What do you think?
Rate this book
Life Is Your Best Medicine: A Woman's Guide to Health, Healing, and Wholeness at Every Age
"The division between conventional and traditional medicine is as artificial as the division between science and nature. They can be woven together in a fashion that meets our physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. This is the foundation upon which integrative medicine is built." -- Tieraona Low Dog, M.D.
In Life Is Your Best Medicine, Dr. Low Dog weaves together the wisdom of traditional medicine and the knowledge of modern-day medicine into an elegant message of health and self-affirmation for women of every age. This is a book that can be read cover to cover but also dipped into for inspiration or insight about a particular physical or mental health issue or remedy. We learn that, despite the widespread availability of pharmaceutical medications, advanced surgical care, and state-of-the-art medical technology, chronic illness now affects more than 50% of the American population. The evidence is overwhelmingly clear that much of the chronic disease we are confronting in the United States has its roots in the way we live our lives. Research shows that if Americans embraced a healthier lifestyle, which includes a balance between rest and exercise; wholesome nutrition; healthy weight; positive social interactions; stress management; not smoking; limited alcohol use; and no or limited exposure to toxic chemicals; then 93% of diabetes, 81% of heart attacks, 50% of strokes, and 36% of all cancers could be prevented! This means that each one of us has the power to shift the odds of being healthy in our favor. And if you do get sick, being fit gives you a much better chance for getting well. Your health has a great deal more to do with your lifestyle and a lot less to do with taking prescription drugs than most people realize.
Part I. The Medicine of My Life is a personal and passionate introduction to the book
Part II. Honoring the Body includes Food, Supplements, Illness, Wholeness
Part III. Awakening the Senses includes Nature, Garden, Music
Part IV. Listening to Spirit includes Humor, Relationships, Play, Meditation, Animals
Epilogue. Contentment
In Life Is Your Best Medicine, Dr. Low Dog weaves together the wisdom of traditional medicine and the knowledge of modern-day medicine into an elegant message of health and self-affirmation for women of every age. This is a book that can be read cover to cover but also dipped into for inspiration or insight about a particular physical or mental health issue or remedy. We learn that, despite the widespread availability of pharmaceutical medications, advanced surgical care, and state-of-the-art medical technology, chronic illness now affects more than 50% of the American population. The evidence is overwhelmingly clear that much of the chronic disease we are confronting in the United States has its roots in the way we live our lives. Research shows that if Americans embraced a healthier lifestyle, which includes a balance between rest and exercise; wholesome nutrition; healthy weight; positive social interactions; stress management; not smoking; limited alcohol use; and no or limited exposure to toxic chemicals; then 93% of diabetes, 81% of heart attacks, 50% of strokes, and 36% of all cancers could be prevented! This means that each one of us has the power to shift the odds of being healthy in our favor. And if you do get sick, being fit gives you a much better chance for getting well. Your health has a great deal more to do with your lifestyle and a lot less to do with taking prescription drugs than most people realize.
Part I. The Medicine of My Life is a personal and passionate introduction to the book
Part II. Honoring the Body includes Food, Supplements, Illness, Wholeness
Part III. Awakening the Senses includes Nature, Garden, Music
Part IV. Listening to Spirit includes Humor, Relationships, Play, Meditation, Animals
Epilogue. Contentment
304 pages, Hardcover
First published September 4, 2012
About the author
Tieraona Low Dog
15 books62 followersTieraona Low Dog, M.D.’s exploration of natural medicine and its role in modern health care began more than 35 years ago as she studied midwifery, herbal medicine; massage therapy and martial arts before earning her medical degree from the University of New Mexico School of Medicine. She currently serves as the Fellowship Director for the Academy of Integrative Health and Medicine. An internationally recognized expert in the fields of integrative medicine, dietary supplements and women’s health, Dr. Low Dog was appointed by President Bill Clinton to the White House Commission on Complementary and Alternative Medicine Policy, served as the elected Chair of the US Pharmacopeia Dietary Supplements and Botanicals Expert Information Panel, was appointed to the Scientific Advisory Council for the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
January 24, 2018
This book skims the surface of all these dimensions for living your healthiest life. I appreciate the heartfelt advice and need the reminders. It’s not in-depth, not a textbook. It’s just a rounded book of what I already know to be true.
January 17, 2023
Another great book by the author to explain to the traditional physician or patient how to best use traditional and alternative healing methods to restore health. I enjoy her style and her explanations and her wisdom is quite apparent.
It's an honor for her to share her personal struggles and journey in this book. I can imagine how vulnerable this must be but it's great to connect this deep to another physician's personal life.
Breathing, food, supplements, sleep, and managing illness are topics that make this book an owner's manual for the modern-day human being.
It's an honor for her to share her personal struggles and journey in this book. I can imagine how vulnerable this must be but it's great to connect this deep to another physician's personal life.
Breathing, food, supplements, sleep, and managing illness are topics that make this book an owner's manual for the modern-day human being.
October 1, 2017
Great book by a great woman! Tieraona Low Dog taught a class I attended for Women in Leadership about 5 years ago and she made an extremely powerful impact on my understanding of good nutrition and how to take care of myself. This book was a great reminder of many of her key messages. This book focused on how to take care of yourself physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually and has a lot of great examples of practical applications. As a plus, this is a very easy and quick read.
April 14, 2018
Dr. Low Dog reminds women (and men) of the importance of nutrition, rest, resiliency, and social interaction to quality of life. She gives practical advice that may appeal to a significant number of people. One of my biggest concerns, however, is that she advocates the consumption of meat and dairy which is not terribly beneficial to health.
May 25, 2020
I loved the retelling of Dr Low Dog's life - from high school droup out, to herbalist to black belt, single mom and doctor. The fact that her biggest step forward came from a Native American discipline of sitting alone for 3 days in the desert with no food or water, is completely fascinating. As a seaker of self knowledge, her story shows she's the real deal.
I almost gave this three stars though, because although book has good information, it was not that interesting to me. For someone who has not had the opportunity or interest before now to read up on herbs, the value of nature, massage, good food and healthy relationships this would be a great place to start. Her abvice is a nice combination of cutting-edge and sensible and her book is easy to read.
I almost gave this three stars though, because although book has good information, it was not that interesting to me. For someone who has not had the opportunity or interest before now to read up on herbs, the value of nature, massage, good food and healthy relationships this would be a great place to start. Her abvice is a nice combination of cutting-edge and sensible and her book is easy to read.
July 1, 2020
I can't get enough of Tieraona Low Dog! I bought two of her books thinking I would use them as reference books for teaching CE classes. I read them cover to cover, I took notes, underlined entire paragraphs and dog-eared pages. This book can be described as cultivating resiliency and is congruent with the blue-zone phenomenon.
Did you know brain cells formed during exercise are able to withstand negative effects of stress better than those you form sitting around doing nothing? Go outside, eat whole foods, meditate, cultivate relationships, be nice when you talk to yourself, listen to music, laugh, garden, breath, and take your Omega 3's!
Did you know brain cells formed during exercise are able to withstand negative effects of stress better than those you form sitting around doing nothing? Go outside, eat whole foods, meditate, cultivate relationships, be nice when you talk to yourself, listen to music, laugh, garden, breath, and take your Omega 3's!
January 12, 2023
This book is AMAZING. Dr. Low Dog covers just about everything involved in proper self care. The first part of the book is about her own personal history and to me, it validated her qualifications. While this book is mostly geared towards women, I think a lot of it could be applied to men, as well as children. Aside from her medical advice, her style of writing was almost poetic. I plan to re-visit this book often and use it as a reference guide. I highly recommend this book.
June 10, 2018
This is both a reference type book and a narrative of the author's life experiences that are teaching moments. Low Dog's credentials are impressive yet her style of writing is friendly and easy to relate to. This book is divided into 5 sections: Part I, The Medicine of My Life, Part II, Honoring the Body, Part III, Awakening the Senses, Part IV, Listening to Spirit, and Epilogue, Contentment.
December 23, 2018
This book is a culmination of different essential oils to use, teas to drink, vitamins to help with many things and how to know which are the best and how important mental well being really is. The importance of omega 3 vitamins is interesting as well as the fact that loneliness has detrimental effects on the body. Her story is very interesting and a great audiobook!
February 18, 2023
Worth the time
This book provoked some deep thinking and consider ation. I looked forward to reading a chapter each day and letting it resonate. I have heard Dr. Tieraona lecture on four different occasions. She is a well spoken, down to earth and incredibly knowledgeable person who speaks truth.
This book provoked some deep thinking and consider ation. I looked forward to reading a chapter each day and letting it resonate. I have heard Dr. Tieraona lecture on four different occasions. She is a well spoken, down to earth and incredibly knowledgeable person who speaks truth.
February 6, 2020
A very grounded person so I loved her down to earth, holistic approach to all aspects of life. I agree with her view point that physical and mental are entertwined when it comes to health. Treating the fundamental cause rather than the symptom is key.
October 5, 2023
I loved this book! A few sections weren't relevant to my way of life but overall, I got a lot out of this book. I highly recommend it and plan to go back through to all the pages I bookmarked and read those again.
January 19, 2024
I heard an interview with her on our local NPR. Radical to hear an MD who knows diddly squat about nutrition, herbs and supplements. She does.
Would make an excellent reference especially for the uninitiated.
Would make an excellent reference especially for the uninitiated.
January 9, 2018
Good source of common sense resolutions for women's health issues. Lots of links to further information. Recommend this book.
February 16, 2020
Well written. Full of information to consider. Very interesting.
January 20, 2024
She recommends eating seed oils.
Perhaps some of her advice is legit, and her story is interesting, but I didn't make it far before feeling like I didn't want to learn anything she had to teach.
Perhaps some of her advice is legit, and her story is interesting, but I didn't make it far before feeling like I didn't want to learn anything she had to teach.
December 13, 2013
I thoroughly enjoyed Life is Your Best Medicine by Dr. Low Dog. The book is a helpful guide for women about living a healthier life.
Low Dog has a very interesting background and worked as an herbalist, mid-wife, massage therapist, and finally a doctor. She combines these different points of view with well researched health data that includes a variety of topics. Unlike some books and authors who push some kind of strange new age approach to healing, as a doctor, Low Dog does a great job combining alternative medical approaches with western medical science and research. There is certainly a place for both and Low Dog does a good job marrying them in a useable and helpful way.
I loved the sections on herbs and the five senses. I highly recommend reading those parts if you are pressed for time and want to skip the rest of the book.
A few of her tips are a little goofy. But, she is speaking to a wide audience who has different levels of health and the practice of healthy behavior.
Some of the data she offers on health studies is flooring... Video game violence, city vs. country walks, on and on.
Well worth a skim, or a full on study.
Low Dog has a very interesting background and worked as an herbalist, mid-wife, massage therapist, and finally a doctor. She combines these different points of view with well researched health data that includes a variety of topics. Unlike some books and authors who push some kind of strange new age approach to healing, as a doctor, Low Dog does a great job combining alternative medical approaches with western medical science and research. There is certainly a place for both and Low Dog does a good job marrying them in a useable and helpful way.
I loved the sections on herbs and the five senses. I highly recommend reading those parts if you are pressed for time and want to skip the rest of the book.
A few of her tips are a little goofy. But, she is speaking to a wide audience who has different levels of health and the practice of healthy behavior.
Some of the data she offers on health studies is flooring... Video game violence, city vs. country walks, on and on.
Well worth a skim, or a full on study.
March 11, 2013
This book is very simply and cleanly written; it is full of useful tips and information for living a healthy life. Yet, this is one of the best books I've read on health and wellbeing because it is much more than that. It is a book to change your perspective on life and wellbeing.
The thing that makes this book so valuable is Dr. Low Dog's life story and her personal experiences. It places everything she says about health into the context of a life. Health is not a set of rules to follow but a whole and abundant life. Dr. Low Dog makes so clear that sickness and stress are not necessarily failure to follow health rules, but rather they show us how we've allowed our lives to become disjointed and they teach us how to reset our priorities.
A very encouraging read for those suffering with an illness and inspiring for those who want to learn the art of healing.
The thing that makes this book so valuable is Dr. Low Dog's life story and her personal experiences. It places everything she says about health into the context of a life. Health is not a set of rules to follow but a whole and abundant life. Dr. Low Dog makes so clear that sickness and stress are not necessarily failure to follow health rules, but rather they show us how we've allowed our lives to become disjointed and they teach us how to reset our priorities.
A very encouraging read for those suffering with an illness and inspiring for those who want to learn the art of healing.
August 13, 2013
I loved reading about the author's life and how she became a doctor.
Her advice was practical and informative.
I was fascinated with her knowledge of medicinal herbs.
I copied the information about which fruits and vegetables it is essential to buy organic (the dirty dozen) and which fish are the most safe and put it on my refrigerator.
A lot of what she shares is common sense, but it still helps to read it.
I wish I lived in Arizona so I could visit this Integrative Health Clinic where she works with Dr. Andrew Weil.
I recommend this book for all people, not just women.
Her advice was practical and informative.
I was fascinated with her knowledge of medicinal herbs.
I copied the information about which fruits and vegetables it is essential to buy organic (the dirty dozen) and which fish are the most safe and put it on my refrigerator.
A lot of what she shares is common sense, but it still helps to read it.
I wish I lived in Arizona so I could visit this Integrative Health Clinic where she works with Dr. Andrew Weil.
I recommend this book for all people, not just women.
December 15, 2016
I bought this book when I attended a Nutrition and Health conference put on by the Arizona Centre for Integrative medicine. It was a combination of autobiography and "how to" manual which is chockful of useful advice for healthy living, with loads of references for those who want to see the original sources for the information. The book took me a while to read because I deliberately slowed down to fully absorb the "how to" aspects. Although the title suggests it is for women, there is good advice for all folks. The style of writing though is probably more appealing to women than men.
January 1, 2015
I am honored to know and have studied under Dr. Low Dog at the University of Arizona. This book is an excellent summary of the premises of Integrative Medicine. I love the "prescription" sections where she gives specific book and other recommendations. I have been and will continue recommending this book to all my highly motivated patients who are enthusiastically and successfully taking control of their health.
March 28, 2013
Dr. Low Dog knows integrative medicine, she knows her herbs and nutrition. I wish she could be my physician. I like when she said someone in her audience said she dressed like Cher so she went out and bought some black suits, or something to that effect. My only complaint is that she seems almost too perfect. She is where I would like to be in my life.
April 15, 2013
I absolutely loved this book!!! I have a passion for health and loved the insights this doctor had to better take care of yourself both emotionally and physically. She gave health tips and discussed them in a simple way that the general public could understand. Would highly recommend it to all women who want to take steps to take care of themselves.
October 10, 2015
Great book from an integrative physician with lots of easy-to-apply tips for a healthy mind and body. I especially like her personal stories an anecdotes from her Lakota heritage. I appreciate the aboriginal teachings and way of life. I love the last chapter on contentment. A good and easy read with lots of true-to-life examples and references for further exploration.
February 5, 2017
A quick read! Dr. Low Dog delivers helpful hints to feeling better, healthier, whole and more authentic. She adds helpful chapter summaries so you can apply her suggestions easily.
November 25, 2012
Really enjoyed this book and the personal anecdotes. Nothing in here was earth shattering for me, but very thoughtful and thorough explanations. Very straightforward book and easy read. Most things I was "mostly" already doing but will try to incorporate fish oil at a minimum.
May 21, 2014
Dr. Low Dog seems to be one of those rare people who is wonderful at whatever she does. This comes through as she talks about her life/skills. I read a copy from the library but will have to buy one because there is so much useful information that I need to have (highlight).
Read
June 24, 2023All of this! Overall health and wellness instead of trying to temporarily fix health issues with modern medicine. Information about herbs and supplements and all the things that affect physical, emotional and mental health.
December 12, 2012
Fantastic. I took copious notes.
November 18, 2012
A fantastic guide to better health... Physically and spiritually.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews