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Paddling Long Island and New York City
by Kevin StiegelmaierPaddling Long Island is the only book on the market to depict routes and destinations across the whole of Long Island and the New York City area. And it showcases 50 of the very best. It is a diverse selection, too. After all, according to skill level, weather, personal mood, and other factors, a paddler may want open, fast water one day, but a quiet, protected experience at another time, and something in-between later on. It's all here, from New York City to the far eastern tip of Long Island's Montauk Point.What's more, the book's guidance and language are geared to wide-ranging skill levels: the novice will be enlightened and encouraged, and the seasoned kayaker or canoeist will be engaged and engrossed. That is because the author's intimate, lifelong knowledge of the area's waterways shines in his descriptions of natural and social histories, humorous stories, personal anecdotes, and beautiful black-and-white photographs.For example, among the 50 entries, the author tells of Cold Spring Harbor, nestled between Oyster Bay and Huntington, and steeped in maritime history. He gives some back story on Little Neck Bay, home to littleneck clams but also where he says you will likely see a fin flip or a tail splash as the striped bass catch their prey. And he will take you to Setauket Harbor and tell you why it's his personal paddling favorite. But not all waxes euphoric, as there are practical considerations when striking out on water, and this guidebook is a good friend to have along. It describes the best times to paddle the 50 harbor, inlet, bay, and river routes; alerts readers to each paddle's difficulty level and estimated length; and suggests side trips, optional trip extensions, and alternate routes to paddle depending on weather conditions. Easy-to-follow maps, complete with GPS coordinates and driving directions, add to this book's high value. In addition, the author provides contact information on local paddling clubs, outfitters, and Internet links. And a final extensive section on personal safety, boat and equipment preparedness, and related topics makes this book an invaluable tool.
Paddling the Everglades Wilderness Waterway
by Anne Mccrary Sullivan Holly GenzenThe Everglades Wilderness Waterway winds an enthralling path through rivers, bays, and streams on the southwestern edge of Everglades National Park. Rich with wildlife and scenic beauty, it also poses many challenges for paddlers. Canoeists and kayakers must deal with wind, waves, limited campsites (in the form of "chickee" platforms over the water and historic groundsites), and no fresh water. As veterans of this complex passage, authors Holly Genzen and Anne Sullivan turn those limitations into glorious, safe adventure. Some out-and-back paddles lead to the rivers and bays of the Everglades National Park's interior; others wind to Gulf Coast sites; still others loop around islands, mangrove forests, or other natural phenomena. The authors provide marker-by-marker route descriptions (both north to south and south to north), and comprehensive information on safety, supplies, campsites, and navigation. They also chronicle the waterway's wildlife, social history, and origin of place names encountered along the way.
El Padre de Megan se enferma: Un espíritu guía, una tigresa fantasma y ¡una madre de terror! (La Serie Megan Psíquica #10)
by Owen JonesEl Padre de Megan se enferma Un espíritu guía, una tigresa fantasma y ¡una madre de terror! Megan es una jovencita de trece años que se da cuenta de que posee poderes psíquicos que otros no poseen. En principio, ella intenta hablar con su madre acerca de ellos, pero resulta en consecuencias desastrosas así que aprende a mantenerlos para sí misma. Sin embargo, algunas personas sí le ofrecen su ayuda y un animal le muestra una amistad especial, pero éstos no están “vivos” en un sentido normal de la palabra. Ellos han muerto. Megan tiene tres de estos amigos: Wacinhinsha, su espíritu guía, quien fue un indio Sioux en su última vida terrenal; su abuelo materno, Gramps, y una enorme tigresa siberiana llamada Grrr. Wacinhinsa es verdaderamente sabio en todas las cosas espirituales y paranormales, Su abuelo es una persona muerta “novata” y Grrr tan solo puede hablar tigrés, como uno podría imaginar y la mayoría de ello, desde luego, es incomprensible para los humanos. En “El Padre de Megan se enferma”, Megan se preocupa acerca de la salud de su padre porque ella nunca lo había visto enfermo antes, así que decide intentar utilizar sus poderes psíquicos para curarlo. Al final ella utiliza una combinación de sus dones y el internet para descubrir maneras de cómo ayudarlo a recuperarse. Wacinhinsha le da una cátedra acerca de medicina y sus aplicaciones, especialmente desde el punto de vista espiritual.
Padres que odian
by Susan ForwardEn esta notable guía de autoayuda, la doctora Susan Forward te lleva de la mano, a través de casos reales de hijos de padres que odian, para ayudarte a liberarte de los patrones frustrantes de tu relación con tus padres -y te ayuda, asimismo, a descubrir un excitante mundo nuevo de seguridad personal, fuerza interior e independencia emocional-. Supere su doloroso legado y recupere su vida. No todos los niños encuentran la necesaria comprensión en el seno familiar; algunos padres han reaccionado con excesiva rigidez o con escasa sensibilidad ante los comportamientos de sus hijos. Muchos de aquellos niños, cuando son adultos, se sienten indignos, se subestiman y actúan de manera autodestructiva. Sin embargo, les cuesta admitir que la relación con sus padres ejerce una poderosa influencia sobre su vida, a pesar de que continúan luchando por conseguir de ellos el amor y la aprobación que siempre anhelaron. ¿Deben perdonar o existe otra alternativa que les ayude a alcanzar la paz interior? En este libro, Susan Forward, en colaboración con Craig Buck, ofrece soluciones eficaces para librarse de las frustraciones que en algunos casos marcan las relaciones con los padres. Enseña, además, a descubrir un mundo nuevo y apasionante, donde imperan la confianza en uno mismo, la fuerza interior, el respeto y la independencia emocional.
Paediatric Allergy and Clinical Immunology (As Applied to Atopic Disease): A Manual for Students and Practitioners of Medicine (Fourth Edition)
by Cecil Collins-WilliamsThis is a practical reference volume for the student or practising physician to aid him in the investigation, diagnosis, and treatment of allergy in children. It is based on procedures used at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Canada. In this new fourth edition, material has been added and established treatments up-dated. The allergies to which children are subject are discussed in clear, straightforward language, as are the basic principles of atopic disease. There are sections on prophylaxis of allergy, common mistakes in the care of the allergic patient, the optimistic approach to the care of the allergic patient, anaphylaxis in man, and the immunoglobulins. Each section is documented. Four appendices offer various diets and discuss immunological deficiency diseases, beta adrenergic blockade, and the pathophysiology of asthma.
Paediatric Anaesthesia
by Peter A Stoddart Gillian R LauderIncreasingly diverse conditions now treated surgically combined with developments in technology have made the field of pediatric anesthesia more complex. Even common medical problems may give rise to difficult decisions. This has created a need for a resource that covers the latest techniques in the field. Authoritative and comprehensive, Problems
Paelo for Beginners: The Guide to Getting Started
by Sonoma Press"Hollywood's hottest diet just got a whole lot easier (and tastier!) with the introduction of this handy Paleo cookbook."—Closer Weekly MagazineRecent scientific studies have proven the superior health benefits of a Paleo diet. Paleo cuts out unhealthy modern foods like grains, sugars, and processed products, and replaces them with only the freshest, healthiest, and most nutrient-packed foods. Paleo for Beginners is your introduction to the life-changing Paleo diet, equipping you with 150 easy recipes for a 30-day meal plan that will help you start and stick to a Paleo diet.Paleo for Beginners contains:A 30-Day Meal Plan for kick-starting your Paleo diet with shopping lists and weekly menus.150 Paleo Recipes for making Paleo-friendly breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks.An Essential Introduction for understanding the basic health benefits of Paleo.Helpful Tips for easing your transition, including how to build a Paleo pantry and eating Paleo outside your home.Paleo recipes include: Banana-Vanilla Pancakes, Spicy Chicken Wings, Shrimp Paella, Beef Stroganoff, Creamy Cheesecake, and much more!Rediscover the healthiest diet in human history with Paleo for Beginners.
Pagan Astrology: Spell-Casting, Love Magic, and Shamanic Stargazing
by Raven KalderaA guide to the practice of planetary magic • Offers tools for practitioners of green magic and folk magic to incorporate astrology into their practice • Includes an extensive collection of magical remedies to resolve astrological afflictions • Provides information on creating planetary altars and the astrological correspondences of traditional pagan holidays Traditionally, magically oriented astrology has focused on Sun-sign horoscopes while modern Western astrology has focused on attempting to become as “scientific” as possible in hopes of aligning with its sister science of astronomy. In Pagan Astrology, Raven Kaldera, a practicing astrologer and Pagan shaman, uses the commonalities and strengths of Western astrology and Pagan green magic to introduce a hands-on astrological practice that incorporates intuition, spells, and other modes of folk magic into astrology. Kaldera includes an extensive compendium of modern magical remedies to counteract negative astrological influences and shows how to use planetary energy to aid Pagan worship and green magic practice through spell casting, love magic, and shamanic stargazing. Kaldera also explains how to create planetary altars that enhance the astrological correspondences of traditional Pagan holidays using the tools of folk magic. Practitioners of green and folk magic and those who love traditional astrology will welcome this unique approach to planetary magic.
The Pagan Book of Living and Dying: Practical Rituals, Prayers, Blessings, and Meditations on Crossing Over
by Starhawk M. Macha NightMareAn accessible guide to rituals and resources for honoring death in the circle of life.Birth, growth, death, and rebirth are a cycle that forms the underlying order of the universe. This is the core of Pagan belief—and the heart of this unique resource guide to death and the process of dying. Filled with encouragement, strength, and inspiration, The Pagan Book of Living and Dying is an invaluable source of both spiritual counsel and very practical tools and techniques for:Honoring and caring for a dying personGrieving a beloved relative, partner, or friendPlanning a funeral or memorial serviceDistributing personal possessions and making room in the home for a loved one’s memoryUnderstanding and mourning specific types of death, including miscarriage and terminal illnessProviding instructions for one’s own deathAnd much moreBestselling author Starhawk and other Pagan writers have combined practical rituals with prayers, chants, blessings, meditations, essays, and insightful personal stories to offer a new understanding of death and a powerful new approach to the various stages of dying and grieving.A beautifully crafted and deeply spiritual guidebook, The Pagan Book of Living and Dying teaches that death, like birth, is a doorway—another stage in the cycle of life. It will enhance the spiritual beliefs of readers of any faith and help each of us learn to welcome the change and renewal that awaits us on the other side of life.“Far more than another how-to ritual book. I found the reflections to be very moving. Rituals are easily accessible and well-grounded in the core Pagan understanding of the cycle of Birth/Death/Rebirth. . . . I recommend it for Pagans and others who might be facing dying or grieving.” —SageWoman
The Pagan Book of the Dead: Ancestral Visions of the Afterlife and Other Worlds
by Claude LecouteuxAn extensive look at the cartography and folklore of the afterlife worlds as seen by our ancestors • Examines how ancient European cultures viewed the beyond, including the Blessed Isles of early Greek and Celtic faith, the Hebrew Sheol, Hades from Homer&’s Odyssey, Hel and Valhalla of the Norse, and the Aralu of Babylon • Shows how medieval accounts of journeys into the Other World represent the first recorded near-death experiences • Connects medieval afterlife beliefs and NDE narratives with shamanism, looking in particular at psychopomps, power animals, the double, the fetch, and what people bring back from their journeys to the spirit realms Charting the evolution of afterlife beliefs in both pagan and medieval Christian times, Claude Lecouteux offers an extensive look at the cartography and folklore of the afterlife worlds as seen by our ancestors. Exploring the locations and topographies of the various forms taken by Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven, he examines how ancient European cultures viewed the beyond, including the Blessed Isles of early Greek and Celtic faith, the Hebrew Sheol, the pale world of Hades from Homer&’s Odyssey, Hel and Valhalla of the Norse, and the Aralu of Babylon, the land where nothing can be seen. The author also explores beliefs in Other Worlds, lands different from our own that are not the afterlife but places where time flows differently and which are inhabited by fantastic or supernatural beings such as fairies or dwarfs. Sharing medieval tales of journeys into the beyond, Lecouteux shows how these accounts represent the first recorded near-death experiences (NDEs) and examines how they compare with modern NDE narratives as well as the work of NDE researchers like Raymond Moody. In addition, he also explores tales of out-of-body experiences, dream journeys, and travels made by a double or fetch and connects these narratives with shamanism, looking in particular at psychopomps, power animals, and what people bring back from their journeys to the spirit realms. Analyzing the afterlife beliefs of the Middle Ages as a whole, Lecouteux concludes with a collection of medieval afterlife-related traditions, such as placing polished stones in the coffin so the departed soul can find its way back to friends and family at those times of the year when the veil between the worlds grows thin.
Pagan Magic of the Northern Tradition: Customs, Rites, and Ceremonies
by Nigel PennickA practical guide to the magical history, customs, and practices of pre-Christian Northern Europe • Details the everyday magic of the Northern Tradition, including household magic, protection spells, and the significance of the days of the week • Explores direct natural magic, such as shapeshifting and soul travel, and talismanic or sigil magic, including runes and rituals to unlock the power of crafted objects • Explains how many of these customs continue to the present day In the pre-Christian societies of Northern Europe, magic was embedded in the practical skills of everyday life. Everything in Nature was ensouled with an inner spirit, as was anything made by hand. People believed in magic because it worked and because it was part of the functionality of their day-to-day lives. Many of these practical observances and customs continue to the present day as rural traditions, folk customs, household magic, and celebrations of the high and holy days of the calendar. Exploring the magical pagan traditions of the people now called Celtic, Germanic, Scandinavian, Slavonic, and Baltic, Nigel Pennick examines the underlying principle of the Northern Tradition--the concept of Wyrd--and how it empowers the arts of operative magic, such as direct natural magic and talismanic or sigil magic. Through direct natural magic, individuals can shape shift, journey out of the body, or send one of their three souls (fylgia or “fetch”) ahead of them. Sigil magic involves the powers contained in objects, which can be channeled after the appropriate ritual. Runes are the most powerful sigils in the Northern Tradition and were used to ward off illness, danger, hostile magic, and malevolent spirits. Emphasizing the importance of the cycles of Nature to the tradition, Pennick explores the eightfold sun dials and the four ways the solar year is defined. He looks at the days of the week and their symbolic association with different deities as well as why particular acts are performed on certain days and what the customary lucky and unlucky days are. He also examines sacred spaces, household magic, protection spells, and the role of music in the Northern Tradition. Explaining all the traditional holidays and activities necessary to honor them, Pennick shows how anyone can participate authentically in the magic of the Northern Tradition if they take care to do things properly, with respect, and on the right day.
Pagan Pregnancy
by Arin Murphy-HiscockWhen pregnant, you become the very essence of the Mother Goddess-she who transitions from maiden to mother. Embark on this sacred journey with special guided meditations, affirmations, and rituals. Designed to help you attune to the divine energies of childbearing,Passages: Pagan Pregnancyshows you how to: Prepare spiritually for this extraordinary time Conduct rituals to aide conception, safe pregnancy, and easy delivery Practice responsible magick during these critical nine months Deal with unexpected developments as well as miscarriage The first book of its kind,Pagan Pregnancyis the perfect companion to prepare you to take on the most magnificent-and magickal role of your life. Arin Murphy-Hiscockis the mother of one son. She is the author ofPower Spellcraft for Life, Solitary Wicca for Life, andThe Way of the Green Witch. She is the New Age consultant for Provenance Press, the Series Editor for the Passages series, a High Priestess within the Black Forest Clan, and has been active in the New Age community for more than ten years. She teaches a variety of workshops on topics such as designing rituals, spellcasting, and seasonal celebrations. She lives in Montreal, Canada.
Paganism: An Introduction to Earth- Centered Religions
by River Higginbotham Joyce HigginbothamA comprehensive guide to a growing religious movementIf you want to study Paganism in more detail, this book is the place to start. Based on a course in Paganism that the authors have taught for more than a decade, it is full of exercises, meditations, and discussion questions for group or individual study.This book presents the basic fundamentals of Paganism. It explores what Pagans are like; how the Pagan sacred year is arranged; what Pagans do in ritual; what magick is; and what Pagans believe about God, worship, human nature, and ethics.For those who are exploring their own spirituality, or who want a good book to give to non-Pagan family and friendsA hands-on learning tool with magickal workings, meditations, discussion questions, and journal exercisesOffers in-depth discussion of ethics and magick
Paganism for Beginners: The Complete Guide to Nature-Based Spirituality for Every New Seeker
by Althaea SebastianiBegin your journey of spiritual exploration with this modern guide to Paganism Introduce yourself to the world of Paganism and its diverse magick with this reader-friendly guide. Paganism for Beginners features a comprehensive overview of common Pagan practices, traditions, and core beliefs like open-mindedness, self-reliance, and freedom of choice. Paganism for Beginners is inclusive, inspiring, and the perfect way for seekers to explore this time-honored, earth-centric form of spirituality. You'll nourish your soul and unlock the magick of the universe with: Pagan basics—Delve into deities, follow along with the Pagan calendar, and learn essential knowledge of Pagan symbols, rituals, and tools on your journey of spiritual exploration. Pagan history—Paganism is one of the world's oldest religious movements. You'll read about the roots of Paganism and how it's evolved to serve modern practitioners yearning to reconnect with themselves and find more wonder, depth, and meaning in the world. Pagan traditionss—There are many forms of Paganism and each is known as a tradition. You'll learn the defining details and ritual practices of traditions like Celtic Polytheism, Druidry, Wicca, and more. Embrace your spiritual path and live a more magickal life with Paganism for Beginners.
Pages of You
by Tricia SeaboltMelanie's grandfather has Alzheimer's disease. In one of his foggy moments, he decides to go grocery shopping and it proves to be an ordeal.
Pain: Current Understanding, Emerging Therapies, and Novel Approaches to Drug Discovery
by Chas Bountra Rajesh Munglani William K. SchmidtThis reference presents a detailed overview of approaches and techniques in the management of pain caused by tissue, nerve and central nervous system injuries, categorizing pain into a variety of syndromes and underlying mechanisms to aid the development of interventional pharmacologic measures.
Pain: Psychological Perspectives
by Thomas Hadjistavropoulos Kenneth D. CraigThis invaluable resource presents a state-of-the-art account of the psychology of pain from leading researchers. It features contributions from clinical, social, and biopsychological perspectives, the latest theories of pain, as well as basic processes and applied issues. The book opens with an introduction to the history of pain theory and the epidemiology of pain. It then explores theoretical work, including the gate control theory/neuromatrix model, as well as biopsychosocial, cognitive/behavioral, and psychodynamic perspectives. Issues, such as the link between psychophysiological processes and consciousness and the communication of pain are examined. Pain over the life span, ethno-cultural, and individual differences are the focus of the next three chapters. Pain: Psychological Perspectives addresses current clinical issues:* pain assessment and acute and chronic pain interventions;* the unavailability of psychological interventions for chronic pain in a number of settings, the use of self-report, and issues related to the implementation of certain biomedical interventions; and * the latest ethical standards and the theories.Intended for practitioners, researchers, and students involved with the study of pain in fields such as clinical and health psychology, this book will also appeal to physicians, nurses, and physiotherapists. Pain is ideal for advanced courses on the psychology of pain, pain management, and related courses that address this topic.
Pain: From Suffering to Feeling Better
by Marie-Josée Rivard Denis Gingras Yoram ShirExplains the science behind pain and the practical steps sufferers can take to treat pain and restore hope. Pain strikes all of us, but it becomes a recurring or constant condition for one in five people. For millions young and old, it is a difficult, day-to-day reality, and many sufferers have been left feeling more frustrated and helpless than ever, despite medical advances. Pain is a guide to understanding and treating all kinds of pain, and helping sufferers maintain hope for a normal life. In accessible chapters, this book explains how pain occurs at a fundamental level, both psychologically and physically, and what makes ordinary pain debilitating. Inside, you will find: A guide to pain management for sufferers and those close to them Vital information on the types of pain, the causes, and the treatments Concrete advice for controlling pain, understanding treatments, and living a normal life Testimonials from people who have taken control of their condition With a focus on the daily realities of suffering and recovery, Pain aims to inform readers about the therapeutic and psychological approaches to pain management. In addition, it offers concrete tools and strategies to help sufferers become experts on their own pain and guide their own treatment.
Pain and Addiction: A Challenging Co-Occurring Disorder
by Mel PohlThis e-book is drawn from a US Journal Training session Dr. Pohl presented in June of 2011. Dr. Pohl is a board-certified family practitioner, Vice President of Medical Affairs, and the Medical Director of Las Vegas Recovery Center (LRVC), the only private freestanding, medically managed inpatient detoxification and addiction treatment facility in Las Vegas.
Pain and Prejudice: A call to arms for women and their bodies
by Gabrielle JacksonAn incredibly important and powerful look at how our culture treats the pain and suffering of women in medical and social contexts. A polemic on the state of women's health and healthcare.One in ten women worldwide have endometriosis, yet it is funded at 5% of the rate of diabetes; women are half as likely to be treated for a heart attack as men and twice as likely to die six months after discharge; over half of women who are eventually diagnosed with an autoimmune disease will be told they are hypochondriacs or have a mental illness. These are just a few of the shocking statistics explored in this book.Fourteen years after being diagnosed with endometriosis, Gabrielle Jackson couldn't believe how little had changed in the treatment and knowledge of the disease. In 2015, her personal story kick-started a worldwide investigation into the disease by the Guardian; thousands of women got in touch to tell their own stories and many more read and shared the material. What began as one issue led Jackson to explore how women - historically and through to the present day - are under-served by the systems that should keep them happy, healthy and informed about their bodies.Pain and Prejudice is a vital testament to how social taboos and medical ignorance keep women sick and in anguish. The stark reality is that women's pain is not taken as seriously as men's. Women are more likely to be disbelieved and denied treatment than men, even though women are far more likely to be suffering from chronic pain.In a potent blend of polemic and memoir, Jackson confronts the private concerns and questions women face regarding their health and medical treatment. Pain and Prejudice, finally, explains how we got here, and where we need to go next.
Pain and Prejudice: A call to arms for women and their bodies
by Gabrielle JacksonAn incredibly important and powerful look at how our culture treats the pain and suffering of women in medical and social contexts. A polemic on the state of women's health and healthcare.One in ten women worldwide have endometriosis, yet it is funded at 5% of the rate of diabetes; women are half as likely to be treated for a heart attack as men and twice as likely to die six months after discharge; over half of women who are eventually diagnosed with an autoimmune disease will be told they are hypochondriacs or have a mental illness. These are just a few of the shocking statistics explored in this book.Fourteen years after being diagnosed with endometriosis, Gabrielle Jackson couldn't believe how little had changed in the treatment and knowledge of the disease. In 2015, her personal story kick-started a worldwide investigation into the disease by the Guardian; thousands of women got in touch to tell their own stories and many more read and shared the material. What began as one issue led Jackson to explore how women - historically and through to the present day - are under-served by the systems that should keep them happy, healthy and informed about their bodies.Pain and Prejudice is a vital testament to how social taboos and medical ignorance keep women sick and in anguish. The stark reality is that women's pain is not taken as seriously as men's. Women are more likely to be disbelieved and denied treatment than men, even though women are far more likely to be suffering from chronic pain.In a potent blend of polemic and memoir, Jackson confronts the private concerns and questions women face regarding their health and medical treatment. Pain and Prejudice, finally, explains how we got here, and where we need to go next.
Pain and Wastings (Orca Soundings)
by Carrie MacFifteen-year-old Ethan must face the truth about his mother's murder.
The Pain Antidote: The Proven Program to Help You Stop Suffering from Chronic Pain, Avoid Addiction to Painkillers--and Reclaim Your Life
by Katherine Ketcham Mel PohlChronic pain is not a life sentence If you are one of the 100 million people who suffer from chronic pain, you may be feeling hopeless and helpless, relying on endless medications that don't work, feeling worse and worse. But there is hope--and help. The innovative program at the acclaimed Las Vegas Recovery Center, at which Dr. Mel Pohl is Medical Director, has helped thousands of sufferers to reduce chronic pain without the use of painkillers. The Pain Antidote shares this program's concrete tools and strategies, offering: Cutting-edge research on how pain affects your brain How your emotions affect your experience of pain A comprehensive program, including a four-week Jump Start plan Pain-reducing gentle exercises and health-supporting foods And much more.
The Pain Chronicles: Cures, Myths, Mysteries, Prayers, Diaries, Brain Scans, Healing, and the Science of Suffering
by Melanie ThernstromEach of us will know physical pain in our lives, but none of us knows when it will come or how long it will stay. Today as much as 10 percent of the population of the United States suffers from chronic pain. It is more widespread, misdiagnosed, and undertreated than any major disease. While recent research has shown that pain produces pathological changes to the brain and spinal cord, many doctors and patients still labor under misguided cultural notions and outdated scientific dogmas that prevent proper treatment, to devastating effect. In The Pain Chronicles, a singular and deeply humane work, Melanie Thernstrom traces conceptions of pain throughout the ages---from ancient Babylonian pain-banishing spells to modern brain imaging---to reveal the elusive, mysterious nature of pain itself. Interweaving first-person reflections on her own battle with chronic pain, incisive reportage from leading-edge pain clinics and medical research, and insights from a wide range of disciplines: science, history, religion, philosophy, anthropology, literature, and art. Thernstrom shows that when dealing with pain we are neither as advanced as we imagine nor as helpless as we may fear. Both a personal meditation and an intellectual exploration,The Pain Chronicles illuminates and makes sense of the all-too-human experience of pain and confronts with extraordinary grace and empathy its peculiar traits, its harrowing effects, and its various antidotes.
The Pain Chronicles: Cures, Myths, Mysteries, Prayers, Diaries, Brain Scans, Healing, and the Science of Suffering
by Melanie ThernstromEach of us will know physical pain in our lives, but none of us knows when it will come or how long it will stay. Today as much as 10 percent of the population of the United States suffers from chronic pain. It is more widespread, misdiagnosed, and undertreated than any major disease. While recent research has shown that pain produces pathological changes to the brain and spinal cord, many doctors and patients still labor under misguided cultural notions and outdated scientific dogmas that prevent proper treatment, to devastating effect.In The Pain Chronicles, a singular and deeply humane work, Melanie Thernstrom traces conceptions of pain throughout the ages—from ancient Babylonian pain-banishing spells to modern brain imaging—to reveal the elusive, mysterious nature of pain itself. Interweaving first-person reflections on her own battle with chronic pain, incisive reportage from leading-edge pain clinics and medical research, and insights from a wide range of disciplines—science, history, religion, philosophy, anthropology, literature, and art—Thernstrom shows that when dealing with pain we are neither as advanced as we imagine nor as helpless as we may fear.Both a personal meditation and an intellectual exploration, The Pain Chronicles illuminates and makes sense of the all-too-human experience of pain—and confronts with extraordinary grace and empathy its peculiar traits, its harrowing effects, and its various antidotes.