norman doidge the brain that heals itself

What he does not do, however, is present disconfirming or contradictory evidence. He does season the book with a good dash of caution-every brain is unique, no two problems are the same, location of damage matters, injuries are different than chronic problems. He also draws selectively from a sprinkling of clinical trials, peer-reviewed articles, and nascent research, especially at Harvard and Stanford and he extrapolates from studies that support his general train of logic. He also states that electrical stimulation can improve symptoms of multiple sclerosis Mozart and a mother’s voice can heal some forms of autism and fine Feldenkrais movements improve cerebral palsy.ĭoidge relies mainly upon near-miraculous anecdotes of recovery to support his claims. Visualization can reduce pain, according to Doidge the motion of intense walking can heal Parkinson’s and light treatment can heal tissue damage.

It left me wishing for just a good summary of the evidence, pro and con. Like a magician practicing redirection, Doidge distracts the reader from rather thin descriptions of the neuroscience with long-winded anecdotes. It’s the kind of book that seems like a bull’s eye for many Greater Good readers.īut skeptical readers looking for good evidence must hunt for it amidst the narrative. Chapter by chapter, he explains how we can apply light or electricity from outside or manipulate thoughts on the inside to treat chronic diseases, the kind that have been incurable or typically require heavy pharmacological or surgical intervention. From the GGSC to your bookshelf: 30 science-backed tools for well-being.Īt face value, the therapeutic promise of neuroplasticity that Doidge describes is astounding.

Norman doidge the brain that heals itself