In the House of the Moon

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY 31 JUL 1995

While practicing psychotherapy in New York City, Elias became interested in the effectiveness of the mind and the body working in tandem to heal. Having already studied Gestalt therapy at the Esalen Institute in Big Sur, Calif., he took off on a tour of the world to study Eastern medical traditions. His practice as reconfigured by these experiences focuses on traditional Chinese medicine, and particularly on the ``Five Transforming Powers'' of Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water. Each is described at length, with associated physical and mental types and the problems attendant to an excess or deficiency of the various humors. Elias illustrates how acupuncture, herbs, diet and, importantly, understanding underlying emotional issues can correct imbalances, release vital energy and remedy problems with menopause, osteoporosis, and PMS. This is not really for a DIY-er unless you're comfortable with self-administered acupuncture. The aim is more inspirational. Annoyingly, though, inspirational zeal sometimes obscures fact, as when a story about the Sumerian goddess Inanna's trip to the netherworld aimed at ``reclaiming the feminine spirit of healing'' neatly sidesteps a crucial player--Inanna's older sister Ereshkigal, Destroyer of Life.