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The Sacred Science: An Ancient Healing Path for the Modern World
Now available in paperback: Filmmaker Nick Polizzi, creator of the hit documentary The Sacred Science and highly popular website of the same name, takes readers on a spiritual adventure in the native outback of South, Central, and North America to access sacred knowledge the world has all but forgotten.
In 2010, Nick Polizzi did something unimaginable. He assembled a group of eight desperately ill patients from around the world and brought them into the heart of the Amazon rainforest to put the mysterious medicines of native shamans to the test. The healing journey that unfolded would change their lives--and his own--forever.
In The Sacred Science, now available for the first time in paperback, we join Nick as he explores these primordial traditions and learns firsthand what it takes to truly heal ourselves of physical disease, emotional trauma, and the sense of "lostness" that so many of us feel in these modern times. We venture into a place where the ordinary rules we live by, even survival instincts, don't apply--where "the only thing to do is to step forward and be ready for anything."
Nick is not a guru or shaman; he is an ordinary guy who pieced together an illuminating journey, one experience at a time. In this riveting true story, we're shown the many layers that must be peeled away in order for us to find the truth of who we are and why we're here.
This book is a bridge between the flashy, fast-moving modern world and the forgotten ways of a healthier, earth-connected ancestral past. You'll find practices and principles of native wisdom that you can put to use in your own life, and you'll gain a new understanding of what it means to heal.
In the end, what will become of the eight patients who set out on this path with Nick? Will the exotic jungle medicines and harrowing rites of passage destroy them or give them a new lease on life?
Five will return with remarkable healing results. Two will return disappointed. One won't return at all.
In 2010, Nick Polizzi did something unimaginable. He assembled a group of eight desperately ill patients from around the world and brought them into the heart of the Amazon rainforest to put the mysterious medicines of native shamans to the test. The healing journey that unfolded would change their lives--and his own--forever.
In The Sacred Science, now available for the first time in paperback, we join Nick as he explores these primordial traditions and learns firsthand what it takes to truly heal ourselves of physical disease, emotional trauma, and the sense of "lostness" that so many of us feel in these modern times. We venture into a place where the ordinary rules we live by, even survival instincts, don't apply--where "the only thing to do is to step forward and be ready for anything."
Nick is not a guru or shaman; he is an ordinary guy who pieced together an illuminating journey, one experience at a time. In this riveting true story, we're shown the many layers that must be peeled away in order for us to find the truth of who we are and why we're here.
This book is a bridge between the flashy, fast-moving modern world and the forgotten ways of a healthier, earth-connected ancestral past. You'll find practices and principles of native wisdom that you can put to use in your own life, and you'll gain a new understanding of what it means to heal.
In the end, what will become of the eight patients who set out on this path with Nick? Will the exotic jungle medicines and harrowing rites of passage destroy them or give them a new lease on life?
Five will return with remarkable healing results. Two will return disappointed. One won't return at all.
248 pages, Paperback
Published March 5, 2019
141 people are currently reading
338 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
April 18, 2018
WOW! This is a wonderfully written story about healing and being on the spiritual path, which is what all of us are on, whether we are actively and/or consciously following it. We are all spiritual beings navigating a physical world. I have been on a path for 40+ years and found this to be enlightening and valuable for me at the place I am at today. Very few spiritual books I've read recently are able to address someone who has journeyed for years and someone who is a rank beginner at understanding who they are. Living consciously is the path and this work of art helps us to grasp that moment, and the next, and the next. Read it and find your roots, your bloom, your flight.
August 10, 2020
This book provides the reader a good introduction to the possibilities of healing body, mind and spirit through an improved understanding of, and connection with self which is achieved through shaman rituals.
May 4, 2018
The first time I heard Nick speak via some video I'd stumbled across one night I knew I liked what he had to offer by the way he spoke with such passion and insight. There was a resonance that stuck with me about what he was saying, the truth I could sense in his voice and, the overall message that he was conveying. It was the next time I'd seen a video by him talking about how everything is medicine where I first heard about the book, The Sacred Science. I did a bit of poking around as, again, what Mr. Polizzi was speaking about really inspired me and had found something within me that drew me in. A few days later I purchased the the book. I'm glad I did and am very grateful for its author and the work done thus assisting in opening these spiritual doors, if you will, a bit wider for not only myself but, for those of us that are walking this path. Great read. I thank you and your colleagues, sir. All my best
August 27, 2019
I learned about Polizzi last year during the Remedy docuseries release and absolutely became enamored with the idea of herbal healing. This book made some strong connections with me on my current path.
Polizzi writes with humor and depth and puts special care into the details, from laugh out loud moments to a couple tears. He makes powerful observations through storytelling; Sacred Science is insightful and intriguing. It's been awhile since I sat down with a book and finished it in a day. Well worth my time. Mind expanded.
Polizzi writes with humor and depth and puts special care into the details, from laugh out loud moments to a couple tears. He makes powerful observations through storytelling; Sacred Science is insightful and intriguing. It's been awhile since I sat down with a book and finished it in a day. Well worth my time. Mind expanded.
August 28, 2021
The Sacred Science is a beautiful look into the merits of ancient healing traditions. There is more to healing than what western medicine can provide us. While western medicine has its place and purpose, it it is not everything. I find that Polizzi can be a bit preachy sometimes (not just in this book, but in his documentary series' as well), but he clearly believes and is passionate in the power of different types of healing methods. I think this is a great read for those curious about the power of traditional healing methods and ways of being in the world.
June 2, 2022
I watched The Sacred Science documentary for a class and was immediately intrigued by the power of shamanic healing shown in film. This book did a great job of showing how people who are used to a more modernized world can truly benefit from traditional healing modalities like shamanism. I would give this book a 5 star rating, however I had hoped there would be more about the experiences each of the patients from the documentary had.
May 3, 2018
First I would like to say I really like Nick's son's name. I didn't want this book to end. This is the kind of book that you "feel" as you are reading. Get this. Highly recommend. And the next time someone asks "who are you?" I am not giving my name. Read the book to find out what I mean. Getting ready to watch the film next. May be back to add more to my review. Thank you to all who were and are a part of this wonderful adventure and for sharing many wonderful ways to find out who you truly are!
April 3, 2021
Inspiring
The journey the team took was definitely interesting and somewhat inspiring. It was more an introduction to the documentary he made, some of the realizations the team experienced with ayahuasca was noted, leaving you to wonder about your own journey should you embark on this ayahuasca journey. an insight to western medicine vs herbal medicine. It was a sweet and short read with a dwindeling off track ending , but a fun read non the less.
The journey the team took was definitely interesting and somewhat inspiring. It was more an introduction to the documentary he made, some of the realizations the team experienced with ayahuasca was noted, leaving you to wonder about your own journey should you embark on this ayahuasca journey. an insight to western medicine vs herbal medicine. It was a sweet and short read with a dwindeling off track ending , but a fun read non the less.
June 27, 2018
An eye opener.
Much wisdom here, although I can't imagine myself partaking of hallucinogenic plants to facilitate the process. Too old and mainstream for that! Still...good insights.
Much wisdom here, although I can't imagine myself partaking of hallucinogenic plants to facilitate the process. Too old and mainstream for that! Still...good insights.
November 26, 2018
Can people who have been failed by western medicine get well in the care of the rainforest and shamans? Some do! I'm glad I read this as it was a more comprehensive view of the documentary by the same name. If you don't have time to read the book (or even if you do) I'd recommend the doc as well.
May 15, 2020
I love windows and doorways into other approaches. If you enjoy stretching your mind, this narrative as a biographical segment is well written and refreshing. I would also rank it as completely important.
April 2, 2023
Nick does a lovely job of sharing a courageous and life-changing adventure into a plant medicine journey.. in documenting and experiencing he opens his heart to the mysteries and possibilities at play when we allow for our whole selves to be purified and transformed.
August 26, 2023
I wish this book had been more about the journey of the participants and less about the author’s spiritual experience and guidance.
My sister was Melinda, one of the 8 participants. She died within a year after her experience with Sacred Science.
My sister was Melinda, one of the 8 participants. She died within a year after her experience with Sacred Science.
July 23, 2024
To listen to the behind-the-scenes of a videographer off the beaten tracks. To actually photograph and then write a book about filming the world of the unknown South American shamans as they performed their rituals is no small feat. We enjoyed the message and the insight provided to us.
April 26, 2018
Read it if you are ready to expand your world.
July 7, 2018
Easy reading and interesting true story. I look forward to watching the documentary that this book describes making.
June 4, 2019
Fascinating, thought provoking...
Read
June 5, 2019Nope.
February 1, 2021
Nicely done! Something for everyone in this gem! A great companion to "The Sacred Science" movie.
March 3, 2021
Shamanic Healing Intensive
Somehow Nick’s name kept coming up online and I thought I think I have a book of his on my TBR pile of books, so here it is. And I needed to read this because I was caught in a pattern that was making my life stagnant. This book covers his spiritual journey as he films a documentary on Shamanic Healing in Peru. His personal honesty shines throughout. I highly recommend this book which may touch you in unexpected ways and lead you to examine facets of your own life. I will be watching his film and look forward to reading anything else he’s written.
Somehow Nick’s name kept coming up online and I thought I think I have a book of his on my TBR pile of books, so here it is. And I needed to read this because I was caught in a pattern that was making my life stagnant. This book covers his spiritual journey as he films a documentary on Shamanic Healing in Peru. His personal honesty shines throughout. I highly recommend this book which may touch you in unexpected ways and lead you to examine facets of your own life. I will be watching his film and look forward to reading anything else he’s written.
April 28, 2022
Authentic experience
For any who are interested in exploring natural healing traditions.
The author writes from first hand experience. Good spiritual insight
For any who are interested in exploring natural healing traditions.
The author writes from first hand experience. Good spiritual insight
May 7, 2022
Polizzi is committed to his path. His sincerity shines in this interesting, down-to-earth book about shamanic healing.
January 3, 2024
An amazing book, uniquely written.
May 17, 2025
I hat a journey Not ck takes us on until by the end you are reevaluating all you think you know of life. A spiritual, healing adventure that, if you take it on board is life fe changing.
June 23, 2021
I watched the film The Sacred Science some time ago and found it enjoyable and informative. This book takes the reader behind the scenes of the filmmaking and beyond, into the Amazon rain forest and some of its secrets. Nick Polizzi describes his foray into shamanic healing and introduces us to a few of the shamans and their methods. These shamans are not weird, quirky characters but real, down to earth people who use knowledge that has been passed down and refined over generations. The book also has practical advice for those of us who want to improve our lives. My main takeaway is that physical healing cannot be separated from emotional and spiritual healing.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews