From Publishers Weekly
A lyrical writer as well as a cardiologist, the author, founder and medical director of the Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine, describes how she learned that beyond the power of our most sophisticated medical equipment is a physician's humanity—"the listening ear, the healing touch, the devices of healers throughout time." Guarneri became highly accomplished at angioplasty and stent procedures, but came to realize that those she treated could also be helped by proper nutrition and stress reduction techniques such as yoga and visualization. She became committed to practices such as those of Dean Ornish, with whom she has worked, to reverse coronary disease with diet, exercise, meditation and support groups. Guarneri studied the link between depression and heart disease, and opened her mind to the validity of other alternative treatments, including energy healing, visualization before and after surgery, and spiritual practices. What is particularly attractive about this chronicle is the author's graceful integration of her own story—the destructive effect on her of stress and overwork—into those of her patients. Guarneri deplores the financial constraints that prevent doctors from spending time with patients and that many physicians have developed "a mechanic's mentality," focused on fixing rather than getting to know their patients.
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Review
"This is an honest, informative, and moving book by a leader in the transformation of medicine and health care. I recommend it." -- Andrew Weil, M. D., author of
Healthy Aging"Like all genuine healers throughout history, Dr. Mimi Guarneri knows the power of story to heal, to make whole. She is a physician of the heart, in all its many meanings. Good medicine cures. Great medicine heals. The brand of medicine in
The Heart Speaks does both." -- Larry Dossey, M.D., author of
The Extraordinary Healing Power of Ordinary Things"Dr. Mimi Guarneri is a rare physician equally at home opening the heart with stents and also with compassion. She is a brilliant technician and a powerful healer. In this deeply personal book, she describes the heart in all its dimensions, integrating the latest advances in state-of-the-art science with ancient wisdom, drawing from her extraordinary experiences. This book can change your life and might even save it." -- Dean Ornish, M.D., author of
Dr. Dean Ornish's Program for Reversing Heart Disease and
Love & Survival"In her groundbreaking and heartwarming book, Dr. Guarneri has quite literally gotten to the heart of healing. Blending the latest research with unforgettable true stories, she teaches us how to listen to our heart's subtle language, think with its wisdom, rejoice in its loving memories, and connect with other hearts." -- Paul Pearsall, Ph.D., author of
The Heart's Code: Tapping the Wisdom and Power of Our Heart Energy
--This text refers to the
Paperback
edition.
