On Tuesday, we’ll be witnessing a reenactment of the first medical school graduation and participating in our own sacred ritual of renewal, based on the ideas Hippocrates of Kos first espoused and allegedly wrote about in books like em>On The Sacred Disease, /em>one of the earliest treatises that tried to separate the origin of disease from the prevailing notion that disease was the result of some sort of spiritual curse, a notion still e We’ll witness a reenactment on Tuesday of the first medical graduation, and participate in our sacred ritual of renewal based on ideas Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, first espoused.
As I have written about in Mind Over Medicine and Sacred Medicine, I think it is unwise to separate the mind and body with the rigors of Descartes. Hippocrates was right to say that it’s a disservice to everyone when sick people are made to feel like they have something wrong spiritually.
In preparation for my pilgrimage, I have been reading a lot about spiritual healing. It has made me reflect on the many years I spent pondering the causes of premature disease, and what we can do to prevent it. I also realized that the main problem is often a lack of boundaries. This makes us unable to protect ourselves or our health, and often leads us to accept mistreatment in the name being “nice”, “spiritual”, or “unconditionally love”. In my view, spiritual healing has its place. However, I think that spirituality and the protection of oneself and their health against people who cross boundaries are often confused.
In my speech at the International Society for Natural and Cultural Medicine’s congress in Greece, I told the audience that I had come to the unscientific and demoralizing conclusion “that assholes live longer than nice people”. People who suffer from cancer, autoimmune disease, disabling neuro conditions, chronic pain syndromes and other devastating diseases that can prevent someone’s life span from matching their health span, or even shorten it tragically, often appear to be the most kind, generous, good-hearted individuals. They are also the easiest-going, compliant, friendly, considerate people, and lovable. The crotchety, old jerks that feel entitled to push others’ boundaries but are able to respect their own seem to continue to tick well into their 90s.
After 15 years of research I was disappointed to find that a part of me agreed with a report from The Daily Mash in the British parody.
Research has shown that the secret to a long and happy life is being unintelligent, nasty or a mixture of both. According to studies, a person’s lifespan can be reduced by up to 20 years if they spend their energy on developing a brain that functions well or exercising a strong social conscience. Those who are consistently hateful and rarely use their cerebral cortex often live well into their 90s. Professor Henry Brubaker of the Institute for Studies said, “Whether it’s a central African leader or Rupert Murdoch we see time after time a clear connection between longevity and an absolute, unflinching bastid.” Empathy and philosophizing is all well and good, but both heart and mind are best preserved when they are used as little as possible. We know that diet and exercise play a role, but we suggest everyone be a snob at least three days a week. Ideally, this should increase to 60 minutes per day.
Although the satire may be a bit tongue-in-cheek, some scientific evidence suggests that it is at least partially true. We thought anger could increase the risk of heart disease. This study on people with coronary artery disease revealed the opposite. People who expressed their anger lived longer compared to those who suppressed them. In contrast, the Longevity Project Study conducted by Friedman & Martin concluded that pleasant, cheerfulness is a risk for early death. This is in line with the writings from physicians such as Gabor Mate ( When The Body Says NO) or Bessel van Der Kolk( The Body Keeps the Score).
These findings could be used to redefine what it means for an individual to be psychologically and spiritually fit. What if it is not wise, spiritual, or compassionate to sacrifice yourself or martyr yourself in order to please people who do not intend to do the same for yourself? What if protecting your family from those who would prey on your generosity and kindness is not selfish, but rather self-loving and healthy?
Families and cultures can indoctrinate people into thinking that a person who is good, generous, loving, or spiritual, is a person who is easy-going, compliant, pleasing, and cheerful, but never displays anger. It turns out, however, that this personality type is not good for your long-term health or protection. What is so spiritual about not being able to protect yourself in a healthy manner from people who don’t care about your well-being, longevity or mental or physical health, but are only interested in taking advantage of you?
I don’t think we should all be savages to live longer. We might be better off being less nice and more strict, less pleasing, and more self protective. There may be something we can do to benefit from the health benefits that assholes provide while still maintaining our good nature. It may be better to be less accommodating towards others, particularly entitled people who abuse our kindness, and more accommodating toward our inner needs. Some of us have been swayed by spirituality and religion, so this could be a turning point in our lives. We may need to change our way of thinking to include self-compassion, self-protection and a new perspective.
I don’t mean to suggest that it’s always wrong to risk one’s safety in order for someone else to be protected. While I am writing this, I can see little children swimming in a choppy Aegean sea. If I heard one of the children screaming for help, then I would jump into the sea to try and save their life even if my own was at risk. They risk their lives every day to make the world more just. It’s admirable that so many people I know are willing and able to take such risks. It doesn’t mean that we should sacrifice ourselves to save people who are a mixture of narcissistic and sociopathic parts. They are also predatory and ruthless.
I am preparing for a class online called Becoming Unf*ckwithable. It’s about discovering your sacred “no”, so that your yes becomes a “hell yes.”
Sign up here for Becoming Unf*ckable.
This online program does not aim to make you an asshole in order to live longer. This program is about stopping taking crap from people who may threaten to drain your energy, affect your health, damage your financial stability, or cause you to put your safety at risk. What is the point in continuing to accommodate those who do not care that their over-caregiving, neurotic tolerance to being mistreated, or allowing themselves to be narcissistic supplies for predatory individuals who drain your energy to increase theirs could make you sick. It’s worth considering changing the way you treat people who behave in this manner as part your preventive medicine or treatment of chronic or life-threatening illnesses.
Jeffrey Rediger is with me in Greece. He’s a Harvard medical professor, a McLean Hospital medical director, and a former Princeton seminarian. He spent 17 years studying “health outliers,” people who had been cured of supposedly “incurable illnesses.” The results were published in his book, Cured. He spoke here as well, and in an interview he gave yesterday with a German reporter he revealed that one of his reliable common denominators among radical remission survivor he studied was that they all underwent a total personality change.
Some of them, when given six months to live, decided to stop tolerating verbal abuse from their controlling mother-in-law. Why didn’t they stand up for themselves when their narcissistic manager was directing them without regard for their feelings and wellbeing, if their mortality was just around the corner? Why did they tolerate their abusive spouse, their toxic child or their abusive sibling if it was their last day? Jeff says some of these sick people went from being doormats to becoming “selfish bitchs” or “selfish guys.” They became feisty and stopped taking everyone’s crap. They stood up for themselves.
Jeff had partially jokingly replied, but I gently poked fun at his self-centeredness and challenged his words. What is selfish about protecting boundaries and your health? I asked. Why wait until we have a terminal diagnosis or death sentence before getting a little feisty about things? What makes us believe that other people cannot handle being a bit disappointed when we are not completely at their beck-and-call, compulsively and addictedly accommodating their demands while suppressing their own and believing it to be noble or spiritual? It’s time to change the way we think and talk about these things. It’s not selfish to protect yourself, nor is it noble to martyr yourself endlessly. It’s not necessary to be sick to change the narrative on this type of indoctrination.
Do you agree with what I write here or do you have any objections? You are always welcome to challenge my words, express your point of view, and push back respectfully. I would love to know your opinions and feelings on this topic. Please send me an email to support@lissarankin.com
The original post Why Assholes may live longer first appeared on Lissa Rankin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who uses holistic medicine
Holistic medicine refers to health care treating the whole person rather than treating specific symptoms. It considers both the mental, and physical aspects.
Holistic medicine can include acupuncture, massage therapy and chiropractic treatment. It also includes nutritional counseling, yoga, and many other complementary therapies.
A holistic approach to medicine includes those with heart problems, cancer, diabetes, arthritis or depression.
What are alternatives to medicine?
Alternative medicine is a treatment that does not fit the criteria of mainstream medicine. These include traditional Chinese medicine.
Alternative medicine could also refer to any practice that has not been supported by scientific evidence but is used in clinical practice. Examples of alternative medicine include meditation, yoga and aromatherapy.
Is holistic medicine safe?
Holistic Medicine does not pose a danger as many people think. However there are risks associated with this treatment. Side effects include nausea, headaches, dizziness. drowsiness. diarrhea. constipation. These side effects must be understood and weighed against the potential benefits of alternative treatments like acupuncture.
There are no cases of death from holistic medicine.
As always, talk to your doctor before starting any new treatment plan.
What is the difference between holistic and alternative medicine?
Holistic medicine treats the whole person: body, mind, spirit, and soul. It looks at all aspects of an individual’s health, including physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, and environmental factors often overlooked by conventional medicine. Alternative medicine is used to treat conditions like arthritis, asthma, and allergies.
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)
- In 83% of the cases, the readers agreed. (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)
- These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
nccih.nih.gov
- Statistics on Complementary and Integrative Health Approaches
- How do you name complementary, alternative, or integrative health?
cam.cancer.gov
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- PubMed: The rise and rise in complementary and alternative medicine: A sociological perspective
- PubMed: Holistic Medicine – PubMed
liebertpub.com
- Games for Health Journal
- The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine: Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials on Acupuncture to Treat Insomnia
How To
What are the Shortcomings and Advances in Holistic Medicine?
Holistic medicine is a medical practice that emphasizes the importance of mind, body, spirit, environment, and social factors in the healing process. It was developed during the late 19th century by Dr. Edward Bach (1886-1936), who published his first book, The Doctor’s Book of Mind Cure, in 1924. He used simple techniques like meditation and visualization. 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 show that holistic treatments can reduce symptoms such as arthritis, asthma, diabetes and heart disease.
Holistic medicine has both its strengths and its weaknesses.
- Insufficient scientific evidence. The benefits of holistic therapies can only be evaluated in a small number of well-designed, randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Positive results are found in the majority of observational studies.
- Comparable to traditional medicine, alternative medicines are less expensive. 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 will recommend complementary treatments, even if they are not prescribed.
- Many holistic treatments can be combined with traditional medicine. For example, acupuncture may be combined with medication or surgery.
- People believe alternative treatments are better than traditional medicine.
- Alternative medicines are considered to be more natural than conventional drugs.
- Many patients take complementary treatments to supplement their lifestyle changes. They want to be healthy but also want to enjoy their lives.
- Patients who use holistic treatments are generally healthier.
- Senior adults are increasingly interested in holistic treatments.
- Complementary treatments require more research.
- Research has shown that many people would prefer to explore alternative treatment options before visiting 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 may not be safe for all.
- It is important to learn how to educate patients about the different treatments so they can make informed choices.
- Holistic treatments don’t just appeal to hippies.
- Certain diseases can’t be treated holistically.
- Holistic therapies can sometimes prove to be dangerous.
- Holistic treatments are helpful for specific conditions.
- Holistic treatments can be very effective.
- Holistic treatments are based in ancient knowledge.
- Holistic therapies are simple to learn.
- Holistic treatments are difficult to learn.
- Holistic treatments are hard to learn.
- Holistic therapies are too expensive.
- Holistic treatments are very expensive.
- Holistic treatments can be less expensive than conventional medicines.
- Holistic treatment is more expensive than conventional medicine.
****
Holistic Medicine–A Brief History
Holistic medicine focuses on the whole person and not just their symptoms. It includes physical, emotional, mental, social, spiritual, occupational, environmental, cultural, and lifestyle influences. It is a way to prevent illness through diet, exercise or stress management.
The first holistic medical school was established at Bastyr University in Seattle in 1972. After the 1996 publication of “Spontaneous Healing,” Dr. Andrew Weil’s book, holistic medicine began to take root. Dr. David Williams founded the American Holistic Medical Association, Dr. Michael Murray co-founded it in 1997. 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.
The World Health Organization designated holistic medicine as one the five top trends in healthcare in 2013. This trend involves integrating conventional medicine with complementary therapies such acupuncture (homeopathy), herbalism, massage treatment, reiki and yoga. This integration seeks to provide safe, efficient, patient-centered care, while minimizing side effects.
Holistic medicine works due to the interconnectedness between our mind-body-spirit. Illness can occur when any one of these three components is out of balance. Take, for example:
Stress and anxiety can cause you to become anxious and tense. Cortisol, which is a hormone that promotes inflammation throughout the body, is what your body produces. The result is fatigue, weakness, and sickness.
Anxiety and negative emotions can lead to anxiety, fear, grief, sadness, and other unpleasant feelings. These feelings cause stress in your brain. If you don’t treat this stress, your body can produce adrenaline (and cortisol) if it isn’t addressed. Adrenaline increases your heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate, and heart rate. Cortisol affects your immune system, 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. You may also lack self-esteem and confidence. This can lead you to poor eating habits and unhealthy relationships. It can also cause low energy. Healthy spirits make you happy, positive, joyful, peaceful, and optimistic.
The difference between alternative medicine and allopathic medicine
Allopathic medicine is based on the scientific method. To diagnose patients, doctors use xrays, MRIs and CAT scans. When necessary, they prescribe medication and perform surgery. Allopathic doctors believe they are able to diagnose and treat illness. Alternative medicine uses herbs, vitamins, minerals, diet, exercise, emotional support, spiritual healing, and more. Alternative medicine does not have a defined definition. It is sometimes called natural medicine, integrative medical, or 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: Karoline
Title: Why Assholes May Live Longer
Sourced From: lissarankin.com/why-assholes-may-live-longer/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=why-assholes-may-live-longer
Published Date: Wed, 10 May 2023 17:49:22 +0000
Frequently Asked Questions
Who uses holistic medicine
Holistic medicine refers to health care treating the whole person rather than treating specific symptoms. It considers both the mental, and physical aspects.
Holistic medicine can include acupuncture, massage therapy and chiropractic treatment. It also includes nutritional counseling, yoga, and many other complementary therapies.
A holistic approach to medicine includes those with heart problems, cancer, diabetes, arthritis or depression.
What are alternatives to medicine?
Alternative medicine is a treatment that does not fit the criteria of mainstream medicine. These include traditional Chinese medicine.
Alternative medicine could also refer to any practice that has not been supported by scientific evidence but is used in clinical practice. Examples of alternative medicine include meditation, yoga and aromatherapy.
Is holistic medicine safe?
Holistic Medicine does not pose a danger as many people think. However there are risks associated with this treatment. Side effects include nausea, headaches, dizziness. drowsiness. diarrhea. constipation. These side effects must be understood and weighed against the potential benefits of alternative treatments like acupuncture.
There are no cases of death from holistic medicine.
As always, talk to your doctor before starting any new treatment plan.
What is the difference between holistic and alternative medicine?
Holistic medicine treats the whole person: body, mind, spirit, and soul. It looks at all aspects of an individual’s health, including physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, and environmental factors often overlooked by conventional medicine. Alternative medicine is used to treat conditions like arthritis, asthma, and allergies.
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)
- In 83% of the cases, the readers agreed. (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)
- These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
nccih.nih.gov
- Statistics on Complementary and Integrative Health Approaches
- How do you name complementary, alternative, or integrative health?
cam.cancer.gov
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- PubMed: The rise and rise in complementary and alternative medicine: A sociological perspective
- PubMed: Holistic Medicine – PubMed
liebertpub.com
- Games for Health Journal
- The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine: Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials on Acupuncture to Treat Insomnia
How To
What are the Shortcomings and Advances in Holistic Medicine?
Holistic medicine is a medical practice that emphasizes the importance of mind, body, spirit, environment, and social factors in the healing process. It was developed during the late 19th century by Dr. Edward Bach (1886-1936), who published his first book, The Doctor’s Book of Mind Cure, in 1924. He used simple techniques like meditation and visualization. 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 show that holistic treatments can reduce symptoms such as arthritis, asthma, diabetes and heart disease.
Holistic medicine has both its strengths and its weaknesses.
- Insufficient scientific evidence. The benefits of holistic therapies can only be evaluated in a small number of well-designed, randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Positive results are found in the majority of observational studies.
- Comparable to traditional medicine, alternative medicines are less expensive. 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 will recommend complementary treatments, even if they are not prescribed.
- Many holistic treatments can be combined with traditional medicine. For example, acupuncture may be combined with medication or surgery.
- People believe alternative treatments are better than traditional medicine.
- Alternative medicines are considered to be more natural than conventional drugs.
- Many patients take complementary treatments to supplement their lifestyle changes. They want to be healthy but also want to enjoy their lives.
- Patients who use holistic treatments are generally healthier.
- Senior adults are increasingly interested in holistic treatments.
- Complementary treatments require more research.
- Research has shown that many people would prefer to explore alternative treatment options before visiting 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 may not be safe for all.
- It is important to learn how to educate patients about the different treatments so they can make informed choices.
- Holistic treatments don’t just appeal to hippies.
- Certain diseases can’t be treated holistically.
- Holistic therapies can sometimes prove to be dangerous.
- Holistic treatments are helpful for specific conditions.
- Holistic treatments can be very effective.
- Holistic treatments are based in ancient knowledge.
- Holistic therapies are simple to learn.
- Holistic treatments are difficult to learn.
- Holistic treatments are hard to learn.
- Holistic therapies are too expensive.
- Holistic treatments are very expensive.
- Holistic treatments can be less expensive than conventional medicines.
- Holistic treatment is more expensive than conventional medicine.
****
Holistic Medicine–A Brief History
Holistic medicine focuses on the whole person and not just their symptoms. It includes physical, emotional, mental, social, spiritual, occupational, environmental, cultural, and lifestyle influences. It is a way to prevent illness through diet, exercise or stress management.
The first holistic medical school was established at Bastyr University in Seattle in 1972. After the 1996 publication of “Spontaneous Healing,” Dr. Andrew Weil’s book, holistic medicine began to take root. Dr. David Williams founded the American Holistic Medical Association, Dr. Michael Murray co-founded it in 1997. 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.
The World Health Organization designated holistic medicine as one the five top trends in healthcare in 2013. This trend involves integrating conventional medicine with complementary therapies such acupuncture (homeopathy), herbalism, massage treatment, reiki and yoga. This integration seeks to provide safe, efficient, patient-centered care, while minimizing side effects.
Holistic medicine works due to the interconnectedness between our mind-body-spirit. Illness can occur when any one of these three components is out of balance. Take, for example:
Stress and anxiety can cause you to become anxious and tense. Cortisol, which is a hormone that promotes inflammation throughout the body, is what your body produces. The result is fatigue, weakness, and sickness.
Anxiety and negative emotions can lead to anxiety, fear, grief, sadness, and other unpleasant feelings. These feelings cause stress in your brain. If you don’t treat this stress, your body can produce adrenaline (and cortisol) if it isn’t addressed. Adrenaline increases your heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate, and heart rate. Cortisol affects your immune system, 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. You may also lack self-esteem and confidence. This can lead you to poor eating habits and unhealthy relationships. It can also cause low energy. Healthy spirits make you happy, positive, joyful, peaceful, and optimistic.
The difference between alternative medicine and allopathic medicine
Allopathic medicine is based on the scientific method. To diagnose patients, doctors use xrays, MRIs and CAT scans. When necessary, they prescribe medication and perform surgery. Allopathic doctors believe they are able to diagnose and treat illness. Alternative medicine uses herbs, vitamins, minerals, diet, exercise, emotional support, spiritual healing, and more. Alternative medicine does not have a defined definition. It is sometimes called natural medicine, integrative medical, or complementary medicine. Some refer to it as traditional, naturopathic, or CAM.
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