The Genie in Your Genes: Epigenetic Medicine and the New Biology of Intention

393 Pages·2014·25.15 MB·English

by  Dawson Church

“Dawson Church has given us a fascinating, practical synthesis of cutting-
edge science, medicine, psychology, and spirituality. Through stories,
metaphors, research reports, and really good writing, he takes us on a journey
into the future of healing, helping us to grasp the inseparability between spirit
and matter. Reading it can inspire us toward full co-creative participation in
building a healthier world.”
—Susan Campbell, PhD, Author of Saying What’s Real
“A brilliant amalgamation of the complexities of quantum biology and physics
that form the basis of energy psychotherapies in language that is easily
understood by us all. This groundbreaking book captures the essence of the
problem in health care and beckons us to rise up as one to usher in the quantum
leap needed in our society.”
—Greg Nicosia, PhD, Past President, Association for Comprehensive Energy
Psychology (ACEP)
“I’m compelled to say that The Genie in Your Genes is in my view the most
complete and lucidly written book on medical science and alternative medicine. I
have never read a single book that so eloquently uses science to practically and
concretely validate the long frowned upon power of metaphysical concepts like
faith, belief, prayer, meditation, yoga, acupuncture, etc. With mountains of
research at his disposal, Dawson Church shows that contrary to the long-held
belief by the medical establishment that our genes dictate our destiny, it’s
actually the other way around. Our consciousness and external environment
actually exert much more influence on the genes than vice versa, literally
switching genes on and off moment by moment at the speed of thought. It is
evident that Church goes to painstaking lengths to bring this profound work to
the layperson, and does a phenomenal job in the process. I’ve barely skimmed
the surface—the rest is for you to explore—but I close by making this bold
statement. Humanity unequivocally needs this brilliant work. For a single work,
The Genie in Your Genes is absolutely the most empowering and enlightening
scientific work I’ve ever read. This is one for the ages.”
—The Worderer
“The Genie In Your Genes is a revolutionary book that reveals why your
genetic code doesn’t determine your fate. Instead, your mind (and your
behavior) has extraordinary control over the expression of your genes,
determining your level of health, prevention of disease and much more.”
—Market Watch
“Defining destiny through DNA has been a standard medical practice for
decades. The Genie in Your Genes…challenges this fatalistic theory.… Citing
more than 300 medical studies, [Dawson Church] proposes that DNA can be
altered through the power of belief. Weaving his way through physics, genetics
and biology, Church explores how emotions and difficult experiences can affect
health. Negative feelings and painful life experiences can create sickness.… The
correlation between health and consciousness has been missing the scientific
evidence to back it up. Perhaps Church’s book will open up a few minds to the
possibilities of alternative medicine.”
—Laura Axelrod, Birmingham News
“First of all, if you are a newcomer to Dawson Church’s writing, you need to
know that his facts are unimpeachable—they were stringently peer-reviewed
before publication. What is more, when Church makes categorical statements,
he provides research to corroborate them. This is a book that needs to be read
more than once. For one thing, it is jam-packed with information. First-time
read, it inspires. After that, the book becomes a first-class reference manual for
“You, the ultimate epigenetic engineer” as Church puts it. I don’t usually use
superlatives in my reviews, but this book deserves them. It can prove life-
changing for those who take it seriously.”
—Chemistry Bookshelf
“Fascinating reading with powerful treatment possibilities for healthcare
practitioners, as well as revolutionary philosophical implications for the causal
interrelationships among genes, the brain, consciousness, and healing. Highly
recommended!”
—Richard de la Chaumiére, PhD, Author of What’s It All About?
“Faith, prayer, thoughts, emotions, intentions, and beliefs are vital
components to creating a space for healing and balance to occur. For those who
have questions on the science of this emerging field, numerous studies are cited
—there are nearly 400 endnotes—and dozens of researchers, doctors, and
practitioners reviewed the manuscript. Well-researched, fast-moving, grounded
in credible science while fancifully speculative, The Genie in Your Genes offers
tantalizing proof that we are on the verge of a spectacular breakthrough in our
understanding of how optimal health is achieved and maintained. For those who
feel that the future of medicine will be energy-and consciousness-based, this
book will become a dog-eared friend.”
—Shift magazine, Institute of Noetic Sciences
“Challenges the long-held notion that genetic structure is determined at birth
and its role in developing different traits remains stable after birth. Besides
explaining cogently the complex interplay of electromagnetic energy, body
chemistry, and physiological healing from disease, The Genie in Your Genes
explores several less-known phenomena like: mirror neurons, piezoelectricity in
our bodies, changes in DNA influenced by one’s intention, healing frequencies
of therapists, entanglement, and much more. So exhaustive is Dawson Church’s
coverage of his case for energy healing that the question of ‘Why use alternate
healing?’ changes to ‘Why not try energy medicine first?’ Coming fully
referenced and listing many important healing techniques as well as useful
sources of information, The Genie in Your Genes is a commendable read for all
educated readers, particularly for science buffs and, of course, a must read for
those millions of people who are suffering from some form of stress.”
—Ernest Dempsey, The Audience Review
“Dawson Church provides a far-ranging survey of the leading edges of
research in alternative medicine—especially energy medicine—and synthesizes
research from many fields to provide practical guidelines for personal health.”
—Berney Williams, PhD, Dean of Graduate Studies, Energy Medicine
University, Sausalito, California
“Covers a complex subject, yet is written in a way that makes the topic clear.
It is well researched, well referenced and at the end is an appendix that gives
you further information on how to find a practitioner and some exercises that
you can do on your own. This book should be read by practitioners of medicine,
alternative therapists, science students and people who have psychological
stress or chronic health problems believed to be caused by genetic defaults. The
Genie in Your Genes will open your eyes and give you hope that you can control
your life.”
—Reader Views
“To counter the invasive nature of allopathic therapeutic techniques,
currently forming the bulk of mainstream treatment, alternate healing experts
are knuckling down on scientific research that validates noninvasive, simpler,
safer, and less expensive treatment methods. Part of the groundbreaking work in
this direction comes from Dawson Church, founder of the National Institute for
Integrative Healthcare (NIIH), a nonprofit education and research institute that
focuses on consciousness and energy as primary modalities. In his recent book
The Genie in Your Genes, Dawson Church probes into the complex processes
that switch on, or turn off, the genes in our bodies, a process that determines
whether or not certain healing responses will be triggered. The pages of the
book are filled with some of the most amazing findings on genes and illnesses,
and their connection with the flow of electromagnetic energy in the body.”
—Bookpleasures
“This book builds a bridge between genetics and health care, and lays the
critical scientific foundation for alternative and complementary medicine.
Dawson Church gathers and synthesizes new information at the frontiers of
science and medicine, putting it all together in a most enjoyable, readable, and
provocative book—complete with practical information including exercises for
daily life that promote greater health and well-being. It is sure to facilitate the
health care revolution under way—one leading us toward sustainable medicine
and enhanced self-care.”
—Beverly Rubik, PhD, President, Institute for Frontier Science
“Put simply, epigenetics is the study of how environment works to turn genes
on and off. Our genes are not our destiny. Rather, they’re like the first draft of a
movie script. Lots of changes are possible all throughout the creative process we
call life. The people, places and circumstances we deliberately or “accidently”
find ourselves in the midst of, actually work to change genetic expression within
us; as do the things we think, feel and believe on a moment-by-moment basis.
Whether we know it or not, or believe it or not, we are constantly performing
epigenetic engineering on our own cells. So is the outside environment in a
dynamic, lifelong interplay. Dawson Church has written a very readable account
of this growing medical research field.”
—Brady on the Brain
“Though this book is not an easy read, it offers a wealth of information on
coming to terms with a person’s health and ability to rely on his own
consciousness to direct his well-being. Dawson explains his theory of epigenetic
medicine, the notion that there are healing techniques each person can employ
to override the effects of the genes that we think control our bodies. This
overriding or correcting of errant genetic expression is not a matter of ‘wishful
thinking’ or ‘good thoughts’ but an active control of our consciousness. In fact,
the pivotal chapter between the scientific explanation of genetics and the ‘how
to’s’ of putting consciousness into action is called ‘Consciousness as
Medicine.’”
—MyShelf
“In The Genie in Your Genes, Dawson Church reveals, in a most powerful,
practical, and hopeful way, the extraordinary link among body, mind, and spirit,
and the undeniable impact of our thoughts and emotions on our everyday
experiences. Anyone who reads this book and takes its remarkable information
to heart will be equipped to draw to themselves a level and degree of health,
abundance, and joy that far surpasses anything they could have imagined.”
—Susan Schachterle, Author of The Bitch, the Crone, and the Harlot
“The Genie in Your Genes is an astonishing look at how our beliefs, thoughts,
and emotions impact every aspect of our very being. If you want to know where
medicine and psychology are headed in the next hundred years, and how to
create extraordinary well-being in your life—right now—this is the book to
read.”
—Ray Dodd, Author of Belief Works and The Power of Belief
“Dawson Church has done an amazing service by providing an integrative
scientific foundation for Energy Psychology and energy medicine. The Genie in
Your Genes is on my list of required readings for all health and mental health
professionals.”
—Fred P. Gallo, PhD, Author of Energy Psychology

Energy Psychology Press Santa Rosa, CA 95403
www.EnergyPsychologyPress.com
Cataloging-in-Publication Data Church, Dawson, 1956—
The genie in your genes: epigenetic medicine and the new biology of intention / Dawson Church. 3rd
Edition p. cm.
ISBN: 978-1-60415-243-2
1. Energy psychology. 2. Genetic regulation. 3. Epigenesis. 4. Healing—Psychological aspects. I. Title.
RC489.E53C48 2007
616.89—dc22
2007009305
Copyright © 2014, Dawson Church The information in this book is not to be used treat or diagnose any
particular disease or any particular patient. Neither the author nor the publisher is engaged in rendering
professional advice or services to the individual reader. The ideas, procedures, and suggestions in this book
are not intended as a substitute for consultation with a professional health care provider. Neither the author
nor the publisher shall be liable or responsible for any loss or damage arising from any information or
suggestion in this book.
All illustrations and photographs in this book are © istockphoto, © Dawson Church, or are copyright-
free, except where noted in the endnotes.
Figures and quotes identified in the endnotes as drawn from Energy Medicine in Therapeutics and
Human Performance are reprinted with permission of Elsevier, and are copyright © 2004 James Oschman.
Selections from The Promise of Energy Psychology identified in the endnotes are used with permission of
Tarcher/Penguin, and are copyright © 2005 David Feinstein, Gary Craig, and Donna Eden.
Excerpts from The Psychobiology of Gene Expression identified in the endnotes are used with permission
of Norton, and are copyright © 2002 Ernest Rossi.
The appendix “Five Minute Energy Routine” is reprinted from Energy Medicine Interactive ©2006 by
Donna Eden and David Feinstein and is used with permission.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or
transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwise,
without prior written permission from Energy Psychology Press, with the exception of short excerpts used
with acknowledgment of publisher and author. The information in this book is not meant to diagnose or
treat any individual or disease, and cannot be used in place of medical or psychological care.
Typeset in Hoefler Text and Capitals Printed in USA
Third Edition
Illustrations by Karin Kinsey Cover Design by Robert Mueller and Victoria Valentine 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Important Note: While the methods in this book may have produced
remarkable clinical results, they must still be considered to be in the
experimental stage and thus practitioners and the public must take complete
responsibility for their use of them. Further, the author offers the information in
this book solely as his opinion. Readers are strongly cautioned and advised to
consult with a physician, psychologist, psychiatrist, or other licensed health care
professional before utilizing any of the information in this book. The information
is from sources believed to be accurate and reliable and every reasonable effort
has been made to make the information as complete and accurate as possible, but
such completeness and accuracy cannot be guaranteed and is not guaranteed.
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Contents
Acknowledgments
Preface to the Third Edition
1. EPIGENETIC HEALING
Turning Gene Research into Therapy
The Dance of Genes and Neurons
The Dogma of Genetic Determinism
Death of a Dogma
The Inner and Outer Environment
Your Body Reads Your Mind
Steps in Genetic Expression
Signals from Outside the Cell
Magic Precedes Science
Epigenetic Medicine
2. YOU: THE ULTIMATE EPIGENETIC ENGINEER
DNA Is Not Destiny
Nurturing Epigenetic Change
Childhood Stress Results in Adult Disease
It’s the Gene Show, and You’re the Director
Beliefs and Biochemistry