David R. Hamilton - Why Woo-Woo Works

We sometimes call things woo-woo not because were experts on those subjects, but because were not experts and we havent dived into all the available science and research. In this book, David has done a stellar job in gathering the science and philosophy behind a range of seemingly woo-woo subjects and shown that they are, in fact, true-woo.

Vex King, #1 Sunday Times best-selling author of Good Vibes, Good Life

Dr. David Hamilton is one of the leading experts in the field of the mind-body connection. As a scientist, he bridges real science with human potential in order to prove to you how powerful you really are. This book will change your mind.

Dr. Joe Dispenza, New York Times best-selling author of You Are The Placebo

Science has historically looked askance when faced with traditional healing systems. We now realize that alternative therapies and Western methods can be used together to reach a state of lasting wellness.

Deepak Chopra

Why Woo-Woo Works is one of the clearest and most accurate expositions of alternative mind-body practices that Ive had the pleasure to read. Hamilton also offers explanations that help to demystify the woo-woo taboo. A delightful and inspiring read.

Dean Radin, Ph.D., Chief Scientist, Institute of Noetic Sciences

David is an incredibly inspirational man who Im proud to call a friend. His work has changed the lives of many and he stands out because he always strives to explore and answer the difficult questions using evidence and science, which in a world full of misinformation, is needed. A truly wonderful and fascinating book. A must-read!

Dr. Punam Krishan, GP, writer, and broadcaster

Davids emotionally moving and scientifically enlightening book delves deep into the big questions of spirituality and science. Read this book to open your mind and heart to the tremendous power of alternative therapies.

Dr. Nilesh Satguru, GP and high-performance coach

Reading this book is like David giving us a scientific toy arm to finally be able to scratch that itch on our back in that unreachable spot for those of us who have resonated with woo-woo since day one, but havent had the evidence-based research compiled all in one place to back up what we feel and have experienced to be true. If medical students and sceptics everywhere were required to read this book, the world would be a more harmonious and healthy place.

Kelly Noonan Gores, Director and Executive Producer of the HEAL documentary

Dr. David Hamilton is uniquely placed to give compassionate science-backed perspectives on the role that the mind plays in helping to heal the body. In this book, David delves into what we know, whilst making space for what we dont. The world needs more authors and scientists like David Hamilton.

Dr. Gemma Newman, GP and author of The Plant Power Doctor

As a conscious filmmaker and meditation teacher, I find Davids book highly valuable for those scientific nuggets that back up what we know intuitively to be true. He helps us all bridge the gap from woo-woo to, yes, you too!

Adam Schomer, producer of HEAL and The Road to Dharma

Dr. Hamilton has the courage to tackle subjects that are poorly understood and often approached with negative preconceived ideas. He is a true scientist, seeking facts and sharing his understanding with others. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in improving their own wellness.

Dr. Liza Thomas-Emrus, NHS GP Partner and meditation teacher at Revive Prescribed

Books

The Little Book of Kindness (2019)
How Your Mind Can Heal Your Body (2008, 2018)
The Five Side Effects of Kindness (2017)
I Heart Me (2015)
Choice Point (2012)
Is Your Life Mapped Out? (2012)
The Contagious Power of Thinking (2011)
Why Kindness Is Good for You (2010)
Destiny Vs Free Will (2007)
Its the Thought That Counts (2006)

Audio downloads

How Your Mind Can Heal Your Body (2018)
The Five Side Effects of Kindness (2017)
I Heart Me (2017)
Quantum Field Healing (2015)
Secrets and Rules for Attracting What You Want (2008)

Published in the United Kingdom by:
Hay House UK Ltd, The Sixth Floor, Watson House,
54 Baker Street, London W1U 7BU
Tel: +44 (0)20 3927 7290; Fax: +44 (0)20 3927 7291; www.hayhouse.co.uk

Published in the United States of America by:
Hay House Inc., PO Box 5100, Carlsbad, CA 92018-5100
Tel: (1) 760 431 7695 or (800) 654 5126
Fax: (1) 760 431 6948 or (800) 650 5115; www.hayhouse.com

Published in Australia by:
Hay House Australia Pty Ltd, 18/36 Ralph St, Alexandria NSW 2015
Tel: (61) 2 9669 4299; Fax: (61) 2 9669 4144; www.hayhouse.com.au

Published in India by:
Hay House Publishers India, Muskaan Complex,
Plot No.3, B-2, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi 110 070
Tel: (91) 11 4176 1620; Fax: (91) 11 4176 1630; www.hayhouse.co.in

Text David Hamilton, 2021

The moral rights of the author have been asserted.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced by any mechanical, photographic or electronic process, or in the form of a phonographic recording; nor may it be stored in a retrieval system, transmitted or otherwise be copied for public or private use, other than for fair use as brief quotations embodied in articles and reviews, without prior written permission of the publisher.

The information given in this book should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice; always consult a medical practitioner. Any use of information in this book is at the readers discretion and risk. Neither the author nor the publisher can be held responsible for any loss, claim or damage arising out of the use, or misuse, of the suggestions made, the failure to take medical advice or for any material on third-party websites.

A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library.

Tradepaper ISBN: 978-1-78817-501-2

eBook ISBN: 978-1-78817-546-3

Audiobook ISBN: 978-1-78817-613-2

The Oxford University Presss definition of woo-woo is Unconventional beliefs regarded as having little or no scientific basis, especially those relating to spirituality, mysticism, or alternative medicine. The term is believed to have been coined in the 1980s, possibly in imitation of the wailing sound associated with ghosts and the supernatural.

Many complementary therapies, healing modalities, treatments, and other practices, theories, and beliefs are often referred to as woo-woo, but this is because theyre not widely understood and most people are unaware that in some instances, theyve a sound basis in science.

In the late 1990s, after completing a Ph.D. in organic chemistry, I worked in the pharmaceutical industry, where I helped develop drugs for cardiovascular disease and cancer. Over time, I became fascinated by the fact that in clinical trials, the participants who were given a placebo (a dummy drug) instead of the real drug would very often see an improvement in their condition.