Product Description

Michel Odent, the leading pioneer for natural childbirth, indicates that the period between conception and a child's first birthday is critical to life-long health. In this prophetic book - first published in 1986 and reproduced here in its original form - he argues that different parts of the 'primal adaptive system' develop, regulate and adjust themselves during foetal life and the time around birth and infancy. 'Everything which happens during this period of dependence on the mother has an influence on this basic state of health, this primal health.' He suggests that the later well-being of adults, their ability to withstand the 'diseases of civilization' such as hypertension, cancer, alcoholism and failures of the immune system resulting in AIDS, allergies and viral diseases, can all be traced back to society's ignorance of the vital importance of the primal period. Since the first edition of this groundbreaking work, research has continued apace, offering further evidence to substantiate Odent's ideas. In the important new "Introduction and Postscript", the author reviews recent developments and relates them to the central themes of Primal Health. This book is essential reading for all who care about the health of our children and the ongoing health of society as a whole.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #86733 in Books
• Published on: 2007-06-28
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 240 pages

Review
'Michel Odent asks the fundamental question that is often avoided: What is health? If you don't find it easy to come up with an answer - and especially if you do - read this book. It is brilliant!' - Sheila Kitzinger, author of Rediscovering Birth and Birth Your Way

Vogue
‘A revolutionary new book ... that challenges all our assumptions about health.'

Here’s Health
‘Fascinating and complex theories for everyone interested in delving deeply into the complex concept of health.’

Customer Reviews

A lone voice of sanity in the wilderness
Odent's research is exemplary. His startling conclusion, that most modern medical intervention in the birthing process is not only superfluous but damaging, needs to be heard by obstetricians and doctors - as well as prospective parents - now. As he says, the very health of our civilization is at stake. Read this book before you consider that hospital birth!

Challenging, charming, revolutionary
Michel Odent's writing has a style all of its own. He is capable of generalisations, going off at tangents and starting incomplete topics. But if you can stick with his charmingly quirky musings, there is genius behind his message.

He highlights the prime importance of life 'in utero' and the effect that a traumatic birth experience can have on us throughout our lives. He knowledgably and thoroughly illustrates the science (including hormonal reactions, brain formation and immune system development) behind his argument to give foetal life back the respect it is due.

But this is more than a book on childbirth, it is an open invitation to the entire medical profession - and anyone who cares about their own health - to consider how we view disease today. Odent suggests that most doctors are far too eager to treat symptoms of an illness (symptoms which are the body's way of raising the alarm) rather than look at the cause behind it. He encourages a comprehensively holistic approach, likening his method to constantly tending a garden to maintain optimum health.

Very thought-provoking - it should be standard issue to all health professionals!