Spirit Of Healing: Venture Into the Wilderness to Rediscover the Healing Force

The Spirit of Healing: Venture Into the Wilderness to Rediscover the Healing Force, is about how the "Inner Healer" works in people, rather a book of remedies for specific illnesses. The second book by David Cumes, M.D., it blends science and shamanistic traditions with the intention of helping readers "gain a greater understanding of the elements of health." Balancing body and spirit is essential for true healing, according to Dr. Cumes. Trained as a surgeon, he has taught at Stanford Medical Center as well as maintained a private practice. But that's only one facet: Dr. Cumes is also a wilderness traveler. He founded Inward Bound and leads people on healing journeys through primitive areas. He has studied the healing practices of indigenous people all over the world, and discovered what he calls a core belief of all healing techniques. He says "this core belief of balancing the opposites to achieve equilibrium has been known for ages" and warns against putting it aside in favor of technology. Dr. Cumes says that "all healing involves four factors: the healer, the patient, the place where healing occurs, and the presence of a universal Field that embraces both healer and patient." He discusses each of these factors in detail, delving into such areas as the wounded physician, archetypal forces, shamanism, and the search for Self. He links the four factors to the traditional Tree of Life, and from that, developed what he calls the "Tree of Health" to help guide patients and their physicians in centering or balancing themselves. Dr. Cumes says that "balance and equilibrium result in inner peace and harmony and support the Inner Healer," adding that "ultimately, health is about balance and inner harmony." Dr. Cumes says his book "is a personal journey taken in an attempt to better understand different healing mechanisms and traditions." Readers will find that The Spirit of Healing also provides an essential roadmap in their own journey in search of their Inner Healer.