In the area of holistic medicine and therapies there is a forest of books which will tell you why a particular therapy is the best.

In this work, an experienced acupuncturist and Zero Balancer gives a clear account of the underpinnings of energy medicine.

The area is often confusing because of the multitude of therapies and systems available. The author discusses the most important issues in medicine, both complementary and traditional, in a broad way.

It is a sensible reminder that it is better to be well than ill in a time of shrinking medical resources in all our communities.

Mr Hamwee uses research findings, anecdotes from his own practice and quotes from other sources to demonstrate principles and issues surrounding energy medicine.

The material is arranged from the very fundamental issue of body image, through the meaning of illness, energy anatomy, sensing imbalance, the therapeutic relationship, how treatments work, what ‘working’ means, and patients.

The Select Bibliography at the back is useful to direct the readers’ interest to specific areas of energy medicine.

The body image debate is useful and thought provoking. The message here is that our bodies are dynamic and ever changing according to our circumstances and how our energy is flowing.

Mr Hamwee continues by looking at how we perceive illness or wellness. This can depend on so many things. Our background history and cultural aspects can colour our feelings about illness. What does illness mean to your health care practitioner? There are multitudes of opinions on disease.

In a non-judgmental way, the author explains the complex workings of body, mind and spirit that combine to make up our everyday existence. He identifies a gradual change in the medical community that is now realising a patient is not simply a bundle of signs and symptoms.

The known concepts of energy anatomy are then outlined, integrating both Eastern and Western science and thought. The author’s explanations are clear and concise, occasionally making use of analogies and metaphor, but always pertinent.
    
You are shown why diseases and illnesses express themselves in different areas of the body. A discussion of chakra energies or vortices is included. All the information is well supported by line drawings.

Mr Hamwee gives an intriguing look into the mind of the therapist when he discusses ‘sensing imbalance’. This may be done by the physical senses, by the elusive sixth sense, or by the focusing of attention.

These fundamentals are not exclusive to complementary therapists or even of traditional medicine. The critical element is the communication between people.

This leads into the important discussion of the therapeutic relationship. Sometimes positive regard and attention itself can bring about a change in the energy of a patient.

In mainstream medicine there is a shift in thinking about the need for the patient to be an active participant in healing. For energy medicine therapists, it is paramount. This involves the collaboration between patient and therapist. It is clearly stated that trust, respect and mutual regard helps healing efforts.

Mr Hamwee also cites the need for a partnership in ‘wellness’. This is ephemeral, to be sure, but needs much of the responsibility for health to be accepted by the individual.

I well remember my beloved father criticising his doctor and demanding that he “do something”. This is no longer an option in the 21st century. It is a partnership and the patient must be active in it.

In the explanation of the workings of energy therapy, it becomes clear why Homeopathy, herbal medicine, flower remedies, colour therapies, and other subtle therapies are included. Everything has a vibration and an effect on our own vibration. In fact, as we move through our lives we can accommodate, or even combine with the vibrations around us, for better or worse.

How can you tell if an energy therapy has worked? Good question. The author applies himself to this conundrum sensibly. He goes back to the energy imbalance or blockage to look at the cause, or multiple causes.

He admits that complementary medicine is more subtle and slow than the pharmaceutical treatment of signs and symptoms in mainstream medicine. A commitment to treatment can help enormously. Pharmacy, surgery and internal medicine all have their place.

Ultimately, it is up to the individual patient to accept responsibility for their wellness and illness. To find an empathetic therapist of any kind is a blessing. There is a call for those who will be healers to be trained in the arts of human communication more thoroughly and for patients to be patient!

This book was an enlightening and easy read. Mr Hamwee explains quite unusual and often ephemeral concepts in a clear and practical manner.

Be prepared for a boost of energy from his writing. It will be a motivation toward balance and wellness. This is a highly recommended book.

– Reviewed by Jennifer Hoskins in New Dawn No. 89