Despite the unparalleled success of biomedical research in helping to increase human life expectancy and to improve our quality of life, more and more people are seeking complementary or alternative approaches to health. In this era of rapidly progressive and complicated molecular biology and genetics, this may stem from patients' desires to get "back to basics" in their interaction with the world around them and give them a greater sense of control over their health and bodies. Complementary and alternative medical (CAM) therapies such as the practice of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and the use of meditation and herbal medicinals are often believed to be safer and better than standard (Western) medical practice because they are "natural" and are based on a religious, philosophical, or strongly felt concept of "wellness" and health.

Due to the increasing use of CAM by the American public and greater publicity in the lay press, attempts to bridge the gap between CAM and Western medical practice are being pursued, such as the creation of the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Michael Milburn at!-!tempts to also bridge the gap by outlining some of the background and tenets of TCM and putting them into perspective by placing them in the context of how Western medicine has developed over the decades. For example, in TCM, the basic healthy diet is adjusted to suit the individual to his or her environment. In the book, this is accomplished by describing foods in terms of their quality and actions. This is prefaced by a review of how diet and food chemistry have become integral components of maintaining Western medicine. How the five flavors (spicy, salty, sour, bitter, and sweet) are linked with the five elements of TCM (wind, water, fire, metal, and earth) within the dynamic interaction of yin and yang and their related visceral organs makes for extremely interesting reading, and this aids the reader in understanding some of the thought processes behind recommendations made by TCM practitioners.

This book is separated into an introduction, nine chapters, and an epilogue. The introduction and first two chapters (The Theoretical Foundations of Oriental Medicine and The Healing Art of Chinese Medicine) set the stage for the subsequent comparison of how the principles of TCM and Western medicine have evolved. Included are discussions about acupuncture, the use of herbs, and the art of diagnosis in TCM. Later chapters deal with the concepts of preventive medicine and the importance of diet, and they explain how both Eastern and Western medicine divergently and similarly view them. Chapters entitled "A Story of Clocks and Genes: Uncloaking the Old Biology" and "Embracing Complexity: An Exploration of the New Biology and Medicine" detail how philosophy, politics, and biophysics all have played roles in medical progress over the centuries. These chapters are interesting and insightful, but seem a bit out of place in a book designed to embrace medical pluralism.

The chapters contain many interesting quotations ranging from quotes by biophysicists to those of Taoist masters. The few illustrations within the text are hand-drawn and are not of sharp quality. The text is reproduced on good quality paper. All annotated references are placed at the conclusion of the book. The index seems comprehensive.

This book is not meant to be an encyclopedic review of TCM, but it does succeed in reviewing much of its teleology and basic concepts. Physicians and other healthcare professionals seeking some insight into Eastern medicine will find this book both interesting and helpful. The Future of Healing is not meant to be a didactic textbook but more a reconciling between Eastern and Western medicine, acknowledging the limitations of both, but at the same time, emphasizing their strengths. Patients and practitioners wishing to understand how TCM may help them now and in the future, against the backdrop of how modern medicine has evolved over the centuries, will find this stimulating reading.

This book explores the amazing similarities, connections, and commonalities shared by Western science and Eastern mysticism. Milburn distills the knowledge of the ancient Chinese philosophers and reviews the discoveries of both the pioneers of twentieth century physics and the cutting edge contemporary scientists of the "new biology". Striking parallels emerge from this discussion and exciting ideas for a new approach to medicine are presented.
The intellectual triumph and popular appeal of this book are a product of the author's treatment of two seemingly opposite, but equally expansive and difficult, subjects; Eastern and Western medicine. Topics as diverse as the mysteries of Qi and field theory are deftly explained, losing none of the inherent complexity while still easily comprehended by the reader.
For anyone interested in health, on a personal or societal level, "The Future of Healing" is a must. Avenues of thought are available here which can be found nowhere else in such a succinct and entertaing format.

As the review above suggests, this important new book should be compared with The Tao of Physics and read by anyone interested in the future of medicine, either western or Oriental. Milburn's synthesis of the two different systems is clearly laid out, and can serve as a review for those already familiar with some of the concepts. Recommended!

This book is an excellent and thorough account of the subject. It offers background understanding of the science behind the issue and offers solutions and useful things people can do to protect themselves from EMF. It takes a factual, not an emotional approach, that is very effective in getting across some of the complex issues. There is also a questionarrie that people can use to rate their own level of EMF exposure. Highly recommended.

OK, I NOTICED THAT ONE REVIEWER SAID THUS:

The book has...(a)...quiz in an appendix...The scoring scheme tells you to add your scores, add another number (118) and then divide by 264. Doing that means that everyone fails the test, even if you put down all of the optimum answers. My guess is that you are supposed to divide by 2.64 or by 2.4, but I cannot tell.

ACTUALLY, YOU MISSED A VITAL POINT: IT SAYS TO ADD 100 AFTER THE DIVIDING BY 264.

Perhaps the proof reading will improve on the second printing of this book (if there is one)

PERHAPS IT WAS READER ERROR?

As a counsellor, I have provided counselling services in virtually every aspect of human behaviour, including sexual issues. While this book makes interesting reading, it should be noted that sex is an individual affair. Twice a week may be fulfilling for one couple while once a month may be equally as fulfilling for others. Some want more, others less. Then, there are those who know how to please their partner and go to great lengths to do so, and others who are only concerned with pleasing themselves - period! In that case, the problem has nothing to do with "sexual intelligence" but inconsiderate, self-centredness.

The book failed to point out some relatively important issues. The key in all aspects of a relationship, not just sexual issues, lies not in a quiz or comparison with others but in open communication between the two partners, regardless of what one's sexual lifestyle may be. It is not simply a matter of what takes place in the bedroom that achieves fulfillment, but a matter of what else is going on the rest of the time, outside the bedroom. If a man is constantly being hen-pecked, nagged and mistrusted, he is not likely to be too anxious to please in the bedroom. Likewise, if a woman is playing second fiddle to a golf course, receives no help around the home (particularly if she, too, works outside the home) or she is made to feel like like sex is her "civic duty," do not expect her to warm up when the lights go out either!

As for the quiz, if you take it at all, I would take it with grain of salt. If you score low, you may feel like a failure when in fact you are not - that definitely is not going to boost one's self-esteem in the bedroom, and you may have some very valid reasons for answering the way you did. Some sexual dysfunctions stem from deep-rooted insecurities and abusive past experiences; for those individuals, the best help comes through professional counselling, not in a book. One question in the book, "How would you rate your current sex life compared to most other people's sex lives" is ludicrous. If one is not satisfied with their own sex life, they should be discussing the issue with their partner, not conducting a field survey with their friends, family and neighbours! We are talking sex here, not your favourite brand of herbal tea. If one cannot communicate openly with their partner, the problem goes far deeper than sexual intelligence.

In summary, the book contains insightful and useful information which may prove beneficial to the reader; however, the quiz leaves a lot to be desired. The book contains helpful facts, dispels myths and like anything else in life, any knowledge gained is a plus. Sex, like money, is a personal affair. Readers will need to weigh the pros and cons and make their own personal assessments on the value of the book.

Finally, a book that studies sexuality seriously. Several topics are covered such as myths on sex, sex education and consequences related to sex... Like many reviewers have underlined it, everything is in our mind. The way we are related to sex is conditionned by our own view on sex which has been influenced by our parents, friends, media, religion and so on. Sexual education play a great part in our life. Problem is we don't know how to deal with it when it comes to educate our own children. Most won't. That is an important issue. Sexual intelligence is your capability to understand your sexual needs, desires and to adapt accordingly, with the consequences in mind. How to deal with infidelity, sexual dysfunctions, fantaisies? We have first to free ourselves from painful past sexual experiences then to act smartly when matters comes to sex : education, be communicative, accept your sexual desires, let them come and go and don't be a slave anymore of your desires. Sometimes fantaisies are just fantaisies. This book covers many interesting subjects and could be a good sex education book if summarized.