For cancer patients and survivors alike, Michael Lerner's Choices in Healing, is a truly remarkable roadmap to the new frontier of holistic cancer therapy. First published in hard cover in 1994, and currently available in an affordable paperback edition, this book is a scholarly, detailed, and eminently readable study of the best of both conventional and complementary approaches to cancer treatment. It also deals with the psycho-social aspects of the disease and with various methods of bolstering both the immune system and the psyche of survivors in their lives after active cancer treatment.If you have ever been confused over the myriad of complementary methods you might consider using to strengthen your immune system after transplant, then Choices in Healing is definitely the book for you. Not only does Lerner discuss conventional therapies and cultural approaches to cancer; but he also writes in depth about spiritual, psychological, and nutritional therapies which are both mainstream and unconventional. His overview of traditional Chinese Medicine is particularly excellent. Scholarly and concise, it provides detailed and accessible information about acupuncture, herbs, Qi Gong, and specific clinical trials involving these techniques.
Choices in Healing also contains an excellent appendix with concrete information sources for both mainstream and complementary therapies. Through the use of Lerner's carefully researched list you can learn about advocacy groups, support organizations, private consultants, public services, clinics, etc. Names, addresses and telephone numbers are provided.
When you are considering a full spectrum approach to bolstering your immune system, make sure you have easy access to Choices in Healing. As Dr. Joel Elkes, of John Hopkins University has said, "In years to come, Michael Lerner's book will stand as a landmark of what is best in comprehensive medicine. The science is thorough, and the humanism is deep."