The Science of Natural Healing

By: Mimi Guarneri, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Mimi Guarneri

Length: 11 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's Summary

Delve into the world of holistic healthcare, the range of nature-based methods and treatments that are both clinically proven and readily available to you - and that provide an alternative way for you to nurture your own optimal health, disarm stress, and deepen the experience of well-being.

These 24 compelling and practical lectures offer a rich spectrum of choices and possibilities for your own healthcare, as well as practical tools for creating a truly healthful lifestyle. Whether you're looking for a sound alternative to the drugs so common in our health-care system or you're merely curious about the validity of herbal medications, this course points you to numerous empowering avenues for healthful living.

You'll examine a number of far-ranging topics, including:

• The power of food healing
• Micronutrients and natural supplements
• Clinically proven herbal medicines
• Natural treatments for common medical conditions
• The mind-body connection in healing
• And, natural approaches to mental and spiritual health

No matter what kind of life you're living, optimal health is one of the greatest assets you can have. In speaking deeply to a truly integrative approach to healing, these lectures can make a profound difference in your health now and in the future and help you live your life to the absolute fullest.

Disclaimer: These lectures are not designed for use as medical references to diagnose, treat, or prevent medical illnesses or trauma. Neither The Great Courses nor Dr. Guarneri is responsible for your use of this educational material or its consequences. If you have questions about the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of a medical condition or illness, consult a qualified physician.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2012 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2012 The Great Courses

Uneven, several problems

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

I found parts to be interesting and the description and examples of integrative medicine to be for the most part useful; there is such a strong focus on supplements and vitamins that I would have expected some discussion of how well the body absorbs supplements compared to getting them through food, but that topic was not addressed.

Were the concepts of this book easy to follow, or were they too technical?

It was easy to follow throughout. There was a concerted emphasis on evidence based information for the first two thirds then a marked departure into a new age spiritual focus that I found less useful.

Would you be willing to try another one of Professor Mimi Guarneri’s performances?

Dr. Guarneri seems sincere but her style is not pleasing. She speaks very slowly and there are multiple interminable pauses. I found toward the end that speeding up to 1.5x made things better.

As good as I hoped, and then some

Natural Healing is a subject very dear to me, so of course I've devoured many books on the subject, but am very willing to keep getting the same material from different sources in hopes that I will eventually get it and shift my lifestyle to more healthy directions.

The first lecture, I think Dr. Guarneri was establishing her credentials (which are more excellent than all my other sources) and summarizing what the course is about. I was anxious to get to the "meat" so was frustrated that she wasn't getting right to it. Still, I'm glad she started out explaining her own history. Also, in the first lecture (only about 30 min each) she seemed to pause a lot at the end of a statement. That drove me nuts and I vowed to set the speed on my iPod up a notch when I transferred the lectures to it. However, by the time I was listening to the 2nd lecture, either she wasn't doing that as much, or I had gotten used to it, so I never changed the speed. I think it helps me to absorb what is being said better anyway.

For the first third or half of the lectures, I was hearing mostly familiar things but in a way that was more helpful than before; but in later lectures, I'm hearing things I didn't know, so this has proved much better than I expected. She has also provided many things I can research and follow up on, and things I'm anxious to try out. I'm only about 3/4 of the way through this course but it keeps getting better and better.

Authoritative and useful

The author presents health choices based on proven research. She debunks both common myths and modern medicine's lack of understanding of the effects of good nutrition and appropriate supplement choices. The presentation style is very natural, easy to understand, not monotonous. However, she speaks very slowly so I had to increase the speed to 1.25 and 1.5 times. Otherwise it was excellent.

Great lay language refresher

If you could sum up The Science of Natural Healing in three words, what would they be?

As a health practitioner, I found Dr. Guarneri right on target and up to date on many of the most recent evidence-based medicine. It will help me greatly in using the appropriate language to communicate effectively with my patients.

Highly recommend and could save you or a loved one's life.

This book changed my life.

What did you love best about The Science of Natural Healing?

I have known the difference between good food and bad food for a long time, but I didn't understand why some foods were better than others until I listened to this course. The information I gained has changed my life. I have more energy than I have had in years.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Science of Natural Healing?

When she said that garlic and omega 3 oil would improve my cholesterol more than the drugs would; this was big for me because I have high cholesterol but am have an intolerance for the drugs.

Have you listened to any of Professor Mimi Guarneri’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, but I have purchased another and plan on starting it tomorrow.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It made me glad I bought it.

Any additional comments?

I have been making family members, such as my brother who suffers from a lot of the same maladies that I do, purchase and listen to the course.

One of the best books I ever read

Any additional comments?

This book had so much great information. It was a breath of fresh air to have a narrator who gave scientific backing to her claims that I could go research myself. So may of the nutrition books on the market don't place emphasis on the role of the medical community within the bigger picture of holistic medicine, and I really appreciated that inclusion.

Excellent Introduction to Holistic Medicine

I have truly enjoyed listening to Prof. Guarneri running through the different facets of complementary/holistic medicine. It has consolidated (and expanded on ) several aspects of my understanding of the subject. I have no hesitation on recommending the lectures for all individuals especially for those working in the medical field.

Quackery at best

The whole book is basically advertisement for quackery. "Dr.G" presents food and supplement as if they could cure diseases by themselves. This is preying on vulnerable patients with difficult conditions. Nutrition and exercises are indeed important to maintaining ones health, but diseases are often complex and require medical intervention. By oversimplifying disease model, without providing relevant scientific explanations, "Dr.G" is doing disservice to her patients and to her medical training.

The best lecture on Health nutrition ever

I have read many books and heard numerous audio books on health and nutrition but this one is in class all on it's own. It covers every possible avenue for a healthy body and is well written.

Little biased, but some good info

What did you like best about The Science of Natural Healing? What did you like least?

There are some good nuggets in here and some inspiration to achieve optimal health. She came across a little biased against meat for me. At one point she says something to the effect of "we know carbohydrates cause inflammation which leads to all sorts of health problems therefore don't eat meat".... huh? Look past that and this is a good course. I believe a reasonable amount of protein from healthy animal sources are necessary for "optimal" health.

Did The Science of Natural Healing inspire you to do anything?

Start using turmeric, try some form of the elimination diet

Science should be removed from the title.

To not purchase this if you're looking for an objective review of the current science on health. Author approaches subjects with anecdotal evidence and confirmation bias.

Comprehensive and entertaining lectures

Dr Guarneri's lectures give a comprehensive informative view of many different topics in integrative holistic medicine, including the most controversial ones which are rarely mentioned by other physicians. Her style is very entertaining and will keep your attention focused.

brilliant

thoroughly enjoyed this. Would highly recommend to anyone who is looking to take control of their health

A Eye Opener

What did you like most about The Science of Natural Healing?

The simplicity of how each lecture was given

What about Professor Mimi Guarneri’s performance did you like?

She has such a passion for her work and patients , and also for her students

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

I am a plumbing woman let's me sort your pipes

Disappointing

Her enthusiasm is evident, along with her passion but her delivery is a little annoying.

And when she advocated for homeopathy.... oh dear. No serious scientist or physician should be perpetuating the myth that it is anything other than snake oil.

I didn't disagree with the idea that people should be treated as a whole person and not just have pills chucked at them at all. But suggesting that everyone become vegan is unrealistic. Living on supplements is also contrary to a balanced, healthy diet.

There is never any room for moderation! How about encouragement to eat LESS meat and diary etc rather than suggesting we're all going to implode if we eat the occasional burger?

Not much new information

Interesting lecture, well delivered, unfortunately it’s all very basic information. Reduce salt if you have hypertension, eat whole food, avoid sugar... I enjoyed the lecture but if I am being honest, I didn’t learn anything from it.

Everyone should listen to this programme

A very clear and analytical exploration of what makes us healthy or ill. it is presented in a very enjoyable way. I will recommend this to all my students who are applying for medicine and I have already purchased a paper copy to take notes from. a must have on your book shelf.

Worth a listen

I'm glad I listened to this! I've learned afew new things, remembered things I'd forgotten and was pleased to hear some of the research. Even though it seems like these lectures were given afew years ago, and some of the information is outdated, the knowledge is still sound even if the research isn't up to date. That, and talking about some substances in plastics which have been banned for afew years now.

loved it

absolutely brilliant and very informative, loved every bit of it! ! ! ! ! !

if you care about your health, read/listen to this

Dr Mimi delivers the information very clearly and concisely. Such an interesting subject. highly recommended