THESE INTANGIBLE THINGS

These Intangible Things by Eilís Haden-Storrie

This book has come onto our shelves recently from Banner Books. Timely as it echoes an awakening to the wide scope that is health. An interesting read…! 
 
The World Health Organization has recognised mental, physical, social and – to some degree – spiritual health as being key components of our wellbeing. Today, more than one-in-five doctor’s visits are due to chronic pain. Chronic conditions are on the increase and affecting people at a much younger age than ever before. Whilst pharmaceuticals and surgery can enhance our lives and survival rates of many illnesses, the Western medical world is struggling to deal with the 95% of diseases that have little if anything to do with our genes. In order to address this, we need to look beyond physical symptoms and explore what is going on with regard to our minds, our social connections and perhaps even our deeper spirit. Are there elements of our past which might give us clues on how best to do this? Without casting off our clothes and dancing naked under the moon, what can we learn from age-old and natural practices? How can we re-view our past in a measured way so that we can take what we need and leave the rest? .This book comprises of conversations with academics, health practitioners and service users, exploring our history and present day lifestyles in the light of finding a way through. Many of the conversations are held at ancient sites in County Clare – places which connect us to health and wellbeing throughout the ages.

Anne Maher