Listen to Your Gut
by Jini Patel Thompson

This book is the result of the author's search for ten years to find an answer to her Crohn's disease. Experimenting with a number of different herbal and alternative remedies, she has outlined what she has found to work best.

This book concentrates on the physical aspects of healing but also includes a chapter on techniques such as affirmations and visualisation. A part of the physical healing is what the author calls bodywork therapies, which are designed to assist the body in healing. These include acupuncture (Japanese rather than Chinese), massage therapy (therapeutic rather than relaxing), craniosacral therapy, bio-kinesiology, naturopathic medicine, meditation, colonic massage, and exercise.

A recommended reading list is also included which lists books on emotional, spiritual and mental healing. The author states that using the methods outlined in the book, she has been drug and surgery free for over a decade.

Ulcerative colitis, diverticulosis and irritable bowel syndrome are also covered in the book. Herbal therapies and supplements are listed under a particular symptom with some remedies repeated, as they may be useful for more than one symptom. There are suggestions for vitamin and mineral supplements that will assist healing. A number of 'healing diets' are given which are used according to the severity of symptoms. An outline is given on how to screen for food intolerance.

There is a chapter on lifestyle and environmental factors in which the author encourages the reader to look at your life and how you live it to determine if any of these factors are contributing to the disease. The author discusses 'western' or orthodox medicine but sees this as another option not the only option.

Her message throughout the book is to be in control of your own healing. 'Let your intuition guide you'.

The last chapter consists of summaries of treatment plans for particular conditions. These are designed as a starting point for action. At the end of each chapter is a list of questions or activities to help the reader examine further the information given. Practitioner resource and product supplier lists are also given but consist of Canadian and American contacts.

This book is interesting reading as it is a very comprehensive guide to natural remedies and alternative therapies. The emphasis throughout the book is to concentrate on healing and to be aware of what your body is telling you. There is a lot of information and not all of the techniques would suit everyone. However it would be a good starting point for someone wanting to explore this area.

Order 'Listen to Your Gut' online at Caramal Publishing Inc. Canada.

A publication entitled ‘The IBD Remission Diet’, written by the same author, is also available for purchase at Caramal Publishing Inc.