Editorial Review:

"The medicine of the new millennium."--Larry Dossey, M.D., author of Healing Words
Dr. Mehmet Oz, celebrated heart surgeon and co-founder of the Complementary Care Center at New York's Columbia-Presbyterian Hospital, is spearheading the health-care revolution that is yielding powerful new healing tools that will forever change the way we think of medicine. In this ground-breaking book, he describes his pioneering work--combining cutting-edge Western medicine with such Eastern techniques as acupuncture and chi-gong, as well as such controversial therapies as hypnosis, music, massage, reflexology, aromatherapy, and energy healing. The inspiring and affecting stories of his patients are the heart of this book--from the extraordinary discipline of Frank Torre, who used his professional sports training to "psych" himself into healing after heart transplant surgery, to the "impossible" recovery of blues great Johnny Copeland, who was roused from a seemingly impenetrable coma through the force of his own music. In recounting his patients' experiences, Dr. Oz forges a blueprint for the radical new medicine of the next millennium--drawing on the best from Eastern and Western therapies and empowering patients to become partners with doctors in promoting their own recovery.

Mehmet Oz is a Renaissance man of cardiac care, combining yoga, aromatherapy, hypnosis, energy healing, music therapy, acupuncture, and visual imagery into his surgery practice at the Complementary Care Unit of New York City's Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center. He's adamant that the relationship between traditional and alternative medicine should be symbiotic, not mutually exclusive. His patients are proof of this: when treated holistically, not as just "another transplant patient" with a plaque-addled heart, they perceive less pain during surgery and recuperation, are less likely to suffer depression, and heal more quickly.

While med school at the University of Pennsylvania didn't expose Oz to the holistic healing methods he employs today, his upbringing in Turkey and exposure to cultures worldwide did leave him open to new ideas. Oz helped develop the LVAD, or left ventricular assist device, which helps the heart of a patient awaiting a transplant keep pumping. Piqued when he was asked about his patients, "But has restoring their hearts restored their health?"--and he had to respond, "No"--Oz started incorporating one alternative method after another into his practice. He started with massage after seeing how it rejuvenated his wife after childbirth.

Healing from the Heart is not for the weak of stomach; Oz occasionally gets graphic, such as in the opening heart-transplant scene: "I finished closing the last tiny bleeder, then called for the electric saw, which was plugged in and handed to me by its metallic handle ... the saw cut through the bone like soft pine." If there's anything that might inspire you to pass up greasy French fries, this book is it. Current cardiac patients and their families will be enthralled by the tale of Oz's holistic revolution and his patient-success stories, and other health practitioners would do well to pay attention to what he advocates. --Erica Jorgensen

Customer Reviews:

Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0

Oprah and Dr. Oz:

I am so fascinated when I happen to turn on the tv to watch Oprah Winfrey and too find out who her guest for the day will be and all of a sudden it is Dr. OZ. This heart surgeon just thrills me to pieces of his knowledge, but scares the hell out of me when he starts talking of the risks, the no-no's and puts worry so people will wake up and see what we are doing wrong to our body. If I ever had the chance that would be cool, and Im sure if I had an instant heart attack, he would save my life. Thank you Dr.... more info

good book:

I completely enjoyed this book. It is not a self help book dealing with heart disese. It is more a memoir of Dr Oz's experiences with his patients over the years. He talks about different (usually chinese based) methods he has learned about and tried and the positive outcomes he has experienced. The book is very personable and interesting.

Healing From the Heart really can heal:

Dr. Oz really has compassion as well as expertise. His medical credentials are superb and his feelings for his patients override everything. I loved reading this book. It fills one with hope.

Dr. Oz, Medical Heretic, My Kinda Guy:

Gee an open-minded surgeon willing to consider alternative medicine for the benefit of his patients. What a novel idea...and a sad commentary on the current state of Western medicine. It's interesting that in some of the cases the patients were reluctant to try any Eastern techniques. But once they did, both the patient and Dr. Oz found them helpful and healing. This book should be required reading in medical school. If I ever need a heart surgeon, this is the guy.

Accessories:

RESPeRATE Blood Pressure Lowering Device from InterCure (Health and Beauty) - Usually ships in 24 hours

Airborne Effervescent Health Formula, Original Orange, 10 Tablets (Pack of 3) from Airborne (Health and Beauty)

Similar Products:

You: Staying Young: The Owner's Manual for Extending Your Warranty (You) by Michael F. Roizen, Mehmet C. Oz (Hardcover) - Usually ships in 24 hours

You: On A Diet: The Owner's Manual for Waist Management by Mehmet C. Oz, Michael F. Roizen (Hardcover) - Usually ships in 24 hours

YOU: The Smart Patient: An Insider's Handbook for Getting the Best Treatment by Michael F. Roizen, Mehmet C. Oz (Paperback) - Usually ships in 24 hours

YOU: The Owner's Manual: An Insider's Guide to the Body that Will Make You... by Michael F. Roizen, Mehmet Oz (Hardcover) - Usually ships in 24 hours

You: Staying Young Workout (DVD) from Free Press (DVD) - Usually ships in 24 hours

Cooking the RealAge Way: Turn Back Your Biological Clock with More than 80... by Michael F. Roizen, John La Puma (Hardcover) - Usually ships in 24 hours

YOU: The Owner's Manual, Updated and Expanded Edition: An Insider's Guide to the... by Mehmet Oz, Michael F. Roizen (Hardcover) - Usually ships in 24 hours

YOU: On a Walk from Simon & Schuster Audio (Audio CD) - Usually ships in 24 hours

The RealAge Makeover: Take Years Off Your Looks and Add Them to Your Life by Michael F., M.D. Roizen (Paperback) - Usually ships in 24 hours