For this week’s 5 Things Friday, I am sharing five books that have truly inspired me over the years because they have shaped the way I think about health, longevity, and the mind-body connection. Each one inspires me in my work and in my personal journey.
đź“– Fasting Cancer (link)
by Valter LongoÂ
I am fascinated with what fasting can do to our bodies. Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to see or feel it directly, so I turn to the science to remind myself of its power. Valter Longo's book explores how fasting and fasting-mimicking diets can play a role in preventing and even treating cancer, grounded in decades of pioneering research.
đź“– The Body Keeps the Score (link)
by Bessel van der Kolk
I truly believe the body stores pain and trauma, and reading this book gave me a deeper understanding of just how strongly mind and body are connected. This book digs into how trauma reshapes both body and brain, and how healing requires more than talk therapy.
đź“– Healing Back Pain (link)
by John E. Sarno
It’s not the easiest book to get through, but it felt very relevant this year as I experienced lower back pain for the first time in my life. This book reframes chronic pain as a mind-body condition, showing how suppressed emotions can manifest physically.
đź“– The Web That Has No Weaver (link)
by Ted Kaptchuk
This book was recommended by my acupuncturist and I wanted to deepen my knowledge about Chinese medicine before travelling to China soon. It's an elegant introduction that reveals a completely different way of understanding health, balance, and disease.
đź“– Breath (link)
by James Nestor
This was the first book that really opened my mind about the power of breathing. I am fascinated by what you can achieve with "just" your breath and want to continue to deepen my practise so that it becomes a daily routine in my life. This book uncovers the forgotten science of breathing, showing how the simple act of how we inhale and exhale shapes our health, performance, and longevity.
