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.
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.
Bodywork
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 bodywork 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