13 Revelations About Healing That Medical School Didn’t Teach Me

9. Nutrient-dense foods are potent medicine

In medical school, I didn’t receive a single class on nutrition. Surprisingly, I learned more about nutrition in elementary school than in my medical training. Back then, we were taught about the USDA food pyramid, which has since been discredited. We now know that a high carb, high glycemic index diet is not healthy, and that a low-fat diet is not the answer either, as “low fat” products are often loaded with refined sugars.

Unfortunately, medical school didn’t even touch upon the topic of nutrition. We were taught that disease is simply the result of obesity and overnutrition. There was no emphasis on the importance of nutrient-dense foods. However, I have come to realize that the opposite is true. When we eat non-nutritious foods, we deprive our bodies of the vital vitamins, minerals, fats, proteins, enzymes, and phytochemicals necessary for proper physiological functioning.

Contrary to popular belief, people consuming a standard Western diet are not over-nourished; they are malnourished. It’s not just about avoiding harmful foods like junk food, processed foods, trans fats, and sugar. It’s also about ensuring that we consume foods that provide the necessary nutrition to prevent and recover from disease.

Over the past century, sugar consumption has drastically increased. The average American now consumes 152 pounds of sugar per year, compared to just two pounds in the past. This high sugar intake leads to inflammation in the body, causing cuts in the arteries and ultimately resulting in a condition known as atherosclerosis.

While there is no one-size-fits-all healing diet, a high-density, mostly plant-based nutrition plan that includes a wide range of nutrients and low glycemic-index carbohydrates is generally recommended. Think of the Mediterranean diet, which includes plenty of vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, olive oil, seafood, and chicken, while minimizing red meat, sugar, and nutrient-free filler foods.

10. Choose “Whole Health”

Whole Health encompasses not only nutrition as medicine, exercise, and sufficient sleep, but also other traditional wellness behaviors. However, these factors alone are not sufficient for optimal health outcomes. You can follow the most pristine anti-inflammatory diet, exercise daily, sleep nine hours per night, take numerous supplements, and receive top-notch medical treatment, but if there’s untreated trauma affecting your nervous system or if you continuously subject yourself to lifestyle choices that retraumatize you, it’s unlikely that you will experience permanent healing from chronic or life-threatening illnesses.

Poor boundaries and toxic relationships can marinate the cells of your body in stress hormones, rather than the healing hormones. This can lead to cellular misfiring, breakdown, malfunction, and failure to perform self-repair. Instead of protecting the body, these cells start attacking it.

11. Your habitat matters

Your living environment plays a crucial role in your health. Whether you are surrounded by natural beauty or a chaotic space, it can impact your well-being. Noise pollution, toxic chemicals, mold, and lack of nature can all have negative effects on your health. Many people experience temporary relief when they go on healing retreats because they are removed from toxic living environments and exposed to beautiful surroundings. Unfortunately, not everyone has the choice to live in a healing habitat, and health equity in this aspect still has a long way to go.

12. Life force is essential to the healing process

Life force, also known as chi, prana, energy, or love, is vital for optimal health. Trauma often leads to a dwindling life force and a reduced will to live. Unimpeded flow of life force is necessary for our bodies to function optimally. If the flow is obstructed or if our overall life force is dangerously low, physical symptoms may arise, and our survival may be at risk. While conventional medical interventions can be necessary to save lives or address organ dysfunction, they do not address the underlying problem that interferes with the flow of life force.

13. Pleasure, play, and laughter are good medicine

Healing work can be painful as we confront traumatic experiences that we have suppressed. While it is important to address the discomfort, it is equally important to counterbalance it with pleasure, play, laughter, and nurturing experiences. As we increase our tolerance for pain, we must also increase our tolerance for pleasure. Many trauma survivors resist feeling good and receiving pleasurable experiences due to feelings of unworthiness. Healing should not devolve into masochism. It is essential to balance the pain of being human with the pleasures that our senses can offer. This balance is crucial for true healing.

Join Jeffrey Rediger, Shiloh Sophia, Jonathan McCloud, and me for INSPIRED: A Trauma-Inspired Approach to Self-Healing. Together, we can embark on a journey towards lasting healing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Complementary and Alternative Healthcare – Does it have Evidence-Based Basis?

Although the evidence base for alternative and complementary medicine is still in flux, there are many reasons people choose them. You might have tried traditional treatments and found them ineffective. Or you may be looking for an alternative treatment because it has more benefits than conventional care. As part of a holistic approach, they might look for complementary and alternate medicines. It is vital that patients verify that all complementary and alternative medicines are supported by scientific evidence. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice if in doubt about the effectiveness of a particular treatment. It can save you both time and money.

Who uses holistic medicines?

Holistic medicine refers to health care treating the whole person rather than treating specific symptoms. It addresses both the mental as well as physical aspects of well being.

Holistic medicine is acupuncture as well massage therapy, chiropractic, nutritional counseling, Yoga, and other complementary therapies.

A holistic approach to medicine includes those with heart problems, cancer, diabetes, arthritis or depression.

Which treatments are not part of holistic medicine and why?

Holistic medicine is an approach to healing that looks at the whole person rather than just treating the symptoms. It helps people to recover from illness by promoting health and preventing disease.

Holistic medicine uses natural remedies such as herbs, homeopathy, and acupuncture instead of drugs and surgery.

Holistic medicine refers to lifestyle changes like exercise, diet and meditation.

Holistic medicine can also be called integrative medicine. It integrates all aspects that a patient needs to achieve a comprehensive care plan.

Holistic medicine emphasizes prevention and early detection of disease and encourages healthy lifestyles.

Holistic doctors believe that there are many causes for any condition. They look at the whole picture and consider genetic, environmental, lifestyle, and personal factors.

Holistic practitioners emphasize the mind and emotions more than the body.

Holistic physicians collaborate closely with their patients in order to determine the best fit for each individual.

What are the main advantages of holistic medicine over conventional medicines?

Holistic medicine has been used by many religions and cultures for thousands years. They are based on ancient knowledge, experience, and were created.

These medicines can be used safely, effectively, naturally, and are affordable. Side effects of these medicines are very low compared to pharmaceutical drugs.

They also help you achieve better health and wellness.

They can reduce the risk of disease and increase your overall well-being.

They may even cure diseases such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, asthma, depression, anxiety, high blood pressure, etc.

There are hundreds of traditional medicines in the world. Each has its own benefits.

According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people rely on traditional treatments for injury or illness.

According to reports, half a billion people use traditional herbal remedies as their primary healthcare.

By 2020, the global market for complementary therapy is expected to be worth $22.2 billion.

People are increasingly turning to alternative medical practices to avoid harmful side effects associated with conventional treatments.

People often turn to complementary therapies for treatment when they are not able to respond to conventional treatments. These therapies may be tried before they resort to medication or surgery.

There are many reasons why people choose to use complementary therapies.

To improve quality of our lives
To reduce stress levels
For relaxation
To ease pain
To enhance immunity
To support you in dealing with serious illness
To boost energy
To control weight
To maintain good nutrition
To improve sleep patterns
To manage chronic conditions

Is holistic medical legitimate?

Yes and no. Yes. Because many medicines have been proved effective against different diseases. They don’t cure all ailments. It all depends on what you mean when you say “holistic.” It all depends on your definition of “holistic.” If you mean taking into consideration all aspects of a person’s health, then it is true. But if you only mean using natural remedies instead of chemical ones, then it is not.

Some people claim that holistic medicine has been around since ancient times. But this is simply untrue. Although some healers in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome used natural remedies, they did so without scientific knowledge.

It wasn’t until the Middle Ages that medical practitioners began to study anatomy and physiology, which led to the development of surgery, obstetrics, and pharmacology. Most Western countries have developed public hospitals, where doctors can provide medical care, by the end of the 19th-century.

Conventional medicine is today the dominant type of healthcare. Many people still prefer to utilize complementary and alternate medicine. Many people find that it is more beneficial than taking pharmaceutical drugs.

For instance, massage therapy can make people feel more at ease than tranquilizers. Some prefer to eat healthy food over taking prescription medication. Still, others find that regular exercise helps their bodies function at peak performance.

What is another name of alternative medicine?

Alternative medicine is a broad term that describes any alternative approach to healing. Alternative medicine can take many forms, but most of them are rooted in the belief that healthcare should be rooted more in natural remedies and practices than in chemical medicines.

Alternative medicine includes acupuncture. Homeopathy, herbalism. naturopathy. osteopathic manipul. Traditional Chinese medicine. Reflexology. Shamanic healing. Prayer. Energy healing. Aromatherapy. Meditation. Chiropractic. Massage therapy. Reiki.

Many alternative doctors claim that their therapies have improved patient satisfaction and reduced side effects. However, these assertions cannot be scientifically proven because mainstream medical authorities have largely ignored the evidence-based benefits of alternative medicine.

Statistics

In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)
An assessment of conventional treatments found that 41.3% concluded positive or possibly positive effects, 20% concluded no effect, 8.1% concluded net harmful effects, and 21.3% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
The concept of regression toward the mean implies that an extreme result is more likely to be followed by a less extreme result. (en.wikipedia.org)
According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)

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How To

What are the Shortcomings and Advances in Holistic Medicine?

Holistic medicine refers to a medical approach that stresses the importance of the mind, body and spirit in healing. It was first developed by Dr. Edward Bach (1886-1936), and his first book, The Doctor’s Book of Mind Cure in 1924. Simple techniques like meditation, visualization, hypnosis, and visualization were used by him. This therapy helped patients suffering from stress, anxiety and depression as well as pain, insomnia, and other ailments. Additionally, patients can use this therapy to help them cope with their problems. It also improves their quality of living.

While holistic therapies are still being used today, there is not enough evidence to support their effectiveness. Some studies do show that these therapies can be used to reduce chronic conditions like arthritis, cancer and heart disease.

The advancements and the shortcomings of holistic medicine can be seen in:

We lack scientific evidence. A small number of well-designed randomized controlled trials, (RCTs), evaluate the health benefits of holistic treatments. Positive results are the norm in most observational studies.
Comparable to traditional medicine, alternative medicines are less expensive. Alternative medicines can be cheaper than traditional ones, particularly if the patient follows a healthy diet.
Patients do not feel pressured into following the prescribed protocol.
Many doctors recommend complementary therapies without prescribing them.
Holistic treatments are often combined with conventional medicine. For example, acupuncture can be used in conjunction with surgery or medication.
Alternative therapies are believed to be more effective than conventional medicine.
Alternative medicines are more natural than traditional drugs.
Many patients also use complementary treatments to support their lifestyle changes. They not only want their health to be good, but they also want to have fun with their lives.
Holistic treatment patients are often healthier.
Senior adults are increasingly interested in holistic treatments.
Additional research is needed on complementary treatments.
Studies show that most people prefer to try alternative treatments before going to a doctor.
Doctors must understand that not everyone will benefit from alternative treatments.
Holistic treatment should be part and parcel of our culture as well as our education system.
Holistic treatments might not be for everyone.
To help patients make informed decisions about treatment options, it is essential that we learn how to do so.
Holistic treatments don’t just appeal to hippies.
Certain diseases cannot be treated with holistic treatments.
Holistic treatments can sometimes be dangerous.
For certain conditions, holistic therapies are beneficial.
Holistic treatments work.
Holistic treatments are based off ancient wisdom.
Holistic treatments are easy to learn.
It is difficult to learn holistic treatments.
Holistic treatments can be difficult to master.
Holistic treatments are too expensive.
Holistic treatments can be quite expensive.
Holistic treatments are less expensive than conventional medicine.
Holistic treatments are more expensive than conventional medicine.

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Holistic Medicine–A Brief History

Holistic medicine refers to a system that treats the whole person rather than just the symptoms. It includes physical, emotional, mental, social, spiritual, occupational, environmental, cultural, and lifestyle influences. It promotes prevention over cure.

The first holistic medical school was established at Bastyr University in Seattle in 1972. Holistic medicine was born after Dr. Andrew Weil published “Spontaneous Healing” 1996. Dr. David Williams founded the American Holistic Medical Association, Dr. Michael Murray co-founded it in 1997. There are hundreds of holistic medicine schools all over the world, including Bastyr University in Columbia, Columbia College of Physicians & Surgeons and Maharishi Ayurveda Institute.

The World Health Organization designated holistic medicine as one the five top trends in healthcare in 2013. This trend focuses on integrating traditional care with complementary therapies like acupuncture, homeopathy and herbalism, massage therapy (reiki), yoga, meditation, and even tai-chi. This integration is designed to deliver safe, effective, patient-centered healthcare while minimising side effects and costs.

Holistic medicine works because of the interconnectedness of our body, mind, and spirit. Instability can result in illness if any of these parts is not in balance. Take, for example:

Your mind can be anxious or stressed and you feel anxious. This causes you to become more tense. Cortisol, which is a hormone that promotes inflammation throughout the body, is what your body produces. You feel weak, tired, and sick as a result.

When your emotions run high, you experience negative thoughts and feelings like anger, fear, grief, and sadness. These feelings cause stress in your brain. Untreated, stress can cause your body to make adrenaline and cortisol. Adrenaline can increase your heart rate and blood pressure as well as your breathing rate. Cortisol impacts your immune system as well as your digestive tract and nervous system. Both hormones can cause muscle tension, fatigue, headaches (dizziness), insomnia, anxiety and depression, among other health problems.

If your spirit is low, it can cause you to lose faith in yourself and your ability to see the good in others. It is possible to lack self-esteem or confidence. This can lead to poor eating habits, unhealthy relationship patterns, and low energy. You feel happy, joyful, peaceful, and optimistic when your spirit is healthy.

There is a difference between alternative and allopathic medicine

Allopathic medicine uses scientific methods. Doctors use x-rays (MRIs, CAT scanners), and other technologies to diagnose patients. They may also prescribe medications or surgery if necessary. Allopathic doctors believe they understand the human body, and can prescribe medications to treat ailments. Alternative medicine is based on herbs, vitamins and minerals, diet, exercise as well as emotional support and spiritual healing. Alternative medicine can be defined in many ways. People call it natural or integrative medicine. Others refer to it as traditional medicine, naturopathic medicine, and CAM.

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By: Karoline
Title: 13 Revelations About Healing That Medical School Didn’t Teach Me
Sourced From: lissarankin.com/whole-health-44-revelations-about-healing-they-did-not-teach-me-in-medical-school/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=whole-health-44-revelations-about-healing-they-did-not-teach-me-in-medical-school
Published Date: Sat, 27 Jan 2024 11:00:17 +0000