In thirty-seven original essays written for this book, some of the world'sleaders in healing explore their personal and professional experiences in order to uncoverthe underlying principles on which all healing rests. Rather than focusing on diversetechniques, the writers seek the "golden thread" that ties together the wide range ofapproaches to healing. In simple, direct language, the contributors explore the complex nature of healingfrom many viewpoints. We hear from physicians, psychologists, nurses, metaphysicalhealers, and shamans. Their topics include: what healing really is and how it takes place the power of the healer within what to look for in a healer the function of spirituality in healing the dramatic effects of the healing relationship the role of attitudes and emotions love as a healing force healing and death The result is a grand synthesis of heartfelt thinking that offers a treasury of profoundinsights for people in the healing professions, people who seek to develop their ownhealing capacities, people who wish to benefit from healers, and anyone interested in themagical properties of human relationships.