Not only in class, but through this journey I've been on so far in life, I have learned and will continue to learn a LOT of different things. One thing I have realized that makes me very sad is that most Americans (especially) are sliding into this state of general illness. Since so many of us are living in this state of aches, pains, and dysfunction, this has become "normal". Sick is the new well! Isn't that great? So now we don't have to be "sick" unless we're REALLY sick. Awesomesauce.
We are looking to our western doctors to help make us feel better, when the truth is most really haven't studied proper nutrition and states of wellness in the body. They have studied surgery, pathology, and the use of pharmaceuticals. I know that sounds like I'm poo-pooing western medicine, and I guess in a way I am. Am I glad it's here? Yes. Absolutely. I do believe certain medications and procedures are necessary and life saving- especially in states of emergency. But, my experience has been that some of our physicians really just want to make us stop whining. Here's a pill, be quiet, and go away.
The symptoms we are so eager to be rid of are our body's way of communicating with us. These symptoms are conveying messages to instigate change and direct us back to a path of balance and wellness. As a society we've started cultivating this idea that our bodies are being disobedient and bothersome- and we'd better find something to take so we can get on with things. We are in a way shushing our best friend whenever they really need to get something off their chest. These are signs and signals that deeper reflection needs to take place.
I would like to bring to light the idea of listening to what your body is saying. Every once in a while I forget too, but the next time you feel an ache or a pain or in my case come down with a nasty cold that won't go away- really try and stop to hear what's truly going on. Maybe things have been too stressful and busy and your body is finally just saying "Nope. We need down-time. We need nurturing, and we are not getting better until you listen up." If you're finding yourself with multiple issues, how can you take back your health? Is it diet changes, exercise, finding enjoyment in life, making meaningful connections, or finding closure to old patterns and beliefs that no longer serve? What do you need to replenish and renew? What do you need to cull from your life where more harm is being done than good?
We all get these messages in one form or another- whether it's in our bodies or situations in life. First, we get a tapping on the window- some small sign that something is up. If we don't listen, there comes a knocking on the door. If we still have our head in the sand, the door gets broken down. As a last ditch effort the roof gets ripped off as a way of getting our attention that something is amiss- somewhere we need to be paying attention.
When it comes to treating the physical body and symptoms using a more natural means, it usually starts with feeding. Feeding the body with care and mindfulness. Building up stores of vitamins and minerals to help aid in what the body already wants to do: be well. It's amazing what can happen when we see this as an option. For me, working with "alternative" health care providers is essential to getting back on track. I need the expertise of an acupuncturist, naturopathically-inclined nurse practitioner, naturopathic doctor, nutritionist, and psychologist with mad spidey senses who all communicate with each other and work together to educate and heal me. I also was lead to a couple of people who really helped me understand some things from a spiritual point of view. It takes a village sometimes!
We can bring about great things with the use of proper foods and herbs as medicine, and begin to examine what our mind and spirit is going through as well. It takes time, though, to work through the sickness and begin again. I can tell you: it is worth it to keep digging down to the root and find the truth in the matter.
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