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Dr. Robert J. Theil’s book combines old and new practices of naturopathy to teach readers about preventing imbalances that lead to disease, the healing abilities of natural substances, and time-tested therapeutic practices. His easy-to-understand and well-researched book appeals to many types of readers as it strives to educate people on the workings of the human body. Readers come in three flavors. Most readers will be those who are disenchanted with the deficiencies of the allopathic medical model. (That is, wait for something to go wrong and then see what the doctor can do to fix it using invasive, risky, and expensive solutions.) Many are clamoring for information on how to prevent illness and they have learned that mainstream medicine focuses on treatments and cures rather than education and prevention. This book answers the question, “Why do we get sick?” and answers with natural approaches involving diet, nutrition, vitamin supplementation, exercise, fasting, sleep, and many other non-surgical and non-pharmaceutical modalities. In addition, sections deal with esoteric naturopathic practices such as magnetic and electro therapy, iridology as a diagnostic tool, color therapy, healing powers of sound and music, homeopathy, mineral salts, and mud baths. In my humble opinion, an open-minded reader seeking advice on disease prevention and natural remedies will find a wealth of helpful information whether they wish to chart their own course or become better-informed patients. The next category of reader is the health enthusiast considering a career in naturopathy. This book is arguably the best overview available and should be required reading for all budding NDs. In fact, it is used as an introductory textbook in several naturopathic colleges. For each chapter there are one or more entire books which the serious student should read, study, and master, but as an introductory overview, I feel this book can't be beat. The final category of potential reader is the mainstream medical professional who wishes to do more for his/her patients by making a commitment to patient education and the prevention and non-invasive treatment of diseases. Unfortunately, however, none of the information contained in the book has FDA endorsement. Any time a practitioner recommends a non-FDA approved treatment plan and something causes the plan to go awry, he opens himself to a medical malpractice lawsuit. In my more optimistic moments, I wish that doctors will do right by their patients by recognizing the value of the naturopathic approach, but realistically, there is far more money for the practitioner in surgical or pharmaceutical intervention than in prevention or natural treatments. Also, there is less liability by sticking to FDA-approved treatment AND it takes a lot less time to dispense a pill compared to getting a patient to overcome a lifetime of bad habits. So it seems unlikely that the medical establishment will genuinely embrace patient education and non-mainstream prevention practices any time soon. That puts the onus on the patient to take personal responsibility by becoming a highly educated patient, which brings us back to the concept of naturopathy and this book. Anyone who buys this book, reads it, follows up with diligent Internet research, and vows to mend their unhealthy lifestyles in accordance with they learn, will be taking a HUGE step toward leading a longer, healthier, happier life.Read full review
The writing was well done and informative, I just hope the author will do another one.I feel that he did a lot of reseach to make this book the way it is it was so easy to read and comprehend, and up to date.
Bought the book to help review for the Naturopathic Doctor's Board Certification Exam. It is an excellent resource!
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