Why Woo-Woo Works: The Surprising Science Behind Meditation, Reiki, Crystals, and Other Alternative Practices

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David is an incredibly inspirational man who I’m proud to call a friend. His work has changed the lives of many and he stands out because he always strives to explore and answer the difficult questions using evidence and science, which in a world full of misinformation, is needed. A truly wonderful and fascinating book. A must‑read!” - Dr. Punam Krishan, GP, writer, and broadcaster

When I began researching for my new book, ‘ Why Woo Woo Works’, one of the first subjects I investigated was Reiki. Even things like prayer and telepathic communication were discussed, and these are things I’m interested in. I came out with a stronger belief in how my connection to people and things around me influences my life. Things I Bookmarked In Why Woo-Woo Works In contrast, I am more scientific. I want proof. I want math (to a certain extent). I want to understand, not just believe because it sounds nice.In the latter part of the book I delve into telepathy, distant healing, and prayer. Although these phenomena are often dismissed as pseudoscience, there is in fact a large amount of statistical evidence to support them, although it’s not widely known to the general public. As I discuss in the book, one of the key factors in the way they work is emotional connection: EEG and MRI studies show that the more emotionally connected two people are, the stronger any effects tend to be. Similarly, a 2019 review in the British Medical Journal Supportive & Palliative Care, reported that “Reiki therapy is useful for relieving pain, decreasing anxiety / depression, and improving quality of life in several conditions.” The Oxford University Press’s definition of woo-woo is ‘Unconventional beliefs regarded as having little or no scientific basis, especially those related to spirituality, mysticism, or alternative medicine. The term is believed to have been coined in the 1980’s, possibly in imitation of the wailing sound associated with ghosts and the supernatural.”

Many complementary therapies, healing modalities, treatments, and other practices, theories, and beliefs are often referred to as woo-woo, but this is because they’re not widely understood and most people are unaware that in some instances, they’ve a sound basis in science.As airy-fairy as it sounds,we might find that on occasion, we could swap a couple of ibuprofen for a peace lily or a rubber plant.” Dr. Hamilton provided the bridge I needed to understand the language of my friends so I incorporate these things more fully in my own life if I choose without feeling quite so gullible or silly. After completing his PhD, he worked for 4 years in the pharmaceutical industry, first developing drugs for cardiovascular disease and cancer, then a year managing leadership and change projects. During this time he also served as an athletics coach and manager of Sale Harriers Manchester, one of the UK’s largest athletics clubs, leading the Junior Men’s team to three successive UK finals. Upon leaving the pharmaceutical industry, he co-founded the international relief charity Spirit Aid Foundation and served as a director for 2 years.

Another therapy I studied was crystal therapy. I nearly completed the year but in the end had to stop as my increasing and overwhelming thought was that it was utter hokem. David Hamilton PhD has been studying the mind-body connection and the power of thought for years, finding compelling evidence of why and how alternative therapies can and do work. In his trademark warm and conversational tone, he explains the science and spirituality behind some of today's most popular alternative practices. He explores four key aspects of healing: In Why Woo-Woo Works, David R. Hamilton promises to respect various New Age practices and offer the scientific-evidence behind these alternative practices. He does that, for certain. He presents significant research for ev My mum’s practice was listening to a guided meditation tape every night before bed, and she continued with it for years because it worked so well. The tape featured relaxing music and the sounds of nature, which are now known to have a direct impact on the human autonomic nervous system.Emotional: how emotions are stored in your body and the link between suppressed emotions and disease Published (2012). Learn about the seeming interplay between destiny and free will. In this book, David Hamilton discusses seeming 'forces of destiny', like chronobiology (how cosmic cycles impact biology) and epigenetic (how experiences of previous generations can impact your health), and discusses spiritual ideas around pre-birth life choices. While writing his first book (2004-2005), he taught chemistry (main) plus ecology and mathematics (secondary) at West College Scotland (formerly, James Watt College of Further and Higher Education) and tutored chemistry at the University of Glasgow.

Belief mobilizes the brain's natural resources to meet the person's expectations. That is, a belief about what's supposed to happen instructs the brain to produce what it needs to produce to deliver that result." Why should we meditate? How can crystals heal the mind and body? Why is visualization so powerful - and so effective? The first part explores the placebo effect, visualization, meditation, and the link between suppressed emotions and disease. These are at what we might call the ‘lower end’ of woo-woo in that at least some people are aware of the scientific evidence that exists for them. I share that evidence with you, and also explain exactly how these phenomena and practices work.Published (2019). In this beautifully illustrated book, you will learn all the ways that kindness impacts mental and physical health, from how kindness boosts happiness, can be an antidote to depression, even to how 'kindness hormones' can reduce blood pressure and slow ageing. The book is suitable for adults and teenagers, and some adults like to also discuss it with their younger children. David Hamilton, PhD, has been studying the mind-body connection and the power of thought for years, finding compelling evidence of why and how alternative therapies can and do work. In his trademark warm and conversational tone, he explains the science and spirituality behind some of today's most popular alternative practices. He explores four key aspects of healing: