Healing The Mind-Body-Spirit Split: 44 Revelations About Healing They Didn’t Teach Me In Medical School

Introduction

In this series, I will be sharing the valuable insights about healing that I didn’t learn in medical school. Throughout my own research and self-study, I have come across numerous revelations that have changed the way I approach healing. If you missed the first two parts of this series, you can find Part 1 here and Part 2 here.

1. Healing is an interdisciplinary process

In Western culture, we often compartmentalize different aspects of healing. We seek medical help for physical issues, consult psychotherapists for psychological problems, and turn to spiritual leaders for matters of the spirit. However, by separating these domains, we miss out on the full potential for healing. True healing requires us to step back and consider the interconnectedness of our physical, psychological, and spiritual well-being. Breaking up the healing process into separate silos limits our ability to heal.

2. The impact of psychological healing on physical health

Contrary to what is taught in medical schools and psychology PhD programs, psychological healing can have a significant impact on physical diseases. The mind and body are intricately interconnected, and addressing psychological issues can potentially reverse medical conditions.

3. The influence of medical healing on psychological and spiritual well-being

Similarly, medical healing can have a profound effect on our psychological and spiritual states. Going through a cancer journey or recovering from an autoimmune disease, for example, can be a spiritual experience. However, these connections between physical healing and other aspects of well-being are not widely acknowledged or taught in academia.

4. The inseparability of medicine, psychology, spirituality, and science

Despite attempts to compartmentalize these fields, medicine, psychology, spirituality, and science are all intertwined. Healing does not conform to the Cartesian mind/body/spirit split. The word “healing” itself means “to make whole,” emphasizing the unifying nature of the healing process. Recognizing this interconnectedness is essential for a comprehensive approach to healing.

5. The importance of nervous system hygiene for optimal health

Optimal health requires regular maintenance of the nervous system. If our nervous system is in a constant state of hyperdrive or hypo-drive, our bodies will suffer the consequences. It is crucial to consider the state of a patient’s nervous system when practicing medicine. The nervous system is not separate from the body; it encompasses every part of our being. Most diseases result from chronic nervous system dysregulation, making nervous system hygiene a vital component of overall health.

6. The need to heal trauma for nervous system hygiene

To achieve optimal nervous system health, trauma healing is necessary. Trauma is not limited to war veterans; everyone has experienced some form of trauma that requires healing. Developmental traumas, which affect our healthy development and expression of our authentic selves, impact our overall health. Healing and treating psychological, emotional, and spiritual trauma are essential for complete well-being.

7. The requirement for physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual healing

Lasting cure and true healing go hand in hand. While conventional medical interventions can temporarily cure diseases, without addressing the underlying healing process, the risk of recurring illnesses remains. Physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual healing are all necessary for optimal health outcomes. Simply focusing on one aspect, such as physical or spiritual healing, does not lead to long-term well-being.

8. The limitations of bypassing psychological and emotional healing

Engaging in spiritual practices alone cannot bypass the necessary psychological and emotional healing. While they may provide temporary relief, true healing requires addressing past pain and traumatic memories. Medications, surgeries, and spiritual interventions may offer temporary improvement, but without delving into the root causes of trauma, long-term healing is not achieved.

9. Spiritual seeking and trauma

Trauma survivors often turn to spiritual seeking as a means of healing. While practices like meditation, contemplative prayer, and energy healing can regulate the nervous system in the short term, they do not replace the necessary trauma treatment. True healing involves revisiting past traumas, understanding their impact, and rewiring the neural pathways associated with those memories.

10. The importance of trauma treatment

Treating unhealed trauma and practicing nervous system hygiene require various elements. These include ensuring basic safety and survival needs are met, providing psycho-education about trauma healing models, nurturing resilience and meaning-making, understanding adaptive strategies, engaging in embodiment practices and somatic mindfulness, regulating the nervous system, processing implicit sensations and memories, addressing negative core beliefs, and creating safe communities of healing.

11. The protective role of Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs)

Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) can counteract the negative effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). PCEs, such as loving family relationships and support, increase resilience and protect against the mental and physical health consequences of ACEs. Even in the face of traumatic experiences, a supportive and loving environment can mitigate their impact.

Conclusion

Healing goes beyond the physical realm and encompasses the psychological, emotional, and spiritual aspects of our being. It is an interdisciplinary process that requires a holistic approach. By acknowledging the interconnectedness of medicine, psychology, spirituality, and science, we can optimize our healing outcomes. Nervous system hygiene, trauma healing, and addressing the various dimensions of our well-being are essential for lasting cure and true healing. Let us embrace this comprehensive approach to healing for a healthier and fulfilling life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who uses alternative medicine and why?

People use alternative medicine for many reasons:

• They want to avoid the use of harmful drugs or surgery.
• They believe natural remedies work better.
• They prefer noninvasive treatments.
• They want to spend less money.
• They feel more at ease using natural products
• They desire more control over their healthcare decisions.
• They want to take control of their health.
• They desire a better environment.
• They want less stress in their lives.
• They want greater freedom in choosing their doctors and their healthcare plans.
• They want their kids to get a better education.
• They desire healthy food to feed their families.
• They want safe, effective medications.

What does holistic really mean?

Holistic means whole-based. Holistic means seeing the whole picture and not just parts of it. This can be difficult because we have become accustomed to seeing things in their entirety.

We often think of grey as black and white. In reality, there are infinite shades of grey.

When working on a project, you should try to view it from multiple angles. You should look at it from all sides.

Consider how the whole thing fits together. How do its various elements interact with each other?

Ask yourself why you are having trouble with a particular element. Also, consider the impact of any changes that you make.

What are the 5 Alternative Medical Systems?

The five alternative medicine systems include acupuncture, Ayurveda, homeopathy, energy healing, and aromatherapy.

Acupuncture uses fine needles inserted into specific points on the body to stimulate the flow of qi (energy) throughout the entire body.

Ayurvedic Medicine, an ancient system of health-care, focuses on the balance of the three elements: fire, air, and water. It includes diet, exercise as well as herbal remedies, massage and meditation.

Homeopathic Medicine is derived from the Greek words homoios meaning similar and pathos meaning disease. Homeopaths believe all diseases are caused by natural causes, but not always symptoms. Homeopaths prescribe tiny amounts of substances to cause symptoms that are similar to those experienced by patients when they are ill.

Energy Healing can also refer to Reiki, EFT and Rolfing. This therapy is based in the belief we all have a connection to a universal life force called Ki. When this Ki flows freely through us, we feel well. Energy healers work with touch and intention to restore harmony and balance between our mental, spiritual, and physical selves.

Aromatherapy uses essential oils extracted from plants for therapeutic purposes. Aromatherapists believe that certain smells can affect mood and behavior. The most common essential oil used in aromatherapy is lavender.

What is the difference between Naturopathic Medicine and Holistic Medicine,

The two main types of medicine are conventional medicine and complementary/alternative medicine. Conventional medicine relies heavily on drugs and surgery to treat its patients. Complementary/Alternative Medicine (CAM) uses natural therapies such as herbs, vitamins, acupuncture, and massage to treat illness and promote health. CAM is not considered a substitute for conventional treatment but rather an addition to helping patients who want to take control of their healthcare by choosing what they believe is most appropriate.

Naturopathy, on other hand, is used as a complement to conventional medical treatments. It focuses on treating the whole body, mind, and spirit. There are many forms and types of naturopathy.

It is important for you to know that some CAM modalities can overlap with conventional medicine. Naturopaths and doctors can prescribe herbal remedies. Naturopaths, however, tend to recommend lifestyle changes rather than prescription medication.

Naturopathy can be called “complementary” when it is used in combination with conventional medicine. Naturopaths may prescribe medication when needed.

There are many differences between naturopathic medicine, CAM, and other modalities.

• Naturopaths don’t usually prescribe medication.
• Naturopaths work with the patient’s family physician and may refer outpatients to specialists if necessary.
• Naturopathic doctors are licensed by the provincial licensing boards. CAM practitioners, however, are self-regulated.
• Naturopathy emphasizes prevention and well-being while also educating about diet and exercise.
• Naturopaths place a strong emphasis on lifestyle factors. These include nutrition, exercise, stress management, sleep, nutrition, and mental well being.
• Naturopharmacists are specialists in the use and treatment of specific conditions using botanicals and minerals.
• Naturopodists have the ability to offer individualized care that is tailored to each patient’s needs.
• Regulators such as the College of Naturopathic Physicians of Ontario license Naturopaths.
• Naturopatrists are licensed by provincial regulatory bodies.
• Naturopaticians have been registered with The Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors.
• The College of Naturopaths of British Columbia has licensed Naturotherapists.
• The United States National Board of Medical Examiners licenses Naturobiotic therapists.
• The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency entitles homeopaths.
• The term “holistic” refers to the belief that all aspects of life – physical, emotional, spiritual, and social – should be considered when making decisions about one’s health. Holistic doctors will examine all aspects of your health, not just one.

What is Alternative Medicine?

It is a healing approach that focuses on prevention instead of treating. It encourages people be educated consumers, actively participating in their own health and well being.

Alternative medicine refers to any system of diagnosis and treatment that does not employ allopathic (conventional) medical practices.

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)
• 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)
• 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 83% of the cases, the readers agreed. (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

• Types and Whole Medical Systems
  

cam.cancer.gov

• Office of Cancer Complementary and Alternative Medicine – OCCAM
  

nccih.nih.gov

• Statistics on Complementary, Integrative and Health Approaches
  
• What’s in the Name of Complementary and Alternative Health?
  

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

• PubMed: The rise and rise in complementary and alternative medicine: A sociological perspective
  
• PubMed: Holistic medicine.
  

How To

How to pursue a career in Holistic Medicine

The field, known as holistic medicine, is growing at an unparalleled rate. You can choose to pursue this career in many ways. If you are serious about this career, it is best to return to school.

A number of schools offer holistic medicine programs. One of these schools is the National College for Complementary Medicines, which offers both undergraduate degrees and postgraduate programs. You can also find programs specifically tailored for medical professionals looking to enter the field.

Many online universities also offer classes in holistic health. The Institute of Integrative Nutrition, (IIN), is one example of such an online program. The institute provides students with a range of holistic health education tools.

You can also enroll in a four-year college. Many colleges now offer courses in holistic health. A Bachelor’s Degree is offered by the University of California in Holistic Health Sciences.

A course in nutrition is a good option if you are interested in pursuing a career as a holistic physician. NCCM recommends that all students take nutrition courses before embarking on professional training. It is important to understand nutrition science in order to practice integrative medicine, according to the NCCM.

Because holistic medicine addresses the whole person rather that just treating symptoms, it requires more skills and knowledge than conventional medicine. Because of this, those interested in holistic medicine need to understand how to evaluate different types of illness from a nutritional perspective.

The NCCM reports that nutritionists often consult with doctors to provide nutritional advice to their patients. Some will even suggest supplements or diets based on the patient’s specific condition.

This is why holistic practitioners must understand the basics of nutrition. This includes understanding the nutritional content of foods. It is also about identifying nutrient deficiencies as well as other problems that may cause them.

It is important to remember that holistic practitioners do not specialize in nutrition. Some focus exclusively on herbal treatments, others only on acupuncture. Some combine the two methods into one.

Holistic practitioners, however, recommend eating a diet rich with fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds. They encourage eating plenty of seafood and fish. They discourage the consumption of processed food products and fast-food restaurants. Instead, they recommend eating organic produce whenever possible.

Holistic practitioners agree that a healthy diet can prevent illness. However, they do have differences on some points. For example, they do not believe that gluten causes celiac. Rather, they think that a lack of nutrients plays a role in triggering the disorder.

However, they are all in agreement that allergic reactions can occur with certain foods. Anaphylaxis can be caused by peanuts and shellfish, for example. They also caution against excessive caffeine consumption.

Many holistic practitioners prefer to use herbs for various conditions, but they don’t recommend the use of drugs. Because such drugs are not effective in solving the problem but only mask it, holistic practitioners avoid using them. As a result, they prefer to rely on natural remedies when possible.

Holistic practitioners often use a variety complementary therapies in addition to offering alternative treatments. These include:

• Acupuncture is a form of Chinese medicine that involves strategically placing needles in the skin. This stimulates the body’s healing process.
• Herbal therapy – In addition to acupuncture, holistic practitioners commonly use herbs to treat various disorders. Ginseng is a common herb used in this area.
• Homeopathy – A type of traditional Chinese medicine that is based upon the principle that similar cures work, homeopathy. Consider a situation in which you experience symptoms similar to those experienced by someone with a certain ailment. In this case, you will need to search for a remedy which contains the same ingredients as the original substance.
• Massage therapy – Many holistic practitioners offer massage therapy in order to promote relaxation, stress reduction, and stress relief. They claim that massage therapy can improve blood circulation and energy levels as well as ease muscle tension.

It is important to find a practitioner who meets your needs when choosing one. If you want someone specializing in nutritional counseling, look for a practitioner with a degree in nutrition. A practitioner who has been certified by American Association of Oriental Medicine will also be able to teach you more about acupuncture.

Before making any decisions about holistic health, consult your doctor. To find out what services your insurance covers, you might also want to consult with your doctor.

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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: Karoline
Title: Healing The Mind-Body-Spirit Split: 44 Revelations About Healing They Didn’t Teach Me In Medical School
Sourced From: lissarankin.com/healing-the-mind-body-spirit-split/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=healing-the-mind-body-spirit-split
Published Date: Tue, 30 Jan 2024 11:00:35 +0000

Frequently Asked Questions

Who uses alternative medicine and why?

People use alternative medicine for many reasons:

• They want to avoid the use of harmful drugs or surgery.
• They believe natural remedies work better.
• They prefer noninvasive treatments.
• They want to spend less money.
• They feel more at ease using natural products
• They desire more control over their healthcare decisions.
• They want to take control of their health.
• They desire a better environment.
• They want less stress in their lives.
• They want greater freedom in choosing their doctors and their healthcare plans.
• They want their kids to get a better education.
• They desire healthy food to feed their families.
• They want safe, effective medications.

What does holistic really mean?

Holistic means whole-based. Holistic means seeing the whole picture and not just parts of it. This can be difficult because we have become accustomed to seeing things in their entirety.

We often think of grey as black and white. In reality, there are infinite shades of grey.

When working on a project, you should try to view it from multiple angles. You should look at it from all sides.

Consider how the whole thing fits together. How do its various elements interact with each other?

Ask yourself why you are having trouble with a particular element. Also, consider the impact of any changes that you make.

What are the 5 Alternative Medical Systems?

The five alternative medicine systems include acupuncture, Ayurveda, homeopathy, energy healing, and aromatherapy.

Acupuncture uses fine needles inserted into specific points on the body to stimulate the flow of qi (energy) throughout the entire body.

Ayurvedic Medicine, an ancient system of health-care, focuses on the balance of the three elements: fire, air, and water. It includes diet, exercise as well as herbal remedies, massage and meditation.

Homeopathic Medicine is derived from the Greek words homoios meaning similar and pathos meaning disease. Homeopaths believe all diseases are caused by natural causes, but not always symptoms. Homeopaths prescribe tiny amounts of substances to cause symptoms that are similar to those experienced by patients when they are ill.

Energy Healing can also refer to Reiki, EFT and Rolfing. This therapy is based in the belief we all have a connection to a universal life force called Ki. When this Ki flows freely through us, we feel well. Energy healers work with touch and intention to restore harmony and balance between our mental, spiritual, and physical selves.

Aromatherapy uses essential oils extracted from plants for therapeutic purposes. Aromatherapists believe that certain smells can affect mood and behavior. The most common essential oil used in aromatherapy is lavender.

What is the difference between Naturopathic Medicine and Holistic Medicine,

The two main types of medicine are conventional medicine and complementary/alternative medicine. Conventional medicine relies heavily on drugs and surgery to treat its patients. Complementary/Alternative Medicine (CAM) uses natural therapies such as herbs, vitamins, acupuncture, and massage to treat illness and promote health. CAM is not considered a substitute for conventional treatment but rather an addition to helping patients who want to take control of their healthcare by choosing what they believe is most appropriate.

Naturopathy, on other hand, is used as a complement to conventional medical treatments. It focuses on treating the whole body, mind, and spirit. There are many forms and types of naturopathy.

It is important for you to know that some CAM modalities can overlap with conventional medicine. Naturopaths and doctors can prescribe herbal remedies. Naturopaths, however, tend to recommend lifestyle changes rather than prescription medication.

Naturopathy can be called “complementary” when it is used in combination with conventional medicine. Naturopaths may prescribe medication when needed.

There are many differences between naturopathic medicine, CAM, and other modalities.

• Naturopaths don’t usually prescribe medication.
• Naturopaths work with the patient’s family physician and may refer outpatients to specialists if necessary.
• Naturopathic doctors are licensed by the provincial licensing boards. CAM practitioners, however, are self-regulated.
• Naturopathy emphasizes prevention and well-being while also educating about diet and exercise.
• Naturopaths place a strong emphasis on lifestyle factors. These include nutrition, exercise, stress management, sleep, nutrition, and mental well being.
• Naturopharmacists are specialists in the use and treatment of specific conditions using botanicals and minerals.
• Naturopodists have the ability to offer individualized care that is tailored to each patient’s needs.
• Regulators such as the College of Naturopathic Physicians of Ontario license Naturopaths.
• Naturopatrists are licensed by provincial regulatory bodies.
• Naturopaticians have been registered with The Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors.
• The College of Naturopaths of British Columbia has licensed Naturotherapists.
• The United States National Board of Medical Examiners licenses Naturobiotic therapists.
• The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency entitles homeopaths.
• The term “holistic” refers to the belief that all aspects of life – physical, emotional, spiritual, and social – should be considered when making decisions about one’s health. Holistic doctors will examine all aspects of your health, not just one.

What is Alternative Medicine?

It is a healing approach that focuses on prevention instead of treating. It encourages people be educated consumers, actively participating in their own health and well being.

Alternative medicine refers to any system of diagnosis and treatment that does not employ allopathic (conventional) medical practices.

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)
• 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)
• 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 83% of the cases, the readers agreed. (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

• Types and Whole Medical Systems
  

cam.cancer.gov

• Office of Cancer Complementary and Alternative Medicine – OCCAM
  

nccih.nih.gov

• Statistics on Complementary, Integrative and Health Approaches
  
• What’s in the Name of Complementary and Alternative Health?
  

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

• PubMed: The rise and rise in complementary and alternative medicine: A sociological perspective
  
• PubMed: Holistic medicine.
  

How To

How to pursue a career in Holistic Medicine

The field, known as holistic medicine, is growing at an unparalleled rate. You can choose to pursue this career in many ways. If you are serious about this career, it is best to return to school.

A number of schools offer holistic medicine programs. One of these schools is the National College for Complementary Medicines, which offers both undergraduate degrees and postgraduate programs. You can also find programs specifically tailored for medical professionals looking to enter the field.

Many online universities also offer classes in holistic health. The Institute of Integrative Nutrition, (IIN), is one example of such an online program. The institute provides students with a range of holistic health education tools.

You can also enroll in a four-year college. Many colleges now offer courses in holistic health. A Bachelor’s Degree is offered by the University of California in Holistic Health Sciences.

A course in nutrition is a good option if you are interested in pursuing a career as a holistic physician. NCCM recommends that all students take nutrition courses before embarking on professional training. It is important to understand nutrition science in order to practice integrative medicine, according to the NCCM.

Because holistic medicine addresses the whole person rather that just treating symptoms, it requires more skills and knowledge than conventional medicine. Because of this, those interested in holistic medicine need to understand how to evaluate different types of illness from a nutritional perspective.

The NCCM reports that nutritionists often consult with doctors to provide nutritional advice to their patients. Some will even suggest supplements or diets based on the patient’s specific condition.

This is why holistic practitioners must understand the basics of nutrition. This includes understanding the nutritional content of foods. It is also about identifying nutrient deficiencies as well as other problems that may cause them.

It is important to remember that holistic practitioners do not specialize in nutrition. Some focus exclusively on herbal treatments, others only on acupuncture. Some combine the two methods into one.

Holistic practitioners, however, recommend eating a diet rich with fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds. They encourage eating plenty of seafood and fish. They discourage the consumption of processed food products and fast-food restaurants. Instead, they recommend eating organic produce whenever possible.

Holistic practitioners agree that a healthy diet can prevent illness. However, they do have differences on some points. For example, they do not believe that gluten causes celiac. Rather, they think that a lack of nutrients plays a role in triggering the disorder.

However, they are all in agreement that allergic reactions can occur with certain foods. Anaphylaxis can be caused by peanuts and shellfish, for example. They also caution against excessive caffeine consumption.

Many holistic practitioners prefer to use herbs for various conditions, but they don’t recommend the use of drugs. Because such drugs are not effective in solving the problem but only mask it, holistic practitioners avoid using them. As a result, they prefer to rely on natural remedies when possible.

Holistic practitioners often use a variety complementary therapies in addition to offering alternative treatments. These include:

• Acupuncture is a form of Chinese medicine that involves strategically placing needles in the skin. This stimulates the body’s healing process.
• Herbal therapy – In addition to acupuncture, holistic practitioners commonly use herbs to treat various disorders. Ginseng is a common herb used in this area.
• Homeopathy – A type of traditional Chinese medicine that is based upon the principle that similar cures work, homeopathy. Consider a situation in which you experience symptoms similar to those experienced by someone with a certain ailment. In this case, you will need to search for a remedy which contains the same ingredients as the original substance.
• Massage therapy – Many holistic practitioners offer massage therapy in order to promote relaxation, stress reduction, and stress relief. They claim that massage therapy can improve blood circulation and energy levels as well as ease muscle tension.

It is important to find a practitioner who meets your needs when choosing one. If you want someone specializing in nutritional counseling, look for a practitioner with a degree in nutrition. A practitioner who has been certified by American Association of Oriental Medicine will also be able to teach you more about acupuncture.

Before making any decisions about holistic health, consult your doctor. To find out what services your insurance covers, you might also want to consult with your doctor.