Healing Mind, Healthy Woman: Using the Mind-Body Connection to Manage Stress and Take Control of Your Life [Paperback]

Alice D. Domar Ph.D. (Author)

Book Description

Release date: August 11, 1997

An esteemed Harvard Medical School doctor who has developed relaxation methods designed to reduce stress and heal the body now applies those techniques to the seven health issues that most commonly affect women: PMS, infertility, difficult pregnancies, menopause, eating disorders, breast and gynecological cancers, and endometriosis/pelvic pain.

Dr. Domar has created an integrated program of mainstream therapies combined with mind-body relaxation techniques that works far better than either approach alone. Whether used to help women conceive, reduce both the physical and psychological symptoms of PMS, cut down on menopausal hot flashes, or improve self-esteem, Dr. Domar's methods are proven effective, and are now available to all women who want to use their minds to heal their bodies.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Women are infected with negative self images and stereotypes which can wreak havoc on their ability to stay well and recover from illness. Dr. Domar discusses the connection between psychological suffering, physical illness and healing. Her book contains a section on general health followed by a guide to specific problems. She describes the importance of asking for and accepting support: something most women are much better at giving than receiving. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Publishers Weekly

The director of the women's health programs at Harvard Medical School's Division of Behavioral Medicine, Domar has closely observed the effect of emotions on the physical health of women. Aided by science writer Dreher, she here "describes scientific research showing that all these mind-body methods?relaxation, cognitive therapy, emotional expression, and social support?yield measurable physical and psychological benefits." Although too long and too repetitive for readers who are at all familiar with the power that the mind has on the body, the book's organization makes sense for readers who are beginning to explore the connection. Part I lays out the general background on the various kinds of "mind-body medicine." Part II applies these approaches to specific case studies on PMS, infertility, menopause, breast and pelvic cancer and other problems. The overlapping inherent in this structure, added to Domar's reiteration of her theoretical position when discussing details of the case studies, makes for heavy reading. Even so, readers will find hope, reassurance and plenty of motivation in Domar's presentation. 100,000 first printing; $100,000 ad/promo; author tour.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 448 pages
• Publisher: Delta (August 11, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0385318944
• ISBN-13: 978-0385318945
• Product Dimensions: 6.2 x 0.9 x 9.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #267,040 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 28 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A woman's companion to life's challenges! January 8, 1999

By A Customer

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

This book is a must have for anyone who believes that life's challenges can be met head on--and for those who don't believe it, but want to. I have given this book to friends with cancer, infertility, miscarriage problems and have been told that it was one of the most helpful tools they received. Alice Domar combines traditional medicine and pharmacology with a mind-body approach. The book is full of helpful suggestions on how to cope-- a must have not just for those dealing with physical illnesses but also for anyone who is trying to get control over life and manage stress.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Valuable life tools for all women January 21, 2000

By A Customer

Format:Paperback

This book gives women the tools they can use to achieve peace of mind and cope with stress. As the authors promise, the book is as close to attending a real-life mind-body wellness seminar as one can get. Each of the early chapters focuses on a mind-body technique, such as: relaxation; proper breathing; emotional expression; self-nurturing; social support; and proper nutrition and exercise. Each technique is described in a simple way that readers can start doing them on their own. The last chapters each deal with a specific medical condition that are common among women. These include PMS, menopause, infertility, cancer, etc., and how the mind-body techniques can help to either alleviate the symptoms or at least enable women to cope with them.

Examples from real women are inspiring. The authors have written a compassionate, scientifically sound, and thoroughly useful, practical book that's sure to help all women.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Not Just for Infertility December 15, 2000

By A Customer

Format:Paperback

This book was recommended to me last spring by members of my infertility support group. I love this book! It was the first book to acknowledge the amount of stress, pain and depression infertile women go through. I use the relaxation techniques not just for infertility, but for every crisis in my life. The advice is practical, simple, and easy to use throughout the day. And it does seem as if the book was written just for me! The audio tapes are helpful as well. The book is a true gift. I just donated a copy to a friend going through infertility, with the stern instruction that I wanted it back. Of the 5 books I gave her, this was the only one that's on loan!