The Healer Within

June 2, 1997
The program of self-healing described here was developed at the Health Action Clinic in Santa Barbara, Calif., where Jahnke practices Asian medicine and acupuncture. Jahnke's core belief is that the human body has a natural capacity for self-healing that can be maximized by some remarkably simple practices--self-massage, gentle body movements, breathing practices and relaxation or meditation. With the aid of simple line drawings, he explains clearly how to perform each practice, how each affects various bodily processes, and how to incorporate all four into daily life to maintain or improve health. Jahnke asserts that these practices, many of which will be familiar to students of yoga and tai chi, bring the body, mind and spirit into harmony and can complement and even sometimes replace conventional medical treatment. Variations are described for the frail or weak and those confined to wheelchairs or bed. He urges group practice, which, he says, generates a field of healing energy that can help people who are unable to perform fully the techniques themselves. For those who wish to further explore this approach to health, Web sites and other resources are listed in an appendix. Author tour.