AQUAPISCES

REACH FOR THE BALANCE

by Dev Bhattacharyya ‧ RELEASE DATE: July 27, 2017

A voluminous, detailed text on ayurvedic alternative medicine, astrology, yoga, and other related subjects.

In his latest book, herbalist and astrologer Bhattacharyya (Tepid Blue, 2016, etc.) asserts that “astrology, herbal wellness,” and other alternative practices “can narrow down [health] predictions accurately, confirm a diagnosis and offer supplements to a cure prescribed by a registered-practitioner on a multitude of mind and health problems.” The author bases his approach on the ideas of the “ancestors,” referring to those who studied and practiced astrology, ayurveda, and Chinese medicine in the past. He describes a holistic approach to wellness that takes into account not only physical well-being, but also emotional and mental health, diet, and even the seasons. Much of the book is devoted to astrology, which the author frames as “an extra pair of eyes” that can help one evaluate a malady and inform caregiving decisions. (The titular term “AquaPisces” refers to a “changeover” from the astrological Pisces era to the Aquarius era.) The book also includes many remedies, including massage, the consumption of herbs and other foods, and music therapy. Explanatory text makes use of colorful stories and occasional, useful metaphors (“Mantras mention the secret depths where medicines are found in the oceans. Metaphor of knowledge as ocean is a common occurrence in the [ancient Indian] Vedas”). Unfortunately, the presentation of information isn’t always reader-friendly. For example, the book is filled with terms that will likely be unfamiliar to most Western readers, including the various types of “dosha” (biological humors) and their numerous subtypes. At one point, the author notes in a story that “the intrigued students felt lost in the labyrinth of words and wellness verbiages”—a phrase that aptly describes the experience of readers of this book, as well, who may need to employ lengthy, intense study to fully comprehend and digest all of its information. There are quite a few tables and diagrams, but a glossary would have been helpful.

A wordy overview of complex concepts that’s not for the casual reader.

Pub Date: July 27, 2017

ISBN: 978-0-9978887-1-3

Page Count: 494

Publisher: Devb Inc

Review Posted Online: Oct. 30, 2017

Review Program: Kirkus Indie

Categories:

GENERAL NONFICTION