions such as cancers, HIV and diabetes; these are people who were told that nothing more could be done. From a medical professional with Dr. Weil's qualifications and life experience, the message is most powerful. He describes the natural healing system, the many therapies and remedies found effective in stimulating and supporting optimum immune function. 

Many medical professionals are pessimistic about a patient's possibility of healing and often communicate that attitude to the patient, causing further distress and loss of health. This pessimism can lead to failure to diagnose and treat illness; emotional and psychological suffering and self doubt often occur. Holistic health practitioners can offer advice about treatment combination options using natural healing therapies. 

The role of the mind in healing is most interesting. Dr. Weil shares with us his belief that the attitude of "fighting this thing" may not be the best path to resolving the illness. An attitude of acceptance rather than of struggle was observed throughout the cases of spontaneous healing. This is one of the most important attitudes to share with our clients. "Fighting this thing" creates internal tension, the cause of disturbance of many bodily functions, an imbalance in the autonomic nervous system and subsequently, serious illness. Mind/body therapies and attitudes that are calming, positive and spiritual in nature are very effective to relieve internal tension.

Dr. Weil teaches the healing system is always ready to perform healing functions, to restore balance, but its capacity to do so may be inadequate. He shares his philosophy, his "Tao of Healing" by saying "My belief is that health and sickness are complementary opposites, that we cannot have one without the other, any more than good and evil can stand alone. The challenge is to use sickness as an opportunity for transformation."

According to Dr. Weil, one of the obstacles to healing is lack of energy; energy is supplied by metabolism. Hypothyroidism is cited as a good example of the dependant relationship of the healing system on energy from metabolism. Another significant obstacle to healing is stress, which interferes with the functioning of the gastrointestinal system by disrupting the balance of the involuntary nerves that regulate it. Other obstacles to healing are poor circulation, restricted breathing, impaired immunity, age, obstruction by the mind and spiritual problems. Life changes relating to diet and exercise, and healing practices such as meditation, breath work, guided imagery and spiritual practices are beneficial in increasing feelings of well-being.

Dietary changes are recommended, focusing on whole fresh organic produce, organic whole grains, nuts and legumes, eating less protein, eliminating sources of harmful fats and drinking adequate pure water daily, reducing exposure to pesticides, herbicides and additives, helping to eliminate toxins, reduce inflammation and boost immunity. Protecting air quality in your home and being aware of sources of radiation in your home or near to where you live are also advised.

Dr. Weil teaches that walking for 30 - 45 minutes a day is sufficient activity to stimulate circulation and metabolism. In addition to the important benefits of exercise, he teaches that rest and relaxation are also very important, to allow time for the body to heal.

Several healing herbs are suggested for their effectiveness as tonics for the body. Garlic, ginger, green tea, milk thistle, astragalus, ginseng, dong quai, ho shou wu, maitake and cordyceps are recommended. Tonics stretch or tone our systems. Subjecting the body to tension then relaxation, much like in physical exercise, increases resilience according to Dr. Weil who sees resilience as "an essential quality of health, because it determines our responsiveness to environmental stress."

Examples of resilience come to us through Dr. Weil's observations of the seven attitudes or strategies common to each of the cases of spontaneous healing:

They didn't accept "nothing more can be done" or take no for an answer.
They actively sought help with healing therapies.
They sought out others who had been healed.
They formed constructive partnerships with health professionals.
They didn't hesitate to make radical life changes.
They saw their illness as a gift.
They kept active and had positive attitudes.

This wisdom may be one of the most valuable gifts a holistic health practitioner can share with their clients. 

As Dr. Weil shares his vision for the future of our society where medicine is preventative and oriented towards healing, he realistically states this vision is dependant on a radical reform of the medical education system and substantial increases in funding for research into natural medicines. 

Currently, there is a very noticeable increase of interest in healthy aging, natural medicines and healing therapies of all kinds, ancient and modern. It is a very exciting and interesting time to be part of the natural health movement and Dr. Weil prepares us well to share our knowledge with others and play an important part in this radical reform. 

Moira Khouri