Emotions are the entry point of health and disease, according to Dr. Hollon, founder, CEO, and chief naturopathic doctor of Richmond Natural Medicine in Virginia. Once emotions enter, they can wreak havoc on entire generations of a family. Hollon simplifies the complex field of epigenetics (how environment, behavior, and emotions affect gene function and expression) in a gradual, stepped fashion that requires no medical background to understand.

First, illnesses (such as diabetes, asthma, and rheumatoid arthritis) can be passed down through families. Second, these traumas, or imprints, are transmitted by changes to our genes. Hollon streamlines the science supporting the above two statements. Copious case studies, detailed charts, common analogies, and an extensive glossary help explain how genes are physically altered by chemicals produced by the human body in response to emotions and the environment. This process is called "methylation," a biochemical "light switch" that turns on and off in response to events (e.g., trauma, burns, pregnancy, etc.) Methylation changes how a human gene expresses itself, such as brown eyes versus blue eyes, or, more crucially, a healthy versus an unhealthy brain, heart, and digestive system. Using a car engine comparison, Hollon enthusiastically explains that humans can "tune up" their bodies and reprogram epigenetic injuries resulting from our ancestors or from today.

A dazzling aspect of each chapter is a practical guide to identifying what is balanced or unbalanced in your human engine and how to begin a tune-up. Recognizing lineage trauma is the first step. Post-traumatic growth (PTG). ADD, autism, addiction, cancer, and other disease imprints are alleviated through therapies introduced in the final chapter, which include creativity, relaxation, movement, and practitioner-led support. Hollon has a rare gift for simplifying science. Equally important is a cheerleader style that marries hope with knowledge, making you "the driver in your own healing journey."

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