Snake Oil Part II

Why do I share this.  I share this because it’s part of my story.  It helped shape who I am today.  It started me on my path of self discovery, or maybe letting go of parts of myself that needed to be discarded.  I share this because I still have clients coming to me today that can’t get help for their complex issues because they do not fit into our present medical model of health.  I share this because I hope it may be inspiring to others...I believe there are answers if we are willing to look.  I share this because more change is needed.

We are not the sum of our individual parts! We are whole, and the body, mind, emotions and spirit all work together.  The medical model sees us like a car mechanic would a car; replace the muffler or put a new gasket on the manifold, and the problem is solved.

But is it that simple?  Is our physical body that simple?  What about when you add the emotional, mental and spiritual component?  Obviously even the physical body isn’t that simple, and though the medical community has a good understanding of how things work, we have far to go, but when you add the other components it becomes even more complex!

What does this mean, or how can this be applied?  

• Anything you do on any level will affect all other levels. Acupuncture, a more energy based therapy, affects our physical well being, but it also has an effect on our emotional and mental health. This is also true for Chiropractic, Massage, Counseling and many others.  This simply means that there are many ways to address an issue, and that all health issues need to be addressed from a more holistic approach for true healing to occur.

A simple example of this is someone presenting with a physical health issue with their colon.  The colons function is absorption of water and certain minerals, but its predominant function is elimination.  This can be addressed from a very physical perspective using laxatives, but it may also be related to other digestive issues which could benefit from Acupuncture, which can help the various organs come into greater balance and healthy function. Chiropractic on the other hand can help with nerve transmission to the digestive organs which can also be helpful.  Massage and other bodywork therapies; CranioSacral, Myofascial, etc. can of benefit by releasing restrictions in the area which can cause tension that leads to poor blood supply, muscle movement (the colon is a muscle), and poor function.  Counseling can affect mental health issues related to issues and trauma that the individual may be holding on to and hasn’t been able to “absorb/assimilate/eliminate”; this may even be related to an inability to forgive oneself with regard to past issues and relationships.

I share this with the hope that the medical community begin to listen to patients/clients and their symptoms again, knowing that our measuring instruments are still fallible. I have met many clients other than myself whose thyroid tests come out “normal”, but who have all the symptoms of Hypthyroidism.  And yet if a doctor treats a patient for thyroid issues without supporting blood work they can get into serious trouble with the board.  During my own health struggles I met many Gastroenterologists, but trained as they are no one was able to help me, until I met Dr. Rea, a Thoracic Surgeon, who ultimately performed colon surgery to resection my colon.  Why did the other doctors do nothing?  They didn’t see anything wrong on their tests.  In simple terms, I didn’t fit into their box.  They weren’t able to see the forest for the trees, and basically use “common sense”.

I share this so that others demand more from the medical community.  It is my hope that we kick insurance companies out of making medical decisions, and that we do the same to pharmaceutical companies.  It is my hope that we do what works, not what makes money.  It is my hope that we continue to integrate all areas of healthcare to get to a more comprehensive/cohesive system.

PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), Part II

Most people when they think of PTSD think of Veterans.  The fact is there is a wide range of people suffering from PTSD, and just as wide a range of degree of symptoms.

I suffered from PTSD due to a chronic illness I had in my twenties  I was ill for almost 8 years and came close to dying during the process.  Because I was chronically ill I developed a host of symptoms and problems.

My PTSD symptoms couldn't be categorized as debilitating.  I didn't wake up in cold sweats every night, nor did I hide under my bed during the day.  I did, however, have nightmares occasionally.  I also suffered from anxiety bordering on paranoia, and constantly felt defensive and scared.  I held beliefs such as, "I can't trust myself/others", "The world is not a safe place", and "I'm not safe".  All of this was enough to affect the quality of my life, my relationship with myself, and my relationships with others..

I took care of my physically needs first, which makes sense since my life revolved around getting well and learning about various health practices.  "Getting well" came in stages, however, like peeling an onion.  As my physical health began to improve and my body started to waken, my emotions began to come out; old unresolved issues/thoughts and beliefs began to surface.  Healing was happening.  During my illness I prayed / set the intent that I not only wanted to heal physically but on every level, though I didn't really know what that meant at the time.

This is my journey so it's not going to be the same for everyone.  I approached this process much the same way as I did my illness, with determination, bordering on obsessive-compulsive tendencies.  I continued, and continue to do things to take care of my physical needs, knowing my body, mind, and emotions are all intricately intertwined.

I eat well.  The food we eat becomes the building blocks that create our bodies and all their functions; neurotransmitters, hormones, enzymes, besides the more obvious ones.  So yes, the food we eat effects our entire person.

I find time every day to stretch / practice Yoga.  Stretching and Yoga when done mindfully help us to be more present / in the moment.  They help us release stress, increase our flexibility and oxygen intake into our muscles and organs, and increase our energy to name a few benefits.

I go to a Chiropractor every few weeks, though I don't have back problems.  Chiropractic helps the whole body.  As nerves running from the spine effect every organ and system in the body, maintaining good back health effects our overall health.  (though let me say I go to a gentle Chiropractor)

I take breaks throughout the day to take time for myself, to relax, to practice mindfulness, which as I've said helps me be more present.  This among other things has helped me to make friends with my emotions, and also challenge my thoughts and beliefs when they no longer serve me.  (I will be creating a Post called Mindfulness in the near future)

I learned these approaches during the time of my illness and healing.  There are other approaches I used in the past as well, to help me get to this place of healing.  I have been to Counseling, which not only helped me to process with someone in a safe space, but also helped me to become more comfortable with myself.  I have also utilized the services of a Hypnotherapist, an Acupuncturist, and Massage Therapists.  All of these experiences have become part of my journey and life, a tapestry if you will that continues to evolve.

What I have found is that no two people will follow the same path, though there are basic tools that I think make up the foundation for creating a healthy being.  The tools I have discussed in my own practice will be beneficial to anyone willing to spend the time on themselves.  After that, it becomes a personal experience, and each person will have to find what works / fits for them.

Health Care?

When most people think of health care reform, they think of medical care that may include cancer care, heart, Alzheimer’s, lupus, and other health care needs. Sick care. There are times we all need this type of care, but with chronic health issues on the rise, more and more we need to take further responsibility for our own care. That’s what I call health care, or preventative care. We hear about it, we talk about it in spurts, we may even know a little about it, but as a society we don’t embrace it.

What I am taking about here is taking care of our mind, emotions, body and spirit, since they are not separate entities, but rather in my experience are always working together to find balance and harmony. I will spend a few sentences discussing each, and then provide a summary.

There has been so much written about nutrition, that there is almost nothing left to be said. Diet this, don’t eat that, juice this. We eat foods that contain chemicals that we never used to consume 100’s of years in the past. These chemicals and others from our water and air are new to our bodies. It makes sense then to eat the cleanest food possible, and to buy a good water filter system for our homes. Finally eating a balanced diet, incorporating seasonal foods, as well as foods grown in your area seems to be the easiest and best alternative to eating right. Forget diet, this is your life, not a semester at school.

Exercise in moderation. Get a fitness trainer if you feel uncomfortable with the gym and equipment, or just don’t know where to start, and work with your body to find its rhythm. Don’t push it. Forget what your gym teacher said. Learn to listen to your body.

Either for maintenance or if you are having health issues find a good support system. I have tried and done it all; acupuncture, massage, cranio-sacral therapy, chiropractic, myofascial therapy, etc. Each has it’s place, and each one will effect your whole being, and your total health. I personally go to a Chiropractor once a month, not because I have back problems, but because it helps everything flow, as well as helping my mind, and emotions.

Learn to take care of yourself. As I went through my counseling program I heard that a lot. “Take care of yourself.” But what does that mean? To me it can mean things like diet, exercise, massage, yoga, but it also means taking time for myself; meditation, prayer, reading a book, a walk in nature, a nice bath, and if you have the facility, sauna. To go along with this I will add counseling and other care techniques, which can include breath, biofeedback, and relaxation techniques, some of which you can do on your own. Our minds are powerful tools, and too often lack the training to help us live happier, healthier lives. Acknowledge your thoughts, and “issues” that come up for you; bless them, and then decide if you want to continue to hold on to them. You have more choice then you may believe.