Partners in Healing: Mind, Body & Prayer

Part of the PBS-aired Body & Soul series, this short production opens with a look at the five steps to becoming a "player in your own healing" after surgery: having "healing statements" read before and during your operation, relaxing to experience peacefulness, visualizing your health by turning worries into positive images, organizing a support group, and meeting with your anesthesiologist ahead of time. In addition to interviewing medical personnel, the program follows two women as they prepare for and undergo successful medical treatments (after which the blood-clotting intervention of several herbs is mentioned). The tape then switches gears slightly and briefly explores the role of prayer in both medical and non-medical situations. Dr. Larry Dossey, editor of Alternative Therapies, mentions several studies that lean toward legitimizing prayer as a "healing helper," and the program visits Silent Unity in Missouri, a free ministry at which volunteers pray for anyone who calls or writes. While the evidence provided in this video is more-or-less satisfactory (I mean, what can it hurt to focus on the positive and peaceful during a stressful situation?), it's just a bit too short and unfocused to be recommended for general library collections, although medical facilities may want to consider for purchase. Optional. Aud: C, P. (K. Glaser)