In this book, Dr. Benson details how combining the power of our personal beliefs WITH the elicitation of the Relaxation Response produces an even more powerful healing effect on our emotions, physical health and sense of well being. Dr. Benson calls this combined effect The Faith Factor. He then goes on to detail how we can utilize the combination of the power of our beliefs linked with the meditative and prayerful qualities of the Relaxation Response to relieve headaches, reduce angina, decrease blood pressure, enhance creativity, overcome insomnia, prevent hyperventialtion, enhance cancer therapy, control panic attacks, lower cholesterol levels, alleviate backaches, reduce anxiety and achieve greater emotional balance and inner peace.

One special treat in my studies with Dr. Benson was to hear his telling of the story of his trip to Indian Himalayas to study the meditative practices of the Tibetan monks. Dr. Benson is a consummate storyteller and though you may miss the subtle humor and gentleness present in his live recounting of the story, you will get to read all about his trip in this book. For those of you who with a sense of adventure, you will be amazed at the retelling of his trip to Upper Dharmsala through narrow mountain passes into the thin mountain air. There they scientifically measured the ability of Tibetan monks to perform several different feats, including the ability of some monks to increase the skin temperature in their fingers and toes by up to 15 degrees using only the power of their minds to generate body heat!