Love, Medicine and Miracles: Lessons Learned about Self-Healing from a Surgeon's Experience with Exceptional Patients

by Bernie S. Siegel

Unconditional love is the most powerful stimulant of the immune system. The truth is: love heals. Miracles happen to exceptional patients every day—patients who have the courage to love, those who have the courage to work with their doctors to participate in and influence their own recovery.

Genres: Health, Nonfiction, Self Help, Spirituality, Psychology, Medical, Medicine

266 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1986

About the author

Bernie Siegel is an American writer and retired pediatric surgeon, who writes on the relationship between the patient and the healing process. He is known for his best-selling book Love, Medicine and Miracles.

Reviews

[Dr. Appu Sasidharan (Dasfill) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book will be beneficial to people who are suffering from an unabated disease. It will show us the importance of hope and how miracles can happen in everyone's life. Bernie S. Siegel worked in General and Pediatric Surgery at Yale. Exceptional Cancer Patients (ECP) is a non-profit organization founded by him which helps patients suffering from cancer and other serious illnesses.

What I learned from this book
1) Science and religion
This has been one of the important topics of discussion for many centuries. Both should actually complement each other. Both are important facets in a person's life (unless you are an atheist).

“Science teaches that we must see in order to believe, but we must also believe in order to see.”

2) The importance of hope in the lives of patients suffering from terminal illness
Hope is an essential quality we should have in our lives. It becomes much more important in the lives of people suffering from a terminal illness. I have seen miracles happening in the lives of the abject who refused to give up hope despite the trying circumstances they had to go through in their lives.

"Refusal to hope is nothing more than a decision to die."

3) Are our emotions causing our diseases?
The author is describing a vital connection between our emotions and diseases. He tells us the importance of maintaining a pleasant attitude despite our hardships. If we try to lament our bad experiences and ruminate over them often, we invariably take us into unwanted territories of serious diseases.

"If a person deals with anger or despair when they first appear, illness need not occur. When we don't deal with our emotional needs, we set ourselves up for physical illness."

My favourite three lines from this book

“Only empathy can build the connection needed for healing.”

“We must remove the word "impossible" from our vocabulary.”

"Spirituality means the ability to find peace and happiness in this imperfect world and to feel that one's own personality is imperfect but acceptable. From this peaceful state of mind compelled creativity and the ability to love unselfishly go hand in hand."

What could have been better?
This book has 242 pages. Still, I felt that it ended quickly. I wish the author could have written a little more elaborately about the topic he was discussing

Rating
4/5 If you loved the book Anatomy of an Illness: As Perceived by the Patient by Norman Cousins you will definitely like this one.

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book changed my life...forever, when I read it in 1992, when diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS).

I heard words like "no cure for MS", "nothing you can do", and so on. I was only 29 years old and I decided not to believe any of the words, no matter what research showed, what well-meaning friends said, etc., etc. (lots of etc.'s) after reading this book. The book did not tell me not to face the reality of the illness but to face it in a different way.

And I have.

The first symptoms of MS started when I was 24 years old and now, in 2011, I have had the illness exactly one half of my life (you can do the math). :-) I have been told by more than one doctor comments such as "you shouldn't be walking" (but I am )and "you should be in a nursing home" (but I am not). I live independently, have lots of goals for my life, and try to live my life one day at the time within the limits of the illness (yes, there are limits especially since I am getting older too). :-)

The illness affects every patient differently so just because they are not like me, doesn't mean that they have not done something right for themselves, or that I am doing everything right for myself. I have read many books in the field of psychoneuroimmunology (or mind-body connection to health) since then. Using Love, Medicine and Miracles I started my road in life owning my decisions, good or bad, negative or positive, and not letting outside circumstances alone own my life.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoughtful friend gave this book to me when she knew of sorrow in my life, dealing with my Mom's breast cancer. When I first started to read it I thought that everyone with a career in health care should read this to help them deal with patients. It's written by a cancer surgeon who has recorded lessons he learned over the years of dealing with 'exceptional' patients. And as I read more I realized that really EVERYONE should read this - it's about SO much more than cancer. It's full of life lessons for everyone. It did take me a little while to read it since it's so full of medical experiences and studies - sometimes it reads like a textbook. But it took me a while mostly because there were SO many amazing thoughts that I eventually had to type them all up. (Yes, I typed up 3 pages of my favorite thoughts from the book - at first to give to my Mom - but really it's for me too, and anyone/everyone.) It's truly amazing how we can heal ourselves of any trouble, not just physical diseases, with love - putting our mind at peace can allow the body to heal itself. So before I write an essay, I'll leave you with one of my favorite thoughts from page 225.
"God has given us free will to make love and life meaningful. This creates a critical risk because we now have the ability to destroy our universe if we choose not to love. We have an infinite number of choices ahead, but a finite number of endings. They are destruction and death or love and healing. If we choose the path of love we save ourselves. Let us choose love and life."

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is written twenty years ago and still the medical profession lags way behind Bernie. He describes the inception of his Cancer self-help group ECaP. He introduces the "exceptional patient" who refuse to accept defeat and teach that mind can dramatically affect the body.

Just the descriptions of patients who are supposed to die and don't is worth the read. But not all patients experience "self-induced healing" yet the goal for one and all is health and unconditional love of self. Bernie states "If you are suffering from some life-threatening disease, the change I'm talking about may save your life or prolong it well past medical expectations....If you have a minor disorder, or if you're not sick but now really enjoying life, the principles I've learned from exceptional patients can bring you joy and help you avoid illness in the future."

[Stephen Gallup · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was the first Bernie Siegel book I read, and it motivated me to read two more (Peace, Love and Healing and How to Live Between Office Visits), plus acquiring some of his tapes (guided meditations, etc.) and going to a couple of his lectures. In short, it struck a chord with me.

This was in the early 90s, when New Age thought was on the upswing and also when my family was being hammered with the double-whammy of childhood disability and metastatic breast cancer. Mainstream medicine had failed to adequately address either crisis. My wife and I completely agreed with Bernie’s message that doctors are wrong to ignore evidence of healing when it comes via unconventional means. His ideas of using visual imagery to combat disease and to reprioritize one’s life sounded very common-sensical.

Having said that, I must add that our child’s disability was not improved via these means, and my wife’s cancer continued to spread unchecked. I’ve corresponded with Dr. Siegel in the past and believe him to be the genuine article. As another doctor told me once, “Anything that gives you hope has merit.” However, aside from the feel-good factor (which is significant), it had no effect in our situation.

[Betsy · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is junk! Don't read it. Let me quote just a little of the craziness:

"Career reversals also commonly lead to malignancy" (So ... if you develop cancer, you can blame your job problems.)
"Indeed, divorced people have higher rates of cancer" (Says who? No studies are referenced or proof of any sort is provided -- which, by the way, is the case in most of the claims in this book.)
And this, to me, was the worst of the worst: "Psychologists are now learning (please note the author does not specifically name any psychologist, nor does he indicate how they are leaning this) that infants are far more perceptive than heretofore imagined, and I wouldn't be surprised if cancer in early childhood was linked to messages of parental conflict or disapproval perceived even in the womb." (Are you kidding me? He's telling parents it's their fault that their children have cancer!!!!)

I could go on, but I'll stop here. Typically, I donate books that I'm finished with, but I'm pitching this one right in the garbage.

[Lisa J Shultz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was lovingly written by a physician who was willing to look at miracles and exceptional patients who often beat the odds of cancer or at least had a higher quality of life for the rest of their time here. The book is filled with compassion and wonderful stories to inspire the reader and give hope and courage to anyone facing their own health challenge. I found it a very worthy read and will recommend to others for years to come!

[Sherri · Rating 2 out of 5]

Love, Medicine, and Miracles by Dr. Bernie Siegel, a surgical oncologist, was ahead of its time in regards to the role of mind-body connections in medicine. This book explores these connections highlighting information from studies, Dr. Siegel’s own life experience, and the lives of various patients. Through this work he defines health, disease, illness, life, love, death, and the physician’s role. Dr. Siegel reminds us that all of these things are influenced by coping strategies, environment, and relationships. He emphasizes the role of relaxation, meditation, and visualization. While there are many topics covered in this work, the points are fundamental to palliative care and humanism in medicine.

[Jerilyn Schweitzer · Rating 1 out of 5]

Seemed like a whole lot of hooey to me. At least the parts about patients curing themselves of cancer.

[booklady · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to this a long, long time ago and found it to be comforting. I got my copy of this book-on-tape from among my deceased uncle's effects. He was a psychiatrist and I selected many of his books and books-on-tapes to remember him by. The author, Dr. Siegel, cited many instances of inexplicable medical cures which he credited to the patient's faith, prayers and/or divine intervention, i.e., miracles. This book was both a source of comfort and encouragement to me during a time of my life when my own faith life was 'wobbly' in the wake of a number of deaths in my immediate family.

[Kelly · Rating 1 out of 5]

I know this is a classic and most people love it. I'm sorry I cannot get past the poor writing and the author's style. I did gain a few nuggets of truth from the book, but mostly I struggle with the patient blame/credit model of thinking. I agree to a small extent but I think there's a whole lot of luck in the process of surviving or not. I found the book rather tedious, honestly.

[Varun · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a phenomenal book! I truly believe everyone should should read it as Dr. Siegel beautifully gives the reader insights into the wonders of the healing process. I love how this book delves into the profound connection between the mind and body, and I strongly believe it provides deeply meaningful insights into how we can live happier and more fulfilling lives.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

"God has given us free will to make love and life meaningful"
Beautiful, heartwarming stories and anecdotes that really speak to the power of mind over matter, prayer and healing. This is a book worth listening to a season time for me

[Vasundhra Gupta · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was written as one of the firsts of it's kind, over 2 decades ago! There is a lot more similar work available today that also talks about the connection between our negativity and illnesses, but these cases were classics. That's the thought you need to keep in mind when reading the book, if you've already read something similar.

Dr Siegel offers a great variety of patient's cases demonstrating how their physical deaths were transcended by regaining mental health (and that you will relapse if you don't understand self-love), and he blends it well with the mini doses of wisdom and Spiritual philosophy.

All in all a greatly inspiring and insightful book! Recovery is a thing that science considers a miracle. But I'm glad that doctors like Dr Siegel are bringing a new face to healing :)

[Rivka Levy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best God-based holistic health books I've ever read.

Parts were laugh-out-loud funny, and the book was written in a humourous 'real' style that really endeared the author, and his view point, to me.

But more than that was the fact that the text was liberally sprinkled with easy to read scientific studies proving that our emotions, and particularly our repressed negative emotions like anger and despair, are the main cause of most serious illnesses.

It's also unusual to find a book where God is mentioned so often, an on such familiar terms, which I also loved.

Highly recommended. I know it's 30 year's old already, but the best books have a timeless message, and 'Love, Medicine and Miracles' is definitely worthy of joining those ranks.

[Diaa El-masry · Rating 5 out of 5]

هذا الكتاب هو ما يحتاجه كل مريض ميؤوس من شفائه كما أوهموه، وكل طبيب وخاصة أولئك الذين يتعاملون مع المرضى كما يتعامل "الميكانيكي" مع السيارة، يسلط الضوء على كثير من جوانب المرض وخاصة السرطان ويطرح أساليب جديدة في العلاج تدمج العلاج التقليدي مع القدرات الخارقة للعقل الباطن والإرادة الذاتية للشفاء. أنصح به كذلك لكل "الأصحاء" حيث تنفتح لهم آفاق جديدة للحياة بصورة أكثر سلاما وأكثر إيمانا.

[Hessah Alhashash · Rating 5 out of 5]

اتمنى من الكل ان يقرأ هذا الكتاب .. تجارب رائعة و ملاحظات عميقة تغيير بالتأكيد تفكيرك ..هذا الكتاب الوحيد الى الان الذي تمنيت لو اني قرأته من فترة

[Sarah kamal · Rating 5 out of 5]

الحقيقة هو يستاهل اكتر من 5
فكرة اصلا ان كان فيه دكتور بيتعامل مع المرضى بتوعه بالشكل ده...مبهرة
شكرا ليه أينما وجد

[Teri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Would that we all have an understanding doctor like Dr. Siegel! The theme of the book is that unconditional love and self-adoration heals the immune system. He uses emotion and imagery to help patients heal from serious diseases. Healing is a mindset and based on personal belief. He believes cancer is not a primary disease, but partially a reaction to a set of circumstances that weaken the body's defenses. So if a doctor does not look at a patient's entire life and only treats symptoms, healing from cancer or other illness can rarely take place. Unexpressed feelings also depress the immune response.

Dr. Siegel asks the following questions of his patients: (1) Do you want to live to be 100? (2) What happened to you during the year or two prior to your illness? (3) What does the illness mean to you? (4) Why did you need the illness?

He provides plenty of case histories, all hope-inspiring. He tears down the cold, impersonal barriers between the doctor-patient relationship, and believes in listening to his patients and even hugging them. The audiobook ends with a guided meditation/visualization.

I liked this enough to want to read the author's other books. The only things I didn't like about this audiobook was the music was too loud in some sections. And this was an abridgement-- there isn't a full version available on audiobook and there ought to be.

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow wow wow. This is a book I’ll be referring back to for a long time.

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful book. Would recommend to any aspiring clinicians!

[Janet Ollman Blackmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a healer, myself, I have known "Bernie" for years and read much of what he has written. Surprisingly, this has escaped me until recently. It's a definite "must-read" if you are in a position to wonder if your medical team is acting in your best interests, as I was. I was facing a cancer diagnosis and at a crossroads; do I do it "their" way or "my" way, or is there some way in-between? How can I let "them" know that I expect more from them than just a number and a knife? This book also helped me remember why I'm a healer and how the type of healing I do makes my patients feel cared-for in a special kind of way.

Bernie explains it well; it's not about the numbers - sometimes we even need to be OK with death. It's about the way we live and interact with each other. It's about faith in our body's ability to do what's right for us. It's about faith in ourselves.

It's a good book. I plan to read it again when I'm not under pressure.

[Kimng Ng · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first pick up this book to read I was totally opposed to what it was about. But having read the book my context as changed and thanks to the author work I have become more open minded, stepping away from the traditional medicine route and procedures that I have studied for many years. I did not expect a book to change the way I consider looking at things, but this as done that to me. I found the contents of the book very powerful, very believable and very easy to understand. Overnight I have become a big fan of the author and will surely look to read further books from this author. Who in my opinion is a very gifted writer, particularly if you can change the way that I consider looking at medicine, this author is only one a select few that as changed the way that I consider looking at things. Excellent book.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, Medicine and Miracles deals with the lessons a surgeon learned about self healing from his exceptional patients. Siegel introduces the "exceptional patient" who refuse to accept defeat and teach that mind can dramatically affect the body.
Siegal notes..."Spirituality means the ability to find peace and happiness in an imperfect world, and to feel that one's own personality is imperfect but acceptable. From this peaceful state of mind come both creativity and the ability to love unselfishly, which go hand in hand. Acceptance, faith, forgiveness, peace, and love are the traits that define spirituality for me. These characteristics always appear in those who achieve unexpected healing of serious illness."

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you have a diagnosis of incurable cancer the impression you get from the medical profession is that there is no hope. I was given no clue that there was any way but down, and I was certainly not told that there was so much that I can do to influence my prognosis. Siegel is right when he says that if you have a heart attack or a stroke patients are given advice about exercise and diet that can really effect their quality and length of life. In my experience at least, with cancer this is not the case.

INSPIRATIONAL, though to us Brits it might seem a bit too New Age and hippy. Totally recommend.

[Noor G. · Rating 3 out of 5]

A plastic surgeon friend of mine recommended this book because, well, I am dealing with cancer (news flash). It’s a decent book but ultimately the major take away I really took from it wasn’t revolutionary: so much of fighting cancer is mental and people with more positive outlooks do better. While I don’t disagree with the basic sentiment, I do think this sort of thinking does a disservice to those that are dying from cancer. These people weren’t any less strong, mentally or physically. The reality of cancer is that it’s indiscriminate—anyone can get and die from cancer and it’s disingenuous, and downright harmful, to parade “positivity” as the ultimate tool against cancer.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I picked up this book from the used bookstore on a whim to help me on my ever-challenging quest to pick a career path...it is awesome! Everyone should read this book--seriously. It is written by a surgeon (in the 1980's) and his experiences with exceptional cancer patients--people who recover despite dire prognosis. He covers a wide range of mind-body research and theory...he talks about synergy, love, and all of that sappy feel-good stuff, and makes a credible case for all of it. If you pick up this book, I can almost promise you'll be hooked.

[دينـا · Rating 4 out of 5]

يتحدث الكتاب عن حالات عديده لمرضى اصيبوا بالسرطان وشفوا منه ليس بقوة علاج كيميائي بل بقوة حب الحياه وارادة العيش والاصرار ..وكيف ان الجانب النفسي يلعب دورا كبيرا في اختفاء او عودة المرض
قد يبدو الامر للبعض سحريا او مجرد كلام لكني شخصيا مؤمنه به وبقدرة الانسان ان يشفي نفسه وبحقيقة ان اغلب الامراض منشأها نفسي والجسد هو ردة الفعل حين تفقد النفس القدره على التعبير
احببت بشده كلام الكاتب الصريح حول الطب وعلاقة المريض بطبيبه ..

[Abeer · Rating 4 out of 5]

ليست هناك صعوبة لا يقهرها الحبُّ الكافي
ولا مرض لا يشفيه الحبُّ الكافي
ولا باب لا يفتحه الحبُّ الكافي
ولا خليج لا يعبره الحبُّ الكافي
ولا جدار لا يخرقه الحبُّ الكافي
ولا خطيئة لا يمسحها الحبُّ الكافي
لا فرق عميقاً مهما تكن المشكلة راسخة
ومهما بدا المستقبل قاتماً بلا أمل…
ومهما كانت العقدة متشابكة…
ومهما بلغت ضخامة الخطيئة…
فإن الحبَّ الكافي سوف يقضي عليها جميعاً
ولو أنك استطعت فقط أن تحب الحب الكافي
لأصبحت أسعد وأقوى كائن في العالم ..

[David · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars. I liked Bernie's view of warm doctor-patient relations, how one can be an "exceptional patient," and the importance of the mind in healing. And I liked Bernie himself (He read the audiobook). Much of his view is anecdote-driven, including his religious belief in miracles(!), so for me there wasn't a lot of value besides "good doctor vibes" and good advice here and there.