Holistic Anatomy: An Integrative Guide to the Human Body

by Pip Waller

An engaging and accessible exploration of human anatomy, physiology, and pathology—through a holistic lens

Complementary and alternative approaches to health and medicine have become increasingly widespread as the limits of conventional treatments become more apparent.  Holistic Anatomy  presents an authoritative study of anatomy, physiology, and pathology, but it expands the discussion by connecting the science of the body to a variety of alternative modalities to explore how human beings exist within—and interact with—their environment, and how they experience existence in emotional and spiritual terms.

Author and massage therapist Pip Waller interweaves basic scientific terminology and detailed descriptions with informal—and sometimes humorous—observations, facts, and ideas about life. The mechanisms, structure, and functions of the body are explored, along with how they relate to spiritual and energetic paradigms, emotions, and ecological principles. The first half of the book covers basic anatomy and physiology, describing each major system of the body and how they interrelate. This part includes a thoughtful discussion of aging and the dying process. The second half focuses on models of health and disease, both traditional and holistic. Topics include western pathology, emotional health, five element medicine, and the spiritual cause for disease.

Genres: Health, Nonfiction, Reference, Science, Medicine

416 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Jules · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy to read introduction to human anatomy. Found it a bit unstructured at times though, and was a little wary of some of her claims and opinions.

[Nick Stibbs · Rating 4 out of 5]

My initial thoughts are that, whilst this is quite beautifully written, it falls prey to totalising metaphors about systems that are clearly not true. The idea that looking at the leaf will tell you about the health of the tree, so clearly missed the point of the relative individuality of leaves in relation to trees and their utter disposabilty - similar to hairs or saliva of humans - rather than a clear metaphor which might have conveyed the point she was trying to make - that many parts of the body can reveal general health, such as skin colour or in TCM, the tongue.

[Zita · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is so much information to digest! Thoroughly interesting and deeply informative. It is written in a way that lay people can connect with and understand. I found this book transformational for my understanding of the body, mind and spirit.

[Joseph R. Britton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. I would highly recommend it to anybody.

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, I just realized that it's taken me THREE YEARS to get through this book! It's not because it's not well-written, informative and easy to read... It's just that I wanted to read a section and then chew on it a bit (a long bit, apparently). I really love how the author writes as well as her balanced perspective on health & wellness. As an herbalist, I'll use this as a reference, as well as my A&P textbook.

[Maria Ripoll Cera · Rating 4 out of 5]

Todo lo claro que se puede entender algo tan complejo como nuestro cuerpo, con un libro, vale la pena el esfuerzo. Te deja una visión general anatómica, energética y espiritual del funcionamiento del cuerpo y de la vida humana. Facilita entender mejor después muchos temas.
Un libro para leer con calma y con tiempo.

[desireformagic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not the best anatomy book-- but a good introduction for those who are both intrigued and intimidated by the study of anatomy and physiology.