Love and Survival: 8 Pathways to Intimacy and Health

**Discover the Profound Connection Between Love, Intimacy, and Longevity with "Love and Survival: 8 Pathways to Intimacy and Health" by Dr. Dean Ornish** Are you seeking a deeper understanding of how human connection impacts your overall well-being? In "Love and Survival," renowned physician and researcher Dr. Dean Ornish presents a compelling case for the vital role of intimacy and love in promoting both physical and emotional health, even longevity. This groundbreaking book challenges conventional medical thinking, suggesting that our relationships are as crucial to our survival as diet, exercise, and other lifestyle factors. Dr. Ornish, a pioneer in lifestyle medicine and best known for his program to reverse heart disease, shares his revolutionary insights based on years of research and clinical practice. He argues that the true epidemic plaguing modern society isn't just physical heart disease, but a "spiritual heart disease" characterized by loneliness, isolation, alienation, and depression. These feelings of disconnect, he reveals, are not merely emotional burdens; they have a tangible and detrimental impact on our physical health, increasing the risk of heart disease, cancer, and other serious illnesses. "Love and Survival" explores the biological mechanisms through which intimacy influences our bodies. Dr. Ornish explains how feelings of love, connection, and belonging can reduce stress hormones, boost the immune system, and even alter gene expression in beneficial ways. He provides scientific evidence to support his claims, drawing on studies that demonstrate the power of social support and close relationships in promoting healing and extending lifespan. But this book is more than just a scientific treatise; it's also a practical guide to cultivating deeper and more meaningful relationships. Dr. Ornish outlines eight specific pathways to intimacy, offering concrete steps you can take to break down barriers, heal old wounds, and create more loving connections in your life. These pathways include: * **Forgiveness:** Learning to let go of past hurts and resentments, both towards yourself and others. * **Communication:** Developing open, honest, and vulnerable communication skills. * **Intimacy:** Exploring different forms of intimacy, including emotional, physical, and spiritual connection. * **Empathy:** Cultivating the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. * **Service:** Finding ways to contribute to something larger than yourself. * **Meditation and Mindfulness:** Practicing techniques to calm the mind and cultivate self-awareness. * **Nutrition:** Choosing a healthy diet that supports both physical and emotional well-being. * **Exercise:** Engaging in regular physical activity to reduce stress and boost mood. Through compelling anecdotes, personal stories, and practical exercises, Dr. Ornish empowers readers to transform their lives and create a more fulfilling and connected existence. "Love and Survival" is a must-read for anyone seeking to improve their health, deepen their relationships, and live a longer, happier life. Whether you're struggling with loneliness, looking to strengthen your existing relationships, or simply curious about the science of connection, this book offers a powerful and transformative message. Discover the medical basis for the healing power of intimacy and unlock your potential for love, health, and survival. This paperback edition (first edition, published in 1999) by William Morrow Paperbacks contains 320 pages.