I have discovered over the years, that life can be challenging. God desires to sustain us as we look for "splashes of His grace" every day. My desire is that through posts, or book reviews, you may find something that points you to the grace of God, and that He ultimately will make a difference in your life.

Saturday, January 23, 2010

This is Your Brain in Love -- by Dr. Earl Henslin


This is Your Brain in Love by Dr. Earl Henslin looks at the correlation between the brain and people's behaviors, and the way it causes them to interact in relationships. He has concluded that through the use of a SPECT scan, (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography imaging) obtained through Dr. Daniel Amen's Clinics, one can determine the exact area of the brain that is affected and therefore, through the use of supplements, food, or drugs, one can balance these areas in the brain that are overactive and solve issues in marriage that have long been sources of problems.

Chapters 1 - 3 are introductory, describing love and sexuality in the context of marriage and the importance of a healthy functioning brain in the midst of it. The following five chapters define different types of "lovers" (I feel better term would be personality types) -- "The Scattered Lover", "The Overfocused Lover", "The Blue Mood Lover", The Agitated Lover", and "The Anxious Lover". Each of these chapters begin with a quick test in order for you and your spouse to rate yourselves/each other to see if you fit this profile. Then, throughout the chapter there are suggestions as to how to deal with the problems associated with this "brain problem" as well as stories of couples who have found help dealing with these issues.

I found the scientific research of the brain fascinating and it reinforced my belief in our Creator who designed intricate systems of the body. The brain can affect our feelings and actions and in order to function to our full potential, our mind, spirit and body need to be healthy.

The final chapter gave the secrets to lasting love: kindness, patience, forgiveness, and honesty and why they are good for the brain.

I found the book to be interesting, but not quite what I expected when I looked at the title. I was hoping to find a book with more suggestions for deepening the marital relationship through spiritual and emotional connections, but instead, it felt more like an infomercial for the Amen Clinics. Though Dr. Henslin did recommend supplements at times before medications, and offered suggestions for dealing with each type of "lover", he always seemed to recommend the SPECT brain scan -- a costly scan that insurance did not cover. Those with limited resources or without access to an Amen Clinic, may tend to "blame" their problem on a faulty brain, and not deal with some of the underlying issues that have caused their brain to become faulty.

My husband and I didn't really fall into any one category particularly. We each have a few of the characteristics of each of them occasionally depending on our circumstance, so the book wasn't exceptionally helpful to me. But readers who rate very high in one category, may have their eyes opened for the first time, and begin to seek the help they need.

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