The increasing number of people being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) cannot simply be explained by changes in diagnostic criteria or greater awareness of the condition. In this controversial new book, Richard Lathe contends that the recent rise in cases of ASDs is a result of increased exposure to environmental toxicity combined with genetic predisposition. Autism, Brain, and Environment proposes that autism is a disorder of the limbic brain, which is damaged by toxic heavy metals present in the environment. Lathe argues that most ASD children have additional physiological problems and that these, far from being separate from the psychiatric aspects of ASD, can produce and exacerbate the condition. This important and groundbreaking text provides a closely-argued scientific case for the involvement of both environmental and physiological factors in autism. Lathe's argument will also have a direct impact on treatment strategies and options. It will be of great interest to the scientific community, professionals, researchers, political and environmental lobbyists, teachers, psychologists, and parents and people with ASDs.
A welcome read for the lay person who has been bereaved and is now experiencing the difficulties of loving again.' – British Journal of Social Work 'For someone who is wrestling with the dilemmas of a new relationship, this is a comforting read which presents the candid accounts of other bereaved partners.' – British Journal of Social Work 'Love and Grief recognises both the emotional magnitude of losing an intimate relationship and the difficulties encountered when attempting to re-establish one with another individual. In keeping with the author's intention to produce a book of direct relevance to the bereaved partner, throughout, they adopt an easy-to-read, conversational style.' – British Journal of Social Work 'Life consists of a series of events. Some appear to be pre-ordained and some are unpredictable. A curiously simple, yet complex twist of fate prompted [the authors] to seek out some of the most fundamental human questions; questions about the meaning of existence and its ultimate demise, about the nature of love, in all its presentations and disguises… and ultimately, what can be gained (if anything) through «loss». In «Love and Grief», [the authors] boldly step into a labyrinth of spiritual and emotional paradoxes, guiding us alongside [some] intensely personal journeys.' – Annie Lennox 'What is it like when a partner dies? How can you cope after such a bereavement? Love and Grief is a book that is long overdue – it tackles the topic with compassion and insight and will be helpful both to bereaved partners and those who support them.' – Susan Quilliam, Relationship Psychologist and Agony Aunt 'An honest and compassionate guide to the complex issues surrounding love after loss. It includes courageous personal accounts which offer insight into the often taboo subject of forming new intimate relationships following bereavement, and will be of great comfort.' – Jackie Spreckley, Cruse Bereavement Care counsellor 'I feel this book fills an important gap in the literature of bereavement. Looking bravely at the often taboo topic of intimacy after bereavement, the authors capture the confusion of enjoying a new relationship while still feeling grief and even guilt. As this book draws on a wide variety of personal experiences, I believe that it will be of great value to the many who find themselves in this situation. They will realise they are not alone.' – Denise Brady, St Christopher's Hospice Love and Grief offers sympathetic support to adults who have lost a partner, helping them to explore the difficult and often painful process of forming new relationships. Through a wide range of personal accounts and poems, the authors show how the challenges of grief and change are experienced and dealt with by the bereaved themselves, their new partners, and the respective families. They also consider the differences between men's and women's experiences of grief, and children's attitudes to new relationships. In particular, the authors highlight the way in which continuing attachments and social taboos can affect the process of recovery, and examine the rituals associated with death in different religions and in secular life. Written in an honest and accessible way, Love and Grief provides comfort and guidance for anyone encountering relationship difficulties after losing a partner, and offers real insights for those working in the fields of bereavement and relationship counselling.
For thousands of years hand mudras have been used in India for healing, storytelling, emotional expression, and to evoke and convey elevated spiritual states. For the first time, the elaborate system of mudras-as applied in yoga and Indian dance-has been organized into a comprehensive, fully-indexed and cross-referenced format that allows readers access to this still esoteric body of knowledge. Mudras of India presents over 200 photographed hand mudras each with detailed instructions on technique, application, health and spiritual benefits and historical background. The authors have extensively researched the usage of mudras and their significance in the larger context of Indian spiritual systems, and taken painstaking efforts to ensure each mudra is rendered with correct Sanskrit name, transliteration and translation to English. The book will appeal to spiritual seekers, students and teachers of yoga and Indian Dance, scholars and lay people, and anyone interested in the rich cultural heritage of Indian mudras, and the transformative effects of these powerful hand gestures.
Vital Breath of the Dao is a fully illustrated guide to the historical background, practical application, underlying principles and techniques of Qigong, a way of physical and spiritual cultivation, and a way of life. Chinese Shamanic Tiger Qigong is a uniquely potent practice designed to bolster health and deepen spiritual connection to universal energy. Lineage holder Master Zhongxian Wu uses story-telling and a wealth of practical examples to introduce this powerful 24-movement Qigong form, which combines the traditions of ancient shamanism, Confucianism, Daoism, classical Chinese medicine, and the martial arts. An excellent introduction for Qigong beginners, the book will also be of interest to experienced practitioners, students of classical Chinese Medicine and anyone interested in Classical Chinese culture and anthropology.
The way in which dementia is understood and treated is changing, with a growing focus on the individual's experience and person-centred approaches to care. Introducing a new model of dementia care that reflects on the role of a person with dementia within a community and their relationships, this guide for professional and family caregivers demonstrates how to facilitate positive relationships for peaceful living. By understanding the cognitive and physical challenges that older adults with dementia face, caregivers can practice empathic care that affords people with dementia increased freedom of expression and independence. Included here are techniques for conflict resolution that enable people with dementia to be active and self-initiating in times of distress and disruption. Looking at the basics of respect, empathy, and mindfulness, this book also provides hands-on training for employing these virtues in practice with a number of exercises to help achieve the goal of peaceful independent living.
Finding the right criteria to use when judging Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) is essential if it is to stand up to criticism from those concerned about the importance of evidence-based medicine. This edited volume highlights how CAM requires different research tools and techniques from conventional medicine, and examines effective methodologies for accurately assessing CAM. Addressing a problem which is often cited as the reason for a failure to appreciate the potential in CAM approaches to patient care, experts from a wide array of CAM modalities suggest the most effective research methodology for each particular therapy and illustrate how a lack of adherence to that methodology produces a less effective assessment. Disciplines covered include Traditional Chinese Medicine, homeopathy, herbal medicine, craniosacral therapy, qigong and yoga. Providing direction in research and the best criteria to appropriately assess each discipline, this book highlights and responds to the issues underlying research in CAM. It will be of interest to anyone involved in CAM research, in addition to CAM practitioners and students, western medical practitioners looking to include CAM in their treatments, and anyone studying research design and methodology.
Zen master Julian Daizan Skinner guides the reader through a sequence of meditation techniques that can safely lead even a complete novice through to advanced levels. Based on his own long experience of the Rinzai Zen tradition, as taught by the great seventeenth-century masters, Hakuin and Bankei, Daizan highlights the key points for success and addresses the pitfalls. Structured around a traditional teaching framework called «The two wings of a bird,» Daizan clearly lays-out how these methods build and combine to create a transformative and sustaining practice. The book contains an extremely useful section describing the experiences of western practitioners who have successfully applied this framework within the pressures of modern life. The final section features key source texts in translation, making the book a complete introduction and guide to Zen meditation. The work of a master, the book speaks at a deep level, with utmost simplicity.
A practical companion for students and practitioners of five element acupuncture that helps stimulate thoughts, refresh memories and strengthen the foundation of practice. With detailed outlines of the different components of five element diagnosis and treatment and overviews of the main characteristics of the five elements, this complete manual will support and invigorate practice. Full of examples, it explores the skills and techniques needed to nurture patient-practitioner relationships, assess patients correctly, select appropriate treatments and needle the points effectively. The book also includes a Teach Yourself Manual to further refresh understanding of this ancient form of healing. This comprehensive handbook will be of immeasurable use to students and practitioners of five element acupuncture, as well as those who are interested in studying acupuncture and want to know more.
Nora Franglen's straightforward, accessible guide introduces this ancient Chinese system of medicine. She briefly covers its history and explores the philosophy behind it, explaining how it can benefit the reader personally by addressing specific health needs and general well-being. Five element acupuncture treats the whole person by accessing the natural energy channels each of us possess and correcting the imbalances between our five elements to restore both physical and mental wellbeing. With case studies of patients throughout, the guide provides immediate insight into how an acupuncturist diagnoses and treats patients, looking at the importance of each of the five elements in turn, and how they relate to each other. This deceptively simple guide will help anyone interested in learning about the benefits and traditions of five element acupuncture, five element theory or Chinese medicine in general. It will be of particular interest to students as well as a great resource for practitioners to recommend to patients.
Rather than simply a different version of western medical practice, acupuncture, as the author of this thoughtful and challenging book shows, is based on a different philosophy and leads down directly into the deepest areas of human experience. Based on many years as a five element practitioner, Nora Franglen explores the way in which the practice of acupuncture enlarges the experience and understanding of the practitioner. She shares, through case study and reflection, some of the larger questions and insights that emerge from a dedicated approach to this form of healing work. Her insights and astute observations will encourage acupuncturists of any style as well as other therapists to reflect on their own practices, their relationships with their patients, and their fears. They also shed further light on the expression of the five elements within us all.