Holistic healing
January 2003
By Jamuna Rangachari
he Penguin Dictionary of Alternative Medicine, T.V. Sairam, Penguin India, Rs 395
For want of a better word, the term alternative medicine encompasses a range of therapies that treat the body, mind and spirit. It focuses on not only the ailment, but also the cause of any condition, and is slowly gaining acceptance everywhere. This dictionary comes at a time when the integration of alternative medicine with conventional medicine is revolutionising health care across the world. The single- volume dictionary, with entries ranging from acupoint therapy and abdominal breathing to Iyengar Yoga, kundalini, spirit-healing, ho'oponopono and many others, covers the gamut of techniques and parlance used in holistic healing in a clear and precise manner.
Though expansive in coverage, a classification of the content as 'time tested' or 'new' could have been more helpful. A link to relevant websites could have been added for readers who wish to know more. Overall, however, this is a worthy addition to the library of any individual interested in holistic healing.