Dr. Galland explains how to work closely with your doctor through patient-centered diagnosis to identify the mediators, triggers, and antecedents of your illness. A mediator is anything that produces your symptoms, causes damage to your body, or changes your behavior. As Dr. Galland reveals, mediators need not be merely biochemical (e.g., stress hormones) - how we think and feel can mediate our illness. A trigger is anything that provokes a mediator. Triggers range from. The physical (infections, drugs, toxins) to the cognitive (social distress, anxiety, even memories of previous sickness). An antecedent is a risk factor that predisposes you to illness, such as your genetics, age, and even learning and conditioning. Drawing on fascinating case histories of medical detection to illustrate these principles, Dr. Galland guides you in identifying your own mediators, triggers, and antecedents, then teaches you how to implement the four. Pillars of healing to overcome illness and achieve optimum health.