10 Best-Selling Healing Books Millions Love

Explore Healing books endorsed by Richard Branson, Judith Herman, and Charlie Carver—top experts recommending proven approaches to healing

Richard Branson
Charlie Carver
Updated on June 28, 2025
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There's something special about books that both critics and crowds love, especially in the world of healing, where understanding and hope converge. Healing remains a vital pursuit as millions seek validated approaches that truly resonate and deliver insight. These books have not only sold well but come endorsed by experts with deep experience in trauma, energy medicine, and nutrition, making their value widely recognized.

Experts like Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Group, have praised works such as Eat to Beat Disease for inspiring a new look at nutrition’s role in health. Judith Herman, Clinical Professor at Harvard Medical School, highlights The Body Keeps the Score for its groundbreaking trauma insights. Actor and activist Charlie Carver has shared his personal appreciation for this book, pointing to its accessibility and emotional depth.

While these popular books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific healing needs might consider creating a personalized Healing book that combines these validated approaches into one unique guide designed just for them.

Best for trauma healing insights
Charlie Carver, an actor and activist known for thoughtful advocacy, found this book deeply impactful during his own exploration of trauma's effects. He shares simply, "It’s such a great book! 🙌" This aligns with how the book has resonated widely, offering insights into trauma’s imprint on brain and body that many have found illuminating. His endorsement highlights the book's accessibility and emotional resonance, encouraging you to consider its approach if you seek to understand trauma beyond surface symptoms. Naomi Wolf also praises it for its depth, reflecting the book’s reach among diverse voices engaged with healing and personal transformation.

Recommended by Richard Schwartz

Developer of Internal Family Systems therapy

This is an amazing accomplishment from the neuroscientist most responsible for the contemporary revolution in mental health toward the recognition that so many mental problems are the product of trauma. With the compelling writing of a good novelist, van der Kolk revisits his fascinating journey of discovery that has challenged established wisdom in psychiatry. Interspersed with that narrative are clear and understandable: descriptions of the neurobiology of trauma; explanations of the ineffectiveness of traditional approaches to treating trauma; and introductions to the approaches that take patients beneath their cognitive minds to heal the parts of them that remained frozen in the past. All this is illustrated vividly with dramatic case histories and substantiated with convincing research. This is a watershed book that will be remembered as tipping the scales within psychiatry and the culture at large toward the recognition of the toll traumatic events and our attempts to deny their impact take on us all. (from Amazon)

2014·464 pages·Healing, Mental Health, Trauma, Neuroscience, Mindfulness

Bessel van der Kolk's decades of experience as a trauma expert and psychiatrist shine through in this exploration of how trauma reshapes the brain and body. You’ll find detailed insights into how traumatic stress rewires areas of the brain responsible for trust, engagement, and control, along with explanations of innovative treatments like neurofeedback, yoga, and mindfulness. The book goes beyond traditional talk therapy, offering alternative approaches grounded in neuroscience and clinical observation. If you’re interested in understanding trauma’s deep biological impact and exploring healing beyond medication, this book provides a clear-eyed view backed by case studies and research.

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Best for mind-body pain relief
What sets this book apart in the healing field is its focus on the mind-body connection as a root cause of chronic back pain. It offers a widely recognized alternative to drugs and surgery by addressing emotional factors that manifest as physical symptoms. This approach benefits those who have struggled with persistent pain and are seeking noninvasive solutions to reclaim their daily lives. The book's insights into Tension Myoneural Syndrome invite readers to reconsider pain management through psychological understanding and active engagement in recovery.

After analyzing numerous cases of chronic pain, Dr. John E. Sarno developed a theory that challenges traditional beliefs about back pain. His research introduces Tension Myoneural Syndrome (TMS), a condition where emotional stress triggers physical pain by restricting oxygen to muscles and nerves. You’ll learn how acknowledging emotions like anger and anxiety can alleviate symptoms and why resuming physical activity swiftly is crucial. This book suits anyone struggling with persistent back pain who’s open to exploring the psychological roots behind their discomfort rather than conventional structural explanations.

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Best for personal healing plans
This AI-created book on trauma healing is tailored to your unique experience and goals. By sharing your background and the specific areas you want to focus on, you receive a guide that matches your needs precisely. This personalized approach makes complex healing concepts easier to engage with and helps you navigate your recovery path with clarity and confidence.
2025·50-300 pages·Healing, Trauma Recovery, Emotional Resilience, Somatic Techniques, Mindfulness

This tailored book explores step-by-step healing techniques designed specifically for your trauma recovery journey. It combines widely valued knowledge with your personal interests, creating a focused guide that reveals methods to soothe emotional wounds and rebuild resilience. The content carefully examines diverse healing paths, from somatic practices to mindfulness and energy work, matching your background and addressing your unique goals. By concentrating on approaches that resonate with your experience, it offers a clear, engaging roadmap to support your well-being. This personalized book invites you to engage deeply with healing practices that have empowered millions, adapted thoughtfully to your specific needs and aspirations.

Tailored Guide
Trauma Recovery Insights
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for herbal healing beginners
Rosemary Gladstar's Medicinal Herbs offers an inviting introduction to using plants for healing, a field where her decades of experience lend credibility. The book's accessible approach, featuring 33 common herbs and instructions on growing, harvesting, and preparing remedies like tinctures and creams, makes it popular among those seeking natural wellness solutions. It appeals to anyone wanting to build an herbal medicine cabinet with affordable, all-natural options to address everyday health concerns. This guide highlights how simple practices can enhance your self-care through botanical knowledge.
2012·224 pages·Alternative Medicine, Healing, Herbal Remedies, Plant, Plant Cultivation

After decades advocating herbal medicine, Rosemary Gladstar developed this approachable guide to help you integrate nature's remedies into daily life. You learn to identify, cultivate, and craft preparations from 33 accessible plants, such as creating aloe lotion for skin irritations or lavender tea to calm stress. The book balances botanical knowledge with practical tips on harvesting and preparation, making it ideal for anyone curious about herbal healing. Whether you want to supplement your wellness routine or explore alternative medicine basics, this book offers clear, hands-on guidance without overwhelming jargon.

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Best for somatic trauma recovery
Waking the Tiger stands out in the healing realm by drawing on nature's wisdom to explain trauma. It challenges common views by exploring why wild animals, despite constant threats, avoid trauma symptoms, offering an instinctual framework for human healing. This approach guides you through recognizing bodily sensations tied to trauma and applying exercises to release them, making it helpful for anyone affected by trauma or working in healing professions. Its widespread adoption and translation into 24 languages reflect its enduring impact in trauma recovery circles.
Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma book cover

by Peter A. Levine, Ann Frederick·You?

1997·288 pages·Healing, PTSD, Trauma Recovery, Somatic Therapy, Body Awareness

What started as an exploration into why wild animals rarely suffer trauma led Peter A. Levine, a respected trauma therapist, to develop a distinctive approach to healing trauma in humans. This book explains trauma through the lens of instinctual bodily responses, revealing how symptoms arise and persist long after the original event. You learn to recognize and work with subtle bodily sensations, using guided exercises to release trapped energy and restore balance. If you're someone grappling with trauma's lingering effects or a therapist seeking somatic tools, this book offers a grounded, experience-based pathway to recovery.

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Best for energy healing exploration
Hands of Light offers a distinctive look at healing through the lens of human energy fields. Barbara Brennan, with a background in physics and healing, presents a method that bridges scientific observation and spiritual insight. This book has resonated with many seeking to understand the subtle energies that influence health and wellness. Its detailed approach benefits anyone interested in expanding their healing practices or deepening their knowledge of energy anatomy within the healing field.
Hands of Light book cover

by Barbara Brennan·You?

1988·294 pages·Healing, Energy Healing, Human Energy, Energy Anatomy, Emotional Health

After years as a NASA physicist turned healer, Barbara Brennan developed a unique system exploring the human energy field in "Hands of Light." You’ll learn to recognize and interpret the layers of energy surrounding the body, gaining insights into emotional and physical imbalances. Brennan’s detailed descriptions of energy anatomy and healing techniques invite you into a blend of science and spirituality rarely seen together. This book suits those curious about self-healing, energy medicine, or expanding their understanding of human health beyond traditional methods.

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Best for rapid relief plans
This AI-created book on pain relief and stress management is tailored to your personal background, interests, and goals. By sharing what you want to focus on and your current experience, you receive a guide that matches your needs exactly. This custom approach means you can explore healing methods that resonate with you, making your journey toward relief more effective and meaningful.
2025·50-300 pages·Healing, Healing Basics, Pain Management, Stress Relief, Mind-Body Connection

This personalized book unveils fast-acting approaches to relieve chronic pain and stress tailored to your unique background and needs. It explores a blend of widely validated healing techniques alongside insights that align with your specific interests, helping you navigate the complexities of chronic discomfort with clarity and focus. The text covers mind-body connections, relaxation methods, and natural remedies, all crafted to suit your experience level and personal goals. By concentrating on your individual journey, this book offers a targeted learning experience that makes navigating healing practices both accessible and engaging.

AI-Tailored
Rapid Relief Methods
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for faith-based healing seekers
This book explores the enduring power of divine healing through faith, emphasizing that healing is not based on human merit but on the nature of Christ. It offers a scriptural framework that has resonated with many seeking spiritual and physical restoration. By addressing why healing is often unseen, it invites readers to reconsider their understanding of faith’s role in health. Those who look for a faith-centered perspective on healing will find this work a thoughtful companion to their spiritual journey.
2016·151 pages·Healing, Spirituality, Faith, Salvation, Divine Power

Andrew Murray challenges common doubts about divine healing by grounding his insights firmly in biblical faith. He explores how healing, both spiritual and physical, is accessible through faith in Christ rather than human effort, clarifying misconceptions that often prevent believers from embracing this power. You’ll find chapters discussing the connection between salvation and healing, and why unbelief limits the manifestation of divine power. This book suits anyone wrestling with the interplay of faith and healing, especially those seeking a scriptural perspective on why healing occurs or doesn’t. It’s a focused reflection rather than a medical guide, offering spiritual clarity more than practical health strategies.

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Best for crystal healing novices
Karen Frazier is an intuitive energy healer, psychic medium, author, and musician known for her expertise in energy healing and metaphysics. She has written extensively on crystals and their healing properties and contributes to Paranormal Underground Magazine. Her deep understanding of crystal energy, combined with her communication skills, makes this book a practical guide for anyone interested in exploring crystal healing to harmonize body, mind, and spirit.
2017·208 pages·Healing, Energy Work, Crystal Therapy, Chakra Balancing, Emotional Health

Millions have turned to Karen Frazier’s guide to understand how crystals can influence emotional and spiritual well-being. She breaks down complex energy concepts into approachable practices, like curating a personalized crystal collection and using healing mantras and crystal grids to balance chakras. The book offers detailed profiles of 50 different crystals, helping you identify which stones can assist with stress, anxiety, and emotional blockages. If you’re curious about integrating crystals into your self-care routine or want to explore alternative healing methods, this book provides clear, hands-on insights without overwhelming jargon.

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Best for spiritual healing guidance
Kenneth E. Hagin's God's Medicine stands out in the healing genre by framing health restoration directly through the lens of scripture. This brief yet impactful book draws on religious teachings to offer a unique prescription for well-being, inviting you to take your healing medicine from God's Word. Its approach appeals to those who consider faith an integral part of their healing journey, providing spiritual nourishment alongside physical health insights. As a concise guide, it addresses the need for accessible spiritual tools in healing, making it relevant for anyone seeking to blend faith and wellness.
God's Medicine book cover

by Kenneth E. Hagin·You?

1983·32 pages·Healing, Religion, Faith, Spirituality, Wellness

Kenneth E. Hagin's book offers a distinctive perspective by directly linking spiritual health to healing, presenting God's Word as the ultimate prescription for wellness. In just 32 pages, you explore how faith and scripture interweave to influence physical and emotional restoration, with a focus on applying biblical principles as a form of medicine. This concise guide suits those seeking a spiritual approach to health, particularly readers interested in the intersection of religion and healing practices. The book's brevity doesn't dilute its message; instead, it distills complex ideas into accessible insights that challenge conventional views on healing.

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Best for emotional trauma recovery
Stan Tatkin, founder of Psychobiological Approach to Couple Therapy®, highlights how Jackson MacKenzie's warm and articulate style distills healing principles that resonate deeply with survivors of trauma. Tatkin emphasizes that while self-healing alone is challenging, this book's tools and community support provide a valuable foundation for those not yet ready for therapy. His reflection that it "helps you begin the journey toward healing" echoes why so many turn to this book for guidance. Together with Jillian Pransky, who praises its heart-centered approach to uncovering buried pain, their endorsements underscore the book’s practical impact in helping you reclaim emotional wholeness.

Recommended by Stan Tatkin

Founder of Psychobiological Approach to Couple Therapy

In Whole Again, Jackson MacKenzie has synthesized the important basic principles and tools of healing and writes in a style that is both warm and articulate. Whole Again offers a good starting point for those not yet ready for therapy or in conjunction with therapy. It is almost impossible to deal effectively on your own with the effects of trauma and abuse, but having a supportive community and using the simple tools in this book can help you begin the journey toward healing. (from Amazon)

Jackson MacKenzie draws on his extensive experience supporting survivors of toxic relationships to guide you through the complex aftermath of emotional abuse. He helps you recognize lingering trauma symptoms such as numbness, perfectionism, and toxic shame, then offers mindfulness and introspective exercises to reconnect with your true self. Chapters like the one on identifying your protective self provide concrete tools to move beyond codependency and complex PTSD. This book is suited for anyone recovering from toxic or narcissistic abuse who wants to rebuild self-love and emotional resilience without rushing into therapy immediately.

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Best for healing through nutrition
Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Group, shares his enthusiasm after hearing Dr. William Li discuss Eat to Beat Disease at a Virgin Unite event, highlighting the inspiring power of food choices. His endorsement reflects the book's wide appeal and its focus on empowering individuals through nutrition. Branson’s perspective aligns with many readers who seek actionable insights into healing through diet. Alongside him, Ben Greenfield, a health and longevity expert, points to this book as a valuable resource for understanding diet's role in combating disease, further underscoring its relevance for anyone aiming to enhance their wellbeing.
RB

Recommended by Richard Branson

Founder and CEO of Virgin Group

After hearing Dr. William Li discuss his brilliant book, Eat to Beat Disease, at a Virgin Unite gathering, I’m feeling inspired by the power that lies in our food choices: (from X)

2019·496 pages·Healing, Health, Nutrition, Disease Prevention, Angiogenesis

What happens when a Harvard-trained physician and medical researcher turns his focus to the power of food? Dr. William W. Li challenges conventional wisdom by revealing how over 200 everyday foods can activate your body’s natural defense systems to fight diseases like cancer, diabetes, and dementia. You'll learn to identify key foods and understand their specific roles in boosting angiogenesis, regeneration, immunity, and DNA protection. This book suits anyone curious about using nutrition not just for sustenance but as a strategic tool for health resilience and disease prevention. The chapters on microbiome-friendly foods and immune system support offer concrete examples to reshape your eating habits.

New York Times Bestseller
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Proven Healing Methods, Personalized for You

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Expertly validated methods
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Trusted by thousands seeking expert-validated healing strategies

Healing Mastery Blueprint
30-Day Healing System
Energy Healing Secrets
Nutrition Success Formula

Conclusion

This collection reveals clear themes: a focus on the mind-body connection, the value of alternative and spiritual approaches, and the importance of nutrition in healing. If you prefer proven methods to understand trauma and pain, start with The Body Keeps the Score and Healing Back Pain. For validated approaches blending energy and spirituality, Hands of Light and Divine Healing offer distinct perspectives.

For those interested in nutrition's role, Eat to Beat Disease provides science-backed strategies to support your body's resilience. Alternatively, you can create a personalized Healing book to combine proven methods with your unique needs. These widely-adopted approaches have helped many succeed in their healing journeys, underscoring their lasting value.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with The Body Keeps the Score if trauma interests you, or Healing Back Pain for chronic pain. Both offer foundational insights recommended by multiple experts and provide a strong base before exploring other topics.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Healing?

Not at all. Books like Rosemary Gladstar's Medicinal Herbs and Crystals for Beginners are designed for newcomers, offering approachable guides to natural healing methods and energy work.

What's the best order to read these books?

Begin with books addressing your immediate concerns—trauma, pain, or nutrition. Then explore spiritual or energy healing like Divine Healing or Hands of Light to broaden your perspective.

Do I really need to read all of these, or can I just pick one?

You can definitely pick one that matches your current needs. Each book stands on its own, but together they offer a richer understanding of healing's many facets.

Which books focus more on theory vs. practical application?

The Body Keeps the Score blends theory with case studies, while Healing Back Pain and Rosemary Gladstar's Medicinal Herbs offer practical steps you can apply immediately.

How can I get healing advice tailored specifically for me?

Yes! While these expert books provide valuable insights, a personalized Healing book can combine their best methods with your unique background and goals. Learn more here.

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