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Hi'iaka's Healing Herb Garden : Column Index : 2005 : Mar05
Coming Soon...
To Your Health: Feeling In the Pink Is Easy
"Take care." "Be well." "To your health." These are just a few expressions that praise the wonders of good health. But health can be very illusive: how do we get it if we don't already enjoy it? And how do we keep it if we are fortunate enough to have it? For this special Health and Healing issue, I wanted to talk about some things you can do to keep yourself "in the pink."
A Positive Attitude Is So Important
I believe that a large percentage of what ails us as individuals and as a society is not physical in nature. Stress causes illness, whether physical or mental, or if you will, "spiritual." We feel stressed because of our jobs, fear of terrorism, problems with money or our relationships, and any number of other reasons. We might be unhappy because our teeth aren't sparkling white and we don't look like a movie star. But these things are just on the surface: what is our attitude about the world? How do we feel and how do we treat others? Do we even think about these things, or are we so wrapped up in being cool, looking good, driving the right kind of car, wearing the latest fashions, and all of the other things that make up life in our modern society, that we just don't have the time to work on what's inside of our heads and our hearts? I don't know the answers to these questions; not many people do. But I believe that if we approach the circumstances of our lives with an "attitude of gratitude," that can help a lot. For example, instead of feeling unhappy because you're a few pounds too heavy, be grateful that you have enough food to eat. Instead of grumbling because your car has some rust, be grateful that it runs.
Be Careful of Health Fads
There are hundreds of kinds of healing and thousands of people who practice them. From crystal healing to vibrational therapy, to colonic cleansing, to a lot of other things I don't know about, I think that many people are desperate for cures to make them feel better. I would say to everyone who is seeking healing to do your homework. Research the therapy you're considering, and check out the practitioner's credentials, reputation, and successes. I recommend the book The Call to Hawaii: A Wellness Vacation Guidebook, by Laura and Betsy Crites. It's an excellent resource that talks about many different types of therapies and lists practitioners of the various disciplines throughout Hawai`i. But keep in mind that magical remedies are rare and that different therapies work differently on different people.
Get a Good Diagnosis
However you feel about doctors and the medical profession, modern technology has some great diagnostic tools. Before you begin treating any condition or perceived condition with alternative therapies, it's important to get a solid diagnosis. The traditional allopathic medical profession can provide that, so use it to your advantage.
Nobody's Perfect
Remember that we are mere mortals and that during our lifetimes we have physical bodies that are not perfect. For example, I have some arthritis. I have tried a lot of different therapies, drugs, herbs, supplements, diets, even surgery to ease my pain. Most of it has done little good, so I have learned to live with some pain and try not to complain about it or allow it to make me feel depressed. Getting older is a natural event that we will all go through--if we're lucky! And sometimes it involves a little discomfort, which is also a natural state of affairs that often happens as the body edges toward its farewell to this world. To compensate for this, I try to appreciate the knowledge and insight that I have gained during my years, and try to focus on treating others with respect and courtesy in all of my dealings with them.
Relax and Escape From the World
I know many people who are so overwhelmed with the details of their lives-jobs, marriages, children, money, housecleaning, preparing meals, shopping, etc.-that they never seem to relax. How can you have time to think when you're constantly running around, especially if you're bombarded with the news, blaring music, insulting and nerve-rattling TV and radio commercials, and screaming children? Whatever the annoyances in your life might be, try to take some time every day to simply relax. Breathe deeply while you do some stretching, or just take five minutes to lie on your bed and tuck away all distractions for the moment. Think about how you're feeling, how you're coping with your stress, and let go of your "I have to do that" panic. Read poetry. If you need a little help, herbs such as chamomile and valerian are wonderfully soothing and can help to quiet the mental chatter that keeps you awake at night. Look for valerian in capsule form at natural foods stores. Celestial Seasonings makes a good tea called "Sleepytime" that you can buy at any grocery store, and it really works.
Decaf Yourself and Laugh a Little
Do you drink coffee, tea, or caffeinated sodas? Sometimes simply switching to a decaffeinated beverage can reduce your nervousness and tension. Stop putting unrealistic demands on yourself. If you're tired, rest. If you're feeling sad, cry, and find someone to talk to. If you're angry, buy a punching bag-and also talk. Try not to stuff your feelings inside but rather deal with them in appropriate ways. Eating fresh, healthful foods and keeping regular hours helps a lot too. Don't forget to laugh-lightening up and taking things less seriously is a terrific stress buster. And most importantly, treat yourself with love. The Alcoholics Anonymous organization has an expression I like: it's "Let go and let God." Whatever your spiritual beliefs, I think this is good advice and that by giving up some of the control you might feel the need for, this can help you on your road to health and happiness. And--take care.
To Your Health: Feeling In the Pink Is Easy
"Take care." "Be well." "To your health." These are just a few expressions that praise the wonders of good health. But health can be very illusive: how do we get it if we don't already enjoy it? And how do we keep it if we are fortunate enough to have it? For this special Health and Healing issue, I wanted to talk about some things you can do to keep yourself "in the pink."
A Positive Attitude Is So Important
I believe that a large percentage of what ails us as individuals and as a society is not physical in nature. Stress causes illness, whether physical or mental, or if you will, "spiritual." We feel stressed because of our jobs, fear of terrorism, problems with money or our relationships, and any number of other reasons. We might be unhappy because our teeth aren't sparkling white and we don't look like a movie star. But these things are just on the surface: what is our attitude about the world? How do we feel and how do we treat others? Do we even think about these things, or are we so wrapped up in being cool, looking good, driving the right kind of car, wearing the latest fashions, and all of the other things that make up life in our modern society, that we just don't have the time to work on what's inside of our heads and our hearts? I don't know the answers to these questions; not many people do. But I believe that if we approach the circumstances of our lives with an "attitude of gratitude," that can help a lot. For example, instead of feeling unhappy because you're a few pounds too heavy, be grateful that you have enough food to eat. Instead of grumbling because your car has some rust, be grateful that it runs.
Be Careful of Health Fads
There are hundreds of kinds of healing and thousands of people who practice them. From crystal healing to vibrational therapy, to colonic cleansing, to a lot of other things I don't know about, I think that many people are desperate for cures to make them feel better. I would say to everyone who is seeking healing to do your homework. Research the therapy you're considering, and check out the practitioner's credentials, reputation, and successes. I recommend the book The Call to Hawaii: A Wellness Vacation Guidebook, by Laura and Betsy Crites. It's an excellent resource that talks about many different types of therapies and lists practitioners of the various disciplines throughout Hawai`i. But keep in mind that magical remedies are rare and that different therapies work differently on different people.
Get a Good Diagnosis
However you feel about doctors and the medical profession, modern technology has some great diagnostic tools. Before you begin treating any condition or perceived condition with alternative therapies, it's important to get a solid diagnosis. The traditional allopathic medical profession can provide that, so use it to your advantage.
Nobody's Perfect
Remember that we are mere mortals and that during our lifetimes we have physical bodies that are not perfect. For example, I have some arthritis. I have tried a lot of different therapies, drugs, herbs, supplements, diets, even surgery to ease my pain. Most of it has done little good, so I have learned to live with some pain and try not to complain about it or allow it to make me feel depressed. Getting older is a natural event that we will all go through--if we're lucky! And sometimes it involves a little discomfort, which is also a natural state of affairs that often happens as the body edges toward its farewell to this world. To compensate for this, I try to appreciate the knowledge and insight that I have gained during my years, and try to focus on treating others with respect and courtesy in all of my dealings with them.
Relax and Escape From the World
I know many people who are so overwhelmed with the details of their lives-jobs, marriages, children, money, housecleaning, preparing meals, shopping, etc.-that they never seem to relax. How can you have time to think when you're constantly running around, especially if you're bombarded with the news, blaring music, insulting and nerve-rattling TV and radio commercials, and screaming children? Whatever the annoyances in your life might be, try to take some time every day to simply relax. Breathe deeply while you do some stretching, or just take five minutes to lie on your bed and tuck away all distractions for the moment. Think about how you're feeling, how you're coping with your stress, and let go of your "I have to do that" panic. Read poetry. If you need a little help, herbs such as chamomile and valerian are wonderfully soothing and can help to quiet the mental chatter that keeps you awake at night. Look for valerian in capsule form at natural foods stores. Celestial Seasonings makes a good tea called "Sleepytime" that you can buy at any grocery store, and it really works.
Decaf Yourself and Laugh a Little
Do you drink coffee, tea, or caffeinated sodas? Sometimes simply switching to a decaffeinated beverage can reduce your nervousness and tension. Stop putting unrealistic demands on yourself. If you're tired, rest. If you're feeling sad, cry, and find someone to talk to. If you're angry, buy a punching bag-and also talk. Try not to stuff your feelings inside but rather deal with them in appropriate ways. Eating fresh, healthful foods and keeping regular hours helps a lot too. Don't forget to laugh-lightening up and taking things less seriously is a terrific stress buster. And most importantly, treat yourself with love. The Alcoholics Anonymous organization has an expression I like: it's "Let go and let God." Whatever your spiritual beliefs, I think this is good advice and that by giving up some of the control you might feel the need for, this can help you on your road to health and happiness. And--take care.
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