Psychology and Holistic Healing

Psychology is the study of the mind and most diseases start there. The Great Physician said : "Be it as you believe." Thus most Holistic healers know that the mind (or psyche) must first be healthy for the body to be free of disease.

Notice how even traditional medicine advises us to keep free from stress? Yet, it does not teach us how to do so which is where holistic medicine and other "stress therapies" can help us.

Consider laughing. Years ago , anyone who laughed too much could be mistaken for a loony. Today however, there is such a thing as "laughter therapy" which can cure various diseases such as depression, infections, inflammations, pain and even Cancer. Years ago, Norman Cousins wrote "The Anatomy of a Sickness" and claimed that his patients who laughed for at least thirty minutes a day managed to survive longer. Most were cured and one even had her tumors disappear. This can be a valid observation considering that King Solomon, reputed to be the wisest of all mortals, said that "Laughter is the best medicine". Laughter releases endorphins which strengthens the immune system and makes the body more resistant to diseases. Most of all, laughter calms ones nerves and puts a stop to stress.

Visualization can be another important part of Holistic treatment. When one is relaxed, one can visualize his or herself as healthy, strong and this seems to "energize" the individual. There is nothing extraordinary about that really, because we are usually what we think we are.

The body is like a magnet that attracts either positive of negative energy. If one dwells on the negative, one is prone to "invite" it. Thus, meditation (or thinking of good things) can be part of a holistic cure that seems to be good for all diseases. Notice how most Cancer survivors are those who have learned how to relax and change their negative point of views.

Asian holistic healing is also based on energy points. Basically, these energy points are where negative and positive energies are stored. They're called chakras or "meridian" points. Whether it's tapping(EFF), acupuncture, laying of the hands, reiki - these points are essential because energies stored here need to be balanced for the body to heal. To balance these meridian points, one must somehow get rid of the negative emotions, memories and beliefs which "clog" these meridian points to allow positive and healing energy to flow through the whole body.

Aside from these holistic cures, there is also the right balance of nutrition. In holistic healing, nutrition is not simply "eating the right food" but taking in the right "food that cures you". For instance, should you be suffering from a flu, the usual Chicken Soup is a cure plus perhaps some ginger. Ginger has drives away infections, clears the throat and cures most of the body discomforts. Holistic healing makes the "patient" perceive food as medicine. E. G. Garlic are antibiotics, Ginger is anti-inflammatory, anti-acid and can even act as a pain killer, Coconut juice has better effect than rehydrating salts, Brewer's Yeast has a calming effect and is good for the nerves and the list goes on.

Holistic healing also takes into account the senses. Thus aromatic oils are used like Lavender oil for calming, Peppermint oil when the muscles are aching, Olive Oil during the winter when one's skin and hair seems to dry and even Castor oil (ingested) when depression or SAD makes one suffer.

Holistic healing is changing the psyche to change and improve one's health. For instance, a massage or spa treatment may be therapy for one who is trying to recover from a stroke, or one who is depressed or is suffering from the painful symptoms of pre or post menopause.

Holistic healing aims to take away TWO harmful emotions called fear and stress. Holistic healers believe that whether it is prayers, rituals, mantras, or positive affirmations as long as they do no harm they are valid treatments combined with other procedures.

After all, the ancients lived longer than us and there were no antibiotics then. So perhaps, King Solomon was right. In short, doesn't every disease start with a neurosis?