There is no denying the marvel of modern medicine. From the early 19th century, when Sir Humphry Davy proposed the use of nitrous oxide for surgical procedures, on to the discovery of penicillin in 1928 by Alexander Fleming, and now with the ability to do transplants of major organs including the heart, we are truly blessed with technology.
But, have you, or someone you know, ever experienced an unexplainable pain in the physical body? An unexpected back pain, a chronic ache in the knee or elbow, or perhaps severe and crippling headaches that remain undiagnosed, in spite of repeated trips to the doctor? Frequently, when a diagnosis is hard to pinpoint, medical professionals are all too quick to prescribe chemicals or suggest invasive procedures such as exploratory surgery. The conditions are being treated, but no healing is taking place. Treatment is about dealing with the symptoms, working with the physical signs of disease or dysfunction. Healing is about restoring the body to its healthy state.
Treatment certainly has its place, and is critical in the case of extreme pain or injury. Treating illnesses with antibiotics has saved millions of lives, and previous life threatening conditions such as a ruptured appendix are now easily repaired with routine surgery. Unquestionably, we are incredibly fortunate to have these medical miracles. But treatment doesn’t always mean a cure. And some treatments can actually inhibit the healing process by masking the pain, while the underlying condition continues to exist.
Healing addresses the whole body – mental, emotional, spiritual and physical. We know that there is a body mind connection when it comes to health. Stress can induce a multitude of painful conditions that are difficult to diagnose, and therefore treat effectively. Considering the whole body, including the emotional and mental conditions, is the only way to mend and restore the body to its healthy state. The body is a self-healing machine. Even the femur, the largest bone in the body, will be well on its way to healing within a few weeks. But when the source of the pain or discomfort cannot be found, the condition is originating in the mind in the form of repressed emotions, and manifesting in the body.
There are many ways of healing emotional wounds. The most important thing is to be aware of how repressed emotions or stress can impact our physical health, and have the willingness to minister to our emotional health by using holistic practices. Meditation, yoga, and breathing exercises are excellent self-healing techniques. Energy medicine such as Reiki, Qi Gong, or Healing Touch are also fantastic ways to practice whole body health.
The best way to achieve optimal health and well-being is a combination of medical science and holistic healing techniques. Visit the doctor when necessary, but make sure to attend to the whole body when deciding upon a course of action. It is critical that we begin to understand and work with the mind body connection.
Love and Light
C
