The book relates Benson's research into the power of the mind over the body, but more importantly how to use this power.

The book starts by describing the setting of research criteria and planning a trip to Tibet/Himalayas.

In the Himalayas observations are made of monks who can perform amazing feats in controlloling the skin temperature of their body.

The last section relates to how this body control, which is now called the Relaxation Response, can be used in Western medicine.

A very good book for making readers think about their own limiting beliefs and what can be done if we challange what we believe. The book is also a must for Doctors who want to move on from traditional Western medicine and take in a more holistic approach.

Originally I read this book as a text that I chose as part of a book review assignment I had for a psychology class I was in. For some reason this book really grabbed my interest right away since he was writing about something I knew very little about.

The author describes various accounts of myths and stories of some of the amazing feats that Asian Buddhists have acheived in the past. They do things such as leaping (almost flying) great distances upon rocks, and also being able to increase their body temperatures during meditation. It's said that pious monks can be tested by wearing garments that were drenched in ice cold water, and within a short matter of time the garments would be completely dry. He decided to research these things first hand by performing experiments on their meditation techneques. He even provides the actual experimental results and conclusions from all of the various temperature readings he performed. It's interesting to hear about his interactions and impressions on the Dali Lama as well.

For a more practical usage, this book is great for anyone who wants to learn some realistic and effective step-by-step relaxation and meditation techneques.

Overall, his research is very well organized and stated enthusiastically in an informative manner. This book is valuable in terms of the cultural analysis, the scientific evidence, the psychological studies made, and the practical exercises described within.