Healing Mind, Healthy Woman: Using the Mind-Body Connection to Manage Stress and Take Control of Your Health

The director of the women's health programs at Harvard Medical School's Division of Behavioral Medicine, Domar has closely observed the effect of emotions on the physical health of women. Aided by science writer Dreher, she here ""describes scientific research showing that all these mind-body methods--relaxation, cognitive therapy, emotional expression, and social support--yield measurable physical and psychological benefits."" Although too long and too repetitive for readers who are at all familiar with the power that the mind has on the body, the book's organization makes sense for readers who are beginning to explore the connection. Part I lays out the general background on the various kinds of ""mind-body medicine."" Part II applies these approaches to specific case studies on PMS, infertility, menopause, breast and pelvic cancer and other problems. The overlapping inherent in this structure, added to Domar's reiteration of her theoretical position when discussing details of the case studies, makes for heavy reading. Even so, readers will find hope, reassurance and plenty of motivation in Domar's presentation. 100,000 first printing; $100,000 ad/promo; author tour. (June)