HOW TO USE THIS BOOK

IN PART 1, I DISCUSS THE PHILOSOPHY OF health and natural healing. It is important to familiarize yourself with these principles so that you can correctly apply the suggested remedies in Part 2. For each common ailment listed in Part 2, I provide diet, supplement, and herbal therapy suggestions along with exercise, acupressure, and things to avoid.

As you use the advice for each condition, please keep in mind the following:

 

• The philosophy of self-healing does not exclude working with a medical doctor. In fact, I encourage you to build a healing partnership with both your Western and your Wellness Medicine physicians. Always consult your doctor before beginning any health program.

• Shop and eat organic whenever possible. You can find most of the foods that I recommend at grocery and health food stores and farmers’ markets. A few of the ethnic or other special foods, if not available at grocery stores, may be found at Asian markets, online, and from specialty restaurants.

• For supplements, unless noted otherwise, the dosages I recommend are daily amounts for adults of average weight and height. For dosing tailored to individual health needs, you should consult a licensed practitioner. You can find supplements at health food and vitamin stores, health practitioners’ offices, and online. For a complete source of professional-grade vitamin supplements, visit www.healingpeople.com.

• Healing herbs should be used in formulations customized for individual needs. The herbs recommended in Part 2 are a good starting point for a discussion with a licensed practitioner. Most herbs can be purchased at health food and vitamin stores, health practitioners’ offices, and online. For a good source of high-quality Chinese herbs, visit www.acupuncture.com. For more information on the herbs mentioned in this book, visit www.askdrmao.com.

• The exercises and meditations suggested in Part 2 are of varying degrees of difficulty. Illustrations or video clips of the exercises can be viewed at www.askdrmao.com.

• Acupressure is based on the 5,000-year-old practice of acupuncture. For more information on the acupoints mentioned in this book, and for a directory of licensed practitioners of this ancient art, visit www.acupuncture.com.

• In Part 2, I suggest avoiding various drugs for their potential side effects, which may interfere with your healing program. Do not stop taking any prescription drugs without consulting your doctor. Bring to your doctor’s attention the side effects you are experiencing and ask for a medication without the undesirable side effects or a natural alternative.

• Take responsibility for your health. Ask, learn, and accumulate knowledge about health, wellness, and longevity.