Today, a guest post from my friend Mandy Rogers, a health coach and public speaker and blogger.
Healing exists outside of traditional medicine.
Personally, I had to learn this lesson the hard way. After a serious concussion, I spent a year dealing with the aftereffects of the head trauma, both physically and mentally. Traditional drugs and therapy did not work for me. It was not until I discovered some alternative forms of healing that I truly experienced a recovery.
All of these healing methods center around one main theme: the relaxation response. In her most recent book, Mind Over Medicine, Lissa Rankin talks about the scientific research that proves the body can heal itself. Far too many of us now spend the majority of our time in a stress response with constant anxiety in our lives. However, the body does its best healing while in a relaxed state—this is where our bodies activate all of their healing resources. So what do we have to do in order to help ourselves return to health? Find ways to support our bodies’ relaxation!
These days I serve to support others who are on similar, challenging journeys through my work and my talks, and I have learned about some of these alternative forms of healing along the way.
1. Tapping
The Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) tapping has become more popular recently because of Nick Ortner’s book The Tapping Solution. The method serves as a twist on acupuncture, without the needles, and can help to bring the body into a more relaxed state. By focusing on a specific pressing issue, such as physical pain or an emotional stressor, while tapping on certain acupressure points, Ortner has proven that many of these issues—such as pain, anxiety, illness—can quickly be resolved. On his site, he does a great job of explaining the science behind the practice.
2. Reiki
A gentle healing technique originating from Japan, Reiki involves a practitioner laying hands on the energy centers of the body, also known as the chakras. The practice has been found to relieve stress and reduce pain, among other things, and is becoming more popular in hospitals as an adjunct to surgey.
3. Cleaning Out Toxins
A great detox program can do wonders to clean out a system and allow healing to take place. However, cleaning out toxins does not just refer to physical toxins. Sometimes we have to clean out toxic space around us. This may include some people who bring you negative energy, a workspace that is disheveled, or a job you don’t care for. It may just be time to release a person who is no longer serving you or muster the courage to move on from an unfulfilling position.
4. Food
Let food be thy medicine. Your body is a wholesome, functioning being. It works best when we feed it with other things like it. Thus, we must feed it with other wholesome, functioning things. Focus on whole foods that come from the ground—fruits, vegetables, whole grains. When we consume an overwhelming amount of chemicals and processed foods, our bodies have to work diligently not only to heal us from a condition, but also to rid ourselves of those compounding toxins. Choose instead to make the majority of your foods simple, yet tasty, whole foods.
5. Laughter
They always say, “Laughter is the best medicine.” It turns out that the statement has some merit to it. When we laugh, we allow our bodies to release stress and tension. As I was going through my own healing, I would listen to stand-up comedians. Once I was feeling better, I started to go to improv comedy shows, and now I take classes. It is fun, and I do believe that it has helped me heal.
6. Community
Surrounding ourselves with people who lift us up can be incredibly healing and energizing. Seek a community that supports you—a book club, hiking group, or cooking class. Follow those things that make you feel alive, and you will find others like you!
7. Gratitude
Not only can expressing gratitude feel good, but it also puts you in an energetic state that will help you attract more of what you love. Make it a practice to write down things you are grateful for each day or share a gratitude text with someone. Thank others for being in your life!
8. Buy Produce from a Local Farm
Research has shown that being in nature can have a healing and calming effect on the body. Combine nature and nutrient-dense food by spending time at a local farm. Local foods tend to preserve more of their nutrients, so you will get double the benefits.
9. Unsolicited Acts of Kindness
You know how good it feels to get a present on a day that is not your birthday? When we are not expecting something, we feel the glee of receiving ten-fold! Plus we love to feel appreciated. Why not pass this along to others? Giving to others can be one of the most rewarding acts. It helps us to focus on some one else for a little while, and remove the attention from ourselves. Healing takes place while we aren’t looking.
Mandy Rogers is a health coacher, public speaker, and blogger at CleanCalmConditioned.com. She helps her clients experience the benefits of a clean diet, calm lifestyle, and well-conditioned training. Join her on the journey on Facebook, Twitter, and on the Blog.