Spirituality Is A Natural Byproduct Of Healing Trauma

I struggled to know what I believed when I left the Church at 18 and again after I started pulling back from New Age Spirituality, once I learned about Spiritual Bypassing and its Antidote Internal Family Systems (IFS). Do I believe in a loving God? Do I believe in angels, spirit guides, or past lives or heaven? Did I think Near Death Experiences prove there is an afterlife? Did I believe spiritual healing, karma, or channeling or spiritual healing?

The parts of me that are cognitive wanted to solve the puzzle (so that my parts in control wouldn’t have to deal with all this confusing uncertainty!) I didn’t know what I believed anymore. My skeptical part wondered if the ideas I had about God, the Universe, or what you call the Great Mystery of Creation or Angels or Guides were just imaginary friends to comfort me. Like the imaginary Sister Eddie and the invisible trotting horse my little brother believed were real until he outgrew it. The skeptical parts were polarized by the naive parts who wanted to believe in a benevolent power that loved and cared for me, and that was guiding us to some “Divine Will” or aligned paths. My controlling parts were tired of trying to “make things happen” with my will and wanted to surrender to Something Larger who could guide me to something deep, service-oriented, just and joyful in an overwhelming world.

The “What do you believe in?” question was never answered by my cognitive parts. It turned out this didn’t really matter. The more you heal trauma, the greater the spiritual experiences that you will have. These are not rationally explained and cannot be denied. IFS helped me discover a spirituality that is beyond belief systems.

I would bring spiritual experiences that I could not explain to therapy, because I didn’t think they were real. My wise therapist told me that the more we follow our Self, the more the loving, wise, compassionate force of divinity within us comforts and guides us. The more we do this, the more we have direct, unfathomable and synchronistic experience. These direct experiences didn’t require me to believe in anything. These experiences were a result of my ten-year work with the IFS, my healing of exiles and my gaining of the trust of my guardians.

What are some direct spiritual experiences IFS clients and practitioners report having as a side effect of healing trauma and integrating into a Self led system?

The Spirit’s Gifts:At its core, every spiritual path has a quest for love, truth, healing, justice, service and compassion. These emotions, states, and ways of living are all a result of opening ourselves up to Self Leadership and healing our parts. All of these feelings, states of consciousness, and ways to be are a result of healing our parts, and embracing Self-leadership.

Intimacy & Love:IFS explains the “how” to pursue intimate relationships as a spiritual journey. IFS teaches us not only the “how” to self-compassion. The IFS also gives those who are close to us the opportunity to be our “tor and mentors”, while helping us to learn to love both ourselves and others. A spiritual path that does not encourage us to love ourselves, our relationships, and our community is not worth following. A tor-mentor does not mean framing abusers as teachers (a common spiritual bypassing method of abusing abusers). A healthy, real tor-mentor will practice IFS with both of you. You’ll grow together and deepen intimacy as you pursue a path of intimacy and love.

Syncronicity: The more parts heal, the more IFS calls us “Self,” and the more often we experience synchronicities in the outer world that feel like magical, mysterious affirmations of our progress, even if you don’t yet know where you’re headed. These synchronicities can even be seen as an outer “redo” of old trauma patterns that anchor the inner “redos” we practice and implement during unburdenings.

Meditation:Those that benefit from meditation can learn non-bypassing mediation practices, such as The Path meditation, in order to strengthen their Self energy, regulate their nervous system, and heal parts.

Non-Dual Experiences and Mystical Experiments:The greater the number of parts that are healed, and the more the Self energy is brought into balance, the more IFS practitioners tend to have mystical or non-dual experiences (or “No Bad Parts .”). The more we can embrace the polarity of us/them, or black/white, and hold seemingly opposite views with compassion, then the more spaciousness will emerge. This allows us to view the world without compromising our compassionate, gentle and loving nature.

Angels and Spirit Guides: In IFS, what some may identify as spiritual guides from the other side – angels, animal spirits, etc. – often show up as aspects of the Self who manifest themselves as objects of comfort, support, and guidance in the inner realm. It’s not necessary to believe or disbelieve in them. Sometimes they just appear.

Entities The “entities” that some may call them show up as unattached “burdens” which can be released, without needing to remove the burden. We don’t need to call these “evil”, label them or believe in them. They just appear on the IFS journey of healing and can be exorcised (you might say).

Social justice:Any spiritual journey worth pursuing is founded on the idea that all people matter equally, and there is no “better” or “specially chosen people”. Harvard professor Paul Farmer once said that “the idea that some people’s lives are less important is at the core of everything that is wrong in the world.”

We will be discussing these and other issues in the weekend workshop Spirituality Without Bypassing, with Lissa Schwartz. Early bird registration ends at midnight PST on Sunday, and there is a limit to the number of participants. Please register as soon as possible if you’d like to be part of the community and explore the natural spirituality beyond spiritual bypassing. Join us!

The first time this post appeared on Lissa Rankin was Spirituality is a Natural Byproduct of Healing Trauma.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who uses alternative medicine and why?

Alternative medicine is available for many reasons.

They seek to avoid dangerous drugs and surgeries.
They believe that natural remedies work better.
They prefer non-invasive treatments.
They want to spend less money.
Natural products make them feel safer.
They desire more control over their healthcare decisions.
They are ready to take charge of their health.
They want a healthier environment around them.
They desire less stress in their life.
They want greater freedom when choosing their doctors, and in selecting their healthcare plans.
They want their child to receive a better educational experience.
They want healthy food and good nutrition for their family.
They want safe, effective medications.

Alternative medicine is important.

Alternative therapies are popular because they can be cheaper and more convenient than traditional treatment. Patients have sometimes died after receiving these treatments. This could be due to allergic reactions or side effects. You may also find that alternative therapies are not as effective.

If you don’t have enough knowledge about alternative medicines, they can pose a danger. Vitamin supplements aren’t controlled as pharmaceuticals so it is easy to get too high on vitamins. Even worse, some alternative remedies contain toxic chemicals.

Is holistic healing legitimate?

Both yes and no. Yes. There are many medications that have been proven to be effective against various conditions. Because they can’t cure every condition. It all depends on your definition of “holistic.” It all depends on what you mean by “holistic.”

Some claim holistic medicine was around since ancient times. This is false. Even though some healers from ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome and other countries used natural remedies, this was without any scientific knowledge.

It was not until the Middle Ages when medical practitioners began to study anatomy & physiology. This led directly to the development surgery, obstetrics, pharmacology, and a host of other medical specialties. Most Western countries have developed public hospitals, where doctors can provide medical care, by the end of the 19th-century.

Conventional medicine is still the most popular form of healthcare today. Many people still prefer to utilize complementary and alternate medicine. Many find that it works better for them than pharmaceutical drugs.

Some people are more comfortable receiving massage therapy than taking 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 are the five alternative medical systems?

Ayurveda is a system of alternative medicine that includes 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 can be used to help with diet, exercise, herbs, massage, and meditation.

Homeopathic Medicine gets its name from the Greek word homoios (similar) and pathos (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 is also known as Reiki, EFT, Rolfing, Therapeutic Touch, and many others. This therapy is based on the belief that each person is connected to a universal life force called Ki. Feeling well is possible when the Ki flows freely through you. Energy healers use touch, intention, and touch to restore harmony between our physical and emotional, as well as spiritual selves.

Aromatherapy uses essential oils from plants to treat ailments. Aromatherapists believe that certain smells can affect mood and behavior. Lavender is the most popular essential oil used for aromatherapy.

Who uses holistic medicine

Holistic medicine is a holistic approach to healthcare that treats the whole person, not just specific symptoms. Holistic medicine focuses on both mental and physical well-being.

Holistic medicine includes acupuncture, massage therapy, chiropractic treatment, nutritional counseling, yoga, and other complementary therapies.

The majority of holistic medicine patients have had their conditions addressed.

Complementary and Alternative Healthcare – Is it Evidence-based

While the evidence base in complementary and alternative medicine remains incomplete, there are many good reasons to 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. Alternately, they may look into complementary and alternative medicine as part of a holistic approach for health. Always verify with your doctor that the scientific backing of any complementary or alternative medicines you use is supported. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice if in doubt about the effectiveness of a particular treatment. It may save you money and time over the long term.

Can a holistic practitioner write prescriptions?

Holistic medicine is based around the assumption that all diseases are caused and exacerbated by a combination many factors. These include diet, lifestyles, stress levels, emotional state, genetics, environmental problems, stress, stress, and other health-related concerns.

These variables should be considered when prescribing medication to ensure a holistic approach to patient care.

To fully grasp the effect of each factor on a patient, a physician must have a good understanding of both modern science as well traditional methods such a homeopathy or herbs.

Many doctors are certified to practice complementary and alternative medicine (C&A). This allows doctors to offer a broad range of services to their patients.

Statistics

category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (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 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)
In 83% of the cases, the readers agreed. (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)

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How To

What are the four types of complementary and alternate medicine?

The four main categories of CAM are mind-body medicine, natural products, manipulative therapies, and energy healing. Mind-body medicine covers yoga, Tai Chi and Reiki, as well as chiropractic care, homeopathy (naturopathy), biofeedback, hypnosis and hypnosis. Natural products include herbs, vitamins, minerals, dietary supplements, and botanicals. Manipulative treatments include physical manipulations, including acupuncture, chiropractic, and osteopathic treatment. Techniques such as prayer or visualization can be used to bring about energy healing.

CAM is an umbrella term for various health practices outside traditional Western medical models. These practices can be supported by scientific evidence, or they may involve surgery. They also vary in terms of the conditions they treat. Some CAM practitioners can also do diagnostic testing (e.g., blood test) and prescribe medication. Others do neither.

There are many subcategories that fall within each of these categories. Mind-body medicine is comprised of relaxation techniques, mindfulness, guided imagery and self-hypnosis. There are also deep breathing exercises, meditations, progressive muscle relaxation, stress management, biofeedback and visualization. Natural products can include nutritional supplements and botanical medicines, homeopathic remedies as well as essential oils, botanical medicines, essential oils, nutraceuticals herbal preparations, medicinal herbs, and teas. Manipulative therapies can include manual, movement and traction as well as electrotherapies, cupping and stretching. Soft tissue mobilization, trigger point therapy (or orthopedics), myofascial releases, trigger points therapy, neurostimulation, and trigger point therapy are some examples. There are many spiritual healing options, such as faith healing and prayer within energy healing.

Many CAM treatments can be used to treat symptoms and not the cause. Some chronic diseases can be helped by CAM. If used in the right way, CAM can supplement conventional treatment options.

There are many different reasons people use the CAM.

To improve their overall wellness.
To manage a particular condition.
To lessen pain and discomfort.
To prevent illness.
To promote wellness.
To address a personal belief system.

Some people prefer CAM over conventional medicine because they feel it provides more control over the health of their bodies. Some people believe that CAM has less side effects. Others opt for CAM to avoid prescription medication. Some prefer not taking prescription medications if at all possible. Some people seek out CAM to avoid having to repeat the same mistakes they had with traditional medicine.

Some people who use CAM feel that they need to be certain about their work before trying new things. Many people who use CAM ask questions about its safety and effectiveness. Others rely on friends and family for word of mouth.

Although CAM can be viewed negatively by society in general, most users feel positive about it. People who use CAM are more happy and healthier than those who do not. This holds true regardless if you are of any gender, race or ethnicity.

An overwhelming majority of Americans are familiar with some form of complementary or alternative medicine. 95% of adults use CAM at least once in their lives. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), approximately 40 million visits were made to CAM providers in 2010 alone.

According to the NCCIH, 10 percent of Americans use chiropractors, massage therapists and acupuncturists.3 This compares with only 2 percent who use medical doctors.

2013 was a year that the American Medical Association (AMA) reaffirmed its support of integrative medicine. The American Medical Association recognized the need for physicians to “integrate scientifically supported complementary and alternate medicine into clinical practice…to satisfy patients’ needs and expectations.”5

The Institute of Medicine published a landmark document in 2007 called “Relaxing Contraints: Improving Access To Complementary and Alternative Healthcare.” This report stated that there is no evidence that any specific CAM intervention is capable of curing, preventing, or treating cancer.

Despite this conclusion, CAM continues to grow in popularity. In 2008, CAM practitioners saw an 8 percent increase in number compared with 2007.

A recent study revealed that almost half of respondents use CAM as partof their primary healthcare regime.

CAM therapies include natural products as well mind-body practices, manipulative technologies, energy healing methods, exercise, diet supplements and other approaches.

Many CAM therapies are used primarily for pain relief; however, many also offer other benefits, such as relaxation, improved mood, better sleep, reduced stress, and enhanced immunity.

Acupuncture can be used to relieve back pain, anxiety, depression, increase immune function, promote weight loss, and improve menstrual symptoms.

Many CAM treatments are based on traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, and their roots go back thousands of years.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), for example, was developed 5,000 years ago. It has been used in China since ancient times.

TCM, although it gained prominence in the late 1800s, is still an integral part of health care.

TCM is used to treat a majority of Americans.

Yoga is another popular CAM remedy. Around 5000 B.C., yoga was born in India. Yoga is now widely accepted worldwide.

Yoga has been gaining popularity with the general population because it provides many physical, mental, and spiritual benefits.

Yoga can help ease stress, enhance flexibility and increase strength while improving cardiovascular fitness and reducing blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Although there isn’t much scientific research on yoga, it appears that it has positive effects on sleep33. Yoga may be beneficial for people with insomnia.

Other CAM therapies like aromatherapy, homeopathy, meditation, and/or homeopathy are also becoming accepted in mainstream medicine.

Herbal medicine is one the most commonly used types of CAM.

Herbal medicines contain herbs, spices, flowers, seeds, fruits, mushrooms, bark, leaves, roots, and stems.

They are often considered safer alternatives to pharmaceutical drugs and are widely used by consumers.

The U.S. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health estimates that about 90 million Americans use some form of complementary/alternative medicine.

According to the American Cancer Society 45% of adults with cancer used alternative medicine during their illness.

The National Institutes of Health estimates that 60% of patients with cancer use CAM, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that about 50% of all cancer survivors report using CAM.

According to a recent study, 51% cancer survivors have used at the very least one type of CAM.

Only 8% of these people discussed the use of this medication with their doctors.

This is a serious problem with healthcare delivery because there is not enough communication between conventional medical practitioners and CAM users.

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