4For many years Brian Hopkinson has lived with ME-CFS (myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome), a debilitating condition that is largely misunderstood by the medical establishment and yet affects millions of people worldwide.

Following a series of harrowing incidents while working as a groundsman, Brian was pensioned off at the young age of 42, too ill to work.

He battled for years to convince his employer, friends and doctors that his illness was real and not 'all in his head'.

Despite struggling to undertake the simplest domestic tasks, he was determined to discover how he came to be so affected, and how he could relieve the worst symptoms through natural remedies. He fought to convince the authorities of the origin of his illness-organophosphate (OP) poisoning from the herbicides he used at work. He later appeared on TV, radio, newspapers and in a court of law to plead his case and look for answers.

Brian's condition developed into a generalised susceptibility, not just to OPs but also to everyday chemicals like solvents, household cleaners and perfumes, and even an inability to properly tolerate prescription drugs.

He then found reiki, or as Brian says, reiki found him.

A Poisoned Life - A Nourished Soul is an insightful and candid memoir that offers both comfort and hope to people living with ME-CFS.

If you are interested in environmental illness and the psychic supernatural, this is a must-read.