ŌTAKE CONTROL OF YOUR HEALTHÕ
part one: regaining balance
WeÕve all have times in our
lives when life just seems to flow, our body feels good, we sleep well, we take
on healthy challenges at work and home, the stress of a busy demanding life is
there but weÕre not overwhelmed by it. Of course there are still the minor
symptoms of aches and pains, tension, indigestion, colds and flu but we quickly
bounce back. This is balance. And we all have times when the everyday
challenges of life bring us to points of imbalance, it is up to us to listen to
our bodies and make the appropriate course corrections. Unfortunately most of
just keep pushing and ignore the ever-growing list of complaints. Years may go
by before we are forced to confront the fact that we have done a poor job of
taking care of ourselves and for many, only because we have come face to face
with the dire circumstances of chronic illness such diabetes, cancer, heart
disease and obesity.
ItÕs never too late to start
back on the path of health and healing. Consider the following as simple
guidelines that may help you regain your balance.
1. Accept your situation
for what it is- Recognize that
symptoms donÕt just happen to us we create them by the choices we have made.
2. Start by making and keeping goals- written goals will help you crystallize thoughts and
feelings and formulate a plan of action. Be sure to write short, medium and
long range goals. Set goals that are attainable, especially the short-term
goals. Nothing will add up to failure more quickly than unrealistic goals that
you cannot achieve. Long range goals can be as lofty as you like, you can
always scale them down.
3. Alternative healing
modalities- Use as many as you are
comfortable using. Think of them as tools. A carpenter can do a lot with a hammer, but why just a
hammer? Why not a whole tool box full?
Some modalities are more expendable than others. A good sound diet of
whole foods and pure water is not an alternative healing mode, it is an
absolute. No fad diets please, they are doomed to failure.
4. Getting stuck along the
way may be part of the process. ItÕs
always easy to start with something new, keeping the course is tough. DonÕt
give up; every journey will need course corrections including the journey back
towards health.
5. Hire Professionals, its
money well spent. WeÕve all gone into
clothing stores and politely said no thank you to the clerk when asked if need
help then walked away without what we wanted or needed. Well, maybe we do need
help. Professional trainers, coaches, nutritionists and cooks are just that-
professional, and happy to help you. It only makes them look good when you
succeed.
6. Enlist the support of
friends and family. Letting loved
ones know that you are making some changes and would like their help can keep
you moving in the right direction. Those that truly love you will see your
uniqueness and will empathize and affirm your efforts.
Next week in part two of
taking control of your health IÕll be talking about foods, supplements and tips
that will speed you along your journey back to health. Till next time, Rebecca
ŌTAKE CONTROL OF YOUR HEALTHÕ
Part two: Using the tools of
healing
Last week in part one we
looked at steps to regain a more healthy balanced life. This week in part two I
will discuss the tools of healing that anyone can use regardless of age,
lifestyle and traditional medical programs.
After you have written your
goals and you have an objective in mind you will need to decide where you would
like to start. You may have a lot of ideas without a clear picture. DonÕt let
this confuse you, just jump in and let them build on one another.
Body work is always a good
place to start regardless of age or infirmity. Therapeutic massage as a healing
modality has been scientifically proven to increase immunity, T cell count, red
blood cell count, relieve pain, reduce stress and anxiety, relieve depression
by increasing endorphins, improve sleep and sheds toxins from the body. Other helpful kinds of body work
include acupuncture and chiropractic.
Although many individuals
think of good healthy, clean organic food as an alternative healing method it
is not. It is an absolute for healing. Giving your body a steady diet of highly
processed, chemicalized foods is like putting diesel fuel in a jet engine. Poor
eating habits followed by vitamins and supplements is a lousy insurance policy.
Pure water is another
absolute. Every chemical reaction that goes on in your body happens in water.
If the water is polluted the chemical reaction that should have happened is
altered. You wouldnÕt start with a bucket of dirty water to white wash walls
would you? Give up pop, juices that are mostly sugar water and caffeinated
drinks. Use herb teas that match your health needs.
Take only high quality
vitamin and mineral supplements. Every professional has their favorites, mine
(all come from the health food store) at a bare minimum are a multi-vitamin
mineral, digestive enzymes, glucosamine sulfate for anyone over the age of 35,
flax seed of fish oil. A supplement program should be individualized to suit
your needs and may include herbs or teas.
Tai Chi and Yoga are ancient
healing practices that can take the place of other less effective exercise
programs. They strengthen and tonify muscles as well as organ systems and any
one regardless of age can benefit from these simple postures.
Read and inform yourself on
your illness and natural healing methods. Stay away from books that promise
healing in just a few days or fad diets, they are doomed to failure. A word of
caution: If you have a serious medical condition, do not give up on the
traditional medical model. If you feel you do not have a good working
relationship with your doctor you can always get another opinion.
Any healing journey will have
its ups and downs, expect the unexpected and trust in natureÕs cycles. Just
keep moving forward, trusting that these cycles will move you ever closer to
the balance and health you want and so richly deserve. Till next time, Rebecca