Bodywork
Wellness Vs. Sickness: Who wants an industry designed to keep us sick?
A recent health scare with my mother left me searching for different alternative healthcare treatments to consider if the doctors suspicion of cancer came true. While words cannot even begin to describe how thankful I am that it turned out to be a false alarm, I learned a bit about alternative medicine…and a lot more about our current hospital system too…and while you hear different amazing stories about the marvels of modern medicine on a daily basis, in my opinion, the industry as a whole is living up to the label of ‘the sickness industry,’ more and more each day, practicing medicine with patients they see as emotionless and faceless dollar signs day in and day out. When one of them happens to be your mother, you begin to see things a bit differently.
My mother was scared by doctors who, before even doing the necessary diagnostic test, already began speaking of cancer and all sorts of frightening things, without the compassion one human should show another at a time like that. During her wait for further testing, she was left very uncomfortable and nervous and even her simplest needs weren’t met simply due to the negligence of those in the hospital. Simple things like asking for another blanket, socks or even a vegetarian option for meal went completely ignored. How is this supposed to be the industry that strives to comfort us and make us well?
I will not make such an inflammatory statement as to say every hospital and doctor is like this, but the whole situation has further cultivated a very bad taste in my mouth for the current healthcare industry and stories like mine are a dime a dozen. And unlike the ‘wellness industry,’ the ‘sickness industry’ appears to have a blatant disregard for comfort and health, it turns a profit from each one of us getting sick – if the nation was healthier, what would these hospitals do?
I am relieved to read articles like this one, about how the majority of medical students believe that patients would benefit from the use of complimentary and alternative medicine (CAM) which not only focuses on the health and wellness of the body, but of the mind and soul too, and as so many studies have shown, state-of-mind can affect the way our bodies deal with illness and strain.
In this article, it explained that researchers at the University of California sent out a 30 question survey to more than 120 medical schools regarding the use of CAM and 77% of those who responded stated that they believed patients would benefit if more physicians had a better understanding of complimentary and alternative medicine.
When alternative medicine is added to the tool box of modern doctors I feel the most amazing things are truly achieved.
One exciting step forward in the push for CAM to become more widely accepted is the invitation Doctor Gladys T. McGarey, ‘the mother of holistic medicine’ recently received. She has been invited to bring her wealth of knowledge and experience to Washington DC to let government officials know just how viable adding more benefits for alternative medicine practices truly can be.
Like most things, credibility comes in numbers and with the support of those who believe in the importance of holistic health care, Dr. Gladys will have a better chance of having her voice heard. If you believe holistic healthcare is important, you can join Dr. Gladys in her cause at http://www.isupportholistic.com/and let the world know that you believe in the amazing healing power of natural medicine and wellness.
-Emily M
Post-Holiday Blues? Take a Natural Approach to Lifting Your Spirits
I don’t know about you, but when the holiday season passes each year and all the family dinners and presents are done for another 12 months, I typically get a little touch of the blues. Not terrible blues, but just the type that come from having my family live nearly 2,400 miles away and knowing that I may not see them for yet another year.
Having spoken with many of my friends, I have come to realize I am not alone in this feeling. For many, the kids go back to school, work returns to full swing and that feeling of nationwide holiday joy unfortunately slips back into hiding for yet another year.
While there are thousands of unhealthy ways to deal with the blues, there are equally as many really healthy and productive ways to handle them. While some of these I have tried with definite success, others I will try in the new year. Give it a shot, see what you think! Kick those blues to the door and keep that warm holiday feeling all year round.
Laughter Yoga: Admittedly, when I first heard about this I was thinking…what exactly is that? It didn’t really seem like two words that naturally meshed together. After listening to a co-worker, who leads a laughter yoga group, I almost instantly had a smile on my face. She led a group of us in a laughter exercise and explained that you just ‘fake it till you make it,’ and soon you will be feeling much better. Makes sense when you think about it, there aren’t that many angry people walking around laughing while they are yelling. If laughter truly is the best medicine, then this is one sure fire way to kick the blues to the curb.
Meditation: While visions of Buddhist monks and uncomfortable cross-legged, pretzel-type positions may come to mind, this isn’t exactly what meditation is all about. It’s getting into a more relaxed, state of consciousness. What many people don’t realize is that meditation can be done by anyone, at nearly any time. Often times, guided meditation is a great way to start, ether with the help of a professional or through a CD or tape. This way you can have someone first introduce you to this amazing stress releaser.
Spa treatment: Sometimes it’s nice to indulge yourself, especially when you are feeling down. A massage relaxes both body and the mind and leaves you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, while releasing toxins from the body. A little bit of pampering is sure to do the trick.
Many of these services are available at Southwest Institute of Healing Arts through our community clinics and classes. For more information, please visit http://www.swiha.edu/Clinics/Community-Clinics.html
-Emily M
Wellness Terms & Definitions
Ever since I was a kid, I have been intrigued by nature, I loved being outdoors, playing in the woods and I even LIKED eating my vegetables. Raised by a mother who still to this day has a deep understanding and love for the earth and all its creatures, I think I was born to be in love with nature. Having said this, when I found out Southwest Institute of Healing Arts had a position available, I jumped at the opportunity to learn more about holistic and natural health care-it seemed like the perfect next step in pursuing my love for earthy and natural things.
As I first began my work, I was captivated by all the different aspects of natural health and wellness. To be totally honest, I was a bit overwhelmed with so many things to learn – but I was fascinated. I quickly began researching the different modalities and key terms I came across, many of which I had heard of, but never looked at in-depth. If you are interested in holistic wellness and health care but are unsure what it all means or where to start, I hope these basic definitions will help you as they have helped me.
~Basic Terms~
Bodywork: This term applies to the gentle manipulation and realignment of the body to improve mental well-being.
Holistic Health Care: The practice of applying natural methods of wellness and treatments for the mind, body and spirit.
Holistic Nutrition: Looking at a person as a whole – attempting to bring balance to all areas of the person’s life by observing dietary intake, supplements and lifestyle.
Hypnotherapy: a form of healing that has proven effective in balancing and healing the subconscious mind and spirit. Hypnotherapy can often help ease a wide variety of emotional, psychological and physical problems. People turn to hypnotherapy for a variety of reasons. Hypnosis has proven effective in the cessation of many habits by reducing physical symptoms and cravings.
Life Coaching: helps people realize their goals and recognize and overcome the obstacles that are keeping them from getting there. Life Coaches empower individuals in a supportive and non-judgmental way.
Herbalism: The practice of looking to naturally occurring herbs and remedies for a variety of ailments from plants and plant extracts.
Polarity: is a synthesis of ancient Eastern and alternative concepts centered on the idea of a Human Energy Field, using touch, verbal interaction, exercise, nutrition and other methods.
Reflexology: also called zone therapy, is based on the theory each body part is represented on the ear, hands, feet or face. By pressing or stimulating a specific area on the ear, hands, feet or face can have therapeutic effects in other parts of the body.
Reiki: is a simple, natural and safe method of spiritual healing and self-improvement. It has been effective in helping are variety of illnesses and problems and is based on the idea of an unseen “life force energy” flowing through us, and it is that energy that allows us to be alive.
Toe Reading: is based on the theory that your body holographically records the story of your life. The position and shape of the toes say a lot about their owner. By observing someone’s toes you will know a great deal about their past and the experiences they have lived through. Toes reveal how a person copes with their feelings, as well as their thoughts. Toe Reading addresses the holographical recordings on a Physical, Mental, Emotional and Spiritual Level.
Tui Na: an ancient form of Chinese physical therapy, some 2000 years old. As with many other holistic health practices, this style of Asian bodywork promotes the body’s ability to heal itself naturally.
Zen Shiatsu: by helping with blood and lymph circulation in the body, shiatsu helps to maintain and improve muscle tone and healthy internal organ functions. Shiatsu works directly to calm the autonomic nervous system, which has the effect of calming nervous distress and increasing resistance to stress. It is believed that shiatsu can also strengthen the immune system.
Well there you have it, a very basic foundation to start your holistic healthcare education from-if you would like to learn more about these terms, and many others, check out the programs and community clinics we have available at Southwest Institute of Healing Arts – www.swiha.edu
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