Cure

Starred review from November 30, 2015
British science writer Marchant (Decoding the Heavens) explores the possibilities of psychology-based approaches to improving physical well-being in this open-minded, evidence-based account. She connects readers with practitioners who are meticulously demonstrating real physiological and perceptual effects of psychotherapeutic treatments, particularly for problems for which traditional medical solutions are unavailable or problematic. Despite the incompatibility of these practices with the scientific gold standard of double-blind testing, Marchant does her best to identify the science underlying them and cite repeatedly demonstrated results. Going beyond the placebo effect, Marchant looks at successes with “honest placebos,” physiological operant conditioning, hypnosis, virtual reality, meditation, and continuous compassionate care in providing real relief in pain reduction, improved physical outcomes, and patient satisfaction. The idea of the brain as “central governor” offers a possible framework for improving functional disorders such as chronic fatigue syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, and depression by recalibrating the relationship between mind and body. It also appeals to patients who are weary of unhelpful medical interventions and dismissive accusations of hypochondria. Marchant has developed a powerful and critically needed conceptual bridge for those who are frustrated with pseudoscientific explanations of alternative therapies but intrigued by the mind’s potential power to both cause and treat chronic, stress-related conditions. Agent: Karolina Sutton, Curtis Brown (U.K.).

December 1, 2015
Marchant (The Shadow King: The Bizarre Afterlife of King Tut's Mummy, 2013 etc.) explores how traditional and alternative medicine overlap. As a science journalist and former editor at New Scientist, the author is uncompromising in her commitment to the scientific method and the necessity of rigorous trials to determine the efficacy of medical treatment. In answer to the question of whether "by harnessing the power of the mind, alternative treatments can offer something that conventional medicine has missed," she finds the role of the mind to be central to both. A significant element related to this question is the placebo effect. When new therapies are being tested, subjects are divided into two groups, only one of which is given the treatment. "To avoid individual biases when testing new therapies, neither doctors nor patients know what treatment is being given," writes the author. "The results are analyzed using rigorous statistical techniques" in order to eliminate the element of suggestibility from the results. Marchant turns this idea on its head. Her aim is to explore curative effects of placebos themselves as a clue to the relationship between the brain and the body's immune system. Despite the fact that placebo effects are subjective, they are "underpinned by measurable, physical changes in the brain and body." This relationship is especially relevant to the treatment of autoimmune diseases, problems that may arise with organ transplants, and the nature of controversial diseases such as chronic fatigue syndrome. It also offers clues to understanding why nontraditional medical treatments may prove effective. Marchant explores a number of nontraditional therapies such as the use of hypnosis, visualization, and mindfulness meditation to deal with chronic pain and stress-related diseases. However, she is not optimistic that a revolution of medicine is in the offing--drug companies are too influential in shaping research--despite the promise of these approaches in dealing with medical and psychological issues. A balanced, informative review of a controversial subject.

COPYRIGHT(2015) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Starred review from February 1, 2016

The mind and the body are interconnected, but, until recently, scientists have ignored the importance of this link, viewing the latter as an entity that operates on its own with little input from the brain. Once scientists and medical professionals accepted the damaging effects of stress and anxiety on physical health, they began to treat these conditions as aspects of illness, but the idea of using the mind to help heal remained in the realm of unorthodox gurus considered to be quacks. Award-winning science writer Marchant, a PhD in genetics, explores the work of researchers studying the role of the mind in health and healing and discovers compelling information. She traveled the world and interviewed scientists, physicians, alternative medicine practitioners, and patients to learn more about the mind-body relationship and found that, in many cases, it can assist to ease discomfort, boost the immune system, and aid recovery. While it has limitations, incorporating nontraditional techniques in medical treatment gives patients hope and offers them some control over the process. VERDICT This excellent book looks at alternative therapies objectively and provides readers a glimpse at fascinating research.--Barbara Bibel, formerly Oakland P.L.

Copyright 2016 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.