The Chemistry of Joy: A Three-Step Program for Overcoming Depression Through Western Science and Eastern Wisdom »

Henry Emmons, M.D., is a psychiatrist who integrates mind-body and natural therapies, mindfulness and allied Buddhist therapeutics, and psychotherapeutic caring and insight in his clinical work. Dr. Emmons obtained his medical degree from the University of Iowa College of Medicine and did his residency in psychiatry at the University of Rochester Medical Center, where he was Chief Resident. Dr. Emmons is in demand as a workshop and retreat leader for both healthcare professionals and the general public. He practices general and holistic psychiatry and consults to several colleges and organizations nationally. He currently serves as Consulting Psychiatrist at the Allina Medical Clinic in Northfield, Minnesota.

Rachel Kranz has written numerous books on science, health, and psychology. She is the author of a novel, Leaps of Faith, and lives in New York City.

The Chemistry of Joy presents Dr. Emmons's natural approach to depression — supplemented with medication if necessary — blending the best of Western science and Eastern philosophy to create your body's own biochemistry of joy. Integrating Western brain chemistry, natural and Ayurvedic medicine, Buddhist psychology, and his own joyful heart techniques, Dr. Emmons creates a practical program for each of the three types of depression: anxious depression, agitated depression, and sluggish depression. The Chemistry of Joy helps you to identify which type of depression you are experiencing and provides a specific diet and exercise plan to address it, as well as nutritional supplements and "psychology of mindfulness" exercises that can restore your body's natural balance and energy. This flexible approach creates newfound joy for those whose lives have been touched by depression — and pathways for all who seek to actively improve their emotional lives.

Publishers Weekly

Psychiatrist Emmons offers hope to sufferers of mild to severe depression in this well-articulated approach to integrating therapeutic techniques from East and West. Identifying three main forms of depression-anxious, agitated and sluggish-Emmons pinpoints three intellectual/physical/spiritual " types" these varieties of depression correspond with, and explains how the types mirror ones described in India's ayurvedic medicine and in Buddhist psychology. A student of Jon Kabat-Zinn (Wherever You Go, There You Are) and Deepak Chopra (Perfect Health), Emmons draws on their work in the fields of mindfulness meditation and mind-body medicine, respectively, to help readers find the most effective combination of diet, supplements, exercise and stress-relieving techniques. He provides personal stories to illustrate how brain chemistry and medication can alter behavior and mood and discusses how readers can evaluate their own need for medication. In later chapters, Emmons offers strategies for accessing inner strength and wisdom, once brain and body chemistry are balanced. While much has been written on complementary care for most conditions, readers battling depression will likely find Emmons's vision of healing informative and persuasive; others will find many practical ways to achieve a healthy lifestyle. (Jan. 3) Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

1. The Mysterious Mix of Science and Spirit

Step One: Understand Your Brain

2. Basic Brain Chemistry

3. The Promise and Perils of Medication

4. Feed Your Brain

5. Nature's Pharmacy: Supporting Mood with Nutritional Supplements and Herbs

6. Flowing with Nature: Movement, Breathing, and Biorhythms

Step Two: Know Your Ayurvedic Type

7. Ayurvedic Wisdom: Which Type Are You?

8. Calming Air Types

9. Soothing Fire Types

10. Moving Earth Types

Step Three: Discover Your Buddhist Emotional Type

11. Buddhist Wisdom: Which Type Are You?

12. Fear Types: Always Grasping After More

13. Anger Types: Never Satisfied

14. Self-Deluding or Adrift Types: Trying to Wake Up

15. Strategies of Wisdom

Appendix A: Serotonin-Enhancing Foods

Appendix B: Dopamine/Norepinephrine-Enhancing Foods

Appendix C: Resources

Notes

Acknowledgments

Index