Book Reviews (July 2010)

Mary Ann Wallace, MD. Mindful Eating, Mindful Life: How to Change the Habits That Sabotage Your Health, Portland, OR: Inkwater Press 2010   96 pp.  $19.95 http://www.maryannwallace.com

Mary Ann Wallace is a board certified physician specializing in internal medicine, who also holds a master's degree in psychology with an emphasis in holistic health. She has extensive training and experience in a variety of mind-body healing modalities. Dr. Wallace had led workshops and classes on spirituality in medicine and mind-body issues for over 25 years. She developed Heartspring Wellness Center, a bustling Integrative Medical Clinic, and served as the Medical Director for a Division of Integrative Medicine in Corvallis, OR. She is a gifted teacher with a wonderful, healing presence. Her book is a distillation of her experiences in running mindful eating. classes over several years for people dealing with eating issues of all sorts.

In her clear and direct style, Wallace explains that many people's eating disorders stem from feelings of emptiness inside themselves that they are stuffing with food.

The empty places inside yearn to be filled, and we spend an inordinate amount of energy both trying to get those needs met and hiding the fact that they exist. (p. 1)

If, as part of the overall experience of getting fed we also learn to expect anger, impatience or any other possible tension-provoking element, this association becomes a deep-seated part of our system. If, on the other hand, we find that the only time we experience the necessary sensations of being cuddled, held, cooed to and loved is when we are being fed, we learn to link our hunger sensations with that imprint by association. Eating, then becomes that which equals nourishment of many types. (p. 2)

I start every series of Mindful Eating classes with a simple questions: “Why do you eat – what is it inside that prompts you or propels you?” After a minute of confused looks and a couple of titters, the class invariably engages. The list usually has more than 30 items by the time we’re done, and only seldom is “hunger” even mentioned.

The aspect that all items on the list have in common is that they provoke a sensation in the belly, whether it be emptiness or tension, that in some way mimics the sensation of hunger. (p. 2)

Wallace reviews research identifying problem aspects of eating, including cognitive restraint, uncontrolled eating and emotional eating. She discusses how each produces its own variety of eating disorder and invites specific forms of interventions. Her approach is not about dieting, but rather about learning to understand what drives people to crave food, how food became an unhealthy, guiding metaphor in people's lives, and how they can constructively deal with these issues.  Illustrative case examples demonstrate the benefits of her approaches.

One of the points I make in the Mindful Eating classes is that although we expect a certain toileting ritual for the elimination process of our bodies, we don’t formalize such a thing for all we’ve consumed mentally or emotionally.

The long-ago patterns stuck in our craw need even deeper evacuation. Letting go of past patterns often generates fear, but if we realize that we are letting go of what is toxic, not what is nourishing, then the task becomes much easier.

This book is warmly recommended both for caregivers and careseekers wanting to deepen their understanding of eating problems and how to deal with them.

Review by Daniel J. Benor, MD, IJHC Editor in Chief



Joanne Wannan. New Lives – Stories of Rescued Dogs Helping, Healing, and Giving Hope. United States of America: 3BlackDogs  2010,.  228 pp.  $18.95

Joanne Wannan tells the stories of 18 dogs rescued from shelters and the streets who were trained for animal therapy and as service dogs. They have helped people with physical and emotional disabilities, assisting some to achieve independent living; cheering people up – even relieving depression – in nursing homes, hospitals, and jails. They motivate children to read, offer comfort to victims of emotional and physical traumas. The fact that they come with their own stories of overcoming severe hardships and traumas becomes an asset – providing points of resonation for children and adults who have struggled with difficult challenges. It is moving and heartwarming to see how the lives of people and dogs are mutually healed.

Professionals incorporate both rescued and non-rescued dogs in their practices, but many prefer the former. They feel it helps create a potent bond between client and dog. This is particularly true when working with children and teens. Those who have experienced abandonment or abuse can often relate more easily to a dog with a similar past. Children with behavioral problems often “see themselves” in dogs who have few social skills, and who are learning, like themselves, to be valued members of society. Rescued dogs can also teach important lessons about the humane treatment of animals, as well as tolerance, patience and respect. (p. 3)

A lovely, unusual innovation of Wannan is in introducing dogs to children who were struggling in school because they were slow to learn to read.

If you go to any public library on a Saturday afternoon, you may see a dog sitting quietly on a blanket, starting intently at the pages of a book, while a child reads out loud. These dogs are part of Reading Education Assistance dogs (R.E.A.D.*), a trademarked program of Intermountain Therapy Animals (ITA). This program’s goal is to improve literacy in children by having them read stories to an attentive canine.

The concept behind the program is both simple and profound. Dogs aren’t judgmental: they don’t correct or criticize. This creates a positive learning environment and allows kids to practice their communication skills in a safe, non-threatening way. The result can be better grades, improved reading levels and increased self-esteem. And along the way, children discover that reading can be fun. (p. 39.)

Anyone considering animal assistance will enjoy and benefit from reading this book.

Review by Daniel J. Benor, MD, IJHC Editor in Chief