diseases

I straddle the fence between faith in allopathic (Western) medicine and a more wholistic approach. So I bought this book eagerly. I have been both intrigued and disappointed.

I appreciate the hard scientific information: how our bodies work, how various procedures and substances affect them, the latest developments in health care. I also appreciated reading that things that I have long considered normal, like pregnancy, are indeed natural processes and not diseases or disabilities. But I didn't appreciate hearing that most medical problems are rooted in dysfunctional emotional states. While I think that there are some conditions that are amenable to a psychotherapeutic approach, I KNOW that the hideous cramps I suffered all through my young girlhood, from age 11 to about 27, were a lot more than merely a function of my ambivalence toward my burgeoning womanhood. And while this isn't my problem, the idea that an enlightened female doctor would tell an infertile woman that her infertility is caused by her own psychological state vis a vis parenthood is absolutely horrifying. As is the idea that grapefruit-sized ovarian cysts can be reduced by changing the way we regard ourselves in a patriarchal society. And the idea that most of our plumbing problems are rooted in our victimhood reverses all the gains in strength and self-confidence we've made in the past 30 years. And the less said about her friend the "medical intuitive," the better!

I recommend this book only to women who are grounded, strong in their sense of self as non-victims, and well-versed enough in medical knowledge to winnow through the junk and glean the good medical information. For the rest, I think it could be quite damaging.

Of all the books written by Christiane Northrup, this one is my favourite. Why? The reason is simply that it shares advice on such an extensive range of topics, i.e., childbirth, infertility, PMS, cancer, fibroids, depression, perimenopause, menopause, etc. There is virtually something to be found for every woman in this well-written book. The fact the auther is a medical doctor(gynecologist) is another huge plus. The view point is not based solely on personal opinion but also comes from factual medical research.

I very much liked the attitude of this author. While some may view it as a feminist approach, I truly did not see it in that light. From psychological studies, it has become apparent that several women's emotional problems do, in fact, stem from a patriarchal society. Remember, in days gone by, it was believed a woman's primary place was in the home. She gave birth, nurtured the children, cooked, cleaned, maintained the home and obeyed her husband. She virtually had no identity of her own; she became an extension of her husband's persona. The positive or negative roles your parent(s)played during the critical, formative childhood years, and how they interacted within the family unit, have a bearing on the person you are today.

For many in today's modern-day world, society, roles and family structures have changed, indeed, from the traditional family. In many two-parent families where both are low income earners, it often takes two working parents to provide for the necessities. The additional stress can often result in depression, anxiety and other emotional problems which, in turn, can lead to physical problems. All this considered, the author is not taking a "feminist approach," but a realistic approach that conforms to our modern-day society. The book covers both physical and emotional issues, and explains how some of issues inter-relate. I highly recommend this complete, informative book to any woman of any age.

I got this book as a gift 2 years ago and it has been an amazing discovery of so many things about me!
This book speaks to me as I am sure it will for every woman.
A must have!