Meditation as Medicine: Activate the Power of Your Natural Healing Force

I first read this book about five years ago and found it a bit overwhelming - this time around I read it with a sense of anticipatory excitement. I didn't know whether to read it all the way through, first, and then try some of the techniques, or try them as I went. There are some great reviews written about this book already. All I would like to add is this: I have made the effort to learn several of the techniques, and THEY WORK! I personally do not have an illness, aside from rather intense mood swings that leave me with feelings of panic and anxiety. The exercises for the fourth chakra (heart) have brought a much greater calm to my life. I would warn people to avoid doing some of the exercises designed to increase energy at night. I made this mistake and was unable to get to sleep! It is best, like the author says, to do them as soon after you awaken as possible. I would also like to note that these exercises do require EFFORT! After some of them, I feel like I have done a hard physical work-out. If you have a yoga or meditation background already, you will be somewhat prepared. You will also have to take some time to really master these exercises. On the plus side, many of them take only 3-11 minutes to perform, so you have much gain for a little pain!!! What I chose to do was learn the ones that looked the easiest first. Experiencing the clear head, peaceful calm, yet alert energy has given me the encouragement to keep trying the other techniques. Some of the techniques I found made be positively euphoric. There is a reason why Yogis always have a smile on their faces! I would recommend this book to anyone who wishes to put effort into their own well-being, who likes the idea of "natural high" as opposed to drug-induced mood-altering. Peace, alertness, energy and no ugly side-effects. I've no doubt that those who use these techniques for serious medical problems will experience at least some relief if not eventual cure. I've no doubt that if I continue to practice these techniques I might prevent some future illness in my own self.

If you are searching for inner peace, in the process of healing yourself, or healing others, Meditation as Medicine is an essential reference. Dr. Khalsa gives practical, step-by-step instructions on how to understand and heal your physical and ethereal bodies by combining techniques from yoga, meditation, and chanting. He presents numerous scientific studies plus his own experiences and those of his patients. He explains how the chakras, nadis, endocrine systems, and brain interconnect the body, mind and spirit. Dr. Khalsa reveals many gems as he explains how our physical, mental, and spiritual bodies are miraculously intertwined. "Breath is the kiss of God," he writes, "With the proper breath, posture, movement, and mental focus, we can heal ourselves." He proposes that "The chanting of mantras endows us with a single-mindedness that is needed for a life of passion, commitment, and peace and heightens the proper replication of DNA." Even if you only follow a few of his recommendations, you will be convinced that his approach is valid. The techniques synchronize with each other to reinforce the magnificence of our creation. "The sixth chakra is the path of the soul," Khalsa reflects. If you are ready to explore the path of your soul, then try some of the exercises. Experiment with the mantras and notice how sound affects your energy. Take time to meditate and discover a renewed sense of vitality. Incorporate these techniques into your morning or evening routines and witness the miracle of the healing within.

The author integrates ancient wisdom and time-tested healing techniques with modern science in this informative and practical book on self-healing. The interesting foreword is by author Joan Borysenko. The purpose of medical meditation is to balance the mind, body and spirit into a powerful whole, for a better, healthier life. It provides specific medical meditations for physiological effects, including special movements and postures, mantras and breathing exercises. How to activate the healing force via the chakra system is discussed in detail and the book includes a section on staying young with the help of nutrients and maintaining endocrine health with meditation. It concludes with a list of sources, recommended reading and an index. Helpful illustrations demonstrate some of the exercises. Khalsa goes into very specific detail and provides information that I have never encountered in similar books on spiritual and mental healing. I recommend this book to all practitioners of alternative healing therapies and to all people who wish to take responsibility for the own health.

This is the most informative book I have read all year! Dr. Khalsa gives lots of background studies to back up the use of meditation for healing. Having Dr. Khalsa from the medical profession make a statement that maybe medicating clients isn't always healing, indicates that there is a turn; a turn inward. In these times of turmoil, this book is a godsend. There are distinct instructions for implementing the meditations for the various chakras. If you can do just one of these meditations, you will find a plethora of benefits in the long run. Use this book to tap into the strongest pharmacy on earth: your mind!

Meditation is a great stress reliever and has had some valuable results in many cases in improving sleep patterns, aiding in pain management, reducing stress and heart problems, and lowering blood pressure. One of the key elements in the success of mediatation lies in studying the chakras, mantras, and breathing exercises and having the self-discipline to follow through on the meditations on a regular basis.This is an excellent book based on the concept of using meditation as a powerful healing agent which heals both mind and body. Like many other things in life, what you read only works if you put what you read to good use and have the dedication and commitment to stick with it. For anyone interested in meditation and healing, this is a first-rate book written by one of the most knowledgeable authors on the subject.