Blue Zones Meets The Placebo Effect

Any additional comments?

This book is worth buying, especially if you are new to this area of study. I'm giving it five stars and not knocking it for its content. That said, if you aren't new to this topic, it's still a good book, but there probably isn't anything earth shatteringly new that hasn't been written somewhere else.

The book is very much a combination of a few books. Dan Buettner's "Blue Zones" and "Thrive" come to mind, mixed in with some studies on the placebo effect.

Pros:

* Would be an excellent book to give to a medical doctor as a gift.
* Author is a real medical doctor.
* Well written and professional.

Cons:

* Relies heavily on the placebo effect.
* Somewhat contradictory in places.

The health plans include a heavy emphasis on happiness and include the standard Blue Zone formulas of becoming more spiritual, close family, etc. Frustratingly, while "deeper spirituality" is mentioned frequently, in one section the author states that any healing is just the body at work and not "woo-woo metaphysics."

While the placebo effect and spontaneous remission are valid explanations, woo-woo metaphysics could also be a valid explanation. This topic was just barely touched upon. It would have been nice to show some valid, scientific studies on this subject. For example, a Columbia study reported that: "prayer appeared to increase the rate of pregnancy in Korean women with infertility problems. The researchers, surprised by their own positive findings, noted that the women were completely unaware that people in three different countries were praying for them." How would the placebo effect be possible if the women were "completely unaware?"

Another good example is found in the The Global Consciousness Project (Princeton University). This large study found that people could influence random number generators in an unexplainable way (read The Field, by Lynne Mctaggart).

The bottom line is, when you are dealing with medical doctors and scientist, you have to pretend that the unexplainable doesn't exist (even when real scientist have studies showing unexplainable things working!). No, it is all just biology and chemistry.

It's time to move to a more results-oriented paradigm in medicine. Keep in mind that people took aspirin for over 100 years and didn't know how it worked, only that it produced good results. If acupuncture is producing good results, then it needs to be used, regardless if it is a placebo effect or "woo-woo metaphysics." (And there are valid scientific studies that show there is more to acupuncture than just the placebo effect. This was mentioned in "Mind Over Medicine," but only in passing, however).

Interestingly, while listening to the audiobook of "Mind Over Medicine," with its heavy emphasis on placebo effects and spontaneous remission, I heard a song on the radio by Nicki Minaj with the lyrics, "I'm not lucky I'm blessed." With the book's struggle between "deeper spirituality" and simply the body's "biology and chemistry" at work, the Minaj lyrics seemed to tip the scale for me: though not scientifically explainable, "woo-woo metaphysics" is a valid explanation. I'm not lucky, I'm blessed.

36 people found this helpful

Starts evidence based, then gets a bit "out there"

The beginning was scientific enough to appeal to the logic of both patients and healthcare professionals (I'm a pharmacist). I say all the time that my truest hope is for my own patients to put me out of business; I want to see you healthy and off of all your medications! This book is a good starting point to potentially make that happen. It all starts with the individual taking a personal responsibility for their own health, and not relying on prescription medications to cure you, because most of them don't! They only treat the symptoms. I loved the parts about the stress response in your body and how it creates an environment that is anti-conducive to healing. The last half regarding ways to heal yourself though, gets a little more out there. The idea of the whole health cairn is a good way to take a well rounded look at your health and how it relates to your life; what needs to change for you to be less stressed and thus healthier?

7 people found this helpful

Really very possible

Would you consider the audio edition of Mind Over Medicine to be better than the print version?

I haven't read the print version as I prefer audio books.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Mind Over Medicine?

I loved the whole concept.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No

Any additional comments?

Fantastic ideas and I think very very possible. I believe, it's a great book loved it.

3 people found this helpful

Just me, but, I didn't care for it.

Any additional comments?

These types of books are a bit scary to me... telling me that I'm mentally preprogrammed in the womb, etc. as to how I'll see myself, act, etc. Also, are b vitamins and fish oil really a "placebo"? I do see that attitude is very important in life. But, it was a bit scary for me to read. I felt like I was developing that hypochondriasis or medical school syndrome by reading the book. Made me afraid of my own potentially negative thoughts, etc. I know that the book is meant to do the opposite. So, may be great for others.

10 people found this helpful

GREAT info However...

...the the author has excellent information in this book however being a great recorder of meditations, she reads this book as if it WERE a meditation... almost in a whisper. With so much exciting information it almost put me to sleep to listen to the same tone throughout the reading. You may find this pleasing , however; I just wanted some inflection, more enthusiasm. I would rather buy the book and read it myself with more excitement.

2 people found this helpful

Life changing for me

Would you consider the audio edition of Mind Over Medicine to be better than the print version?

I read the print version first and downloaded the meditation by Lissa Rankin. I've watched a video of her as well, so I am very familiar with her voice. I was disappointed that although it says the audio version is narrated by her, it is not. That said, the narrator does a good job and is enjoyable to listen to.

Any additional comments?

I have been dealing with some long term health issues. This book introduced concepts to me that I had never thought of before. It gives me hope and makes me feel like I have more control over my wellness than I thought.

2 people found this helpful

she won me over...i'm a believer

I'm a believer in evidence-based medicine, but I also believe there is some cosmic force that is bigger than just science. Whether that is spirituality, self-healing, or something else, this book gives you much research and scientific evidence that there is 'something else' going on. What a wonderful book. I'm such a fan that I subscribed to her webpage and get her daily emails on 'listening to your own pilot light.' I also have the physical hardcopy of the book. The narration by the author is excellent. She has several TEDx talks, which I highly recommend if you'd like to get a glimpse of what this is all about. I highly recommend this book.

2 people found this helpful

Great Read

Would you consider the audio edition of Mind Over Medicine to be better than the print version?

I have only listened to the audio version

What did you like best about this story?

I like how sincere and caring and how honest the author was when telling her story.

Have you listened to any of Lissa Rankin’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No

What insight do you think you’ll apply from Mind Over Medicine?

I am a big believer in mind over matter. I believe we are more powerful beings that what we are lead to believe. We are co-creators and can create the lives we live. This book has strengthened my belief in mind over matter.

2 people found this helpful

FINALLY!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, the book was excellent. Lissa did an amazing job of describing the power of the mind and the influence we have on our health. The book was research-based and informative yet engaging and well organized. FIVE STARS!! I've been waiting for this book...worth the wait!

What was one of the most memorable moments of Mind Over Medicine?

I enjoyed how she used real stories to illustrate the research or highlight a main point.

Which character – as performed by Lissa Rankin – was your favorite?

Lissa's book appeals to both the professional, researcher, as well as those who are simply wanting to live healthier, happier lives.

What did you learn from Mind Over Medicine that you would use in your daily life?

Too many things to say...most importantly, I learned attitude is so important and filters our view of the world and everyone in it.

Any additional comments?

Excellent!! I hope there is a second book- possibly a collabboration with a Psychologist/researcher who is also familiar with the topic (Many Psychologists have been stating for years the points highlighted in the book).

2 people found this helpful

Do NOT let this pass by!

If you could sum up Mind Over Medicine in three words, what would they be?

Shocking, provocative critical

What was one of the most memorable moments of Mind Over Medicine?

The fact that what Rankin says has been hidden from those needing it you and me for fifthy year's scares me. Louise L. Hay and other "new-agers" has said this for year's. This is however facts from a sceptical doctor NOT a regular self-development book.

Which scene was your favorite?

The tips to stay healthy.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No. I had to learn to re-think everything. However, her sources adds up and it is a book which should be at a special price. Every member reading as in listening to this will get information that will help you take charge over your own health. An absolute must and credit safe.

Any additional comments?

Keep in mind: What you hear will turn your life around. If you are tempted to quit your meds ( and you might very well be. Make sure to take this book to your doctor and get their opinion.) If you feel stuck get a second opinion from a doctor open to alternative healing. Do NOT stop on your own!

8 people found this helpful