Healing depression the mind-body way Creating happiness through meditation, yoga, and, ayurveda

Verdict: A well-written, informative, and helpful introduction to ayurveda-the world's oldest system of natural medicine, developed in India-that explores its potential for treating depression. Recommended. Background: Clinical psychologist Liebler (Michigan Sch. of Professional Psychology) and Moss, an ayurveda practitioner, champion ayurveda's powers in treating depression, claiming that mental disturbances are not merely caused by a chemical imbalance but by the complex breakdown of mind, body, and spirit. The authors identify three types of depression-Airy (Vata), Burning (Pitta), and Earthy (Kapha)-and describe the healing potential of optimizing digestion, rest, exercise, meditation, and breathing techniques. Antidepressants and talk therapy are not incompatible with the techniques they recommend. Boxes highlight major concepts, and questionnaires assist in assessing progress.-Jodith Janes, Cleveland Clinic Fdn. Lib. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.