The publisher:

Description:
Vitalism, the recognition that the physical body is animated by a vital life forve, is the foundation of most natural healing therapies. The forefathers of alternative medicine discovered methods of healing the body by stimulating this life force. In Vitalism: The History of Herbalism, Homeopathy, and Flower Essences, Matthew Wood describes the theories, lives, and work of nine great physicians who laid the groundwork for natural medicine.

Author Biography:
Matthew Wood is a registered herbalist with the American Herbalists Guild, and has maintained a private practice as an herbalist for twenty years. He lives and practices at Sunnyfield Herb Farm in Minnetrista, Minnesota.

Reviews/Endorsements:
"...Vitalism shows the continuity of independent thinking from which all progress springs, and should bolster the spirits of those who are still being persecuted for deviating from the 'party line.'"
- Irene Alleger

"Matthew Wood has written an outstanding book, with much to contribute to the herbal renaissance and the coming of age of holistic medicine. It is a unique and important look at the history of western medicine from the perspective of vitalism."
- David Hoffman