During the holiday season, many of us experience a mix of joy and sorrow. For some, like my trauma survivor clients, holidays can be a painful reminder of past traumas. However, growing up in Winter Park, Florida, I was fortunate to have a family that knew how to create magical holiday memories. Our Christmas traditions were filled with warmth, love, and togetherness.
A Glimpse into My Holiday Memories
Christmas Eve in my childhood home was a flurry of activity. My mother and I would spend the day cooking for our post-church party, followed by a candlelit service that I cherished. The night would end with feasting, Christmas lights, and attending midnight service with my best friend. Christmas morning was a time of excitement and joy, with family traditions like opening presents one by one and savoring every moment.
Transitioning Traditions
As I grew older and started my own family in California, our holiday traditions evolved. We embraced new experiences like art fairs, Christmas events, and festive gatherings. However, this year feels different. The absence of loved ones, including my daughter who is away on a gap year, has left me grappling with grief.
Coping with Loss and Transition
The empty nest I find myself in is a stark reminder of life's transitions. As I navigate this season of change, I am learning to embrace gratitude for the moments I still have and the memories we've created. While the holidays can be a time of mixed emotions, it's essential to acknowledge and process the losses we may be feeling.
Finding Meaning in the Midst of Change
As I reflect on the past and look towards the future, I am reminded of the importance of cherishing the present moment. While the holiday season may bring up feelings of nostalgia and longing, it also offers an opportunity to create new traditions and connections. By honoring our emotions and experiences, we can find healing and authenticity in our journey.
Wherever you find yourself this holiday season, know that you are not alone. Whether you are celebrating with loved ones or navigating a season of change, may you find solace in the moments of connection and reflection.
If you are looking for support during this time or are interested in exploring writing as a tool for healing, consider joining me for WRITE TO HEAL, a workshop focused on using writing and Internal Family Systems for personal growth and expression.
Remember, amidst the challenges of an empty nest or the absence of familiar traditions, there is space for healing, growth, and new beginnings. Wishing you peace and comfort during this holiday season.
The post An Empty Nest At Christmas: Understanding and Coping with Loss first appeared on Lissa Rankin.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Alternative Medicine, and how can it help you?
This is a holistic approach to healing that emphasizes prevention over treatment. It encourages people become educated consumers who are actively involved in improving their overall health and well-being.
Alternative medicine refers to any system of diagnosis and treatment that does not employ allopathic (conventional) medical practices.
Where can I get more information on holistic medicine?
Holistic medicine, a form of holistic medicine, focuses on the entire person and not on a single part. Holistic medicine addresses all aspects of the patient's health, including spiritual, mental, physical and emotional well-being.
The goal of holistic medicine is to treat the whole person instead of treating individual symptoms. Holistic medicine does not focus on treating the disease, but rather on healing.
Holistic medicine includes preventive measures such as exercise and nutrition and treatments for chronic conditions such as arthritis and diabetes.
There are many forms of holistic medicine.
- Acupuncture
- Aromatherapy
- Ayurveda
- Chiropractic medicine
- Homeopathy
- Herbalism
- Naturopathy
- Nutrition
- Osteopathic medicine
- Vedic medicine
- Yoga
What is the importance of alternative medicine?
Alternative medicines are very popular because they're often cheaper and better for you than traditional treatments. There have been cases in which patients have died from side effects, such as allergic reactions, after receiving these treatments. It's also possible that certain alternative therapies may not help at all.
Alternative medicines can also be dangerous if you don’t have enough information to make an informed decision. Vitamin supplements, for example, are not regulated like pharmaceuticals. It is easy to overdose on vitamins. Some alternative remedies can contain toxic chemicals, which is even worse.
Statistics
- 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)
- A 15-year systematic review published in 2022 on the global acceptance and use of CAM among medical specialists found the overall acceptance of CAM at 52% and the overall use at 45%. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
webmd.com
doi.org
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- A sociological perspective on the rise and fall of complementary and alternate medicine – PubMed
- Holistic medicine – PubMed
nccih.nih.gov
- Statistics on Complementary, Integrative and Health Approaches
- How do you name complementary, alternative, or integrative health? NCCIH
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. The late 19th-century pioneer of holistic medicine was Dr. Edward Bach (1886-1936), the author of The Doctor's Book of Mind Cure. He relied on simple techniques like visualization, meditation, and hypnosis. This treatment helped people suffering from stress, anxiety, depression, pain, insomnia, and many other diseases. In addition, this kind of therapy helps patients cope with their problems and improve their quality of life.
Although holistic therapies have been around for a while, the lack of scientific evidence has made them less popular. Some studies have shown that holistic therapies can reduce the symptoms of chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, arthritis, headaches, heart disease, hypertension and migraines, as well as other diseases such as cancer, heart disease, hypertension, stroke, bone fractures, and obesity.
These are the highlights and pitfalls of holistic medicine:
- Lack of scientific evidence. There are very few well-designed randomized controlled trials (RCTs), that evaluate holistic therapies' benefits. The majority of researches show positive results.
- Traditional medicine has a higher cost. Alternative medicines may be more affordable than traditional medicines, especially if the patient eats a healthy diet.
- Patients don't feel pressured to follow the prescribed protocol.
- Many doctors recommend complementary treatments without prescribing them.
- Holistic treatments are often combined with conventional medicine. For example acupuncture is commonly combined with medication and surgery.
- People believe alternative treatments are better than traditional 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.
- Patients who use holistic treatments are generally healthier.
- Senior adults are increasingly interested in holistic treatments.
- More research needs to be conducted on complementary treatments.
- Research shows that people are more inclined to try other treatments than going to the doctor.
- Doctors should understand that not every patient will benefit from alternative treatment.
- Holistic treatments should be part of our culture and education system.
- Holistic treatments are not always safe.
- So that patients can make informed decisions, we must be able to communicate with them about the various therapies.
- Holistic treatments are not just for hippies.
- Certain diseases can't be treated holistically.
- Holistic treatments are sometimes dangerous.
- For certain conditions, holistic therapies are beneficial.
- Holistic therapies are highly effective.
- Holistic treatments use ancient knowledge.
- Holistic treatments can be easy to learn.
- It is difficult to learn holistic treatments.
- Holistic treatments are hard to learn.
- Holistic therapies are too expensive.
- Holistic treatments are expensive.
- Holistic therapies can be more cost-effective than traditional medicine.
- Holistic therapies are more costly than traditional medicine.
****
Holistic Medicine–A Brief History
Holistic medicine is a method of healing that treats the whole person, not just the symptoms. It addresses all aspects, including the physical, emotional and mental, as well as cultural, social, occupational, environmental, and cultural factors. Prevention is better than treatment. It focuses on prevention and management of disease, such as diet, exercise, relaxation, stress management, and so forth.
Bastyr University was founded in Seattle, in 1972. Holistic medicine was born after Dr. Andrew Weil published “Spontaneous Healing” 1996. In 1997, the American Holistic Medical Association (AHMA) was founded by Dr. David Williams and Dr. Michael Murray. Today, there are hundreds of holistic medicine schools worldwide, including Bastyr University, Columbia College of Physicians & Surgeons, Maharishi Ayurveda Institute, Pacific School of Oriental Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and many others.
In 2013, the World Health Organization declared holistic medicine one of the five major trends in healthcare. This trend integrates conventional care with complementary therapies like homeopathy, acupuncture or herbalism, massage, therapy, reiki, yoga and meditation. This integration will provide safe, effective and patient-centered care with minimal side effects.
Holistic medicine works as a result of an interconnected mind-body-spirit. If any of these three elements are out of balance, illness can occur. This is an example:
You become tense and out of balance when your mind is stressed or anxious. Cortisol, which is a hormone that promotes inflammation throughout the body, is what your body produces. It causes fatigue, weakness, and even sickness.
Negative emotions can cause you to feel anger, fear and grief. These emotions can cause stress in the brain. If you don't treat this stress, your body can produce adrenaline (and cortisol) if it isn't addressed. 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 fatigue and muscle tension, headaches as well as dizziness.
You can lose your faith and hope in life if you feel depressed. You might also experience low self-esteem, confidence, and lack of self-confidence. This can lead you to poor eating habits and unhealthy relationships. It can also cause low energy. A healthy spirit makes you happy, joyful, peaceful and optimistic.
The difference between alternative medicine and allopathic medicine
Allopathic medicine uses scientific methods. Doctors use x-rays (MRIs, CAT scanners), and other technologies to diagnose patients. When necessary, they prescribe medication and perform surgery. Allopathic doctors believe that they have a complete understanding of the human body and can treat any illnesses. Alternative medicine involves herbs, vitamins minerals, diet, exercise and spiritual healing. Alternative medicine is not defined in a standard way. Some people call it natural medicine, integrative medicine, and complementary medicine. Some refer to it as traditional, naturopathic, or CAM.
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This blog is a source of general information and discussion on health and related topics. Information and materials on this blog, on the website, or in any of the connected materials are not intended to replace or used as a substitute for the advice of a medical professional, diagnosis, or treatment. This blog does not represent the application of any nursing, medical or other health professional advice or diagnosis. We are unable to diagnose health conditions, offer second opinions or provide specific treatment recommendations via this blog or on our website.
If you or another person is suffering from a medical issue and you are concerned, consult your doctor or seek out other medical professional treatment as soon as possible. Do not disregard medical advice from a professional or delay seeking it due to information you seen on the blog or website or in any of the linked materials. If you're experiencing an emergency medical situation, dial 911 or seek emergency medical assistance on the closest phone immediately.
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By: Nicolay Kreidler
Title: An Empty Nest During the Holidays: Understanding and Coping with Loss
Sourced From: lissarankin.com/an-empty-nest-at-christmas-empathy-for-all-of-us-who-are-hurting-this-holiday-season/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=an-empty-nest-at-christmas-empathy-for-all-of-us-who-are-hurting-this-holiday-season
Published Date: Wed, 25 Dec 2024 14:00:28 +0000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Alternative Medicine, and how can it help you?
This is a holistic approach to healing that emphasizes prevention over treatment. It encourages people become educated consumers who are actively involved in improving their overall health and well-being.
Alternative medicine refers to any system of diagnosis and treatment that does not employ allopathic (conventional) medical practices.
Where can I get more information on holistic medicine?
Holistic medicine, a form of holistic medicine, focuses on the entire person and not on a single part. Holistic medicine addresses all aspects of the patient's health, including spiritual, mental, physical and emotional well-being.
The goal of holistic medicine is to treat the whole person instead of treating individual symptoms. Holistic medicine does not focus on treating the disease, but rather on healing.
Holistic medicine includes preventive measures such as exercise and nutrition and treatments for chronic conditions such as arthritis and diabetes.
There are many forms of holistic medicine.
- Acupuncture
- Aromatherapy
- Ayurveda
- Chiropractic medicine
- Homeopathy
- Herbalism
- Naturopathy
- Nutrition
- Osteopathic medicine
- Vedic medicine
- Yoga
What is the importance of alternative medicine?
Alternative medicines are very popular because they're often cheaper and better for you than traditional treatments. There have been cases in which patients have died from side effects, such as allergic reactions, after receiving these treatments. It's also possible that certain alternative therapies may not help at all.
Alternative medicines can also be dangerous if you don’t have enough information to make an informed decision. Vitamin supplements, for example, are not regulated like pharmaceuticals. It is easy to overdose on vitamins. Some alternative remedies can contain toxic chemicals, which is even worse.
Statistics
- 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)
- A 15-year systematic review published in 2022 on the global acceptance and use of CAM among medical specialists found the overall acceptance of CAM at 52% and the overall use at 45%. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
webmd.com
doi.org
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- A sociological perspective on the rise and fall of complementary and alternate medicine – PubMed
- Holistic medicine – PubMed
nccih.nih.gov
- Statistics on Complementary, Integrative and Health Approaches
- How do you name complementary, alternative, or integrative health? NCCIH
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. The late 19th-century pioneer of holistic medicine was Dr. Edward Bach (1886-1936), the author of The Doctor's Book of Mind Cure. He relied on simple techniques like visualization, meditation, and hypnosis. This treatment helped people suffering from stress, anxiety, depression, pain, insomnia, and many other diseases. In addition, this kind of therapy helps patients cope with their problems and improve their quality of life.
Although holistic therapies have been around for a while, the lack of scientific evidence has made them less popular. Some studies have shown that holistic therapies can reduce the symptoms of chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, arthritis, headaches, heart disease, hypertension and migraines, as well as other diseases such as cancer, heart disease, hypertension, stroke, bone fractures, and obesity.
These are the highlights and pitfalls of holistic medicine:
- Lack of scientific evidence. There are very few well-designed randomized controlled trials (RCTs), that evaluate holistic therapies' benefits. The majority of researches show positive results.
- Traditional medicine has a higher cost. Alternative medicines may be more affordable than traditional medicines, especially if the patient eats a healthy diet.
- Patients don't feel pressured to follow the prescribed protocol.
- Many doctors recommend complementary treatments without prescribing them.
- Holistic treatments are often combined with conventional medicine. For example acupuncture is commonly combined with medication and surgery.
- People believe alternative treatments are better than traditional 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.
- Patients who use holistic treatments are generally healthier.
- Senior adults are increasingly interested in holistic treatments.
- More research needs to be conducted on complementary treatments.
- Research shows that people are more inclined to try other treatments than going to the doctor.
- Doctors should understand that not every patient will benefit from alternative treatment.
- Holistic treatments should be part of our culture and education system.
- Holistic treatments are not always safe.
- So that patients can make informed decisions, we must be able to communicate with them about the various therapies.
- Holistic treatments are not just for hippies.
- Certain diseases can't be treated holistically.
- Holistic treatments are sometimes dangerous.
- For certain conditions, holistic therapies are beneficial.
- Holistic therapies are highly effective.
- Holistic treatments use ancient knowledge.
- Holistic treatments can be easy to learn.
- It is difficult to learn holistic treatments.
- Holistic treatments are hard to learn.
- Holistic therapies are too expensive.
- Holistic treatments are expensive.
- Holistic therapies can be more cost-effective than traditional medicine.
- Holistic therapies are more costly than traditional medicine.
****
Holistic Medicine–A Brief History
Holistic medicine is a method of healing that treats the whole person, not just the symptoms. It addresses all aspects, including the physical, emotional and mental, as well as cultural, social, occupational, environmental, and cultural factors. Prevention is better than treatment. It focuses on prevention and management of disease, such as diet, exercise, relaxation, stress management, and so forth.
Bastyr University was founded in Seattle, in 1972. Holistic medicine was born after Dr. Andrew Weil published “Spontaneous Healing” 1996. In 1997, the American Holistic Medical Association (AHMA) was founded by Dr. David Williams and Dr. Michael Murray. Today, there are hundreds of holistic medicine schools worldwide, including Bastyr University, Columbia College of Physicians & Surgeons, Maharishi Ayurveda Institute, Pacific School of Oriental Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and many others.
In 2013, the World Health Organization declared holistic medicine one of the five major trends in healthcare. This trend integrates conventional care with complementary therapies like homeopathy, acupuncture or herbalism, massage, therapy, reiki, yoga and meditation. This integration will provide safe, effective and patient-centered care with minimal side effects.
Holistic medicine works as a result of an interconnected mind-body-spirit. If any of these three elements are out of balance, illness can occur. This is an example:
You become tense and out of balance when your mind is stressed or anxious. Cortisol, which is a hormone that promotes inflammation throughout the body, is what your body produces. It causes fatigue, weakness, and even sickness.
Negative emotions can cause you to feel anger, fear and grief. These emotions can cause stress in the brain. If you don't treat this stress, your body can produce adrenaline (and cortisol) if it isn't addressed. 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 fatigue and muscle tension, headaches as well as dizziness.
You can lose your faith and hope in life if you feel depressed. You might also experience low self-esteem, confidence, and lack of self-confidence. This can lead you to poor eating habits and unhealthy relationships. It can also cause low energy. A healthy spirit makes you happy, joyful, peaceful and optimistic.
The difference between alternative medicine and allopathic medicine
Allopathic medicine uses scientific methods. Doctors use x-rays (MRIs, CAT scanners), and other technologies to diagnose patients. When necessary, they prescribe medication and perform surgery. Allopathic doctors believe that they have a complete understanding of the human body and can treat any illnesses. Alternative medicine involves herbs, vitamins minerals, diet, exercise and spiritual healing. Alternative medicine is not defined in a standard way. Some people call it natural medicine, integrative medicine, and complementary medicine. Some refer to it as traditional, naturopathic, or CAM.
