A Foundation For Healing

by Andrea Chervenak

I often hear from people who have health conditions that are not responding to medical treatment, or those who are distressed because they have an undiagnosed illness and have no idea what their next step should be. While I would never attempt to diagnose or treat a specific illness, there are things that everyone can do to support the body's natural healing process, and create an environment where healing can take place.

1. Love and support your body. If you want to create an environment of healing one of the most important things you can do is to be sure your body is receiving proper nutrition. Start by asking yourself this question before you eat or drink anything: “Is this going to support my body and make me stronger & healthier?” If the answer is no, then don’t eat or drink it!

Eliminate foods that weaken you, such as sugar & artificial sweeteners, processed foods, white flour, fatty meats, fried foods, artificial additives & preservatives, and soda. Unless you have been instructed otherwise by a medical professional, I highly recommend a diet of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats and protein, as well as seeds and nuts.

2. Use organic/natural products whenever possible. So much of our food supply is exposed to pesticides, herbicides, and chemical fertilizers. Meat and dairy products can contain residual amounts of hormones and antibiotics. In addition to having concerns about the health of our planet, I believe over-exposure to these toxins may be putting added stress and strain on the body, resulting in imbalances that can lead to illness, as well as weaken the immune system. While our bodies do have a natural filtration system to rid itself of toxins, the increased toxic exposure from foods, personal care products, household cleaners, detergents, and home & office furnishings can overwhelm the body, especially one that is already stressed due to illness. (Additional articles of interest: Reduce Toxic Exposure, Hidden Causes of Illness)

3. Probiotics & Digestive Supplements – A healthy gut is vital to a healthy immune system. Poor diets, illness, and overuse of antibiotics can result in an imbalance of the intestinal tract which contains billions of intestinal flora. Why is this important to your health? Because the intestinal tract is responsible for the breakdown and absorption of food, aids in digestion,elimination of toxins and immune function. Replacing these beneficial intestinal microorganisms (such as lactobacillous acidophilus) can help to rebalance your system. Probiotics contain live bacteria (good) to get, and keep, your system in balance. You can also try adding yogurt with live active cultures to your diet, but if this is not listed on the container, look for a less processed yogurt that does!

Digestive Supplements can help to replace the digestive enzymes that you may be lacking due to age or illness. These supplements aid in digestion and ensure you are absorbing and getting nutrients from the food you eat. There are many products on the market so I recommend you speak with your doctor or health practitioner for a recommendation.

4. Sleep well. I can’t stress enough how important good sleep is. This is when your body does its healing work. Try to get at least 7 hours of sleep a night. If you are having trouble sleeping read our article on Sleep Disorders for suggestions on ways to get a good night’s sleep.

5. Exercise is not only important for healing, but for maintaining health as well. Obviously if you are ill you may be limited by what you are able to do – but try to do something! There was a time I was unable to get out of bed, so when I could I would do simple stretches, leg lifts, and arm raises while lying down. If you can walk, do so as much as possible. If you can’t get out, walk around the house…I used my hallway as a walking trail many, many times. As you get stronger, try putting on an upbeat CD and dance around the house! Activity will raise your spirits, improve circulation, and help you heal! (For more exercise ideas: Exercise)

6. Reduce Stress I am sure it is not going to come as surprise that stress is harmful to your health, and can hinder the body's ability to heal. Do your best to limit your exposure to stressful situations and people, and learn how to cope with the stress you can’t eliminate. Meditation is a great way to let go of stress and learn to relax. You don’t need fancy equipment or have to follow any particular rules. Just find a quiet spot, get comfortable, and simply concentrate on your breath. Begin to incorporate slow deep breathing (in through the nose/out through the mouth) as you repeat a word or phrase (silently is fine) to help you avoid distractions (particularly your mind which may try to interfere with your period of restfulness). More About Stress

7. Visualization is a powerful tool for shifting our focus from negativity to positivity! I know it can be difficult to maintain a positive attitude when you are not feeling well, but I also know that visual images are powerful aids for releasing alignment with negative thoughts and emotions, and being better able to think, feel, and be more positive... thereby attracting more positive energy to your life!

Create a picture in your mind of you as the happy, healthy person you want to be. Then every time you start thinking negatively, consciously let go of those thoughts and replace them with the image of you as you want to be. Breaking these patterns of thinking takes time, but simply being aware of negative thoughts helps to chase them away!

Combining breathwork with visualization can be extremely powerful. When you find yourself in a negative frame of mind, try this exercise: Consciously say (out loud or silently): "I choose to release all negative thoughts from my mind and body now." As you take a deep breath in through the nose, visualize those negative thoughts being gathering up in your breath. As you release the breath out through the mouth, see all that negativity being released. As you take in your next deep breath see your body filling with positive thoughts and feelings, as you say to yourself, "I choose to be filled with positive thoughts and feelings." Repeat until you feel more peaceful and positive. (Additional articles of interest: Breathing Techniques & Visualization Techniques)

8. Positive Thinking: "If you want to be it you have to see it!" Clearly defining your intentions is vital to achieving them. Affirmations are a great way to remain focused on your objectives! You can write them down to post in a place where you will see them frequently, such as the bathroom mirror, your computer monitor, or the refrigerator. An example of an affirmation might be: “I am a strong, healthy, powerful person!” And every time you read it, see it! Create an image in your mind of you as that strong, healthy powerful person! Remember the body actually has a physical response to the thoughts you think - so think good thoughts! (Read more about Positive Intention. Also visit the Intention Affirmation page on our sister website, WearYourIntention.com and learn more about positive thinking and intnetion on our new website,ThePowerofPositiveIntention.com).

9. EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) is a simple technique that can help to release emotional blocks, many of which may manifest as physical symptoms. It involves gentle tapping on acupuncture points on the body and thinking/saying a set-up phrase. It can be easily learned and does not require working with a practitioner, though I highly recommend working with an experienced practitioner if you want to master the technique and use it to its full potential. More Info About EFT

10. An Attitude of Gratitude: There is nothing more powerful than learning to view life’s challenges as opportunities. You may not control the circumstances of your life, but you can control how you react to them. Be grateful for what you have, instead of focusing on what you may feel you have lost. When you choose to live with gratitude for your blessings, the more blessings you will find to give thanks for.

11. Show yourself the same love and kindness you would offer to someone else in the same circumstances. Anger and pity are weakening emotions Shift your thinking from the negative emotions that weaken you. Love, honor, accept, and be patient with yourself. We are all works in progress, and you are no exception!

12. Each day holds the possibility of a miracle. This phrase hangs on the wall of my bedroom…it’s the first thing I see when I wake up, and the last thing I see before I go to sleep. It is a reminder that no matter how challenging the path you are traveling right now may be, there is always hope, and always the possibility of a miracle just ahead.