A Book Review - "Brave New Medicine: A Doctor’s Unconventional Path to Healing Her Autoimmune Illness"

The views and opinions expressed below belong solely to me; and do not represent any other people, institutions or organisations that I may or may not be associated with in professional or personal capacity.

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I loved this book! It was exactly what I needed at this point on my autoimmune illness journey, and in my life!

A young, smart, accomplished, Western trained, internist, of Chinese-American decent, falls ill with unexplained and seemingly disassociated symptoms. She is, for a long period of time, unable to work, take care of her children, or socialise. She struggles to keep her marriage together and finds it hard to manage with day to day activities. She cautiously (and somewhat by accident) begins to delve into the many (and sometimes mysterious) ways practiced in Eastern medicine/philosophy, and a whole new world opens up to her as she learns about these practices and principles. However, and even more importantly, she learns about herself; her body, her mind and her spirit, and how to HEAL herself.

Perhaps not for everyone... maybe not for those entrenched/indoctrinated with the teachings/philosophies of Western medicine and those involved in the scientific community, but a good, entertaining, engaging read, nonetheless!

Warm, funny, heartbreaking, compelling and I personally found it informative and somewhat comforting!

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[SheffieldJane]

Sounds interesting. I think that particularly at the tail end of these conditions, we do need a further programme of action to return to a semblance of good health. Keep plugging away. Thanks for posting.

[Mary63]

Might explain why acupuncture helped my fatigue so much. But still need steroids at the moment otherwise PMR rears it’s ugly head from time to time as I go to lower doses.

PMR for four years. Trying again to get from 6,5 to 6mg

[Hidden in reply to Mary63]

YES! ... and none of this was instead of her meds (and it won't replace my Pred!) it's utilising the best of both western and eastern practices to get the best results! xxx

[Mary63 in reply to Hidden]

Very interesting. I will get the book.

[Hollyseden in reply to Mary63]

Just what I was thinking too

[Hidden in reply to Hollyseden]

I liked it... but then again, I am easy pleased! I didn't over-analyse it or try to poke holes; I just read it. 👍🏻

[Hollyseden in reply to Hidden]

Sounded exactly like my approach....to most things actually 😋

[Hidden in reply to Hollyseden]

Ha! Me too... try to just go with the flow! ❤️

[fmkkm]

Thanks so much, nice review.👍 I’ll see if I can find it at the local library.

fm

[linda49]

Sounds an interesting read.......

I found it helpful to explore different perspectives when I was recovering from surgery and chemotherapy for ovarian cancer over 20 years ago. Caroline Myss has much to say about the interaction of body and mind and healing....

Thanks for posting about this M.

[Hidden in reply to linda49]

Yes... when my mom had cancer we used to mediate on her body seeking out and killing the cancer cells, like in a video game... I'll check out Caroline Myss, thanks!!!!

[piglette]

It seems to have good reviews on Amazon.

[Hidden in reply to piglette]

Cool

[Pongo13]

Are you going to do anything differently having read this book Melissa? X

[Hidden in reply to Pongo13]

Well, interesting enough... I've had acupuncture, I take a pro-biotic (gut health) , I try to stay away from all "wheat" and carbs, sugar is a no-no, I take magnesium, Vit C and Vit B, and have Epsom Salt baths regularly. I'm learning more about meditation, my circadian clock, and about how my grief and stress plays a role in my overall health/illness... So I am on the right track!!!!! All of that (and more) was mentioned in the book!

I am going to check out Qigong for sure!!!! ...and being in nature more, and giving myself permission to receive!

xx

[Pongo13 in reply to Hidden]

Circadian clock sounds interesting. Pre pmr I could sleep anywhere (literally). I’m now reliant on alternating herbal or prescription (ami) to have a reasonable sleep! Hope you are coping with all things pmr xxx

[Hidden in reply to Pongo13]

She talks about eating on a regular schedule, aiming to go bed and waking up at approx the same time every day... and generally training your body to be more in-tuned with your internal circadian clock...

[GOOD_GRIEF]

I'll stick with science, thanks.

[Hidden in reply to GOOD_GRIEF]

If it works for you and it's all you need... 👍🏻

[teesher]

Sounds like a very interesting book. There is so much we don't know about illness but I believe the mind and body are definitely related.

[Hidden in reply to teesher]

Me too!

[Marymon in reply to Hidden]

‘ A rose by any other name’

Still on the journey with the rest of us.

Good to see you back.

[allykat]

Sounds like a worthwhile read. Have just put it on my kindle. Thanks

[S4ndy]

I taught Chigong before I was struck down with PMR. I loved the gentle flow of the forms, almost like a dance. I have tried to do some for myself but unfortunately it still aggregates things. My muscles seem to be hypersensitive to exercise. Tried 5mins on exercise bike two days ago and I am still suffering now! Seems I have to stick to walking and light muscle exercises at the moment. Good luck with it all Melissa x

[Hidden in reply to S4ndy]

OH WOW! Cool S4ndy!!! Sorry you cant tolerate it anymore.... that stinks! I am doing pretty good with the physical side of things; I can ride the stationary bike for 20-30 minutes, do my knees exercises, and walk like 4-5 miles before I crash... So I am hoping I can do the Qigong! Hope you get back to it soon! Melissa x

[Dewdrop456 in reply to Hidden]

Hello again,I am so pleased to hear how well you have progressed .You certainly had a very rough beginning.I was just thinking about those Masks you made when you were on high doses of Prednisone.Well done Melissa.I miss your interesting posts.

Good luck.

[Hidden in reply to Dewdrop456]

Awe thanks Dewdrop! Yes, I was a mess back then; I started two years ago now... seems like a lifetime! I have come a long, long, way! YES! My masks! When the 60-80 mg of Pred had me up at all hours... Now I sleep like a rock! xxx

[S4ndy]

Wow! That's really great to hear Melissa x

[Hidden in reply to S4ndy]

Thanks! It been a two year road... and I am still at 14mg (after a wicked summer flare) but it's manageable! I hope you get control of your muscles again and back to what you love!

[9lives]

I have just sent for the book thanks x

[Hidden in reply to 9lives]

Cool. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

[9lives in reply to Hidden]

I’ve almost finished the book, it’s brilliant and explains a lot about how the mind and body are linked. thanks so much for recommending it.

Carole

[Hidden in reply to 9lives]

You are welcome!!! I really enjoyed it as well... ❤️