by Jo Marchant
First published 2016
Jo Marchant examines the emerging science of mind-body healing through rigorous investigation and global reporting. She visits physicians, patients, and researchers who study how mental states influence physical health. The book documents how meditation prevents depression and dementia, how social bonds extend lifespan, and how feeling cared for speeds surgical recovery. Marchant observes Iraq veterans treating burns in virtual arctic environments and children managing ADHD with reduced medication doses. She watches a transplant recipient use lavender scent to calm immune rejection and an Olympic athlete improve performance through mental training. Drawing from recent scientific studies, Marchant maps both the possibilities and constraints of mental healing while providing practical applications for readers seeking to harness these discoveries in their daily lives.
Genres: science, medical, non-fiction, health, alternative-medicine, academic
Vibes: intimate, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: investigative-journalism
320 pages · Hardcover · Crown