Dr Dean Ormish transformed the treatment of heart disease when he proved that it could be reversed through diet, and exercise. In this book he shows that the real epidemic is an emotional and spiritual heart disease - the profound sense of loneliness, isolation, alienation and depression in our society - and the most powerful factor in the healing process are feelings of love, connectedness and spiritual transformation. He proves that the healing power of love and intimacy is more important than any other factor in medicine - not diet, smoking, exercise, stress, genetics, drugs or surgery have a greater impact on our quality of life, incidence of illness and premature death from all causes. Dr Ornish writes both from his clinical research, and from his own struggles for intimacy and communication, sharing the techniques and strategies he has found effective in his personal life.