Extraordinary Healing

“When inspiration and information are combined in health care, the results exceed expectations. Extraordinary Healing can help you bring both into your life and enjoy the results.” Bernie Siegel, M.D. Author of 365 and Prescrz~tions for the Soul Heal Help Me to “Art Brownstein is only an inspired doctor, he’s also a masterful engaging and simple ways, he describes the remark able miracles of healing while at the same time demystifring the science behind these miracles so that we can all access our own extraordinary healing powers. I highly recommend Extraordinary Healing to anyone who wants to achieve optimum health and well being.” not teacher. In the most Larry Payne, Ph.D. Founding President International Association of Yoga Therapists “In an era own The prevention and taking personal responsibility for your especially timely. importance of mental and physical health and their integration health is paramount, Dr. Brownstein’s advice is when with each other is all who aspire to particularly relevant. This a long and healthy life.” James is an excellent guide for E. Banta, M.D., M.P.H., F.A.C.P.M. Visiting Professor and Interim Chair, George Washington University Extraordinary HEALING Extraordinary HEALING Your Amazing Power of Body’s Secret Healing System The Arthur H. Brownstein, M.D., M.P.H. HARBOR PRESS Gic HARBOR, WA Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Brownstein, Arthur H., 1950— Extraordinary healing: p. cm. the amazing power of your body’s secret healing system / Arthur H. Brownstein Includes bibliographical references. ISBN 0-936197-49-8 (alk. paper) Healing. 2. Health. 3. Mind and body. I. Title. IMPORTANT NOTICE The ideas, positions, and statements in this book may in some cases conflict health with orthodox, mainstream medical matters not opinion, its cover and the advice is not regarding outlined in this book or on attempt self-diagnosis, and do not kind without qualified medical supervision. construed as a suitable for everyone. Do embark upon self-treatment of any Nothing in to this book should be promise of benefits or of results or publisher of the safety or publisher, its editors, and its employees disclaim any liability, loss, or risk incurred directly or indirectly as a result of the use or application of any of the contents of this book. If you are not willing to be bound by this dis claimer, please return your copy of the book to the publisher for a full refund. by the author be achieved, or a guarantee efficacy of its contents. The author, the RZ4O1.B825 2 61 5.5—dc22 2 005 004040615 EXTRAORDINARY HEALING The Amazing Power of Your Body’s Secret Healing System Copyright All © 2005 by Arthur H. Brownstein rights means without reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form permission in writing from the publisher. by any Printed in the United States of America. 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 Harbor Press, Inc. P.O. Box 1656 Gig Harbor, WA 98335 HARBOR PRESS and the nautilus shell Harbor Press, Inc. design are registered trademarks of his book is dedicated his to Norman Cousins rare (1915—1990) and of peace; a to surviving family Cousins to was members. A an and most unusual human political statesmen, politicians, presidents; prolific, best-selling author; a musician; a humorist; and an extraordinary healer. Considered “healer of the medical profession” and “founding father of mind-body medicine,” he was also a pioneering researcher and outspoken proponent of psychoneuroimmunology, a new being, international emissary advisor popes, and a branch of medical science that studies the interactions among the mind, the nervous system, and the immune system to help us better understand how our beliefs, thoughts, feelings, and attitudes can affect our Even research physical though he was in the middle of intense fundraising and in psychoneuroimmunology when we met in his office at out health. the UCLA School of Medicine, Norman Cousins took time his of me healing spoke at busy length about why he considered it the most important system in the body, and how research needed to be conducted in this vital area of human health. Although, over the past 15 years, I have since heard schedule to tell about the system. He and read about the conduct my Cousins was own many times, and have gone on to clinical studies and observations about it, Norman healing system one to the first to make me aware of it and its profound to him for humanity’s ongoing importance making me a better doctor, and this book. battle for the against inspiration disease. I credit write Lacerations. The The Power of Your Mind and Your Healing System Healing System Stories of 135 183 and Your Healing System at Work: Personal Extraordinary Healing 219 PART TWO ActivatingYour Healing System When You’re Before You Sick Begin A 249 Getting Started: System 263 Conquering Skin Problems Daily Program for Enhancing Your Healing 281 Common Health Conditions 282 Abrasions. and Punctures 282 . Long-Lasting Health. Contusions.CONTENTS Foreword xi Acknowledgments Introduction xxiii xiii PART ONE Your Extraordinary Healing System Healing System Healing System and Your Natural State of Health 3 in Action Chapter Chapter Chapter 1 Your Your 2 23 3 The Team Members of Your Healing System 57 Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter 4 5 6 7 8 Strengthening and Fortif~iing Your Healing System 113 73 Fueling Your Healing System Aging. Carbuncles. Furuncles Burns 284 284 Cysts 285 285 285 286 286 287 Folliculitis Impetigo Skin Rashes Allergic Rashes Infectious Rashes Nerve-Related Rashes Eczema Psoriasis 288 288 288 287 Shingles Problems of the Head Dizziness and 289 289 Vertigo 291 Headaches Head 290 Injury Eye Disorders 292 Conjunctivitis Styes 294 Ear Problems 293 293 Corneal Abrasions 294 294 295 295 Loss Impacted Ear Wax Meniere’s Disease Middle-Ear Infections Noise-Induced Hearing 296 Outer-Ear Infections 296 297 Perforated Ear Drum Surfer’s Ear Tinnitus 297 298 Respiratory System Asthma 298 299 Disorders 298 Bronchitis Colds 299 Emphysema Disease) and COPD (Chronic Obstructive 299 Pulmonary .viii Contents Abscesses Acne 283 283 Boils. Contents ix Pharyngitis Pneumonia 300 300 301 Respiratory Allergies Sinus Infections 302 Strep Throat 303 Tonsillitis 303 303 Tuberculosis Digestive System Disorders 305 305 306 304 Appendicitis Colon Cancer Constipation Gastritis 306 306 Gastroenteritis Hepatitis 307 Inflammatory Bowel Disease 308 309 Stomach Ulcers and Duodenal Ulcers Urinary System Disorders 309 Kidney Stones 310 Urinary-Tract Infections Female 310 Reproductive System 311 Disorders 310 311 Cancer of the Female Reproductive System 312 313 Menopause Premenstrual Male Syndrome (PMS) Reproductive System Menopause 313 313 Disorders Male Prostate Cancer Prostate Enlargement 314 313 Testicular Cancer Lymphatic System Nervous Disorders 314 314 System Disorders Central Nervous System Peripheral Neuropathies Musculoskeletal Disorders Fractures Disorders 316 315 316 316 317 Muscular Injuries Osteoporosis 317 . and Plantar Warts Disorders of the Spine 320 Back Pain 320 Circulatory System Heart Disease Disorders 321 321 321 High Blood Pressure 322 Stroke Endocrine Chronic Diabetes System 324 Disorders 323 Fatigue Syndrome 325 323 Thyroid Dysfunction Immune System 326 Disorders 326 Allergies Food Chemical and Drug Allergies 327 327 Allergies Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) Anaphylaxis 329 Autoimmune Diseases 328 329 330 Ankylosing Spondylitis Multiple Sclerosis 330 Cancer 331 Additional Relaxation Methods. Plantar Fasciitis. Imagery Techniques Resources to Breathing Techniques.X Contents Joint Disorders Gout 318 318 Osteoarthritis 318 Rheumatoid Arthritis 318 319 Disorders of the Hands. and Extremities Hand Problems 319 319 Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Foot Problems 319 320 Corns. and Strengthen Your Healing System Guided 341 363 About the Author 369 . Heel Spurs. Feet. but it is just waiting to be called into action—and it is as necessary to your good health as your respiratory system and your digestive system. But in order to use these healing powers that we all have. or even if you’re just not feeling as good as you’d like to feel. we must tap into a system of the body that has been virtually ignored until now—the healing system. and to use these healing powers to prevent disease from ever occurring. Brownstein shares in this book. your healing system may be slumbering. This is one of the major problems with medicine today and with doctors trained to focus on external solutions to their patients’ health problems. The modern-day approach of quick-fix solutions and an emphasis on “wonder” drugs often disregards the remarkable potential we all have to awaken our own extraordinary healing powers when we’re sick. True and lasting healing can only occur when you work with this strong and seemingly mysterious odern medicine to their power within you. If you are sick or weak. I have patients with diseases and condi tions of all kinds work with their healing systems in a variety of ways to combat sickness and restore their bodies and minds to a healthy state. Try waking it up with the strategies and techniques you’ll find in this book. They are all dramatic examples of the incredible power we all have to heal ourselves and the critical impor tance of looking within for permanent solutions to health problems. Through the years. I have even seen unconscious patients in intensive care units of hospitals heal themselves with a strong will to live that stimulates the healing system to go into high gear.FOREWORD rarely succeeds in teaching doctors how to get patients actively participate in their own healing. and you’ll experience the full range of your potential to seen . Pay attention to the stories Dr. before long. Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge Stockholm. Use the power of your mind to affect your body. you’ll see extraordinary changes in the way you feel physically. Let Dr.D. can rally and recover. and it will begin healing and strengthening all of the other systems in your body. so can you if you learn to acknowledge and work with your own healing powers. to Begin with a think and feel in a future reference in times of need. Brownstein show you how to strengthen and fortify the extraordinary healing system within you. such as in intensive care units of hospitals. Sweden . You are about to begin quite an unusual and remarkable book. and your healing system will respond in a myriad of ways to your thoughts and attitudes. one that deserves to be read carefully and then kept close at hand for achieve maximum health.xii Foreword simple first step: “Program” yourself positive way about yourself and others. and you’ll see remarkable changes in the health of your mind. and. M. body. Just as patients who are in extreme circumstances. Claes Frostell. and spirit. Dean Ornish. Rob Saper. To them I offer are my sincere apologies. the miraculous workings of the healing system in patients with severe. Dr.Cousins the original inspiration that led to the writing of this book. firsthand. Werner and Eva Hebenstreit. and the entire Ornish staff. Scripps Clinic Center for cardiologist and current head of the Integrative Medicine. to Hank and Phyllis Ginsberg. M. Conrad Knudsen.. tion for the ideas presented enough to work with him. Ruth Marlin. M.N. regularly encour aged me for five years and additionally contributed by seeing my patients each week so I would have the time to write.D.. Bruno Corns. Dennis Malone. I would like to acknowledge the following people for their con tribution to this work: was Norman .. Many due my thanks for the publication of this simply could not be listed here. the first person in the world to prove that heart disease could be reversed. Jim Billings.D.D. Ph.~ACKNQWLEDGMENTS any people more book. Lee Lipsenthal... Gary David Saldana. I shall be forever grateful to Dr. During the 10 years that I was personally thank include Melanie Elliot.. Guarneri. Dr. Dr. R. Hawaii.D. medical director of the Ornish Program and originator of the Physician Heal Thyself program. Ornish for his wisdom and generosity. M.D. Other staff and participants of the Ornish Program I would like provided a strong.. M. I was able to witness. Erminia M.D. . of Kauai. M. advanced heart disease. Glenn Perelson. scientific founda here. has been a con fortunate tinuous source of encouragement for this project. David Simon. M. Medicine and Miracles. was the field of James Banta. Over the years she has provided me with many case histories and other important clinical evidence shared in these pages. been of great Herbert Benson. M... and Andy Meyer. M. M. Edgar Mitchell. Bernie Siegel.D.D. Andrew Weil. was an Apollo 14 astronaut who made history by walking on the moon. former dean of the Tropical Medicine at Tulane University in New Orleans. has been a mentor and friend.. M. colleague and medical expert on spiritual ity and prayer. Peace the medical director of the School of Public Health and Corps during the Kennedy administration.D. Joan Borysenko. Larry Dossey. colleague and friend..D.xiv Acknowledgments cardiologist. provided lessons in cardiology and how important the heart is to the healing system. and the first person in the prove that meditation can lower blood pressure. Ph.D. which helps fund scientific research on the cut ting edge of healing and consciousness. an expert in of stress-related illnesses. His work with Exceptional Cancer Patients therapy. He has been a major source of inspiration over the years in my investigation into the workings of the healing system. has been a mentor and source of great inspiration in my personal and professional life.D.H. is the treatment to a Harvard cardiologist...D. a colleague and conventionally trained neurologist who has studied and written about Ayurveda and yoga. is one of the world’s most authoritative experts in the practical and responsible use of complementary and alternative medicines. cardiologist. best-selling author and scientist. has contributed greatly to the ideas included here. and professor . described in his best-selling clas sic book.D.P.. I thank him for his courage and wisdom in helping me advance the scientific and practical ideas presented. He went on to found the Institute of Noetic Sciences. has contributed greatly to this work through his insights and deep understanding of the healing system. M.. Love. and one of the first doc tors to write about the healing system. His work world has been invaluable to my relaxation and how it can ongoing investigations into benefit our healing systems. M.D.. M. and currently is professor of epidemiology at George Washington University School of Medicine. and his many other books have a source inspiration in the writing of this book.. Ph. M. Larry Payne. Betty Craven. Tom Higginbotham. natural. dermatologist. and his wife.D. M.. Frank Marstellar cation and contributed to were all instrumental in my medical edu many of the ideas expressed here. M. M. . has been a huge support in my work with the body’s healing system and in the writing of this book.D.D. He was kind enough to contribute case histories from his patient archives that I have included within. Steve Schwartz.D. where I had the opportunity to study yoga and at was traditional Indian medicine. internationally acclaimed yoga teacher and best selling author.. an osteo pathic physician with incredibly gifted healing hands.. pioneering work and and Dr. M.D. contributed the book’s ideas.D.D. Ph. M. David Elpern.. I able to observe ancient. have made a significant contribution to my career and the birth of this project.O. I thank them all early conceptualization of these ideas. Bud Hockley. I thank him for me to India. effective methods for with the treating diseases that worked healing system. Herbert Weiner.D.D. do with Norman Cousins at of psychoneuroimmunology for the research I UCLA. Bernard Towers. Marty Rossman.. to M.D. He.. military medicine colleague. which included George Solomon.Acknowledgments xv emeritus sending many medical schools around the world. and David Bressler. M... Ph. founders of the Academy for Guided Imagery.. and world-class neurosurgeon.D. (deceased). Dr. both long-time advo cates of the body’s natural ability to heal itself. Roberto Masferrer. ment to was my advisor in the was depart proposing along with the entire team of researchers in the Norman Cousins Program in psychoneu roimmunology at UCLA. were my instructors in the two year clinical training program I completed in guided imagery and healing. D. from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia. Tuck Craven.D... Fawzy Fawzy. for their Carmen Clemente.. and they taught me what a powerful tool imagery can be in the activation of the healing system. have been sources of great support and inspiration in my career and as I put together this material... Ph.D.D. M.D. M. founder of the International Association of Yoga Therapists. Alma Schwartz. colleague and classmate in medical school. has been a wise colleague and major sup port for my career over the years. M. and Dr. Professor Len Eisenman. and others. M. Because of him.. and Dr. president of the Hawaii State Consortium of Integrative Medicine. Roger Netzer.A. clarify.. M. Donald Traller.. M. Rosario Porrovecchio. PA. Ph. and Family Practice Walk-In Clinic at Wilcox Hospital in Lihue. Ira Zunin. my colleagues and coworkers. Virender Sodhi. Neal Sutherland. M. the M.D.D.S. J.. M~D.D. of Spain. over the years.D. M. M.D.D. Debby Young is the best editor in the whole world. M. M.. through their work. pioneering researcher in yoga and founder of Kaivalyadhama Yoga Institute in India.D.xvi Acknowledgments Kuvalayananda. MLD. M.D. D. Jeff Goodman.D.. Swami Digambarji.D.D. a as well as Len Wisneski. S.D.. M. of Italy.. Kilauea North Shore Clinic. have sup ported and Hawaii-based encouraged me physicians project. P. have both. Tim Crane. founder of the Hawaiian Diet Program. Ph. Sri 0. Tiwari. encourage. Ph. the University of Hawaii sup ported and encouraged me in the completion of this project.O. where I have studied during the past 20 years. and Pedro de Vicente.P. B.. Pratap.H.B. V. have. Stephen DeNigris.D. M.H. Bill Evslin. author of numerous books and past president taught me how it can strengthen about the invaluable of~ the American Holistic Medical Association. holistic endocrinologist in this and healer.D. Sri Krishna. M.D.... Rob Ivker. Claes Frostell.B. she was instrumental in helping me to organize. M...P. had an open mind to give me Nicholas Zina. and his wise and devoted students. The staff. have all encouraged and inspired me in my work of inte grating body.. Ron Burkhart. contributed signifi cantly to the ideas presented in this book. mind. chairman of the department of anesthesiology at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm. all served and as my teachers and caretakers in India therapeutic benefits of yoga and and fortify the healing system.. has continued to inspire. M. and Terry Shintani. .D. Kapaa Clinic. and my many patients at the Princeville Medical Clinic... D. Ph. all my colleagues at the Wilcox H~spital in Kauai. and support my career and the writing of this book... and my colleagues at. M.. a brilliant yet down-to-earth Ayurvedic physi ciân and naturopathic doctor.. Over a four year period.. and spirit in support of the healing system. M. Sweden..D. Robert Teichman. feedback on the many unconventional methods I have recom mended here. Kauai... M. D. which added up considerably over four years. including a professorship at the UCLA School of Medicine and private practice in Beverly Hills.Acknowledgments xvii and strip down the a huge volume of material I had gathered for this book into ideas flow cohesive. my wife. encouraged me to do my best in all my endeavors while he practiced medicine in a career that spanned 50 years. California. while I wrote. the are smoothly and easy ing with her. M. but to a physician who is also a writer—this is a most cruel and unusual punishment! My father. Being married to a physician is hard enough.. Fernlee Brownstein. Since I have begun work much better writer. Brownstein. I also at want to thank his staff and associates and the and of the folks Harbor Press for being so cooperative. Healing Back Pain Naturally. and Shantanu. Debby. Thank you. enough helpful to publish this work. I have become a as my spiritual cheerleader by encouraging I was grasp. published my first book. She has also served to me to overwhelmed with both clinical duties keep going when and writing. my son. Nutan. clear. president of Harbor Press. readable manuscript. S. Bert Holtje and Gene Brissie are my agents and I thank them for literary representing Harry Lynn. a . I thank him for believing in me me in this work. allowed me to be away from them for so many hours. relentlessly encouraged me to follow in my father’s footsteps as a physician over the course of my childhood and early education. My mother. Because of her. rest as well.R. . “Natural forces within —HIPPOCRATES us are the true healers of disease. more becoming a nation of sissies and hypochondriacs.) “The physician knows that his little black bag can carry him only so far and that the body’s own healing system is the main resource.C.” (460—400 B.” —GALEN (129—199 A.” —No~&N CousINs We .” “The more “The is a major factor in serious the illness.) “The inner intelligence of the body is the ultimate and supreme genius in nature. the all your fight back.D.” —THE VEDAS “The physician is only nature’s assistant. a self medicating society easily intimidated by pain and prone to panic.” physician’s ability to reassure the patient activating the body’s own healing system. and physically.” “We are important it is for you to resources—spiritually. emotionally. mobilizing intellectually. understand almost nothing about the essential robustness of the human body or its ability to meet the challenge of illness. body of evidence suggesting that extraordinary heal ing. and how to treat. it is this: to discover and utilize the properties of another unmapped meta system of the body and mind—the healing system.” —ANDREW WElL.” “We believe if there is one —DRS. BRENDAN O’REGAN AND CARYLE HIRSHBERG “Your body can heal itself. and even passionate investigation of remarkable recovery. They will point to the immune system and let it go at that.” about disease—how healing system. doctors and lay people are together discovering the vast powers for creating health “We are at a that we each inherit a at birth. with no known scientific explanation. because it is the best hope for recovery. If you are in good health. If you want to or people you love are sick. the human body rallies its or h~aling forces and much removes the offender repairs damaged tissue vigor the world’s best-trained medical team. takes place.D. having recog nized the outer limits of technological medicine. urgent. you will want to know about this system. “Medical students are not really taught about the to diagnose They are taught but they are not taught how the body goes about treating itself. including regression of normally fatal tumors. It can do so because it has a healing system.” —HAL ZINA BENNET . M.” “There is a wide pressing argument for a thoroughgoing. because it is what keeps you in good health and because you can enhance that condition. But healing involves not just killing off disease germs or viruses but the process of reconstruction and repair. —DR OMAR FAREED turning point in medical history.” victim to “F~ar from being with as passive as disease. when. you will know about this system. they say. important. YUKTESWAR that is “When you are sick of your sickness you will cease to be sick.’ Thereafter. ‘Yes. only incurable people. when sufficient time has elapsed to fully evidence its importance. they first. radiant with happiness blindly sought in a thousand outer directions. they say. ‘It is probably true. surely it is important. true.” —BERNIE SIEGEL. when the truth of the beyond question. “There are no incurable diseases.” —Lko Tzu “There is no such thing as an incurable disease.” —RACHELLE BRESLOW “Whenever say a new discovery not is reported to the scientific world. M.” new proposition has been demonstrated not ‘Yes.D. only those for which man has not yet found the cure.’ Finally. but it is no longer new.S. it may be but it is —MICHEL DR MONTAtGNE (1533—1592) .” —S.“The land of healing lies within. Norman Cousins. and the least well known of all of your body’s systems. for short. traumas. It systems of the do this because. And within the . healer. doctors in China. and yet so obvious that it has been largely taken for granted and overlooked by most of modern science. he was at UCLA. every surgeon who has ever wielded a scalpel has relied on the body’s natural ability to heal itself following each and every operation performed. in reality. Hippocrates.INTRODUCTION our body is an incredible creation. first spoke to me about the healing system more than a decade ago. can a illnesses. despite its supreme importance. the famous author. it is designed to last for about 100 years.” declared that “natural forces within the true healers of disease. and heal itself from a whole host of injuries. pioneering a new scientific program in psychoneuroimmunology or PNI. considered “the us are father of Western medicine. our most modern diagnostic technologies are currently inadequate to accurately map out the full extent of its realm. More than two it has thousand years ago. which focused on understanding how the mind and nervous system influence the to activate and cooperate with their bodies’ natural heal themselves in times of illness and injury. As a result. a system so powerful and efficient. and diplomat. your healing system remains the least studied. Although the concept of a healing system may seem relatively new to Western medicine.” Even today. No other machine is like it in the world. India. For the and it can repair most part. the least understood. Even if this system were more actively searched for. old. teach and other countries in the Far East and Middle East continue to their patients how to ability lofty ranks of our own modern medicine. the idea that such a system exists is very body. Japan. in addition to the other healing system. so subtle and dynamic. At this time. and diseases. including how body’s healing system works in ways that modern science hasn’t even begun to look at or understand. was Although it took his body 25 years to regrow the rib. is inherently very hard Your get to know your healing system. he im healing system. One solid rib bone had grown in and connected from his sternum in the very front of his chest to the vertebra in the back of his spinal column. us possesses. Peter men tioned that even though the entire rib had been removed from his spine to his chest. This is especially challenging when our modern way of life. it has the titanic responsibility of monitoring all the other systems in your body and making sure that everything in your body is functioning at its optimum. In addition. which verified that what he said X-ray. there it was. it had somehow grown back. it is important to . As we spoke about the operation. during which a part of one of his lungs had to be removed. to learn how to cooperate with it. As a physician. plored me to investigate and write about the was true. which can be fast-paced and stressful. so I asked whether he had proof. To form a new complete rib where only a blank space existed is akin to salamanders a growing new tails or a person growing a new limb. His research important new era in medicine. Peter was a patient of mine who had undergone a major opera tion 25 years earlier. I wouldn’t have believed it pos sible. To access his lungs. For this reason.Xxiv Introduction functioning usher in an of the immune system. 1 still have copy of Peter’s X-ray in my office to remind me of how truly amazing this healing system within our bodies really is. on our bodies. we could learn countless other wondrous miracles about this incredible natu to ral healing it to access system that each one of achieve optimum health. and to explore and discover ways to strengthen and fortifji it in the process. It also reminds me that if we would devote more time to its study. And although the rib was mottled in appearance and distinctly He said he had a copy of his seen If I hadn’t the thinner than his other ribs. the surgeon surgically removed a rib from his chest wall. I had never heard of ribs growing back. X-ray. his X-ray proof of a healing system that was never discussed in my med ical school training and was more amazing than I had ever known. When findings helped we met. but it wasn’t until I came across the following extraordinary case that I became aware of the significance of Cousins’ supplications. time-honored. while creating better overall health. These stories illustrate the critical point that growing older doesn’t have to be to cooperate with and enhance your and fortifying it so it can most effi . and methods to help you take advantage of your natural internal healing resources. how your thoughts. Chapter 4 presents simple yet powerful strategies and tech niques that will teach you how healing system. Part One describes your extraordinary healing system and how it works. These tools will enable you to prevent and overcome a vast array of illnesses while improving the overall quality of your health and life. how illness and disease exceptions rather than the rule. and emotions influence your physical health and the functioning of your healing system. I share basic information about your healing system. strengthening ciently do its job of preventing and healing illness and disease. and what practical steps you can take to maximize the benefits of this relationship. and how your healing system’s primary function is to help you maintain your natural state of health. Chapter 3 briefly describes the other important systems in your body that function synergistically and cooperate with your healing system to help keep you healthy. In this practical strategies. as well as specific strategies and techniques for strengthen ing and fortifying this remarkable system. with case reports and examples that reveal how your body uses specific mechanisms of repair and restoration of health that are adapted to a wide variety of medical scenarios. Chapter 1 explains how your body’s are natural state is one of health. Chapter 5 covers the important area of nutrition and its role in influencing the performance of your healing system. attitudes. beliefs. exercises. how your body operates on the same principles that work in nature.Introduction xxv I book. techniques. In this chapter you’ll find numerous stories of people who have lived very long lives with opti mum health because of their strong healing systems. Chapter 2 presents evidence that demonstrates the existence of your healing system. also provide simple yet effective. Chapter 7 reinforces the power of a strong and vibrant healing system as it relates to the aging process. scientifically valid. Chapter 6 explores the important relationship between your mind and your body. Simple things that you can do to support your healing system can combine to make a huge difference in your health and quality of life. to less life-threatening is to conditions. and to live vibrant.xxvi Introduction synonymous with sickness and deterioration. We can do much to heal ourselves from illness. from very serious illnesses. We are not helpless victims of circumstance. you would be able to overcome almost any malady or affliction that life could throw your way. but that will have a powerful cumulative effect on your heal ing system. and how you could bring out its best. The bottom line is that you have many more internal healing resources available to you than you are currently aware. neither does health. Part Two ends with additional relaxation methods. This ter important chap shows that the most effective path to a long life with good health keep your healing system fortified and strong. If you knew what your healing system was capable of. healthy. you would dis cover that just as illness does not occur randomly or spontaneously. . happy lives. such as cancer. Chapter 8 includes stories of extraordinary healing that I’ve either witnessed myself or have heard about. such as eczema. Then you’ll find step-by-step strategies to help you overcome specific medical problems and heal from a wide variety of common ailments. breathing techniques. It begins with general strategies to enhance your healing system that take minutes a day. I organized this section by the systems of the body to make it easier for you to use. and guided-imagery tech niques to strengthen your healing system. This is a small sampling of the thousands and thousands of people whose healing systems have enabled them to heal from a wide variety of health problems. Part Two is the prescriptive section of the book. In so doing. PART ONE Your Extraordinary Healing System . including human beings. to grow. In fact. natural state. you would discover that. Health is programmed into the DNA of every one of your cells. if you were to conduct a simple experiment by leaving your body to its own devices. Health is your body’s fundamental. or life force. with many own. expresses itself as vitality or “aliveness. there exists an abun dantly flowing. as it is often referred to. it can remain healthy all on grammed its into the DNA of the cells of every human with very little interference or intervention. for the most part. On earth. this is the overwhelmingly dominant theme that governs the life of each living creature and species. Your body’s natural state of health explains why the average cur rent life span for human beings is well over 75 years. to flourish. to people living the age of 100 or more. this energy permeates all living forms and is the underly ing sustaining principle that allows species to be born.CHAPTER I Your Healing System and Your Natural State of Health hroughout the universe and all of nature. and to continue their life cycles for thousands and even millions of years.” Although there may be exceptions. Without this intrinsic state . as it is pro being. supplying it with just a few basic necessities. to multiply. this vitality or aliveness expresses itself as a natural state of health. vibrant energy that creates and sustains all of life. In human beings. This energy. even when can injuries occur and various diseases regularly assault it? How it mend and heal itself. Your body also displays an inner intelligence or wisdom that supports your natural state of health as you move through the vari ous stages of life. that your body knows how to grow a complete set of new teeth after you lose your baby teeth. to create facial hair in men as they go through puberty. balances. If good health not we and continue were not our species’ natural. humans could to exist generation after possibly live this long generation.4 Your Extraordinary Healing System of health. fundamental condition. . perished from the face of the earth. as they crawl. or major traumatic injuries and life-threatening illnesses? Think about childhood alone. and to grow vessels in the heart if there is How does your a during an together a frac new blood blockage in the old ones? state body maintain its natural of health. life-threatening illnesses. bacteria. and to enlarge ance. and bicycle. fungi. Your natural state would have long since of health serves as a fundamental principle around which your body organizes. starvation. run. and all the injuries children sustain. ride a to this the multitude of rashes. and keeps itself vital and strong over the years. climb up and down stairs. walk. and high-impact accidents. most did. uncanny resiliency after it has been subjected to tremen to spring back to health even dous forces of deprivation. And yet. and it is difficult to imagine that any learn to and swim. and torture. How does the body know how to increase its size as it grows. and disturbances. stand. place of the one that has been lost because of stubbed and to create new skin where the old layer has been lost abrasion? How does your body know how to knit tured bone so that it is stronger than before. and return to a state of normal function ing. infections they must endure. right and repair itself from life’s threats. Your body possesses the breasts in women? How does it know how in the to grow a a new toenail toe. fevers. and parasites. and the tears they shed throughout the early stages of growing up. Add child could of us ever make it into adulthood in one piece. following infections from viruses. Because of this internal organizing prin ciple. for example. your body knows how to adjust and adapt to external forces and changes It can in the environment while keeping an its order and bal myriad challenges. Consider. naturally accompanied by a feeling of discomfort or even pain. This is a your natural state of health. your everyday movements and activities feel effortless. turbulent times of life and always rough and spring back. Your appetite is decreased. continuing. easy feeling in your body. and systems. This is an unnatural and abnormal state for your body. and you become afflicted with “dis-ease. organs. free-flowing. You lose your feel ing of ease. This condition is . instead of a natural feeling of lightness or ease. and your body has become dis oriented. mean illness represents by this? an The word health is related toward wholeness and the word of a sense healing. unnatural. Your breathing is usually labored. You expend great energy performing simple tasks. When a move you are you feel whole and well. Your body feels healthy. and even 100 years or more? It accomplishes all this because of its incredible healing most system. which is well-being. feeling of When you become ill.Your Healing System and Your Natural State of Health 5 How does your body move forward tumble. a condition associated with ease in the body and in the mind. and you have a comfortable. When you have lost your health. through the for the part. Disease Is Unnatural and Abnormal Because health is your natural. to 75. It has become a huge distraction for your mind. Health Is Natural and Normal. normal What do I to state. To think about anything uplifting or creative is difficult. you lose your health. light. past the age of 50. heavy burden that keeps you from a more chaotic state. Your heart rate is increased. Your body feels weak and vulnerable. your body feels sluggish and heavy You feel ill at ease because you are out of balance. vibrant. orderly. away from your Disease represents a movement central. Your body has become a painful. Each movement in your body becomes difficult and full of effort. and the crucial ways in which that system works with your body’s other tissues. abnormal ment state. disease represents nothing more than a temporary departure from your natural balanced state.” Understood in these terms. into state of health. because your mental energies are completely consumed by your disease and discomfort. always striving for order and balance. just as the tides of the ocean are predictable and occur in conjunction with the lunar phases.6 Your Extraordinary Healing System your life. Just as occur at predictable sunset times. too much luxury. too much stress. this situation represents imbalanced conditions. the body becomes weak and vulnerable and can fall prey to any of a number of diseases. “diseases of excess” prevail. so it is with illness and disease. enjoying state. when dissected to its essential nature. Disease is not your body’s natural. in the developed Western world. or balance. and a lack of basic human necessities such as food. Enough of the basic human necessities simply are not available. ill ness and disease are only temporary states. and for discernable are rea in predictable conjunction with the earth’s rotation on its axis. This order and balance that maintain your natural state of health are achieved through homeostasis as your body processes and state adjusts to external forces and stimuli to maintain its natural of health. Nobody gets sick by accident. with an ever-changing internal envi biology. a state of temporary not only are create in your body. Any illness or disease. with very at few exceptions. with dis-ease. clothing. scarcity. In this deficient environment. and edu cation. Illness and disease ance body. Again. Alternatively. fluid form. occur sunrise and and . If you take a closer look the factors that govern your health. too much overindulgence. or out of the blue. it is entirely abnormal and unnatural. reflects only this: a breakdown in the orderliness of your imbalance and disorder. or ‘When external forces become harmful are toxic. and so on. For many example. shelter. unnatural imbal the result of temporary. or illness resulting. order turns to chaos. and these forces large or persistent enough to create significant imbalance in your body. sanitation. According to the biological principle of homeostasis. they also temporary. unnatural imbalances that have been created in the world. diseases caused by too much: too much food. In the science of body as a the word homeostasis describes your flexible. sons. ronment that is naturally resilient. then. in have been developing countries. you will discover that illness does not strike randomly. water. “diseases of lack” predominate. where the scales of material abundance tipped toward poverty. Disease and illness. normal On the contrary. Greg. As with most illness or injuries that are entirely preventable. and it seemed to work. had chronic obstructive lung disease. he just chose not to listen. Rather than rest and take it easy. pounding nails. until one day he went too dered. and lifting heavy lumber all day long. he’d take pain killers so he could finish his work. Greg could easily have solved his back problem without having to go through surgery if he had taken the time to heed the messages from his body. These physical messages usually start as gentle incantations in the form of bodily discomfort. which is connected to nature. where he underwent emergency spine surgery. As is often the with many of my other back-pain patients. To him. While he a was bending over spine to lift beam. In fact. and then progress to shouting and screaming in the form of debilitating pain. a patient of mine with chronic back prob lems. For instance. is constantly trying to remind you of these laws through its intelli gent communications network. He needed regular ing to and . finishing his house was a higher priority than listen case of taking care of his body. The next morning. This pat tern went on for several weeks. More important. You fall into illness or disease usually when you have ignored your body’s basic communications and early warning signs. This occurs in spite of your body’s pleading with you to change your unhealthy ways. illness and disease when your body’s internal environment has become imbalanced and disor usually the result of nature’s basic laws of health being knowingly or unknowingly violated. another patient of mine. sawing wood. This is far. updated infor mation relayed directly from a precise. highly intelligent. the pain was so bad he could barely get out of bed. your body. Your body continually provides you with clear. was building a house. he ruptured disc in his and ended heavy laminated up on an operating a table.Your Healing System and Your Natural State of Health 7 Listening As I’ve to Your Body occur already mentioned. After bending over. Jim. a condition very much like asthma. These laws are simple and sys tematic. in the evening he’d be extremely sore and stiff. however. early warning system designed to inform you when you are in danger of losing your health. you are probably intuitively aware of what your body requires to remain healthy and strong. Greg had had plenty warning from his body before his rupture. he would end up in the emergency room because he couldn’t breathe. and strong intravenous med ications. which he used daily just to be able to breathe. cheese sandwiches. is completely preventable. which had lasted for almost one week. and chocolate candy bars. In most cases. and pizza and ice cream for dinner. his pattern for body was constantly hacking. Often. She was signifi cantly overweight. bilious material for two days before she came to my office in obvi ous distress. Funny. burgers and fries with a milkshake for lunch. At these times. he needed oxygen. Even when her pain increased and the vomiting began. coughing. and his chronic obstructive pul monary disease has vanished. As a complication of his condi tion. Sally had eaten sausage and fried eggs for breakfast. this condition. Jim decided to pay attention to his body’s messages and work with its natural ability to maintain his infection in than health and well-being. was located in the right upper aspect of her abdomen. Her signs and symptoms pointed to an acute gall-bladder attack. Sally is another patient of mine who ignored her body’s mes sages. brought on largely by a high-fat diet. he continued to do so. a he no longer requires inhalers to breathe. she mentioned to me that this wasn’t the first incident of this after having eaten Over the past several years. Almost every day for the week preceding her problem. packs of cigarettes a day. Her pain. he hasn’t had respiratory more a year. of fair complexion. After I spoke with Sally at length. she continued to eat toast with butter. or he could easily have died. It has now been three years since Jim stopped smoking. all high-fat foods. His up in the intensive-care unit for two weeks. Sally was in a lot of pain and had been vomiting yellow. and approximately 40 years of age. ventilating assistance. certain rich foods. and spitting up foul-smelling mucous and phlegm. He finally got the message one day after a near-death episode. after which he ended to the tune of one to two more than 20 years. she had noticed significant nature. he often came down with serious respiratory infections that required potent antibiotics to stop. She couldn’t understand why she didn’t feel better. Although his breathing problems would flare up when he smoked. .8 Your Extraordinary Healing System prescriptions for inhalers that contained strong medicines. which tests later confirmed to be the problem. during which she drank only water and liquids and ate nothing solid. Sam was a local Hawaiian who drank a case of beer each day abdominal discomfort. but he had Sam had had also suffered from DTs tried to (delirium tremens) and shakes when he had once quit drinking. a and was he hadn’t been able drink for more than week. where her gall bladder was removed in less than 2 hours. Instead. a bad sign that having circulation problems. and belching. I placed Sally on a clear. and the surgeon’s knife was impatiently waiting. He suffering meant from acute liver. the wheels of the system were turning. and his was nauseous painful and swollen. and didn’t think much about it. I referred Sally to a surgeon to have her gall bladder removed. story. After brief periods. Sally was wheeled into the operating room. He and his buddies had been this on steady regimen time to for many years. swollen belly and liver. plenty of warnings from his body before this episode. however. long time. he had resumed his the storms of suffering had buddies. to eat or and dehydrated. her vomiting and pain completely stopped. drank. They met at the local beach park after work. Sam liver was in to see me. and she told me she hadn’t felt that good in a long. However. Sam’s body was talking to him. after many years of these drinking His abdomen was tender. His feet and ankles he was (and chronic) alcoholism that was affecting his were also extremely swollen.Your Healing System and Your Natural State of Health 9 bloating. He activities. liquid diet for 48 hours and also sent her down to the hospital for laboratory tests and an X-ray to con firm my diagnostic suspicions. and. busy drinking habits with his and after very with other patients. like Sally. One came day. and dehydration on several prior occasions. After the diagnosis was confirmed.” Her body had obviously been trying to get her attention to change her diet for a long time. and told their stories until well after dark and it was go home. too. I thought I wouldn’t have much of an hearing Sam’s impact on helping him . During the 48 hours after she had come to see me. she ignored them and interfered with her body’s natural ability to keep her healthy and strong. I was passed. by then. After three days. He had not only experienced a tender. Sally could have main tained her natural state of health by heeding the messages her body had been giving her. he wasn’t lis tening. things that she attributed to mere “indigestion. nausea. as well. A classic model known as epidemiological is the is the triangle exists in this field. Because of his was a new beard. should be the sickest people has of all. if germs so spread from person person easily. Two years later. and Why? blaming another Many people person come into my office family member. Who Gets Sick.10 Your Extraordinary Healing System change his ways. then. latter. give my perfunctory speech about the need to stop drinking. I didn’t recognize who it was—Sam. however. us are usually the only cause of the illness. which or transmits the disease. and other in organisms immediate envi ronment the air not we breathe. all of to would be sick all the time. which disease. state and ical labor. I resigned myself to believing he was just another casualty of alcohol. these microorganisms. a man showed up in my office for a chest cold. But our Under normal conditions. then doctors. However. viruses. bacteria and viruses in environment usually do not bother us in the least. I did. athletic shape. only for the bronchitis throat infection the they and contracted. because of in our ubiquity of bacteria. and I referred him to an internist who could admit him to the hospital. he had been drinking was lots of water. he had his quit smoking. . If were they were. something in us? Recent research points strongly the in favor of the Epidemiology as is the science that studies disease outbreaks in the world. What. This attitude is natural. or or the sitting next to them on the airplane. these germs. Other than that. back to well. in and of themselves. who spend every day around these germs and around the people they who are spread not. Also. he looked healthy and in good. and he his natural of health. The epidemiological triangle on illustrates that the existence of disease depends three factors: person who is the organism or potential target of the disease-causing factor that initiates I) the host. as exercising. which I thought would only to fall on deaf ears. Sam had doing finally hard phys to listened body. And it showed! Instead. He to totally changed person! me Sam told that what I had said a him that day did make an impact. known epidemics. He hadn’t had drink in two years. 2) the agent. them? Is it changed or that allows us to become infected and affected by them. You’re light-hearted. warm summer skipping sudden. research attributed more Whereas previous medical as importance to the virulence of such agents newer bacteria and viruses that caused the diseases. These factors our are dependent on the personal choices on make in every day lives. Your Healing System Body’s Health The Guardian of Your Imagine yourself outside on a beautiful. feeling carefree and day. As you feel yourself going down. there is another tem in extremely important and its sys to the body that is responsible for its natural resiliency. and have an affinity for in the our certain people. you instinctively put out your arm to brace . ability heal itself and the most keep itself healthy. while it works to solve and prevent future epidemics from occurring. how well our we nurture and honor bodies.Your Healing System and Your Natural State of Health 11 and 3) the environment. recently discovered system. Studying host resistance factors helps some exposed the people get sick and why others don’t. for most to people living in modern. All of a you trip on an oversized crack in the sidewalk. to Studies host resistance factors have also led the realization that. on Studies host resistance factors show that. developed world. why certain people get sick why certain diseases seem to more often than others. and its most important one. which ness. This system is the body’s healing system. down the street. the state care important factors illness are determining we of health and susceptibility state based our on how well take of ourselves. even when they same disease-causing agents. and how well we respect natural we of health. They why to person’s susceptibility to illness and disease and reflect one’s natural understand are resiliency. factors within that keep us and help us resist ill We can think of host resistance factors determine a body’s internal healing us to resources. The body to knows how its heal itself and maintain its natural state of health because of healing system. in addition to the immune system. in which both the host and agent reside Medical science needs true to or come in to contact weigh and measure all three factors help discover the origins of illness. much greater us medical research are places emphasis healthy the as on host resistance factors. at the same time. it still hurts like the dickens. First. crusty covering that thickens and forms into a scab. When external forces seek your to create imbalance within even turn to body. your heal your body resilient by repairing and healing it from These encountered every include not only the rapid single day of your life. this process includes cases of life-threatening emergencies. Several months later. oxygen. when you think about the fact that you have new skin. monitoring. when order becomes less or orderly and may chaos. you have to ask yourself. you watch your body go through interesting yet predictable changes at the site of the abrasion. your healing system works order and balance to help you reclaim your natural are of health. As you slowly rise to your feet. when dis-ease. When your body sheds the scab after a week or two. just course several as a snake layer sight lizard sheds its skin. o Your healing system can speed up your heart rate and increase the strength of its contractions to rapidly deliver more blood. you notice you have a brand-new of skin. and nutrients to specific sites that need healing. “How did my body know how to do that?” of the injury~ Pretty common. and continual adjusting of critical physiological processes that occur deep within your body’s internal environment.12 Your Extraordinary Healing System your fall. It is thankful that it’s only a scrape. you notice an area red. hard state to to restore illness manifests. without your even knowing it. As you hit the ground and slide along the pavement. without much fuss. For the a ing system keeps myriad of problems events part. it begins to secrete a clear-looking fluid that eventually turns into a brown. everyday stuff. there’s not even a scar to mark the or and yet. Here just a few ways your healing system works safeguard Your to your health: o healing system can to increase blood flow expand and contract blood vessels specific areas of your body that need healing. In doctor’s language. but also the supervising. Although you’re where a has been ripped off. you immediately feel pain in your arm. . mending of superficial problems such as abrasions and cuts and bruises on the skin. and patch of skin bleeding. raw. Your body knows how most to heal itself because of its healing system. you have just sustained Over the an abrasion! of the next days. Your more. you will find your healing system working hard to reestablish balance and order in your body. your healing system. a sweating. your natural state of health. Even if you are battling an illness right now. for as long as you are alive. of knitting your bones together as process of bone it heals fractures. a Your a Your healing system can increase your breathing rate and lung capacity to bring in more oxygen for your cells and tissues when an illness or injury has occurred. attempting to pull you out of your suffering. system can do all of these things and many. many In fact. Your healing system can increase body temperature to cause a Your fever and induce is present.Your Healing System and Your Natural State of Health 13 a a healing system stimulates your glands to produce key hor mones to initiate growth and repair processes within the cells of damaged tissues. By understanding what these obstacles are removing them. Even if there have been times in the past when you were quite ill and had to struggle against life’s most serious adversities and set healing system was there for you. now . healing system supervises the amazing remodeling. in many instances. to remove toxins when an infection Your healing system can modify the function of your kidneys to reduce urine output and help conserve water if you’re dehy drated. you can work with your healing system to strengthen and fortify it and regain your backs. creating unfair burden that hinders its work and jeopardizes its effectiveness. underneath the symptoms of illness. unknowingly place obstacles in the way of your heal an ing and system. Even if your health is currently compromised and not what you would like it to be. The fact that you are alive today is indicative of your healing system’s functioning to fulfill your body’s underlying drive to heal and become healthy once again. your healing system healing remains viable and committed to its role~ as the guardian of your body’s health. Eliminating In many Obstacles you to Your Healing System cases. Another example is evident with heart disease. advanced heart disease. autoimmune diseases. High cholesterol levels resulting from a lack of exercise. we our something very fundamental and essential about how . Removing these obstacles by restricting fat intake. With the burden of the cigarette smoke removed. If cigarette smoking were natural. their roots cancer. burdens. consider the case of a chronic lung infection in a person who continues to smoke cigarettes. Heart disease is caused by excess choles terol accumulation. major heart metabolic diseases. It is well known that this simple strategy can reverse even unshackled to severe. and even The time. Although it can survive and tolerate cigarette smoke for a certain period of time. the tars. what exactly missed the case with looking for is right under our noses. the number-one killer in the Western world. enabling itto express its natural state of health. Until recently. have at obstacles that have been Remove these placed as burdens upon the healing system. we’d all have been born with a cigarette in our mouth. joint diseases. of our major diseases diseases. This is the body’s healing system.14 Your Extraordinary Healing System complete its task of healing. routine task for your healing system to restore your body to its natural state of health. Constant breathing of cigarette smoke is not natural. clean. and stress can clog the arter ies of the heart and cause a heart attack. and the other toxic substances in the cigarette smoke create a burden on your healing system that causes an imbalance and a breakdown in your health. and healing occurs because now the healing the body to its natural state of health. and managing stress allows the healing system to restore the body to its natural state of health. too many rich and fatty foods. In this case. the smoke particles. removing the harmful obstacle of the cigarette smoke is all that is required for your body to regain its natural state of health. For example. Your body was designed to breathe fresh and healthy. natural air. it is an easy. to restore system is free Why the Healing System we are Has Been Overlooked Sometimes. including lung diseases. the carbon monox ide. can quickly restore normal functioning to your body. increasing exercise. after a while. development. on the structure and form of the This view body. has rather than on its function. sustenance. to kill them. this focus has left us ignorant about bodies work and how they heal themselves. and the large development resources. as intelligent.Your Healing System and Your Natural State of Health 15 bodies work consequence. functional. has its place in a or injuries. The body’s healing system has been overlooked until now for a number of reasons. such as antibiotics. we failed to recognize the significance of the As a most important system in our entire bodies. and so diseases and ill viewed as localized problems within specific are areas anatomical of the body. anatomical ing A energy to where it is needed. not which seeks caused link certain diseases are specific gene defects. viruses. Not recognizing that energy is the real. life-promoting. But the area. . A large amount to of research is currently to devoted to genetics. significant ways: more on how the o Conventional medicine focuses structure and form than on nesses function (how the body works). Genetic defects currently being blamed for most as diseases by Although genetics certainly external agents such bacteria. and healing. fundamental principle in our bodies. The body directs heal flow and movement function. The primary reason is that conventional medical science focuses. whole living systems. inner This research has directed For the awareness away from the body’s how o our part. doctors than on Conventional medicine has once again tend The to focus more on structure and form healing system is not confined to one body is a functional system based on the of energies within it. the arately o as many individual parts working sep body and surgery is often seen as the ultimate treatment for is viewed these separate problems. active. of specific most drugs. for the most part. neglected to acknowledge the cen tral role that energy plays in the body’s growth. such as bacteria and viruses. much like to a fireman directs water from the end of his hose help put out a fire. part of scientific research has been devoted to the study of external agents of disease. or an impact on medicine in these body works. Instead of one unit working as a whole. person’s health. linked to poor diets and unhealthy lifestyles Seeking to cure genetic engineering through the removal of defective genes. completely bypasses the importance of discovering how the body’s healing system can help overcome the majority of diseases. tend to treat each system of the body as a separate entity. otolaryngology for the ears. cancer. and so on. such heart disease. nephrology for the kidneys. focuses on the study of only one system within unaware The Healing System many Is Not a New Discovery system as a recent Although discovery. endocrinology for the glands. it appears the left hand does n’t know what the right hand is doing. podiatry for the feet. are and high blood pressure. Most diseases. arthritis. diabetes. nose. of information from rather than For part of a unified whole. whole system. while important for certain rare diseases.16 Your Extraordinary Healing System international cause most as public health data show that bad genes do common not diseases in the world. we now have cardiology as to study and treat the dermatology to study and treat the skin. orthopedics for the bones and muscles. example. Each of its total presence and significance. neurology for the nerves. and throat. rheumatology for the joints. people regard the body’s healing in fact. like surgeons. As a result. urology for the bladder and related organs. Because the healing system is integrated within the struc heart. all diseases with Specialties reason in Medicine significant that the amount healing system has been over looked is the tremendous so coming many different specialty fields in medicine today. ture and function of all the other systems of the us to see body. pul monology for the lungs. we physicians have developed a type of tunnel vision that prevents us from seeing the big picture. and organizing and sorting all of this specialized information into one complete. overspecial we ization has caused continue to only fragments of its existence while remain specialty body. The Growth of Another rather than bad genes. At times. ancient cultures and healers from other parts of the . and communication among the various specialty fields is often lacking. Specialists. This is a major flaw of the human modern medicine. stroke. when planet is first discovered. in which before we can accept them fact. poor diet. and so on. erratic social relationships. are all possibilities. the Removing to these obstacles and harmful forces allows healing system do its job more effectively. its influence the first sign of its existence is often glimpsed through observing . not against. and that the body’s healing system works with the same intelligent organizational principles that can be found in nature. we can discover and utilize important. the forces of nature that exist within the human body. Let me be expected of any field of scientific explo explain. Further. we her wisdom.Your Healing System and Your Natural State of Health 17 world have long known about it. problems at work or working too much. What caused the body to become less orderly and more chaotic. however. gentle. that the role of the Even today. Healing can occur when we work with. turmoil at home. and so much of the evidence for its existence is indirect. mental and emotional conflict. and supportive modalities that work in harmony with this healing system to help restore and maintain our health. Discovering and investigating of disease? Factors such these factors is critical for harmful a successful treatment outcome. natural. is ration. and a to fall out of its natural balanced state of health and into state as stress. Western medical science’s discovery of the body’s healing new system is still in its early stages. poor sleeping habits. whose members lived in close respected been challenged. most healing system has been questioned. the existence of It is a need as new ideas to oniy in our modern be scientifically proven proximity to nature and healing system has never age of skepticism. Within the healing communities of these societies. they believe that by studying these natural principles. any physician who under stands the true value of the healing system will try to understand how the body’s natural forces of health became unbalanced in the first place. Once the to culprits have been identified. lack of regular exercise. a new star or In the field of astronomy. the road back health becomes clearer. practitioners of the healing arts living abroad operate from the premise that our bodies are linked to nature. This to situation. When confronted with a sick patient. away from the if more aggressively looking If we can shift the current focus of scientific exploration various bacteria and viruses and the neutralize them. have we been discovered in this look for manner. live to a maximum of only one to two gnats. on Precise mathematical data about the new entity. such mosquitoes. each of Your has Healing System a living species age to a programmed lifespan. and butterflies. and a orbital motions. the healing for it. motion abnormalities can help high- powered telescope. away from toxic and away from “bad poison the our malignancies. more chances of finding Within our bodies also exists we an vast universe of its own: the healing we system. For insects. the lifespan . heal diseases. In the vastness universe. away from chemicals to pharmaceutical weapons produced to quick-fix surgical solutions. until seen. don’t actively something. Because have spent efforts investigating external agents of disease and haven’t been actively looking for this internal system. The and how our healing system’s even tremendous effect we on us bodies function is clear. and enjoy long and healthy beyond our current expectations.18 Your Extraordinary Healing System on the behavior and orbiting characteristics of its closest known often be detected with the neighbor. of our genes” that we suspect on cause majority how our other problems. then our will be much further along learning how cooperate with healing lives systems prevent illness. result in careful cal culations and et comes closer look through the telescope. which focus more on anatomical structures and less energy and function. densit>~ gravitational fields. most mum which members of that as live. the entire. of the it are and even galaxies. weeks. species can maxi potential example. Centenarians Living Examples In nature. if almost nil. haven’t amassed a great deal of information about it. For dogs. system would still be difficult even to we accurately had been evaluate in all its exquisite detail and sophistication. to to and instead focus more we understanding to bodies know how in heal themselves. though don’t have scientific evidence yet of its existence. of a Here. Given the limitations our current of technologies on and mindset. the new star or plan into clear focus and is actually Many new stars and planets. based mass. stayed involved with friends and family. and not merely their genes. For certain trees. Twenty years ago in the U. come to Although rely on a wheelchair. popu lation is people over the age of 100. Looking at their lifestyles. And most did it while staying active and main taining their health until the very end. such as the Giant Sequoias of Northern California. An a example great sense of humor of this was the world’s a oldest living Western woman. including the loss of their closest loved ones and family members. she had lost her she had eyesight recently at had just quit smoking the age of .000 years.000 centenarians in the U. This change has enabled more people to live longer. For humans. and genes have differed.” It’s rare to meet a on group is the centenarians. are people who have lived to and beyond 100 years of age. most of these people have exhibited what I would call a “lighthearted atti tude. Still. Most have eaten moderately. centenarian without and a smile his or her face.. there were 6. Without the body’s incredible ability to heal itself and return to its natural state of health over and over again. who. French woman who lived and to 122 years of age. If a group of people ever demonstrated the human body’s natural ability to stay healthy. the fastest growing segment of the U. it is 400 years.S. People today are more healthconscious than they were 20 years ago. lifestyles. many have had to endure extreme hardships over the course of their long lives. such as desert tortoises.Your Healing System and Your Natural State of Health 19 roughly 10 tol2 years. and the existence of its healing system. rested when necessary. that by definition. Although their diets. so they are better at cooperat ing with and strengthening their healing systems. and generally enjoyed life. the maximum potential lifespan is about 100 years. kept active.S. enjoyed good sleep. share a common bond in how they have lived their lives.000 to 3.200 reported centenarians. alone. Surprisingly. the life is certain span ranges from 2. For great white sharks. Most centenarians I have met. we can learn a lot about the many ways that we too can cooperate and work with our healing systems. it is 300 years. according to recent demographic surveys. how is it possible for so many people to live so long? By and large. Today. For reptiles.S. there are more than 64. centenarians have learned how to cooperate with their healing systems to reap and enjoy their maximum allotment of time on this earth. although they are all unique indi viduals with their own personal stories. optimistic attitude toward life. I have seen many other patients who are learning how to surf and water ski at the age of 70. and still others who are dancing and gardening daily well into their nineties.20 Your Extraordinary Healing System replied only thing she knew was that “I only have one wrinkle on my entire body. “Because my older sister is in your waiting room. more importantly. a delightful 95-year-old woman who was dressed in a hot-pink outfit. sparkling. and who had a big smile on her face. she asked whether I could speed things up. by Take a . free from disease and debility. she that the its natural I once state of health after illness. and he continued to perform and act in movies until his passing. way beyond your present expectations. others who are taking yoga in their eighties and are more supple and graceful than people less than half their age. and I’m sitting on it!” This kind of light-hearted attitude typifies those who have reached the age of 100 or beyond. A positive attitude and a zest for life critical for enhancing and fortifying your healing system. We only have one day on your island. The well-known comedian George Burns lived to be more than 100 years old. and dressed in a matching red outfit with a straw hat! Many people come into my office and tell me that they are “get ting old and falling apart!” I have had people in their thirties and forties tell me this. and discover the many ways that you too can enjoy a long. and a shell necklace. which prompted her visit to me. She was also vibrant and smiling. lesson from the centenarians. He never stopped smoking cigars. despite the fact that she had a large gash on her leg. Conversely. sunglasses. Youth and health appear treated to be more connected to our states of mind. When she removed her sunglasses. and reflect our attitudes are more than pure chronology. blue eyes that easily revealed her carefree. “Why?” I asked. he also never stopped smiling and telling jokes! His positive attitude helped to strengthen his healing system and bring his body back to secrets 121! ‘When interviewed about the of her longevity. She was taking a cruise and had stepped off the ship for a day’s shopping in Hawaii. I saw her sister. and rewarding life. healthy. three years her elder. I saw a pair of youthful. After several minutes of chatting as I attended to her wound. and I promised to go bodysurfing with her!” When I stepped out into the waiting room. and I don’t want to keep her waiting. Through your healing system. . You are actually programmed for good also health the day you not are conceived. harmful. This condition is founded on universal biological principles that apply to all living species. your body possesses an uncanny natural resiliency. naturally and automatically. to right itself in the midst of life’s most devastating tempests. unhealthy forces have been imposed upon your body that cause it to become temporarily imbal anced and disordered. but fundamentally unnatural and abnormal. At times. and respecting and ClosingThoughts onYour Healing System and Your Natural State of Health Health is your normal and natural state. and at times when you have abandoned all hope. system. like a buoy floating in the sea. not just programmed into the DNA of every cell in your body and is the reason why the human species has been able to flourish and survive from one generation to the next for thousands of years. repair. any deviation from this natural state represents an unnatural condition.Your Healing System and Your Natural State of Health 21 learning to cooperate with your healing honoring your natural state of health. Their exis tence represents a departure from the natural laws that govern normal biological processes on earth. Health is Because your natural state is health. Health is the reason you are alive today. but your healing system can help your body bounce back to reclaim its natural state of health. are Disease and illness only undesirable conditions. The maximum average potential lifespan for a human being is 100 years or more. This is the job of your extraordi nary healing system. it usu ally means that unnatural. they are even in the face of death. your body can rise to meet these challenges and difficulties because it has an extraordinary healing system that has been designed to sustain. When you become ill. which can be thought of as the guardian of your body’s health. Even though challenges and difficulties may seem to be an almost daily occurrence. humans. and correct imbalances and problems. Restoring order and balance returns your body to its natural state of health. disease may appear overwhelming and all-encompassing. and it works. you will get a closer look at your healing including the opportunity to examine the evidence to for its existence. You will also discover understand what this system does and how why learning to cooperate with your are healing you to system. and strengthening and fortifying it. achieve and enjoy optimum health.22 Your Extraordinary Healing System In the next system in action. essential for . chapter. 24 hours a day. you need a single system in your body that can supervise and direct all the other systems into a unified. efficient. tissues. and so your body needs a system it can count on to safeguard its health. In fact. That single. paramedic rescue crew. It remains alert at all times. It cannot even afford the luxury of a catnap. but whenever you are sick or injured. It moni tors and supervises all processes of repair. your healing system is . supervisory system is your healing system. it also is in charge of damage control. ready to spring into action at a moment’s notice. 365 days a year. Illness or injury can strike at any time. 7 days a week. To accomplish this incredible task. growth. you wouldn’t be alive today if it weren’t for your body’s remarkable healing system. and organs. or whenever your Your healing health is threatened. and restoration of health and normal functioning of your body’s cells. orchestrated healing response you think about the number of threats and insults your sustains over the course of a lifetime. your body’s healing system is a tireless workhorse because it never sleeps or even snoozes. Like a 911 emergency-response.CHAPTER 2 Your Healing System in Action when body healthy at all is truly amazing. the fact that it can remain for your protection and the preservation of your natural state of health. In this regard. system not only maintains your natural state of health. Although your healing system is arguably the most important system in your body. Even though on one level the two systems may be difficult to tell apart because they work together in a coop erative effort. the information was sparse. Your immune system’s focus is largely on attacking and protecting your body from foreign invaders. it is confined to any one every organ and tissue in your structure or specific location. such as the digestive. you may be confusing your healing system with your immune system right now. and remain Your operational for up to healing system permeates not 100 years. In fact. or. CAT When you body. during times of injury or illness. or even longer. as many people do. you probably have never heard about it before. which your immune system would infection in the respiratory system. . or even good it can behavior. they often confuse it with the immune system. and maintaining health. if you were to come For is an example. if you have. as your body mounts a healing response. restoration of function. regeneration. while your healing system is responsible for repairing tissue damage from injuries or illnesses. Although you may be familiar with the other systems in your body.24 Your Extraordinary Healing System on call continuously—no time off for sick leave. people first hear of the The fundamental difference between the your immune system is concerned with two systems is that defending your body against infections. down with bronchitis. and immune systems. as or even visibly other seen on an X-ray. and restoring your body to its natural state of health. vacations. It also has tremendous endurance and stamina. body. nervous. or MRI. evidence of its existence becomes quite apparent. It cannot be surgically removed. is the case with most structures in your are Differences Between Your Healing System When and Your Immune System healing system. you probably are reading about the healing system for the very first time. scan. on another level they are two very different systems that serve entirely different purposes. circulatory. it is difficult to even know that such a system exists. growth. healthy. respiratory. Your healing system focuses more on healing. however. your heal ing system repairs the damage to your heart muscle while it restores normal functioning to your heart. neutralize. if your body has sustained damage from an infection. Your immune system will attack the infection that caused the problem. your physical needs are actually quite simple. will . but rather your healing system. Your healing system and immune system work together and cooperate with each other to keep you healthy. Listening Because your to Your Healing System body’s natural state is good health. and your healing system will actually repair the damage the infection caused to your body. your healing system would immediately become activated. and so healing from it does not involve your immune sys tem. your healing system would be called upon to heal your injuries. After a heart attack. However. and the unique role of your healing system becomes much more significant. However. if you had a heart attack. your healing system and immune system will work side by side to repair the damage as they fight against. the distinction between your healing system and your immune system becomes clearer. When you understand that most diseases and injuries are not caused by infection. For example. or when you are not healthy. your body. be aware that there are times when the division of labor between your immune system and healing sys tem is not so clear.Your Heating System in Action 25 be expected to attack and eliminate the offending organisms that are causing the infection. your body is not shy about giving warning signs to prompt you into taking immediate corrective action. All of this having been said. if you were injured in a car accident and broke your arm. Similarly. Your immune system would not become involved because typically there is no infection with a broken bone. and remove the infec tious agents to prevent further damage to your body. A heart attack is not caused by an infection. which works closely with your healing system. through its commu nications system. when these needs are not being met. The mending of the broken bone would be a specific function of your healing system. When situations of urgency arise. urging weather. jumping into action whenever there is a threat to your health. Your healing system troubleshoots problems anywhere in your body. you will begin to yawn. and observes each and every part of your body to ensure that all organs and tissues remain healthy and function smoothly. helping maintain its natural state of health. When your body is low on energy and you need more calo ries. For your healing system to repair. and while he overlooks dispatches workers. your heal ing system is able to perform a wide range of diverse functions. For instance. or the wrong combination of foods. which your healing system monitors and supervises to help restore lie down. In its first impor large building site who super vises. your meticulously monitors. when your water reserves become low. where literally millions of powerful chemical reactions occur each day. and sustain your body most effectively. organizes. you must learn how to listen healing system when it talks to you. When you need sleep or rest. If you eat foods that are too rich or too spicy. It facilitates communication between your body’s machinery healing system and various systems and their your respective cells and tissues. your healing system in its protective and nurturing role safeguards the integrity of your entire body. restore. forcing you to put on a normal function and maintain your natural state of health. or to seek shelter. your hunger drive is activated. equipment. In its second vital role. In this more active phase. your thirst mechanism kicks in. you’ll feel nauseous and might possibly even regurgitate. construction a project. surveys. and there is danger of dehydration. It monitors body’s complex internal environment. and your eyes will feel you to heavy. such . much like functions in a two at a foreman critical ways.26 Your Extraordinary Healing System let you know immediately. your healing system functions like an emergency-response paramedic crew. your sweater or body jacket. All these sensations and responses are part of your body’s intelligence and communications network. prompting you to eat. Just like a mother who cares for and looks after her children. When you become chilled in cold will begin to shiver. urging you to your to drink. Two Essential Roles of Your Your tant Healing System healing system role. this view deeper look into the forces that govern your health. increase or decrease blood flow to specific areas. if you think of your body in terms of energy and function. result of its supervisory and emergency-response roles that your healing system plays in the general functioning of all the sys tems and structures in your body makes it the most powerful and important system in your body. you can easily see how problems that create illnesses and diseases in your body arise. you will be able to more effectively remedy these problems by working with. In no time. Then. When these examine a case that illustrates this point. rather than in terms of matter. Pain. rather than against. Armed with this knowledge and insight. dilate or constrict blood ves sels. and he slicing imagined veg that maybe it didn’t really happen. The dual more as a noticeable. In its first role. In the second role. and performing many other vital functions. and effective healing response. mobilizing immune and inflammatory cells. How Your Healing System Works Understanding how your healing system functions requires a differ ent way of thinking about how your body works. Let’s gives you a body. howev ing er. . concerted. he realized the puncture was deep.Your Healing System in Action 27 dispatching nerve messages and impulses. as the first signs of blood began to ooze out of the wound. structure. you may not even be aware of your body’s heal as system as it goes about the business of its crucial surveillance work silently and without much fanfare. the presence of your healing system is much with specific changes that occur in your body actions. rather. Thinking in terms of energy does not ignore or nullify the existence of certain structures within your dynamic dynamic forces become unbalanced. Your healing system directs the activities of the other systems in your body to cooperate with each other in providing a unified. it will all make perfect sense. was Al cut his finger with a kitchen knife while he no etables. Although doing so may seem difficult at first. the bleeding became profuse. there was blood at all. At first. your healing system. coordinating the release of powerful chem icals that can raise body temperature. and form. and that he’d get off easy. After several weeks. o The formation of a scab. enzymes. speed. and the incredible organization. These components naturally sticky and join together to seal protect the body from further blood loss. more sensitive layers of new skin and tissues as the healing process continues. you can begin energy and movement . Al began to pulsate and throb through applied pressure to prevent his The that nervous warn system. which weave themselves together to form a transitional. When the scab manufactures new healing system miraculously skin where the old skin had been completely sev sloughs off. it eventually stopped. After half an hour. and numerous chem icals and cells within the circulatory system. and over the course of the next several days. and efficiency your healing system requires to perform this specific task. bleeding From the very beginning of this incident. An hour later. which are a sophis ticated interaction of hormones. which protects the deeper. including illnesses and injuries that are far more complex and serious than Al’s injury. Al’s healing system was busy activating a heal ing response that includes blood from o his and entire hand. And even though your healing system may appear to be hidden and dif ficult to pinpoint within any given part of your body. soon fingertip spilling onto the floor. though Al’s injury is a relatively simple one. Keep in mind that your healing system supervises and coordi nates all healing responses in your body. at as Even finger looks the way it did before his if nothing had happened at all. if you look the sequence of events. he noticed the had slowed.28 Your Extraordinary Healing System delayed out for several seconds. are o off the wound to deeper tissues. and various cells. o The complex mechanisms of blood clotting. Al’s ered. Al’s injury. The layers of the skin. and the synchronized flow of during the entire healing process. the various systems and components involved in the healing of his wound. intermediate layer of skin and fill in the gap created by the wound. you start to develop an appreciation for the degree of complexity and precision. which first responds with messages of pain Al an injury has occurred. and to viewing the results of its actions. In fact. and research being directed from without within the realm of our own bodies. the to one of the body. and operates thought of as an on microscop ic level of cells and biochemicals. The immune system also poorly understood and much importance in the practice of modern medicine until the of AIDS. and healing system are both subtle and dynamic sys The tribution although they often work together. Imagine an iron that is plugged into an electrical socket. and accepted until just recently. they serve different functions. discovery Fortunately. and inadvertently left on for half a healing system utilizes the . tissue. It is also more powerful. Your Healing System and the Other Systems in Your Body Your special properties and functions of other systems in your body. Like the limited healing system. efficient healing response. The subtle and dynamic aspect of your healing system is one of the reasons it has not been more wide ly recognized. healing system is even more subtle and more widespread in its dis throughout the body than the immune system. sitting upright on the ironing board. is not diversified in its functions and tasks than your immune system. more with the shift of funds and to resources. The immune system and the tems. the particular area immune system has many branches.Your Healing System in Action 29 understand the function and purpose of this amazing system by observing its powerful. we have learned about our body’s natural defense system than we ever imagined existed. To understand this more clearly. dynamic and efficient movements. and cell in your and more body. swift. your immune system collaborates aspect of the with your healing system and can be healing given system that is concerned with the preventing was and eradicating infections from not body. acknowledged. integrating and supervising their activi ties into one organized. permeating every more organ. dynamic. let’s see what happens when you accidentally touch a hot electric iron and burn yourself. When you discover tally touch the very hot As soon as the iron and try bottom. initiates a reflex response in the muscles of your arm to contract the arm. you begin to notice blisters form ing on your fingers and hands in the places that came in contact with the iron. within a matter of minutes. are pumped into the bloodstream and directed to the injury site to help nourish. white blood cells. along with red blood cells.30 Your Extraordinary Healing System day. pulling it away to prevent further contact with the hot iron. The blisters serve several protective and ing functions. injured skin that lies underneath. First. step by step. Step 2 the brain Almost immediately. From the vantage point of what is going on inside of your body. as your healing system springs into action: as of your flesh feel pain you immedi the incredible burning Step Your 1 healing as hot iron. and other essential nutrients. and support the body’s repair processes. which prevents further injury. They also act as sealed barriers against the possibility of infection. working with your healing system. In addition to pain. to put it away. The fluid inside the blisters also contains nutrients to help nourish and feed the new . fortify. the fluid-filled like shock absorbers protect the raw. ters at specific sacs act fluids to help form blis heal to the burn sites. Step 4 the skin secretes Shortly thereafter. to system is immediately activated when you touch the the pain sensors in your fingers and hand send a signal through your nervous system. let’s take a closer look at what is happening. you acciden you touch the hot iron and hear the sizzling sound burning. Step 3 Specialized cells known as macrophages. oxygen. your healing system coordinates a response that first results in redness or inflam mation as tiny blood vessels are directed to increase blood flow to the area of the scorched skin. you instantaneously ately jerk your hand back. Your nervous system. in collaboration with the skin. In addition. body beneath the sur face of the skin than plicated problems the body needs a single system that can supervise and direct all the other key systems into one orchestrated and efficient healing response for the protection. and chemicals are continuously pumped in and out of the burn site over the course of the next several days and weeks. Way of Thinking AboutYour Health When our healing system occur changes that in our initially activated. we might confuse the body. to are by the immune system in this fluid. and. the blisters into the gradually new shrink as the fluid is reabsorbed back take the body. Step 5 With the healing response well under way. under the direction of the healing sys ward off any microorganisms that might cause infection. This is the incredible job that your healing system does for you. the eye. Step 6 Soon. the pain begins to sub side and the new skin growth accelerates. Even with a simple injury such as a minor you can see that a lot more is going on in your second-degree burn. which are normal healing responses. Step level 7 Continued to healing mechanisms are activated on the microscopic finish the job. ously injured old with skin arising to place of the previ skin. fluids. again it is clear that meets Healing System Responses Symptoms of Disease A New vs.Your Healing System in Action 31 layer of skin that will form underneath. is . Antibodies and immune cells also have been mobilized These mechanisms also tem. As with the more serious and com that occur within your body. new cells. self-preservation. and health of your body. not even a scar will be present where the new skin has grown back. the body releases other important chemicals to cooperate in the healing response. if all goes well. In fact. including doctors and the medical pro general.32 Your Extraordinary Healing System with symptoms of a particular disease. this is the common mistake most people make. if there is some discomfort or pain. When things begin to change in our bodies. confuse many other common healing responses with symptoms of a disease. and is another common way that our healing systems safeguard our health. or the beginning of an allergy~ In rea1ity~ sneezing is a normal healing-system response to expel foreign debris. and infectious that have . rid the body of disease. for example. and that something is dreadfully wrong. Rather than jumping to the conclusion that something is wrong with your body. Again. If our bodies begin to reflect imbalance and function abnormally. In addition to sneezing. and help the body maintain its integrity. This is because we fession in disease-oriented in its trying to account for our symptoms. we automatically assume we are sick. our first assumption is most likely that we are becoming sick or that we have an allergy. our culture has been approach to understanding health and heal ing. including doctors. These responses include the following: are o Coughing. Sneezing also is a protective mechanism that helps to prevent the further advance of unwanted foreign invaders into the deeper. In medical circles. more delicate structures of the respiratory system. remove potential pathogens. mucous. Also considered is a symptom of a respiratory illness or a definitive response from your healing condition. coughing system to expel unwanted debris and invading microorganisms penetrated deeper into the respiratory system and are threatening to cause damage to your lungs. most people. such as our lungs and sinuses. flush out irritants. a good cough is known as a productive cough in that it success fully brings up phlegm. We usually think of sneezing as a symptom of the common cold. Consider sneezing. This is a natural and nor mal interpretation of what is happening with our bodies. first try to understand how your healing system may be responding appropriately to correct an imbalance that has occurred. microorganisms. until very recently. Let me explain what I mean. and so we have remained largely ignorant of the healing system and how our bodies continually strive to correct imbalances and keep us healthy. However. When you clog up your body’s natural eliminative processes through the suppression of diarrhea.) a look more Fainting. (We will chapters that follow. which instances of can often restore consciousness. Falling down while fainting represents a compensatory response from your body’s healing system. and you will . When the body has fallen and lies flat on the ground in a horizontal position. Suppressing diarrhea through artificial medica tions can be dangerous. avoiding irritating foods and substances. These may include drinking more fluids. which effectively clears the airways and makes for easier breathing. Diarrhea is fast and what is out helps to offending your intestinal tract. especially if no serious underlying diseases or conditions exist. about the speed of an F4 Phantom fighter aircraft. the speed at which for eign particles and debris exit the lungs with a cough has been clocked at approximately 660 mph. there are much fluid and electrolyte loss from diarrhea may require medical intervention. by seeing diarrhea as a response of your healing system. range from but the loss of consciousness is usually due to causes of fainting of a lack of blood flow to the head and brain. adjustments to restore balance and health to your body. Coughing can be powerful. uses to eliminate toxins and contaminated material from your colon and large intestines. However. and seeking out ways to natural cooperate with that system.Your Healing System in Action 33 debris. and doing so often backfires. diarrhea is Usually considered a symptom of an a healing response that your body efficient. blood flow and oxygen to the brain increase. and managing stress. you can often make simple. and it intestinal disease. there are occa sions when serious underlying disease is present. where they can invade your or flush liver or bloodstream and times when too cause more serious illness. A number of irritating potentially serious intestinal diseases or problems can be elimi nated this way. harmful microorganisms have nowhere to go but further inside your body. which can be harm ful to your intestines and at closely a these factors in the occurs digestive system. Of course. Most fainting are totally benign. • Diarrhea. The benign. Fainting serious to when person temporarily can loses con sciousness and falls down. will support your healing system and result in a faster. not just suppress the fever. separating it from the rest of your body. Your healing system does this when your body needs to limit solid food intake. it will try to push the splinter out of the skin. which helps the body eliminate toxins more rapidly. Your healing system will attempt to digest and dissolve the splinter or foreign object. In addition to fluids secreted . Doing this works with your healing sys tem to help restore health and balance to your body. Nausea also helps to conserve energy and frees blood flow from the to digestive a tract so it can be rerouted other areas of the body that have greater immediate need for 0 healing energy. Additionally. Pus commonly occurs with infection. Even at times when medical suppression of a fever may be necessary. most of which are extremely temperature sensitive and cannot tolerate excessive heat.34 Your Extraordinary Healing System need to be brought is to to the hospital with and treated. Fever. the correct treatment deal with the not cipitated U the fainting. working with your immune system. it is prudent to look for the underlying causes of the fever and to treat these. more thorough healing response. Learning to work with a fever through continuous rehydration (drinking plenty of water). rather than suppressing a fever with artificial medications. smelly. your healing system will form a pus pocket to wall off the splinter. produces pus. In the case of a splinter or foreign body in the skin. fever is your healing system’s way of heating your body up to kill offending organisms. you have lost your appetite for food. Nausea. Pus. both large and small. However. just underlying causes the fainting itself. Nausea occurs when you have a high fever and are in need of lots of fluids. yellowish sub stance. fever induces sweating. that pre Commonly associated with an infection. or when you have a stomach virus or an ulcer. to help eliminate foreign material. an unpleasant. Nausea it is a U occurs in the small intestines and stomach. fluid intake should be encouraged. if this proves difficult. With any fever. Your body’s healing system. and specific response from your healing system that protects your body from more food entering into it. and solid foods would make these conditions worse. When you feel nau seous. when infection or irritation is extreme. specific healing response similar Tearing helps to flush foreign of the delicate and sensitive sur material microorganisms out faces of the eyes. Inflammation is a complex response from your healing sys working with your immune system. or an infec tion. a contusion. * Swelling and redness. case s enzymes that break down and of a bacterial infection in any off and Runny of the tion nose and nasal congestion.Your Healing System in Action 35 to flush out microorganisms material. a sprain. leaky blood vessels. in Tearing a is a runny nose. pus contains white blood cells and digestive digest foreign part of the body. Although attempting to suppress these healing responses with nasal decongestants and other drugs gives temporary relief. The increased secretions. it can prolong an illness and even make things worse. are specific responses of your healing system. to bring important cells and powerful chemicals to the injured area to help remove tox ins. mucous. Keeping the eyelids glued shut is a . a fracture. are allergies. or infection in the body. the pus produced will attempt to kill digest the bacteria while it flushes out the infection. accompanied by pain and represents increased blood flow to the area. The fluid helps immobilize the site and ther serves as a shock absorber as to prevent fur is often injury to the area. doing so often backfires.•known inflammation. swelling is the result of increased fluids from the lymphatic system. and speed healing. ‘Whether caused by a bruise. and other soft tissues. Redness. Usually considered a symptoms common body’s healing sys phlegm. actually specific responses or cold runny nose and nasal conges from your tem. repair damaged tissues. swelling and redness. trauma. and congestion are your healing system’s way of attempting to flush out any offending organisms or foreign particles that may have invaded the entrance to your respiratory system. In the and foreign debris. The first visible signs at the site of any injury. Sometimes. they work against the natural processes of your body’s healing system to eliminate harmful substances. * Tearing of the to what occurs or eyes. too. tem. Because the pharmaceutical agents tend to dry up the secretions to eliminate symptoms. the eyes will remain glued shut because the tears and secretions have dried up. If you can focus . energetic. or vomiting and the gastrointestinal system. learning to do even if these are real this will make a significant difference in your health. which excess. As you read the rest of this book. problems for you. o to protect the eyes from Vomiting. and your thoughts of an illness or allergy. on act as intestinal irritants and toxins when will occur to they’re taken in vomiting clean out and reduce the burden the digestive system and body. vomiting will and toxins. and any changes that are occurring in your body as well-measured responses produced by your body’s healing system. Instead. rather than as symptoms of disease. Vomiting is a fast.36 Your Extraordinary Healing System further attempt of the healing system additional injury or damage. Although initially you may think these responses are associated only with the individual systems within the body. eaten foods that are too rich. After you have eaten occur mechanism that your healing eliminate contaminated or noxious material that is a protective contaminated food. I realize this perspective may be a radical departure from how you currently view your body and your health. expel infectious organisms as well as unwanted food People usually report feeling much better after they have vomited in these instances. or drunk too much coffee or alcohol. trust that your heal ing system is making necessary physiological adjustments to correct imbalances and restore your body to its natural state of health. and powerful way for your body to rid itself of toxins or other harmful substances. Vomiting system uses to has somehow entered into your stomach and small intestines. your discomfort. If you have overeaten. It is a functional. efficient. think about your body. Think of them and help responses that are intended to correct imbalances you maintain your natural state of health. intelligent system that permeates every single system in your body. to as in food poisoning. your bodily sensations. Keep in mind that the healing system is not a separate anatomical system. Shift your awareness away from your symp toms. such as coughing and the respiratory system. remember that it is the healing system’s presence within and its supervisory role over these systems that actually causes these responses. however. Your ~ healing you Empowers resources to discover and make own use of the vast supply of healing that lie within your body. can you will be able to to reap the benefits of superior recognize the many ways your healing system responds to challenges. the hidden treasure chest of healing resources that lies within your very own body. and what is functioning what is wrong with your properly. health. and external agents of treat ~ Improves heal itself.Your doctor can be a valuable aid and support for your healing system. lifest~’le. if you can turn your on attention away from the fear of external of disease that lie dence to causes of disease and agents and instead look with confi beyond your control. ~ Lessens your ment. and own helps you understand the connection between your your diet and actions and thoughts. . which ~ be disempowering. If you learn You will gain a great deal system by recognizing the responses of your healing system. Note: As you are learning this new way of thinking about your body do not neglect to see your doctor if any physical discomfort or pain increases or does not go away on its own. dependence doctors. positive impact on your health and your life. and the quality of your life will be vastly improved.Your Healing System in Action 37 less on disease and more on more on health. less body. drugs. your dependence on drugs and doctors will be lessened. and on your health. thinking that can Shifts your focus away from fear-based your health and be harmful to well-being. that the benefits of You can see recognizing the power of your remarkable a healing system and working with it will have huge. your confidence in your body’s ability to remain healthy and ~ Helps might in planning the treatment and healing of any health problem you face. own ~ Directs your energies and efforts within your discomfort can or body and away from blaming your disease on external causes and forces beyond your control. to ~ Empowers including you take greater responsibility for your life. in Sam’s was removed. in attempts to knit his bones together. point. placed on numerous antibi otics. when it looked was as if the fracture might heal. where I was required to follow his case to see whether he would ever be able to resume his career duties again. During this period. In each of the situations that follow. Now let’s move deeper inside the body as we continue to examine the evidence that clearly demonstrates that your body has a healing system that keeps you alive and healthy. He underwent numerous painful scrapings and bone grafts in an attempt to clean the surfaces of the bones from infection while the doctors were trying to join the bones together. and he told he could participate light . relying instead solely on crutches. numerous plates and screws were Air Force. During these operations.38 Your Extraordinary Healing System Clinical Evidence of Your We’ve Healing System at Work healing responses in general. Infection that sets into the bones is known as osteomyelitis. Sam was hospitalized repeatedly. Sam got caught up in a tree as he was landing and broke his ankle in several places. and we’ve seen several different examples of the healing system at work to help heal superficial injuries. he was required to jump from an altitude of 10. and operated on 11 times over a two-and-one-half-year period. already looked at Your Sam Healing System 34-year-old During a and Fractures: Sam’s Story was a as a veteran senior staff sergeant with 15 years’ experience paratrooper and combat controller in the United States routine training mission.000 feet at nighttime over remote jun gle terrain. it looked as if his military career was over. he wore a cast almost continuously and was never able to walk on his own. mak ing it a compound fracture. healing would not occur. also attached At cast one to his bones. The bone pierced through the skin. remember that the healing system is the essential element in the healing process and that. Sam was taken by airplane back to the Regional Medical Center in the Philippines. This type of injury has a high rate of infection and is notoriously difficult to treat. a serious condition that is diffi cult to eradicate and that complicates the healing system’s ability to knit the bones together to heal a fracture. For all intents and purposes. without it. After two and one-half years. Sam was back with a clean bill of health.. Even when complicated. “The physician is only nature’s assistant. your healing system can fuse them into one solid form. This was a frightening proposition for such an active and previously healthy was sports.” A fractured bone is not a laughing matter. who began fitting him for a prosthetic (arti ficial) foot in anticipation of the upcoming operation. he was also being considered for a foot amputation. Robert Becker had invented brilliant surgeon named electrical bone stimulator to aid the orthopedic healing system in cases of stubborn-healing fractures. your femur. Dr. Even if a fracture is displaced and the broken bones are not perfectly lined up. would be impossible to heal. or having this tiny. so that when the healing has finished. even the largest bone in your body. under normal circumstances takes only six weeks to completely heal. . As the famous physician of ancient times. a an Back home in the U. still in the experimental stages. and metal plates and screws are required to hold the bones together. because of your healing system. given half a chance. once said. in most cases. Galen (129—199 AD). electronic device. hoping against hope that it would work. there is little fractures are or no evidence that a fracture ever occurred. Without your healing system. with more scraping.S.Your Healing System in Action 39 grounder during a friendly squadron softball game. A week later. it was back to the operating room for him. fractures. more metal plates and screws. He chose the new device. Sam’s ankle snapped and broke in two pieces as his foot bent out at a 90-degree angle. temporarily implanted next to the fracture site in his ankle. However. He consulted with the prosthetic specialist. Becker knew that. while he fielding a young man. and bones are totally displaced and out of alignment. the body’s healing system could take over and finish the job. His bones had mended together with the help of a device that worked with the healing system. and it can be extremely painful and disabling. jumping out of airplanes. Several months later. Sam was not only in jeopardy of losing his job and being medically discharged from the Air Force. your healing system can knit the bones together and realign them perfectly. another cast. After this. Sam faced the prospect of either having his foot amputated. and more crutches. after a by your fracture has occurred. which increased when he walked up stairs or whenever he became angry or upset. When I met Verne. matrix. known as osteoclasts. He had another attack about room at year later. and the bypass operation would only buy him a couple of extra years. Even then. at best. begins immediately remodeling. Verne’s heart disease grew worse. to constant chest pain. bone healing system. they said his prognosis did not look good. Tiny cells in the bone microscope. No mod ern technological invention. Over time. even severe heart . he was able research to to enroll in Dr. Verne was not too keen on having his chest cracked open. unclog his arteries and slow the progression of his disease. his heart disease had progressed to desperate were recommending bypass surgery as the proportions. Dean Ornish’s group heart disease could be reversed without Dr. digest the bone and release calcium into remodeling. because of his advanced condition. These deposits facili tate the process of knitting the bone back together again. it is healed is so Your Healing System was and the Heart: Verne’s Story Verne’s heart disease in the emergency a discovered when he had his first heart attack the age of 69. to rest fractured bone is allowed initiated and remain immobile. and by sheer per and his doctors sistence and determination. Ornish’s program is based on first experimental study investigate or whether or not if you can remove the obstacles to surgery~ the now-proven premise that your body’s natural healing drugs processes. But these methods were only temporarily successful. known as osteoblasts. act like civil engineers erecting a new suspension bridge and use the blood-calcium stores to deposit new bone at the fracture site.40 Your Extraordinary Healing System ‘Whether if a or not a cast or splint is placed around the fracture site. surgical procedure. He was plagued with known as angioplasties. Over the course of the next several years. or synthetic drug can replace your healing system as it performs the important work of repairing a fracture. when seen under the is one of life’s true miracles. while other cells. Bone the bloodstream. only way to keep him from dying. It was quite scary. he was placed on numerous medications while he underwent several procedures. and work with your healing system. The natural healing of a fractured bone after effective that the fracture site is often stronger than the surrounding normal bone tissue. these ideas and meth port. The a new neovascularization the old to or arteries can effectively bypass rupted flow of blood blockage. exercise. as Verne did. He at began to have more energy and the same time felt more relaxed. by adopting a healthier lifestyle. by correcting the unhealthy underlying factors that are causing blockages in the coronary arteries. at the time of his first study. Ornish’s work. Gradually. and group sup Of course. Thanks to the groundbreaking work of Dr. and it consists of simple and uncom comprehensive lifestyle changes that a healthy diet. he became a partner in his own healing process. He hikes in alpine altitudes and travels the world exten sively with his wife. Verne discovered the tremendous healing resources within his own body. uninter can the heart’s muscles. Ornish. can know that the healing system heart when its known as stimulate the current blood growth of new blood vessels to the supply is threatened. teaching yoga and lecturing to the merits of the Ornish program and the body’s heal itself. All of his medical tests—positron emission tomography (PET) scans and coronary angiogra ms—have documented complete reversal of his condition. As is possible for you. digest for those thought of reversing heart disease is difficult to steeped in the “old school” ways of thinking about the treatment medicine and the Verne took to of disease. the 13 dif ferent heart medicines he was taking were reduced until he was down to one-half of a at baby aspirin. stress management. one by one. Even to this day. we now know that by learning to listen to the body and working with its healing system. senior citizens on natural ability to Although heart disease is still the number-one killer in the entire even this deadly condition can be reversed and healed when you learn to cooperate with your healing system. His stress and anger diminished. the age of 87. people can reverse even the most Western world. the program went weeks his chest pain enthusiastically. Verne is totally free of heart disease. and. we now direct result of Dr. every other day.Your Healing System in Action 41 disease include can be healed. The process prevent . Ornish’s program is plicated. ensuring continuous. This process is collaterization. Dr. ods were considered radical by conventional medical standards. advanced As a cases of heart disease. and within several away as his breathing became easier. Today. and restoring blood flow to these heart muscle cells within a reasonable period of time. I later found out that Mike was with his marriage. stress was contributing to his continued high blood pressure. To complicate things further. he was in danger of losing his diagnosed job and possibly being kicked out of the Air Force. which were causing even more stress. in the Air Force. Even if you have suffered a heart attack. he lost 25 pounds over six months by eating a lowfat diet and running every day for 30 minutes. basic degree of stress. where he had served for was 20 years. I was an Air Force flight surgeon at the time. After several meetings and long discussions. Healing System Mike’s Story was a and High Blood Pressure: Mike flight engineer job. from After I reviewed his records and his efforts pressure to lower his blood by losing weight through was diet and exercise. The medical term for this new discovery. married with three chil dren. his blood pressure still did not come down. wherein heart tissue that is circulation is life when presumed re-established. they can mirac healing to ulously come back life. In spite of his finest efforts to lower his blood pressure through diet and exer cise. To prevent this happening. is hibernating myocardium—like the dead can come back to sleeping bear who Your reappears when winter is over. and the heart’s muscle cells seem to have died. He quickly responded with confident and adamant “No!” This response let me know immedi ately that I might be in for a difficult case because I had yet to meet someone in the military who wasn’t under a certain Additionally. he wasn’t able to take medications of any kind. He then consented to learning and practicing the simple. However.42 Your Extraordinary Healing System heart attacks. and he came to me seeking help. having some troubles . because of his flying status. because he had been recently high blood pressure. He had flown in Vietnam. new evidence has demonstrated that through your miraculous system. and it is how you can literally grow your own coronary artery bypass. without having to go through an operation. during which I explained the mechanisms of how prolonged stress can cause high blood pressure. I asked Mike whether he a under stress of any kind. and loved his with However. Mike was finally able to own up to the stress in his life. Mike’s blood pressure returned to normal and remained there for the rest of his career. natural methods as diet. Dr. they often have side effects.Your Healing System in Action 43 stress-management techniques (see which I thought would activate his Chapter 6) 1 recommended. associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and chief of the Division of Behavioral Medicine at the New England Deaconess Hospital. which can create significant imbalance in the body’s internal environment. Just as with heart disease. getting off them is difficult. he still continues his healthy lifestyle. new evidence is proving that the heal ing system can reverse and heal high blood pressure once the under lying causes of the disease are addressed and such simple. and many people will be on two or three of them just to manage their high blood pressure. By practicing simple yet powerful stress-management techniques similar to those taught by Dr. High killer” because it conditions such deadly. is known as “the silent serious. removing the harmful causes of the disease allows the healing system to restore the body to its natu to more as blood pressure. healing system and lower his blood pressure. can lead hypertension. ral state of health. has conducted numerous studies on the benefits of stress management in lowering high blood pressure. including a low-fat diet. none of them can cure the problem. As you can see. Mike’s healing system could easily and effortlessly restore his body to its natural state of health. particularly the extreme stress in his life. Although many medica tions are currently available for managing high blood pressure. By removing the unhealthy factors that were responsible for creating the high blood pressure. and sometimes heart disease and stroke. and stress management are properly implemented. . As with other diseases. Benson (see Chapter 6). Once patients begin taking these medications. There is no mystery to this malady. you can help your healing system restore your blood pressure to or normal levels. and. After only six weeks. Herbert Benson. the mechanisms for healing high blood pressure are not complex or difficult to understand. one of the most significant underlying factors in high blood pressure is stress. unfortunately. Of course. and 30 minutes of exercise and 15 minutes of stress management each day. exercise. Dean suffered a massive stroke that left him paralyzed in his right leg and arm. grains. and he began practicing stress manage to greater health than ever before his diet and lifestyle. and other whole foods. He even tually many returned active medical best-selling a books about his adopt healthier mony with his lifestyle and body’s healing practice. But this had completely recovered and to revamping manage his stress through simple yet effective stress-management methods. With his back up against the wall. Because he learned to incorporate methods that were in har system. high blood pressure. and constantly fighting with his wife from the stress ended up costing heavy on young doctor with load he but he was Dean his health. and he was gradually able get off all his medications. sleep-deprived. he to began to feel better than ever before. thousands of dollars of outstanding student loans and a family to support. Dean was able to completely . and went on to write experiences. vegetables. He was in the hospital for many weeks. and learning how enjoy by completely ment self a along with gentle yoga. As his health steadily improved over next two to the years. He was erratic in monitoring his blood pressure. he man came across a man who stroke. At the young age of 32 years. and unable to prac tice his trade. on disability. and he underwent extensive physical ther apy and rehabilitation to learn how to move his arm and walk again. Working more than 100 hours each week. for which he was treating himself with the drug samples that the pharmaceu tical representatives gave him. His blood pressure slowly normalized. eating high-fat junk food. he also began to pray regularly to help relax and calm his mind. and he didn’t want his colleagues to know about his Dean was suffering from chronic condition. He was extremely depressed during the therapy and felt as if he had nothing left to live for. getting no exercise. Dean decided to give these methods a try~ He immediately shifted his diet to one that was low fat and con sisted mostly of fruits. having no fun. Not burdened only by financially physically overweight.44 Your Extraordinary Healing System Your Dean was Healing System was a and Stroke: Dean’s a Story his heart. Even though he didn’t consider him religious person. He started exercising regularly. During this also had had gone on a low period of Dean’s life. he would need to cut his insulin dose in half. most often on one side of the paralysis and the of the facial muscles. it can cause paralysis of the chronic extremities. out and he still had normal blood sugar. he was advised that. His usual daily dose of insulin was 45 units. As word got about Eric’s . and more fulfilling a life than before. to make sure that he didn’t end up in a daily coma from too-low blood sugar. and the stress-management program that would be part of the retreat. For the past 20 years. If he didn’t use this amount. and so Eric reported to me daily. because of the changes in diet and exercise. to make sure they stayed at the proper level. but it can also cause affect speech. his blood sugar would skyrocket to dangerous levels. On day one. hearing. to 11 units. even after it occurs. Stroke is serious condition usually by either a hemor rhage or a blood clot in the brain. Although stroke can be prevented by addressing its underlying causes. active man with advanced heart disease com plicated by longstanding diabetes. Stroke can be fatal. ‘When Eric attended a one-week retreat for heart patients (many was a of whom also had diabetes). he cut his insulin in half again remained normal. He was also advised to monitor his own blood sugars six times a day with a self-administered kit. not a small amount. On day two. ability to swallow. It also can occur as a result of high blood pressure or other circulatory disturbances. and body. Your Eric Healing System and £iabetes: Eric’s Story 65-year-old. if the individual receives proper training and makes a sincere effort. again. he cut his insulin dosage to 22 units. he halved his insulin again. His blood sugar remained normal. Numerous studies have documented that when one side of the brain is damaged. the healing system can often miraculous ly restore the body to its natural state of health. eyesight. caused more active. the body’s healing system can facilitate the transfer of information from the damaged side to the healthy side of the brain to restore normal function to once-paralyzed limbs and muscles. and his blood sugar On day three. as instructed. he injected himself with insulin daily to control his high blood sugar.Your Healing System in Action 45 reverse the effects of his stroke and live a far healthier. When it’s less severe. I was his personal physician during this period. and the X-rays. while his blood sugar continues to stay normal. the healing that your body and heal such conditions. and she had looked forward several doctors. deadly than 20 years. and I have seen the successful rehabilitation of patients. I had to agree that things did not look good for her. Eric was able to demonstrate what most system med ical experts previously thought to be impossible—he was able to get off insulin (while keeping his blood sugar values normal). When I saw her mother’s reports.46 Your Extraordinary Healing System dramatic fall in insulin told Eric he was requirements. However. to off insulin. He responded By day only following completely to the dosages for what he monitored his blood to sugar Eric was to be. body can restore its Your The Healing System Story of Helen’s and Arthritis: Mother Helen worked in my medical office and always wore a smile. This situation very months. seven. and that they continued stay normal. tice six years He has stuck stress later. and she insisted that her mother see me. she had unsettling to her because until always walked at least one to two to previous six a day. your natural state of health. . on the staff became so nervous and that not to cut down his insulin fast. something that he had Eric’s depended a on daily for more case demonstrates that. she this exercise time. He reports his health Because he learned to cooperate with his was too be better than body’s healing before it late. Over the years. He has remained off insulin to this day. again. once of living with such system can reverse chronic. to his diet and exercise and he has continued prac ever. After would be was only treatment knee-replacement surgery~ Her daughter Helen understood that sometimes I took a different approach to medicine. Her mother. had developed was a severe form of osteoarthritis in her right the miles knee. the technique improved the flow of synovial fluid inside of the knee and helped to restore mobility to the knee joint. and that by instituting simple. natural methods that cooperate with it. I have relied on this technique in my told the that would consulting with help her practice. When you recognize has a healing system. management. even after many years disease as diabetes. now in her late seventies and the mother of eight children. I did prescribe a simple technique that worked with the healing system. which have as their common denominator the destruction of the joint sur faces. and carefully for six to eight months. good-looking a construction worker in his twenties. There are of arthritis. To this walks and has day. and psoriatic arthritis. By all outer appearances. regularly. however. Your Bob Healing System a and Intestinal Diseases: Bob’s Story early was a was pleasant. and he in the scheduled for surgery schedule. ‘When I was satisfied that she understood how the technique worked and why it was important not to look for results right away. After six months. I made her promise me that she would practice it faithfully. as in Helen’s mother’s case. with increased pain and debility~ Conventional medicine with powerful suppressive medications (many unsatisfactory side effects). this technique can restore joint function and promote healing in the knee. and praising me to the day. she has not missed her daily remained pain-free. including osteoarthritis. was Bob seemed completely healthy. she began pain walking again. rheumatoid arthritis. Bob patient in the hospital worked. dancing like a teenager. No knee replacement was ever many forms required. She agreed. with member of an wife and two kids. weeks. After one month. He loved baseball and amateur league. gouty arthritis. Because the technique is so simple. He as soon as there opening operating-room . seven years later. she was pain-free and walking three two ment Within of and to four miles a moon. Helen’s mother noticed significant diminish improved function. and because it requires active patient participation over an extended period.Your Healing System in Action 47 even those with advanced cases of arthritis improve significantly. ‘When I in which I was an met him. if you could look inside of his intes tines. your healing system can heal and treats reverse these diseases with arthritis. and the possibility of a jointreplacement operation. I took pains to explain to Helen’s mother the underlying principles of the practice to help guarantee her adherence to it. If patients practice diligently and patiently over several months. you would know that he severe case in pain was and suffering was a from a of Crohn’s disease. but new evidence reveals that by under standing and addressing the underlying factors that determine joint health. gastritis. He confirmed my suspicions worse after he ate. explain ing the mechanisms of digestion in relation to his disease. a improve his condition. He replied. fatigue. doing. and because I couldn’t discount the possible asked whether his role that his poor diet might be playing in that condition. being to was rather hard chew. which included abdominal pain. and diverticulitis wreak havoc these conditions millions of people. and they may be serious enough to cause death or serve as precursors to other complications. herbal teas. and nothing solid. I noticed that to the food Bob texture. irritable bowel syndrome. weight to loss. Crohn’s disease. including cancer. I suggested clear liquids. or suggested relaxation or stress management. “No. and nausea. which can be . diarrhea. such esophageal reflux.48 Your Extraordinary Healing System was taking high doses of Prednisone and other strong medications control his symptoms. After just three days. I told him why. This food just didn’t rough in seem right for someone with his condition. He also told was by telling me me they were definitely his condition worsened when he upset or under stress. weakness. Each day. I checked on Bob to see how he was seven years with this chronic intestinal condition. After removal of the harmful factors that created imbalance and disorder in his intes tines. This information did not surprise me. Bob’s ral state healing system was able to restore his body to its natu of health. which would calm the I asked Bob whether he would be diet that I believed would nerves in his intestines. He agreed. when I was was making served rounds at mealtime. including gentle relaxation breathing to do. and gelatin. he reported remarkable improvement. are treated with strong medications or surgical pro cedures. juices. He couldn’t believe that something so simple as his diet and learning how to relax could take away the incredible pain and suffering he had been going through for the past Every day. Many of peptic ulcer disease. I pain and related symptoms increased after he ate. gentle soup broths.” willing to go on a special diet for a few days. I then asked whether his doctor had ever talked to him about his diet or suggested special foods for his condition. One day. including water. as Numerous intestinal diseases. and difficult digest. I also showed him some simple stress-management practices. he was completely symptom free. ulcerative on colitis. and they were concerned about permanent hearing possible effects of not having the oper ation. including the well-known author Dr. Jesse’s parents went home thinking surgery was their only option. and his ear infections were now chronic. learning to work with the heal ing system. long-standing intestinal diseases. The chiroprac tic adjustments continued once a month for nine months. After postponing the conventional tube surgery. Healing System Jesse’s Story Jesse to was Your and Middle-Ear Infections: 4 years old when his parents took him to an ear specialist consult about the possibility of having tubes surgically implanted ears. also creates longer-lasting results. and he educated Jesse’s parents about good posture and simple breathing techniques. he happened to mention Jesse’s situation to his chiroprac tor. were now also recommending this treatment. Many medical doctors. He gently pressed on Jesse’s spine. stress management. can In my often heal even serious. in his was He had been on antibiotics almost continuously since he 15 months old. They also began him on the new diet that promised to decrease the amount of mucous and phlegm in the respiratory system and eustachian tubes of the ears. experience. ‘When Jesse’s father went for his regular chiropractic adjustment the next day. which included permanent hearing loss. Working with your healing system by natural methods such as proper nutrition and implementing simple. his teachers complained that he didn’t respond to their ver bal commands. along with other modalities that support and if they cooperate with your healing system. Colon cancer alone is one of the most common deadly killers in the West. even though doing this may take longer. loss. The chiropractor told him that by adjusting the spine and remov from the diets of affected children. as Bob did. In pre school. Andrew Weil. he and many of his col ing dairy leagues had reported significant successes in children with conditions similar to Jesse’s. Jesse’s parents brought him to the chiropractor for treatment.Your Healing System in Action 49 deadly. using strong medications to attack these dis eases as were foreign entities accomplishes temporary results at best and does nothing to address the underlying factors contribut ing to these diseases. Alternatively. After reading about the . Because your healing system integrates the function of all the systems in your body. hundreds of other MS .50 Your Extraordinary Healing System Two years later. Jesse’s case is just one example. I was skeptical. she peered patients. problems with balance. over the years. She had been with a severe. His parents told me with his ears since they saw the ear special came years earlier. There is no miracle in the restoration of health and healing from any disease once you understand that your body has a healing system—and that healing Your is its normal. multiple prescriptions a parent. with the eventual placement of tubes that puncture the eardrum and middle-ear chamber. She was given a wheelchair and told get used to it. Any healing modality or treatment that supports and cooperates with the healing system by addressing and removing the underlying factors of a disease. Furthermore. Middle-ear infections are extremely common in young children can and be a nightmare for ing. As remote as the connection might seem. Jesse a he hadn’t had ist two problem into my office. ordinary. along with the possibility of permanent hearing loss. and Healing System Rachelle’s Story was a Multiple Sclerosis: Rachelle diagnosed sis young housewife with three children. Sleepless nights. painful scream for antibiotics. all in wheelchairs. to ‘When Rachelle inside and saw opened the door to the specialty clinic. the spinal adjustments help to improve posture and breathing. are not uncommon. his hearing was perfect. rapidly progressive form of multiple sclero (MS) after experiencing symptoms of loss of coordination. can result in the healing of con ear ditions that appear to have no cure other than surgery. and they possibly improve the lymphatic drainage of the middle ear. However. and visual disturbances. to understand and work with it requires an expanded view of how the various parts of your body are inter connected. ‘When I first heard about chiropractic adjustments for middle- problems. suppressive medications and referred to a specialty clinic for patients with multiple sclerosis. I have seen enough positive results to know that these treatments often work. everyday job. because soon this would be what she would be spending the rest of her life in. such as the unusual treatment just described for middle-ear problems. She was placed on strong. At that moment. Rachelle underwent treatments a would series of in which she experienced temporary her symptoms go away. jungles flying a low-altitude mission on a hot day of Thailand. only strengthen her dis premonition place ease. where I was flight surgeon at the USAF Regional Medical of Aerospace Medicine. she fled the scene immediately. pieces of evidence for the By discovering her heal system. not only with her food. doctors and healers from wide range of and traditions. even if only briefly.Your Healing System in Action 51 and all with she had a a look of resignation that this on their faces. all the hope she needed to continue to fight to regain her health. (Rachelle Breslow. She saw that loving thoughts nourished her body. and learning to discard unhealthy habits and thought patterns that served as obstacles to its performance. was see improvement. but also with her thoughts. Rachelle was able to completely by reverse and heal from a disease still considered “incurable” most so-called health experts! Stones: Your Healing System was a and Kidney James’ Story a James captain out a in the U. 1991) is one of healing ing system that I have ever come across. Against acupuncture her doctor’s advice. Air Force and senior C-130 pilot with the 1st SOS squadron based also stationed Center in the as (Special Operations Squadron) of the Philippines at Clark Air Base. visiting complementary disciplines practicing gentle yoga and took a keen interest in her thoughts and attitudes while studying the effect they had on her body. She learned that her mind and her attitude played a key role in the health of her body. She began and was declared disease free. James began to feel a terrible pain in . Her classic book. That moment marked the beginning of her healing journey. whereas thoughts borne of low self-esteem and self-hatred were harmful to her body. She To decided to become and an active participant in her treatment a by reading. was reconnaissance Department while he One over the day. After 11 grueling years.S. Celestial Arts. Rachelle finally overcame her affliction alternative and researching. Who Said So?: A Woman’s Fascinating Journey of Self Discovery compelling stories and critical and Triumph over IVIultzple the most Sclerosis. She began to take better care of her nourishment. Refusing to give up hope of overcoming her affliction. James was told he had a kidney stone. In the hos pital. becom ing stronger and more intense with each wave. Kidney stones occur as blockages in the kidneys or ureters. The pain became so excruciating that James.52 Your Extraordinary Healing System his back. I believed in the intelligence and power of James’ healing sys tem. In the aerospace industry. which per sisted for days and weeks. after he had received voluminous amounts of intravenous fluids and pain medications. and which alarmed his specialists. and despite James’ insistence that he felt fine and was ready to return to flying. After his copiiot landed the plane. They contended that he was a threat to his and others’ flying safety. Air Force. he passed a single. it crescendoed to a steady 10 out of 10 on the Richter scale of pain and soon became unbearable. pain and groin that seemed to to come As the radiated from his back his groin and go in area. and they can be one of the most painful conditions ever to experience. while James was still in the hospital. At this point. solitary kidney stone. was essentially over. Several days later. right flank. and I felt strongly that once the obstacles to its performance . however. was forced to turn over all the controls of his air craft to the copilot while he scrambled to lie down in the back. blood tests. where I worked. he was given intravenous pain medications. including X-rays. James was met by an ambu lance that took him to the nearest hospital in Bangkok.S. and numerous examinations. according to strict flight-safety policies. He was uneventfully discharged from the hospital after a few days. waves.” This meant that his flying career. His copilot requested clearance for an emergency landing. and urine tests. and in the language of the U. Surgery for kidney stones is not uncommon because they can be life threatening. espe cially if they are large enough. On follow-up examinations. James was indefinitely “grounded. James’ urine tests showed elevated urinary calcium. they would not allow him back in the cockpit. everything looked good. within both the military and civilian worlds. while he was an outpa tient. They suspected an underlying metabolic problem. He was then immediately evacuated by air ambulance and transferred to the USAF Regional Medical Center in the Philippines. After several hours in the emergency department of our large hospital. which could lead to another kidney stone. now per spiring profusely. more James has been flying as a senior pilot for Delta Airlines now for than 15 years. Although he has an air . running four to five miles each day. has three beautiful children. and hasn’t a missed to during this entire period. As it turned out. his urine calcium returned to normal. and he was permanently restored to flying status without were removed.Your Healing System in Action 53 healing system could correct the situation. a condition made worse by Thailand’s heat. I encouraged James to drink as much water as he could. about six months from the day of his kidney-stone episode. he prefers the look of a monk-warrior. and working full time in the automotive department of a major. national-chain department store. as a battlefield trophy and victory over Hodgkin’s disease. Even though he could grow his hair back if he wanted to. a malig out of the lymph system. to flush out the residual sand that I felt was responsible for his elevated urine calcium. imagine. This conviction was based on the information I received while I was performing a detailed medical history of the events leading up to his kidney-stone incident. He had also been under significant stress for six months related to an illness in the family.” which consisted of ultra-fine particles left over from the stone that had recently passed. and his ability to cooperate with it by drinking lots of fluids. which had him down and for several years. abstaining from alcohol and caf feine. While flying. James had had diarrhea. to day of flying due as illness drink can Your Healing System wears and Cancer:Tony’s Story Tony his shaven head reminder of his successful nant cancer proudly. and he had become severely dehydrated at the time he was flying. Just days before the incident. All of these factors predisposed him to a kidney stone. simple water was all his healing system needed to reverse the dangerously high levels of calcium in his body. He likes water. I was convinced that his high urinary calcium was the result of the resid ual calcium oxalate “sand. He is in great shape. he also became severely overheated in his bulky flight suit and stuffy cockpit. He surfs. Tony looks good with his shaved head and mustache. and avoiding and managing his stress. Thanks to James’ healing system. his any medications and without any waiver. and to date has never had an you inkling of the kidney stone problems that almost ended his career. and everything seemed to get to me. they often become empowered to take the necessary steps to help their bodies heal. me out mess ues to I who got of that be one of the most feared diseases of modern times. and I knew it. I felt that it was a wake-up call. with vibrant. My diet was bad. “In a way. even can stand up to the miraculous powers of your healing system learn how to remove the obstacles that interfere with its once you functioning. I wasn’t taking good care of myself. Although cancer has been and contin own cancer. I changed my atti waste a tude and my ways and decided that I would turn all my troubles over to a higher power. it gave me an excuse to be a little selfish again and focus on the needs of my body. I felt all bottled up inside. “While my doctors were surprised. Here’s a man who knows the a always in a glowing. “Doc. and I was way too serious. the answers were simple and straightforward. understanding . a at the same time. gift of life single second feeling sorry for himself or enter taining negative thinking. I was not the least bit shocked over on my complete reversal of cancer. The entire process of getting ill and then being healed was completely logical to me. magnetic and doesn’t little twinkle in his eyes. you will discover many to restore more support and cooperate with it are your health. and start taking responsibility for their own health.” he said. He is person. As you become more aware of the many ways your heal cer cannot ing system strives ways to to keep your body healthy. “When I received my diagnosis. I and it was really feel it was I who brought my by becoming a little more aware of how my attitude. I never rested. in spite of all he’s been through. and take care of myself because I realized it was up to me.” When people start to realize the amazing power of their own healing systems. I wasn’t having fun. dealing rallying your healing system When you with any to major. I started taking the time to eat right. I was working too hard and worrying too much. and behaviors were affecting my body.54 Your Extraordinary Healing System of determination about him. life-threatening illness and come to your support. and to what he attributed his healing. exer cise. “When I shifted gears. “I was under a lot of stress just prior to my diagnosis. When I asked Tony where he thought his cancer came from.” Tony continued. it’s amazing how my body responded. thinking.” Tony added. he’s almost cheerful mood. as Tony did. I had a lot of anger that I couldn’t release. Some of these obstacles are ingestion of toxic substances. You can think of your amazing healing system as the field marshal who commands the forces of healing with in your body. and what you can do to work with it. infinitely greater. you must first become aware of these unhealthy patterns before you can change them. even though the variety of dis eases and the number of afflictions you may potentially suffer from on this earth appear vast and staggering. others are more subtle. stress. and what ClosingThoughts onYour Healing System in Action Your body knows how to heal itself because it has a remarkably efficient intelligent healing system. and . Your healing system utilizes these other systems and relies on their cooperation to initiate powerful and sophisticated healing responses whenever illness or injury threatens your natural state of health. and how they all work together and respond to each other in incredible ways. and lack of exercise. poor diet. you will see your an you can make the mind body’s healing ally in your healing. but it is clear from the evidence presented so far that you have a healing system that is capable of healing your body from a multitude of afflictions. It is important to remember that. such as system is habitual and behavior is habitual and unconscious. As long as you are alive. As we will exerts explore a little later a powerful influence do to in the on book.Thur Healing System in Action 55 the obstacles that are interfering with the performance and function imperative. even when these afflictions have become advanced and things appear pretty hopeless. you’ll learn about the critical relationship between your extraordinary heal ing system and the other systems in your body. To understand more thoroughly how your healing system works. directing the various elements to maintain your natural state of health. by far. In the next chapter. the many ways that your healing system can heal you and keep your body healthy are. learning about the other systems in your body with which it is allied is important. how your mind system. Because much unhealthy thinking of your healing obvious. such as unhealthy thinking and holding onto anger. I could have presented many more cases here. you have healing power. the cooperation between the healing system and the other systems of the body. Your Skin Your skin is the most exterior and Consisting of several layers and exposed system in your body. and. It is integrated within the structures and cells of our healing these different systems so much so that when your body is in its nat ural state of health. you first need to understand how each system functions individually and performs specialized tasks. your skin is one of the most body’s individuality. appearing in a variety of colors and obvious features that define your continuous organ.CHAPTER 3 The Team Members of Your Healing System system is intimately connected to all of your body’s other 12 systems. Your skin is one a teddy bear or other stuffed animal’s lining that holds its stuff- . much like outer shades. they function To fully understand the connections between the healing system and the other systems of the body. The health of each individual system is essential to your overall health and to each system’s ability to work efficiently and effectively with your healing system. are almost flawless. and the ways in which together. including viruses helps and bacteria. When your an abrasion or laceration creates a break in skin. which reduces the burden on your healing system. and even death. It stretch and expand to tremendous ties. of the o death is real threat the than 50 percent of his or her result of the leakage of fluid out skin. Your skin exhibits the fol ing in. Like a chameleon. Sunlight also pro motes wound healing. the vulnerable tissues and . illness and death can ensue. Gradual increases in sun exposure result in the accumulation and depo sition of a pigment known as melanin. maintenance of falls below a optimum functioning tent fluids. Sunlight contains vitamin D. damage. Your skin is fairly tough and supports your healing system by keeping your body free from infection and invading organisms. your skin can change color. Your skin prevents your body from becoming dehydrated. Intact skin is a nat ural barrier to most forms of microorganisms. depending on its exposure to the sun. lowing qualities o that aid your healing system in many important ways: capaci during pregnancy and extreme cases of obesity~ This characteristic helps your skin resist tearing and other injuries. can Skin is flexible. and stimulates the immune system. When sustains a severe a Dehydra someone burn to more as a body. Tanning increases tolerance to sun exposure. body through damaged Skin protect your body from infection. as demonstrated o sunlight. and so the skin’s ability to absorb sunlight is a sophisticated mechanism that benefits and supports your heal Skin can absorb ing o system. When water con certain level. which improves calcium absorp tion and helps maintain bone density. Because your body is 70 per proper fluid levels is necessary for of your healing system. Skin holds in your cent body’s fluid. infection more can enter into the body cause and penetrate into significant disease. tion also commonly occurs in burn victims. prevents infection. deeper. thus allowing for greater amounts of vitamin D to be absorbed and produced. which results in tanning.58 Your Extraordinary Healing System your skin can be looked upon as the outer covering of the body that holds in all of your internal structures. Until modern medicine began encouraging the use of medications to suppress fever. Touch is a vital ingredi physical and emotional health. it can maintain this temperature most of the time. Much like a frog. which helps the body eliminate the toxins caused by the infection. your skin can absorb water and literally drink from the environment. estrogen for postmenopausal women. Sweating supports your healing system by preventing your body from overheating during periods of extreme physical activity or exceptionally hot weather. and scopolamine to help prevent motion sickness. sweating occurs. Your skin is capable of absorbing moisture and other substances. With a fever. people with high fevers. includ ing those fevers caused by pneumonia. These medicines include nitroglycerin for heart patients. Your body is programmed keep its internal temperature close to 98. compassionate touching to thrive and survive. Babies who are not held for . * Skin ent plays an important role in touch. were encouraged to drink lots of fluids and bundle up in heavy blankets to sweat out waste * Skin eliminates toxins and the toxins until the fever broke. including those that work with your healing system. The pores in your skin also regulate body temperature by opening wider and sweating when body temper ature rises too high. all the enzyme systems in your body’s optimally. Any sudden or sustained reduc tion in this normal body temperature disrupts the health and integrity of your body. products. At 98. * internal environment function or when you have stress. Medical scientists are now making use of the skin’s absorption capabilities by creating medicines that are applied to the skin in the form of patches. Studies done with touching show that the cultures that advocate more touching have less heart disease and mental illness than cultures in which people don’t touch very often.6 degrees. One important example of the skin’s ability to rid the body of toxins is its response when the body has a fever.6 degrees Fahrenheit. nicotine for people attempting to quit smoking. when a fever is present.The Team Members of Your Healing System 59 ~ Skin to helps regulate body temperature. and because of your skin. Human beings require regular. and by closing to retain heat when body temperature goes too low. including the circulatory. your hair will meet the object first. organ for touch. protects the body from drying out. burn. Each type of hair shape. serves to keep the head and body cool. where temperatures can become extremely hot. tightly curled hair. to strengthen which have fatal consequences. This type of hair helps to conserve fluids and regulate body temperature. Your healing system supervises and directs this body. in Africa. The movement of hair will inform you to duck your head quickly to avoid serious injury~ Toenails and fingernails are also specialized parts of your skin.Your Nails. and from wind and sand. Mediterranean body hair. color. your hair is a part of your skin. wound remarkable collaboration. and they help toes your and healing fingers. arid climates. of blood or other injury. For exam ple. and Your Hair Healing System helps your healing system in several ways. If your head Hair also acts as a sense begins to brush up against an overhanging object that you might not have seen. the immune. the endocrine. Because injuries the skin may involve the loss along with concomitant the injuries to deeper and structures within the timely sophisticated healing requires body systems. your system by protecting the delicate tips of Wound Healing of the Sk~in ability to Your skin possesses an uncanny heal itself after to a laceration. Your Hair. and many the nervous systems. and distribution on the body found throughout the world has been designed to aid our healing sys tems and keep our bodies healthy in a multitude of ways. Touching and fortify your healing system. often referred to as “kinky” hair.60 Your Extraordinary Healing System and touched often develop can a condition known as Failure to Thrive is essential syndrome. and although hair is usually thought of as separate from skin. abra sion. collaboration of . which is more common in warm. Kinky hair acts like an intricately coiled refrigerator system to help trap and cool water vapors (moisture that has evapo rated in the form of steam) off the top of the head. The bones in your face participate in facial expression. intercommu nicating highway between your brain and body. they also protect the delicate sense organs in the region. * and body’s largest pool of calcium. the bones of the legs are responsible for walking. which In addition are their protective role. and fingers are responsible for movement of the upper extremities. the master organ in the body. Calcium is required for healthy muscle contractions. such as your eyes. along responsible for movement. This to continue * protect the to capability ensures that your bones will deeper organs and tissues of the body. ways: are thousands of years old can be Your skeletal system works with your healing system in many important * Bones absorb internal significant stress loads and protect the body’s deeper organs and tissues. The bones in the spine. and jumping. and other vitally important functions that aid your healing system in keeping your body healthy. bones have an mend and knit themselves back together in of fracture.The Team Members of Your Heaiing System 61 Your Skeletal System The skeletal system establishes the rigid framework of your body and is made up primarily of bones. and collectively as vertebrae. The ribs. nerve transmission. Bones serve as the . climbing. encasing and protecting the delicate spinal cord. keeps your body healthy and free from disease (see the next section. chewing. which is the main electrical. known singularly as vertebra. * In conjunction uncanny ability the case to with your healing system. bones. which are the densest structures in your found body. running. are stacked one on top of each other to form the spinal column. breathing. also serve to protect the heart and lungs and other vital structures in the chest cavity~ The skull protects and houses the brain. The vertebrae support the weight of your head. in addition to being involved in the function of respiration. they also act like flexible conduits. hands. with muscles. “Your Muscular System”). ears. while the bones in the arms. for example. heart activity. Intact bones that on archeological sites. and nose. For example. becoming powerful and strong in the process. such as the intestines. Muscles that are strong. yogis in India. your healing muscles of respiration participate in breathing. can mold their bodies into pretzels—they have earned the label of “rubber men” for the incredible flexibility in their joints. A strong heart aids the healing system by improving the delivery of oxygen and vital nutrients throughout your body. and the bronchioles in the lungs. For example. versatile. and they alone are the heaviest and most dominant system in your body. by keeping your body functioning o contract. through many years of stretching the muscles in their bodies. they generate heat. causing move ment of the diaphragm and the rib cage. and heal. Alternatively. and in the process. flexible. Muscles have a tremendous capacity to grow. which This process supports your healing system at optimum temperatures. Muscles also and exercise of the muscles o participate in system in o Smooth muscles. which allows air and oxygen to flow in and out of your lungs. which is essential for the healing system to function most efficiently. The muscles in your body key allies to your healing system in the following ways: ‘When muscles serve as o move and keeps your body warm. and highly plastic. They are dynamic. change. and relaxed create healthy joints and ensure strength and maximum movement. the arteries. They can contract and expand the diameters of these important tubular structures. Body builders who continually lift weights over a long period of time can add up to 100 pounds or more of solid muscle tissue to their frames. located inside various vital organs. important internal processes that aid keeping your body healthy.62 Your Extraordinary Healing System Your Muscular System The system that is primarily responsible for movement in your body is the muscular system. are criti functioning of these organs and the healing system. o improves circu Regular movement lation by strengthening the heart. Muscles make up approximately 40 percent of your total body weight. help to direct the movement of vital cal to the . the arteries become this the body. contract.The Team Members of Your Healing System 63 tions within your * body fluids and important gases such as oxygen body. With the help of your nervous system. and effective heal ing response with great accuracy and speed to any area of your body. orchestrated. Consisting peripheral nerves (like a tree with of your brain. heartbeat. nervous which adaptation to light. The and all other activities that you standing. is caused by the alternating expansion of the intestinal muscles. body temperature. walking. the as quickly through your of food down the movement tract. peristalsis allows the food to pass along the length of the intestines. known as the bronchi and bronchioles. The same is true in the lungs. also known as the autonomic automatically controls vital body involuntary nervous system. help to regulate the flow of air in and out of your body. direct. 2. and many others. sitting. processes. Because of your nervous system. contraction and Your Nervous The nervous System arm system is the master communication and electrical of your the healing system. . and nervous branches). the many spinal cord. running. such as breath. your healing system going on in even the tiniest cell in the most remote body. The voluntary nervous as system. In digestive helps digestive to circulate blood system. jumping. more When the muscles in the arteries narrower. known peristalsis. can consciously system. your healing region system can dispatch a concentrated. muscles to specific destina The following examples emphasize how indispensable the smooth are to the health and performance of your healing system. which regulates the movements of such activities swimming. knows what is of your Your nervous system consists of two main limbs: 1. where the muscles that line the breath ing tubes. visual muscular reflexes. your system processes information and sends and receives messages with astonishing speed and precision throughout all parts of your body. Your healing life-sustaining. repair. influences your perception enables you to safely move about in this world. produced by glands. Information that and aids your healing system. the regulation of vital.64 Your Extraordinary Healing System system is exquisitely interconnected to the func tioning of your entire nervous system. nose. is one of the best known of all hormones. but. and regulation following hormones and their respective endocrine organs. and maintenance of your body’s natural state of health. rapidly secreted during emergencies. ears. Sense organs not only allow you importantly. also known nal is as epinephrine. there are highly specialized tissues and structures in your body known as sense organs. organs. Your Endocrine System (Glands) The endocrine system consists of the major organ-glands in your body. make up the endocrine system and play major roles in the chemistry of your body’s internal environ ment while they support your healing system through numerous The mechanisms: the adre o Adrenaline. . upon which it depends for specialized roles in communication. exerting a powerful influence on your healing system. tion. and skin. and that to your brain through to these various sense more avoid danger. these organ-glands are responsible for the production. secre of all your hormones. and the direction of key mechanisms for the growth. Adrenaline and in response to fear. Hormones are powerful chemical messengers that work with your healing system to influ ence important physiological processes and vital body functions. is fed tongue. to interact with life in all its fullness. Information alter your coming in through the senses can also directly body’s physiology. physiological processes. commonly referred to as giands. which include the eyes. Sense Organs and Your Healing System In association with your nervous system. secreted from the pituitary gland. where estrogen is These hormones also are involved in the process of menstruation. Insulin regulates glucose metabolism and blood sugar. it activates the causes flight” response. or produced.The Team Members of Your Healing System 65 stress. and aids the healing system by acting as a powerful. which body’s physiology: • the “fight-or following changes in your increases heart rate • increases blood pressure increases 4 respiratory rate • increases oxygen consumption • dilates pupils • affects many other functions that help the body direct resources to effectively deal with any emergency~ a Adrenocorticotropic hormone. and the health of the skin. a eggs. cholesterol metabolism. produced by your pituitary gland. in the pancreas and is one a Insulin is produced of the most important hormones in your body. mone a that produced by the adrenal glands. Cortisol regulates glucose metabolism. such as bone for mation. plays a key role in the immune system. . which are central to the health of your healing system. regulates the production of cortisol from the adrenal gland. produced by the ovaries in women. or ACTH. Estrogen and progesterone. and to every cell and tissue in your body. in the ovaries of women. Aldosterone. and they play an important role during preg Growth hormone. regulate the produc FSH tion of ova. it also controls blood pressure. is a powerful hor regulates the amount of sodium and fluid levels in the a body. or other states of excitement. they also have other wide-reaching effects in the body. play important roles in menstruation and pregnancy. controls growth and overall growth in your body. nancy. natural anti-inflammatory agent. a (follicle stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hor mone). and regulates bone produced by your pituitary gland. Vasopressin. Melatonin controls natural sleep and wake cycles. Parathyroid hormone also affects calcium absorption in your intestines and calcium resorption in your kidneys. the pigment that helps regulate the amount of sunlight that enters into your body. and mood. regulates the process by stimulating uterine contractions during childbirth. the development of facial and body hair. produced by the pituitary gland. the production of sperm. produced by your pitu itary gland. metabolism. heart rate. produced by the parathyroid glands. as well as other important muscles and nerves in your body. Oxytocin also aids in milk production and secretion during breast-feeding. menstruation. Calcium also is required for the functioning of the heart. con trols bone metabolism and regulates calcium levels in your blood. Parathyroid hormone. and the production of melanin. and male libido. which is strongly influenced by sunlight and plays a major role in the regulation of moods. or ADH (antidiuretic hormone).66 Your Extraordinary Healing System o Interstitial release of cell-stimulating hormone. depth of voice. o Melatonin. acts on the kidneys to conserve water by inhibit ing urination and also plays a role in blood-pressure regulation. body temperature. skin and hair growth. or TSH. from the testes or ICSH. regulates lactation following childbirth in women. stimulates the testosterone in males. muscu lar development. o Thyroid hormone. o Testosterone. o o . o Prolactin. is a powerful hormone produced by the pineal gland. ticular produced in the testes in men. helps to regulate growth and development. is required for tes development. produced by the pituitary gland. controls and regulates the function of the thyroid gland. produced by the thyroid gland. o of labor Oxytocin. which is one of the most important glands in your body. sexual maturity. secreted from the pituitary and the release of breast milk gland. Thyroid stimulating hormone. your entire body. repair itself. which is then pumped to every cell and tissue in your body. twisted. what your body doesn’t need or cannot use is eliminated through the large intestines in the form of solid wastes. middle ear. bronchi. and lungs. stomach. salivary glands. The respiratory system is responsible for delivering oxygen to your blood. larynx. esophagus. Because of their role in breathing. maintains close ties with your healing system. Without oxygen. large intestines. small intestines. tonsils. hollow. digestive system also includes the appendix. rectum. throat. liver. These nutrients provide the fuel for your healing system and for your entire body. and anus. The gall bladder. and through the delivery of essential nutrients. tongue. As your body heals from any malady. teeth. tube-like that extends more than 30 feet from your mouth to your rectum. and maintain its natural state of health. The health of each of these structures affects the health of your entire respiratory system and. Following digestion. bronchioles. The following components make up the digestive system: your mouth. pancreas. Your res . your cells and tissues cannot live. Your digestive system. throat. Your respiratory system directs the flow of air in and out of your body through these various structures. mouth. and assimilating vital nutrients into your body from the foods you eat. trachea. sinuses. nose. ultimately. Elimination aids your healing system by ridding your body of unwanted toxins and waste products. which combine structure to form contin uous.The Team Members of Your Healing System 67 Your Your to Digestive System are digestive system consists of various organs that connected a your small and large intestines. your digestive system plays a key role in delivering necessary nutrients for the purposes of rebuilding and providing new growth to damaged tissues. alveoli. the ribs and diaphragm are consid ered ancillary structures of the respiratory system. Your Your Respiratory System respiratory system consists of the nose. helping it grow. Your digestive system is responsible for breaking down. absorbing. 68 Your Extraordinary Healing System piratory dioxide. which are crucial for the functioning of the immune system. enzymes. and all the various constituents in your blood. antibod trace ies. an and as digestive a sys When the body a oxygen deficit. Hemoglobin. your nervous. body. If these arteries become clogged. White blood cells. a heart attack can occur. Blood clotting is unique function of the circulatory a . The system is also responsible for ridding your body of carbon a toxic waste product of normal cellular metabolism. has sustained trauma. are essential for blood clotting. respiratory system is connected has or to many other systems. the various organs and tis very important molecule in red blood cells. lymphatic. such a severe when person or is in shock. including circulatory your red blood cells. including tems. o Carrying sues oxygen from the lungs in your body. has fever. circulatory. illness. minerals. o accomplishes this task. injury. The circulatory system has many vital functions. It is responsi arteries are heart. carbon dioxide and lactic acid. ments o These nutrients and substances include hormones. and that are ele vital to the Removing toxic metabolic functioning byproducts. or when stress is significant. This is just one example of a critical cooperative effort between your respirato ry system and your healing system. Clotting of the blood. to every cell and tissue in your Pumping and distributing blood. the blood. neurotransmitters. vitamins. upon whose health your healing system and entire body depend. Their health is critical to the health of your heart. to a of your such as healing system. the coronary arteries that ble for o which contains oxygen and other vital nutrients and substances. In your special bring the blood supply back to the heart itself. rates of breathing tend to auto matically increase to bring more oxygen into the body. Your The Circulatory System system consists of your heart and blood vessels. Your lymphatic system works closely with your circulatory. These functions include the following: they important a Your urinary system helps to conserve and regulate fluid levels in your a body. and other invaders. assuring that body has proper amounts of sodium. calcium. The lymphatic system consists of a series of lymphatic ves sels and lymph nodes that are strategically located throughout spe cific parts of your body. antibodies. and important chemicals of the immune system. this fluid contains white blood cells. and other a Your urinary system monitors to blood. and healing the lymph systems to as it circulates and removes toxins and impurities from your body keep your tissues and blood free from disease caused teria. The major your organs of your urinary system include your kidneys and bladder. key minerals and trace elements that support vital physiological processes that are essential for your healing system. and it occurs blood loss. Blood the during times of injury to prevent excessive clotting represents one of the true miracles of healing system. which is critical your protein concentration healing system. Your You can Lymphatic System system as think of your lymphatic the blood-purification system. Lymph fluid circulates freely throughout system. potassium. by bac Your Your Urinary System urinary system is primarily responsible for acting as a filter for blood to remove wastes and toxins from your body. immune.The Team Members of Your Healing System 69 system. and support your healing system through a number of functions. viruses. in the . a Your your urinary system regulates electrolyte levels. purifies the entire blood circula Your urinary system filters and tion within your body. uterus. and it consists of the ovaries. and penis the make up the reproductive system. seminal vesicles. In addition to having receptors for hormones produced by other organs. secretory function and a reproductive one. and they can most notably influence emotional and mental a states. The breasts. they act as attractive forces to the opposite sex. These differences are responsible for the strongly magnetic sexes. and as tissues of arousal that help promote sexual and reproduc and tive activities.70 Your Extraordinary Healing System Your In women. reproductive system is responsible for helping to differentiate the physical charac teristics of men and women. are also included in this system. For instance. the reproductive system produces it own hormones. circulatory. the repro ductive system is essential for the survival of the human race. The reproductive system maintains an intimate connection with ovaries. and lymphatic systems. is reproduction and prolifer ation of the species. endocrine. More than any other system in the body. and the endocrine system. and the main function of your reproductive system. forces that help foster the sexual attraction between the The natural result of this attraction. Your Immune Your immune system consists of organs that can a System complex network of cells and produce extremely powerful chemicals known as . the testes. the breasts serve both an endocrine. Although women can live without a uterus or men can live without testes and a prostate. the Reproductive System is located in the lower abdomen reproductive system pelvic area. These hormones contribute to overall health. on influence the heart. estrogen exerts protective Many other systems in the body also are connected to the health and proper functioning of the reproductive system. in addition. The breasts are actually dual-purpose organs. prostate. estrogen in females and testosterone in males. These include the nervous. located in the chest. serving as nutritive. In this way. In men. lactating glands that deliver milk immediately following childbirth. and vagina. urethra. cervix. The Team Members of Your Healing System 71 antibodies. are released destroy unwanted intruders with remarkable speed. such as the nose. viruses. respiratory system. with highly specialized roles and functions. and to other systems. your immune system works of health. and although the two systems are clearly dis tinct. parasites. to defend your body against infec ly The cellular components of your immune system consist large of white blood cells. accuracy. intestines. sophisticated. can You think of white blood cells to as infantrymen who are pro grammed destroy any invading enemy in the form of or bacteria. and precision. which threats and can are produced to out be likened to in direct response to specific molecular cruise missiles. as well. Even more certain white blood cells can astonishing is recent evidence produce and secrete hormones that that closely with your healing system. subtle. The division of labor among the many types of white blood cells of your immune system is so detailed. other harmful pathogenic organisms. and other body tissues and into the bloodstream seek and cavities that connect to the outside environment. mouth. As we discussed earlier. urethra. fungi. white blood cells have been discovered to possess receptors for neu rotransmitters produced by the brain. produced in large quantities upon demand. is now known to be directly linked to your brain system. Other white blood cells have been found to have specific hormone receptors. which demonstrates a direct and nervous chemical link with your brain and nervous system. known about your immune system until quite Research is still discovering new facts about this amazing was system. once thought to be a completely inde pendent system. They also are in the body’s mucous membranes. in many instances they work together to restore your body to its natural state communicate directly with your endocrine system. indicating that your endocrine system communicates directly with your immune system. history of the world Antibodies. . For example. Little recently. Your immune system. and precise as to make any other army or military force in the appear primitive and impotent in comparison. Antibodies are pres ent in the blood. whose chief function is tion and other intruders. which orchestrates the processes that keep you healthy. .72 Your Extraordinary HeaHng System Team Even Closing Thoughts on the Members of Your Healing System though an entire book could be written on each individual system presented in this chapter. I hope you now have a greater sense of appreciation for how the various systems in your body function individually and together in support of your extraordinary healing system. In the next chapter. we will look at the many ways you can cooperate with your healing system by strengthening and fortifying it so that it can work for you most efficiently and effectively. CHAPTER 4 Strengthening and Fortif~ring Your Healing System our body’s healing system comes even prepackaged. anger. in addition to a mul titude of other factors that are within your control. breathing harmful air. putting poor foods. entertaining thoughts of fear. maintaining a pessimistic and . and overburden and exhaust its resources. and living a lifestyle that is stressful and unhealthy. thoughts and attitudes. not getting enough sleep and rest. eating nutrientbody. your before the first breath lungs when you are born. subjecting your body to a toxic envi ronment. holding onto resentment. can dramatically alter the behavior and efficiency of your healing system. You can impede your healing system’s ability to perform its pro grammed mission. the choices you make in your everyday life can have a serious impact upon its performance and its activities. not drinking enough water. mistrusting. and rage. home and work environment. obstructions include the harmful substances into your Additional factors that can be detrimental to the intrinsic strength of your healing system include such unhealthy mental habits as chronic worrying. Such following: ignoring the basic needs of your body. moods and emotions. Your diet and lifestyle. and fully functional. Although the healing system is deliv to you in perfect condition. completely enters installed. by ered participating in activities that are harmful to your health. and learn to strengthen and fortif~’ it. and even enhance its performance. and giving up on life altogether. vibrant. which is naturally programmed for health and vitality~ can remain free of illness until your final days. emotions. apathy. understanding what is required to maintain your natural state of health. and understand the intimate rela tionship between your body. Alternatively. you inwardly possess much more power than you may be aware. and active. But if you hope to come near this goal. and cooperate with your healing system is not when you are sick. In this respect. life-threatening illness or chronic debilitating disease taking hold of your body. strong. and rewarding life. energetic. you must cooperate with your healing system. you can make your healing system your most powerful ally in your quest for greater health and wellness. depression. As we discussed earlier. your body. you can strengthen. These negative factors can rob you of your natural state of health and sabotage an otherwise wholesome. This will help you fulfill your basic physical needs of wholesome food. the best time to a strategic and tactical strengthen. rich. mind. but rather when you are healthy. All these selfdestructive tendencies exhaust your body’s precious resources. So that your healing system will stand poised and ready to leap into action at the first signs of . Prevention The From Key to a Strong Healing System viewpoint. If you want to be happy. by learning to listen to your body’s valuable communications. If you do. while paying attention to your body’s early warning signs when danger or illness may be approaching. water. focusing on problems and negative circumstances. healthy. and increase the likelihood of a serious. interfere with your healing system’s ability to do its job properly. and cooperate with your healing system. you need to honor and take proper care of your body. vibrant. plenty of sleep and rest. fortify. and spirit. which might be well over 100 years. to keep it in optimum condition.74 Your Extraordinary Healing System cynical attitude. Your healing system responds to your deepest intentions and most heartfelt desires. and appropriate exercise. fresh air. nourish. Learning how when your This doesn’t this strengthen and fortify your healing system is easier body is not already under siege from an illness or disease. I about irresponsible people to see who neglect their health and then. independent people run who have chal developed a confidence lenges that face us all in in their bodies’ abilities to meet the physical this life. on that if you are now ill you will not benefit from On the contrary. you need to work more focus this important to than ever. In fact. of fear and denial. deteriorating health con speaking about healthy. preparation. inferior opponent. if you are now ill. consider the plight of a boxer vying to for the onship is not of the world. the time check whether there enough lifeboats deck for all the passengers is not when the ship is sinking. to mean knowledge. but rather during the many hours of preparation when he is in train prepared. If they should into a problem. To emerge victorious from a health challenge. I am not out speaking ditions. I meet many people who choose not to visit doctors regularly. Learning how tive inertia to the absence of illness strengthen and fortify your healing system in or disease gives you the momentum and posi integrity defeat any illness. should it attempt to violate the and sanctity of your body. actively calling upon his polished boxing skills to defeat his less-prepared. refuse am doctors for their mature. To further illustrate this point. it is better for it to be well prepared case in advance of any anticipated calamity~ on As the famous to of the ill-fated Titanic are demonstrates. instead . So condition or formidable disease that life may throw your way. he can then step into that ring with confidence and poise. your very life depends on it. and mindset is required to win. but before it leaves the port. This kind of training. The same is true with your healing system. These requirements are exactly the same for your healing system.Strengthening and Fortifying Your Healing System 75 distress. taking the time now to learn how to work with your healing system will give you the edge you need to defeat any ing for the fight. The time learn how to heavyweight champi box for such a fight when he steps into the ring against a formidable opponent. your body comes equipped healing system that is constantly attempting to communicate with you. these and people to know how to activate their heal ing systems by nurturing time and listening rely their bodies. Prescriptions for Strengthening and Fortifying Your Healing System following key ingredients constitute essential components of a healthy program aimed at strengthening and fortifying your body’s healing system. When your body is tired and to requires sleep. There is can definitely a place how to ask for help from doctors. example. and you feel hunger pangs in your stomach. Similarly. but you more on minimize these occasions when you learn to your own healing system. it sends you valuable information to help you know what its needs For are.76 Your Extraordinary Healing System of rushing off to the doctor. The Healing System As we Rx #1: Learn to Listen to Your Body with a discussed in Chapter 2. whether you’re focusing on prevention or on healing from an existing health problem. your stomach will soon begin to rumble and growl if you don’t put something in your belly. you feel thirsty. you feel the urge to urinate. when your bladder becomes full and requires emptying. You learn to be your own best doctor. When your needs . 24 hours a day. when your body is hungry. By paying attention to each of these factors and incorporating them into your life. seven days a week. yawn. which body creates a strong urge to drink fluids. By simple yet powerful and techniques. Through the language your healing system speaks. your eyes will feel heavy and you will begin water. you will be able to most effectively tap into your body’s natural ability to heal itself and significantly improve the quality of your life. Learning to to help you prevent illness and strengthen and activate your healing system heal yourself from any health challenge you can may have face in your life. you will develop a deep-seated inner confidence principles that your body has the capacity to stay healthy and to heal itself when its learning to to listen your body and apply some health is will challenged. upset. in all their myriad forms. You may also notice your heart skipping a are beat ignore these sensations. or disease. you may or may not be receiving and processing these other important messages. such as an ulcer. These symptoms could be danger signals of an impending heart attack. the situation is resolved and is allowed to Even many of though us some of us listen to our are bodies some of the time. suffering. but if this is an early warning from your heart. which could be early warn ing signs of an impending intestinal problem.Strengthening and Fortifying Your Healing System 77 In addition your to these more obvious forms of communication. Depending on what kind of listener you are. a When you tense. not or knot in your stomach when you confronted with an unpleasant situation. How The to to Listen to Your Body access following exercise is a simple yet powerful method to gain vitally important messages from your body’s healing system: . To avoid pain and to remain To healthy. it is critical that you first become more aware of your body’s needs and learn to listen to its early warning messages. or under stress. afraid. at us don’t listen until cooperate with they actually screaming tend to and refusing bodies to us until we their needs. illness. you may notice a sensation in your chest. need to become better listeners. or become persistent. and cooperate with your healing system. Our scream at us by causing intense pain. fortify. When you become a good listener. as many people do. If notice a linger. your body will not need to shout or scream at you to get your attention. we strengthen. This pain is the body’s ultimate communication strategy to try to get us to wake up to the fact that we are ignoring one or more of its vital needs. body constantly sending you other more subtle information. For is instance. and so you will not need to experience pain. which occurs when there is a lack of adequate oxygen and blood flow to the heart. misery. Ignoring the or two. the sensations might increase. You may tl-y to messages could have disastrous consequences. a You may feel queasy are or nervous. which makes your breath tight or heavy ing slightly difficult. it could lead to increased pain known as angina. preferably lying down on your back. quiet mood. bring your awareness the area of your stomach and abdomen. your back and spine. try using earplugs. observing the gentle. your stomach and abdomen gently contract and fall. Visit all parts in between. relax ing music o in the background to help set a peaceful. Focus your awareness in o within. responsibilities. automatic rhythm. just let your mind be a passive observer as you watch and observe this gentle.78 Your Extraordinary Healing System o Aliow yourself quiet alone time. You can even place your help you become more aware rhythmical. as o body. You may place pillows under your knees. As you close your eyes and relax your to in your body. and your stomach and abdominal area. You may also want to put on some soft. Notice that when the breath flows into your body. starting from the tips out . Try not to control the rate or depth of this movement. or use blankets or pillows anywhere else to help support your body so that you are comfort able. close the door. feel all the muscles your body releasing tension. Feel the hands Every time the breath leaves your body. buttocks. slowly of your toes and of your body. Go into a safe and so quiet room.neck. automatic movement of your breath as it flows in and out of your body. Make sure everyone in your home understands that you are not to be disturbed until you are finished. If you cannot find a quiet place. Notice that when the breath flows out of your body. your stomach and abdomen gently expand and rise. becoming as aware of how your body feels from the “inside” o you continue to breathe. Notice the gentle move on ment in that region. and becoming more relaxed. your shoulders and. and genitals. automatic as of your breath it flows in and systematically scan your body. position. Make sure your body is comfortable before you proceed. Excuse yourself from your family duties. and take the phone off the hook you won’t be disturbed. rather. area to o top of the of this movement. including your heart and chest area. Find a comfortable o Gently close your eyes and relax all the muscles if it is melting into the surface beneath you. and moving toward the top of your head. your groin. As you become movement more relaxed. and obligations for at least 20 to 30 minutes. and you to its responses to your environment. and your mental and emotional When you cover regularly practice listening to your body. Should imbalances body occur. when your body is relaxed. your nervous quieter. your mind also becomes First. and bathing. Because your mind and body intimately connected. comfort. easiest. weeks.Strengthening and Fortifying Your Healing System 79 ~ Notice any areas of discomfort. moving your bowels. your mental powers for internal listening are also increased. These simple routine habits. These actions include such common activities as brushing your teeth. learning to listen to your body can become one of the simplest. Resume your normal activities. in these areas. the food you eat. and open to your eyes. You will become much of the valuable infor mation your body is communicating to you. more alert. which may seem insignificant at first. or insults to your system in Healing System R. and you will be better able to use this information to respond to your body’s needs. the air state. and concentrated. You will notice a heightened sensitivity to your body’s are inner sensations. you will be better able to assist your healing correcting these imbalances as it restores your body to its natural state of health.x #2: Pay Attention to Your Personal Hygiene Your personal hygiene consists of the simple acts you perform daily to help support and care for your body. or tension. months. and years of an entire . when your body is relaxed. system. and yet most power ful ways to strengthen and fortif~’ your healing system. listen to a this process may appear to be relaxation exercise. much At first glance. which is the main communications link between your mind and body. add up over the days. In this state. The awareness you gain from this exercise will spill over into your daily life. By opening the door to better communication and cooperation. becomes calmer and more focused. and feelings of vitality and health. gently stretch your muscles. however. which you may not have been aware of before. pain. nothing more than more is going on. Also notice any areas of relaxation. Remember your body this way regularly. In reality. breathe. you will dis important messages from it that you were unable to hear or more aware feel before. • After your allotted time. and they can strengthen and fortify your healing system. Regular bathing leaves your skin feeling fresh and clean. or if you are currently struggling to regain your health. and it removes bacteria and germs that can accumulate on the surface of your skin. toxic wastes are produced and accumulate in your . the medicine you take. They can make a huge difference in the quality of your life. interfere with proper nutri tion. lifetime and. When you brush regularly. and gum disease. your per sonal hygiene can have a much greater impact on your ability to stay healthy and resist diseases than your genes. you prevent the possibility of plaque build-up. In fact. in the or your doctor. Regular bathing can aid your healing system by eliminating these infections at their not washed or bathed tions. Elimination and Your Bowel and Bladder Healing System: Hygiene large amounts of body during each Because of normal internal metabolic processes. regularly brushing your teeth and observ ing good dental hygiene is important. pay careful attention to the following elements of hygiene. Digestion begins in your mouth with the chewing of food. Good health Bathing which is and Your Healing System integrity of your skin. following sections con tribute significantly to body. Bathing helps preserve the function and one body’s primary defense organs.80 Your Extraordinary Healing System long run. and in your ability to stay well and resist disease. cavity formation. including staph and strep bacteria. and you are interested in preventing problems before they develop. exert a powerful influence on the performance and efficiency of your healing system. The elements of personal hygiene in the the health of your Dental Hygiene and Your Healing System depends on proper digestion. can invade your body after first appearing on your skin. and adversely affect your healing system. which depends on the health of your teeth. For this reason. all of which can impair digestion. If you want to live a long and happy. Bodies that of your are regularly are more prone to skin infec Microorganisms. healthy life. source. Strengthening and Fortifying Your Healing System 81 day. thus reducing the risk of colon sources and other intestinal diseases. and can bowel or bladder problems. while liquids are elim inated primarily through the kidneys and bladder. which improves intestines. If your bowels are sluggish and need a little coaxing in the morning. Increase your fiber intake throughout the day and at night. Alcohol can constipation along an with dehydrate your body. and chronic to problems tea. you will literally drown or suffocate in your own waste. a large cup of hot water or a warm remove beverage o will usually bring fast results. with these organs. which irritants. such and processed starches. including water. which lack fiber and o Avoid cause alcohol. toxic-waste products are eliminated through the large intestines in your bowel movements. and caffeinated sodas. excess and other foods. can acid. to physical activity. Solid. Without regular elimination. and the more fluids you bring into your body. Failure to eliminate waste products and toxins promptly and efficiently contributes to the steady build-up of these materials. in the urine. unwanted. seeds and nuts. and fruits and vegetables. The best of fiber include whole Increase grains. as blood flow the o Avoid low-residue foods. cheeses. which. Your body is approxi mately 70 percent fluid. Ensuring the health of these organs is essential for your healing system to operate with maximum efficiency~ Tips for Healthy Elimination ~ Drink plenty of fluids. Caffeine stim to ulates the parietal cells in your stomach excess. Adequate products from cancer fiber intake ensures more effective elimination of waste your intestines. because these can serve as usually contain tannic acids. Limit coffee. if produced in produce hydrochloric damage the lining of your . which helps elimination. which can cause your healing system to bog down and become seri ously impaired. the more efficiently your healing system can eliminate and toxins from it. use can Alcohol is contribute o intestinal and bladder irritant. life-threatening diseases. can cause prepackaged meats constipation. Irregular elimination can contribute to the onset of a number of serious. Healing System Eat a Rx #3: Well-Balanced Diet Consisting of Natural Foods sustenance Food supplies the basic building blocks for the of every cell and tissue in your body. whole grains. and potential for higher concentration of heavy metals and environmental toxins. These foods delicate also irritate and damage the lining of your urinary and digestive systems. are Eliminate foods that highly processed can or contain artificial chemical additives. performance-oriented machine requires the best fuel. sources excellent daily lack of fiber. The of being . fats and oils. ~ Do not be fanatical in following a to or restrictive diet. and intestinal cJ potentially lead to an ulcer or other problems. and nutrient quality that fresh and whole foods contain. Favor fresh fruits and vegetables. which contain abundance of all of your body’s basic nutri tional requirements. Some flexibil ity and leniency is necessary are avoid becoming stressed when stress your food choices limited unavailable. may have harmful side effects. you should minimize them in your diet because of their tendency toward a higher fat content. while they increase shelf life. carbohydrates. and the processes of governed by your healing system. and trace elements. high-performance diet that includes ade of protein. make sure Eat a amounts you D are consuming adequate an amounts of fluids and fiber. Packaged and processed Minimize foods generally lack the vitality. essential quate vitamins. Additionally. mechanisms of defense. Just as any high-powered. providing life-supporting energy for metabolic activities. Although flesh foods are of protein. and legumes. Here are a few basic but critical guidelines: repair other and restoration well-rounded. ~ eating packaged or processed foods. which often con tain preservatives and additives that. fiber. over flesh foods. your healing system requires pure and wholesome food to ensure optimum performance and functioning.82 Your Extraordinary Healing System stomach and intestines. minerals. any exercise you do regularly will significantly benefit your healing system. Among its many benefits. in addition to many other factors surrounding food.Strengthening and Fortifying Your Healing System 83 rigid in your diet might be providing. Your healing system’s ability to remain strong and active is influenced not only by the chemical constituents of the foods you eat. Because your healing system is connected to all of the other organ systems in your body.x #4: Get Adequate Exercise Movement is a and Physical Activity fundamental it and.) sure Make your Healing System R. I’ll offer more specific information on nutrition for your healing system. Your daily activity level is an integral part of your body’s ability to stay healthy. principle of all matter in the universe. and they vital for your circulation and the health of your cardiovascular system. exercise o Energizes and Clears activates your healing system o depression circulation to o Improves thinking your brain. but by your meal patterns and the timing of your meals. and maintain an active and vibrant healing The Benefits of Exercise for Your Healing System The benefits of exercise for your healing system are numerous. too o detracts from whatever benefits your diet surroundings are pleasant and enjoyable when you eat. which improves clarity of in your o Improves Improves overall muscle strength body o cardiac health . (In the next chapter. resist illness. along with exercise. For example. diges tion and assimilation are enhanced. Movement and exercise essential for the are healthy joints and muscles. is an important key to a strong and are healthy healing maintenance of system. system. When you take your meals in a peaceful atmosphere. properly chewing food and the circumstances under which food is eaten also play a role in the digestion and absorption of nutri ents. . in addition no their of domesticated animals. or even conduct business meetings. benefit from an healing system will automatically thoroughly enjoyable activity. people there was used their to own two use legs as their primary means of transport. and reduces immune function constipation Improves Improves o bone and joint health D Imp roves to the healing time of fractures and joint injuries blood flow Improves complexion skin o and skin health by increasing improves Improves blood flow to genitals. to need to set aside were time in the more day exercise. and If you people in these cultures generally fit than those of our modern societies. and more. socialize with use friends. walking listen is a good way to exercise and to to music or educational tapes. extra Consequently. If you you walk. which sexual function Just 30 minutes of benefits. Choose types of exercise are listed in the or more. are extremely busy. In traditional cultures. Try to walk three specific days of the week that work to five days a week if this is your only exercise. Ti~ps for Walking o otherwise Choose a time of day and best for you. and make your find creative ways to increase the amount of time walking a part of your daily routine and lifestyle.84 Your Extraordinary Healing System ~ Improves blood flow to stomach and intestines. and fortify your healing Walking Walking ized natural ways to exercise. and follow the guidelines system. I have this time often held medical while meetings with several close colleagues and friends we were walking through scenic nature trails in Hawaii. before the advent of the automobile and motor is one of the simplest and most transportation. where can I live. brainstorm ideas. which improves digestion o and elimination. A few of the exercise each day will bring you all of these more common one following listed to strengthen sections. I Walk with friend you or family to member to so you have company. Bicycling enjoyable way to exercise while you get out and Bicycling is often considered easier on the joints than running or other exercises. T:ps for Bicycling • Avoid Start at a heavily trafficked areas that have exhaust fumes.Strengthening and Fortifying Your Healing System 85 * Wear comfortable clothing. consider Find a safe place to walk. If you live going barefoot. and seat are adjusted to the proper . after one to two weeks. This a place • could be outside in indoors in large mall. start with and haven’t done any exercise in 10 tol5 minutes a day on a flat. This exercise helps to build up the largest muscles in your body. hopefully with interesting nature or even scenery. Avoid are cars heavily trafficked areas if possible unhealthy to breathe. Alternatively. improves your cardiovascular health. * Walk cates at a pace that’s comfortable for you. to • at a comfortable pace and try ride for 15 to 30 minutes time. especially comfortable. supportive the beach. or are out of shape just while. add 5 minutes per week so that you can eventually build up to 30 to 60 minutes each day. Recent research indi that it is more important to walk regularly than to walk briskly. sure • Make your height for your bicycle legs. quite even surface. and the noise a because exhaust fumes and distraction of the may interfere with your concentration and relaxation. • can use this time music as be alone. your legs and lower torso. while it also Bicycling can see an be the world. and it is not too shoes. • near cold. If all goes well. a You may want to listen portable If you a tape or CD player educational tapes with you walk. • You do not need to force or strain or be uncomfortable in any way. you are Make sure comfortable with your are not swim.86 Your Extraordinary Healing System a Unless you are an expert. and that you a forcing or breathing straining. o Build up least 20 to to 30 minutes of each day. swimming can be a wonderful form of exercise that provides all of the cardiac and circulation benefits of walking. o Maintain proper posture are not you ride that your back and knees strained. wear a helmet. Weight Lifting Thanks the many colorful characters in the world of professional bodybuilding. If that you will continue to you make it swim enjoyable. you have back exercise that is Swimming is especially beneficial if or knee problems because it is a non-weight-bearing gentle on the joints. and effectively strengthen and fortify your healing system. adding swimming one lap each time you swim. or ocean. Tzps for Weight L~fèing a and Start with light weights and move through the full range of motion of the exercise you’re doing to ensure proper movement of the muscles being exercised. the likelihood regularly is much greater. It can also relieve mental and emotional tension. a ~ To protect your head from Use fall. pond. Pump to ing iron your overall weight training can increase muscle strength and improve physical health. weight lifting has become increasingly popular. Tips for Swimming o Start out slowly and to at increase your laps gradually. avoid as strapping your feet into so the pedals. as you It is better to swim slower and longer than faster and shorter. protective glasses or eyewear for your eyes. . Swimming If you have access to a pooi. lake. a Alternate strokes give different muscles in your body a more thorough o workout. wait until the same pain again. are largest and most important mus they usually are the ones most neglected. no gain. physiologically more cor a weight. Focus more on are not working all the same o the lower because these muscles cles in your o body. o if you do not allow Never force point most gyms encourage the saying medical perspective. exhale as you lift or air into the weight. If your muscles the day after a workout. including your legs and back. to ties that require the steady movement of your arms or legs over a continuous period of time. which results in greater oxygenation of your tissues. games. and body. possible to overtrain and injure muscles ing adequate rest between workouts. Aerobic exercise may also include the exercise you get while working on your job if you perform manual labor or are regularly involved in activi and exercises. .Strengthening and Fortifying Your Healing System 87 o Balance your workout so you muscle groups at one time. and other fun exercises. running. o is completely gone before you work these muscles Remember that muscles need It is rest to grow and become stronger.” from a in your body can result in an Aerobic Exercise Aerobic exercise describes any sustained exercise that increases your breathing and heart rate and has the ability to make you break a requires increased air delivery to your body. Aerobic exercise sports. ignoring pain injury or strain to the that you feel pain. biking. You can achieve these results in numerous ways and settings. hiking. Although “No pain. move a Breathe rect to properly as you work out. calisthenics. the Stretch in-between and after stiff muscles and weight-lifting It is exercises to avoid joints. as if you were to blowing o Be smart self o on a new and accept the help of a personal trainer machine or while you are learning are sore orient your a new routine. aerobic dancing sweat. from brisk walking. swimming. They do this as part of the natural process of developing the coordination that is such a vital part of their normal growth and development. length a build up speed. When dogs or cats awaken from thing a nap. including back pain. Trying to through the pain does not help. start slowly and do about 10 tol5 minutes at a time for the first week. Stretching is also making its way into the medical establishment and is gradually becoming accepted as a first-line intervention in the fields of rehabilitation. and until you can do 30 to 60 minutes at Slowly o of time exercising. stretching feels good. sports medicine. ease off your exercising pace and intensity-. Make sure only o you are not and that you are not forcing or straining your muscles or joints. and physical therapy for the treatment and prevention of neuromus cular disorders and injuries. consider the ignore o pain or force this is how serious Remember a stopping altogether. post-surgical rehabilitation. flexible. properly. distances. some to rest to and allow next down time before you make transition your activity-. and many forms of arthritis and other joint diseases. and topsy-turvy positions as they play and explore the different muscle groups in their bodies. Stretching is some naturally. Stretching Stretching can provide tremendous support for your healing system. Doing injuries and problems can develop. If the pain persists even with less exercise. o If you haven’t exercised in a while. time.88 Your Extraordinary Healing System Tzps for Aerobic Exercise o Take 5 tolO minutes to stretch and warm up before and after exercising. the first thing they do is stretch. Stretching is becoming increasingly popular in the United States and Europe with the acceptance and introduction of traditional ori ental disciplines such as yoga and tai chi into Western cultures. that most When done animals do . Children also naturally stretch and assume all kinds of twisting. gasping for air while you are breathing. Even giant Sumo wrestlers in Japan stretch as part of their pre-match warm-ups and rituals. If you experience pain that persists in any part of your body. or jerk Again. Do not bounce could * damage slowly when you stretch. * Whenever possible. as your schedule permits. including arthritis. you might damage * However. doing so this Breathe enter and gently when you stretch. morning and evening. either at one time or in divided periods. and gently. are that oxygen can into the muscle cells that you stretching. even though your muscles will most likely be stiffer then. . your muscles. make sure you call this to start a the attention of the teacher. Stretching can help reverse a As result of the effects of stress. This is a great way to start the day. If you have particular health needs. the grandfather of all stretching systems. This process sets the stage for a whole host of joint diseases to set in. you can * If you have start out never slowly far as * Stretch as without feeling pain. Stiffness also increases the likelihood of injuries because of the rigidity within the joints. Before you I have yoga class. there is no substitute for attending a gentle yoga class once or twice a week for several months or longer. your muscles will too If you don’t become flexible and healthy. you will feel pain. stretch in the morning. not stretch far enough. and increasingly seden develop severe stiffness and tary lifestyles. Remember not to force or strain. Because of yoga’s increasing popularity. Gradually build up to 30 to 60 minutes a day. Japan. and Europe. and your muscles. many people begin pain and are unable to move their joints adequately as they age. and your muscles are stiff. yoga classes are now available in almost every city in the United States. As an introduction to proper stretching. stretched before. personally benefited from the stretching that comes from yoga. make sure the teacher has proper credentials and the class is not too rigorous for you. to these harmful tendencies. particularly in the begin ning. Canada.Strengthening and Fortifying Your Healing System 89 aging. Tips for Stretching * Set aside 10 tol5 minutes a day when you can be alone to do your stretching. if you stretch and tear far. Taking a nap in the afternoon is also socially acceptable in many cultures. since other physiological processes are held at a minimum and cannot interfere with its work during these periods. As part of your regular routine.90 Your Extraordinary Healing System Healing System Sleep is one Rx #5: Get Enough Sleep and Rest body’s most basic physiological functions and one important activities to strengthen and fortify your heal ing system. Many illnesses are less symptomatic in the morning. principle. In neglect of this simple. and many studies are now beginning to show that naps can be beneficial. In fact. nerv of the of the most ous-system imbalances. and restore our friends. . Just seas as every ship must come in from the open to dock and resupply. any machine down its batteries and stop working. Incorporating a 60-minute power nap into your schedule. stress-related conditions. When you sleep. Sleep deprivation alters the proper functioning of your healing and immune systems and predisposes you to heart disease. weekends. chronic fatigue syndrome. many illnesses can be traced to the toy will Your body is or eventually no wear different. and other serious health problems. life take time out to be alone and precious energies. to your from its incessant activities regenerate. it is important to experience what I call “alone time” for a brief period each day. fact. endocrine and metabolic disorders. and renew our allow your body must take time off healing system to recharge. our energies. can be a great asset to your healing system. ourselves to over Throughout work. are at risk of becom ing sick. yet important. your body has a chance to recharge its batteries. people who suffer from insomnia. your healing system is most active when you are sleeping and rest ing. thanks to the refreshing and regenerative properties of sleep. daily 30- to at least on Alone Time: An for Your If it runs Important Healing System Form of Rest continuously. as our we we give need to our families. its so. you should wake up feeling rested and refreshed. When you are getting adequate sleep each night. or who do not get enough sleep or rest throughout their day. Alternatively. too. busy lives. in this quiet solitude your batteries can recharge. no scheduled as Think of alone time appointments. no duties to perform. your healing system functions best. Healing System Rx #6: Manage and Minimize the In the field of Stress in Your Life engineering. a no hur ries. The sad fact is that many of these folks have not yet discovered the life-sustaining practice of spending time alone with They have not learned how to tell their families or their bosses that they need time alone to recharge their batteries. most are shocked to learn why they became sick in the first place. While this need for rejuvenation is only common sense. alone. state no commitments. sleep deprivation. Being alone allows your body time to conserve energy.Strengthening and Fortifying Your Healing System 91 mandatory solitary confinement—not in a punitive way. but rather as a time for you to rest and heal. bodies I am to are unable to see state. and it allows your mind time to themselves. relaxed. as a of continually amazed at how many people expect their keep going without recharging their batteries. to be responsible only to yourself and your body. and peaceful. Taking the time to be alone is one of the most powerful things you can do to strengthen and fortify your body’s healing system. When you are quiet. to quiet down your engines. 15 or no worries. and your healing system can work more effectively to restore health. with no phones to answer. When these same people become sick and end up in the doctor’s office because of frayed nerves. chronic. Even if your alone time is only 20 minutes day. debilitating diseases often complain that they have no time for themselves. the connection between their illnesses and their run-down tune or They think their illness is caused by some misfor ill luck. Insisting on alone time is one way to stand up for the needs of your body. stress is defined as the amount of strain experienced by a system as the result of an applied external force or . it is commonly reported that people who suffer from major. no burdens. that they are just following scripts that other people are constantly imposing on their lives. and physical exhaustion. Learning to say “No” to excessive demands on your life energies is mandatory if you want your healing system to remain strong and healthy. They doctor. In fact. settle down and focus within so you can listen and cooperate with your healing system. which renders you susceptible to illness and disease. or if it is unable to adapt to the force or load. been high blood pressure. Your immune system can also become dam stress. in addition to managing whatever stress may be currently afflicting you. you need to practice and be familiar with these techniques and methods well in advance. stroke. and emotional energy while it causes fatigue and exhaus tion. and your healing system will perform much more efficiently. hectic lifestyles. plish However. aged and inefficient with to a significant major and prolonged illnesses. be caused are. If the system is not flexible. it can break under the strain. and it has implicated as a significant contributing factor in many others. if not handled normal healthy tissues. and even of us. diabetes. your mind and your body can suffer from a breakdown in health. And effectively managing stress will liberate tremendous amounts of energy in your body that your healing system can use. can do considerable harm to your healing system. This description is sim when you experience stress. you can easily apply them to neutralize and handle the stress more effectively. ilar to what can happen Although war. . Stress interferes with your body’s natural ability to grow. ulcer. You can accom through a variety of proven methods and techniques. hypertension. political turmoil. repair. all this is nothing more than sound preven this tive medicine.92 Your Extraordinary Healing System load. mental. for far less common. so that. at Stress is unavoidable manage it times. and restore longed. thought and less processes and our Stress. Again. If stress is prolonged or too great. enabling you to more effectively resist and eliminate illness and disease. Stress management has been shown to be a vital factor in the successful reversal of major chronic diseases such as heart disease. and cancer. Stress has been linked number of serious including heart disease. but it is important to be able to effectively and to minimize its impact. Learning to prevent and reduce stress in your life. Fatigue will vanish. stress can as obviously most external forces such these sources natural by major disruptive disasters. and cancer. when you do experience stress. wasting and depleting your precious physical. properly. less pro dangerous than the stress caused by our own fast-paced. will allow you to feel much more calm and relaxed. Many people don’t like their jobs. often feeling hopelessly trapped in dull and boring routine. which require a substantial investment of your life energies. and other issues. In this setting. as and techniques. and turn off the work mode when they are interacting as with their families. They feel they are part of tell . and your attitudes toward your work influence the functioning and performance of your healing system. In this respect. Many people who develop chronic illnesses report feelings of long-term animosity or ambivalence for their work. which frees up energy for heal ing. commuting to and from work. report that their work is like play.Strengthening and Fortifying Your Healing System 93 stress-management techniques are currently their common goal your ability to effectively calm and relax your mind and body. Rx #7: Heating System Your Enjoy Your Work daily work routine. I a discovered this I was positive perspective to be the case with pilots while working as a flight surgeon in the Air Force. having made peace with their vocation and having found their niche in the world. They would often me that they couldn’t believe they were being paid to fly. such the inability to the intrusion of work into the home space. Toxic emotions that have built up in the form of can exhaust the immune system and deplete internal healing resources. bosses. but other problems may present themselves. company policies. as numerous a reveal. your work and your work environment may be having a more significant effect on your physical and mental health than work at anything else. deadlines. Pilots and many other people who enjoy their jobs and the com pany of the people they work with. consistently demonstrate superior health. For example. your work ethics. you may have to contend with coworker tensions. and this dissatisfaction can have polls and surveys damaging effect on the healing resentment system. with less energy spent interacting with coworkers and bosses and fic back and forth to an commuting through dangerous traf office. In Chapter 6. you might spend most of your time at work. Many other fortunate souls. you will be introduced to some of these methods Many popular All have taught. Many people home. and of the people they serve. they felt like they should be paying the Air Force for the opportunity to fly. and to be spontaneous. dance. Play Rx #8: to EnjoyYour Play reduce tension and a One of the best ways represents carefree state in your life is of mind that is vital to stress your overall health. it is imperative to generate change your attitude toward your work so that it can become more meaningful to you. are an your work and the services you provide. and service to their systems. schools. This means taking the time to cultivate a sense of humor. and positive emotions that stimulate your healing system and improve your vitality. In fact. This perspective can enhance your self-worth. On the contrary. and involved in such fun activities as sports. to find work that is more rewarding and enjoyable. learning to enjoy your work and focusing on its positive aspects will be health-enhancing. many studies are now revealing that retirees who regularly volunteer their time in local community serv ice enjoy much greater health and live much longer than their peers who do not participate in such activities. most regard play or having fun of humanity’s greatest . If you are currently unhappy with your work. I have met many people who did everything wrong from a health keen standpoint. as a either Healing System through play. music. Many cultures consider work to be a form of worship. wherein however humble. and great benefit to your healing system. or you work alone. uplift your spirits. beyond because of their senses of humor. important opportunity for you to give back to the world. life-promoting. play is an integral part of the daily routine nursery and curriculum for all children. and their ability to light-hearted attitudes. or pursuing your favorite hobbies. or. if this is impossible. however.94 Your Extraordinary Healing System they are uplifted by the sense of performing a valuable community and fellow human beings. Whether you work with others part of a big company. kindergartens. become workaholics who as a waste of time. creative. and elementary schools throughout the world. the arts. they lived well In their life expectancy. A child who does not know how to play also is considered unhealthy and abnormal. play and have fun. These positive feelings work to fortify and strengthen the integrity of their healing a team. This standard should apply Many adults to adults. most inventors claim their greatest ideas came to them not when they were actively pur but rather when suing them. spiritual. However. so in a moment of exasperation he decided to go surfing. Many successful businessmen professional people understand that. Derek now makes sure to take regular time out of his schedule to go surfing. was looking for a quick fix so he could get back to work as soon as possible. While you more relaxed frame of mind. are cultural lessons to upcoming generations. Derek. and although his condition has not returned to this day. At these times. deep emotions can often be stirred up and released. and were they were involved in fun and frolic simply enjoying themselves. you are completely absorbed and and focused in the here and now. neurotransmitters. or guilty about the past. dances. causing laughter . and other powerful chemi cals that strengthen and support the activities of your healing system. Play culture has made also encompasses the field of entertainment. it is important to know how to play. being entertained. Nearly every use of this aspect of play to pass on important or moral. poetry. Play is an effective way to strengthen your healing system because it helps you forget about time. Rather. In this state of timelessness. he couldn’t find a surgeon who would operate on him promptly. In fact. in a often in the forms of traditional songs. a physician and personal friend who had been suffering from severe back pain with sciatica. he totally forgot about his pain and predicament.Strengthening and Fortifying Your Healing System 95 ideas and inventions have and use come from people who knew how to play their powers of imagination. to be truly happy and healthy. grievous. when you are playing. your healing system gets recharged. detached from your worries and problems. The following story demonstrates the healing power of play. Derek was surprised to discover that his pain was gone! He became completely healed. a light-hearted spirit prevails that. Freed from the mental and emotional forces that drain your energies and interfere with your body’s inter nal processes of repair and regeneration. influences brain biochemistry and causes the release of beneficial hormones. In his joy and enthusiasm for being in the ocean and doing something that he loved. you are not worrying about the future or feeling sorrowful. you are usually or stories. When he came out of the water. ‘When you play. mind. having your creativity stifled is now considered a major risk factor for contracting a chronic disease. Pursuing hobbies. and focused in the present. including the arts. nervous system. singing. lending further support to the work of the healing system. writing. Play keeps you in carefree. meaningful. Creativity is another important aspect of play. or sport ing events carry an added benefit of creating intimacy and a feeling of belonging to a larger community as you share a collective. Play relaxes your body. and provides a you with an opportunity give back and the world. plays. It also lifts your self-esteem. Maintaining a proper balance between work and play . music. helps define sense of purpose. connected your heart. Again. Cultivating the creative aspect of your spirit and remembering to develop a light-hearted attitude that fosters a spirit of play is important.96 Your Extraordinary Healing System or tears. and fun for them. From a health perspective. painting. This sense of community can help combat the feelings of isolation and loneliness that often plague people who are struggling with health issues. In fact. dancing. Play can strengthen your basic natural energy in creative projects that were and activate that are an important internal mechanisms of repair and recovery essential part of your healing system. Meaningful work lets you provide to family your to to and your personal needs. play needs to be an integral part of your daily life. Many people have overcome life-threatening health conditions by becoming involved use deeply personal. Live events such as concerts. or participating in any one of a number of other activities involving the beneficial hormones and chemicals that of your hands and your more artistic side can also be a way of strengthening and forti~ing your healing system. these deep emotional responses serve as trigger the release of powerful stimulants for your healing system. live energy that occurs when people are gathered together to focus on a common goal or activity. balancing these important for your activities in your life is essential. loving frame of mind. Balancing Your Work Both work and and Play but play are equally important. Strengthening and Fortifying Your Healing System 97 enables you and to experience all these aspects of life, which helps to strengthen fortify to your need be healing weighed and system. Both work and play are important, and both balanced with each other. Healing System Since Rx #9: Develop Effective Social Skills and antiquity, people have lived together in families, clans, tribes, communities to organize themselves, and to nurture and care ants, for each other. Like bees and We humans our are also social creatures. depend on each other to make Studies show that good social skills systems, and that living a harmful to those systems. Many people with serious illnesses have healing meaningful. strengthen and fortify our lonely and isolated life can be lives reported significant they improve their socializing improvement skills. These activities have included visiting with friends, or partic ipating in some kind of volunteer community-support work, either at a day-care center, a senior center, a hospital, or some other chari table organization. Well-known doctor and author Dr. Bernie Siegel tells a story to help illustrate this point. He tells of a special pass he got from God in their health when to visit both Heaven and Hell. In Hell, he saw many bowls of hot, long-necked spoons. This soup steaming soup being didn’t look too bad until he realized that the hungry people in Hell were served with unable to were too long, feed themselves because the necks of their spoons and they kept missing their mouths with the spoon to fuls of soup. When he got same bowls of soup and the upon closer observation, he learned to place the spoons in each others’ mouths, got fed. surprised to see the same long-necked spoons. However, saw that the people in Heaven had was so Heaven, he that everyone Fostering a spirit of cooperation and sharing by building and developing strong social ties has been scientifically proven to improve survival. Because of the powerful biochemical effect that emotions exert on your healing system, many studies are now show ing that people with inadequate social support who are lonely and socially isolated are at risk for developing serious, life-threatening 98 Your Extraordinary Healing System physical diseases. According to the research of heart a specialist Dr. Dean Ornish, social isolation and lack of intimacy are considered top risk factors for the development of heart disease, the numberone killer in the Western world. Good social skills childhood. However, begin with family rate and are usually to soar, learned in as the divorce continues and many families are broken apart, it is clear that many people will have to reach out beyond their families to their friends, colleagues, coworkers, get the support they need to remain healthy. Doing so can strengthen their healing systems and can help to prevent physical illnesses associated with a lack of social support and intimacy~ and others to Animals are also capable of love and, to as pets, can serve as those who may otherwise Senior citizens living alone who have pets have been shown to be at much lower risk for developing heart disease and other serious ill nesses giving and receiving unconditional an important form of social support be isolated from family or friends. than those who do not have pets and are living with similar health conditions. Developing and connected to effective social skills allows you to feel supported others. Knowing that your life counts, that you are you make create a important a to others, that here difference, and that you have purpose for emotions that uplifting, inspiring, life-affirming being help to strengthen and nourish your healing system. Healing System Rx #10: Utilize Natural Elements That SupportYour Healing System Your body is’ linked to the world of nature and is dependent on certain key natural elements, including air, sun, water, and the various miner als and nutrients of the earth, for its very survival. Ancient physicians and healers understood this basic principle of health and healing. Of course, now that a our medical science has advanced considerably, we great deal more about these natural elements and the in which we interact with them. And contrary to what complex ways we might expect, with all of the technological advances of modern have learned medicine, the importance of ments to our health and relationship with healing has only increased. our these natural ele Natural elements that can are critical also serve as powerful therapeutic the survival of your body agents and medicines that aid to Strengthening and Fortifying Your Healing System 99 and support your healing system when you are ill. And used preven tively, these natural elements can help to keep, you healthy for many years to come. Understanding from nature and common resources making intelligent use can significantly strengthen of these and for tify your healing Air system. As you probably know, the air you breathe contains the vital element of oxygen, which nourishes and energizes every cell and tissue in body and is an essential ingredient to your healing system and overall state of health. Oxygen is so important that it is the first your medical agent administered to a critically ill or Injured person, your whether the condition is other serious for this a gunshot wound, or any life-threatening emergency. Oxygen is routinely stored purpose in ambulances and in all hospital emergency rooms, a heart attack, operating rooms, and intensive-care units. in on Good, clean, fresh air, characteristically found places in the world, can have life-enhancing effects a particular person’s health. This fact is reflected in better health statistics for those places. Generally, you can findbetter quality air where there is less industry and less pollution, and where steady breezes, ample water, vegetation, and mountains or hilly terrain help to purify, filter, and increase the quality of the, air you breathe. Heavily forested areas usually have excellent air quality because of the vblurninous oxygen so many trees produce. Your body and your healing system deserve the best air you can find. If you find yourself indoors or in any environment with com promised air quality, walk outside or go to another place where there is good air. If you are currently battling an qlness or are seeking to improve the quality of your health, pay close attention to the qual ity of the air you regularly breathe~ Fresh, outdoor air is almost always preferable to indoor air, which become stale and stagnant, and which tends to attract mold, dust, and dust mites. Indoor air can also play host to toxic can fumes, vapors, and other chemical aerosol irritants which, if ventila tion is poor, can accumulate and concentrate. Fortunately, many indoor filters, improve the purifiers, and humidifiers are now quality of the indoor air you breathe. available to 104 Your Extraordinary Healing System applications of heat and the mechanisms by which heat provides natural support for your n body’s healing system: Heating padc relax muscles and improve blood flow, improve oxygenation of tissues, and help reduce swelling. Heating pads are effective in the treatment of back pain, muscle strains and spasms, joint injuries, arthritis, and many other conditions. Hot water c bottles work as heating pads warm do and are used in similar conditions, including abdominal pain, gas, and constipation. o Hot foot baths keep the feet and improve blood flow to the neck and chest treatment o of They also are respiratory diseases. area. effective and helpful in the swelling and help draw toxins out of areas. They help improve blood flow to the area being compressed, and they can be very effective in the treatment of Hot compresses reduce affected abscesses, boils, and other skin infections and health conditions. cJ Hot water, teas, and broths relieve congestion of mucous mem branes. These liquids are often effective in the treatment of throat res infections, sinus and nasal congestion, bronchitis, and other infections. also They can help to relax and soothe your piratory colon and intestines, which aids digestion and elimination. o Hot showers open and clean pores of the skin, helping to elimi nate toxins while removing bacteria from skin surfaces. o Hot baths relax and improve blood flow to sore or cles. They are and neuromuscular o helpful for back pain, injuries. to muscle injured mus pain, painful joints, Saunas utilize heat the induce sweating and eliminate toxins from body. phlegm and mucous in the respiratory congestion and help to eliminate toxins to o Steam baths break up tract. They also relieve from the o body. a Jacuzzis provide cles. hot-water massage aching joints and mus o Infrared heat relieves pain of muscle injuries, strains, sprains, bruises, and tendonitis. Strengthening and Fortifying Your Healing System 105 Note: In using heat of any kind, it is important to remember not to overdo it and burn your body. Water Water is the most commonly important to found substance in all biosystems and so arguably the most of all natural elements. Water is essential and integral or life that scientists water will first look for signs of before on that life exists the may have existed exploring other planets they declare the possibility that planet. You can further appreciate importance of water when you consider that it is the dominant element in your body, constituting about 70 percent by weight and volume—not surprisingly, water about the same percentage of the surface of the earth contains. can We only therapeutic agent and medicine. In addition to keeping our bodies healthy, water is almost always required in abundant amounts as a support for our healing systems when illness or disease sets in. Maintaining adequate water intake is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to ensure good health and rapid recovery from illness or injury. Inadequate water intake can hamper the perform ance of your healing system and lead to dehydration, congestion, stagnation, obstruction, infection, and disease. You can determine whether you are getting enough water by monitoring the color of your urine. Dark yellow urine, which occurs when your body is trying to conserve water, invariably means that your body is low on fluids. Clear urine, like tap water, or very light yellow urine, usually indicates adequate water intake. If you are taking certain vitamins, such as the B and C vitamins, your urine can be artificially discol ored; in this situation, monitoring whether or not you are getting enough water may be difficult. Also, because your urine tends to be more concentrated when you sleep, it is usually darker first thing in the morning. When you are ill, increasing your water intake is important, to help improve the flow of fluids in and out of your body. These extra fluids assist your body’s healing system to eliminate toxins, which are increased during periods of illness. Many illnesses respond dra matically if you drink only water for 48 hours or more. I have as an as a look upon water, known as the universal solvent, essential nutrient for our healing systems, but also not 106 Your Extraordinary Healing System personally seen cases of many diseases, including respiratory condi tions, gastroenteritis, gall bladder disease, gout, Crohn’s disease, and many others dramatically improve by following this method. The importance of drinking plenty of water daily cannot be overstated. In addition to drinking water, you can also employ water in many other ways as a natural and valuable support for your healing system. In fact, in Chinese medicine and the ancient medical sys tems of India, unique and specific internal cleansing techniques employ the use of water to help remove blockages and restore health to particular areas. In the West, water has also been used effectively in nasal douches, enemas, nebulizers, hot compresses, fomentations, Sitz baths, and simple soaking. Healing System derived from the earth and Minerals of the Earth and Your The science of nutrition examines food their biochemical sources impact on the health of the human trace body. Proteins, not carbo hydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, and natural elements around coveries are now elements are all derivatives of the live. Scientific dis you,without which that you could revealing nearly every to single mineral element found in the earth’s crust and core, from arsenic molybdenum, has These minerals been discovered are not within the human body in minute quantities. inciden tal contaminants; rather, controlled studies have determined that they are essential to the body’s health. Many body’s known as of these vital mineral elements play critical roles within your internal environment, functioning as electrically charged chemicals eIectro~’tes. Some of the more well known of these elements include sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and phosphorous. roles in Electrolytes play important they participate lation of the mission of nerve supporting your healing system, and as in such diverse functions the beating of your heart, regu trans body’s fluid levels, kidney function, brain function and the more. impulses, bone formation, and many Any disturbance in the intricate balance of these minerals disrupts in your the flow of electricity and the transmission of electrical serious tant impulses body, which often are so causes illness, and possibly death. These mineral electrolytes impor that in they are routinely measured and monitored in the blood 24 hours patients admitted to the intensive-care unfts of all m~or hospitals. Strengthening and Fortifying Your Healing System 107 Salt Salt is abundant in are sea water and found many different types of salts of various combinations of minerals. However, throughout nature. There throughout the world that consist common table salt, which consists of sodium and chloride and is used in a cooking and as widely distributed, and biologically most important salt. Salt consisting of sodium and chlo ride is an essential natural ingredient in all living systems. In addition to the necessity for a certain amount of dietary salt intake, salt is also a valuable natural support for your healing system. Sodium and chloride are arguably the most important electrolytes in your body, and they play a key role in the functioning of your heal ing system. Salt also has important therapeutic applications in both the prevention and treatment of various conditions and illnesses. Because of its ability to absorb water and draw fluid out, its preser vative effect, and its ability to kill bacteria and other harmful microorganisms, humans have relied on salt for centuries as a valu able aid in curing and preventing infections. Learning to work with salt is a safe and effective, simple yet powerful way to assist the work of your healing system. The following list is a small example of how salt can assist your healing system: seasoning, most is the well-known, most ~ Salt packs, salt soaks, and salt fomentations to are applied externally out intact skin with warm water to help draw unwanted fluids, swelling, and toxins from various skin and soft-tissue infections, including carbuncles, furuncles, cysts, and abscesses. ~ Salt water also can be taken to internally as an aid in various forms of intestinal cleansing, prevent and assist in the treatment of food poisoning, diarrhea, and nausea and vomiting. (Note: medical ‘When taken internally, supervision.) gargles nose can salt water must be used under qualified ~ Salt-water sore throats, be very effective in and tonsillitis. treating pharyngitis, can * Salt-water drops, or the use of salt-water nasal douches, be extremely effective in the treatment of nasal allergies, hay fever, rhinitis, colds, congestion, and sinus infections. study plants. it can be used alone or in combi nation with other substances. In addition to its ability to draw off toxins and reduce swelling from infections. salt soaks. Herbs and Many of these other countries. a naturally occurring substance some times referred to as bentonite. Even until own times in our Western medicine. and India. man has relied on the healing properties of various plants and herbs. boils. And although most doctors in modern countries have come to rely on medicines derived from synthetic pharmaceutical compounds. safe. was a of medical schools. Japan. is readily available at most drug or health food stores. or ginger compresses. can plants. Pharmaceutical-grade clay. abscesses. the use of plants and herbs has experi enced a dramatic comeback in Western societies in recent years. such as aloe. botany. In have their origins in the . help strengthen and fortif~r your healing system. even in difficult cases. Clay Clay also can absorb toxins gentle. it has been employed like this in is be taken European health and folk medicine for centuries as a way to improve colon regulate bowel function. internally as an intestinal purifier to help from the intestines. when used with intelligence and discretion. many modern drugs and medicines natural world of plants. Plants and Herbs and Your Healing System Throughout the ages. Applied to the skin as a paste. therapeutic use of and many other skin conditions. clay works well as a natural drawing agent. Clay The clay as a natural support for the healing system among traditional indigenous cultures is well documented. clay works with your healing system by supplying valuable trace elements and minerals that are absorbed into the body in minute but significant quantities. which is the most required course in fact. and effective. recent natural medicines have proven track records in including China. Clay applications can speed the healing of insect bites.108 Your Extraordrnary Healing System o Nebulized saline is another form of salt water employed as an effective aerosol spray used in the treatment of asthma and other respiratory conditions. and it internally in limited quantities to help heal remedy from India that has ulcers in the mouth. It can be applied externally as a poultice or taken internally. and it has become increasingly popular in the West. ~ as well Comfrey is known as “knit bone” in American and European folk medicine for its ability to expedite healing Comfrey also aids in healing wounds of the skin. raw skin infections. The leaves or roots of this plant can be used. scrapes.Strengthening and Fortifying Your Healing System 109 Here are a few of the most common plants and herbs that are effective in supporting your healing system: a r~ Aloe grows like a succulent cactus. t~ be especially effective for respi Bilberry especially effective in healing system repair damage done to small. and intestines. stomach. not cuts. Aloe helps also to can even in which the surfaces of skin have been aid the actual be taken oniy to fight and prevent infection but healing process. as venous insufficiency and varicose veins. and intestines. medicine from China. It is used to to Astragalus ancient plant bolster defenses and appears ratory illnesses. the of fractures. Ashwaganda can be taken long term to r~ increase one’s stamina and is an strength. particularly those of the eyes and kidneys. Dong Quai support the health of the female reproductive system. respiratory system. Its leaves contain liquid gel that has healing and antiseptic qualities. It is often used to help alleviate menstrual is a Chinese medicine used to cramps and balance estrogen metabolism. Bilbérry may also be effective in treating certain types of macular degen aids in wound the healing and is eration and other eye diseases. r~ Echinacea is a popular herb commonly used in the early stages . trace blood in the urine. Aloe clear be can applied topically other to burns. although the roots are not recommended for internal ~ use. t~ Ashwaganda is a traditional herbal been used for thousands of years as a tonic and to enhance nat ural host resistance factors. and injuries exposed. mucous mem branes. It is safe and gentle. fragile assisting blood vessels. it is often effective for the of a cold or respiratory infection. muscle relaxant and for mild root of insomnia and anxiety. o Ginger is a root that can be grated and used fresh. vertigo. and treat eyesight. as a it may also be helpful in wound healing o Garlic is used blood have lowered their blood purifier. It may also prove helpful in cases of This herb is also used in the Alzheimer’s disease. o Ginseng is a tonic herb traditionally valued in the Orient for its ability to prolong life. ment of tinnitus. Kava also can be useful for back induce drowsi pain caused by muscle spasms. Gingko has and even from one of the oldest living plants on the been used in Oriental medicine for centuries. or dried or powdered.110 Your Extraordinary Healing System of mild respiratory infections. Many people pressure with garlic. and improve sexual stamina. Ginger can also be applied to the skin in the form of a poultice. It has been used for centuries to help reduce guggal is a to be effective in weight. as well increasing the tone and nervous as cardiac function in contractility of heart muscles. Because it can . Studies lowering cholesterol. and as a possible agent in stroke prevention. It can also be used in the form of a tea. o Guggal comes shown from a tree resin that grows in India. it helps to draw out toxins in cases of skin and soft-tissue infections. As a tea. Polynesia have also o Kava root traditional medicine from It is used as a that helps cases relax the nerves. increasing memory and mental alertness. ginger is very effective in cases of pharyngitis and tonsillitis. o Gingko is derived earth. Used treatment claim to in soups. increase energy in the body. and other conditions. migraine headaches. Some studies suggest that ginseng may improve the health of the the elderly. It can often curtail the spread of strep throat if the illness is caught in its earlier stages. can Western scientific research has verified that it to improve blood flow even the brain. by system. Ginger helps to create heat in the body. It is offered on sea voyages as stan dard fare to soothe the stomach and help prevent motion sickness. powdered root is the part of the plant most often used. Neem is used in Ayurvedic medicine from India St. Taken internally. By itself. and it is muscle relaxant. which is the traditional food by camels. Turmeric gives curry powder its characteristic yellow color. It also is now being used as an adjunct in the treatment and prevention of certain cancers and liver disease. Kava root should not be used when you are driving or operating ~ mechanical equipment. quite effective in mild cases of these condi tions. Many with elevated liver enzymes resulting from chronic hep patients atitis and other liver conditions have reported significant improvement in their symptoms and laboratory readings of their liver enzymes after they have taken milk thistle for several months. in Neem from the leaves of the Neem eaten as a India.Strengthening and Fortifying Your Healing System 111 ness. might take this herb for several weeks not notice its effects. discontinue its use and seek the advice of a qualified health professional for further recom mendations. Thrmeric * Valerian has been used in folk medicine as an aid to anxiety as a and insomnia. it helps to improve the health of the liver and eyes. powerful blood in purifier. Milk thistle helps to support the health of the liver. As with any new substance you take into your body. from the ginger family. The dried. Turmeric applied to the skin as a paste is often effective in a variety of skin disorders. John’s wort is generally quite * safe and often effective. The mechanisms by which milk thistle supports and heals the liver is still unknown. St. as an John’s You wort is widely prescribed need to Europe antidepres to con sant. if you experience untoward effects. so it is important to conflict with any other medicine you are are quite . be careful that potent. yet a ventionally trained liver specialists are some ~ growing number of con now recommending it to tree of their comes patients. and you should take it with any other ventional psychiatric comes medication. Valerian is also sometimes recommended gentle Many natural medicines they do not currently taking. In combination. maintaining a healthy diet. form the very foundation for strengthening. doing regular exercise. By following a few simple dietary and nutritional guidelines. individual health factors.112 Your Extraordinary Healing System Closing Thoughts on Strengthening and Fortifying Your Healing System deep canyons and valleys out of mountains. developing good social skills. which may seem insignificant and unworthy of our attention when considered alone. these factors also can substantially improve your overall health and the quality of your life. balancing work and play. Added to other grains of sand. and stress management. but you’ll also gain the maximum benefits from your extraordinary healing system. you will not only greatly improve your overall health. such as drinking plenty of water. Similarly. falling raindrops carve . paying attention to your personal hygiene. These factors include listening to your body. breathing fresh air. and incorporating healthy natural elements into your daily routine. In the next chapter. and using natural herbs and minerals when appropriate. and activating your healing system when they are added together. stretching. In time. forti fying. getting adequate sunshine. we will look more closely at the critical role diet and nutrition play in strengthening and fortifying your healing system. a tiny grain of sand can make a large beach or vast desert. sophis engineering masterpiece intelligent than anything ever crafted by man. and insults. all require specialized fuels to make them go. and life situations. and of enduring and surviving conditions of extreme hardship and dep is an body of nature. As you already know. No other machine on this earth can boast of such a . from racing cars to rocket ships. your body has been comes skill. environments. created to last up to 100 years more or more. and expertise that it system. Your complex. and highly intelligent. Your body is adaptable to a variety of climates. and recovery from a huge assortment of illnesses. selfhealing extraordinary monitoring. In fact. capable of moving in an infinite number of ways. your healing system mobilizes specialized cells and stim ulates powerful biochemical reactions that can rapidly mend damaged tissues when you are ill or injured. durable. It also maintains a bal system is anced and sick or highly ordered natural state 0f health when you are not injured. and rivation. your body is the greatest of all high-performance machines on this earth. To accomplish these tasks. and is capable of supervising and initiating mechanisms of repair. ticated. restoration. This designed with equipped with its such own self-contained. precision.CHAPTER 5 Fueling Your Healing System igh-performance machines. injuries. Your body is no different. 0 Constitute the nutritional foundation for those with much most other mammals. eat O and monkeys. fats. The fuel your healing system requires is wholesome. legumes. represent the purest energy tem. foods almost exclusively to from these categories. source provide body. natural diet. your healing system performs best when it receives special. vegetables. A Wholesome Diet for The best way to a Strong Healing System keep your healing system strong is to eat a balanced. legumes. vitamins. and your basic The Best Fuel for Your Healing System nuts. simple. the purest energy for your healing system. including also larger muscle mass than humans. vegetables. including gorillas. And with any other high-performance machine. and seeds Fruits.114 Your Extraordinary Healing System system. what you do. fiber. chimpanzees. trace amounts of proteins. and. Our primate cousins. wholesome. Your daily requirements vary molecules found in fruits of these substances will meta bolic according to where you live. just as nutritious food. fluids. fruits. baboons. and these foods are essential for strengthen ing and fortifying this most important system nuts. grains. and are generally safe enough to be consumed . These nutrients include adequate als. and seeds in your In addition. source for the metabolic demands of your healing sys O Are lower on the food chain and contain far fewer toxins and environ than most mental pollutants foods that are derived from the flesh of other animals. to cook. and other vital nutrients such phytochemicals (special health-promoting and vegetables). high-perform ance fuel. orangutans. O Take less time raw. carbohydrates. than most Are generally easier digest flesh foods. grains. requirements. again. Such a diet consists of a wellrounded blend of all essential nutrients. miner as elements. Doing so will give you a greater understanding of the rationale behind the practical ways to fuel your healing system. peaches. including carrots. it is important to discuss that mentioned . and barley * Leafy greens. soy beans. wheat. minerals. All nutrients ultimately variety derived from the soil and of these foods will ensure atmosphere Use the eating diet. cabbage. apricots. cherries. wholesome. veg etables. chili peppers. cashews. and peanuts almonds Seeds and nuts. I Are usually less expensive. I Whole grains. the possibility of contamination and food poisoning from these foods is much less. wide the best chance of complete list as a following guide to on the foods that serve as the best fuel for your healing system. grapes. berries. and a natural foods are a are the keys to the health of healing system. okra. rye. and watermelon I Other vegetables. legumes. and seeds. fats and oils. broccoli. including bell peppers. squash. go on. Beans and turnips. oranges. tomatoes. Depending more where you live and what is available. mung beans. pecans. trace elements. carbohydrates. oats. nuts. lentils. sweet peas. including rice. corn. and * Fruits. and cabbage onions I Roots and stems. potatoes. These your simple. and mushrooms Essential Nutrients for Your Before we Healing System briefly the essential nutri ents we earlier—protein. grains. of the earth. including lettuce. including walnuts. As a result. spinach. pineapples. and pinto beans. and phytochemicals—and how they affect your healing system. including chickpeas. cauliflower. hazelnuts. and don’t require the extensive and contin uous refrigeration for transport and storage that flesh foods need. black- eyed I peas.Fuehng Your Healing System 115 * Have less chance of spoiling and putrefying than animal products do. I legumes. bananas. including apples. vitamins. you may have many food choices within these categories of fruits. which we sometimes attribute to the heavier. In spite of this. it can result in muscle-wasting disorders in children. . a lack of protein today in Western coun tries is rare. Carbohydrates constitute the major fuel source for your healing system. Adequate dietary protein intake is required for growth in children. at 40 percent of normal body weight. these foods contain highly saturated animal fats with no fiber. common name for carbohydrates was starch. which creates an unnecessary burden on the healing system. Because carbohy drates provide the greatest overall return of energy of all foods. your Learning to incorporate protein from non-meat sources in daily diet is a much healthier and safer approach for your heal ing system. meats Unfortunately. such as potatoes and certain grain flours that make bread. are the largest and most dynamic. In addition to its predominance in muscle tissue. and it is one of the most important nutrients for your healing system. high-performance fuel for their dynamic bodies. if it is not taken in required amounts. which can lead to obesity and can be very harmful to your healing system. protein is found in nearly all cells and tissues of your body. Carbohydrates and Your Healing System Carbohydrates are derived from plants. Protein is also the primary nutrient build ing block for your muscles which. denser carbohydrates. The old. This fear results in overeating. energy-dependent struc tures in your body. They know from experience that this is the best long term. unfortunately.116 Your Extraordinary Healing System Protein and Your Protein Healing System provides the structural elements for growth and repair of your bodily tissues.” but today we know differently. Many people in Western countries have come to depend on and animal products as convenient sources of protein. marathon runners and triathietes typically “carbohydrate load” before a major race by eating lots of pasta and breads. a lingering fear of not getting enough protein drives much of the unhealthy dietary prac tices currently in vogue in Western countries. Starch was erroneously thought to contain “empty calories. includ ing your blood. But because the daily requirement for protein is only about an ounce a day. barley. help the healing system with blood clotting and can be absorbed only with fats and oils. your heal ing system depends on an efficient and accurate communications system. Fats and Oils and Your Fats and oils are Healing System performance of your healing system. the number-one killer in the Western . Foods with complex carbohydrates also are valuable sources of essential vitamins. these have served are as largest staple food crops in the world. the oats. To strengthen forti& your healing system and keep it running smoothly and efficiently. These foods. some fat-soluble vita mins and other nutrients can be absorbed only with fats and oils. Additionally. which improves the health of your body’s communications. your diet should consist of about 60 percent complex carbohydrates. wheat. Fats and oils also help to protect and coat nerve sheaths. and other nutrients and phytochemicals. which contain “complex” carbohydrates. their not can over-consumption lems. essential for the There are. For example. slowest burning. Fats and oils also pad and cushion internal organs in your body. are the longest lasting. minerals. they promote healthy skin and nails. contribute to obesity and other health prob including heart disease. and so are extremely beneficial to the health of your colon and heart. in addi potatoes. no doubt. they usually contain lots of fiber. which aids your healing system in preventing infection.Fueling Your Healing System 117 Grains such tion to as rice. a small amount of fats and oils in your daily diet is necessary for your health. corn. and such as trace elements. For these reasons. and most efficient of all fuel sources for your healing system. and they contribute to the structural integrity of cell membranes in your body. Additionally. Specifically. other beneficial nutrients in certain fats and oils that have sent yet been discovered. omega-3 fatty acids. But because fats and oils repre the densest and most concentrated forms of food energy. they are also a convenient way to store fuel that your heal ing system can use when food intake is inadequate or scarce. As you know. Because fats are lighter than water and are high-energy nutrients. found in flaxseed oil and certain fish oils. protecting them from injury while they insulate and keep your body warm. and millet. and traditional sources of carbohydrate nutrient energy for the majority of the world’s population for many years. life-sustaining processes involved in the growth. a functioning Vitamin diet proteins. and they during pregnancy and lac tation. can manufacture its than is needed. they vary increase slightly for males and females. open up clogged arteries. the to excess cholesterol can form Reducing total clog fat intake. wholesome diet with plenty of . repair. Dr. subtle. such hydrates. Cholesterol is the health important type of structural fat and integrity of your healing system and. found that a 10-percent daily fat intake works best to aid your healing system in reversing heart disease. The best way to ensure adequate vitamin intake for your heal ing system is to eat a well-rounded. and. and improve blood blockages that arteries and lead heart disease. flow to your heart. or restricting total calories. while increasing daily activity levels can help lower cholesterol levels and aid your healing system to dissolve blockages. In addition your to the cholesterol it obtains from own cholesterol from other your body fats and oils. an that supports in particular. current of your total health level and status. and carbo that doesn’t include them at all can impair the as of your healing requirements system and result in illness. Vitamins and Your Vitamins are Healing System naturally occurring compounds that are essential to the healthy functioning of your healing system. if this occurs.118 Your Extraordinary Healing System hemisphere. it is certain that more vitamins than we currently know about will be discovered in the future and recognized as essential to our healing systems. Because the body’s biochemical pathways and metabolic processes are com plex. and regeneration of healthy as well as damaged tissues. fats and oils. Athletic training and recovery from illness and injuries may increase the body’s requirements for one or more vitamins. cent Fat intake should be restricted to 10 percent to 25 per daily calories. A diet that exceeds your body’s basic daily caloric requirements. Although vitamins are usually required in much smaller quantities than other basic nutritional elements. your cell membranes. will create more cholesterol in your body diet. depending on your activity For example. at the University of California in San Francisco. often change over time. They work with your body’s various enzyme systems and are critical to the performance of important. however. Ornish. and still remain largely unexplored. (thiamin) healing system in maintaining the health of beriberi and other of vitamin nervous system. seeds. fruits. specific vitamins require fat for absorption). it also promotes healthy skin growth. legumes. and P~ healing system in protecting the health of your eyes. When a problem occurs in a specific area of your body.000 micrograms (mcg). in that area. aids your Vitamin your B. vegetables. with requirements changing during pregnancy recovery from illness and injuries. The RDAs for 14 years of age and older. including orange and car yellow rots. to support the work of your healing system grains. A lack of vitamin A can cause poor night vision and blindness. athletic training. and lactation. as well as skin problems. and many dietary allowances on more are be dis covered. and a certain limited amount of fats and oils (again.1 milligrams (mg) 1. and The recommended dietary allowance of vitamin A is 800 micro grams ~ (mcg) to 1. Good most sources of foods that contain beta carotene. yams. Recent research sug Vitamin A aids your gests that vitamin A also helps prevent certain vitamin A are cancers. fruits. papaya. Good sources B1 grains.Fueling Your Healing System 119 whole vegetables. ~ Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) supports nervous your healing system by protecting the health of your skin and system. nuts. you may need to supplement normal dietary sources with a specific vitamin. fruits and vegetables such as mango. The recommended (RDAs) listed are per-day people estimates. National Research Council.5 mil ligrams (mg). A lack of vitamin nervous B1 can cause disorders of the include whole mended system and brain. squash. This list is a guide and is not all-inclusive. The list that follows describes the various vitamins that health of your vitamins are are essential to the new healing system. or concentrate on eating foods that contain higher quanti ties of a specific vitamin. allowance of vitamin and milk The to recom dietary B1 is 1. National are Academy of Sciences. still to currently being researched. A lack of vitamin B2 has been . based the findings of the Food and Nutrition Board. They vary slightly for males and females. 120 Your Extraordinary Healing System linked to dermatological include most and neurological problems. blood-sugar regulation. nuts. A lack of vitamin nervous-system disorders. dark green vegetables. only 2mcg. and because your liver has to tremendous capacity to store this vitamin for up at five years. A lack of vitamin system. to and fruits. o The recommended dietary allowance is 1. and most to vegetables. cholesterol. to Because vitamin of the a most potent substances known mankind. in a Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) participates healing variety of physiological processes that support your system. include nerves. to and legumes. or can cause pellagra. Good sources include milk and dairy products. nuts. Good of vitamin B3 grains. the Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamine) nervous aids your healing system supporting health of your central cells. serious disease. and production of antibodies. O Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) nervous is used by your healing system to protect the health of your system. and urinary system. the recommended dietary o allowance is very small. niacin. cereals.6mg in 2mg. vitamin nerves Folic acid works in conjunction with B12 to support your healing lead to system’s role in maintaining healthy seen and red blood cells. Good sources of vitamin B2 vegetables. The recommended dietary 0 allowance is I 8Omcg 200mcg. A lack of vitamin sources B3. most vegetables. sources system disorders. The recommended dietary allowance is 4mg 7mg. Good soybeans . cereals.3mg to 1.7mg. sometimes anemia and nervous during pregnancy and alcoholism. of vitamin B6 include whole grains. most animal products. and bladder B6 has been linked Good sources to stones. gastrointestinal a health. These include energy metab olism. Good of folic acid include grains. • hemoglobin. role in Vitamin B3 (niacin) supports your and healing system’s maintaining healthy skin. cereals. and in the production of red blood B12 causes anemia and nervous-system disorders. A lack of can folic acid. anemia. The recommended dietary o allowance is 15mg 19mg. blood. The recommend ed O dietary allowance of vitamin B2 is 1. and to hormones. and grains. in Biotin aids your healing system maintaining healthy skin and nerves. and 2 is one fermented soy products. A lack of biotin has been implicated in skin and nervous-system sources are problems and and may affect cholesterol metabolism. Vitamin K is naturally produced by a that live within your own intestines. 8omcg. Natural sunlight is the best of vitamin D. your you include vitamins in daily one. Vitamin D added to milk. immune defense. Good • dietary to sources of vitamin K include green tea.Fueling Your Healing System 121 grains.are also good sources of vitamin C. The recommended dietary allowance is K 8mg to 10mg. dietary healing allowance is 60mg. a prevention. where the vitamin is absorbed. diet. including The recommended K red chili peppers. The recommended dietary allowance is K 5mcg. The recommended can see from these descriptions at how important vitamins Be sure are to the optimum functioning of your healing system. collagen formation. Vitamin E key role (d-alpha-tocopherol) supports your healing system by playing a in wound healing. Good nuts. including citrus. and grains. as an antioxidant. Certain vegetables. important in the prevention of heart disease of vitamin E include the oil of many seeds and wheat and cancer. inflammation. vitamin E aids in scar helps keep sources formation and it also acts skin healthy and strong. vegetable oils. and that you get least the minimum daily requirements for each . and other dietary You allowance is 65mcg leafy green vegetables. healing system as an Vitamin K supports your essential component of your body’s blood-clotting specific strain of bacteria spinach. and butter. source of vitamin C is fruits. Vitamin C deficiency characterized best natural by fragile blood vessels and most impaired wound healing. scurvy. When applied topically. The recommended dietary allowance of I K biotin is 3Omcg to O0mcg. and are Naturally occurring substances in the skin absorb sunlight is now converted into the active form of vitamin D. a Vitamin 0 aids your system by playing key role in calcium metab rickets and can con olism and bone formation~ A lack of vitamin D tribute source causes to osteoporosis and other disorders. When taken internally. cabbage. (ascorbic acid) aids your Vitamin C healing system by playing can cause an important disease The role in wound and cancer healing. mechanisms. cheese. T~~Th Minerals and Trace Elements That Support Following and Your Healing System most are the important minerals and trace elements for the health functioning of your healing system. Important Key o Minerals Calcium plays a key role in nerve helping your healing system with bone forma tion. and regeneration of tissues. Minerals are derived directly from the earth’s core. hormones. such as hemoglobin. including the muscles of your heart. in generally trace amounts by your body. The .Trace Elements. and they have unique properties. and Your Healing System powerful essential nutri ents that aid and support your healing system. same considered to quantities in be a poison. increased susceptibility to disease.122 Your Extraordinary Healing System Minerals. We do know. conduction. within the body. to keep your body healthy and free from disease. but we don’t know exactly how much of exactly deficiency of trace elements in your body results in a failure to thrive. We know that trace elements are required for good each nutrition and one health. and from a some fruits. and muscle contraction. They are integral to In addition to vitamins. and they transport molecules. Osteoporosis result lack of calcium and increased parathyroid hormone secretion. that system. can broccoli. however. repair. Trace elements are chemically Even arsenic. trace elements are absolutely critical to the optimum functioning of your healing one is needed and a what each does. and their functions are a little better understood. Sources of calcium include dairy products. So although they are required in very small amounts. minerals are also the structure and function of important enzymes. blood clotting. leafy green vegetables. almost every mineral element that exists in the core of the earth has been found to exist in minute body. They are required for growth. As noted earlier. and even death. to the human is required usually related minerals and classified in the trace nutritional category~ The difference between elements and minerals is that minerals are required in slightly greater amounts than trace elements. algae. Good of phosphorus to include fruits. along with sodium. The RDA is I S0mcg. dried fruits. to Magnesium green important for your healing system magnesium regulate 280mg to energy metabolism and blood pressure. also helps your healing system by facilitat ing water movement in and out of your cells. water Potassium. sea salt. The RDA is 800mg 1200mg. including beets. * fluoride supports your healing system and is important in tooth and bone formation. strawberries. which produces large swelling sources enlarged thyroid gland.Fueling Your Hearing System 123 RDA for is most men is 800mg/day. including raisins. Many dentists pediatricians are recommend an area supplementing water with fluoride for children if may not living in where the not be fluoridated. raspberries. In addition to red meats. * Phosphorous whole important for helping your healing system support bone sources metabolism. Sources not of copper include fruits. is and for postmenopausal and elderly men it is E Copper grains. seeds. nuts. collagen formation. The RDA for fluoride has * yet been established. and you plants. dates. The RDA for iron is 10mg. vegetables. including the regulation of body an temperature. Vitamin C enhances the cherries. hormones and Iodine is your a key element of thyroid plays a critical role for healing system in energy metabolism. and * foods. which is essential for your healing system repair and restore are the health of organ tissues. The RDA has yet been established. The RDA for leafy 350mg. sea Good of iodine include sea water. important for your healing system to regulate cell metabolism. supply and fruits. molecule and functions in oxygen to Iron is a central part of the hemoglobin transport. Sources include mineral water. and certain leafy vegetables. including spinach. 1500mg/day. watermelon. and and tissue repair. and by directing flow in and out of your body. and figs. Good sources of potassium are most fruits and . and grains. the RDA 1000mg/day. sources of iron all red fruits and vegetables. Sources of magnesium include is vegetables is and fruits. beans. of iron in your is absorption * body. Iodine deficiency a results in the well-known condition in the neck that is the result of of goiter. For premenopausal women women. to * Potassium is important for your healing system support the of your heart while helping to conduct nerve impulses in your functioning body. boron. Elements trace Important Key Trace Other of your amounts.124 Your Extraordinary Healing System vegetables. important minerals. silicon. of all trace plant fertile life grown in source natural. chromium. molybdenum. called elements. For this reason. For instance. and of elements include rich and varied most to and quite possibly many others. iron is better absorbed in your intestines in the presence of vitamin C. volcanic-derived. lithium. but are essential to the health in minute body and your healing system. and trace elements in their most natural form. Sodium is important a electrical ion in your role in nerve body that aids your healing the system by playing of key conduction while regulating movement water across cell membranes and tissues. I generally don’t recommend . The RDA has yet been established. The RDA for sodium has LI yet been established. vanadium. cadmium. not hypertension. aid and support the in Sulfur is important Good not for helping your healing system formation and structural your integrity of proteins and other compounds body. selenium. trace elements are present determining exactly how much you body need every Vitamin and Mineral Supplements Research shows that you are better off getting your vitamins. manganese. zinc. rather than from trace supplements. healing system. sources of sulfur include both plant and animal proteins. the foods that you eat. Even though they are critical the health of your in the body day and in such small amounts that is difficult. miner als. silver. cobalt. which can problem if you have congestive heart failure. including Good sources gold. bromine. are This is because vitamins. tellurium. which is the minerals on this earth. has been linked Keep in mind that too much sodium for certain be a people to excess water retention. and elements better absorbed when they are bound to other natural nutritional elements digested and assimilated by your body. and kid ney disorders. organic soil. including for LI green leaves as well as roots and tubers. The RDA potassium an has not been established. they are required These minerals include: arsenic. miner als. The most com mon source of sodium is table salt. in general. Because these important phytochemicals come from a . repair. When you are just starting out. it is of paramount importance that you take time to listen to and work with your body. I frequently encounter people who do not focus enough time and thought on their diets but instead rely on their supplemental vitamins and minerals to make up for any deficit in their diets.and orange-colored fruits and vegetables. it is also a good idea to work with your doctor and preferably a reliable nutritionist to help you deter vitamin or mineral vitamin mine the best nutritional program for your individual health needs. and if you take them in excess. Lycopenes. found in yellow. wholesome diet. including cancer and heart disease. and they support prevention of certain cancers. Vitamins and other supplements should never replace a good. nourishing foods for your healing system. conditions. and even macular degeneration. phytochemicals play a significant role in supporting your healing system and can help overcome a wide variety of diseases. a parent compound to vitamin A.Fueling Your Healing System 125 supplementation unless you are suffering from a specific deficiency or a health condition that could be significantly improved through vitamin therapy. heart dis ease. Phytochemicals facilitate the processes of growth. They also help prevent certain chronic. and other chronic Many health experts feel that Italians have such low rates of heart disease and cancer because of their steady diet of tomatoes. If you choose to supplement your diet. they can cause serious health problems. the leading cause of blindness in the elderly. heart disease. ‘When it comes to selecting healthy. Among the better-known phytochemicals are the carotenoids. and tissue regeneration. Supplemental vitamins and minerals are concentrated and not in their natural state. do so with discretion and care. which contain Other lycopenes. found in tomatoes. or your diet is incomplete in one way or another. particularly the prevention and healing of certain cancers. degenerative diseases. Phytochemicals: Phytochemicals your Nature’s Medicines are naturally occurring chemicals in plants that have health-enhancing healing system in many ways. are also helpful in the both nutritional and effects. Carotenoids prevent heart disease and are beneficial in the preven tion of certain cancers. including beta carotene. or modify our activities or environment. therefore. age. Probiotics often can successfully combat infections. cheese. and maintaining proper biochemical balance in your body. and possibly those of the respiratory system. One of these products is vitamin K.126 Your Extraordinary Healing System wide variety of plant sources. that we all are unique individuals with different nutritional needs that can change and evolve as we grow. that ingesting lacto bacillus bacteria. they also occur in nature. Probiotics appear naturally in many traditionally fermented foods. They may also reduce the required dosages and possible toxicity of childhood immunizations. Twelve Essential Fueling Your To Tips for Healing System fortify your healing system with the right fuel. help ing to break down ingested foods while producing valuable metabolic byproducts that are then absorbed and carried to the various cells and tissues in your body. These strains of bacteria can aid your healing system in combating illness. for example. restoring health. which your healing system utilizes as an essential ingredient in blood clotting. that help strengthen and . Scientists have discovered. you need to follow a few simple nutritional guidelines. healing system is getting enough of these natural chemicals. It is important. espe cially those of the intestinal tract. More than 500 different strains of bacteria have been discovered to live in your intestines. Probiotics are produced by certain strains of bacteria that naturally live in your intestinal tract. which occurs naturally in yogurt and is now available in supplemented commer cial milk preparations and other products. it is to important make sure to eat a wide variety of colorful fruits and vegetables your. wine. yogurt. and soy sauce. such as vinegar. decreases the likelihood of intestinal side-effects while people are taking antibiotics. commonly called acidophilus. Keep in mind. Probiotics and Your Healing System compounds important in the Pro biotics represent another class of nutrition and health of your healing system. and prevents yeast infections in women. tempeh. reduces childhood and diarrhea. however. and Legumes a Eat Simple Diet Rich in high_performance nutrition. natural foods and fewer flesh foods is supported by the health data from the countries with the largest populations in the world. including China and India. which is essential for optimal intestinal health. more wholesome. as Japanese the early hunting-gathering societies did. When you consume meats or animal products. and grains. Grains. These foods are also of fiber. seeds. . eat a as the Chinese and them duringspecial do. in addition to other countries where people derive the majority of their nutritional requirements from fruits. nuts. These foods are more For the sake of balanced and contain a much higher concentration of vitamins. most experts are now recommending a simple diet predominantly based on foods obtained from fruits. Numerous studies have established a link between etables and greater health and these are the best fuels for your an greater intake of fruits and veg longevity. We also obtain valuable fats and oils from these foods. and seeds. The trend toward a healthier diet• consisting of simpler.and meat-based foods. vegetables. Beans. dietary state of health. Plantbased foods also contain more more beneficial complex carbohydrates. try to eat less. a excellent source healing system. they clearly unsaturated fats and oils. And if you feel so inclined. contrary to popular opinion. minerals.Fueling Your Healing System 127 you not cling blindly to any one set of stringent nutritional or formulas that may not be appropriate for you. are also excellent sources of protein. beans. and try to eat these foods only as condiments or flavor ings. Under most conditions. grains and legumes. trace elements. Plant-based foods contain less saturated fat. and fewer toxins and less derived they also contain pesticide proteins.Vegetables. occasions. trust in its inherent wisdom and natural rule. are generally more beneficial than protein from meats residues than other foods. In these countries. and other valuable nutrients than flesh. Nuts. vegetables. there as form of celebration. legumes. whole grains. nuts. and respond intelligently to its ever-changing nutri tional needs and demands. such as holidays or birthdays. Seeds. which are plentiful in beans. Tip #1: Whole Fruits. Fiber has been shown to prevent colon cancer as well as heart disease. Plant- and animal flesh. and. legumes. As a general listen to your body. cancer.128 Your Extraordinary Healing System is far less heart disease. meats also lack sufficient fiber and other essential nutrients. minerals. Many excellent nutrition plans and cookbooks for healthy eating based on a diet that incorporates more fruits and vegetables are available. which is a little more than an question of adequate protein intake. and yogurt. daily beans or ounce. many restaurants now offer these products on their menus. and it can be prepared in many ways. including heavy metals and pesticide residues. natural foods. wholesome. which are stored and concentrated in animal tissues. In the more progressive cities in America and Europe. wholesome. met 40 grams. natural foods show cancer. butter. as do most supermarkets and grocery stores. are also excellent sources of protein. as Most meat-based diets contain harmful can substances. The average daily protein requirement for most adults is less than a protein requirements can be grains. and diets trace elements. their fear of not getting enough protein from plant sources is not scientifically valid. but reveal that these diets have greater disadvantages than advantages. such as vita mins. diabetes. as we commonly do when we eat Mexican food. Dairy products. such saturated fats that and environmental toxins. and other vegetable-protein sources. protein. most which studies helps now growth and health of muscles. Although many people erroneously assume that plant-based are lacking in protein. cheese. of their arthritis. hypertension and stroke. ‘When we compare them to other simple. Studies have proven that it is easy to get abundant protein from a diet that combines grains and legumes with other fruits and vegetables. and other chronic nutritional degenerative diseases—the so-called more “diseases of civilization”—than in countries that derive requirements maintain the from flesh foods and animal are Meat and flesh-based foods convenient sources of products. including milk. legumes. now evidence of heart disease and excellent meat Many substitutes are available that are derived from soy. ‘Whenever there is seeds with . An even simpler example would be a peanut-butter sandwich on whole-wheat bread. Other studies have shown that traditional cultures around the world that have vived for centuries little to no on sur these simple. An example (legumes) by combining would be eating beans and tortillas. clog the arteries in your heart and brain. Tofu is also an excellent complete pro tein. Don’t eat food that is stored in freezers for long periods of time. Juices. are excellent sources of fluid. and Water Your healing system requires adequate fluid intake to function opti mally. and it also may be harmful to your body. all metabolic processes in your body occur predominantly in a liquid internal environment. This food often has lost its vitality and nourishment. Waste buildup can set extra burden and strain the healing are system and for illness. including sources of fiber puts an the stage fruits. legumes. For this reason. Also avoid refined foods. Tip #4: Eat Food That Is Prepared Fresh prepared fresh each day. If you eat breads and pasta. which are devoid of fiber and often contain Consume food that is harmful additives and to eat preservatives. Because your body is 70 percent fluid. Fresh fruits and vegetables. or was prepared months to years in advance and then prepackaged. healing Adequate waste fiber intake ensures your ability to eliminate unwanted can help prevent doesn’t have fiber. Many illnesses can be traced to chronic dehydration resulting from a lack of fluid or water intake. Herbal Teas. the more effectively fluids can circulate in your body. The best grains. and it degenerative diseases. Fluids also aid in the healing of infections and many other congestive and degenerative conditions. has been sitting on shelves for a long time. heart. which results in the steady buildup of toxic on waste in the body. including refined flours. system. Tip #3: Fiber is and Consume More Fiber in Your Diet an essential fuel additive for the health of your colon. This lack of fiber causes problems with elimination. Because meat most Americans eat more meat than any other food.Fueling Your Healing System 129 Tip #2: Consume More Fluids. whole beans and and seeds. many of which are more than 95 percent water. The more liquids you consume. and the more rapidly your body can elimi nate toxins. and because cancer and and toxins from your intestines. and other nuts predominantly plant-derived vegetables. try those made with whole-grain flours. it is important to drink lots of water throughout the day. Including Soups. Eat less artificial and . they usually don’t get enough fiber in their diets. while they provide elements. refined. Like anything that’s worthwhile. and natural sugars for your healing system. Graze on healthy snacks if you get hungry. such as carrot sticks or fresh apple pieces. at Tip #6: Your Eat Regular Meals. Regular Times body’s digestive system is set up to handle regular meals. such as crave sweets. Raw fruits and assure vegetables. and they contain a Make sure. not starving it all day long and then overloading. Tip #7: Take the Time to Plan and CookYour Meals Proper nutrition is essential for your health. Raw fruits and vegetables are loaded with vita mins. however. and dried fruits. eat more fresh fruits sweets. honey and fruit-derived including juices foods lack the vitality. when you and natural sweeteners. Eat more toward the earlier part of the day and less in the evenings. Although preparing healthy. and then overeating for dinner. If you wait until you are hungry to decide what you are going to eat. including fresh vegeta a bles and fruits. overburdening your body and making your healing system sluggish. This food could be in the form of salad with fresh sprouts. you will most likely grab the nearest . with their high fluid and fiber efficient circulation and elimination in the essential vitamins.130 Your Extraordinary Healing System refined sugars. just remember that your healing system deserves and requires the best fuel you can give it. is a common habit that can contribute to digestive problems. or if your blood sugar gets low. Going all day without eating. and packaged healing system to work over Tip #5: Eat at Include Raw Foods in Your one Daily Diet least portion raw a day of raw foods. minerals. and and fluid content. trace body. minerals. make sure not to spoil your appetite for your meals. Processed. A steady flow of nutrients works best for your healing system. freshness. However. content. elements. and fiber that your requires to function optimally. that you chew trace high raw fiber foods well because they can be difficult to digest if they’re not chewed ade quately. and they may cause it time by creating unhealthy conditions in your body. wholesome food might take a little extra thought and time. Instead. proper nutrition takes planning and preparation. or fresh fruits and vegetables. or eating with the stereo or enhances the smell and of the food and digestion. chewing good teeth. such as received. Many cultures on digestion around the world consider the ambiance how it is if not and how it is surrounding food.Fueling Your Healing System 131 food available. use pleasant settings. Take shop for and cook a healthy. which could be fast food the time to or convenient junk food. in taste a calm. quiet envi improves eating. Avoid arguing or getting upset for any reason while you eat. So chewing your food slowly and thoroughly is important. This variety will ensure the opportunity for a greater selection and utilization of nature’s essential nutrients. Proper chewing which is why dental hygiene is also an depends important part of your overall physical health and personal hygiene. ‘While radio blasting. Most healthy. . Tip #10: Eat a Wide Variety of Foods Do your best to satisfy your body’s nutritional requirements by eating a wide variety of foods. populations that were confined to limited choices in their diets often came down with severe nutritional deficiencies. more important than. Cultivate a for the food that you consume. and your health. Not chewing your food slowly and thoroughly because you are eating when you are in a hurry or upset can cause indigestion and rob your healing system of necessary vital nutrients. Tip #8: ronment. wholesome foods. it is best to wait until you are calm to eat because emotional upheaval can adversely affect body chemistry and have a negative impact spirit of gratitude prepared. the biochemical Tip #9: ChewYour Food Slowly and Thoroughly The process of digestion begins in your mouth. Create Pleasant Ambiance When You Eat Eating your food under pleasant circumstances. Light a candle or use soft lights at the table. wholesome food requires thorough more on before you swallow it. fresh. and serving utensils. silverware. In the past. including quality plates. Doing this makes digestion easier and efficient for your stomach and intestines. If you are upset. aided by digestive enzymes secreted by your salivary glands. to be equally important to. composition of the food. Avoid watching TV while you eat. which can interfere with proper digestion and the assim ilation of vital nutrients. which contain a lot of fat. and caffeinated sodas. Rich. which is commonly found In use of stimulants. this the pigments and dyes that vegetables. including cancer. and other nutri tional substances contribute to are associated with natural the specific colors of certain fruits and nutritional experts recommend vegetables diet at as least eating as possible. If you are healing. heavy foods. including gout. can make your healing system sluggish and incompetent. For all practical and scientific purposes. heart disease. The process of diges Rich. Consider its use eliminating it alto special. Avoid or minimize heavy Tip #12: Minimize Minimize the Use of Alcohol and Stimulants or reduce alcohol intake. which inter feres with the performance of your healing system. circulatory systems. which a nervous-system depressant and also has negative effects on the liver. The time and energy required to break down and digest these foods will interfere with the performance of your healing system. oil. and many others. to keep your diet light. . Tip #1 and I: Eat Fewer Rich. often taking at least four or five hours. Alcohol. and protein. diverticulitis.132 Your Extraordinary Healing System Because many vitamins. gall bladder disease. festive occasions. minerals. system and can Stress constricts your blood vessels and promotes the fight-or-flight response. represent the most difficult of all foods to digest. gether is or saving for addition. lymphatic. heavy foods taken in excess can tion can healing redirect blood flow and energy away from the work your system is doing. minimize or eliminate the including caffeine. Such foods have been linked to a number of diseases. Caffeine stimulates the increase mental nervous agitation and cause stress. including every color in the rainbow in your weekly. many wide a variety of fruits and approach represents the safest and most reliable way to ensure highest-octane fuel for your high-performance healing system. trace elements. in coffee. Heavy Foods clog your digestive. and you are not under it is nourished. and sometimes even longer. rich and important foods. tea. draining your body of healing energy. in your diet. and you are getting adequate protein. These foods include nuts. and the energy It is important to remember that your machine. Take time to prepare your meals thoughtfully. eat regularly. fluids. etables. fruits and veg seeds. and chew your food well. Remember to eat foods that are wholesome and nutritious. water. Eat natural foods that represent every color in the rainbow at least once in a week’s time to get enough sure Make fats. carbohydrates. most trace and balanced. whole grains. keep an open mind about trying and learning new things. If you are attempting to heal yourself from a chronic illness or condi tion. and that contain plenty elements. soups. minerals. Also There to to of flesh food in your diet. remember . and don’t be too rigid or fanatical about following a stringent dietary reg imen that has worked for others but may not be right for you. weight. Above all. many excellent resources are for nutrition. herbal teas. avoid unhealthy snacking.Fueling Your Healing System 133 Closing Thoughts on Fueling Your Healing System body is a high-performance extraordinary healing system that requires the highest-performance fuels available from the purest sources. and listen to your body as you focus on fulfilling its ever-changing nutritional needs. and fiber. or eliminate it Avoid rich and heavy foods unless you need to put on amount be careful with alcohol and caffeine intake. When it comes fueling your healing system. with an you on consume in the form of food will have system and your overall a tremendous influence of health and well your healing state being. respect your individuality. fresh of vitamins. stay informed. Repair and restoration of damaged tissues require energy. and oils phytochemicals. reduce the altogether. juices. shame. blame. has enhance a powerful on your healing system and can or performance. a sophisticated communication feedback system sends precise. can or “Wherever nerves are. happiness. self-criticism. jealousy. physician and author Dr. health.CHAPTER 6 The Power of Your Mind and Your Healing System mind is your healing system’s most powerful ally.” All mental activity. immersed in thoughts of love and affection. caring and compassion. anger. you are influence interfere with its . and peace. joy. your mind can send pow our erful messages to your body that can. when your mind is in a positive state. with thoughts of pessimism. hatred. guilt. enthusiasm. Through these mechanisms. Working through your brain and nervous system. and despair. whether conscious unconscious. Alternatively. activities of the mind travel. Your mind second remains in intimate contact with your body’s ever-changing internal environment while it works side In the words of well-known by side with your healing system. fear. Andrew Weil. cynicism. splitinformation from your body back to your brain. revenge. when your mind is in a negative state. dramatically influence the performance of your healing system. For example. strengthening your healing system and improving your health. ben eficial chemicals known as neurotransmitters or neuropeptides that are secreted by your brain can actually infuse your body with positive energy. own More than any other power can serve as mind your healing system’s qualified and capable partner. a the final analysis. or lack of good health.. You are the one who is ultimately respon sible for your health. “The brain writes prescriptions for the body.” messages to your When you understand the power of your mind. M. but. to stimulate specific that will in events direct the muscles in movement arm to contract. and so it is imperative or that you understand this force in this world. generating These to thoughts that are converted electrical that impulses. thought generated nerves in your mind that turn electrical impulses your arm. as Another part of your nervous or nervous system. maci microoes. into action your own thinking. each day of your life. ~ includ ~ci I II poiiute environment. The autonomic nervous system regulates such critical biologi . Outside forces can certainly play a role in disease processes. in ing genes. and your ability to optimize the incredible power of your mind to aid your healing system.D. however. known system.. before the actual causes movement. or other people for your illnesses. is more the involuntary in its dis autonomic nervous wide-reaching your tribution and more powerful in its influence over body’s internal environment.136 Your Extraordinary Healing System sending negative body via equally powerful chemicals that can weaken your healing system and interfere with its ability to do its job effectively. body. diseases. time ~ or •I energy I blaming outside forces. you will no longer waste valuable ~ . evii rate. a when you is first want to move your arm. your most principle. in much the same electricity example. moment by moment. electrical impulses through For travel through the many nerves are distributed way as the various moves organs and tissues of your wires. and its enor mous ability to work either for you or against you. your health is based more on the personal choices you make for yourself. This sequence of nervous results in in your The part of your system that is nervous responsible conscious for this type of movement movement is known as the voluntary by system because the is voluntarily brought system. In the words of Robert Eliot. How Your Mind Affects Your Healing System nervous Your mind works through your brain and into system. panic. thoughts every mental minute. or Additionally. These physiological emergency. your breathing. and tranquility. and blood flow to the large but muscles of locomotion in your are legs and arms. anxiety. pathetic in your processes. regeneration. Mind as Killer can use your mind for your body’s ultimate health and healing. prove harmful and damaging system. oxygen consumption. your blood pressure. breathing. you can see on what enormous impact your thinking and activity can have the health of your body. in of influ encing and modifying can the physiological a processes on your internal environment in ways that have direct effect your to Because your brain process an approximately 600 800 healing system. which erally requires to a more quiet and relaxed internal environment within which operate. nervous system include those of relaxation. In these ways. and it can be initiated by thoughts of fear. and healing.The Power of Your Mind and Your Hea’ing System 137 cal functions as your heart beat. repair. Thoughts that activate the parasympathetic serenit>c harmony. Mind You you can use as Healer. counter your The creates too much work for your healing parasympathetic sympathetic calming effect a branch of the autonomic nervous nervous system balances the system and the fight-or-flight response by producing on your body. your mind movement plays a pivotal role not more just in directing the of certain muscles in your body. and anger. love.far importantly. nervous Within the autonomic branches. but. your digestive products. to prolonged body over a lengthy period. It be measured by increase in heart rate. your vision. gen changes they beneficial serve to to help you “fight or flee” during a crisis or also inhibit the activities of your healing system. The system are sympathetic activity and parasym movement sympathetic branch increases and body. relaxation. The ened or are fight-or-flight occurs can feeling experiencing stress. blood pressure. this branch is responsible response for the well-kn6wn when you are fight-or-flight threat response. your perspiration. Your mind and your thoughts can cause real physiological . or it in a way that turns against you to the detriment of your health. an worry. peace. because it when the fight-or-flight it can response is elicited repeat edly. your elimination of waste the and many others. This branch is associated with states of rest. and even your ultimate demise. Of that it wasn’t day. it can be your healing system’s most powerful ally. The following story about Jerrj~ one of my patients. Jerry told going to happen “Doc. can weaken and damage your body’s health. However. to day. Jerry made a conscious decision to use the power of his mind to avert a possible heart attack. Even though he had decided to go on the trip without letting his doctor know. used was to—something to the oxygen was a little thinner than he was he had forgotten to take into account. and his pain went had another problem with his heart since that me. hormones. He would not push himself or do anything stren uous that might injure his heart. “I refuse to another heart attack have another heart attack!” His mind to was so absolutely a committed avoiding the dreaded experience of having heart attack again never away. If you do not use them properly. he told himself he would take it easy and not disobey his doctor’s orders. as the placebo Jerry was a tire salesman from a small town in Texas.138 Your Extraordinary Healing System effect demonstrates. He was in early sixties and had already suffered from one near-fatal heart attack just a year earlier. If it is not properly trained and used. changes in your body. his However. me just made up my mind that again! I simply refused to have I another heart attack!” . He has that his symptoms subsided. interfere with your healing system. demonstrates the crucial principle that learning how to use your mind for the benefit of your body’s health and well-being can lit erally mean the difference between life and death. He was lucky to be alive. His cardiologist had placed him on restricted activities until further notice. and cause premature physical deterioration. a loyal servant and friend. he chest pain and pressure that signaled one coming on. Jerry could not resist the offer of spending the weekend with his buddies in a small hunting cabin in the mountains of Colorado. because of the increased altitude in the mountains where Jerry was staying. prove to be your worst enemy. He simply told himself. As he returning began to feel his cabin the familiar evening after an uphill stroll. If you learn to use your mind to cooperate with your body’s healing system. At that moment. dis ease. an4 even kill you. your mind can become a definite liability. your mind and thoughts. and electrical nerve stim ulation. through the release of powerful neuropeptides. people who are happy. eat whole some. you will not have the energy to take very good care of yourself. When you are in a good mood and feeling good about yourself. if you become depressed. and your attitude and outlook on life will be inspired and enthusiastic. and the possibility of other infections. and other dis eases. get enough sleep and rest. and other nutrient deficiencies. when you are feeling physically fit. your mind powerful ally of your body’s healing system. Depression can create stress and anxiety.The Power of Your Mind and Your Healing System 139 Stories like Jerry’s are not uncommon. which can lead to excessive weight loss and vitamin. vulnerable to disease. You may not feel like exercising reg ularly. high blood pressure. leaving you weak and dehydrated. Your healing system is programmed to listen to your mind. and can they be a demonstrate that. and feeling relaxed. and participate in other life_promoting activities that will con tribute to your body’s overall health. exercising regularly. and socially well-adjusted enjoy better health and are sick less often. Or you may not eat healthily or drink enough fluids. getting adequate sleep and rest. so it is important to be conscious of the thoughts and messages you may be sending. eating good food. researchers are discovering more ways body ship between your mind and your body affects your health in many ways. nourishing food. take time to exercise. For example. you will most likely want to take better care of your body. mineral. All of these factors have a negative influence on your healing system. which can weaken your cardiovascular system and possibly cause you to gain weight as a result of inactivity. which can have a fur ther negative impact on your health. For example. or if your spirits are low. Alternatively. emotionally balanced. All this can put you at risk for heart disease. diabetes. when constructively applied. your mental faculties will be sharper and clearer. The Merry-Go-Round are and the Sorry-Go-Round that your mind and Every day. You may not bathe as regularly as you should. which can lead to skin infections. certain connected and influence each other. Conversely. as well. your mind is also influenced by your body. The intimate relation . In the same way that your body is powerfully influenced by your mind. ” The Merry-Go-Round describes the opposite state.140 Your Extraordinary Healing System physical ailments such as anemia. But this cycle also can first begin with your mental health affecting your physical health. which affects your mental health. and even death to accompany such illnesses. and so on. It is that they feed off each other and create a harmful downward-spiraling cycle that is difficult to break. Hallucinations and mental psychosis can occur with electrolyte imbalance caused by extreme dehydration. which affects your physical health. prolonged suffering. and. in which your mind and body are cooperating with each other in a positive deficiencies. The Sorry-GoRound is a term I like to use to describe the downward spiraling cycle that occurs when poor physical health affects your mental health. once you are aware of it. into worsen ing physical and mental health. Even a cold. Additionally. you can easily become frightened and anxious. down. and it is not uncommon for thoughts of impending doom. and your low ered mood and depressed mental health adversely affecting your body. and insomnia known mental . especially if the illnesses are more severe or prolonged. beneficial changes on both physical and mental levels in a two-pronged approach (both physical and mental) that will lead you to what I call the “Merry-Go-Round. or flu can make you feel low and affect your attitude. you can tumble down. Under conditions of impaired physical health. Through the power of your mind. lethargy. heat stroke. down in a continuing spiral of increased suffering on both mental and physical levels. thyroid dysfunction. or kidney dysfunction. you can get caught in a harmful cycle without even realizing what is happening. when you feel bad physically. or poor mental health that creates poor physical health. That chronic pain can lead to mental depression is also well-known. to nutritional are cause fatigue. This cycle is known as the Sorry-Go-Round. The point is not which came first—the physical or mental problem. mental health is adversely affected. a cycle that can be difficult to break. you can successfully break it by implementing positive. Whether you begin with poor physical health that creates poor mental health. With the poor health of your body pulling your mind down. cough. anxiety and altered mood states. you can become aware of this harmful cycle when it afflicts you. Positively programming your mind for health another important method to help you get on Round. important strategy to help you get back on Merry-Go-Round if your mental health and spirits are cur rently low and slumping. measures are to take definite to ensure get back on as soon as you can. When your mind feels good. this uplifts your mood and contributes to a positive mental state. This is just one example to demonstrate that the improvement in physical health often results in the improve Exercise can be an the ment * of mental health. When you feel good physically. ‘When your body feels healthy. can help you avoid the knee-jerk tendency to become fearful. Stress-management techniques. or. if you have fallen off. your mind feels good. in continued negative mental to the attitudes and system thrives on. studies have shown that exercise can help overcome this problem.The Power of Your Mind and Your Healing System 141 way for your optimum health. . This are * chapter this describes several healing is Merry-Go practical strategies that the and based on important principle. positive. The Merry-Go-Round strengthens and nourishes your healing system so that it can perform at maximum capacity This is one of the most obvious reasons you want to ride on the Merry-Go-Round. and scatterbrained in the face of daily prob lems. and they are another powerful way to stay on the Merry-Go-Round. A positive mental state helps to inspire life-affirming. an upward spiraling effect of positive mental and enhanced physical health perpetuates itself. in the MerryGo-Round. your body is also likely to feel healthier. A few suggested here to get two-pronged approach that implements strategies ~ Remember. opti mistic thoughts that will have beneficial effects on your body’s physiology~ This kind of positive interaction is what your healing a downward Sorry-Go-Round. If you or a loved one suffers from depression. which you will be reading about shortly. anxious. Contrary which spiraling effect of degenerating physical health occurs. Round. a both mental and physical works best. You can that you ride on the Merry-Goyou started. healing system and your immune system decidedly different. you’ll learn various ways to do this. Tiny This nerves o have been discovered that concrete are connected to the lymph nodes. New Go-Round. and to enhance and strengthen your healing system so it can do its job effectively and efficiently. One whatsoever that what goes on absolutely nothing was do with what goes in the body. and the activities of your mind. which are chemicals pro duced by the brain. functioned several completely independent by researchers of the brain. But. attitudes. Psychoneuroimmunology Psychoneuroimmunology. This understanding the following findings: o Specialized receptor sites for neumtransmitters. In this and Your Healing System an known as PNI for short. To support this was notion. which taught to young doctors in med erroneous ical schools for several hundred years. investigation in psychoneuroimmunol healing resources helping understand It also is more about the wonderful us to that exist within helping lay to rest several key. that and they also have certain similarities. unequivocal proof new that your mind talks is based on directly to your immune system. Rigorous ogy is and innovative scientific us to us. discovery provides evidence that the immune system and . Your depends on the are health of your immune system You may recall that your best. immune system.142 Your Extraordinary Healing System The health of your healing system depends on your ability and determination to get off the Sorry-Go-Round and get on the Merry- chapter. are now known to exist on specific white blood cells. is important new field of medical science that studies the interaction between your mind and your findings in this field have a direct bearing on under standing healing how your healing your system works because. it further believed that the immune system. emotions. erroneous myth to myths was about how our on bodies function in relation in the mind has to our minds. your immune system is linked to healing system to in the defense of your system collaborates with your immune system and function at its body. which manages the body’s to defenses. as you know. One similarity is they both are affected by your thoughts. thanks important discoveries working in the field of psy choneuroimmunolog~ these There is now outdated beliefs have finally been proven wrong. as well. When pilots are trained. These advances in to what us psychoneuroimmunology lend further scientific evidence Hippocrates and other ancient physicians and healers have been for thousands of years: that to a telling can positive mental and emotional state improve the body’s ability heal itself. you maximize your mind’s incred ible power. Pilots must focus their thought processes on creating strategic. success-oriented mode. The focus and direct your mind following techniques and strategies can help to strengthen your healing system. their sound physical and mental health is of the utmost importance. Positive Mental Pilots have one Programming most dangerous. are directly connected to system and the brain. If pilots make mistakes. both the psychological and physical exams for pilots are among the most meticulous and closely scruti nized of any occupation in the world. Pilots do not have the luxury of entertaining thoughts that will contribute to a negative outcome during the flying mission. action-oriented behav iors that will result in a positive outcome and nothing else. in the blink of an eye those mistakes can be fatal. but for the flight crew of the in the world. difficult. As a consequence. they that includes programming go through a form of mental training their minds into a specific. Airplanes move fast. Because the lives of many and passengers. . This means that the immune in one’s system talks emotional the endocrine system and directly participates experience. have Powerful secreted hormones been discovered that are produced and by specific to white blood cells. not only for the pilots. even small ones. Practical to Strategies for Using Your Mind Strengthen Your Healing System most to Your mind is your healing system’s and so it is important to learn how valuable and powerful ally. the * nervous which contain white blood cells. responsibility-laden people are in their jobs hands.The Power of Your Mind and Your Healing System 143 lymph nodes. 144 Your Extraordinary Healing System training for pilots more apparent than during landing. Some flexibility is required. do so . you simply do not have the luxury of entertaining negative thoughts or negative outcomes. your healing system will become “distracted” from its critical role in it will not be able to maintaining your function properly. you need to set your sights on positive outcome. course. thoughts during this period must be focused on the positive outcome of a safe and successful landing. a all its systems running smoothly. A kind of self-fulfilling prophecy would most likely Entertaining negative thoughts would prevent the pilots from focusing on the constructive thoughts that are necessary to execute the precise skillful movements required for successful landings. successful outcome cannot be overstated. and then act on that belief. If pilots were to entertain such foolish thoughts. pilots set their sights for the runway while they are communicating with the control tower. Just as they will line up their airplanes along a certain approach to the runway. Upon descent and before landing. When it comes to your health. the sheer weight of their distractive powers would most likely result in a crash. Pilots cannot entertain any unproductive thoughts that could possibly result in a negative outcome. and you want to get better. and If you come down with a respiratory infection or any other illness. as in flying. ~ Set your sights firmly on the goal of being healthy again. In the world of health and healing. refusing to allow any unhealthy thoughts of disease and suffering to distract you from your goal. and continue until the belief is firmly ingrained in your mind. Landing a plane is one of the most challenging and difficult aspects of flying any aircraft. believe that outcome is possible for you. Without the nourishment and fuel of positive thinking. focus your mind on being healthy again by implementing the following mental strategies: For example. to n Mentally repeat that you will get better. health and well-being. they have already focused their minds on a specific train of thoughts that entertain only a preselected sequence of decisions and actions importance Nowhere is the of this mental landing. Just like a pilot. Your healing system needs this positive thinking to function at its best and keep your body and a that will produce but all successful of ensue. the key role that your mind plays in determining a positive. Take medicines Continue to as needed. Avoid rich. to cotton ball. contact family members or friends inform them of your injury. Keep warm. or bandage. follow his/her orders cleansing and bathing of the wound. if you have a respiratory infection with a fever. Many people have used . mentally repeating this goal as often as you can. the same programming would apply. health medical If you care. sights on your goal of being healthy. fatty foods. set your * If you mental cut finger and are bleeding profusely. Get plenty of rest. Adapt your positive mental programming to fit the needs of your particular situation and condition. professional. Contact your doctor.The Power of Your Mind and Your Healing Syslem 145 * Make mental checklist of things you can do to get better soon. are seen by a concerning wound care. to and medical follow-up. Continue to set your sights on the the restoration of your health. a your checklist may look something like this: Call in sick for work. Once bleeding to has stabilized. Drink fluids. healing Mentally of your wound and repeat this goal as often as you can. only the checklist would your differ somewhat: Find a clean cloth. For instance. to Place your hand above your heart reduce blood pressure and bleeding. as Restrict activities needed assist the process of wound heal ing. and apply direct pressure the wound. seek immediate If the wound needs professional attention. stop worrying. She assisting other women with breast not to give in to hopelessness and despair. nutrition and natural a supplements that could build up her strength and resistance. She had read about other people over coming insurmountable odds to defeat their diseases. and HIV. chemo therapy. if it was possible for them. Because her life was on the line. Jan is totally cancer free and radiates a spirit of calm reassurance and optimism that is obvious to anyone who meets her. 30 years later. She was committed herself While to programming her mind in Jan was deciding to concentrate on positive way.146 Your Extraordinary Healing System programming successfully to overcome even serious health conditions. The following story is a good example of the powerful effects of positive mental programming. Jan began to focus more on a positive outcome. Jan decided to enlist the help of her mind to rid her body of this dreaded condition. After several months. and radiation. and develop a better sense of humor. she was given only six months to live. Practicing several mental techniques that helped her relax. she might be able to do it. Jan has cancer. positive mental Jan’s Story Jan diagnosed with breast cancer. and stamina coming into her body. heart disease. With these obvious physical signs of improvement. and she began to actually believe she might be able to follow in the footsteps of others who had similarly overcome spite of the mastectomy she had and the weighing heavily against her. She did all this in were odds that come to realize the tremendous selflessly cancer. slow down. her atti tude improved. she began to feel more energy. vitality. and even though she went through the grueling treatments of a radical mastectomy. Today. Rather than giving up all hope and becoming another cancer statistic. She has long outlived the doctors who first pro nounced her death sentence. multiple sclerosis. she plunged headfirst into researching how she could possibly turn her health around. . and she thought that. encouraging volunteers her time in them healing power of her own mind. even though at that time the idea of a healing system was virtually unknown. Through her difficult journey. including cancer. too. she also began reading books on how her thoughts and attitudes could stimulate healing mechanisms deep within her body. the media. peers. constructive thoughts and positive mental attitudes. the mind. many peoples’ lives were affected are this limited view. common belief. but for hundreds of years. For example. ‘When beliefs become heavily invested with a lot of time and energy. and even mil lennia. in a well-known study that looked at Harvard University graduates over a 25-year period. Of course. the belief was that the world was great energy as if true. even though they might not be help to shape the way you think and view the world. in medieval Europe. even when they are wrong. and that if you sailed too far out to sea. tissue. and as such they can play a major determining your health. far better survival statistics. the more powerful that belief becomes. they can work to your advantage. we now know that not true. Beliefs often gain strength over time. to use the Infusing Your Healing System Beliefs are with Positive Beliefs we powerful thoughts that hold onto and invest with they were true. your colleagues. gender. including family and friends. Your beliefs flat. powerful thoughts. and age. the books you read. community. Beliefs can be passed down from one generation to the next. and reported enjoying much better health at the end of the 25-year study period than those who reported their health as only fair or poor. Beliefs can signifi cantly influence the performance of your body’s healing system through the powerful messages they send to every organ. and life sustain ing.The Power of Your Mind and Your Heahng System 147 body’s greatest ally in healing. you would fall off the this belief was edge by of the world. before Christopher Columbus’s historic voyage in 1492. but. to strengthen and fortify their healing systems through the cultivation of life-affirming. role in Beliefs constructed of . Your beliefs are also reinforced and influenced by many factors. If your beliefs are positive. and your own personal thoughts and unique life experiences. letting go of them and changing them is difficult. rather. healthy. and cell in your body. reli gious preferences. For example. covering centuries. The more people who share in a similar. those who believed their health was good or excellent at the beginning of the study had significantly fewer illnesses and diseases. and often they are backed by the collective support of many people. including your education. They can extend far back in time. and reinforce your positive belief about your health. can actually interfere with the performance of your body’s healing system and can result in harm to your body.” Choose Refuse to o entertain beliefs that oppose your positive belief about your health. going for regular exercise. For example. whenever you can. get ting adequate sleep and rest. If you have who can a Avoid people who and oppose your pes simistic. first saying it out it. optimistic people positive belief about your health. and so on. and massages once a week. “The brain writes prescriptions for the body. unsupportive doctor. Again. Examples might be “I believe I can be healed. your thoughts and beliefs can create the internal chemistry within your body that constricts the coronary arteries in your heart and shuts tions . If you sustain such beliefs over a sufficient time period. Such activities might include eating healthy food. ing o it over over again often as participate in activities that nur ture. receiving Read books. o Write down your positive belief and then loud to yourself. as You may choose many positive health beliefs as you desire.148 Your Extraordinary Healing System The following approaches positive a will help you infuse your healing system with beliefs: o positive belief that supports your goals of improved health.” or “I am becoming strong and healthy. watch movies. if you think long and hard about getting cancer. which are based on fear and pessimistic projec concerning your health. they can even become self-fulfilling prophecies. Eliot’s famous words. and whispering as repeat it. find one be more optimistic o encouraging. positive belief. If you think long and hard about getting a heart attack. you may be contributing to the physiological processes that will create a toxic internal cellular envi ronment that can actually cause cells to mutate and manifest in cancer. support. and then mentally repeat you can. Negative beliefs. o Seek out and surround who reinforce your o yourself with positive. recalling Dr.” this is only common sense. Transforming Negative Beliefs into Positive Beliefs Entertaining not and holding onto beliefs that will enhance your health be easy. you can succeed by following the strategies described in this chapter. and there are many of the virus and the disease. many people who have overcome serious. life-enhancing beliefs and incórporat ing an optimistic view of the world into your beliefs. scientific research in these a which can contribute actual heart attack. An example of the power of positive beliefs is evident in the story of AIDS. this result was due largely to the fear and dread these individuals associated with the mysterious elements people are better informed and not so only has HIV lost its diag nostic shock value. More than the actual virulence of the virus. In fact. For the most part. When AIDS was first discovered. large number of studies mind-body interactions already in the med mental ical literature confirm the reality of these destructive processes. Basketball superstar Magic Johnson is one such example. Some of the more commonly reported of these negative . but rather through people becoming empowered to fight back and reclaim their health through a change in their beliefs about HIV. this change has come about not so much through breakthroughs in miraculous medications. negative beliefs they had harbored about themselves and their bodies since child hood. Now. but the long-term survival rates and quality of life also have improved dramatically among people who are HIV positive. fearful about HIV and AIDS. The good news is that many new studies are now show ing that you can transform and overcome these negative influences by focusing more on positive. life-threaten afflictions did so by discovering that the roots of their physical ing suffering were anchored in the muck of unhealthy. just the diagnosis of being HIV positive was enough to kill a person. Not others. However. Even is still though relatively new. especially if you were raised in a family or environ may ment that taught and encouraged negative beliefs.The Power of Your Mind and Your Healing System 149 down the blood to an supply to your heart muscles. Of those who have successfully healed themselves. After just 4 Although Josh was in his mind refused to months. self-destructive thoughts and related behaviors such as smoking. something buy into his death sentence. drug abuse. and taking unnecessary risks that lead to acci dents and injuries. These negative beliefs and behaviors are not unlike those that would cause people to end their lives by putting a bullet in their brains or jumping off of a bridge. As he set about changing his diet and lifestyle. staying in abusive relationships. Josh took a leave of absence from school to concentrate on his deeper healing. healthier individuals.” “You need to be punished for suffer and have pain. but. overeating. many have been able to look back on their diseases as gifts that helped them transform mentally. stronger. or from the Josh’s Story sophomore year of college. He did not say much to others. emotionally. and taking the time to listen to his intuition.” “You do not deserve love. Fewer than 12 people in the entire world had had this type of tumor. The physical cures were merely side benefits they enjoyed along the route of the deeper healing that occurred. malignant brain tumor. Josh was diagnosed with a rare. He believed in his heart that his body could heal itself. drinking. They needed to let go of the deeply ingrained. to even In his with the best treatment that conventional medicine had offer.” happy. and spiritually into more vibrant. Josh vowed to defy the statistics. a CT brain scan showed that his tumor had indeed grown . and no one had lived longer than a year after the diagnosis was made. For many love is if you get ill. His type of tumor carried a poor prognosis.150 Your Extraordinary Healing System beliefs are these: “You deserve are a “You do not to be to your sins. initially devastated by the news. The following story is a dramatic example of the power of the mind and how one person healed himself by transforming and overcoming his negative beliefs. reducing his stress. having unsafe sex.” or “The only way bad receive attention people healing physical aspects of their diseases meant expunging the dis ease at its psychological roots. secretly inside.” “You deserve you can person. negative beliefs that led to a lifetime pattern of unhealthy.” who have overcome serious illnesses. Belief #1: I am lovable to just as I am. inspirational TV programs. His doctors was were amazed and told him tumor to keep doing to whatever he doing.The Power of Your Mmd and Your HeaI~ng System 151 a little smaller. Josh’s tumor longer detectable recurred. himself. After 18 months. rather than what is suggested beginning. to to as but he believes that healing mechanisms and overcome Because your body is programmed mands. the tumor still had not elated. Josh counsels his patients on their attitudes while he edu cates them about their mind and the power of their beliefs to improve the quality of their health. In the positive beliefs. prayers. . After 9 months. Belief #2: I deserve be happy. internal He is living proof diagnosis. healthy ones is optimistic beliefs can activate incurable diseases. gently but firmly shift your focus to four core beliefs. Four Basic Positive Beliefs ‘Whenever you find yourself falling prey to negative beliefs. healthy. 6 months was no after he should have been dead. it is imperative to begin now obey your mental com positive. Once these beliefs beliefs to are solidly embedded. Now a doctor scan. infuse your healing system with the positive energy it needs to function at its best. motivational videos. on the CT was Josh Three years later. mantras. and fulfilled in my life. compassionate and wise counselors. program your mind to Josh and many others and healers. in turn. including self-improvement books and tapes. embrace beliefs.) You need to reinforce these four basic beliefs and drive deep into your subconscious mind and body. the had shrunk less than one-third of its original size. life-affirming Many methods and techniques are available to help you do this. but he wasn’t surprised. positive. Josh is not against conventional medical when a treatment to increase the odds of a a successful outcome patient is faced with difficult the transformation of negative beliefs into that imperative. keep it simple by using no more own than them four. they will attract other positive your mind and. uplifting quotes and sayings. however. and supportive doctors have done. genuinely helpful friends and supportive peer groups. like driving a railroad spike solidly into the ground with a sledge hammer. (Note: You may want to substitute your here. and then c~i a small card. at your office.” are gener ally kept strictly personal and private. and shift into smoothly and efficiently for you. you bring it back on a constructive track that will strengthen and nourish your healing If you follow this strategy faithfully. high gear to perform Stimulate Your You Healing System with Positive Self-Talk probably have seen and heard homeless people in the streets of our cities. the first thought that probably pops into your head is that they are crazy! The irony is that you and I also talk to ourselves. where you’ll see them several times a day. “You jerk! You messed up again!” Your self-talk can have a huge impact on the health of your body and your healing system. D beliefs. Keep them on your bathroom mirror. Write the beliefs down on to yourself. Our internal dialogues. in your car. Examples of self-talk include the times when you mentally pat yourself on the back and say. unlike those of “crazy street people. we usually do so quietly. you will see how vibrant and alive your body will feel as it responds to your new mental com mands. Through these positive. or if your so mind strays from your goal of improved physical system. or negative mode. every day of our lives. can that whenever you catch your mind in pessimistic. your healing system will awaken. doubting. The only difference is that when we talk to ourselves. “Good job! well done!” or when you criticize yourself and say. and mental health. Self-talk generates thoughts that create . Upon seeing them. Belief #4: My body has My body a healing be system. arise. talking out loud to themselves. These private dialogues are known collectively as self-talk. life-affirming beliefs. n or in any place Record the beliefs Memorize the a on a tape recorder or on a message machine. fearful. and it knows how to wants to healthy. loud. in the silent chambers of our own minds.152 Your Extraordinary Healing System Belief #3: heal itself. first out n Begin repeating these beliefs silently throughout the day. life-enhancing influence on system. and suffering. negative self-talk can sabotage and weaken your body’s defenses from the inside as it creates toxic chemical imbalances that can lead to degenerative diseases. healthy. worry. Most impor tantly. strategies. which is based on an optimistic mental attitude that sees problems as challenges and fosters a more nerve internal positive outlook on life. resilient such themes healing system and robust good health. can create and maintain a strong. Therefore. on the one hand. and unhealthy diets and lifestyles. enthusiasm. Numerous techniques. positive self-talk. Negative self-talk contributes to poor personal hygiene. it tears down your body’s health. and it exerts a positive. can be very destructive. Negative self-talk creates tension and a feeling of heaviness in your body. generosity. fear. ill ness. low self-esteem. it can create both physical and mental problems. sarcasm. creativity. uplifting. cynicism. resentment. More dangerous than most external agents of disease. jealousy. unhealthy thoughts while reinforcing positive. is usually based on the fol lowing themes: anger. Negative self-talk. While you are engaging in positive self-talk. hatred. beauty. guilt. . negative self-talk interferes with the performance of your healing system. when it becomes habitual or continuous. You are in control of your thoughts and the master of your own internal dialogues. Alternatively. hopelessness. futility. health. you can stimulate your healing system and improve the quality of your health and life by carefully censor ing negative. which focuses on negative thoughts and what is wrong with your life. grief. love. Negative self-talk. compassion. and activities are available to help you program your mind into the language of positive self-talk. revenge. life-affirming thoughts. and healing. shame. centers on as hope. blame. sorrow. your own corner man in the heavyweight boxing championship fight for your life. pessimism. optimism. Positive self-talk. inspiration. By sending unhealthy messages to your body. self-criticism.The Power of Your Mind and Your Healing System 153 impulses that alter and modif~r the physiological workings and chemistry of your body. appre ciation. own your you healing are your cheerleader. on the other hand. negative self-talk sends self-destructive messages to your body that interfere with your healing system. chronic. sadness. as well. and wise people in whom you can confide helpful to inspire positive self-talk. Being uplift look up to and admire. I am getting better and better!” Affirmations are not only life affirming and health enhancing when practiced over time. Muslim. including Native American. Christian. An example of a rather well-known affirmation is “Every day. can help o Audiotapes: authors to can Books be tape and recordings from inspirational powerful tools to help you reprogram your mind on focus more on positive self-talk. There are many wonderful uplifting and inspiring chants from nearly every culture. Chanting: are Sufi. sculpture. but they can be comforting and reassuring in the short run. until they Chants are driving in your car or while you deeply ingrained in your psyche. family. Art and literature: o Being and around great works of art. They are similar to songs. including out of the paintings. in an environment where you feel warmth. Jewish. African. and Buddhist.154 Your Extraordinary Healing System Here are a few of the more well-known techniques that have worked for many of my o patients: Affirmations: These are positive. knowing they care for and inspire your self-talk to be more positive. get you rut of negative self-talk and make you realize that there is more to life than pain. o Friends and family: and trusted elders also can be very around people with whom you feel safe. are You can listen to affirmations are in tape form while you at o home. . and acceptance. can can Spending quality time with friends. affirmations eventually become automatic and easily accessible to you when you need them. life-affirming statements that you can verbally or mentally repeat continuously until they become deeply ingrained in your subconscious. uplifting and inspiring affirmations or prayers that are rhythmical and melodic in form. in every way. Chants for health and healing can help you shift out of unhealthy nega tive self-talk into the beneficial realm of positive self-talk. and with those you you. writings. and sorrow. suffering. Participating in the arts can help bring you one step further into the positive realm. Aboriginal. Hindu. With continuous repeti tion and practice. affection. but simpler and more focused in their purpose. hypnosis is allow another person to take over or control your mind. and to reroute your thoughts feelings away from what is not working in your life to what is working. Many successful people. but. including Oprah and Winfrey. most therapists teach self-hypnosis. Rather. Contrary to popular fears and myths. Most mantras from the East Indian tradition. specialized mantras that can be very effective also exist for health and is Healing Mantras healing. enjoyable activities will Hobbies and entertainment: These about time. Some mantras are known to be very powerful because they not only help infuse your mind with positive energy through contempla rhythmical.The Power of Your N1~r~d a~d Your Heahng System 155 ~ down all your thoughts and feelings about the things in your life you are grateful for can be an effective way to help you shift your focus from seeing a glass that Gratitude journal: Writing is half empty to one that is half full. Effective mantras for healing should be short. It is difficult to talk negatively to activity ~ that you yourself when truly enjoy. their sounds can life-enhancing vibratory energies in your brain and nervous system. Many people have found hypnosis to be one of the safest and most effective methods available for quit ting smoking. through repetition. but you can adapt any phrase or expression that has meaning for you from your own native language. come either silently or out loud. negative self-talk into an internal dialogue that is much more positive and helpful. a tech nique that shows you how to tap into the hidden powers of your not own safe and does subconscious mind so that your mind can align itself with your ~ body and work with your can healing system. and melodic. to tion of their activate certain meaning. keep ~ a gratitude journal. you are engaged in a creative Hypnosis: Hypnosis is another tool that many people have suc cessfully applied to aid their mental reprogramming of habitual. help they will allow your mind to be absorbed you forget in constructive thought and positive self-talk. You can use mantras for specific occasions and circumstances. facilitate easy repetition. by Thomas . are Mantras: We liken mantras to prayers and chants that repeated continuously. An excellent resource for mantras Ashley-Farrand. illness. in his classic book The Power scientific studies that document the health- enhancing benefits and effectiveness of prayer. Reading: Reading uplifting. or people who are wheelchair bound. manage your stress. Sports and games: These can help you develop confidence in your body’s ability to move and perform like an athlete. In his two books. are techniques with sci entifically proven benefits not only for health and healing.156 Your Extraordinary Healing System o Music: Singing. are now competing on an international level to o demonstrate that disease. Self-improvement books can also be of great help. futility and depression. In every tradition of the world. inspirational books. o of Thinking. but also in the high-performance. physically demanding world of Visualization and imagery: These mental . By providing a “senior partner” or “higher authority” to consult with. can help you focus your self-talk more on the positive aspects of your life. listening to and playing music. prayer is universally recognized for its ability to lift people out of the mundane quagmire of hopeless ness and despair. as well as on our health. prayer can serve as a vehicle to take the pressure off your life. Nature: o Immersing yourself and your senses in the beauty and mystery of nature can have a dramatically positive effect on your Norman Vincent self-talk. including auto biographies of great people who struggled against adversity and overcame major obstacles. remove your fears and worries. and dancing— especially when it accompanies chanting and singing uplifting songs and sacred music—can help uplift your mind while they improve your self-talk. Engaging in negative self-talk is difficult when your mind is occupied in positive musical activities. Larry Dossey Prayer: Positive cites numerous Peale. Healing Words and Prayer is Good Medicine. and often be o activity restrictions of mind and can overcome with the help of positive self-talk. even in the face of devastating terminal illness and major life-threatening events. limita are more a state tion. and shift your self-talk into o a more positive mode. Dr. describes the positive impact that prayer has on our thoughts and minds. Even people with serious handicaps such as amputations of both legs. known the control group. and promote measurable improvement in your physical health.The Power of Your Mind and Your Healing System 157 professional sports and international athletic competition. In nearly every large percentage of those receiving the placebo. you can help produce a significant positive shift in your internal dia logues. role in the functioning of your healing to system. half of study known is launched to test the usefulness of as drug. These changes than can be measured and There is are real. that the mind has the power make these changes Emotions and Your Emotions are Healing System packets of mental and physical energy that move through and attempt to move out of your body. much like a river whose water steadily moves toward its greater destiny of the ocean. stimulate your healing system. your endocrine system. and study pill both groups believe their of this type. Both groups are told what expect from the new drug. the without the drug. they way to just a figment of the imagination. and as your pancreas and reproductive organs. adrenal glands. as During emotional thyroid. the the patients. to which is pill that contains no drug at all. Your emotions have and they play an integral profound impact on your physical health. new the experimental group. The ful placebo effect is a scientific principle on that demonstrates just how power a an influence your mind has observed your body. potentially a new a useful drugs. possible explain the to placebo effect other happen by acknowledging in the body. By using the visual and imaginative powers of your mind. pituitary. parathyroid. which means to move out. The placebo effect is unique phenomenon When a during clinical trials for new. will report physical changes new are consistent with those expected no from the drug being not tested. will receive placebo. The word emotion comes from the a root emote. a pill contains the new drug. will as receive pill that contains a drug. powerful hormones are released into well . Your emotions are connected which includes your pineal. while a the other half. experiences. serenity. to prevent illness. For example. exists that suppressing emotions can be damaging to your health and your body’s healing system. increase blood pressure. Repressing emotions goes against the natural laws of the universe that require the natural energy of emotions to move out of your body conscious expression. and affect lung and kidney function. peace. especially when you are feeling frightened. When you are in touch with how you feel. but you can see what a profound effect they can have on your heal ing system. Feelings of loneliness and isolation create stress. isolated and lonely. to is these times. or under stress. your adrenal glands release epinephrine (adrenaline). understanding what they are and what they mean. contentment. Because they release powerful hor . These are just a few of the more commonly known hormones associated with your emotions. either feel ing exuberant joy or intense fear. All of these functions critical your healing system. dia betes. including heart disease. Cortisol. when you are in a highly excitable state. can have harmful repercussions on Clear evidence now your healing system. most medical experts are now recommending that. Being in touch with your feelings. autoimmune diseases. is also produced in response to certain emotions. you usually feel energized and alive. Some healthy feelings are joy. which. happiness. it is important to get in touch with your feelings. acceler ate heart rate. Numerous studies have shown that who to seek people continuously suppress their emotions are more likely to fall prey to serious illnesses. satisfaction. and love. which can constrict blood vessels. which also released at can suppress your immune are function. angry. is important for the health of your healing system. you tend to feel separated from life. Other studies have shown that people who are able to access their feelings and express themselves enjoy better health and greater longevity. Insulin.158 Your Extraordinary Healing System your bloodstream from these various organs. and then learn to express them in healthy ways. and other chronic conditions. cancer. Rather than suppressing your feelings and emotions. hypertension. and these hormones have far-reaching effects on your body and your healing system. Healthy feelings create sensations of comfort and ease in your body. if sustained. When you are out of touch with your emotions. which regulates sugar metabolism. whatever they are. pain. Under these circumstances. Many people have experi or strokes because of their intense anger. Anger is the most notorious aspect of emotional baggage that. Releasing your emotional baggage by learning to let go of stored up negative feelings. we hold and contain pression often suppress them. sup of so-called negative emotions can be harmful. Anger leads to resentment. and rage. the most powerful feelings are located in our bodies. Seemingly insignificant events can backflow of enced fatal heart attacks that has often trigger this stored-up anger. hostility. Feelings just are. anger can cause damage to your body’s internal environment. emotions are Getting up and Rid of Emotional emotions that Baggage Unhealthy a cause a big mess. Many of the horrendous crimes . there are really no negative feelings or emotions. if not released from your body. can be detrimental to your health. Of course. particularly your blood vessels and cardiovascular system. The problem occurs when we do not release these emotions. unhealthy emotions that are not released from your body can create toxic chemistry in your body’s internal environment that interferes with your healing system’s performance. Because extremely beneficial to the health of your they can keep your healing system many years. for years and not been appropriately released piled up Anger can also erupt explosively and violently at the drop of a hat. and they cannot be judged on any level by anyone. espe cially when we acknowledge and release them from our bodies in a timely and sensible manner. will help to lighten the burden that may be dragging down your body and making it sick. such as old resentment and anger. and vibrant and strong for healthy feeling of allis love. released from your body can pile Like lugging around too much baggage.The Power of Your Mind and Your Healing System 159 mones. or are not having garbage that begins to smell and fester. and sadness. onto as we discussed before. can be appropriate and beneficial. if it is suppressed and allowed to build up over time. but rather. these feelings are body’s internal environment. Even anger. causing great harm to yourself or others. though this probably sounds like a contradiction. hatred. jealousy. generally considered to be “negative” emotions. Healing or occurs when the roots of these exposed and then released from your unhealthy body. well as mental instability. most notably. on. To further you release anger and emotional try the following activities: help baggage. Once anger is expressed and released appropriately. (There is a saying among behavioral scientists: “You jealousy. and this sensation.” in severe forms of depression and mental illness.160 Your Extraordinary Healing System and wars in the world can be traced back to this inappropriate expression Prolonged. Here are a few tips for releasing unhealthy emotional baggage: and allowed so-called “frozen has been a Close your eyes and notice any sensation of discomfort in your chest. . and move through the pain. anger a name a that relates to a so feeling. and it is are. they are sorrow. whether a Allow yourself to feel’ the full extent of your feelings. stomach and abdomen. a Shout your loud negative car at the top of your lungs everything related to emotional experience while you are driving in your with the windows rolled up (so nobody can hear you). feel. Do your best to put (“I feel sad”). resentment. pain. If you can release your anger. or in any other part of your body. shame. This is why it is imperative to release anger appropriately and prevent its unhealthy buildup. feel the pain. creating emotional volatility as are of anger. creating a double burden to your healing system. by coincidence that insane people buried and still referred to as “madmen. or anger. Try to understand what caused it. are mad. on such as sadness (“I feel angry”).” Anger that is never to come out. implicated Anger wastes energy and may cause actual damage to your body. love. you might a want to Write down all you ence want about your until you feel you have out negative emotional experi expressed all you need to say. continuous anger disturbs the mind. other emotions are often discovered. you were. sadness.”) cannot a heal what you cannot Speak aloud or write down the name of this sensation or feeling. See whether there might be other feelings underneath this one that may be encouraging the expression of this feeling. deep anger. guilt. you can dis cover the most important emotion of all. ‘When you not angry. ” In the . This process Remember that the word emotion unhealthy which can be cathartic and healing. live longer and suffer from fewer diseases. and extend to every human heart. but its true origins emanate from the mysterious depths of your own heart. * If you’ve gone tears beyond the anger to feel your pain. including lifting weights or aerobics. wise beginning to acknowledge the accuracy of this view. Moving from the word emote.The Power of Your Mind and Your Healing System 161 * Take pillow as often and as hard as you like. Thanks to new medical research. (I suggest you do this in a room or a plastic baseball bat and strike a area * where no one can disturb you. Love can be awakened by outside forces. the can your release of pain while you cry be extremely beneficial for your healing system. is connected it to the creative forces of the universe. your body can often help to move out anger and other emotional baggage or of your body and be released. and suffering. artists. comes means to move out. “Love is the most powerful known stimulant of the human immune system. and energy for your healing system. or punch or kick a punching bag. while repeating out loud an angry. even in the face of devastating disease and life’s most horrendous trials. Love Love is the most powerful and is the greatest of nourishment. there is healing. Bernie Siegel. poets. Studies now show that people who report having more love in their lives. exist tribulations. Love:The Most Powerful Emotion of All important emotion in the world. Under these circumstances. mystics and philosophers. you may notice flowing automatically from your eyes as you feel and release pain. and vice versa. It source strength. ‘Where there is love. even if that love is coming oniy from their pet dog or cat. emotionally charged phrase that is appropriate to your anger. In the words of Dr. scientists and doctors are now Since the dawn of civilization. and for this reason can beyond the borders of your mind and body. and healers have all declared that love is the most powerful healing force in the world.) Perform any other physical activity. while you focus on releasing anger and other emotions. men and sages. * Seek professional counseling therapy. love all fears and doubts. He eventually went on to com pletely heal himself. Start entertaining your pets. Laughter can relax the proven to have tremendous an like elixir on . from a health standpoint. you have tried everything else you! and nothing has helped you so far. mind. you feel happy and joyful.162 Your Extraordinary Healing System words of The American Holistic Medical Association’s charter dec laration. they overate. What they did right. Humor and laughter also activate the body’s natural pain-control mechanisms that release endorphins and enkephalins. working your healing system. This was the case with Norman Cousins. who. it’s time to get out your emotional shovel and start digging through the layers of garbage your thoughts of love for yourself. If you can’t find anything. powerful opiate like neurochemicals produced by the brain. and eternal. In fact. and Continue to focus on you. did everything wrong. Keep digging until you reach it. eradicating all traces of illness from his body by following this prescription of laughter. however. “Love is the most powerful medicine in the world!” overcomes Love is stronger than fear. they drank. remember this. or spirit. to whoever and whatever is near and dear that may be covering There you will find love up your heart. ever generous. If healing. powerful. he got two hours of pain-free sleep. Whenever fears and doubts get the better of you. and beyond. while suffering from a painful. They smoked. well-known author of Anatomy of an Illness. who. try love. Love is the essential nature of your soul. was learn how to laugh and not take life or them selves too seriously. It will heal Laughter and Humor Are the Best Medicine When you are laughing. immedi ately shift your attention to loving thoughts. This positive mental and emotional state has been clinically and scientifically health-enhancing effects on your body. incurable condition. family and friends. When you are in pain and feeling bad. I’ve met people well into their eighties. timeless. discovered that after just 15 minutes of solid belly laughter while he watched comedy movies. and they didn’t exercise. that which you love. as it has always been: ever comforting. nineties. either in body. your healing system tends to bog down and function poorly. or a Disney animated movie to watch by yourself if or to you live alone. or either in person TV * Read the comic section and “funnies” regularly in the newspaper. * your Play with children to as often as possible. and energy are shunted away from your body’s internal organs and dispatched to the large muscles of move ment in your arms and legs so you can fight or flee. but energize and activate your healing system. Under these conditions. * Remember let out the child within you. which initiates the fight-or-flight response. local amusement or theme park as often as possible. try the following prescription: to strengthen your sense of ~ Watch times a comedy movies or comedy seen television shows one to two week. nutrients. and humor. grandchildren. Repeated stress can . shows with your children. Blood flow. I highly recommend it. star ring * Robin Williams. nutrients. or on Watch standup comedians. If you haven’t the movie Patch Adams. Go to Disneyland or Disney World. Stress and Your Stress interferes Healing System performance of your significantly with the body’s healing nervous system.The Power of Your Mind and Your Healing System 163 only neutralize the effects of the fight-orflight response. Stress stimulates and activates your sympathetic system. and with diminished blood flow. mind and body and not A Humorous Rx To increase your laughter and fun. * Watch cartoon or rent friends. which response is activated. as well. This is why well-known physicians such as Drs. Patch Adams and Bernie Siegel advocate the health-enhancing benefits of laughing reg ularly and cultivating a sense of humor in your life. and energy. healing and repair mechanisms are put on hold. Recall that when the fight-or-flight causes released. adrenaline is excitation and increased activity in your body. comedy books and magazines. the world. today far more information is coming at us from more have directions. Stress-management techniques activate the “relaxation response. to remain alone or isolated for long periods is stressful. and creating inflammatory lesions in the stomach and intestines. resulting the pace of life increases around in hurried and frenzied activity. Information overload is stress for more people than ever before. Although there has always been stress associated with the human condition. Stress and management techniques strategies can help your body regain . which can over whelm us.” Because man is inherently a social creature. Prisons apply this principle when they subject troublesome prisoners to solitary confine ment as the ultimate form of discipline and punishment. Because of the potentially damaging effects and negative influence of stress on your healing system. It is dif decide which information is important and which is not. and of isolation understand the that can reverse the effects of chronic. at a rate much faster Your life often depends based cates more on correct prompt and responsible action information. Stress creates more work for your healing system and can overtax your body’s heal ing resources. a sense Another definition of stress is of isolation: isolation from friends. We can perhaps better stress by examining the popular saying “No man is an island. community. learning how to rest. and manage stress effectively is critical to your health. This isolation may have nothing to do with physical location. people lonely. family. your self. or your higher Self.” which completely neu tralizes and disarms the fight-or-flight response. and too much information compli on taking and confuses this process. and to ficult than in the past. One definition of stress is information overload—too much information coming into our lives too quickly.164 Your Extraordinary Healing System damaging effects on your body such as elevating blood pressure to dangerous levels. These techniques work with your healing system to help activate repair mechanisms can feel isolated. relax. seems to creating Stress also us. Even in the middle of a sprawling metropolis such as New York City. restricting blood flow to the heart. stress-related diseases. disconnected. The increased speed increase as and pace of our modern lifestyles contributes to more tension and stress around us as we rush to meet more deadlines for an increasing number of responsibilities and activities. and I also taught him a simple tech nique to help him relax and manage his stress. Conrad was placed in a progressive telecommunications company as a junior executive. but now they were losing their effectiveness and made him feel drugged and out-of-sorts.The Power of Your Mind and Your Healing System 165 and maintain its natural state of health and vigor. Conrad’s Conrad Story a ambitious young man who had always done well in school. Conrad is essentially symptom free. He had been placed on a regimen of corticosteroids. including a change in his diet. After just six weeks of relaxation training and practice. Sometimes he had abdominal pain that woke him from his sleep. and gastrointestinal antispasmodics. since high school. Conrad knows that relaxation and stress management are not an option. but rather a necessity for his continued good health. He told me that. Four years later. excellent . Having made the connection between his mind and his body and how stress can con tribute to his inflammatory bowel disease. Upon graduation from college. he was off all medications and had only an occasional flare-up. By the time Conrad came to see me on his twenty-eighth birthday. These medications initially seemed to help. These symptoms inter fered with his job performance and his personal life. I noticed that he appeared very agitated and restless. One year later. in addition to his physical symptoms. I recommended several lifestyle changes to Conrad. Conrad reported marked improvement in his condition. pain medications. except when life becomes particularly tense at home or at work. a position in which he received an excellent salary with many benefits. These symptoms intensified after he graduated from college. He was class valedictorian in high school and earned was highly grades in college. he had always been tense and couldn’t relax. When I saw Conrad. three specialists had already diagnosed him with inflammatory bowel disease. However. He worked long hours at his new job because he liked the work and wanted to make a good impression on his bosses. for as long as he could remember. The following story demonstrates the effectiveness of stress management in stimu lating the healing system. Conrad had experienced increas ingly disturbing digestive-system symptoms of gas and diarrhea. be assertive and face stress. Instead. particularly to when you practice them simple. to They encourage you to creative. or escaping through sex. courage change the things I can. reduce the Assertiveness and acceptance stress are powerful a more ways for you to your life. most of us have learned to resort to artificial means of relaxing. very few of us know how to do it. and wisdom know the difference:’ This wish involves both the acceptance to of certain limitations and realities in your life. food. your problems head on to reduce Being assertive requires think trust ing positively.166 Your Extraordinary Healing System Acceptance One and Assertiveness to Reduce Stress key to reducing stress in your life can be summed up in the famous use: serenity ity to prayer that many 12-step programs “God grant to me the seren accept the to things I cannot change. using to your resources. difficulties. have side effects. Living by this phi can losophy take to a tremendous weight off your shoulders. and the determination improve those aspects of your life that can can be changed. drugs. such as drugs or alcohol. and heeding the advice of those you effectively in discover and implement the best solutions for your problems. These substances create dependence. and effective. and it ways. or unhealthy help distractions such alcohol. or empower you better your life in myriad Rather than running various away from problems. and necessary growth experiences for higher good. Stress-Management The Methods and Techniques are following proven stress-management methods erful. other self-destructive and irresponsible behavior. as conflicts. Deep Relaxation most Reduce Your Stress ways to fortify your healing system is to by learning how to relax your mind and body. and ulti mately can be harmful to our . however. bodies. your life by enabling view problems chal educational opportunities. to gain temporary relief One of the powerful neutralize the effects of stress from the tensions and pressures around us. solution-oriented and difficulties as approach lenges. Because none of us were ever taught this skill. pow regularly. d and Your Hea~ng System 167 Relaxation is one of the most. Learning how to relax is as easy as learning how to drive a car. and calm and stabilize nervous-system activity. Relaxation helps to initiate healing mechanisms that operate deep within the organ tissues of your body. head. to ~ football game. Relaxation goes far sitting back with a six-pack of Budweiser and watching a doing that might be enjoyable.to 20-minute responsibilities to attend to—no no diapers to change. are not Note: Before you you will find it helpful to get a small tape recorder and record your voice as you read the remaining instructions proceed. during this 15. In the beginning. slowly and calmly. important first steps on the road to healing. relax that naturally calm and more powerful ways soothe both your mind and your body.The Power of Your M~r. You may need to place blari under your knees. While Secure you a 15- to 20-minute time slot for yourself during which can be quiet and alone. and all the systems in your body to cooperate with your healing system. ~ Make sure you won’t be disturbed no period.) on a might need earplugs are ~ Lie down bed or on on the floor. Make sure you pillows cold. making sure you in a comfortable kets or position your back. and back. (You headphones if it is noisy. Here’s a deep relaxation technique that is easy and effective: other. no stove or where you can oven to turn off. . improve immune functioning. your nervous system. Find a room close the door and to wear or be free from all distractions. After you have recorded this exercise. all it takes is a little practice. You can lie down and let your words guide you through deep relaxation any time you wish. Relaxation neutralizes and reverses the effects of stress and allows your mind. lower blood pressure. including the ability to reduce stress. out loud. phone or and that you have pager to answer. Relaxation is the foundation of other powerful mind-body tech niques that can support and nurture your body’s healing system. essential skill. you own will have your own relaxation tape. Relaxation has many proven benefits. and so it is impor tant to beyond Monday-night there are learn this invaluable. if not the most. Using your breath and the natural relaxation phase that occurs during each exhalation. the side of your body. o Relax all the muscles in your shoulders. forearms. body. When you pay close attention to your body and its breathing processes. fingers. abdomen. gently relax all the muscles in your feet and toes. o and o body. lower hips. When the breath flows out of your out it flows in and of your When the breath gently rise.168 Your Extraordinary Healing System o Keep your hands or facing inside o up. feel all the muscles in your body releasing tension and becoming more relaxed. o Relax all the muscles in your ankles. with your palms fold your hands on top of your stomach and along Gently close of your body. abdomen. and those on the top of your head. causing your stomach and abdomen o to rise and fall. including the area between your shoulder blades. Relax all the muscles in your ears. thighs. buttocks. and lower spine. and chest. and all the muscles around your eyes. and all the muscles in your face. area your eyes and bring your awareness Notice in the of your stomach and abdomen the that occurs slight up- and-down breath as movement with the movement of your body. wrists. . gently rate or contract. you can feel this relaxation phase quite distinctly. hands. (Note: A natural relaxation phase occurs in your body during each exhalation of the breath. flows into your body. stomach and abdomen o gently fall. Without trying to control the depth of this allow your mind to be a passive observer of the rhythmical flow of your breath as it moves in and out of your body.) o Now bring your awareness down to your feet and toes. o Relax all the muscles in your stomach. jaws. knees. o Relax all the muscles in the back of your neck and head. pelvic area. your movement. legs. as well as the muscles in your middle and upper back. your stomach and abdomen gently expand. Every time the breath leaves your body. arms. Relax your forehead. and fingertips. Other benefits of deep relaxation include the following: a You will feel more more relaxed peaceful from within. . deep relaxation is one of the most powerful techniques for strengthening your healing system. separate from you. • Without control the rate or depth or the movement. where breath is flowing in and out of your body through your nos trying to trils. throughout each day. let your mind and body relax completely. as notice the in and a gentle flowing out of your body at as movement of your breath it comes this were point. With these obstacles removed. Observe the breath As you continue to if it • observe your breathing for at least 5 tolO minutes. and you will feel even during difficult and stressful aware situations. Make sure not to rush to your next activ ity~ Take the experienced.The Power of Your Mind and Your Heaflng System 169 * Now the slowly bring your awareness to the tip of your nose. You will learn how stress more avoid unneces and how to manage effectively by remem bering your natural relaxed state. gently open your eyes and stretch your entire body. time to savor the calm and relaxed not an state or you have just Know that this is artificial contrived state. Because the healing system functions best in a quiet. brings the most effective benefits. After you complete this exercise. your healing system can perform more efficiently and effectively. Focus on remaining in this calm and relaxed natural state throughout the day. Practicing this exercise regularly Deep Relaxation Strengthens and Recharges Your Healing System How Deep relaxation processes in the quiets down the nervous system and slows metabolic body so that the healing system can do its work unim peded. until the next time you are able to do this exercise. • You will become much more of stressful situations and to their effects sary stress on your body. calm environment. but rather your natural state of being. anxious. most o anxiety. your breathing is disturbed and becomes more shallow and breathing Normally.170 Your Extraordinary Heahng System o You will become much more aware of the harmful consequences of such emotions be able to move fear and anger in your body. you will areas in a relatively short even Deep relaxation stimulates your healing deep internal processes of healing. Stress wastes energy and causes fatigue in your body. working with your breath is one of the most powerful stress-man agement modalities known. or improvement in these depression. Deep breathing increases lung capacity and builds up the strength of your respiratory system. system and activates deep and relaxation will benefit you in many ways. mentally. Efficient. we go about our activities without any awareness of our breathing. When deeper. creating more efficient breathing. Breathing to Reduce Your Stress Because your breath is the link between your mind and your body. If you suffer from likely see period of time. phobias. When you are mentally agitated. Releasing tension amounts o and becoming more relaxed frees up tremendous of natural energy in your body. your body from the air you breathe. As you can see. and you will through and release fear and anger much more as effectively and swiftly through o your ability to relax. you will experience o less pain through the practice of regular relaxation. relaxed . Relaxation eliminates tension and decreases pain. or under stress of any kind. the less fatigue you will experience in your life. which will result from practicing the simple yet powerful breathing techniques in this section. you couldn’t live. You will have more energy throughout your day. physically. without your breath. you are relaxed. emotionally. The more relaxed you are. Your existence depends on the continuous flow of oxygen that comes becomes slower and rapid. If you have a chronic medical problem that causes persistent pain. Improvement in your health occurs when you into your can breathe in a more relaxed and easy way. However. and tissue in your body. Notice that when the breath flows out body. Make you are absolutely free of all obligations and respon sibilities * during this time slot. Every time your blood the breath flows into your body. on You can a lie down your back as in deep relaxation. keep your eyes closed after you have read and familiarized your self with this technique. your brain and nervous system. more on 2. your stom * of your your stom ach and abdomen * gently contract and fall. Increased oxygenation of the blood means greater oxygen delivery to every cell. For maximum benefits. organ. which reduces overall mental and physical tension. observe this automatic movement out in your stomach and abdomen * your breath flows in and of your body. Make comfortable position. In a relieve Breathing Exercise ~ #1: Breath Awareness Find a quiet place sure where you can be alone for 10 tol 5 minutes. body. firm surface. both of these factors work synergistically to fatigue and create more energy in your body. . feel the oxygen from entering into the cells and tissues of your body. there is a calming effect powerful way. As your breath becomes efficient.The Power of Your Mind and Your HeaNng System 171 breathing brings these two in more energy for healing and regeneration for critical reasons: 1. and relaxed. Notice the gentle movement in your stomach and abdomen. smooth. you * Close your eyes and bring your awareness inside of your body.expand and rise.) * Notice that when the breath flows into your ach and abdomen gently . (You obviously will need to keep your eyes open to read the instructions for this exercise. Without continue trying to as to control the rate or depth of this movement. however. or you sure can sit in are chair in a or on any comfortable. improving the functioning and performance of your healing system. With improved breathing comes increased oxygenation of the blood. Keep this awareness of breath with you as often as possible. Have as your goal to prac tice this breathing exercise every day for at least 5 tolO minutes. feel your entire body and and peaceful. healthy. more when it is usually quiet. and serene. o and strengthening your healing system and entire Every time the breath leaves your body. If your schedule best time to build up to 30 minutes per day. Know that your stressed. Before you resume your normal activities. without trying to control the on rate or depth as of the movement of your breath. The do this exercise is in the mornings or evenings. slowly open your eyes. and alive with each breath o After breathing like this for 10 to 15 minutes. vibrant. or you sure can sit in are chair. your Every time the breath leaves becoming more relaxed. feel all the muscles in o Now direct your awareness to the tip of your nose. Notice its calming influence on your mind and its breath is energizing effect always available to or on your body. of your to o Gently close your eyes and bring your awareness inside body. focus o seeing the breath separate from you. Make you in a comfortable position. Again. tranquility in your mind becoming more calm. any firm surface. into every cell more 0 Feel the and tissue of your healing energy from your breath flowing body. the floor. Feel the power of this natural state of calm your entire body. as your body becomes your take.172 Your Extraordinary Healing System energizing body. fatigued at you should you begin to feel any time. or on as in deep relaxation. anxious. appreciate the power of your breath. Make you are absolutely your free of all obligations and respon sibilities o during on this time. Watch the breath as it flows in and out of your body. on You can a lie down back. ness body. your body becoming more relaxed. Sound Breathing Exercise o #2: Breathing with where you can Find a quiet place sure be alone for 10 tol5 minutes. (You obviously will need to keep your eyes open read . permits. a doing this technique correctly. but make you are comfortable with your breathing. Make sure you are comfortable with your breathing. make the sound “aahh. and whisper gentler.) ever.” which is the sound that the doctor asks you to make when he or she examines your from your throat. a Make this sound softer manner. • Make your breath smooth and flowing as you make this soft. a gently lengthen and slow your breathing as much as you can. how keep your eyes closed after yourself with this technique. allow the breath to flow in and out of your nose. which should feel like a gentle grating sensation in your throat. whispering sound. continue to “breathe with sound” in this fashion. next to that some sitting you wouldn’t be able to hear it. you will begin to feel more relaxed. and • Gently lengthen sure deepen the flow of your breath. grating sound. are . and focused in your mind and more energetic in your body. making it softer a Next. For maximum benefits. Continue to gently lengthen your breathing. a Keeping If you your eyes closed. making sure your breath is smooth and flowing as you make this soft. make this sound barely audible.The Power of Your Mind and Your Healing System 173 the instructions for this exercise. Make this sound is coming • Next. You can place one hand on the front of your neck in the throat area to check whether your vocal chords are vibrating. Make this sound on both inhalation and exhala tion. close your mouth while you continue to make this same gentle. Every time you breathe out. gentle sound. a you have read and familiarized Open your mouth and breathe in and out slowly. one as you continue to breathe in this so In fact. this same sound as you breathe. sure throat. peaceful. gentle. yet continue your throat area to focus on the sound coming from and vocal cords. and that you are not experi encing any sensations whatsoever of forcing or straining or dis Continue to comfort. Ujjayi Breathing purifies the nervous system and enhances the performance capabilities of your healing system. including heart disease. Children like to play a lot. The technique not only combats stress by helping to keep the mind calm and focused. when they play. ical. medita tion lightens the burdens of your past and future. This is a Meditation to Reduce Your Stress a simple yet powerful way to manage your stress. but it also improves lung capacity and respiratory function as it brings more energy into your body. Since then. numerous other studies have demonstrated the wide-reaching. Herbert Benson at Harvard University documented the beneficial therapeutic effects of meditation and its ability to lower blood pressure. Meditation occurs when you are not thinking about the past or the future. and you are just aware of what is happening in the here and now. It is natural and . and when done correctly. Meditation can help bring back the energy and enjoyment of life that you experienced as a young child. and AIDS. it can have a tremendous effect on your physical and mental well being. They may be hungry~ but they will completely forget about food because of their total absorption in their play. We have all experienced a meditative state at one time or another. This focused state is very much like meditation. As children. therapeutic benefits of medi tation and its ability to help heal many other serious conditions.174 Your Extraordinary Healing System o technique and these sensations for like. powerful yogic breathing technique from ancient India known as Ujjayi Breathing. and. In the early 1970s. even if only for a few brief moments. releasing pent-up energies and precious internal resources that are now available for your healing system to use. Meditation is not mystical or mag Meditation is ordinary. and in so doing help can strengthen your healing system. By relaxing your mind and helping focus your awareness in the present moment. gradually increasing to a maximum of 15 to Stay with this a as long as you at 30 minutes time. Dr. they are so intent on their playing that they are often not aware of anything else. we experi ence this state of mind much more frequently. It calm your mind and rejuvenate your body. cancer. movement as of your described with the previous breathing ~ exercises. let any thought go on mind. rather. The Dr~fring Thought-Clouds Meditation This is ~ a simple a meditation technique can that takes only a few minutes: Find quiet place sure where you be alone for 10 tol5 minutes. it will be inevitable that certain thoughts may come into your mind. any firm surface. fluffy cloud state of drifting by.) ever. Make you are absolutely your free of all obligations and respon sibilities ~ during on this time. ~ the instructions for this exercise. letting any that comes into your mind be like a soft and fluffy in and out of the windows in your room. will result in tremendous improvement in your health. * thought gently drifting Do not relax and observe your breathing. Continue cloud. important a find and needs. on You can a lie down back. it is own style or technique that suits following meditation is personal your offered as a sample of what is available to you. how you have read and familiarized Observe your breathing and the gentle breath as it flows in and out of your body. Rather than hold ing out * onto these thoughts are or these thoughts to soft and reacting to them.The Power of Your Mind and Your Healing System 175 There are many techniques to tastes for meditation. . just imagine that fluffy clouds gently passing in and of the windows in the room. or more if your schedule permits. or you sure can sit in are chair. Make you in a comfortable position. the floor. of your to read Gently close your eyes and bring your awareness inside body. (You obviously will need to keep your eyes open keep your eyes closed after yourself with this technique. let it disturb your peaceful. Meditating regularly for just 10 to 15 minutes a day. For meditation to work for you. relax and observe your As you continue that you are in a to breathing. imagine on room with very high windows either side. relaxed its way like a soft. or on as in deep relaxation. For maximum benefits. * As you breathe and continue to relax. This is especially true for thoughts about your health. When you become proficient at it. . in his book Healing Yourself also shares stories of numerous patients of his who healed themselves through the use of these specific techniques. By recognizing the tremendous imaginative power of your mind. and it can play a huge role in formance of your healing system while it its natural state of health. do this Visualization/Guided Imagery to Manage Your From the Stress and Help Strengthen Your Healing System to Wright Brothers Alexander Graham Bell and Thomas an Edison. Guided imagery and visualization are powerful techniques that have helped many people overcome such serious life-threatening ill nesses as cancer and heart disease by making use of the connection between their minds and bodies. and using the power of their imag inations for healing purposes. Dr. Medicine and Miracles. Your mind is a Imagination sows influencing the per helps your body maintain the powerful force. Dr. thoughts generated in your brain and directed to certain’areas of your body can exert a powerful effect on the physiology of that part of your body. For example. and whatever imaginative thoughts you dwell on can become a reality in your life. pioneer cancer specialist and radiation oncologist Dr. Marty Rossman. you can with your eyes open. In his classic book Love. idea that came from their minds. Your brain is a powerful. and demonstrate reversal of their diseases by using their minds to imagine their white blood cells removing the tumor cells in their bodies.176 Your Extraordinary Healing System You do this meditation whenever you feel yourself becoming anxious or tense. Bernie Siegel shares the stories of many of his cancer patients who also over came their diseases through the successful application and use of visualization and imagery techniques. you can learn to harness this power and focus the energy it generates to fortif. stimulate repair and regeneration of damaged tis sues. or when you are experiencing disturbing thoughts can even of any kind. Carl Simonton showed that many of his patients were able to successfully increase their immune system activity. metaboli cally active transformer of pure electrical energy. in the midst of other activities. all great inventors in the history of the world began with seeds of imaginative reality. 0. as a result.r and boost the effectiveness of your body’s healing system. Make sure you comfortable position and your breathing is slow and relaxed. the case of worrying. This is how your mind thinks and makes plans. for example. as it directs healing energies to Begin Guided-Imagery and Visualization Techniques best Guided-imagery and visualization techniques are performed with your eyes closed and when you are in a relaxed state. However. For this reason. it continually processes information by visualizing and imagining anticipated scenarios as you project yourself into the future. Visualizing or imaging can be an impor tant ally specific How to areas for your healing system of your body. learn to numerous studies have also shown that when their health will people harness the constructive forces of their minds and overcome the harmful habit of persistent worrying. When you feel your mind becoming calm and your body relaxed. Consider. In addition to high blood pressure and heart disease. introduce the specific imagery and visualization techniques that best suit your needs. fearfully the future and visually events to come. This process causes imagining worst-case anxiety~ which Stress results in the constriction of blood vessels and result in conges tion and accumulation of toxins in various parts of your body.The Power of Your Mind and Your Healing System 177 picture is worth a thousand words.” Because your mind thinks in terms of pictures or images. chronic worrying can inhibits the flow of vital bodily fluids. and it is one of the most natural and powerful things you do. this influence can work for you against you. Conversely. which has been shown ous to contribute to the formation of ulcers and numer other illnesses and diseases. and by this same process you can influence the You’ve no doubt heard the saying “A state or of your own health. and the breathing techniques are in a that you just read about in this section. Begin as you would with the deep relaxation methods. invariably your improve. projecting your mind into scenarios of increases stress. Please do not feel limited or restricted in any way by of suggested techniques listed here. Your body is influenced by your mental activities. Many wonderful styles imagery and visualization techniques are available from trained the few . Worry is the negative application of your imagination. it is vital that you learn how to use mind and the power of your imagination to improve your health and the quality of your life. Try to get to know it. just as you would with any other person. o yourself calmly and persistently speaking words of encour agement to your healing system and the other systems in your body under its supervision. and tell it anything you wish. until If you you set are completely at healed. for the practice of imagery threatening and day for 15 to 30 Positive o and visualization techniques.178 Your Extraordinary Healing System teachers and erence professional therapists. For serious. After system your or dialoguing on a more becoming personal level. and notes a hard hat on your head. as you monitor and make various internal organ systems. and from creative imagination. notice the first shape form in your mind. to make sure your body is function ing optimally and harmoniously. to from the books listed in the ref your own section of this book. Spend time carrying on a See conversation with it. closed and your awareness focused within. a day. heal from any affliction in your are currently trying body. you will realize the best results by practicing imagery and visu alization techniques regularly over an extended period of time. Your Imaging for Activating Healing System keep your eyes ‘While you are in a relaxed and serene state. standing in the interior of your in body. Hear its gentle and confident voice answer back to you. form that appears. Make sure you listen carefully to responses to your it whether it has questions and dialogue. o of your Allow an image of your healing system to or Without o judging. See . practicing these techniques once a minutes will be helpful. twice life-threatening conditions. to healing system about which you any area healing yourself gently directing of your body that needs healing see familiar with your are concerned. yourself speaking to your healing system. body’s o yourself with clipboard and pencil hand. You might want to a personal name and whether you could and ask use this o name in future communications with it. Ask your healing system any question. See See o yourself as very a small. For illnesses that are not life are less severe. to aside least 15 30 minutes. ~ Open your eyes when you are done. Pray the to Reduce Your Stress Prayer serves as a Prayer can open communication for you to dialogue with the wise and infinite powers of our sacred universe that exist outside as well as within most to man. style. The beauty of visualization and guided imagery is that they can enable you to gain incredible insights and access key infor This of what is available of your health. a Relax and take deep you finish this exercise. for prayer to work for you. and method with which you choose to pray. Further information about visualization and guided imagery is given in the resource section in mation about the state the back of this book. most universal. you have to be comfortable with the type of prayer you use. . In this capacity. a powerful powerful known stress-management tool. and most effective methods of stress reduction. Make a healing system for the work it is doing on your ~ point to meet again in the near future. about your ~ Write down any insights or thoughts experience.The Power of Your Mind and Your Healing System 179 ~ notes of your healing system’s progress as continue to encourage it to perform its tasks of repair and you restoration where they are needed in your body. one relieving lot of tension in the process. so that it can ~ Thank your behalf. See yourself making ~ Ask your healing system what it needs from you continue to do its job most efficiently. Prayer of the oldest. as well as the context. prayer offers you to a a way to hand a over your problems and stress and worries higher is power. body as you com maintaining positive feelings about what you breath as feelings and into your just visualized. visualization/guided-imagery technique is only a small to you. ~ Breathe life into these plete have ~ this exercise. You can modify and apply this sampling technique to suit any health condition that you would like to improve. perhaps one of channel of you. However. it is never too late to attempt to contact this divine source through honest and sincere prayer. Miracles can occur the of prayer. sorrow. or you. A crazy. Alternatively. or some other special entity. you can still learn and contact the loving. worries. No matter how embittered or cynical you might have become during your life’s journey. or the great unknown mystery of the universe that remains open and receptive to creative ideas. intelligent force and a to a higher power. force. to or even if you open your heart power that created you and sustains your very life. You often obtain tremendous insights and wisdom in this process. consider how you got on this earth and the fact that you are alive right now. In Dr. this fascinat ing study and others are discussed in great detail. or all three of these in sequence before you initiate the act of prayer. you might find it helpful to release your pain. and dis appointments. meditation. . Those are in themselves miracles! ‘Whether or not you have iation. a moun tain. To a large degree. sharing all your pain. its state registers and reflects what is going on in your life. In fact. so enhance your ability to receive a response to your prayers. You may do the same with a trusted wise counsel. to However. breathing. fears. Larry Dossey’s best-selling book Healing Words. which turn is a product of your mental habits and thoughts. make sure that you take a few moments to wait for wise counsel in response can your prayers when you have finished. When you do take the time to unburden your troubles particular religious or spiritual affil are an agnostic or an atheist. and the healing force of love that exists in your heart. the sky~ the stars. One study even showed who were prayed for from a distance when you do. insights. to higher powers are known to speak very softly and quietly. loved one. and fears to the ocean. tensions. problems. first calm your mind by practicing relaxation. Peace of Mind and Your Your Healing System of health in body does not operate in a vacuum. Many of these people didn’t even believe in God. or place in nature that comforts and reassures friend.180 Your Extraordinary Healing System Many strate scientific studies have now been conducted that demon clinical therapeutic efficacy improvement in people and didn’t know it. and gratitude naturally and spontaneously feelings produce powerful hormones and gentle. A peaceful mind is essential for a healthy body. one of the most important things you can do is to actively recruit your mind in this process by keeping it peaceful and calm. so. more harmonious internal environ body’s healing system. life-giving energy. conversely. These makes for ment a calmer. troublesome life. sooth ing nerve impulses that bathe and nourish your healing system in a flood of loving. depletes the body’s energies. along with the chapter’s other prescriptive elements. When your peace. too. and interferes with the performance of your healing system while it renders the body susceptible to illnesses and diseases depresses from both internal and external agents. If you want to effectively promote the work of your healing system. your mind’s natural state is one of peace. repeatedly triggers the fight-or-flight response. creating opportunities for a smorgasbord of potentially dangerous disorders that you to an can make your life miserable and efficiently A peaceful mind. the immune system. contributes your to a more early grave. These mood swings cause the release of potent hormones and strong chemical modulators that can wreak havoc on your body’s internal organs and tissues. like coaster or a an out-of-control roller furious tempest. creates a stress ful life. healthy body and harmonious internal environment in which healing at mind is system can work smoothly and efficiently. so too a peaceful and tranquil mind contentment. it can create violent mood swings that can upset your body’s internal balance. born of a disturbed mind. . but it will be well worth the effort. arise. When your mind is disturbed. A disturbed mind opens the door for a plethora of diseases to enter your body. Keeping your mind calm and relaxed may take some training if you have forgotten what it is like to be peaceful. happiness. Just as your body’s natural state is one of health. feelings of love. The stress-management techniques described in this chapter. smoother. creates chronic physical tension. Just as a calm sea makes for smoother travel for any ship. Your healing system under these conditions. provide the most powerful. and you are relaxed and tranquil. time-proven methods to help you achieve and maintain this most for your valuable of all possessions.The Power of Your Mind and Your Healing System 181 chaotic. creates a quite possibly take cannot possibly operate relaxed. life-threatening illness. optimistic. you can. and strengthen your healing system. the energy and power of your extraordinary to healing system. You’ll and how. nourish. If you or a loved one is currently battling a major. but to reap their benefits. The practical strategies. so they will become a part of your daily routine and lifestyle. too. and exercises prescribed in this chapter are based on proven clinical experience. The next stress chapter as will reinforce the importance of minimizing in your life we explore how to system has enabled many people learn how these people were able a strong and healthy healing achieve great longevity. and enthusiastic is vital to maximize the incredible ability of your mind to cooperate with.182 Your Extraordinary Healing System Closing Thoughts on the Power of Your Mind and Your You have seen Healing System chapter the powerful influence your mind has over your healing system. Every thought that is registered in your mind has the potential to create powerful chemical changes in your body. just reading them is not enough. by harnessing reach the age of 100 or more. changes that affect the processes of healing and repair. . it is a in this necessity. doing this is not an option. just like brushing your teeth is. Staying calm and relaxed. positive. sup port. Set aside time as suggested to practice one or more of these extremely helpful techniques. techniques. and Your Healing System our ability most to live a longer is not a matter of mere chance. The pain was only in her right knee. Understanding and applying these ideas and methods will help you enjoy long lasting health. The point of living longer. diets. lifestyles. but to enjoy a higher quality of life as you age. The process of achieving a long life while remaining healthy is what I call long-lasting health. but it was severe enough to make walking difficult. An elderly woman was suffering from a painful knee condition that had been troubling her for some time. as well. If you carefully study the lives of people who have enjoyed longlasting health. is not just to extend your life. But you must also be prepared for certain challenges you might have to face as you age. She age. Long-Lasting Health. for the comes systematic. The following story illustrates my point. you will discover primarily personal health habits. equipped with its own healing system and can last. and to participate fully in life.CHAPTER 7 Aging. how ever. Of course the choices you make in your . but is. and attitudes that are consistent with the ideas and methods that work with their bodies’ healing systems and that have been presented in this book. self-determined process. Your part. Doing this requires you to be healthy. on body aver everyday life can shorten or lengthen this time. remaining enthusias tic and active to the very end of your days. 100 years. and it is Understanding them now will help you to better grasp the chal lenges of working with your healing system as you age.” The woman. by now completely fed up with this type of expla nation. Thank you and have a good day!” This story illustrates two very simple. I’m afraid it’s just due to old age. causes old age. and to stop worrying about it. yet important points that I want to clarify and emphasize here at the outset of this chapter. banged them with a asked to He first bent her knees one way and then rubber hammer to check their reflexes. focus on the task at healing system to help working achieve long-lasting health. the doctor exam the other.184 Your Extraordinary Healing System couldn’t figure out what was causing the pain. because my other knee is the exact same age perfectly fine. he shrugged his shoulders and replied. yet common tendency in our society. first with both feet on the floor. “I’m sorry. I can find nothing seri ously wrong with your knee. Instead. she accept this explanation. The doctor also must be another reason. important with your Advancing Age Even ine Does Not Cause Illness though advancing age and illness are often linked. then with hop up right just the thoroughly examined the other parts of her body. replied. there is an unhealthy. pessimistic. She was stand on one leg at a time. incorporating all the methods. and among our medical professionals. As you age and develop symptoms of one kind another. and techniques that you have learned so far. an When this ined her knees woman went to the doctor’s office. and she appointment with her doctor to find out what eventually was going made on. you will need on and erroneous ideas about what illness. ma’am. if you exam the facts and pay careful attention to the underlying causes of . you age. “I’m sorry to disagree with you doctor. fearful. if you want to or easy to blame these symptoms remain to to educate yourself and learn hand: healthy as ignore negative. First. pain interfered with the quality of her life. you strategies. and then with the left. and then and down. Then he thoroughly. it is all too Second. because the refused to the result of old age. Her friends all told her it was However. At the conclusion of his exam. to attribute most forms of chron ic illness to advancing age. but there leg. remember the impor tance of adopting an attitude similar to the lady in the story with the painful knee. developing countries. If you carefully examine other major illnesses. and many other conditions that are rampant in North America and Europe. you will most likely become ill. Long-Lasting Health. and almost nisms cancer. causes the majority of these illnesses. Make use of the power of your mind and your own . for this reason. For example. These diseases include heart disease (the as we world’s number-one killer). and their cumulative effects become among others. factors and mechanisms that are much more related to unhealthy diets. such increasingly harmful as we age. as our factors under control. So I will repeat myself by stating that old age and illness have nothing to do with each other. a person who continually smokes two packs of cig— arettes a day for 25 years or more is likely to develop emphysema or lung cancer when he or she reaches 60 or 70 years of age. heart disease. are more commonly seen with advanc ing years. arthritis. These factors accumulate over a lifetime. it is a simple fact that. Albert to Schweitzer linked to as “diseases of civilization. diabetes. rather than the age factor. you will invariably discover similar underlying factors and mecha at play. and personal health habits than to old age. but they are not caused by age. but that are rare in places such as high Africa and Asia. Eventually. These diseases.” have been shown our own be directly diet. cancer. they just take their to11. The grow older me are caused majority of the diseases that afflict by factors that have nothing to do with age. including dia betes. lifestyle. lifestyles. Does this mean that emphysema and lung cancer are diseases of old age? Absolutely not. you’ll see that the majority of the diseases that afflict us age in the Western industrialized societies are virtually absent in poor. emphy sema. and Your Healing System 185 most diseases. If you continually harm your body and fail to respect or cooperate with your healing system. you will discover that old age and illness have nothing us as to we do with each other. and personal health habits. referred to by the late Dr. As you work with your healing system. The abuse factor. Let explain. If you look around the world and peruse the international public health data. blood pressure.Aging. arthritis. in time. It means that these conditions are more likely to occur in people whose bodies have been abused over a long period of time and. but also is more likely to support a healthy. health choices to concentrate How Your Mind Affects Your Healing System “You are as As You Age saying in many According to our old as you think you are” is a common cultures and folk traditions around the world. Many studies have demonstrated that a healthy mental attitude not only creates healthier biochemistry in the brain and body. Both factors directly benefit your healing system. Your attitude about your health and your life has a understanding. people in their twenties and thirties who abuse their bodies with tobacco. As a consequence of these findings. As long as you are alive. disease-free body and a longer life span. and it will literally add years to your life. These factors have a direct impact on the vitality of your healing system and how you age.. producing a healthier. your Your mental attitude. or .186 Your Extraordinary Healing System personal and directly influence your healing system. For example. based on and health outcomes. active lifestyle.D. no matter how compromised your health might currently be. and 2) your directly influence your physical health through by your brain can cause mental attitude the can nection. Roizen discovered that how old you are in biological years can be very different from how old you are in chronological years. wherein neurochemicals and electrical brain-body con impulses produced powerful physical changes in every organ and tissue in your body. RealAge. and expectations about your health healing-system functioning. your energies on creating positive health for your self. direct effect on your healing system. Michael Roizen. In his book. A positive attitude will strengthen your healing system. Dr. M. whether you are 30 years old or 103 years old. which reflect scientific studies. drugs. makes clear that. your healing system has the capacity to heal your illnesses and improve your health. your mental attitude can affect your physical health and your body’s healing system in two ways: 1) Your mental attitude determines how well you treat your body through your daily personal health habits. modern scientific this dictum appears to contain much truth. are strongly linked. which had become quite painful. had regularly practiced yoga for several years. nineties. Not only has her mental attitude improved and her she Since that depression lifted. . day. Elizabeth.Aging. more than three years ago. is a good example of how your attitude about your age significantly affects your healing system. He diagnosed her as having arthritis of her hands and fingers. other people in their seventies. When I asked her why. the rewards of superior and long-lasting health have become theirs. but she had not come to class for about six months. dying prematurely from unnatural causes. she hasn’t missed a class. practice unsafe sex. they pay with their lives. and even hundreds are bio logically much younger than their birth dates indicate. these people appear much older than their actual age. one of my patients. They have mastered the art of learning how to cooperate with their healing systems. She did fine. and exhaust the resources of their healing systems often wear their bodies out by the time they are 40 or 50 years of age. she decided to see another doctor while she was traveling. They exhibit not only bodies that are far more youthful than their chronological age. traveling for an extended period and had neglected to stretch and move her body. but mental attitudes and thinking that are similarly youthful. reflect unhealthy mental attitudes. 83 years of age. I told her to take it easy and not push herself. Because of the pain. they are much older. do not exercise. by doing so. but her physical flexibility has improved as well. in biological terms. This diagnosis further discouraged her and sent her into a mild depression. At any point in time. and they are perfect examples of how. Elizabeth’s alcohol. and. handicapped. and old. have poor diets. She said she was she said that she had been feeling disabled. and she commented that she was afraid she could no longer keep up with the younger students. Conversely. Elizabeth thanked me for insisting that return. After the class. and in the end (which usually comes much sooner than need be). She felt embarrassed by how stiff she had become in the interim. She sheepishly appeared the following morning. Long-Lasting Health. and Your Healing System 187 high-stress lives. These people have not learned how to honor and work with their healing systems. I urged Elizabeth to return to class. live Story The story of Elizabeth. eighties. especially in her hands and fingers. These people often become sick and disabled. having become old before their time. By changing her mental outlook about her age and learning to work with her healing system. life-threatening disease. vibrant life. after he had succeeded in winning back his health. it turned out that an optimistic mental attitude was critical to strengthening and fortifying their healing systems in their quests to successfully reverse their heart dis ease. Ornish’s research supported this observation about the relationship between their atti tude and their success in overcoming heart disease. Dean Ornish. which he obviously demonstrated by regularly traveling around the world. Bill importance of cultivating a healthy mental attitude about his age while he successfully overcame and reversed his heart dis ease. In my 10 years of work with Dr. Bill’s Bill Story: One I Among Many met was a patient through my work with Dr. this is exactly our society’s current views about aging and disease. which uncovered new evidence about how the heart could heal itself. Ornish’s research. Like Bill. and there’s appears and behaves much younger than no sign of “old age” setting in any time soon. Again. Elizabeth now her 83 years. Ornish. that heart disease was numerous studies had concluded an irreversible and incurable disease. these folks to demonstrated remarkably optimistic mental attitudes about their lives and their ages. was . eventually killing what would be predicted based on progress and get worse as the him or her. in spite of their histories of severe. Bill was interviewed by a reporter who inquired about his secret to a healthy. Ornish’s groundbreak ing research. demonstrated the Before Dr.188 Your Extraordinary Healing System especially in her hands and fingers. At the age of 85. based on these beliefs. one of the world’s most dangerous and deadly of all diseases. Today. “Old age is something that happens to someone who is at least 15 years older than me!” This is the kind of attitude that improves the performance of your healing system and contributes to long-lasting health. advanced. In the early stages of Dr. In fact. and practicing yoga every day. These once a studies had repeatedly demonstrated that to person developed heart disease. there is no evidence of any arthritis in her hands. it would continue person got older. she was able to regain her health. An interesting finding that surfaced early on in Dr. I had the opportunity work with many other wonderful patients. Bill replied. the general expectation. hiking in alpine altitudes. To this question. diabetes. and Your Healing System 189 that if reversal of heart disease was possible. however. Ornish. with out success. These . however. patients with the most Upon sense. I know of many healing system people with other diseases. stumped. These results ran completely The oldest and sickest patients counter to what the experts had predicted. The evidence seems clear. much more so than their younger. arthritis. and beliefs about your age and health pow performance of your healing system. How Your Beliefs Affect and Your Your attitudes. and they showed the great est reversal of disease and the most improvement in health in the shortest period of time. succumb to illness more to . who have similar stories. Because their lives were on the line. when positively align your mental attitude and personal health habits with your healing system. you are much more likely to and to live longer. this story illustrates that regard is less of your age or the severity of your illness. it would be seen in those patients Contrary out to who were to younger and had less severe disease. enjoy greater health as you age. you impede the function of your healing system and are more likely to age faster. what was predicted. these people demonstrated the greatest adherence to all the elements of Dr. Once again. Aging Healing System erfully influence the thoughts. . and cancer. including surgery. these people were highly motivated to improve their health. less-ill peers. Because of their motivation and attitude. Everyone. your ready to heal you when you start to work with it. inspection. they turned to Dr. Having exhausted their options. When you harbor a negative mental attitude about your life and fail to take good care of yourself. and die sooner. Ornish’s program. further began to make The oldest advanced heart disease had tried all the latest high-tech interventions. including the results Dr. Conversely. you learn easily. the opposite turned be the case: est improvement was showed the great in the shortest time. They also recognized the need to enlist a positive mental attitude in their quest to overcome their ill nesses. regardless of their advanced age.Aging. as well. Long-Lasting Health. including hyperten sion. Ornish out of desperation. one or more of these illnesses. and so the aging view old age as a curse and a punishment. cut off from family. tortuous. Attached to these beliefs is the fear that old age is a natural progression of illnesses and maladies in preparation for the final act of human life. this scenario need case. (As we shall later. Because of these negative beliefs and fears about old age. overdoing vitamins and supple- These beliefs and attitudes fearful . and that. If people around you also start telling you that you look old. using hairpieces or surgically transplanted hair to com pensate for hair loss. surrounded by four walls. Coloring their hair when it begins to show gray. particularly in America. undergoing face lifts. using drugs. also considered to be the most see painful. it is generally believed that there you are diseases specific to are destined to contract old age. Elderly people are often sequestered and farmed out to nursing homes to live out their lives. To escape the terrible curse of growing older. receiving hormone injections. people in the West often try to avoid and deny the aging process altogether. and old age is considered an illness. chin lifts. as you become older. if the society in which you live says that old age begins when you reach your fortieth or fiftieth birthday. and terrifying experience n’t be the of all. which in turn will undermine healing system and accelerate the aging process. No one wants to spend his or her final days lonely and isolated. friends. For example. For example. When you start feeling older. people will desperately try to turn back the clock and reclaim their youthful appearance with superficial cover-ups. or to wrongly believe that as you grow older your health will continue to deteriorate with each passing day is also common in Western cultures. older people are looked upon as a burden to society.190 Your Extraordinary Healing System beliefs are strongly shaped by your culture and the society in which you live. which is death. pain or feeling of discomfort in your body unhealthy belief.) create expectations concern ing what kind of fate awaits you as you get older. in the West. this will reinforce your inner belief that indeed you are getting old. These factors conspire to create a tremendous amount of underlying anxiety about growing old that can interfere with the function of the healing system and accelerate an elderly person’s demise. and tummy tucks. Further. any ache will reinforce this the work of your As I discussed earlier. and loved ones. you will probably start to feel old when you approach this age. begin regularly practicing the relaxation and stress-management techniques that are recommended in this book. improves To resolve this internal strife. His peers consider a 70year-old Hunza man to be. and increased longevity If you expect to be working in the fields and riding your horse when you are 100 years old. active. and they expect him to remain healthy. you will have a much greater likelihood of remaining disease free and performing these activities at that age. in spite of your advancing age. among the Hunza. often represent attempts to run away from the deeper fears of growing old. a fear that causes mental and physical tensions that interfere with the you will not functioning gracefully or be able to quality of your life. who dwell in the mountains of Central Asia and consistently live beyond the age of 100 aging benefit healing years. greater overall health.Aging. To help you relax and accept yourself as you are. and live longer because they have a much healthier outlook on life at all stages. and Your Healing System 191 taking prescription medications to revive sexual vigor are examples that. but feel younger. the cultural mindset and expectations of the Hunza exert a positive influence on their heal ing systems. as the Hunza typically do. age of your healing system. there is considerable lack of disease. a and few terrified about growing older on the inside only feeds into the dehu manizing illusion that your body is all you are and all you have. learning how to relax and accept yourself as you are. and productive until well beyond this age. will be helpful. The Hunza are able to age gracefully. body. Doing this will set in motion the processes of cooperation between your mind. including old age. stay healthy. long-lasting health for many years to come. . a youngster. Attempting to look younger on the outside while being ments. contributing to less illness. while they initially might appear to be good just ideas. out Expectations great longevity~ tudes about and Longevity who By studying people consistently a remain healthy while enjoying we can can learn lot about howcultural beliefs and atti our systems and contribute to long-lasting health. and healing system. extend your lifespan in a way that the overall These methods work from the inside able aids to help you not only and will prove to be invalu look younger. For example. Long-Lasting Health. Because of the powerful impact the mind has on the body. As long as you fear growing old. and will allow you to enjoy nat ural. as well. playing tennis.S. or even hang-gliding or bungee-jumping. now that The Myth of Age-Related Diseases and Your When Healing System one comparing disease trends around the world. working as a doctor or a mailman. water skiing. driving a tractor. One of the better-known studies that demonstrates this fact compared rates of diabetes in older Japanese men who lived in Japan . people who live to 100 years or more. As I’ve previously mentioned. “old and specific to Western societies and cul tures. and still-greater longevity across the board. and mental-emotional fac tors that cause stress and create chemical imbalances in the body’s but we are not. These longevity statistics create changes in expectations about our health and our capacity for aging as a nation. the U. were cancer. snow skiing.S. and they are due to causes that are anything but natural. currently make up the fastest growing segment of the U.192 Your Extraordinary Healing System people are living longer. These changes will. then we should be seeing widespread prevalence of these diseases in the elderly on a global scale. If these diseases age” truly due to genetics. such as heart disease. In fact. the American female to 79 years). what once was considered old age clearly no longer applies to today’s standards. because of these increasing longevity statistics (the average American male now lives to 74 years. arthritis. in turn. Considerjng this statistic. there is no medical reason why a 70-year-old person cannot fully participate in an active life. centenarians. which will contribute to healthier people. especially those dis eases that are associated with genetics and aging. As we discussed earlier. surfing. is struck by are the remarkable absence in non-Western countries of diseases that looked upon as naturally endemic to the West. before they begin collecting retirement benefits. Even in the West. diabetes. population. federal government’s Social Security program is presently encouraging senior citizens to continue working past the age of 65. including running a farm. and others. These diseases are internal environment are the root causes of these diseases. emphysema. owning a business. fewer diseases. until age 70. create better cooperation and support of our healing systems. lifestyles. unhealthy diets. not age or genetics. I share this information so that you will not be fooled by the conventional myths about aging and illness that abound in our soci immigrated to the U. and personal health habits. advancing age. were responsible for the increasing rates of dia betes observed in these Japanese men. ignore. and Your Healing System 193 with those who had moved to Hawaii. or loss of intellectual function. adequate intellectual stimulation. lifestyle. For instance. when the . the rates of diabetes were so high that they were identical to those of other Americans of the same age group.) Alzheimer’s disease is prevalent in the elderly and is associated with Contrary to popular belief. Alzheimer’s is and have not common in senior citizens who have been neglected or. the often associated with memory loss and progressive dementia. you will be simple diet.S. mainland. Instead. you can feel confident in knowing that. I want you to understand that the factors such as underlying causes of most major diseases are personal health habits. These factors. where diabetes is quite rare. tudes that and work able to conquer and defeat almost every illness and disease that life may throw your way. lifestyle. (For specific recommendations for learning to work with your healing system to prevent and overcome these ill nesses. against your healing system. Rates of diabetes were twice as high in the group that had moved to Hawaii. have withdrawn from social interaction. Atzheimer’s appears to be more of a functional neurological problem than related to a specific anatomical defect. received or ongoing. Other studies have shown similar increases of other common diseases in immigrant populations who left their native countries to settle in North America and Europe. In the third group that had immigrated to the U. following major categories of ill nesses. which are the ultimate forces in determining whether you will remain healthy or become ill. This study pro vided strong evidence that diet. even as you age. Long-Lasting Health. are not caused by age-related factors at all. for one reason another. refer to Part Two and to earlier chapters.Aging. are within your control. mainland. When these factors are aligned in support of your healing system. The of diabetes in the older ety~ I don’t want you to fall prey to the illusion that there are diseases “out there” that are more powerful than you are.S. and atti neglect. where the men had adopted Western diets and lifestyles. and with those who had in study observed very low rates men living Japan. hips. and spine. cancer can be successfully defeated if you enlist the help of your healing system and cooperate with it on every level. Arthritis how to In many cases.194 Your Extraordrnary Healing System brain becomes overloaded with information. however. have not been used because of previous injury or lack of movement. Cancer is often erroneously attributed to the aging process by health experts who cite diminished immune function in the elderly as a primary contributing factor. Proper diet. . that. Cancer can affect all age groups. symptoms of Alzheimer’s relax while encompasses several different illnesses that have as their common progressive stiffness. closely icantly lower cancer risk. Of course. often joints. are recent 13-year study concluded that social factors to are the most signif icant contributing causes social contact. or have been overused. and many cases have been arrested and cured in the early stages. many different forms of arthritis and curable. Even in advanced stages. and paying closer attention to all of the factors that improve the health of the healing system. are reversible this evidence is not surprising when you understand that your body has a healing system. toes. There are many case reports of people who have more associated risk factors. and although other certain cancers may occur more frequently in the eld can signif erly. and are a stress and tension Although experts trying to discover present. it is better to incorporate early preventive measures that include a healthy diet and lifestyle. But often more than just physical factors contribute to arthritis. or dietary imbalances. In working with your healing system. practicing regular stress management. swelling. For this reason. symptoms genetic link or determine another underlying factor to its cause. The good news is new evidence denominator These illnesses. If cancer occurs. or from other causes. The most common joints affected include the hands and fingers. show up in joint areas of the body that have been neglected. which improves blood flow to the brain. including gingko. Arthritis is a general category of common joint diseases. knees. a worsen. treating it is easier if it is caught early. preventing cancer is easier than treating it. these conditions usually become worse during times of stress. and pain in one or more although more common in old age. can improve through learning calming down the adequate nervous system. if avoided. emotional upheaval. Alzheimer’s disease. along with natural remedies. may also be helpful. like heart disease. Long-Lasting Health. regardless of your age. but it a who have can elderly for whom a lack of meaning or pur life has become pronounced. and loved ones. Depression is more commonly seen in the elderly. tend to become prisoners of their own repeated negative thinking. and you will gain the same benefits. A wholesome diet. volun teering in meaningful activities. Even though depression is traditionally classified as a mental illness. Practicing self-forgiveness and learning to release anger and hostility are also often helpful. learning how to relax. remembering to have fun and not take life too seriously. Depression is more common in more intelligent people who. you can avoid or reverse depression by staying involved and connected to family. a combined mind-body approach is usually the best strategy for reversing and overcoming depression. developing a sense of gratitude. damaging the healing system and shortening your life span. and Your Healing System 195 successfully overcome cancer. Exercise and simply moving the body can be effective in lifting mild and moderate depression. but people of all ages strong and effective healing system. and cancer. the clearer it becomes that advancing age does not cause cancer. with their superior intel lectual skills. The more you learn. In working with the healing system. friends. diabetes. In the . and nature. Doctors are two cancer doctors who have and courageous stories in their books. calm the mind. being around children.Aging. and get involved in activities that uplift the spirits is impor tant. ‘Whether you are 22 or 82. The danger of depression is that in its more advanced stages it can lead to premature death through suicide. it can cause harmful phys iological effects as well. physical factors often can contribute to this problem. A great book that deals with this subject is Dan strike at any age. animals. and not only the young. Depression has been linked to such stress-related dis orders as heart disease. Carl Simonton shared many of these inspirational in its advanced stages. circumstances are ripe for pose in depression to set in. the same strategies apply. John’s wort. even Bernie Siegel and 0. For these people. combined with St. may also be helpful. and focusing more on the spiritual aspects of life. In most cases. conquer it. Because depression also acts as a stressor. Learning to let go of unwanted mental and emotional baggage can lighten loads and lift spirits considerably. a natural herbal medication commonly prescribed in Germany. and poor diet. poor diet. More than 30 years ago. stress. Dr. Diabetes is another disease commonly associated with the aging athlete who in the story of gold medal Remember that process. The medical stress causes time that harmful. Ornish’s studies. hypertension. The most common type of diabetes has been linked to a lack of exercise. younger people. as Dr. you only was prevent but once this illness. or how old you are. in addition quite community blood-sugar fluctuations that can be your healing system in learning to incorporating healthy eating and exer reverse has known for cise. is not an age-related illness.l Warrior. no matter High blood pressure. ‘While it is true that heart disease is in the elderly. includ ing learning how to relax. like the vast majority of Olympics. tributor some Recent research has suggested that stress is a major con to diabetes. lack of to repression of emotions have been shown play a much greater role in the origin of this disorder. and emotional have upheaval. the cumulative effects of stress and poor diets. Learning to work with your heal ing system. Dean Ornish that genesis of heart disease are far more important as than age. and releasing hostility and tension. which leads to this disease. a Heart disease thought to be natural condition that accompanied ing the more common aging process. Ornish’s methods have proven. can both prevent generally and reverse heart disease. we have learned through the pioneer research of such other factors in the noteworthy scientists as Dr. stress. cause the gradual narrowing and thickening of the arteries. Factors such love and intimacy. By working can not with to manage stress. Herbert Benson. the oldest patients with the most severe heart disease showed the greatest reversal of disease and improvement in their heart health. overcame based on the true depression and went on to win a depression. but recent research has shown that the causes of this disease nothing to do with age. along with a lack of exercise and the unhealthy suppression of such emo tions as anger and resentment.196 Your Extraordinary Healing System Miliman’s The an Way of the Peacefi~. Methods for reversing this condition center on diet and lifestyle factors. is a disease commonly asso elderly and is erroneously attributed to the aging Even though high blood pressure is markedly absent in process. diseases. in Dr. As noted ear lier. lack of exercise. in conjunction with ciated with the . Director of the Hyperten sion Section at Beth Israel Hospital in Boston. in anyone at natural modalities that any age. stroke is an uncommon condition in most develop ing countries. Parkinson’s also flares up during periods of stress and emotional upheaval. and stroke. and it can be treated with the same methods.Aging. such as Michael J. Although several different mechanisms can result in stroke. Stroke. which in related to stress. of its . Stroke is also com monly caused by constant irregular heartbeats. Support ing your healing system by practicing stress management and incor porating other healthy dietary and lifestyle measures can help reverse lower and prevent and reverse this condition. and Your Healing System 197 Harvard Medical School. is entirely preventable. which to create to blood-flow disturbances that can cause small blood clots regardless underlying causes. And even with strokes that already have occurred. However. Parkinson’s may be prevented and managed help improve blood flow to the brain. Many young Parkinson patients are have suffered trauma to the brain. which is able to work with the nervous system to help transfer information from the damaged side of the brain to the other side. under stress. bringing life back to previously paralyzed limbs. Parkinson’s symptoms may occur in younger people. to key risk factors and underlying conditions that most cases are associate stroke with the commonly aging process diet. lifestyle. and other mind-body methods aimed at restoring balance to the nervous system and strengthening the healing system. whose challenges with this disease from are well known. Fox. If caught early. manages stress. Again. However. stress management. known as arrhythmias. this disease is not reserved for the elderly. or have abused drugs. the most common is an underlying condition of persistent. not old age. but can occur by proper diet. successful rehabilitation is often possible thanks to the heal ing system. and participates in the healthy release and expression of emotions will most certainly be successful in avoiding this condition. Long-Lastrng Health. In fact. Parkinson’s disease is another neurological condition associated with the elderly and believed to be caused by a specific biochemical deficiency in the brain. Stroke can be a crippling and disabling condition that affects the alone is cause to overlook the elderly. Working with the healing system. drinks fluids. could proved that relaxation and meditation substantially high blood pressure. exercises regu larly. uncontrolled high blood pressure. a person with normal blood pressure who watches his or her weight. pass the brain. stretching is one of the most important things you can do to support your healing system and promote long-lasting health. Like a coconut tree in a hurricane. you would instinctively stretch every time you got up from sleep. For this reason. neglected machine. Nothing else is as natural and beneficial for your healing system and body as stretching. When you stop moving. To avoid these consequences. The stiffness can lead to pain. one of the most famous physicians of the twentieth century. and it certainly applies the health of our as People and so tend to slow down and become to move more sedentary into they they tend less. but also of the internal organs. it can better endure adverse forces of stress and trauma as you age. If you were a dog or a cat. Sir William Osler. age. your heal ing system weakens. All mammals and vertebrates instinctively stretch. to in the universe. and learn to take good care of it!” How could the secret of long-lasting health and longevity ever be found in having a chronic disease? To have a chronic disease and day was while he at the same time be able was to contradiction. leading to immobility and disability. and life expectancy diminishes. not just of the joints and limbs. was asked the secret to longevity. gently but persistently stretching the various muscles in your body is important. which in turn discourages further movement. much like what happens when rust sets unused.198 Your Extraordinary Healing System Remaining Stretching The axiom “Move it to Flexible As You Age Support Your Healing System seems to or lose it” be to a fundamental principle bodies. This lack of movement can an lead stiffness. What up with this extend your life span sounds like a total on Sir William Osler’s mind when he came enigmatic statement? . A vicious cycle perpetuates itself. He gave an answer that surprised everyone: “Get a chronic disease. Chronic Disease A One Blessing in Disguise being interviewed. if your body is flexible. Stretching keeps your joints mobile and ensures that your body will remain flexible as you age. functional. A man I knew was suspected of having prostate cancer. This response only reinforces the disease process and is a sure recipe for an early demise. With chronic disease. You also have the opportunity to discover how imbalances were created in your body to cause the disease in the first place. your healing system can help you remain healthy. and symptom free for the rest of your life. you have the opportunity to learn how to avoid these factors and lessen the intensity or frequency of the flareups. and demanding. In contrast to this approach. and you can more effectively identify what causes flare-ups of your unhealthy foods. Doing this requires that you learn to nurture. and be kind and gentle to. stress in the environment. your sensitive. Having a chronic disease can teach you how to become your own best caregiver. This is the hidden meaning behind Sir William Osler’s statement that the key to longevity is to get a chronic disease and learn to take good care of it. went on to explain body becomes more that when you have a chronic disease. exploring ways to fulfill its needs and treat it better. negative thinking. and so your overall health actually can be improved. His emotional disease. And as you learn to cooperate with your healing system in your mission of returning to a natural state of health and wellness. In so doing. In the process. and Your Healing System 199 In his greater wisdom and glory. you benefit all of your further your parts He body. many people give in to fear. The following story illustrates the point. your own full-time doctor. doctor ordered tests to confirm that he had cancer. you have the opportunity to learn how to undo the damage. as well as by unhealthy thoughts and attitudes. and this makes you a better “listener. and a despair. Osler went on to clarify what he meant. Dr. your body. self-destructive habits and tendencies. vulnerable.Aging. as soon as they are diagnosed with chronic disease. irritat or upheaval. or other offensive factors. He explained that having a chronic disease is really a bless ing in disguise because it forces you to pay closer attention to body than you would normally do.” You become more aware of your body. Long-Lasting Health. reverse the disease process. whether toxins ing substances. and the tests . These imbalances may have been caused by unconscious. so to speak. and cooperate with your heal ing system to restore your body to its natural state of health. Even well-meaning doctors often unknowingly support this pessimistic attitude. the disease can enable you to enjoy long-lasting health. As the late Norman Cousins used to say. is According to Dr. and you don’t give in to pes simism and despair. life-threatening disease can serve as a much-needed wake-up call. Osler’s wisdom and experience. or to to the popular pessimistic notions about what will happen you become more you as ill. or heart disease. I’d like to make an additional point in support of Dr. contracting a chronic. Osler’s wisdom. a chronic disease can actually be a blessing in disguise. or any other chronic condition. even when the odds appear to be stacked against you. To his astonishment. his doctor replied. I have seen that many people do not honor or value their health unless they are at immediate risk of losing it.” Six weeks later. When you realize your life is on . and use other methods and strategies that cooperate with your healing system. at the same more important not to become passive or depressed. what’s the use?” With his doctor’s negative attitude. but defy the verdict!” Because of the connection between your mind and your healing system. There is a saying. “At this point. In so doing.” In my own experience. If you watch your diet. you may gradually dependence on them and quite possibly get off them altogether. “Don’t deny the diagnosis. a chronic disease can direct and guide you toward a much healthier lifestyle that supports your healing system and improves your overall health. it is give to in important not to deny the reality of an illness. On his first doctor’s visit after the die. You are going to came back positive. this man asked his doctor whether he should quit smok ing. In this regard. what he heard was “It is too late to do anything at this stage. even if you diagnosed with diabetes. I have seen this happen quite frequently. you can learn to positively influence your body’s have been internal environment and improve your overall health. regularly exercise. it is possible for you to live to be 120 years old. practice stress manage ment. Face the facts. he left the office and immediately plunged into a deep depression. the It is man died.200 Your Extraordinary Healing System diagnosis was established. If you are sufficiently motivated. In my own practice. crucial. Seen from this perspective. “You don’t miss your water until your well runs dry. Even though the doctor didn’t say it in exactly these words. be able If you are cur to reduce your rently taking medications. remaining optimistic. time. nisms that and many other diseases. health Memory Loss and Your Healing System As You Age A simple fact of living is that. ing. stored up other trivial just too many pieces of informa are over a lifetime. never without which their lives would have the better. with the awareness that being alive is truly a blessing. multiple sclerosis. In overcome chronic. it is often easier in your diet. The same mecha cause disease processes to occur in the first place can be reversed and eliminate the disease from your body. it’s the improve amazing how quickly you can quality of your health and life. and unique opportunity. incidents. that constructive changes strengthen and enhance the work of your healing system. been transformed for And who is to say that once you have a stuck with it? Since. more information than they as as people age. and all these details slow . and the prospects for greater longevity increase significantly.” There or useless facts. the faster you be back on the road to long-lasting health. asthma. and Your Healing System 201 the line and you are become motivated not to here forever. the sooner you adopt an active role in cooperating with your healing system. many other studies showing similar possibilities for diabetes. ‘When you participate in healthful. As you learn as to take better care of yourself. in addition studies that are now chronic disease you are to Dr. your illness more can serve your ticket many to a longer and fact. your overall health improves. Dean Ornish’s proved heart disease can be reversed. cancer. Osler’s time. otherwise known “brain clutter. Most people who age and have a trouble with their memories suffer from simple case of information overload. tion in their heads. their brains accumulate need. When you live your life fully. privilege. life-threatening ill declared that their illnesses were gifts. If you are currently plagued by supporting can a and heal and problem. lifestyle. you begin to realize the critical of importance of your health and your responsibility to take care yourself. Dr. people who have nesses have looked back and productive life. arthritis.Aging. happier. Long-Lasting Health. wholesome activities that support your healing system. memories. make sweep and personal habits to With this clarity and sense of urgency. includ Clear your mind of unnecessary . stressed. maintaining. The dangers of memory loss and brain dysfunction are can cause the chemical imbalances in the blood. which lead can to stress iety. For one reason or another. in my overwhelming majority of memory-loss and brainor that and they anx disorientation and confusion. which burden the we healing system through the mind-body a interactions that have discussed earlier in this book.202 Your Extraordinary Healing System quality of their brain’s ability to process information and function efficiently. they are afraid to move forward with their lives. People who do this are closing the door to future experiences that may be wonderfully uplifting and enlightening. it can further jeopardize your health by interfering with the work of your healing system. can serve as a starting point in this process: D investigated the possibility of underlying organic causes. your survival depends on it. If chronic physical disease is also already present. while not all-inclusive. As their memory continues to fail them. and restoring your very important mental health and well-being is essential. and their brain function deteriorates further. Doing this may necessitate a visit to your family o doctor for a checkup. pieces of information. including chemical imbalances in the blood or your body’s internal environment that may be interfering with sure Make you have your brain function. dysfunction experiences are not the result of organic causes. and anxious. such as impaired blood flow to down the the brain experience. In fact. they become more and more frightened. remaining stuck in the past and living their lives as if the best times were behind them. You can take definite actions to coop erate with your healing system in improving your memory and brain function as you age. The following key steps. This combination can become terribly unsettling and disorienting to their mental health and well-being. Many people who develop memory problems as they age con tribute to their own difficulties by hanging on to memories and pieces of outdated information that no longer serve their best inter ests. Although occasionally real organic or physical causes exist for memory loss or brain dysfunction. Tips for Improving Memory and Brain Function Taking an active role in preserving. o Make shown sure you are getting enough blood flow to exercise. complementary therapies. A naturally calm and relaxed concentrate better. facts. and Your Healing System 203 ing phone numbers. Avoid medications or medications that may interfere with your memory. yoga. or information that you feel is fight. tai chi. alcohol. which have been shown to improve blood flow to the brain. including anger and compromises clarity and clouds thinking. figures. Long-Lasting Health. your diet is Make are sure healthy that other o drinking enough unhealthy substances excess fluids. and negatively affect your brain. it will eventually come back to you. breathe. Make they will not already may be taking. memories. If the information is really important. Your memory functions best when your mind is calm and relaxed. don’t struggle. do o or experiences that not serve your best interests. sure o conflict with other medications you Consider trying other natural methods. calm your mind. Exercise has been to improve the brain. o or anxious. important. acupuncture. Relax. and that you excess caffeine. and let go. Avoid and wholesome. including cranial-sacral other gentle. non-inva Advantages of Aging and Long-Lasting Health As you advance in years. not when you are upset. and whenever you begin to doubt your intrin sic worth. resentment. go to your local liquor store and ask to see its selection . these herbs can improve memory and brain function. Avoid emotional which upheaval.Aging. If you cannot recall a piece of strain. tense. therapy. and sive. which improves brain function and memory. o Practice stress-management nervous mind is o more system calm and alert and can techniques to keep your brain and relaxed. with natural o Experiment supplements such as gingko biloba and gotu cola. You learn to be more careful and safe in all activities. to be available for consultation in all or important nature. and their people afford them the greatest respect. in the aboriginal culture of Australia. political.204 Your Extraordinary Healing System price list of fine wines. erate. punished. throughout the world. you have learned how to feed and nourish your body. most and For example. and limitations. you have more experience. when you are older. weaknesses. and long-lasting health will ensure that you can enjoy it more fully. you may have made some costly mistakes. to preside over disputes and to help settle differences. “It gives me great pleasure to converse with the aged. The culture relies upon their wisdom and experience to guide the abo rigines through difficult times. spiritual In the Buddhist tradition. older. When you are invincible. and shamed. you are ruled not much by your . proudly and nobly embrace them. as they often are in the West. your net worth and value also increase as you age. how much water. You are more familiar with your body’s strengths. Old age is a time to look forward to. the elder members are regarded as the wisest and most powerful of all souls. you tend not to are beso foolish. and more wisdom about your health. you may have thought that you were if you were a superman or superwoman. and matters. when you as were young. elder Buddhists highest-ranking members of the society. People are hon ored and valued for their advancing years. you possess a greater ability to avoid illness and injury.000 years old. including those of a domestic. and you have probably discovered the virtues of modera tion. For exam health ple. how to exercise it. As the are looked upon as In many other cultures surprising as it may sound. You become better at physical and mental energy conservation for your health and well-being. As a conse quence. how it tolerates temperature changes. and what kind of clothes it requires to keep warm for each season. You will notice that the older wines are the expensive. For example. over the years that you have aged. and rest it requires. getting older also confers many advantages. In the words of Plato. more than 40. more knowledge. Additionally. from walking and climbing stairs to driving. to be more thoughtful so and delib When you older. Aging includes a number of advantages. the elder system is still intact. sleep. They have been over the road that all of us must travel and know where it is rough and difficult and where it is level and easy~” As you age. not banished. Like a bottle of fine vintage wine. water skiing. and improving your ability to listen to and cooperate with your healing system. we can successfully enjoy a superior state of health and a vibrant. However. drank alcohol or smoked excessively. we should look upon old age as a time of maximum health and enjoyment. This process directs your mental energies inward. One of the most important of these factors. the top athletes may be as much as 20 years older than athletes who compete in other events such as the sprints. and then putting these factors into practice. which increases your endurance. When you are older. . we have talked about all of the factors that can improve the performance of your healing system. increasing your bodily awareness. you tend not to become so swept away or preoccupied with the affairs of the world. who defied the principles of what most experts would consider a healthy life. By understanding all of the factors that positively influence the performance of our healing systems. in the endurance events such as the marathon race. did just about everything else wrong. In fact. and your ability to listen to your body and act benevolently on its behalf. you also tend to become more patient and tolerant of pain and physical discomfort. and enjoy long-lasting health by remaining active. Many of these people had poor diets. stay competitive. surfing. snow The Power of In Laughter and a Sense of Humor previous chapters. were overweight. tempered discipline. This is apparent in the Olympic games in which. tennis. they can keep their healing systems vibrant and youthful. rather. I say this with good reason. active life for the rest of our days. appears to be a sense of humor. and skiing. Long-Lasting Health. These elder athletes demonstrate that. if not the most important. to become more self-entertaining and self-contained. did not exercise regularly. and Your Healing System 205 hormones or passions as by your common sense. swimming. and. With all of these advantages to aging. and many senior athletes are still competing on the master’s level in other sports such as golf. but. sometimes reaching 100 years or more. As you age.Aging. I have met many people who have lived well into old age and beyond. strictly from a health standpoint. regardless of their ages. many octogenarian marathon runners are active in the world today. 206 Your Extraordinary Healing System the persons among this group were rare who didn’t also possess a keen sense of humor, an extraordinary ability to allow most difficul ties, negative comments, and adverse situations to roll right off their most out backs. Most of these people understood that, to get the of life, they had to have fun. miss the boat in this Many good people health and their life regard. They take their too seriously. One famous health expert even went so far as to say, “Seriousness is a disease more dangerous than cancer!” Being serious all the time creates tension in the body, which can drain the life force out of your healing the saying, make “All work and no play makes system. We’ve all heard Jack a dull boy.” What we no haven’t heard, and what is also can true, is that “All work and play Jack a sick puppy.” Many to a people at who cannot take the time research studies suggest that relax, have fun, and laugh are serious risk for cancer developing major illness. Dr. Bernie Siegel, a famous A man surgeon, tells a story that helps illustrate this point. ran six miles every day for 25 years. He never went to parties, and never went to bed after 10:00 One PM, never drank or smoked, was a vegetarian. turn by he this sudden of events went straight up to tion for this apparent injustice. upset that when he got to the Pearly Gates God and demanded an immediate explana was so day, he suddenly died. He “What the hell are you doing, God?” the man asked. “I’ve run every day for the past 25 years, never touched alcohol or tobacco, gone to bed early, and eaten only vegetables. I’ve worked hard my whole life just to remain healthy and live long, and you had to spoil everything by bringing me here. What’s your point in doing this?” the man asked. is that you “My point to were basically blew it!” God said. “You forgot have fun and enjoy your life, which were the reasons why you created!” He exclaimed. “And since you failed to learn your lessons this time, I’m sending you back to Hell for an attitude adjustment!” “For cried God. “What will I do there?” starters, queried the man. you’ll have to run six miles every day, go to bed before 10:00 PM each night, and eat only vegetables,” God declared. He continued, “Next time, try to enjoy your life, and come back when your attitude is a little better!” Aging, Long-Lasting Health, and Your Healing System 207 Dr. Siegel goes on to make the point that it is out important was to do to things not out of the fear of dying, but rather of the desire improve the overall quality of your life. Certainly there nothing wrong with what the man was doing to improve his health, but his attitude and reason for doing these things were wrong. Again, the goal of life in the process. If you are not having fun and enjoying your life, you are missing the boat. Just remember the French woman introduced earlier in the book, who lived to the age of 122 and the overall long-lasting health quality of your is not just to live longer, but to improve who, when interviewed about the that the secrets of her longevity; replied one only thing she knew was that “I only have as my entire body, and I’m sitting on it!” Almost nothing in the world can keep your healing system strong, vibrant, and healthy as cultivating and refining the ability on wrinkle to laugh often, vigorously, and—what is even more power ful—to frequently share raucous belly laughter with your friends or family. Bob Hope passed away at the age of 100 years. I believe he was trying to beat George Burns’ age when he died. It is not an acci dent that these two famous comedians, who earned their living with a sense of humor and making other people laugh, lived so long. When you are laughing, having fun, and enjoying life, you are releasing tension and creating positive physiology within your body that strengthens and fortifies your healing system. Laughter kills pain by triggering the release of powerful neurochemicals from the brain, such as endorphins and enkephalins, which, as we noted ear lier, are naturally occurring opiates much stronger than morphine. Laughter simultaneously stimulates the release of other powerful sub stances that boost the performance of your healing system. Some scientists have defined laughter as tantamount to “internal jogging,” in that all the health benefits of jogging, such as improving the strength of your heart and circulatory system, can also be found in laughter. . . . laugh to Doing WhatYou Love Contributes to a Long and Healthy Upon his retirement at Life the age of 89 years, Studios was an innovative artist and animator for Walt Disney recently recognized for his 208 Your Extraordinary Healing System outstanding contribution to the field for more than 65 years. When asked how he managed to keep going all those years, and what moti vated him, he replied, “You gotta love your work!” When you love what you do, every day is a day of play and enjoyment. When you work at a job that you love, it doesn’t feel like work. Loving your work is the healthiest tonic in the world for your body’s healing system as it is injected with a continuous supply of dynamic, positive, mental and emotional energy every single day of your life. By the time you reach old age, this positive energy pays off in dividends. The following stories help illustrate this point. Pop Proctor was a well-known surfer from California who fell in love with the sport when he picked it up at the rather late age of 50. He surfed for more than 40 years and retired from surfing at the age at the age of 99, and it was rumored that he died so young because he retired from surfing too soon. Albert Schweitzer once told his hospital staff that “I have no of 97. He died intention of dying, to so so long as I can have no need die, I will live things. And if I do things, I a long, long time.” Dr. Schweitzer, do who received the Nobel Prize in 1952, remained active until his final days; he lived until the age of 90. was a Mrs. Minami Japanese-Hawaiian a woman who was 101 years of age when I meal and enjoyed met her. She drank cup of hot water after each which she me perfect regularity absolutely adored, every day, going strong. Lieberman was an She worked in her rain or garden, she was shine. When she left for another doctor because her insurance had changed, 103 and still Harry alone in elderly, 78-year-old man who had been a nursing home since the age of 75, silently awaiting his death. To help pass the time, every day at noon he would meet his partner for a game of chess. One day, unbeknownst to him, his part showed up at the usual time the next day for his chess match, his partner didn’t show. The staff who was informed of his partner’s passing and concerned about the effects on Harry ner died. When Harry didn’t want to break the news to him so suddenly. They told Harry his partner had become ill and had to go to the hospital. They asked Harry if he would like to attend an art class instead, just for the day. Harry was shuttled off to was the nursing a home’s art class, where he some seated at a table and handed blank piece of paper, col Aging, Long-Lasting Health, and Your Healing System 209 ored paints, and a brush. He had never held a brush before in his life, and he felt totally awkward. The teacher announced that the paint anything the participants wanted. While he was holding onto the brush, Harry’s mind drifted back to the days when he was a boy growing up in a village in his coun try of birth, Poland. Slowly, he began to paint what his mind saw. At the end of class, the teacher looked at this painting, thanked him for his attendance, and encouraged him to return the following day. The following day, however, Harry didn’t want to paint another picture. Instead, he looked forward to resuming his chess game with his partner. At the appointed hour, however, when Harry sat down assignment was to class at the chess board and waited for his friend, one unteers came and informed Harry that his friend of the young vol was still in the hospital. She encouraged him to please attend the art class one more time. Harry reluctantly agreed. Now, for the second time in as many days, Harry found himself sitting down with a brush, a blank piece of paper, and some paints. Today’s assignment: “Paint anything you want.” Again, Harry drifted off to his childhood days and slowly began painting. At the close of the class, the teacher again came by Harry’s table, saw his painting, and made an encouraging comment. He told Harry he wanted him to attend the evening art class at the local junior college. The teacher told Harry that at the very least this would be a chance to get out and meet some new people, especially young, attractive college girls. Hesitant at first, Harry finally agreed. In the evening of the next day, a van picked Harry up and took was him several miles away to the art class at the junior college, where he ushered inside with more than 40 students, most of them young from the dull, sedate, and somber setting was much different atmosphere of his nursing home. For the third time in as many days, Harry found himself seated at a desk with a brush, a blank piece of paper, and paints. The assignment: “Paint anything you want.” Once again, Harry’s mind drifted off to his past as he dipped his brush into the paints and began applying strokes to the paper. enough to be his grandchildren. This At the close of the class, the teacher walked around the he came a room to critique each student’s work. When he paused for a moment. Then he made Harry’s painting, surprising comment. to 210 Your Extraordinary Healing System “Would you be asked Harry. so kind as to autograph “Why?” this painting for me?” he Harry was to dumbfounded. he asked. a The teacher replied, a “Because I have feeling that someday next you’re going Harry thought ident of America!” For the next be famous artist.” to himself, “Right, but first I’ll be the pres 25 years, Harry Lieberman of the eventually established himself as scenes one painted every day and preeminent artists in the world, painting village from his childhood life in Poland, along with stories from the Old Testament. To this day, his works are displayed prominently in books, museums, and galleries all over the world. Doing what he loved to do, Harry Lieberman lived past the age of 103. Do what you love, and love what you do. This is the essence of allowing the creative spirit within you to flourish and express itself, producing long-lasting ucts. health and a sense of well-being as byprod If you suppress or deny this spirit, it will wither up and die, and your health will surely follow. Suppressing or denying your what you love, or not loving what you do, will drain your life force and render your healing system powerless. When this happens, you will become sick. not inherent creative instincts, doing Many people are allowed to pursue their dreams and are encour aged to follow their hearts from an early age. These are the lucky ones. Others, like Harry Lieberman, discover their true joy and pas sion when they are at an advanced age. However, regardless of your age, the health-enhancing benefits of putting your heart into what you are doing are undeniable. Organizing your life around doing what you love is one of the wisest and strengthen and fortify your healing system, most effective ways to allowing you the oppor tunity to enjoy long-lasting health. Celebrate Your Years and Enhan ceYourHeaUngSystem~ Old age is a time for celebration and enjoying the fruits of your labors. It a is the time of to see your”second childhood?’ in chance and to a regain your innocence, beauty simple, everyday things, time to play and enjoy Aging, Long-Lasting Health, and Your Healing System 211 yourself. Old age is a time to love, be loved, and to know that love is the fundamental underlying reality in all of life. With all of this to look forward as to, it is critical that you keep your health years. you age so you can maximize the enjoyment of as your golden Strengthening and fortifying to your you healing system realize this goal. long time, and pain them we or you age is the best insurance policy I know help Many people suffering. they live healthy, pain-free, disease-free, leave this world active lives for a long, then they peacefully to and gently without any These people and have found ways have learned to cooperate with their and body’s healing systems, as they strengthen denying to fortify have advanced in years. While I’m not that someday all must depart this earth, there is no reason buy into the false notion that you have to become sick and disabled before it is your time to leave. When you work with your healing system, days. experience, to you can enjoy long-last ing health, and stay From my own healthy, until your final research and I have found the following practical tips system as to be particularly helpful strengthen and fortify the healing you age: ~ Practice the principles, exercises, and techniques of fluids. described in this book. ~ Drink Eat plenty ~ plenty of fruits and vegetables. ~ Get adequate good fiber in your diet. ~ Practice Practice Relax bowel hygiene. ~ stress management. ~ regularly. exercises. are ~ Do breathing ~ Think young. Remember that you only as old as you think you are. ~ Take the time Learn to to plan for a bright future. ~ be spontaneous. a ~ Develop flexible mindset. Avoid to being too set in your ways. ~ Do what you love do. ~ Stay active. 212 Your Extraordinary Healing System O Maintain a viable social support system. O Stay Be a involved with hobbies and creative activities. nonconformist. new o o Be adventuresome and try things. O Spend time in nature. to o If you get bored, learn play a musical instrument or paint. o Sing. Dance Avoid o regularly getting and often, even if you are alone. o angry. o Cultivate and nourish Don’t foster If you are loving relationships with your family and friends. 0 resentment. o single, date, or be active in social clubs. o Spend time outdoors. o Surround yourself with beauty. to o Have fun, and remember smile and laugh genuinely attitude. from your heart. o Enjoy comedy Don’t take life Don’t take and too keep a light-hearted o seriously. too o yourself seriously. who are o Spend time with people busy and involved in doing something meaningful o with their lives. Choose your friends and company Don’t waste wisely. o your time. you don’t sense o Don’t do Be things your want to do. O true to of purpose. on o Take the time to reflect the meaning a of life. no matter ° Appreciate been. the fact that your life is gift, how difficult it has o Acknowledge Honor the Find a all the things in life for which you have to be grateful. O dignity to of your soul. to 0 way give back the world. have and loved ~ Remember that if you friend. wrong. gifts. or a even if they aren’t perfect. Forgive yourself for all you may have done ~ Cry when you want to. have one or more pets. ~ people to older than you who your are more active than you. pray for ~ Make peace with your soul. and go bed early night. and experiences with the world. journal even ~ Write in a your if most memorable experiences. if not. ~ to music that inspires and uplifts you. . every ~ Get up Listen early every morning. friends. inspire and ~ Read books and watch movies that Read about uplift you. to ~ way share your unique talents. ~ Appreciate Love how age has mellowed you and made you better person. try walk or go in a new direc day. time with children. ~ yourself and your life. and Your Healing System 213 ~ Perform some form of regular community service that makes you feel good ~ inside. let them teach you how to moment.. and tell the world that it is better place ~ Don’t your waste time being around people who don’t inspire you or uplift spirits. a ~ Wake up each because you are morning here. want to a true friend.Aging. ~ If you have faith in God higher power. you’ve never done it before. to ~ Travel if you tion every can afford it and. ~ Focus on how you can do your part to make this world a a little better. ones. ~ Write poetry. you have to be a true ~ Listen Find a to music that stirs your heart and soothes your soul. Long-Lasting Health. and don’t feel ashamed when you do. ~ to do at least one thing differently to each day. guidance and peace. If possible. ~ Keep connected family. Spend play and be in the present ~ Spend Vow time with animals. some day you will experience the process of leaving your body as you depart this world. Death can be a loving. rather. this process. painful. is regarded as a natural and sacred event.214 Your Extraordinary Healing System = 0 Live from your heart. death is seen as a release and a blessing. miserable experience it is commonly held to be in our society. and enjoy your life! Living I Life to the Fullest Until Your Final Days hope I haven’t given you the impression that you will live forever. experience we should welcome. we have to leave to make or room for the next person. it would be irresponsible of me to try to deceive you into believ ing that you can remain on this planet indefinitely. be the difficult. but. Although I do expect you to live long. stay healthy. special occasion. nonetheless.120. A good death can act as a powerful affirmation and a special blessing to those left behind. In these cultures. Remember that your body you possesses an efficient and a intelligent healing challenges. a new beginning. no less important than birth. and unfortunately. Even if you reach the age of beyond. As a result. The benefit of accepting that you will not live on this earth for ever is that you no longer have to live with the tension the fear of 100. Land is a limited commodity. your healing system works best when you relaxed state. ate Death is long-lasting health. known as death. As are you know. and so overcoming your fear of death naturally greatly improves in a your vitality and contributes to initi certainly not an or glorif~. The acceptance creates a natural state of relaxation. death is seen to be not merely an end. in these cultures. and enjoy your life. a pro foundly healing experience for all those who’ve come to witness the sacred departure of a uniquely created soul. it need not prematurely. the anniversary of the day a person dies is usu ally remembered and celebrated even more than the person’s birthday. when it is our time to go. . the final chapter of a person’s earth bound life in a story that would otherwise be incomplete. In many cultures around the world. death creates.’ before its time. Further. system that can keep healthy through on multitude of life’s j~ Celebrate and honor your years this earth. It is possible to enjoy your final days on this earth and have a positive experience of death. and vocations that you love to do and that are that he is near and dear to your heart. far more complications. with each cowboy’s dream is what you love to do. the better the chance that you’ll this world in an uplifted state. A good death. beauty. Long-Lasting Health. In an ill-pre pared-for death. it is well known that mothers who have not attended prenatal classes are usually poorly prepared for labor.Aging. and older who are active. respected members of their communities. Realize that your time on earth is limited. which dates back . Further. and who enjoy their lives. nineties. and creating unnecessary and negative outcomes in the process. horrible ordeal. The same is true in death. pain. the Sanskrit literature. and trauma often occur than is necessary. and contributes to long-lasting health in those individuals. a Focus to on example. Ironically. The more you can organize your life around depart In doing what you love to do. For die with his boots on and be buried doing with his horse. contribute to overall healing by reinforcing the peacefulness. The same is true for you and any number of activities. as death. pain. A vicious generally fearful if each moment counts. I have met many people in their eighties. requires preparation. Such an attitude collectively strengthens and fortifies the healing systems of the individuals within the culture and society. How successful you are at doing this is strongly influenced by your ability to work with your healing system and remain healthy throughout your life. healthy. influencing society’s perception of death. which can be likened to childbirth. rather than a horrible event and creates fear in those who witness cycle perpetuates itself. totally free from the fear of death and unconcerned about their advancing age. india. hobbies. Such an experience reinforces the notion that death is such a Such deaths. and then live your life as if it were a privilege. which is largely deter mined by the choices you make every day. and Your Healing System 215 producing tension and prolonging the myth that death is a painful. and serenity of this natural life experience. where I have traveled frequently. and they often suffer far more complications. without any sorrows or regrets. and trauma than those who are well prepared. the best way worry to prepare for a good death is to have a good life. The probability can of realizing this dream is increased saddle up and ride off across the plains day with his trusty steed. For example. peacefully.216 Your Extraordinary Healing System several thousand years. Samurai warriors have traditionally greeted each new day with the thought. By facing their mortality this way. If you develop poor health habits based on pes simistic. over Understanding that you have tremendous control your life circumstances and your health is the best way to prepare for a good death. But if you are inspired to make the most of your life and your extraordinary healing system. This relaxed attitude nourishes and supports systems and helps them achieve long-lasting health. and then. When you learn to work or with your healing system. and beyond if you work at supporting and nourishing your healing system. people much longer than people in the West. and. and Your Healing System are continually 70-year-old man. yogi. is now viewed as still young. is full of historical accounts of accomplished souls who could accurately predict the time of their death and leave willfully. “Today is a good day to die!” Although this statement might initially appear to be fatalistic. Like the cowboy. It is also the best way to enjoy your life. A . when it is your time. on average. by today’s standards. you can enjoy long-lasting health. courage and conviction. in Japan. when the time comes. acknowledging that today could be their last day on this earth. Long-Lasting Health. Because Japanese in Japan live the Samurai creed permeates almost every aspect of society. it is not surprising to see that. Closing Thoughts on Aging. exit this world with peace and serenity. You can prolong and maintain youthful vigor and health well into your eighties. grace and style. and with courage. nineties. they can live without fear and remain more their bodies their healing relaxed. the philosophy actually enriches the warriors’ lives and improves their health. and you are motivated to The boundaries for what is considered to be old age being expanded. experience a peaceful and pain-free death. you can enjoy long-lasting health. Samurai warrior. negative attitudes. Similarly. Your attitude about aging plays an important role in your longevity and influences physiological mechanisms that can either accelerate or slow down the aging process. you stand a greater chance of becoming ill and dying earlier. and you will exude a spirit of youthfulness until your final are on of remaining healthy more improve your prospects days. you can enjoy a long and fulfilling life. Your healing system will benefit significantly. Long-Lasting Health. Accept your mortality a and and understand that you the earth for limited time. Maintain a pos itive mental attitude and develop sound personal health habits. . Cultivate relaxed and your atti health. and Your Healing System 217 stay healthy. tude will facilitate your goal of achieving long-lasting fear of death.Aging. and a you’ll easily overcome a attitude. And although these cases may seem extraordinary. fearful when it comes to our bodies. the real question is not “Will healing occur?” but rather “When will to healing occur?” The answer is “When you decide cooperate and work with your healing . suffering. and so we have learned to be pessimistic. they are in reality disease experts. doctors exert a profound influence on our way of thinking. serious medical conditions get they learn how to cooperate with their healing systems. regardless of how overwhelm ingly the odds may be stacked against you. you should expect healing. Serving as soci ety’s appointed health experts. Because of this. Many people with advanced. We will discover that health and well-being are the rule. When you or a loved one is afflicted with an illness or injury. they are quite ordinary~ When you understand that you have a healing better when system. we will discover a heal ing system that can overcome nearly every affliction known to man. and octors deal with lives. negative. Going beyond probing deeper into the miraculous workings of our bodies. and illness every day of their they tend to view life through a distorted lens that sees disease as normal and health as abnormal. in fact. In this capacity.CHAPTER 8 The Healing System at Work Personal Stories of Extraordinary Healing pain. however. and illness this distorted lens and and disease are exceptions to the rule. After one week. and make concerted effort cooperate and work with. He drank liquids and rested. Ronald had was never seen a Ronald’s Ronald doctor was or been hospitalized. Ronald awoke ran night with intense abdominal pain. on a full athletic and academic scholar ship. For the first time in his life.” and it is your most asks is that powerful ally on you acknowledge to life’s journey. Ronald inflammatory condition of the small and was placed on a strict protocol of strong . listen not it. a severe large intestines. intestinal scans. was a While he counselor one at a youth during summer break. Story of Extraordinary Healing Jenkins was 19 years of age and away at college. antibiotics. not just night on many times that Ronald had to spend half the the toilet. He thought he might so a case but have contracted of food poisoning. to relieve himself. however. the following stories to help you get to know your heal better. Ronald sought the help of a doctor. Because your healing system is within you. you will get better and heal. He to the bathroom once. an exam in which a flexi The doctor diagnosed Ronald with ble tube is inserted up the entire length of the large intestines. Except for routine physical exams and immu nizations. his symptoms continued without any letup in intensity. He began to feel feverish. however. it can ing system be activated free of charge. so his doctor referred him to a specialist. however. It is ready to work for you “24/7. and a colonoscopy. After two weeks. system a its existence. X-rays. The specialist ordered blood tests. He in the prime of his life. the doctors made the diagnosis of Crohn’s disease. the faster you will heal!” I offer the sooner you do this.220 Your Extraordinary Healing System system. camp his life would change. and anti-inflammatory medicines. Soon. and it all good. thinking he would get better on his own. After much deliberation and discussion. against. Projectile diarrhea ensued. there was still no improvement. All your to healing it. and he had never missed a day of school due to illness since he was in kindergarten. gastroenteritis and treated him with rest. fluids. He was a strapping picture of health. lay in bed wasting away.Your Hearing System at Work 221 medications. His pain as and diarrhea continued. antimicrobial agents and corticosteroids. they all agreed Ronald’s was one of the worst cases of Crohn’s disease they had ever seen. Day by day. he had a good chance of restoring his health. and even thought of suicide. which could easily become infected. This catheter. Because he was malnourished. A strange. Ronald appeared to be on doorstep. down from his normal weight of 180 pounds. became Ronald’s lifeline. to take a leave of absence from school and were move back in with his to parents. he felt himself growing weaker. He became extremely depressed. including anti-inflammatories. but he could n’t keep his food in—everything that came in the front door was immediately expelled through the back door. the consensus was that surgical removal of his colon and a lifetime of immunosuppressive medications was Ronald’s only option. weight had fallen to an all-time low of 104 pounds. In a desperate attempt to save Ronald’s life. He had no appetite. His diarrhea had increased to the point that he couldn’t sleep for more than 45 minutes at a time before he would have to get out of bed and run to the toilet was to relieve himself. He suggested that if Ronald could regain the balance of natural flora in his intestines. His friends remarked that he looked like a concentration-camp victim. intravenous catheter inserted into a vein near his neck. he had to be fed through a large. He based this idea on recent research that suggested that. in addition to the 500 good bacterial As Ronald . his doctor sent him to the nation’s top specialists in gastrointestinal diseases. and his abdomen bloated and full of gas. After reviewing his records and examining him. If his life were to be spared. they Ronald regain his health. blister-type rash appeared on his face. He forced himself to eat to stay alive. such as developed stiff and painful swollen joints. his vital life energy ebbing. and he well. Ronald didn’t do so well on this regimen. The cor ners of his mouth began to crack and bleed. His willing to do anything death’s help After six months. Fortunately. one of his father’s friends suggested something simple but radical. and a highly restricted diet. He was forced soon other symptoms. Ronald returned home to contemplate his fate. He was constantly nauseous and light-headed. to improve and normalize. as he continued sules of beneficial dirt. hours of tichambered stomachs help digest filled with many beneficial bacteria that their food. replenishing their natural intestinal flora. however. and he was completely well. his weight was back up to 180 school.222 Your Extraordinary Heahng System strains that reside in the human intestines. Ronald’s continued sores. research. and they produce many valuable substances. .000 strains. and. At first. and discussions with his father and his father’s friend. he realized that what was being proposed was a return to the dietary habits of his ancestors. ingesting small amounts of beneficial soil organisms with each bite. this was of a special hygienic dirt culti dirt contained many strains of these beneficial bacteria. His appetite joint health. he didn’t awaken with a fever. natural solutions using beneficial organisms that are normally found in healthy. Eating often views When we pounds. After one week. in the process. which nature as the enemy and the cause of most diseases. Ronald felt his abdominal pain lessen in intensity. they are our work with often work best. and how their mul because he by ready the idea of eating dirt. Beneficial bacteria help in diges tion. For Ronald. skin. three times a day). such as vitamin K. When we think of cows’ digestive systems. before pesticides and artificial fertilizers. hygienic soil was the secret ingredient that ultimately cured his disease. his appetite began to return and he had his first normal bowel Over the next movement The first day. After several days. Ronald was taken aback to try anything. consequently. and attitude all improved. back in dirt flies in~ the face of conventional medicine. In those days. he was reading. perhaps up to 10. For the first time since his illness began. there may be many more types of beneficial bacteria. The following morning. his stools began to firm up. After six he was months. but. are capsules of hygienic dirt (two at a time. after his first sound night’s sleep in a long time. this idea is not so radical. several weeks. well. healing systems. Ronald took six in almost a year. Throughout the course of the next several days. his diarrhea slowed in frequency and intensity. people often ate vegetables right out of the fields. thus restoring balance to the intestines. He asked Ronald to try several vated for human capsules a day consumption. After long desperate. as to swallow the cap and bowel movements mouth energy level. I attempted to administer sev eral very strong medicines I had brought with me from my hospital back home in the U. and abdomen were swollen. and she appeared to be on death’s doorstep. I discovered shallow respirations. sometimes even her medicines would fail her. She had not eaten for days.Your Healing System at Work 223 one of the most important ways to cooperate with your body’s nat ural healing system. irregular heart rate an and abnormal heart sounds. feet. but her feet. ‘Whenever she cold. These signs. a feeble. ankles. strongest bronchodilator and corticos teroid inhalers to open up her airways in an attempt to treat her . In addition. Rani’s Rani was an Story of Extraordinary Healing lived in a elderly woman who community I regularly vis was a ited in India. her asthma would flare up. fluid in her liver. Her family pre pared for her imminent death. suggested she hospitalized. she could not get out of bed without help. after many examinations and investigations. even though her family couldn’t afford it. where intravenous medica tions and special breathing treatments were administered. I also hoped the lasix might flush her kidneys and restore their function.S. Another was lasix. a derivative of digitalis. As a last-ditch effort to help Rani. Rani was discharged from the hospital with little hope of living more than a week or two. Not only her flaring up. the doctors found that Rani was in congestive heart failure. her liver was failing. She told all ominous me lungs be and belly. She was told that noth ing could be done for her. under caught heavy stress. asthma ‘When I examined Rani. I returned to India one was year find Rani in very precipitous condition. used for congestive heart failure. I brought the latest. She had suffered from asthma since she and she took medicines a little child. a strong diuretic (water pill) used to remove fluid from the lungs. and abdomen. One of these was lanoxin. life-threatening con ditions. regularly or was to control it. and her kidneys were shutting down. In the hospital. Having to been away for a a long time. and enlarged were she hadn’t uri I nated in several days. for patients with serious. At these time. breathed dusty air. and she would have to go to the hospital. a renowned doctor who practiced Ayurveda. More importantly. One morning. Iran. within several days. I wouldn’t have believed it. Her breathing slowly returned to normal.physician supposedly possessed the latest. humility for me. case was more a Rani’s than lesson in trained who Pierre’s Pierre was an Story of Extraordinary Healing met during my earlier trav els in India. plucked a leaf from a particular tree. can work with the healing system to help restore the body’s natural state of health and vigor. Within three weeks. Vinod. Rani’s family had called Dr. Vinod did something that I had never seen before. when I was doing my usual rounds. Vinod to see whether there was anything he could do to help her. I saw an Indian gentleman sitting down and talking with Rani as I approached her home. Every day a fresh leaf was applied. Pierre had hitchhiked through Greece. it showed me how instituting the right treat ment. even a ridiculously simple one. asthma. But several She was ery with my own eyes. India’s ancient folk med icine. The family told me he was Dr. He stopped all her medicines. adventurous Frenchman I . the swelling in her feet and abdomen were gone. within a week. and.224 Your Extraordinary Healing System days on these medications only saw her condition going downhill fast. and even in the face of an apparently hopeless situation. her breathing became normal. The son of a royal French family. and which went completely against my medical training. If I hadn’t seen her recov worsen. Iraq. and placed it on her abdomen.S. he had rebelled and run away from his homeland. she was walking around the grounds outside of her home. a U. and Afghanistan before he reached India. This treatment seemed primitive to me. Dr. most up-to-date education and high-tech medicines. Rani began sitting up in bed under her own power and eating full meals. went out back behind Rani’s home. Ayurveda uses primarily natural medicines to help restore health to the body. However. and I was extremely skeptical that anything good would come of it. He restricted her diet to three glasses a day of pure goat’s milk. and she regained almost all of her previous strength. Turkey. He noticed his urine was It was difficult for him to dark brown. One day Pierre awoke with a sharp pain on the right side of his abdomen. But the fun was soon to end. Because he had an even hard time keeping fluids down. he was directed hospital and yoga research institute where I was studying and conducting research. Pierre saw that his skin and the whites of his eyes had turned yellow. Food and water would not appetite. just beneath his rib cage. he built a hut on the beach in Goa. split mung beans (dal) and basmati rice. about 400 miles northwest of Goa. Several days later. breathe. Pierre went from hospital to hospital. Out of desperation. prescribed things that made absolutely no sense to me whatsoever. taking siestas. In this hos pital. a traditional yogic food made up of cooked. and he was fed kichari. learning about the Indian culture. or yoga poses. He also was instructed to drink lots of water and juices.Your Healing System at Work 225 Eventually. that were supposed to calm his nervous system and improve oxygenation of the blood. and that noth a ing and could be done. harder time a weaker and lost to keeping food down. stay down—he frequently threw up. light yellow colored. and settled into carefree life of an expatri international beach bum. Being sick in your own country is scary enough. and pan handling for food. For example. specific intestinal water cleanses that flushed his intestines and were supposed to cleanse and purif~r his liver. Pierre was also prescribed certain asanas. a along the central western coast of India. he grew weaker and lot of weight. That’s when he knew he had hepatitis. His daily activities consisted of fishing. He was jaundiced. He was also pre scribed kri)ias. known as pranayama. developing country. while he was looking in a mirror in a public restroom. it can be even scarier. along with other gentle abdominal exercises to help massage his internal organs and Pierre was promote blood flow to the liver. hoping for a cure. he was prescribed regular breathing prac tices. all-natural treatments from the world of yoga are prescribed and administered to patients with diseases for which modern medi the cine has not been able to find a cure. He had a fever. He was told that there was no cure for his form of hepatitis. no and was extremely nauseous. ate. an excellent . but when you are in a poor. easy to digest. far while his stools were from home and without money. I was told kichari was gentle and soothing. almost tea-colored. Before his 59 years of age when he was first diag diagnosis. which severe measures blood flow 85 per to the heart muscle. was cardiologist told him that the stress test showed heart dis Results of his angiogram were also not good. and that it contained trace numerous vitamins. along with natural medicines that helped nourish were strengthen prescribed. who ordered a stress test and an angiogram. all attempts at restora tion of health are designed to work with your healing system. ‘When he finally visited his doctor. papaya. Ned had been suffering from vague chest pain for several months. He was fond of the idea of having his chest cracked open and his heart was reluctant stopped while the surgeon bypassing the blockages. Because of the locations of the option: months. stitched The tiny veins to his coronary arteries. against areas it. to if he didn’t have this he would be dead within several Ned not accept surgery as his only alternative. significant potential complications . Ned had only one coronary-artery bypass surgery. Following treatment with these unconventional methods. He nosed with heart disease. Ned’s ease. he was referred to a cardiologist. healing can occur when treatment is aimed at cooperat ing with your body’s healing system. but he dismissed these pains as only a muscle strain. miner als. yoga remains one of the most promising your heal of investigation if you’re interested in to ing system achieve optimal health and working with well-being. and such and as elements that help also restore liver health. He was told that operation. His case demonstrates that even in the absence of modern medicines. not the liver. The main artery two 100 percent blocked and others were 80 percent to cent blocked. Ned’s Ned Peterson Story a of Extraordinary Healing emeritus in was professor was psychology at the University of Hawaii. blockages to important areas of the blockages. a test that measures the blood flow in the arter ies that feed the heart. For this reason. Pierre regained his health and in several months completely cured his hepatitis. A thallium test. Other foods.226 Your Extraordinary Healing System source of protein. In yoga. confirmed immediate heart. how he had reversed his heart dis ease. relaxation. his pain diminished significantly. Ned told him about the work of Dr. Ornish’s program for two weeks. and daily gentle yoga Ornish’s stretching. and he receives regular referrals from the same cardiologist who originally told him he was a fool not to undergo open-heart surgery. Ned felt like a new man. his healing system was able to repair the damages . Ned showed the doctor his angiogram and his thallium test results. it had vanished completely. and the 80 percent to 85 per cent blockages were reduced to 20 percent to 25 percent. plant-based diet. He asked Ned how he had done it. Dean Program for Reversing Heart Disease. After one month. In one year. The cardiologist stared at them in disbelief. In three months. Ornish. Ned told his another way. He also embarked on an exercise regimen of walk ing and bike riding three to six days a week. he went to another doctor who ordered a new angiogram and thallium test. Today. he would try His cardiologist told him he was a fool and would probably By be dead within the year. and with laboratory proof to confirm his reversal of heart disease. Dean Ornish. the first person in the world to prove reversal of heart disease without drugs or surgery. but no thanks. Dr. And he learned how to get in touch with his feelings and express them. Ned stumbled upon the work of Dr. Ned read Dr. chest After Ned had followed Dr. and meditation. open-heart surgery caused him to seek another cardiologist thanks. The 100 percent-blocked vessel was now only 40 percent blocked. luck. and he began a low-fat. The repeat thallium test showed 300 percent improvement of blood flow to the heart muscles. he went back to the first cardiologist who had told him he’d be dead within a year if he didn’t undergo open-heart surgery. and he took corrective action that addressed the underlying causes of his problem. Ornish’s best-selling book.Your Heahng System at Work 227 associated with solution. Ned runs volunteer groups for newly diagnosed heart patients. Ned’s repeat angiogram showed the blockages had dissolved significantly. and he is completely free from heart disease. Ned was completely out of the danger zone. Because he was able to understand what contributed to the blockages in his heart. he could bike 12 miles while barely breaking a sweat. He has written a best-selling book about caring for the heart. In addition to his fever and exhaustion. Ned enjoys radiant health because he has learned listen to and cooperate with his healing system. The expert medical opinions were unanimous: Nothing could be done. a severe form of spinal arthritis that causes a progressive stiffening and fusion tests. and emotionally. he also helped negotiate the release of important political and religious prisoners throughout the world. and summoned and consulted the best specialists of the day. He was completely extremely upset that the talks had not gone well and that the Soviets were defi antly moving forward on the buildup of nuclear weapons. For many years. Union returned home from Soviet exhausted. Cousins was given Cousins’ to distinct six months live. a mysterious fever spine began to surfaced. talks between President Cousins John during Kennedy the the famous SALT treaty and Nikita Krushchev. the blood-drawing arm to biochemically confirm his . Cousins’ After many stiffen and become nosed as was diag extremely painful. One day. Cousins to Hiroshima each year for 40 years to help heal people’s wounds caused by the dropping of the atomic bomb on Japan in traveled World War II. mentally. to Today. His own case is one of the most dramatic and vivid examples of the healing system in action. Already high. after serving as a mediator F. Every day. Several days later.228 Your Extraordinary Healing System and reverse his disease. having an advanced case of ankylosing spondylitis. Norman Cousins’ of Norman Cousins Story Extraordinary Healing the first person to tell me about the body’s heal ing system. The doctors monitored his sedimentation rate. physically. he of all of the vertebrae of the were a spine. was A remarkable writer and international peacemaker. It was a very stressful time for Cousins. Cardiac involvement and death possibility~ family doctor checked him into one of the country’s finest hospitals. his was a hopelessly terminal case. which was a spe cific blood test that marked the severity of this disease. the rate continued a to rise each team would stick needle in his day. and he also was declared “cured. Cousins also watched other funny movies. As with all the systems in the body. Nobel Laureate chemist and a close friend of Cousins. deteriorating condition. he could get out of bed and walk without a cane or crutches. but had previously declared his system can affect the immune system and influence the course of ill ness and health. In his state of despair and hope lessness. As he lay in his hospital room. Many AIDS and cancer patients have benefited from these studies. his sedimentation rate was back to normal. One of these friends was Allen Funt. the producer of the hit TV comedy series Candid Camera. lost in the gaiety and laughter of the movies. Funt supplied Cousins with films of the show’s most memorable episodes. he accidentally stumbled onto the secret healing power of humor and laughter as antidotes to pain and misery. he could get two hours of pain-free sleep. as noted earlier. including Marx brothers’ films. Cousins went on to spearhead pioneer ing research in a new field of medicine known as psychoneuroim munology. Within several months. insisted that he take vitamin C every day. which describes the details of his miraculous healing journey and triumph over ankylosing spondylitis.S.” During this time. Linus Pauling.Your Heahr~g System at Work 229 progressive. from U. sedimentation rate started this program. After 10 years of work in .” not by the top specialists of the day. because the blood-drawing team wasn’t really helping him. As Cousins continued symptoms improving. he might as well enjoy his final days. indicating that his internal bio the good. the immune system depends on the healing system to do its best work. At the same time. Specifically. because he had only six months to live. he slowly noticed his The “vampire squad” also reported that his on to chemistry was changing for drop. Within a year. he was completely pain free. After writing his best-selling book Anatomy of an Illness. he began to notice his pain lessening. he discov ered that for every 15 minutes of solid belly laughter. Cousins was a friend to many celebrities. who case hopeless. studies how the mind and nervous only by his doctor. In his rare lighter moments. A strong healing system mally—as is necessary for the immune system to function opti it did in Norman Cousins’ case. presidents to Hollywood movie stars. Cousins jokingly referred to them as “the vampire squad. Cousins realized that. which. He told Arthur that he was supposed to be dead—what was he doing still alive? Arthur you told was replied. and I began taking piano lessons. He thought he’d seen a ghost.230 Your Extraordinary Healing System this field. His described did terminal. been sick in the past five years. con Siegel’s who dition was had been diagnosed as with an advanced was cancer. and he was astonished. I went on a cruise. and he to see or given ran six months to live.” Arthur really “I took your advice. One of the earlier cases that helped inspire him involved a man named Arthur. Medicine. Then it hit him: If you you’d be dead in six months. he had his medical-office staff call the fami lies of hundreds of his patients who were assumed dead. you probably don’t remember what me. including the immensely inspirational. to and I have never felt better in my whole life.” The next patients who I sent home to die are morning. Dr. and wondered He see thought again him. Siegel. your doctor said . however. and that it important for me to make it the best six months of my life. Dr. I felt not good. wanted to do. Arthur was a patient of Dr. “Dr. Siegel stood there scratching his head and thought. I quit my job. were still he discovered that about 20 percent of these terminal living and were completely healthy. timeless classic. After six months. Arthur’s Dr. years later. which was something I had always went on. Cousins’ Head First: appropriately titled The Biology ofHope and the Healing Power of the Human next best-selling book was Spirit. like Arthur. I’ve wonder how many more of my still alive. and Miracles. Siegel into Arthur in the local grocery store. Bernie Story of Extraordinary Healing Siegel is a well-known cancer surgeon. internationally acclaimed speaker. and after six months you felt better why they hadn’t come back to were a patient. “I I decided I didn’t have die. One Siegel day five not expect hear from him again.” Dr. and best-selling author of numerous books. which I never liked. Love. wanted to which was some so thing else I’d always do. To his cases surprise. but you said I had only six months to live. and that. place you’d go is your them if course Siegel they’d then be personally called all of these patients and asked willing to attend weekly group meetings. the last doctor’s office. and they served to things they minal cases did activate their are his teachers. She also how her mind-body explored emotions. Siegel’s work is that it has given hope to mil lions afflicted with terminal. Instead. and attitudes could be powerful influ thoughts. Medicine. Siegel’s Exceptional Cancer Patients provide strong evidence that our heal ing systems can be accessed and activated through a variety of means and ways. as a consequence. Louise Louise At a Hay’s Story young of Extraordinary Healing who Hay was a woman barely finished high school. and the many healing systems while overcoming ter of cancer. of life’s afflictions.Your Healing System at Work 231 than you ever had in your whole life. they can overcome even the most beauty severe The of Dr. these patients. life-threatening illnesses. Siegel called them as all survivors of Cancer Exceptional Patients. Their stories. Dr. Over the were of the next cancer. Siegel’s opinion that if one person can beat an incurable disease. Dr. Dr. and she changed her diet. described in Love. During this journey of self-exploration. pursue alternative methods of healing. reluctant to was have an chemicals with she decided to potentially toxic side effects into her operation and put strange body. met as a 12 years. She researched on the impact of nutritious foods her health. ences on her physical health. In his words: “There are no such things as incurable illnesses. and she was told undergo immediate surgery and chemotherapy. that she young age. which contains case reports of people from all walks of life beating every so-called incurable illness known to man. by definition. Louise discovered that she had been sexually abused. who group. and Miracles. and that. the disease can no longer be called incurable. she had the connection and discovered .” He backs up these words by pointing to the scientific liter ature. once activated. It is Dr. only incurable people. she if she didn’t would die. Louise developed cervical cancer. and his coworkers came running. example. an and and action. This interaction has a and on our health. This encourages us to eat right. other wonderful books and tapes to help others who are interested in healing. word. thought. slipped carpenter doing framing work on a custom home. she learned how to care quite logical that cancer lifestyle. he and fell. She also has produced many self-healing journey. accidentally hit the switch that turned the The powerful saw cut a clean track saw that completely severing his hand and wrist were no longer attached to his body. which has grown rapidly since its inception. somehow he saw on. and is You Can Heal Your based on her own Steve’s Steve was a Story of Extraordinary Healing day. In her healing work. sics. In the commotion.232 Your Extraordinary Healing System harbored shame and cancer resentment eventually developed. Slowly. One while he was climbing a ladder and carrying his electric saw. her gone on to cancer went away. Hay House. and she has become nary teacher and healer. it. again to return. These behaviors make work for our healing system and ultimately contribute to illness. never and attitudes more for herself in improved. as Louise’s diet. Louise discovered that. When we angry systems and ensure our good life and resentful of ourselves and are tend our to participate can in self-destructive activities that extra harmful to bodies. and sleep well. For our powerful influence on our healing systems. He screamed for help. how we treat our bodies is a reflection of how we treat ourselves. Louise went on to write several international best-selling clas L~. These behaviors help strengthen others. for the part of her body where the After she had discovered certain inner was truths about herself. we tend to treat them with love and kindness. Her first. rest. when we think kind and loving our thoughts about selves and bodies. she realized that it would show up there. She even started her own successful publishing company. through his arm. perhaps most famous. in many instances. we and fortify are our healing at health. Blood was everywhere. among other things. He looked down and . She has since extraordi enjoy radiant health. and to exer cise. I was employed at the UCLA Medical Center as an operatingroom assistant at the time. When I came back the next morning at 7:00 AM. hand. One team worked on the hand. whenever he moved around with it. the splint was removed. This almost time. and cutting wood with his favorite saw. The severed muscles and tendons were rejoined. Steve’s hand to They were going to connect his arm. iron-rich fruits and of blood from the accident (he surprisingly. bones. Steve was able to gain full use of his arm. and fingers. preparing kinds of the severed end for reattachment. Additionally. Steve’s arm was put in an immobilizing splint. After two months. His nerves regenerated and registered fully intact sensation. however. able to healing system in making more blood for his body. during which he learned exercises to help stretch and strengthen his arm and hand. . when these to operations were not so common. mended. My shift started at 7:00 AM and ended at 3:30 PM.Thanks to Steve’s healing system. and healed. and it continued for several more hours. After the operation. and someone had the presence of mind to apply a tourniquet to Steve’s arm to help stop the bleeding. . while the other team worked on his arm. Within six months. Steve was back on the job. Within one year. healthy and strong. the oper ation was still going on. even though Steve had lost an enormous amount had almost gone into shock). The paramedics arrived on the scene within 20 minutes. and they took Steve and his severed hand to the UCLA Medical Center. including his wrist. Another person grabbed his severed wrist and hand and put it in a bag. where two teams of surgeons and nurses were already waiting to work on him. transfusions after the operation. he made sure the safety switch was on. This was try in 1975. His severed bones knitted back together and stronger than ever. he didn’t need any blood By drinking lots he was of fluids and assist his eating vegetables. Because of Steve’s healing system. the healing process was well under way by the time he reached phys ical therapy. muscles. ten dons. and nerves.Your HeaUng System at Work 233 They called the ambulance. and he began physical therapy. most of the sensation had returned to his fingertips. dissecting the blood vessels. He was immediately rushed to the operating room. Within one year. circulation to his hand and fingers were was restored. Elpern knew that stress can affect a person’s healing system. Dr. which was poorly controlled. as Once he regained his health. well. She to treat the source of Rose’s rash. Sam’s Sam was an Story of Extraordinary Healing man obese Hawaiian who led as a sedentary meats to life and ate high-fat obesity. Elpern had tried var ious remedies. made a presumptive diagnosis. Sam’s doctor wanted to send him to Dr. Rose told Dr. and he was wise enough Dr. there was no improvement in her skin condition. been successful making Elpern discovered that her rash had first onset appeared about the time of the of her husband’s illness. Elpern two weeks later. On Rose’s next visit with Dr. including insulin dependent diabetes. Oddly enough. and he had Rose come back several times for checkups. He questioned her husband thoroughly. brought him to Dr. Elpern on her next visit. Dr.234 Your Extraordinary Healing System Rose’s Rose was an Story of Extraordinary Healing elderly woman who had been suffering from a rash on her arms and legs for several months. Elpern asked to see Rose’s husband. Dr. her rash was completely gone. Rose’s husband was feeling much better. Becoming a little frustrated. examined him. Sam also suffered from several other chronic diseases. She had not went on to at tell him that her husband’s doctors her husband better. who specializes in dermatology~ Dr. Rose’s rash also began to improve. which was her husband’s health. typical modern-day Hawaiian foods such as foods such canned and pork lau lau. and treated him accordingly. Elpern. Elpern decided to stop her medications and probe deeper into the possible causes of Rose’s rash. she regained hers. In a week’s time. In addition his . Elpern hadn’t done anything other than treat her husband for an unrelated condition. She went to see my good friend Dr. Dr. Shintani. a progressive young doctor who had a strong background in nutrition and preventive medicine. Each time. Elpern that her husband had recently become very sick and that she was worried about his health. He asked if she had been facing any unusual difficulties at home or had been under any kind of stress. Dr. He maintains normal was blood sugar levels to this day by staying on the Hawaiian Diet. taking was his medical history a conducting on a physical Dr. This diet was in stark contrast to such high-fat foods as fried chicken. roasted pig. Shintani. and . After exam. and stroke. whole grains. as diseases wholesome. able and one-half years on the Hawaiian Diet. Sam’s story provides a clear example of how cooperating with your body’s natu ral healing system by applying these ideas about nutrition and prevention can reverse a deadly disease such as diabetes and effect true and permanent healing. and they are vir tually absent from the curriculum of most medical schools in the West. and traditional Hawaiian wisdom. provide some of the most practical and important strategies to summon the support of the body’s healing system in the healing and prevention of even the most dev astating modern-day illnesses. blood pressure. and fish. which the formulated from combination of modern science historical accounts. to completely get off his insulin. diabetes. The original Hawaiians ate mainly simple. Shintani’s research. athletic. sweet potatoes and taro. seeds. healthy foods such such as fruits. The areas of nutrition and preventive medicine are sadly lacking in the practice of conventional modern medicine. it is because of their modern.Your HeaHng System at Work 235 Shintani had just launched a as new preventive and nutritional program for Hawaiians known the Hawaiian Diet. When he first met Dr. Shintani recommended that Sam go the Hawaiian Diet. and fast foods. popular among presentday Hawaiians such as Sam. Sam high was more than 150 pounds overweight lost 150 he and required 100 units of insulin each day to control his diabetes. Many common among Western cultures were nonexistent Hawaiian peoples when Captain James Cook first discovered among them in the 1600s. Shintani. perverted diet and unnatural lifestyles that Hawaiians suffer from high rates of obesity. vegetables. But these two related fields of study. Sam had His blood-sugar levels had dropped to normal. After one pounds. complex carbohydrates. nuts. and lean. According to Dr. which most physicians rarely discuss with their patients. According to original Hawaiian people (before the arrival of the European explorers and missionaries) were quite healthy. heart dis ease. This emphasis has been the main thrust of pioneering physicians such as Dr. This book contains many case descriptions after) and full-color who have plates of psoriasis patients (before and successfully cured their psoriasis by following Dr. in severe cases psoriasis can also involve the joints. Jim came across the work of Dr. as much as he used his medications religiously. It was then that he began to understand the phrase “the heartbreak of psoriasis. the elbows.236 Your Extraordinary Healing System Jim’s Story Jim was a of Extraordinary Healing plumber in his early fifties. to cancel important scheduled such as family outings or fishing trips with his buddies. Jim had a drawer full of creams and pills that he had collected over the years during his many visits to doctors. the knees. the scalp. John Pagano. patches on the skin. Each time his psoriasis erupted.” By luck. and who had written an award-winning book entitled Healing causes it. except when he became incapacitated with flare-ups of his psoriasis. Corticosteroid and immune-suppressing creams are usually administered daily to reduce the severity of the symptoms. Modern medicine does Unable not understand what it mainly with to cure psoriasis. the feet and anldes. new patches of inflamed skin were surfacing in areas that were previously normal. Although it is considered a skin disease. at best. His condition was worsening. . He led an active life. in addition to being painful and irritating. a chiro practor who had worked with many psoriasis patients over the years. behind the ears. and. which give temporary relief. These treatments are applied more frequently during flareups. doctors treat Psoriasis: The Natural Alternative. staying inflamed for longer periods. or just about any other place you can imagine. His psoriasis was starting to drive him crazy. or the process of easing dis comfort without curing. Pagano’s recommendations. However. Additionally. This approach is often referred to as palliation. suppressive medications. Strong pills are often prescribed for more severe cases. Jim’s psoriasis would flare up at the most inconvenient times. there seemed to be no rhyme or reason to the flare-ups or why his disease was spread ing. his flare-ups were becoming more frequent and more severe. becoming a debilitat Psoriasis can occur in ing form of arthritis. a con dition he had been suffering with for 30 years. his old patches grew larger and more angry. It caused him events. Dr. and fiber into his diet. Pagano met Jim.Your Healing System at Work 237 Pagano’s approach to healing psoriasis is based on a broader understanding of the human body. After three months. which had been a major problem for years. that soon he’d start to see improvement. After two years. which to fade and look one more like the color of his normal surrounding skin. measures to strengthen it through diet. he questioned him at length about his diet. and to incorporate more fruits. the reality of a healing system. Jim took healing system again. something that no other doctor had done before. instead of a drawer full of creams and med now has a drawer full of shorts. His research has intestinal health and digestive disturbances of toxins in the skin that demonstrated that once hygiene are restored through proper diet. not a lesion could be found. He also told him to give up sodas and other junk foods that he had become habituated to over At first. Five years have passed. his patches had receded and could only be discovered persistent and deliberate probing. After by year. change for the first six weeks. Dr. and Jim has not had a recurrence. really thought that the changes in his diet Pagano reaffirmed that Jim needed to stick sever with the program. After six months. his patches started even of his times of stress. and. how all the other systems are interconnected. was cured. Jim didn’t think that all these sacrifices were his condition didn’t seem to the years. psoriasis When Dr. In particular. if he Dr. during frequency ity usually made his psoriasis worse. which was initially quite difficult for him to do. Jim began to notice a reduction in the and flare-ups. Jim hasn’t missed a fishing trip or family outing in wear ications. His patches looked less red and were more itchy than painful. which he never used to psoriasis patches. and his psoriasis. and how once balance is restored among these systems. vegetables. could heal his Pagano psoriasis. the went because of the embarrassment of his into action when . espe cially when He asked Dr. and how the eliminative as properties constipation can lead to a buildup contribute to psoriasis. he Once five years. healing can occur. and his psoriasis was gone. worth it. Pagano’s approach takes into consideration the unique relation on ship such between the skin and the intestines. The “heartbreak of psoriasis” is now a distant memory. He then told Jim he had to give up his coffee habit. water. is greatly improved or even completely eliminated. His work focuses of the skin. his hands became extremely itchy. He informed the teacher that his goal was . had a few weeks off before when he had a little extra time. Hal had passed a pottery studio that offered beginning classes in making pottery. had suffered eczema chronic both of his hands for six years. who positive for a more than 20 allergens. and were more of a hin drance than a help.238 Your Extraordinary Healing System Hal’s Hal. Other factors. to take one of those beginning classes. and he on improvement. After six months. He was awaiting the results of the national match program. he routinely used industrial-strength germicidal soaps. and. Six years to the day after he began. such to as stress. could have contributed Hal’s eczema. After several years. Hal couldn’t even hold a football because of the cracking and bleeding on his hands. as well. eczema Hal’s began when he was working as an orderly in a busy medical-center emergency room. in particular. He beginning his internship. which seemed to irritate his hands. on the thumb on his throwing arm. During this period. Doctor after doctor no saw Hal’s hands and He took a prescribed to an treatments. he gave up all injections. and pills. The skin Based to no on truckload of various referred tests did some skin tests indicated allergist. The gloves he was supposed to protect his hands ripped and tore. Hal underwent series of allergy hope avail. but there creams was and they started to crack and bleed. When his flared up. Now was Hal walked into the pottery studio and signed up for a beginning class that lasted six weeks. that his condition would ever be healed. a Story of Extraordinary Healing now a former athlete and eczema on medical student. So Hal just did his scrubbing and cleaning to without them. was eventually Hal. usually the most difficult year in a young doctor’s training. he would like his chance. use to clean the doctor’s labs. This condition was especially debilitating and humil iating because Hal had been a star quarterback on his college football team. He had remarked to himself that someday. on his way to medical school in Philadelphia. Every day for four years. all these tests. Hal had just finished the aca demic and clinical work for his senior year in medical school. to find out which hospital he would be assigned to for his postgraduate residency training. at the end of the last class. was exactly how Hal cured. David Snowden. The teacher thought this was a bit too much. He followed the teacher’s instructions earnestly and sincerely. They were no longer cracked or bleeding. and on came during his free time after class. its work. he happened to glance down at his hands. we’ll never really know. Hal had completed his dinnerware set for six. that he loved was Sister Esther’s Sister Esther was Story nun of Extraordinary Healing convent senior at the Good Counsel Hill in Minnesota. He how to told how too to care for the to clay. the teacher Six weeks later. in the Even Now. a researcher University of Minnesota. were After several classes. including plates. and it was important enough to on the cover of Time magazine. the site of a disease. the know eczema has never returned. though he was only a beginner. 20 years later. just like bread dough. first day and was given a lump was of wet clay dry mold and form between his hands. The at the appear groundbreaking 15-year study study was conducted by Dr. Hal absolutely loved the potter’s wheel. soup bowls. and all it needed was the right cat alyst for it to spring into action. and they had no signs of eczema. Perhaps working with the clay itself had a healing effect on Hal’s hands. and coffee mugs. and how to roll and knead it. Hal again reminded of his goal to create a complete dinner setting for six.Your Healing System at Work 239 to make a complete dinnerware setting for six. What we do know for sure is that Hal’s healing system was ready to do. before the six-week class was finished. the students introduced to the potter’s wheel. add more moisture when it became dry. how it if it became too wet. who was 106 of Alzheimer’s . not realizing that she was dealing with Hal to a typical type came to class the A-personality medical student. Sister Esther. After he did this. That first day. which he removed with joy from the kiln and proudly displayed in front of the other students in the class. working long hours with clay. he which pots are “thrown” or spun into shape by the skill ful hands of the potter. Perhaps the cure involved a combination of the two. We don’t Perhaps doing something relaxing enough to stimulate his healing system into action. Hal thoroughly immersed his hands in the clay. and many of her fellow nuns.240 Your Extraordinary Healing System years of age. . Snowden’s research revealed and social and emotional factors. and applying the familiar nuns “Use it lose it. This fact was in conventional science would have predicted. but they also offer tremen dous hope and insights about how the healing system works and how we can stay healthy as we age. healthy lifestyle that involves mental challenges as well as and vice versa. as who were free from Alzheimer’s dis Because Esther fully whip despite her advanced and try to discover other the riddle might explain mentally sharp as a age. In Dr. environment. and find ways to keep ourselves stimulated and actively involved in life. Age didn’t seem to be a who continued while to critical factor. brain to a muscle. candy sharp contrast what Dr. completely different scenario for Alzheimer’s disease than is currently theorized by most researchers. eighties despite signifi to advanced ages. Snowden found that the who kept tally and stimulated and were socially able to avoid the disease nuns connected showed the fewest symptoms altogether. A well rounded. She stays con actively vent. while younger nuns who were socially withdrawn and not mentally stimulated developed symptoms of the disease. Dr. involved with other to and with the affairs of her In example and Dr. Snowden’s findings are not only credible. Snowden’s research remind us of how important it is to keep using our brains. all of which and can affect the anatomy axiom men physiology Likening the or of the brain. Snowden was particularly nuns was well ease.” Dr. Because of the length and thoroughness of his study. which annually a functional and affects about 4 million Americans. The older exercise their brains in other activities continued free of the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. remain socially connected with our friends and family. as those of her sister interested in Esther’s life story. Alzheimer’s disease is strongly linked to lifestyle. Dr. showed no signs of Alzheimer’s disease. who were in their and nineties. Snowden decided to look deeper causes than merely age or genetics that of Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. by thoughtful writing meaningful work and and speaking remaining engaged Sister Esther enjoys working on various craft projects. attempts Sister Esther’s understand how the mind affects the body. and she rides a stationary our exercise bike for 10 minutes every nuns day. Snowden’s scientific opin ion. She seemed relieved that I wasn’t so against them. Because her regular doctor was adamantly opposed to chiropractors. “Doctor. Not wanting to dis courage her. an open mind. on her next visit with the exam room me. “Gerry. Sometimes. Her medical chart was thicker her to phone book. was able to relieve 30 years of pain and misery. pain diabetes. All I did was give her permission to go to the chiropractor. “Last night. which is known cause nerve problems that can result in pain in the legs and lower One extremities. a new way of thinking. he never approved of her doing this. What’s up with you? “I asked. after one simple adjustment. but not wanting to build up false hopes either.Your Healing System at Work 241 strong emotional and social connections helps support our healing systems. and she was somewhat apprehensive. I told her it might be worth a try and probably wouldn’t hurt her. who. Gerry had a long-standing history of and she had suffered from hip pain for many years. Gerry asked me if I thought chiropractor might help her hip pain. you forgot your cane. Even though Gerry’s is a rather straightforward case. and perhaps my reaction helped her a visit to a get up the courage to visit one. I saw that she didn’t have her cane.” she replied. even when we reach ages approaching Sister Esther’s. She added. Gerry’s Story Gerry was ing while an of Extraordinary Healing elderly patient of a doctor whose practice I was cover he was away. She had never seen a chiropractor before. I don’t need my cane anymore. Gerry walked into smiling. . she was told it was from her diabetes. I went dancing for the first time in 30 years! My hip pain is completely gone!” She then burst into tears and thanked me for healing her hip pain. and every time she came in to complain about hip pain. day while I was examining her. Two weeks later. which can keep us healthy. and a simple adjustment are all that are necessary to assist your healing system in restoring health to your body. I learned something important from her. that caused her than a to walk with a cane. Over a several-year period. self-discipline. The doctors did longer. however. she began to exhibit a noticeable limp. including jogging. By having an open mind. her time for active considerable discomfort. no osteoarthritis. Because I was working with Merry. At first the pain occurred only when she tried to exercise. Trying career. and told me that she was not looking forward to having her hips replaced at such a young age. she experienced pain when she was getting in and out of her car. Then. and performing other simple movements. including corticosteroids. how ever. walking up stairs. the hip pain became worse and worse. many of these patients were able to avoid surgery and improve the health of their joints. I had only a professional relationship with her and was not familiar with her medical history. As Merry began to attend to her patients and concentrate more on her dancing became less and to maintain an lifestyle. go to see and after extensive several doctors. and even that caused her professional less. I asked her why she was limping. She was tests. . I spoke of this work with Merry and suggested several specific yoga stretches and other gentle therapeutic activities that might help open up the joint spaces in her hips and reverse her arthritis. Merry eventually had to could ignore the problem investigations made the They placed Merry on strong anti-inflam progressive matory medications. even though there weren’t a lot of scientific studies to support my work. Soon. instead of dancing she took to a program of regular exercise. I noticed her limp. but they told her that eventually she would need a double hip replacement. It was then that I found out about her diagnosis of osteoarthritis. and a genuine will to improve. I had had some previous clin ical successes with yoga and gentle physical therapy for my patients with various types of arthritis and joint deformities. however. As an alternative to surgery. and although she was not yet 30 years old. Merry had to cur tail all exercises other than slow walking. Merry began to notice pains in her hips.242 Your Extraordinary Healing System Merry’s Story of Extraordinary Healing Merry was a young nurse I worked with who used to be a dancer. and she X-rays and blood diagnosis of severe. When I went for a walk with her one day after work. She shared her pain with me. Luckily. when we met at a medical conference. his back locked up on him and dropped him to his knees. but it needed her cooperation. She told me that she had lowed my fol regimen faithfully during the first several months. catching up on old times. One day. and. By working with her healing system using natural. It was me then that I to noticed that her limp was gone. noninvasive techniques. while he was lifting luggage from the trunk of his car. In the emergency room. His was called in. Merry was able to reverse her arthritis and live her life to a to the fullest once again with out resorting have been the extreme solution of surgery. and so she was very open to this more conservative to approach.Your Hea’ing System at Work 243 looking for a more permanent solution to her problem and wanted avoid surgery. was Merry told me that her hips were now disease free. not with his wife’s help. She dancing again. He couldn’t she had their cell arrived move. Clyde was given strong narcotic injec tions to relieve his pain. which also might not long-term solution. my military duty and clinical training took me far away from paths crossed walked as we Merry’s world. however. The ambu shortly after. She applied the stretching and other activities diligently and persistently. Clyde’s Story Clyde was a of Extraordinary Healing had suffered from back physics professor who pain for many years. and help break the intense muscle spasms. after feeling great improvement. The MRI showed a severely herniated disc in the spine and a synovial cyst in the joint space between spine was was X-rayed. She has stuck with it to this day and continues to enjoy excellent health in both her hips. lance crew phone and called 911. and it shot down his even right leg bolt of lightening. decided to stick with it. The like pain a in his back was excruciating. Merry’s healing system was willing and able to go into action. relax his muscles. to and the admitted the . Clyde M~ the next lower lumbar orthopedic surgeon hospital and underwent an day. We talked. and it felt wonderful. It wasn’t until nine years later that our again. Soon. which reminded ask her about the arthritis in her hips. and guided imagery. of these . asked if there because one was was not ready to any urgency a poor outcome with a recent His friend had ended up with an infection that spine operation. and he the surgery. Other neurosurgeon. and that had kept him hospitalized for than six of his friends had had months after his surgery. and many of these people end up with chronic pain. the book.S. doctor’s He researched the Internet and found a book about a cure an pain journey through nutrition. stretching.000 the U. It Many is not uncommon to meet people who have had 20 or more opera tions. pain shrunk significantly. The people you have just met are only a handful of the thou sands I’ve either known myself or heard about who have learned to cooperate with their healing systems to eliminate a variety of health More than 300. When other Clyde went home. he decided to find out whether there options that didn’t involve surgery to correct his spine on problem. the surgery could be scheduled within the next couple were of weeks. Clyde was told that if he wanted to go home and rest. including and stress-management techniques. he would then consent to the surgery. such as relaxation. and it was determined that spine surgery disc and remove the cyst would be necessary. Because he learned to work with his healing system. and the After three months of diligently Clyde’s back pain and the His herniated disc had applying this doctor’s program. however. He contacted the doctor who wrote doctor concurred that this might be a wise approach. he is not one of these people. specialists were called in. and there was no evi down his dence of his synovial cyst. Clyde thought he would give this alternative approach a threeown back and ultimate that involved holistic methods. Fortunately for Clyde. exercise. meditation. effective methods that work with his healing system. Clyde was able to heal his back pain naturally and restore health to his spine through the regular practice of simple. Clyde was hesitating to Clyde. leg were completely gone. Nor is he ever likely to be.244 Your Extraordinary Healing System the adjacent vertebrae. almost killed him. month trial. people undergo back surgery each year in people will undergo a second operation. including the to repair the undergo spine surgery. and if it didn’t work. and. You have the power to strengthen and fortif~r your healing system. and the other people in this section did. overcome any health challenges you face. From serious. significantly compromise the quality of your life. problems. . your healing system can perform remarkable feats if you just learn how to work with it. Steve.Your HeaHng System at Work 245 life-threatening illnesses such as cancer or heart disease to more benign conditions that. Rose. just as Rani. with extraordinary healing. while not necessarily life-threatening. PART TWO Activating Your Healing System When You’re Sick . You can become depressed and give up any hope that you will ever live a normal life again. to machine. to ‘When serious illness strikes. the task of getting better may seem daunting. and spiritually. Remember that you are not a machine. you can apply this ow knowledge to the treatment of specific health problems. but mentally. As you recall. but a complete are and spirit. there are seven key points to keep in mind while you are working with your healing system: 1. You need ation if any physical body. This is particularly take all three aspects into consider disease is to be truly eradicated from your true for chronic problems. not just physically. as well. mind. and that all interconnected. however. it is easy whelmed. it is difficult for your health to improve. a human Keep in mind that you are not being with a body. your mind is connected to your healing system and exerts .Before You Begin that you understand how your body’s healing system works and how you can strengthen and fortify it. Because your mind is connected to your body. when you are in this hopeless state of mind. At times like these. become over emotionally. Before you begin. when you are in a weakened physical and emotional state. saying “An ounce We all remember the a of prevention is worth is easier to pound of cure. When you do this. and thorough healing response. Practice prevention. than resources. you waste precious energy that could be used for healing. Focus your healing system. so you can avoid getting sick again in the future. your mind will join forces with your body to more effectively over come your illness. mobilize the forces of healing that exist within you. but how 3. Your illness only the way to remedy your current situa to stay healthy and remain balanced in all areas of your life. do their natural internal This If you ness as are motivated to an opportunity to not get better. and produce a more rapid. what is wrong with their healing they focusing on the healing process. energy. you can easily lose sight of your body’s intrinsic state of health and instead erroneously succumb to the belief that the illness is more powerful. a valuable learn ing experience. and fear into or what has invaded their bodies. more not on Be careful not to pay attention your disease and the external agents that may be causing it than to your own healing system and the steps you need to take to bring it up to speed. In this respect. Focus your attention on your healing system and not on your disease. renewal. methods. and discomfort. effective. bodies. When emphasis sabotages your are sick. refer to the strategies.” Anything. and techniques given specifically for on this purpose in your illness. you can even use your ill to learn more about the factors that contributed can your loss of health in the first place. and a time of transformation. and healing. The most common illness strikes is that strategic mistake most people make when they invest more time. to Chapter 6. fix . including your body. pain. 2. illness can be a blessing in disguise. This powerful healing partnership can maximize the flow of your healing energies. When you do this. To enlist the services of your mind while you are working with your healing system. show you tion.250 Activating Your Healing System When Youre Sick a tremendous influence over your internal mechanisms of repair and recovery. or makes you feel worse.Before You Begin 251 when wait until the problems first begin and damage is minor. Pay attention your body. distinguishing between a symptom of dis ease and a healthy physiological response from your healing system is vitally important. With a few avoid any activity or treatment exceptions. Investing in your health by supporting your healing system effective. For example. any illness or dis has far more difficulty invading your body. clearer. and expense is required to repair the damage when you wait to address a prob lem than if you can prevent it from happening in the first place. More time. when you have when you momentum of good health on your side. such as coughing. Additionally. in fact. and more at ease. energetic. many symptoms of illness. sneez ing. they more accurately reflect activation of Remember that . to Remember to listen your because it health. as discussed in Chapter 2. To help you access invaluable support for your healing during times of illness. or fever. If you can’t prevent a health problem. such anabolic steroids. do your best to that drains your energy~ makes you irritable. opiates. is more cost in both time and money. to 4. are commonly attributed to the actual disease process when. continue and pursue any activity or treatment that makes your mind and body feel stronger. than it is if you problem has escalated to the point at which exten sive damage has occurred. or other drugs that may provide temporary. interferes with sleep or other vital functions. increases your symptoms. review and regularly practice the exercise for listening to your body described in Chapter 4. and establish themselves in your body. and to avoid artificial substances. use as more common here. easily treated than those that have been allowed spread. It is important to sense lighter. Illnesses and diseases that are caught in their early stages are much more to progress. so that you can avoid illness. energy. short-term relief. provide Although there can valuable information are a body whether you’re sick or well concerning your few exceptions. Institute corrective measures as soon as pos sible. stimulants. at least intervene early to nip it in the bud. the ease are well. but that in the long run often prove harmful. such as laboratory and imaging techniques. highly effective. they cal contribution and benefits of a support your variety of treatments that can healing system. to use conventional such as modern phar maceutical agents and surgical procedures. and they don’t cause any untoward reaction in your body. can provide key as detailed information about your illness and While the least invasive methods monitoring your healing progress. or for an illness that is chronic. ‘When you are in a car accident and have sustained critical injuries is not the time to eat brown rice. in acute times when it is appropriate. meditate. skilled surgeons and critical-care nurses will give you the treatment you need. it is important that someone knowledgeable administers them. Use conventional medicines and There are when necessary. offer for supporting your healing system and facilitating the healing process. These treatments can often be life saving. even those that may be extremely invasive. and do acupuncture. They are particularly early on in the course of an illness. they don’t interact with conventional medicine you may be currently taking. emergencies. usually should be attempted conventional medicine used appropriately has much to first. Recognize these symptoms for what they really are. treatments 5. treatments 6. their use doesn’t cause you to delay conven tional treatment that may be more effective. serve invaluable aids in . when used effective when treatments. and don’t panic when they occur. And even though many natural medicines and treat ments are safe. Use natural medicines and Natural medicines and can are responsibly. conventional diagnostic methods. particularly treatments situations. gency room. In addition. You need to go by ambulance with the help of trained paramedics to the finest hospital emer particularly in There.252 Activating Your Healing System When You’re Sick your body’s healing system. Natural medicine or treatment is best administered by a trained health professional who also has worked and trained in conventional medicine and is open-minded enough to understand the practi be used responsibly. learn to cooperate and work with them. ‘When this lack of feeling or sensation sets in. you are turning a deaf ear to valuable information your body is trying to share with you. (There are exceptions to this. Doing this is often very . Unfortunately. ‘When pain ignored or suppressed. A smoke alarm is installed for your protection. try to understand it. there is life. Pain is a valuable message from your healing system and in the long run is intended for your benefit. helpful message from your body’s healing system. Pain tells you that. people in our society are learning how to successfully ignore their bodies. Pain is a consummate teacher. Your your body’s tissues are alive and well and to communicate with you. always temporary and needs to be understood. Understand your Pain is to one pain. not your enemy. It is telling take corrective action to restore normal function to your trying to body. such as the pain of is out childbirth. your house might burn down. call from your healing system’s communication center that sends something of balance and wrong with your body. Pain is not negative or punitive. it is accompanied by a loss of function. if you don’t respond. Always remember that where there is to pain you tells you that your are nerves and pain.Before You Begin 253 7. there is always the opportunity for healing. but rather a positive. and. The purpose of pain is to help you direct your healing ener gies to a particular area of your body where the normal flow of energy has become blocked. not ignored or suppressed. ‘Where there is pain. When you suppress pain through artifi cial means. and learn how to work with it. instructive. Numbness is an ominous sign: It is diffi escalates but is cult heal that which you cannot feel. it evolves into numbness. and if you were to snip its wires because you didn’t like the irritating sound it made every time it was activated. Snipping the wires to Pain is your internal alarm system is what you do when you suppress your pain. rather.) Don’t be frightened or intimidated by your pain. Pain conveys a sense of urgency. of the most potent messages your healing system Pain gets your attention and is an urgent wake-up you. if you don’t take immediate action. and you should consider it your friend. through the widespread use of pain suppressing medications. its intensity increases. things could get worse. If your and longstanding. This emotional pain seeks bodily expression. how you following steps work with your pain. and your to pain still persists. As the will pain eventually come to begins lessen in intensity and your body heals. practicing defer this exercise and maximum gaining full benefits may be difficult. Through the guided-imagery and visualization tech in Part niques presented your One. Regularly practice to the “How to Listen to Your Body” pain is exercise severe according a the instructions given in Chapter to 4. but if serious life-threatening take the been with you: o cause has been found. you that it was appre ciate this o discipline well worth the effort. no matter long it has Listen to your body. you can learn to have a conversation with pain and can gain valuable much insights about its specific purpose and func tion. This type of pain is often described as functional. ing taking to these medications while you listen to are practic the exercise of to learning and see your body. You must address func tional pain just as seriously as you do organic pain. for a need practice pain this exercise ses up to four times minimum of 30 to 45 minutes for each sion.254 Activating Your Healing System When Youre Sick harmful because most ing causes have not conditions get been addressed. Underlying always need be addressed. you initially might day. as opposed to organic. If you are taking strong pain suppressants. To reduce or gain full benefits and for healing. worse when the underly but Sometimes. Allow several months for improvement time if your if your has lasted for six months to a year. chronic pain doesn’t have has its roots a physical cause deeper emotional pain. You gain healing information in this way. which can come in the form of unbear able physical pain. Dialogue with your pain. which means that there is a definite physical cause for the pain. and you must listen to these important messages from your body to acti vate your healing system and begin the healing process. Allow more pain has been present longer. which means that nothing structural can be found as the source. in Learning Pain is a to Work with Your Pain potent message from your causes healing system to that something no is out of or can order. Your healing . ful basic and when combined with slow. ing is simple. presses nerves. deep breathing.Before You Begrn 255 system is intelligent and knows and be more about your illness than you do. Remember never to force or strain while stretching. It is critical. By gain to working with your breathing. Follow the not to guidelines too for stretching described earlier. movement 2. keep these in mind: I. power modality tips eliminating pain. When you learn do you slowly and gen tly lengthen ing energy your breathing. breath and energy nearly equivalent. and remember stretch to far. the master system in your Your nerves body. So when your nerves are calm and relaxed because of your your muscles relax. and always to available (For information breathing. consult the “Resources” ~ book. but you also help relax your system. Stretching. which contain the largest number of pain receptors in your body. decom helps vital movement important structures and fluids. (For information about these valuable tech section in the back of this are niques. control all of your muscle tissues. improves and creates lymphatic of your circulation more (which aids immune function). you. Remember avoid any that increases your pain. please refer the breathing exercises in the stress-management section in ~ Chapter 6. can cor space within which areas blood flow and healing energy and a enter problem body. however. not only bring more oxygen and heal nervous into your body. a 3. over you can increase your energy and tremendouscontrol your pain. that you make mitment to implement into your life whatever more insights you gain from these techniques. tension and your entire known to breathing. practice.) muscles in your of Stretch with your pain. When body. can access means. when When you are done gently is rectly. Breathing easy to is of the most powerful to modalities Breath more help on diminish pain and strengthen your healing system.) Breathe with your pain. for gentle. pain automatically diminish throughout one your muscles relax. stretching. Stretching lengthens to restore body. by practicing these techniques healing you information that may This information can completely unavailable through ‘other efforts and guide and direct your help you decide what other a com treatments may be of benefit. In yoga. (For guide to . when reset Grow from your pain.) Most machines. pain can As gold purified by superheating.”Pain is nature’s reset button:’ Pain. so too the hell fires of more your soul and make you better. you’ll a never anything granted again. functioning. There’s No Such Diseases that are are Thing to treat as an Incurable Disease us. personal Pain serves a similar function for Because poor health habits. have normal own buttons that you can push to resume us. us also be great teacher and blessing our in disguise. been helps take us to become people. Other books listed in the “Resources” section the back of this Q book. attitudes. there is another way to understand always been with patients alike. an excel and at lent book with is Dummies by Drs. Without pain. often carries with it that deeper mes merely indicating can something it can is wrong in your a body. stronger. . brutality purify you’ve is through pain and you’ve survived the in life for of its force and power. enlarges us perspectives. caring person.teaches patience teaches better sheer and endurance. makes us more tolerant. broadens our horizons. Larry Payne Feurstein. and change. difficult have have challenging a powerful healing for both doctors and because you system. we cannot grow. they exceed their capacities their our and shut down. Pain and understanding. particularly of sages than a chronic nature.256 Activating Your Healing System When Youre Sick specific Georg stretches that may to start apply directly Yoga for are to your condition. reevaluate lives. But and they what the word incurable really means. pain forces our take a deeper look ourselves. In the words of well-known cancer surgeon and author Dr. No how matter long it has lasted. a Although pain be a living hell. Bernie Siegel. Pain opens our up. Once you have learned its deeper lesson. expands compassion After minds. and us toughens our spirit and and moral fiber. pain is always temporary. the pain will be released from your body and you will be free from its tyranny. and us to thoughts create at much of our pain and disease. Dr. the more we acknowledge more we the incredible service our The able know about healing systems perform. comparable to HIV and AIDS. One by one. In the fields of health and healing. entirely preventable. Scurvy Gangrene occur. the historical scourge of all societies and once thought to be incurable. has been shown by Dr. has been eradicated. we and defeat these afflictions. Just as human flight was once considered impossible in the days before the Wright Brothers. and it is now a routine experience. Syphilis. Leprosy. is now easily treated with penicillin. The deadly plague that wiped Ages is now extremely rare.Before You Begin 257 A number of years ago. if only one person has found a way to cure himself or herself of a supposedly incurable disease. and it continues to grow. with no prior stud ies documenting that human flight was possible! New cures are being discovered every day. and if some can it. Bernie Siegel spoke the following words that forever changed the way I viewed the word incurabk “There are no such things as incurable diseases. you will find individual cases of people who have beaten every single supposedly incurable disease in the world. and the more effectively we demystifj. then. The list of illnesses for which have proven is now easily treated and out one millions in the Middle contracts quite rare. and quite rare. in which sorrow and suffering are our greatest enemies. the incurable diseases of today will most likely be declared curable tomorrow. healing systems. Dean Ornish and others to not only be reversible even . Cholera hours. the better we will be our to understand the factors that contribute can to disease. cures and preven tions has grown considerably. diseases we previously thought of as incurable are being contained and over come. he or she be cured in fewer than 10 be days with modern antibiotics. can now easily cured in less than 72 Smallpox. are once a deadly killer. can The more we understand how our bodies work. the disease is no longer incurable. if you search the medical literature. and rickets almost unheard of.” behind this statement The reasoning is that. defuse. Heart disease. by definition. it is important to think optimisti cally. Ptomaine poi soning and botulism almost never Tuberculosis is also disappearing rapidly on a global level. only incurable people. In Dr. as the Wright Brothers did when they ventured into previously uncharted territory on only a wing and a prayer. is rare. Siegel’s opinion. once thought to be incurable. discover the body’s ability to heal and recover its natural health. have healed themselves of afflictions labeled as terminal conditions by their doctors. and the number of in its severe cancer survivors in the U. It is even from HIV and AIDS. Many people. there was hysteria. terminal heart disease. abandon all hope. alone has reached more than 8 million. Many forms of cancer are also being defeated.S. gave up. important to understand that these An based on theoretical conjecture. asthma. however. rare. after the original diagno sis. tumor. our The more we are able to focus on preventive efforts and healing as systems. Those who take the time to tune into when the wisdom and energy of their bodies. People lost all hope. ing can be done for us. and other chronic conditions. most of these individuals reported a to give up and an unwillingness to give in to a spirit of hopelessness. diabetes. optimistic ideas are not increasing number of studies in . Now. and give up in the face of such a difficult challenge. or some have a tendency to go into a followed by depression. the sooner this condition also will become many other afflictions that we currently fear. When HIV and AIDS first mass went public. but completely preventable. Most of us have an unhealthy tendency to give all our power over to our fears. of us With this commitment and resolute attitude. which activated their and reversed the tide of disease and debility~ This a process allowed the pendulum to swing back in the direction of positive fear and state of health. A clear example of this is evident with HIV and AIDS. however. But studies have shown that this response only accelerates our early demise. and succumbed a doctor rendered the diagnosis official. The same is proving true for arthritis. some longer. and learn to work with their healing systems. people with HIV are living 15 years. ditioned beliefs and a subsequent shift in their precon improvement in the physiology of a body’s healing system more their internal environment occurred. most other horrible affliction.258 Activating Your Healing System When You’re Sick forms. will When brain we go to a doctor and are told we have an inoperable multiple sclerosis. Even though doing so refusal may not have been easy. A positive quickly HIV test was tantamount to a death sentence. and many of them are symptom free. HIV. because we assume that noth state of shock. Cases also are now being reported in which people who had HIV-positive blood tests are now being tested as HI V-negative. ” When you are confronted with the challenge of a serious disease. health. and they still are people this have reason. the capabil Obstacles to Healing Healing System that Factors That Interfere with Your I frequently meet people who getting better. Who can accurately predict anything? The facts are never in. they serious. Breslow’s words. Rachelle Breslow documented her successful 12-year struggle and epic victory over multiple sclerosis. and hope and the “will to live” have been recognized to produce biological consequences that can improve your state of health. Try to recall that. once help activate internal healing forces and reverse life-threatening situations. In her courageous book Who Said So? A Woman’s Fascinating Journey ofSelfDiscovery and Triumph over Multiple Sclerosis. I often find that these given these methods sufficient time to work. Remember that. don’t focus on the dynamics of the disease process and give your power over to the fear that is generated and reinforced by the dis ease. Saying that a disease is incurable and saying that a cure has not been found are two entirely different statements. not tell me ceivable form of treatment and method for not they have tried every con healing. and she came to similar conclusions as Dr. and stimu late your body’s intrinsic healing mechanisms. “I learned that there is no such thing as incurable. Siegel regarding the label of “incurable disease. before the affliction. I Upon further questioning. that when a doctor says something is incurable. Try to understand the circumstances that might have led to the affliction in the first place. your natural state was healing system so as long as you are alive.Before You Begin 259 the medical literature have demonstrated that beliefs contribute in positive attitudes and mobilized.” In Ms. your mind and body are connected. As I continue to repeat. he really (and more accurately) is saying that the medical community has not yet found a cure. you have a healing system with ity to restore your body to its natural state of health. and that. Do all you can to cooperate with your it can do its job properly for you. For strongly recommend that you give each healing . strengthen your defenses. can large measure to your health. and you have been trying hard but still are not getting better. Solutions to diffi physical problems usually require that you utilize all aspects of who you are for healing. It is also notice before you dismiss it as ineffective for you. overcrowded surroundings. or solitude a Inadequate Poor Not relaxation or rest a breathing enough or a contact with nature a An absence of touching in a loving way (no hugging. mental.260 Activating Your Healing System When Youre Sick method you select to at least a six- to eight-week minimum trial period improvement important of healing can be important. persistence. patience. privacy. There are warmth) many well. poor air. consider the physical. or worry a . physical intimacy. including irritating noise. This is an internal job that requires commitment. Some of the potential mental more significant are obstacles to your healing. If you are currently afflicted with a disease or illness. and pollution. courage. Lack of focus anxiety. you also have a powerful mind and a spirit. and toxic waste unhealthy. unwholesome a A poor diet Not Poor a enough enough water in your diet a hygiene exercise and movement. to remember that although external agents your greatest resource for healing is the activation and stimulation of your body’s own healing system. emotional. such as chemical pollution. and spiritual obstacles that could be keeping you from achieving your goal. and a willingness to acknowledge that. microwave ovens. together with your body. as a Chronic mental tension. a Not including stretching a A lack of space. poor water. X-rays. Some of the physical obsta cles to healing are cult a An physical environment. fear. and prayer Lack of o meaning spirit and fulfillment in life o A broken You can see or your healing that many elements in life can either contribute to interfere with your healing. or resentment ° of humor to o Excess attachment Too much focus people or things enough focus on o on goals and not the process of getting there o Worrying about the future. & not being in the present The are numerous. No sense hostility. potential emotional They include and spiritual obstacles to your healing o Self-punishment. including family. Self-destructive No love No or shame o thoughts in your life o joy o sense of freedom in your life ~ No support system. confidants. including harboring and the o shoulder”). guilt. having a grudge (“chip on pessimistic outlook Unresolved anger. If you recognize any of these obstacles as ones that might be standing in your way. The first step in overcoming any obstacle is recognizing it. . friends. com munity o No sense of purpose o Lack of spirituality. contemplation.Before You Begin 261 o No time spent in reflection. lamenting the past. universal wisdom. in addition to the spe cific you’re undergoing. use this knowledge and the condition-specific guidelines that follow in this section of the book as an opportunity to activate your healing system and regain your treatment natural state of health. self-blame. or meditation o Lack of gratitude for one’s life and small good fortune. being cynical. a whether big or o Poor mental attitude. it is important not to lump all diseases that turn up again and again in families into genetic categories. Family members and subsequent generations can avoid and overcome these conditions. This label causes people unnecessary helplessness and hopelessness. And can of these difficult conditions can though the manage often be trying. realize the full poten tial of your body’s natural state of health and the incredible healing system that you have to help you. Many diseases that run in families are not the result of genetic factors but rather are based on deep-seated. Familial Diseases. However. problems and be preparation with proper for childbirth. many such prenatal education. prevented . Genetic Disorders. but to over-generalize and label all serious diseases that run in families as genetic is dangerous. Congenital conditions. maladaptive behaviors. and emotions. Do not feel bound to inherit your parents’ or families’ disease-oriented. attitudes. and on psychological coping mechanisms that express themselves in poor personal health habits and self-destructive tendencies. there is difference between familial and genetic conditions. care. Identifying genetic disorders can help prevent the possibility of their occurrence.262 Activating Your Healing System When Youre Sick A Word About Hereditary Problems Conditions. often can be traced back to these unfortunate events or trauma even sustained at birth or while ment a child was still in the womb. maladaptive legacies. rather. Although defective genes and inherited disorders do exist. and Congenital Many diseases and therefore a and conditions appear over and over again in families are thought to be genetic in origin. such as cerebral palsy. with breathing. they can make a huge difference in your health. you will want to use the methods. they can create extraordinary heal ing. and you should experience a much greater sense of well-being. After just 10 days of following this program. As you the activities in this program to the rhythms of your own life. the activities that make up this program may quite ordinary and not very significant or life-changing. the first step and each subsequent step along the way though may seem small and insignificant. In short. t is said that following daily program to strengthen and fortify your healing system provides a starting point on your journey toward improved the health. Be flexible and practical when you use this program. When bined and continued over seem com time. arrange the order of daily activities. At first. A word before you start: Because your healing system is vast and complex.Getting A Started for Daily Program Enhancing Your Healing System Even a journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. you should not consider this program all-inclusive. however. You need to to ties. and information described in earlier chapters to suit your own particular health apply needs. . In the same way. techniques. you will notice a marked improvement in your health. For example. they eventually take you to your final destination. and the types of activi fit into your daily schedule. when they are added together. when you do that. you might then have to do these activities in the evening. it will be that each person has his or her own specific nutritional needs. I honor the ancient axiom. you might be with 5 tol5 minutes a day that you can do in the morn starting ing before work. In addi brushing your teeth and other related activities. I don’t advocate only one type of diet for all people. If you have a question about any activity in the daily program. If you suffer specific digestive disorder. beneficial for you to do these activities when ever you have the time to do them for at least 30 minutes. once or twice a day. When it comes to diet and nutrition. if you have abstain from from a fever. meditation. For this reason. you need to drink lots of fluids and eating solid foods until the fever passes. that voice is close ly connected to your healing system. Over a lifetime. your personal hygiene accumulates to wield a powerful influence on your health. They describe in more detail how each activity benefits your healing system. follow the dietary guidelines in the chapters that describe in more detail what and how you should be eating.” meat is another man’s poi not Although to I do make so adhere them general dietary suggestions. keeping your skin healthy and tion to . But you can gradually build up to at least 30 min utes. take a bath or shower each morning. or prayer. do that you ignore common sense. If you are suffering from a serious out relaxation. refer to the earlier chapters in the book. strictly some a For instance. Bathing supports your healing system by cleansing and protecting your body. sections in the earlier Strengthening and Fortifying Your Healing System in I 0 Days In the Morning Hygiene for Your Personal Personal Healing System daily cleansing that hygiene consists of the strengthens and fortifies your healing system.264 Activating Your Healing System When You’re Sick guided imagery. In terms of the dietary suggestions. lis ten to the voice of your body’s inner intelligence. “One man’s son. experience has shown me most illness. and whole grains and legumes. in contrast. and so they are usually not as effective in aiding the processes of elimi them to flush the fecal material nation. Doing this prevents unwanted waste and toxins from building up and helps keep your internal environment clean and healthy. Soups teas. eat a healthy diet with lots of fluids and fiber. Here are a few tips to aid the process of elimination: * Drink a cup of warm liquid (water. it is important to move your bowels each morning. Warm beverages are better than cold because heat relaxes the smooth muscles in your intestines. is of the of the best elimination in the one unpopular. along * or with herbal also ideal for this purpose. tea. As the warm fluids help through the more relaxed and expanded bowels. . constrict the muscles in the intestines. You may need to drink several cups until you get a result. Regular daily bowel movements reduce the burden on your healing system and make it easier for it to perform its duties of repair. okra. move enabling expand and dilate. unwanted waste products can be eliminated faster and more easily. decaffeinated coffee) to help your bowels. Elimination In addition to microorgan (Moving Your Bowels) for Your Heating System urinating. If you want to prevent constipation. Although it is sometimes one dinner. vegetables. into a heaping glass * of warm water and drink it each night before you retire. and you need more than several cups of warm liquids each morning to move your bowels. okra is and most gentlest effective of all natural food fibers in the world. are at lunch or in the evening. which narrows the opening of the bowels. and aiding in the elimination of toxins. which you can find in fruits. Cold liquids.Getting Started 265 free from dirt. * If you are frequently constipated or suffer from irregularity. Lightly steamed or cooked. and other potentially harmful isms. eaten either at lunch vegetables to help ensure healthy morning. reconstruction. germs. stir or one or two seed husks. and regeneration more efficiently for you. any other gentle teaspoons of psyllium natural fiber supplement. following evenings. the guide on an provided or in the section to stretching after in this book. and free from disease. and to improve circulation. quiet place. make sure you tell the instructor so he or she or can problems stiff. and it is one of the best methods I know for strengthening and fortifying your healing system. systematic stretching often relieves pinched nerves. or you may want to sign up for a beginner’s yoga class. and strengthen and fortify your heal ing system. calm your mind and nervous system. relieve stress.266 Activating Your Healing System When Youre Sick Gentle Stretching for Your Healing System Stretching helps to loosen up and tone your muscles and joints. Gentle. By increasing flexibility in your joints and limbs. or you have specific can start with the for health issues. A great time to do these activ ities is right after stretching.) accommodate your needs. Attuning your awareness to this force can be extremely empowering for your healing system. space for the passage of nerves increas es. or Imagery~ Prayer relax your body. When your muscles are lengthened and their flexibility is increased. Stretching can keep your body lithe. which you will find previous book. regular. stretching can also improve lymphatic drainage in your body and stimulate your glands. 0 Stretch for 5 lines to 15 minutes each on morning. You may also find it beneficial empty J stretch in the not Stretch light stomach. Relaxation. All of these activities Guided Meditation. try my comprehensive yet gentle stretching routine the Back to Life Stretching Program. stretching right You help of a yoga book or video beginners. Quiet Reflection. young. Healing Back Pain Naturally. eating. They can also help you discover a higher power that help to organizes and directs the flow of energy in the universe and in your body. If you’ve never done yoga before. (If you have back are called in my Breathing. relax your Begin by watching . and close your eyes. o Take 5 tol5 minutes each shoulders and entire day to sit in a body. when your body and mind are already in a naturally relaxed condition. Allow your awareness to body. swimming. If you are not already doing so. do 15 minutes of simple walking. calisthenics. do so. strengthen ing circulation. eat a lighter breakfast. helps your ~ day. it is better to start out gradually. If you have a sedentary job. or are used to doing more. bicy cling. three to six days a week. bringing them into harmony with your healing system. go into the interior of your on mental internal structures. aerobics. gradually build up to 30 to 60 minutes a day. if you are new to exercise. If you feel like doing more. you haven’t exercised Do not to force or strain when you exercise. If you are overweight or normally eat a larger lunch. For maximum benefit to your healing system. Morning exercise is a great way to start the day. try one of the guided imagery! visualization techniques described in this book. or any other exercise. When you exercise. jogging. Breakfast for Your Eat a Healing System light. such as a computer oper ator or office worker. Observe your breathing to see whether you are overdoing it. try to find a way to fit morning exercise into your schedule.Getting Started 267 your breath flow in and or more out of your nose. Each However. As you focus your energies imagine your your body’s healing system springing into action to help repair any damaged tissues as it restores your health and vitality. use your common sense and eat more. Here are other suggestions for breakfast: . you should be comfortable with your breathing. If your job requires a lot of physical activity and greater caloric intake. of the These ~ Once you feel calm and relaxed. slow and steady wins the race. Exercise for Your Exercise Healing System healing system by toning the heart. you may want to skip breakfast and just drink water or juices. healthy breakfast each day. or lately. Remember. mind and nervous system. and improving mental health. You can practice one breathing techniques described in the section on techniques will help to calm and focus your breathing. These foods also pro a host of vitamins. organic cereals. such as nut butters. and apri organic. to trace elements. such or as cashew. breakfast. almond. and soups. eat more diabetic. for You can also eat ant or o tage cheese. you can still find simple. other protein sources peanut. cots. as well as essential fiber and fluids aid your healing system. even . decaffeinated beverages. try dried fruits. o and You can also add small quantities of nut butters. also are available that can satisfy your sweeteners. You sweets of all kinds. sweet crav ings o while not increasing your blood-sugar levels. dates. a protein and whole fast. which can the day. or These foods will provide long-lasting fuel throughout the day without drastic increases in blood sugar. such as yogurt and low-fat cot quantities if you are not lactose intoler have other dietary restrictions. do not If you are in limited dairy products. If you’re allowed to have natural sugars in your diet. whole grains. Natural such as stevia. minerals. starchy. naturally sweetened jams and jellies in limited quantities. and drink warm fluids such as herbal teas. Breakfast grains for break proteins and grains whole-wheat also eat can rice crackers with cottage other proteins. especially if you’re not getting all the nutrients you need from your regular diet. and avoid could include cheese.268 Activating Your Healing System When You’re Sick o carbohydrate or starch-restricted diet. as Avoid tries. (Review the section on vitamins and nat ural supplements earlier in this book for more information. o or sesame tahini. and reduce sugar cravings later in vide key caloric energy and contain help and carbohydrate-restricted diet. figs. including raisins. oily breakfast items such donuts or pas o Taking a natural supplement or daily vitamins may be appropri ate. These foods can be nourishing and healthful. sweet. bagel. easy ways to strengthen and fortify your healing system. eat lean protein and vegetables. are If you on a o If you eat are not a diabetic or not on a fresh fruits.) Remainder of Morning and Afternoon If your work takes you away from home. practice one or more of these peaceful. Guided Imagery. and collected. you will be in with your situation. meditation. One of the tricks to a much better position to deal when you are lose your composure. prayer that described in this book. The more you practice these methods. meditation. because of your mind’s influence on your heal ing system. fearful. or Prayer Throughout the day. After you have that works for you. In the beginning. momentarily excuse yourself and retreat to a safe. try to incorporate the following activities into your morning routine. guided imagery. peaceful place. or angry thoughts . it is important to keep your mind calm.Getting Started 269 though your schedule may be hectic. learn one or more of the other find out techniques. cool. Even if you stay at home. and prayer are ideal methods for helping to keep your mind tranquil. calming techniques. Take short. When you to your mental agitation. quiet reflection. or when you feel yourself becoming losing your composure (especially in the presence of person). Relaxation. Once you are out of harm’s way. quiet. Breathing. options found to one you may need to experiment with several of these what works best for you. which operates best in a calm. Meditation. guided imagery. relaxation. the easier it will be for you to retain your composure and keep your healing sys tem strong and vibrant. Breathing. a least comfortable with it and During upset another or stressful times. quiet or reflection. in addition this strategy is learning how to recognize first beginning to lose your composure. you will most likely experience one or more of the following symp toms: • Rapid. Quiet Reflection. and relaxed inter nal environment. at as well. I usually recommend are giving each technique one-week trial. After you have calmed down. relaxation. until you have noted its positive benefits. 30-second hour to • to one-minute breaks at least once an calm your mind by practicing are one or more of the meth ods for breathing. wave slightest thing I say can trigger a huge explosion of Naturally. . I excuse myself and quickly retreat to the safety of another room. Usually. can interfere with your healing system and cause harm to your body. too. and I am able to regain my composure. and better able Water for Your Your provoked help the patient. Sometimes. me. toms as part of the In my work as a doctor. too. imagery. relaxation. the angry emotions. and because water constantly circu throughout every cell. tissue. meditation. and my mind becoming agitated. I close my eyes and do one or more of the following: breathing. I do this until I feel my breathing and heart rate slow down.’ your healing system. a maximum of five minutes is all that I need. For example. I am a prime target for their anger. I sometimes meet new patients who have a lot of anger and are quite upset at “the medical system” in general and doctors in particular. I relaxed and Healing System lates body is 70 percent water. the more water you introduce into your system. I easily retaliate with fear and anger of my own. this reaction from a patient will cause a of fear and anger to well up inside of me. They may be upset for other reasons. but I try to stay composed. to see Afterward. these strategies are particularly helpful. In these situations. especially if they are sustained over a long period of time. which. and organ in your body. my breathing could getting shallower and rapid. or prayer. you might recognize these symp fight-or-flight response. When I notice my heart rate speeding up.270 Activating Your Healing System When Youre Sick Shallow. In this state. There. if allowed to continue or escalate. the faster it can distribute nutrients and eliminate toxins. of which I may not be aware. when am more I go back the patient who has to comfortable. Drinking water and fluids is one of the best ways to strengthen and fortif~. rapid breathing Rapid ~ heartbeat Increased perspiration (“butterflies in your Queasy stomach stomach”) ~‘ Weak knees From your earlier reading. a * a hearty salad. cheese. any other lean pro meal in itself. other wholesome crackers. of water. as well to as heavy * and often difficult cup or processed digest. complete as or on from whole * grains. or the equivalent. a fruit . and a oats. eating a healthful. such as juices over or teas. To ensure a steady flow of nutrients and optimum fuel for your healing system. often be a healthful sandwich with fresh lettuce. eating that food in a way that optimizes its digestion is equally important. * can fresh fruits. It is important to listen to your body when it comes to getting the nutrition you need to function at your best. not such wheat. eat oily dressings or or toppings. If you are diabetic sugar-restricted diet. tofu. Here’s some advice about mid morning snacks: * Don’t You eat if you’re eat not hungry. * If you tein carbohydrates. carrots. mid-morning or take late lunch. Lunch for Your For most Heating System wholesome lunch is people. if you have prone to blood-sugar swings. which are Try Try a bowl of soup. but avoid rich. And just as proper food is essential fuel for your healing system. take the time out of your busy schedule each day to eat lunch. snack foods. or an herbal tea or beverage if you feel you need to eat some thing before lunch. sip water or other fluids. the A Mid-Morning might to Snack for Your Healing System snack if your work requires a fast metabolism and are You you need a a light. In many cultures around the world.Getting Started 271 Throughout herbal * the day. can sprouts. barley. tempeh. rye. Skipping lunch is generally not recommended. lunch is the main meal of the day. to Drink six course of each eight glasses day. Eat breads made tomatoes. important. The following suggestions should be helpful: * Avoid fats and oils. or siesta. water or trace elements. are at If you the o When you are eating. are a few more tips for eating lunch: o workplace or at home. lunch can be a pleasant social occasion. pleasant Consider an and state at the time of your Afternoon most Nap for Your Healing System are sleep deprived. including o vitamins. or work on the computer while you your are eating. it is hard to fully taste your food. and an afternoon nap can be an effective way to help strengthen and fortify it. Your healing system performs most efficiently when you are sleeping or resting. and make sure you aren’t talking on the phone or reading a magazine or newspaper when you eat. minerals. Most cultures around the world eat their largest meal at lunch time. This is a time-tested method to help optimize digestion. family. or radio. The mood and atmosphere should be uplifting. you won’t be able are to feel body’s response to the food you consuming. Turn off your com puter. If you continue to talk on the phone. and fiber. and you should devote all your attention to the process of eating. It has also been linked to accident-prone behaviors. or friends. or talk of business or finances. conflicts. o If you eat with coworkers. If you can. drive. TV. When your mind is in more than one place at a time. It also is easy to overeat and experience indiges tion under these circumstances. take a break and focus solely on eating and digesting your food. with or You can take liquid immediately fol lowing Here your meal. Avoid arguments. your body needs to process of digestion. take a light nap after lunch. followed by a nap. Sleep depriva including heart disease. fluids. tion has been linked to numerous Studies show that Americans chronic diseases.272 Activating Your Healing System When You’re Sick dessert will provide an adequate another balance of essential nutrients. Your emotional eating affects your digestion. . It should be a time of concentrate on the rest and relaxation. for at least 30 minutes. • Play with Go to a children. • favorite book.Gethng Started 273 In the Afternoon Play. and the ability to have fun. Keeping your spir only its light will have a powerful strengthening and fortifying effect on your healing system. or engross yourself in a favorite per sonal hobby. a sense of humor. such as painting. hard hours or are having an extremely difficult time a self of in your ates life. a movie. life-threatening disease with laughter and a little vitamin C. . and they are powerful stimulants for your healing system. both famous comedians. Seriousness cre energies away from your healing sys to pain. a • Write in journal. sewing. • Here are some suggestions: at. you don’t have can to be serious all the time. Here are a few tips for keeping your spirits high: tem tension. • Play or listen to to uplifting music. • Dance your favorite music. which and lead not drain vital to disease. • Participate Read a in your favorite sport. or a sporting event. a to laugh Share a joke with your o Watch comedy movie. but also ~ Do at least one fun activity each day. jewelry~ or model-airplane building. quilting. • musical production. Fun. And as we discussed enough be said about the earlier. well-known doctor and author Norman Cousins cured him painful. Keeping your spirits light throughout the day is important. Bob Hope and George Burns. They pursued lives of fun and laughter while they tried to make others laugh. a play. If you are working long. each lived for 100 years by cultivating light-hearted attitudes. Humor and a light-hearted attitude can add years to your life. Not and Hobbies for Your can Healing System health-promoting effects of a play ful attitude. Find something funny family or coworkers. preferably longer. library. social to creature. trusted friend or family o member. social isolation stress. important to help strengthen and fortify your spend time each day in an activity that sup feelings of being connected to others. Don’t do it for their benefit. hospital. For example. family more saying only telling yourself that you love yourself. you can volunteer at least once a week at a senior citizens’ center. to Give hugs your o If you have the time. disease. and you will soon become comfortable it. . Plan ports your the following: Make nothing pets. know ing also that others will later benefit from your generosity. Love starts with you. To further illustrate hardened criminals. the number-one killer in the Western world. both mental and physical. even if first feels awkward or phony. is confinement. and coworkers. even though they will like it. so do them first for yourself. to special any of a number of state.274 Activating Your Healing System When You’re Sick Social Activities for Your Man is a Healing System reason. heart disease. local day-care center. Conversely. Your healing system will benefit from these activities. and nothing stimulates your healing system more powerfully than love. friends. which the Social support is healing system. applies to any other loving act of kindness. Make one or more commitment to take the time to get involved in of these types of activities. What you give comes back to you. friends. one or a Tell a loved so doing the at member that you love them. is one of dreaded of all forms of punishment. and for this it is important creates to stay connected which can other to people. has been linked to lead feelings of social isolation. solitary among more than social isolation. so you are really The same principle family members. school. or one of hundreds of other charitable and You could also lend your organizations. Studies have shown that heart worse or patients this who live alone fare much than heart patients who have connections with family. Nothing heals like love. and a community energies international organiza talents and tions. 0 real it will feel. Try one or more of to n a special effort to call or write a close. The more you do it. most consider that. even point. but for yours. national. which your healing system requires to maintain its strength and vigor. Eating heavy or late will cause indigestion and disturb sleep. Here are a few suggestions for dinnertime meals: . do absolutely nothing. breathe. and strengthen and fortify your healing system. or they are involved in too many activities that leave them emotionally. Find a safe. or in a 15 minutes to day. recharge your batteries. your healing system will have difficulty functioning optimally. and physically drained. and without discussing business or other potentially stressful topics. In addition. mentally. either outdoors in nature. In the Evening Healing System Dinner for Your Try not to eat too heavy. I also feel it is important to learn how to socially withdraw. Make arrangements to have trusted family or friends perform your duties and take on your responsibilities during this period. Honoring your special time alone. pray. eat peacefully. be alone. or too late.” and even serious ill ness. doing this is a basic necessity of life. without the TV or stereo blaring. it is imperative to learn how to say “No” to others and carve out a chunk of daily time for yourself.Getting Started 275 Rest and Alone Time for Your In Healing System sharp contrast to what I recommend for social connectedness. If you don’t insist on the right to be alone to rest and rejuvenate. Keep the family dinnertime conversa tions light and harmonious. off from the world and the constant room o in your house to use or or apartment. to You may wish this time meditate. to rest and be alone. listen o to music. To rejuvenate your health. is important. uplifting place. paint. which will improve digestion while it strengthens and fortifies your healing system. Many people spend practically every waking moment tak ing care of others. tern can result in chronic Here are a few tips: take 10 to o Each shutting yourself onslaught of others. This pat fatigue. If you are one of these people. “burnout. quiet. causing you to wake up tired and low on energy in the morning. artichoke hearts. including tomatoes. It should be a group that you feel comfort able and safe with. it is often participate in group activi a Join a group that meets at least once a week. cucumbers. mushrooms. such as fluffy brown rice or separately or mixed together with a veg A vegetable casserole or mixed-vegetable stir fry can be tasty and nourishing. can dinner salad. To know how you are feeling at any given moment. and one or more vegetables. emotions are body. olives. you can have a light dessert with a sugar substitute. with u You eat cooked whole barley. such as squash. a touch of light cheese. etable LI or or organic pasta.) either before or o Drink water after dessert. to join group and learn to healthy way. The group could be a support group or a therapeutic group. more often. a group that you feel will not sit in judgment . o You may also have a light dessert such as yogurt. healthy living. emotions can severely hinder the work of your healing system and can contribute to illness. spinach. sherbet. or fresh fruit. nourishing. You can add tofu. protein side dish. or carrot. a a pea. If they are suppressed and allowed to remain in your body longer than is necessary. and soothing. Emotional As we Well-Being For for Your Healing System powerful emotions need discussed earlier. or garbanzo beans (chick peas). if you have the time. or another lean protein. or. and then have the courage to share these feelings with others. Minimize the use of heavy oils and butter when you cook these dishes. grains.276 Activating Your Healing System When You’re Sick Try can n vegetable soup. (If you are diabetic. is one of the most pow erful ways to strengthen and fortify your healing system. split be hearty. which Try leafy greens such as lettuce. expressed in your life. or dragged around as energy-draining emotional baggage. Here are some suggestions for expressing your emotions in a beneficial way: most felt in the sensations of energy to be released and o To learn to express your emotions in a helpful ties. just for the sake of being time in a group and out learning one. Try yourself. when your spirits are continually down. or health and well being. friends. and deepest feelings. feelings. Each Spiritual Well-Being for Your Healing System Your healing system functions best when you are spiritually healthy. diabetes. depression has been shown to contribute to heart disease. you can become depressed. Find out about counselors in your area. Ponder to connect to a higher cause. creative has put you on this planet. can often be an effective way to release your emotions. a Take the commit to find about groups in your in and make ment to * participate If you are not comfortable in your area. especially with an effective counselor. force other than intelligent. and many other serious ailments. Thinking that everything in the world and your life depends solely on your constant mental vigilance and surveil some the fact that . write a letter to someone with whom you wish to share your deepest feelings. speak from your heart and share your deepest feelings. to share their area. cancer. powerful. Many physical diseases have their origins in the spiritual realm. your thoughts. you can still enjoy spiritual purpose. For example. Doing this will take a huge bur energy den of stress off your shoulders and allow your healing system to work more effectively. all that you * day.Getting Started 277 of you should you choose to air your “dirty laundry” in public. and start writing about your feel ings. One-on-one counseling. or loved ones. Many non-alcoholics join AA (Alcoholics Anonymous). city. If you are not comfortable doing this. or you cannot find one in counseling is available and might be a * small notebook and pen. in a conversation with your family. Writing in a journal. professional through your house of worship. which is a form of mental disease. expressing all that is inside of you and are feeling. even if you write for only 5 to 10 minutes each day. is also a valuable way to express your feelings. and make a determined effort to participate in this activity. are an If you atheist. offered Get a group.S. or other community organizations. local YMCA or YWCA. which has groups in nearly every major U. As noted earlier. take brief respite from your work and hectic sched ule. Your body requires regular sleep to restore vital energies and to heal. It is not surprising that as sleep depriva tion and insomnia increase in epidemic proportions in America. Doubts about God and the Divine might bombard you when you encounter rough waters or come up against a brick wall. including heart disease. Do this for at least 5 to 10 minutes a higher each o day. your healing system does its best work when your body is resting. and can be emo tionally physically exhausting. are If you comfortable doing so. cancer. is also increasing. for Your Before Sleep Sleep Healing System to living things and is an intrinsic part of rhythms cycles of life. healing system If you believe in God or a higher power. and think about your life and its significance. and so it is necessary to continually renew your faith many times throughout each day. pray for 5 to 10 minutes each day. take 5 to 10 minutes each night to read scriptures or other related books that can uplift your spirits. Think about a power. and autoimmune disorders. humans generally require between 8 and 10 hours of sleep each day. a basic biological principle of life.278 Activating Your Healing System When You’re Sick energies. restful sleep is one the most potent things you can do to strengthen and fortif~y your healing system. your plight is not much creates lance tension and stress. o still This week. and ponder the mean ing and purpose of your existence. a divine. high blood pressure. Regular. the natural is fundamental all and . o going to bed. Sleep is a required physiolog ical activity in all living species. Some animals hibernate and go into a cave to sleep for months at a time to restore their bodies’ health and energies. conspire against your and can eventually lead to physical illness. intelligent energy at work in the universe and your life. creative. the number of chronic. As you may recall. healing system function is compromised. stress-related diseases. When sleep is disrupted. and ill health can develop. drains vital and These factors different from that of the atheist. foggy-headed. large. renewed. good night’s sleep. your bedroom or • sure the and peaceful. thanks to the earplugs. foul-smelling. fresh breeze can do to wonders • improve the quality of your sleep. full day. Don’t eat a late dinner laden ach and heavily just before you go to sleep. mind. I use a simple by pair of earplugs while I sleep. This pattern will perpetuate can be harmful to your healing system. All quality of sleep. Sleeping will cause late disturbs the natural to rhythms of your body and an you cycle Getting up early improves your chances of having an active. sure arguments conflicts with your partner or family * Make Make neat. your bed is comfortable. bustling cities. and nervous system relax more much • deeper. and I’m constant noise of the city at night. A full stom digestive system will put pressure on the . where traffic ear or brings about a If you live in consider a noisy place. I can wake up feeling refreshed. A good. try the following: Get up early each morning. with abundant energy~ * unnatural go that to bed late. chaotic mental stimuli and allows the brain. place where you sleep is clean. grumpy. to A clean. Instead of waking up fatigued. A restful. comfortable other noise is using plugs to ensure a likely. Having a long. orderly environment reduces con this fused. dusty. irritable. and ready to greet the new day with enthusiasm. full day will improve your chances of going to sleep at night at a decent hour.) * Avoid late-night members. congested. Don’t engage in to agitating activities sleep. good night’s sleep will allow you to awaken early each day feeling refreshed and renewed.Getting Started 279 To ~ ensure proper sleep. and low on energy. more restful effectively. stale air. (Such disturbing activities before include watching the news or or or you go violent movies. to ‘Whenever I travel the disturbed • Make sure Avoid the air you breathe when you sleep is fresh and clean. 280 Activating Your Healing System When You’re Sick diaphragm and lungs and interfere with normal. and a pleasant way to wind down and relax before sleep. an uplift ing phone conversation with a friend. mental. Some people I know read the Yellow Pages or Webster’s Dictionary to help them get to sleep. when taken together. but. . and helping nerves. late-night eating habits that cause indigestion and interfere with the quality of their sleep. or scripture. Listen o inspirational novel. soothing music. a cup of delicious soup for make lunch. these methods can be a gentle to induce deep. to settle down the can Herbal teas. to soft. restful sleep. or uplifting material. or Relaxation. Just five minutes a day of meditation. read other The seem suggestions included in this “Getting Started” section may simple and insignificant. and can help induce gentle. improving digestion. they will an enormous difference in your life and the functioning of your healing system. This method works. D Try can a warm be beverage before you go to sleep. such as chamomile or peppermint. meditation. Many people with sleep disturbances and other illnesses are overweight and have poor. imagery. gentle breathing. I am told. and a ing system and your good night’s sleep can have a great impact on your heal physical. Doing this can be relaxing and restful. and emotional health. because these books are so boring! an some Before bed. nervous prayer can help are performed and soothing way o calm and relax the mind and system. natural breath ing. When they before bedtime. effective sleep. A warm beverage soothing and relaxing. This activity can be comforting and reassuring. o be particularly comforting. book. conquering Common Health Conditions you’ll find strategies and approaches for tapping into, enhancing, strengthening your healing system to heal a variety of specific health problems. Keep in mind, however, that these recommendations are only guidelines and are not intended to replace responsible, intelligent, personalized professional healthcare. Additionally, because every person is a unique individual, not every n this section, and of these recommendations may be effective for you. I have pur posely avoided prescribing exact amounts, dosages, or schedules for one working with your healing system, no simple formulas or recipes will work equally well for everybody. In the art and science of medicine and healing, every treatment and therapy needs to be adjusted to meet the unique needs of each person. However, by following the recommendations that follow and incorporating those presented in previous chapters, your chances for success will be greatly increased. Remember that with each malady treatments, because, when you are listed, what additional is recommended is not intended to be all-inclusive; options might be available for your problem. For your convenience, the following list of health problems is in the organized simplest way I know—according to the various 282 Activating Your Healing System When Youre Sick systems and anatomical regions in the body. This list, while not all-inclusive, represents the most common maladies presented to me as a primary-care physician. If I have omitted or are a health you may be currently suffering with the general recommendations given interested in, problem that just follow see throughout the book, and the “Resources” section healing success system to the end. If you learn to work with your overcome your health problems, you will achieve at in your quest for greater health. Skin Problems Your skin is are a generally a reflection of your general state of health. healthy exhibit healthy skin tone and color. weakened states, People who Conversely, mottled and in diseased or the skin is often pale or sheen. ‘When you have liver disease, for example, skin becomes jaundiced and takes on a yellowish appearance. your Skin rashes are also often signs of deeper problems. For this reason, lacks healthy doctors have to deeper internal traditionally relied problems. upon the skin for diagnostic clues Abrasions, Contusions, Lacerations, and Punctures These four types of injuries are among the most common that the skin sustains, and they are usually present whenever physical trauma of any kind occurs. occur scraped, revealing the raw under-surfaces of the skin. Abrasions most commonly occur from falls on pavement or asphalt, and, although painful, they usually heal up uneventfully if they are kept clean and dry. Topical aloe vera, turmeric, and other herbal and natural plant and mineral salves may also be helpful to prevent infection and speed the work of your heal ing system with abrasions. Contusions are Abrasions where the skin is bruises that appear in the form of “black and blue” marks on the skin, which reflect broken blood vessels underneath the surface. Contusions may be they usually do not result in to accompanied by swelling a and pain, but break of the skin. Unless there is dam underlying tissues, your healing system can repair the damages age caused by contusions in a relatively short time. Ice applied for the first Conquering Common Health Conditions 283 swelling, followed by warm salt-water soaks or compresses, can assist your healing system in this work. Lacerations are full, linear-shaped breaks in the skin where bleeding occurs. Stitches may be required if a laceration is extensive and the bleeding is profuse. Once the edges of the wound are brought together, your healing system takes over and heals the wound, in many cases with barely a scar. Even large lacerations that are not stitched will still heal with the help of your healing system, but they will generally take longer and may cause a scar. Puncture wounds are stab-type wounds that pierce the skin. If they are not too deep, and with proper care, your healing system can usually mend puncture wounds quite easily. to 24 hours minimize Abscesses Abscesses infection. drain an are swellings in the skin, most often caused by a bacterial Many abscess with surgeons will lance an abscess with a scalpel, or a needle. But if you begin treatment in the ear lier stages and work with your healing system by applying warm salt soaks and pharmaceutical-grade clay (bentonite) packs, many abscesses will disappear on their a own. Natural diet sunlight, also be aloe vera, to salt-water compresses, and assist your healing system in can non-oily healing abscesses. helpful Acne Acne onset occurs in both males and females, most commonly during the of puberty but it may linger for many years. Acne is caused by minute infections that occur in the oily buildup of the hair follicles. If scratched or picked, acne can have disfiguring. Acne occurs tragic consequences The for acne. same most permanent scarring and be commonly on the face, which can cause if scarring and disfigurement can result. natural treatments for abscesses also be effective helpful. Oily, Drying agents, including fatty, rich diets, along with stress, can make acne worse. People with naturally oily skin need to pay particular attention to their diets. A macrobiotic diet (a very low-fat, plant-based diet that originated in Japan) can often clear up stubborn cases of acne in a short time. In can alcohol, also be many cases, conventional medicines may also be necessary. These medicines include topical drying agents, such as those that contain 284 Activating Your Healing System When Youre Sick benzoyl peroxide, vitamin-A preparations, such as accutane, derivative, which, when prescribed under the care of or can internal a a knowledgeable dermatologist, be highly effective. Boils, Carbuncles, Furuncles These swellings in the skin similar to abscesses. Many start with just a simple ingrown hair, but they may become irritat ed, painful, and often quite large, especially if they are squeezed or picked. They can also become unsightly, especially if they are on the are infectious face or shoulder. treatments or Natural include tions, hol soaking applying clay packs, exposing to sunlight, treating with alco and other drying agents, and keeping all dirt, oil, and bacteria that work best with your healing system compressing in warm, concentrated salt solu away from the affected area. If boils, carbuncles, or furuncles are severe and are allowed to progress, antibiotics and/or lancing may be necessary to help your healing system repair these conditions. Burns relatively common, but if they are severe and extensive enough, they can cause much harm, even death. Firstdegree burns cause redness, pain, and swelling, but no blistering. ‘When blistering occurs, second-degree burns have been sustained. Third-degree burns, the most serious type of burn, result when nerve endings are burned and the sensation of pain is lost. If you sustain a burn and it hurts, consider yourself lucky because it means that you don’t have a third-degree burn. Burns can be extremely painful, but, if they are not extensive, your healing system can handle them with little intervention. Burns should be kept clean, dry, and free from excessive moisture and dirt. Topical agents that are cooling, including ice in the initial stages, generally reduce swelling and pain. Antibiotic cremes, such as Silvadene cream, or a natural agent such as zinc oxide, can keep the skin from drying out and cracking and prevent infection. Aloe, vine gar, honey, and bee propolis may also be effective. If the burn is extensive, covering it with light gauze dressings and nonstick bandages, and then leaving it undisturbed for at least 24 to 48 hours, possibly longer, might be necessary. Any dressing Burns to are the skin Conquering Common Health Conditions 285 that gets suffocate wet, however, needs tissues and to can be changed because wet dressings healing tions may also be appropriate promote infection. Pain medica for one to two days or more. For second-degree burns with blisters, it is best not to pop the blisters because they serve as a natural protective barrier that your healing system employs to protect the new skin that is forming underneath. In the later stages of healing burns, you can assist your healing system with natural topical applications such as aloe vera, comfrey root poultices, vitamin E cream, calendula, and turmeric cream. Cysts Cysts ment look very similar a to abscesses, but they are often more chron treat ic and have tendency and toward periodic swelling. Conservative is similar to treatment for abscesses and boils, including soak using drying agents. Cysts may need to be lanced ing, sunlight, and drained if they become excessively large or intrusive. Once they have been lanced or drained, your healing system can take over and complete the healing process. Follicuiftis This common condition represents inflammation and infection of the hair follicles, hence the name, folliculitis. Folliculitis looks like acne, such as but it may show up in areas of the skin away from the face, in the groin area or under the armpits. It can be very painful itchy and is best treated with salt soaks, clay packs, and natural sunlight. If folliculitis is severe and is allowed to progress, antibiotics may also be required. and Impetigo Impetigo, spreading bacteria and poor skin hygiene, is a rapidly infection with a brownish-colored, crusty rash. Impetigo is common in children and may be spread at day-care centers. caused by good hygiene help to eliminate the organisms that cause impetigo has been contracted, antibiotics may be necessary to eliminate it. Salt soaks, clay packs, aloe vera, and sun baths can also be effective if it is caught early on. You can easily prevent impetigo by observing good skin hygiene. Bathing and this infection. Once 286 Activating Your Healing System When Youre Sick Skin Rashes characteristic rashes appear on the make their way out of the body’s deeper structures. We as toxins commonly see these rashes in childhood illnesses such as measles, In certain generalized infections, skin chicken pox. rubella (German measles), and other viral diseases. If contracted at an early age, these conditions, although uncomfort able, are usually self-limiting and do little harm in Western popula as tions. Certain food allergies, and immune-system disorders such a may also show up on the skin in the form of nutritional deficiencies, such as pellagra, can show up the skin. lupus, rash. Even rash on as a While you are treating any skin rash, it is important to work with your healing system by addressing the underlying causes of the Drinking plenty of fluids will support your healing system in eliminating toxins if an underlying disease is present. There are many other methods to work with your healing system in these cases, such as getting plenty of rest, eating lightly, and taking certain herbs and plant remedies. Natural salves, ointments, and clay plas ters applied topically to the skin may also be helpful. However, it is important to remember that a rash may have deeper origins than just the skin. Because of its rich nerve supply, your skin is highly sensitive to pain and itching. When a rash itches, you will invariably scratch it, which will only make matters worse. An important part of the treatment of any rash is to stop the itch so the problem doesn’t escalate while you are working to discover and treat the underlying causes. In addition to soothing topical creams, such as those that contain creams rash. aloe, calendula, chamomile, and ointments that contain or turmeric, conventional and other or over- hydrocortisone, as the-counter conventional medicines, such anti histamines anal gesics, from can also effectively eliminate itching and prevent the rash escalating. Rashes Allergic Rashes appear in response to skin irritants and chemicals, such as those found in various sunscreen agents, soaps, and solvents. Rashes can even appear in response to naturally occurring sub can stances found in plants, such as in mangoes, poison ivy, and poison Conquering Common Health Conditions 287 oak. Skin allergies bee including Once complications from stings, spider bites, and jellyfish stings. can also result as insect bites, again, while you are treating these rashes and controlling the itch and spread of the rash, the key to eliminating them perma nently is to identify the offending agent and avoid all further con tact with this agent. Many remedies, both conventional and natural, helpful in these cases. If you remove the offending agent, and control the itching and scratching, your heating system can usually can be heal the rash and restore your skin to its natural state of health. Infectious Rashes Many rashes are the result of skin infections, most commonly, fun- as gal parasites (including infections such athlete’s foot and ringworm. Bacterial infections, scabies), and viruses such as herpes simplex can cause (which causes cold sores) also to rashes. In each case, preven avoiding infection in the first place. For example, and most bacteria prefer wet, warm, dark places to breed and fungi flourish. The feet, groin, buttocks, abdomen, and underarms are common sites of infection from these organisms. Environmental factors also play a role. For example, infectious rashes from fungi and bacteria are more common in the tropics, or during summer, tion is the key when the weather is often Once a more humid. skin infection is including tea-tree accurately diagnosed, natural remedies, oil, clay, and other drying agents, in addition to a wide range of medicated creams and ointments, are readily available to treat it. Of course, in difficult cases, additional conventional med icines may be required. This is particularly excess true for scabies. Keeping the skin clean and free from allowing it to breathe and be exposed to fresh air and adequate sunlight are the best approaches for working with your healing system to prevent and eliminate skin infections. moisture, and Nerve-Related Rashes nervous system, chronic rashes that don’t easily go away have their origins in many such conditions as chronic anxiety, stress, tension, or other emotion Because the skin is intimately connected to the al and nervous-system disorders. These are often classified related rashes, and they include the following: as nerve Shingles caused by the H. taking pain using herbs or medicines that calm the nerv ous system. techniques can Psoriasis Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that is common in the areas around the knees. elbows. system. while gently relieving the symptoms of itching and scratching. Zoster virus. To aid your healing system. Addressing the underlying causes through such methods as diet and stress-manage ment training. and practic drinking ing stress-management techniques.288 Activating Your Healing System When Youre Sick Eczema Eczema is by intense itching a scaly. and eliminating a chronic skin condition characterized rash that times and be caffeine and nicotine from your system. which stays in your body in dormant stage but can flare up during times of stress and/or a immune dysfunction. lots of fluids to flush toxins from your body. Emollient ous oily preparations applied continuously to the prevent the occur with times of constant eczema. using herbs or medicines that calm the nervous system. stress and anxiety. spreading at can disfiguring. To aid your healing system. Sunlight is often prescribed for psoriasis. during ous times of anxiety and back. feet. Eating a wholesome diet and drinking lots of fluids can also be helpful with this condition. creams and vari eczema can help drying out and loss of natural body oils that Because this skin condition flares up during also stress-management be very effective in controlling it. medications if needed. eliminating caffeine and nicotine from your system. taking pain medications if needed. such as caffeine and nicotine. you can best treat Shingles is this condition by applying topical soothing creams. can also aggravate this condition. can often reverse even long-standing cases of psoriasis. you can best treat this condition by applying topical soothing creams. . Foods that stimulate the nerv scalp. Psoriasis flares up and tension. as are suppres sive medications and various corticosteroid creams. try working week away from your hectic wholesome diet with plenty of enough sleep. In addition. you might be unable to think clearly. along with dizziness and fainting. ‘When symptoms are severe. lack of sleep. dehydration. Weakness. a a nothing serious. prob lems with sugar metabolism. stress. may also occur. as in diabetes. including excess caffeine or nicotine. nausea and vomiting can result. and upper back. Treatment should be directed toward the underlying causes. plenty of water. Because the head contains the brain. middle. The most common underlying causes of dizziness and vertigo include dietary imbalance. anemia. receive a mas fiber. neck.Conquering Common Health Conditions 289 Problems of the Head Disorders and symptoms in the head are very common. may have simple causes or may represent more serious conditions. which is sensitive to subtle changes in your body’s internal environment. muscle tension in the face. impending stroke. can also be . these in other parts of the body. and sage of the upper back. such as low blood sugar. Acupuncture and other natural treatments effective when no serious underlying problem exists. and dehydration.and inner-ear infection). Dizziness and Dizziness Vertigo vertigo are and two common symptoms that. and make sure you get by taking healthy. neck. or infection. less caffeine. if you have anemia. with anemia. Proper treatment of problems in the head requires understand the underlying causes and working with your healing system to ing correct these problems. motion problems (including a persistent viral sickness. and headaches may occur. heart problems. like headaches. For problems may reflect imbalances example. not enough red blood cells and oxygen reach the brain. and face. such as brain tumors. especially when you are standing up or making sudden movements with your head. They may also signal a metabol ic problem. If a proper medical evaluation determines with your healing system schedule and focusing on In addition. They are also influenced by stress and dietary imbalances. and loss of bal . may also be con tributing factors. And causes. anemia. and facial muscles. only disabling. Massage. visual disturbances. Migraines were by swelling in the blood vessels of shown they are similar in origin to prolonged and severe. and increased fluids. though can a easily more corrected and have headaches be caused by serious illnesses and simple prob lems. might occur as the result of fatigue. you should not ignore headaches. indigestion. The head is sensitive barometer for physiological imbalances that may be occurring in other parts of your body. sinus infections. dehydration. in addition to hormonal fluctuations. For this reason. stroke. it is time to go and see your doctor to be properly evaluated. chiropractic treatment. occur monly including stress. Cluster headaches appear predominantly in males and are similar to migraines in their cause and treatment. particularly of the upper back. with their symptoms of nausea. including decreased caffeine and nicotine. having over or done certain foods a substances such as alcohol and caffeine. or merely suppress them with pain medication. More serious of headaches include Headaches can meningitis. caused Your and brain that tumor. if a headache is severe. also be the encephalitis. particularly if they Headaches are persistent. or interferes with your ability to work or function. and they come and go in waves of pain. Migraine the head. and they often respond well to dietary modera tion. ear infections. and Headaches also as result of other conditions. Diet and and lifestyle. However. keeps you awake at night. result of head the brain. and gentle yoga stretching can often help your healing system eliminate cluster headaches.290 Activating Your Healing System When You’re Sick Headaches Headaches are one even of the most common reasons most are people go to see a doctor. trauma causes increased pressure and swelling in by fluid. during regular monthly cycles causes com of ovulation and menstruation. but tension headaches to can be severe previously thought be caused recent research has more headaches. healing system can heal most headaches once the underlying problems are corrected. neck. migraines. Cluster headaches com monly appear around the eye on one side of the face. vomiting. persistent. In their worst presentation. along with acupuncture. and applying topical heat balms. chiropractic treatment. it is also highly unlikely that something serious has occurred. If no nausea. they also can be related to dietary imbalances. should go exists. vomiting. Migraine headaches can often be relieved by getting rid of negative “emotional baggage. the possibility of damage internal structures are always required. and immediate evaluation and medical attention . and there is associated loss to of consciousness. acupuncture. might at a days force you to be incapacitated for hours and sometimes time. Anyone who has suf fered a concussion. par ticularly of the upper back. can also be effective. undue sleepiness. neck. and facial muscles. loss of memory. Natural healing system include fluids. Massage.to 48-hour period following a head injury.” taking soothing herbs that calm the nerves and relax the muscles. prompt and responsible action can mean the difference between life and death. and facial muscles. and gentle yoga stretching are also often effective.Conquering Common Health Conditions 291 ance. but most just suppress the pain. in addition to acupuncture. head injuries can have serious consequences. chiropractic treatment. and other factors. particularly of the upper back. then there is a high degree of probability that nothing serious has occurred internally. Conventional medicines may temporar ily help relieve a tension headache. Massage. When a con cussion occurs as a result of head trauma. with reported loss of consciousness. which calm the nerves and relax the muscles. If no loss of consciousness occurred during head trauma. Tension headaches are caused by stress and tension. including excesses of caffeine or nicotine. and increas ing fluids to eliminate toxins can all assist your healing system in relieving tension headaches. or other neurological symptoms develop during a 24. and migraine treatment methods that support your eating a wholesome diet. Head Injury so Because the brain is important. Tension headaches are often relieved by soothing herbs such as feverfew and chamomile. You might temporarily require strong pain medica tions. and gentle yoga stretching. With a severe head injury. and by topically applied heat balms. practicing daily stress-management techniques. Implementing diet and lifestyle changes that reduce tension and stress. lethargy. neck. drinking plenty of practicing stress-management techniques. and so working with your healing system to improve your overall health can often improve such eye conditions. it was common knowledge that even among young. Because our eyes are so important. a reflection of our overall general health. can similarly be detected from a simple eye exam. so these conditions are often preventable. the majority of head injuries are not serious and respond favorably to your healing system’s internal repair and restoration mechanisms. exists just to tend to their needs. can eyes high blood erode and rupture the fragile blood vessels in the retina. Eye Our eyes are Disorders the most dominant and our important are so sense organs in our bodies. participates in the istry of vision. those who smoked had poorer night vision. Amazingly. when I was a flight surgeon in the U. Many of these disorders often reflect poor overall health. your healing system works best when you cooperate with it by getting plenty of rest and making sure you are drinking enough fluids and eating wholesome. For instance. known as ophthalmology. causes Diabetes. In this regard. and taking chem herbal . problems our in are other parts of the body often affect them. As with any other injury. Many chronic eye conditions are related to underlying problems elsewhere in the body. pressure a condition that a doctor can diagnose with a simple eye exam. however. which Good nutrition is very important to the health of your eyes. Additionally. nutritious food. Air Force.292 Activating Your Healing System When You’re Sick immediately to the nearest emergency room to rule out the possibil ity of brain hemorrhage or other serious injury. which also Vitamin A. Eating a diet rich in beta carotene. They were considered a combat risk when they were flying night missions because the increased carbon monoxide and decreased oxygen in their blood as a result of smoking nega tively affected their vision. in spite of the potentially serious consequences. because eyes sensitive. comes from beta carotene and is found in most yellow and orange fruits and vegetables. changes in the appearance of the blood vessels in the back of the eye. For example. a specialty in medicine.S. healthy fighter pilots. Salt-water eye drops and natural sunlight A own can in three to five gentle herbal eyewash such as hyssop or helpful. response healing system usually repair them within 24 to 48 hours. If you have a cornea1 abrasion. the crusted secretions that have hardened during the night may cause the eyes to be glued shut. Warm compresses can be help ful to free the glued eyelids. over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicines. antihistamines. as most contact-lens are so know. In the morning. and it can occur when air quality is poor or adverse environmental conditions are present. chamomile may also be be a when the surface of the eye has been very painful condition. In as Conjunctivitis pink eye. your injuries and . including mild. If you can avoid itching and scratching. Usually only one eye is affected.Conquering Common Health Conditions 293 bilberry extract. Conjunctivitis can be itchy and sometimes even painful. initiate a to these important. and specific eye exercises also work with your healing system to promote eye health. and antibiotic drops. conjunctivitis is a common condition in children can sweep through schools in epidemic fashion. analgesics. It can also be associated with respiratory infections. This wearers can occur be very helpful. medicines such eyes. Conjunctivitis is often caused by viruses or bacterial agents. Conventional treatments with anti-itch oral medications. because your eyes can rapid. regular exercise. which improves blood flow and oxygenation of the eyes. but about 40 percent of the time it Known as that can occur in both eyes. can be helpful to prevent complications and control the itch as your healing system does its job. Conjunctivitis appears as a reddish or pinkish color in the whites of the eyes. an eye patch and antibiotic drops are customarily admin istered to rest and protect your eye. help promote the health of your addition. However. your body’s healing system can often eradicate this condition on its days. and to prevent it from becoming infected while your healing system does its important repair work. Corneal Abrasions Corneal abrasions scratched. top ical antibiotic drops or ointments may be required. they usually heal on their own without any further complications. ear you help your canal with warm water elbows. styes are more inconvenient than danger ous. using a macy. dusty. own your spe of problems and. to trap drum. can prevent excessive healing system by gently flushing and hydrogen peroxide in a 6:1 your bulb syringe readily available from your nearest phar ratio.294 Activating Your Healing System When You’re Sick Styes Styes are small. eyewashes may also be Ear Problems Your ear middle cial set consists of three distinct parts: your external ear. because those ear differently. Most of us have been told never to stick anything in our ears smaller than our wax buildup. However. Occasionally. Each part carries with it its ear. Ear candling is also becoming popular for this purpose. inflamed swellings that occur as minute infections in the follicles of the hairs that line the edges as your eyelashes. and. near the eye. in more difficult cases. Ear ear water. Natural helpful. thanks to your healing system. are treated Impacted Impacted fort. and can Ear Wax is a common cause ear wax of hearing wax problems. They may also occur when you inadvertently and repeatedly wipe your oily. They are common with carpenters and construction laborers who are inclined to work around dusty construction sites. or dirty hands in your eyes. but I must confess that. oil. Styes are monly or foreign particles clog the pores of the skin known of your eyelids. after a hot shower. This flushing should take a maximum of 30 minutes. Even though they are close to the eyes and can be unsettling. com common when dust. discom outer-ear infections because the can blocks the ear canal. and wax serves a a prevent sound waves from beneficial function as both to reaching your ear a lubricant the ear- canal and natural antibiotic. and your inner ear. if the need pres . we will consider each part problems separately. Warm salt-water compresses and natural sunlight usually cure styes in one to three days. gentle chiropractic adjustments. phlegm. yoga. Herbal remedies. which may follow on the heels of a respiratory infection. which to affects balance and hearing. and deep breathing also appear to improve lymphatic drainage of the middle ear and can help prevent ear infections. nutritional support. and physical therapy. and by treating respiratory infections in their early stages to preclude the possibility that they may spread to the middle ear. the eustachian tube. Natural Middle-Ear Infections early child hood. is directly connected to the back of the nose. cranial-sacral therapy. Diet also can play a role in preventing middle-ear infections. you can help thin out the mucous. and they can be serious. runny chest congestion. and congestion in the respiratory system. nausea. For example.Conquering Common Health Conditions 295 ents itself. under extreme conditions. Good posture. by reducing intake of fats and oils and drinking plenty of fluids. by inflamma tion of the delicate inner-ear Meniere’s disease. You must cooperate with your healing system by focusing prevention. and vomiting. Because the passage that leads to the middle ear. which helps the body to eliminate toxins more readily. acupuncture. remove excess wax that may have formed in my Meniere’s Disease Also known as labyrinthitis. this condition is marked structures. In children. They often cause fever and pain. The nose. middle-ear infections occur as extensions of respiratory infections are Middle-ear infections quite common in infancy and that may start as a cold. sore throat. . but it may recur from time to time. loss of balance. a middle-ear infection runs the risk of spreading to the brain and causing meningitis. and they can be accompanied by loss of hearing. approaches to inner-ear problems that support the work of your healing system include acupuncture. sinus infection. is thought be caused by a virus. I will occasionally any use a cotton-tipped swab to gently and ear carefully canal. chiropractic care. the use of specific herbs such as gingko biloba. Meniere’s disease often occurs only once. or key the to treatment of middle-ear infections involves under ear standing on relationship between the middle and the respiratory system. vertigo. chiropractic care. and physical therapy. nutritional support. cranial-sacral therapy. But avoid the continuous use of antibiotics to treat this common problem. Other meth ods may also prove helpful in certain cases of inner-ear problems. Outer-Ear Infections Often known as swimmer’s ear infections. such as and lot of time where gentian violet and mullein au. Natural approaches to inner-ear problems that support the work of your healing system include acupuncture. who amplified in people who work around airplanes and man the flight lines at air required by law to wear protection ports. ‘When middle-ear infections are may in their full-blown stages. Noise-induced hearing loss is particularly common ears to prevent this unnecessary condition. yoga. antibiotic drops and keeping your ear dry to discourage bacterial growth allow your healing system to restore health to your ear. Because your ability to hear is a precious gift. and it have blasted their worked around is now heavy equipment and loud showing up in ex-rock musicians.296 Activating Your Healing System When You’re Sick such as echinacea. Loss Noise-Induced Hearing by Hearing inner ear loss caused noise damages to the sensitive hair cells in the common that conduct sound the brain. and wasabe (Japanese horseradish) also be helpful. astragalus. Such loss is in people who have machinery. antibiotics are usually required. prevention of noise-induced hearing loss is critical. usually in less than seven days. Hearing aids are common in the elderly and can be effective to help people compensate for inner-ear hearing loss. If you develop an outer-ear infection. particularly if they are initiated in the early stages of these disorders. Several natural eardrops. the use of specific herbs such as gingko biloba. where outer-ear infections can be extremely painful in the water or are common people spend a humidity is high. and these conditions are often difficult to treat. are also available and can be effective . acupuncture. especially to prevent the pos sibility of meningitis. Delicate surgical techniques involving the implantation of electronic sound-amplifi cation devices are usually reserved for severe cases. These people are now ear for years with screeching guitars and loud music. hunters. thanks to your healing system. which might cause a serious infection. your can ears prevent or heal outer-ear infections by keeping clean and dry. During this healing period. swimming. obstructing the ear canal and causing water to be trapped. if you return to the cold environment after to surgery without sufficient ear protection. Perforated ear drum is common in divers. a Surfer’s Ear Known as exostosis. and vertigo. large.Conquering Common Health Conditions 297 treatments. surgical grafting of a new eardrum may be required. This condition can lead to chronic outer-ear infections. If the rupture is very large. ears dry. hearing loss. people who fly when they have respiratory infec are tions. Ear plugs or other ear protection keeps the ears warm and helps your healing system to prevent this condition from developing. the bone growth will also return. surfer’s ear occurs when the bones in the ear canal grow together. if the tear is not too ruptured eardrum will usually heal on its own in one month’s time. Thanks to your body’s healing system. it is important to sup port the work of your healing system by not getting water into your ears. but. tective mechanism of your sensitive and delicate drum . occurs as a which causes result of increased pressure in the middle the eardrum to rupture. a bloody ear canal. Surfer’s ear is common not only in surfers who frequent cold waters. The recurring bone growth is actually a compensatory pro healing system in its attempt to keep the warm enough to efficiently conduct ear sound waves so that hearing is not impaired. and other outdoor-oriented people An who live in cold climates. which inhibits bacte outer-ear growth and minimizes the possibility of an Perforated Ear Drum This condition ear. farmers. you You can help your healing system prevent outer-ear or infections a ing alcohol and vinegar ear drops. doing this is not common because your ear usually can heal on its own. operation tionally offered. If you spend a lot of time in the water. These can help keep your rial using blow by apply dryer after infection. Symptoms may include pain. but also in skiers. and people who hit on the side of the head and the ear is traumatized. scrape away the extra bone growth is conven however. Conven tional Western medicine has developed many effective medications for airway management to lessen the strain of breathing for persons who have asthma. stay away from fats . coughing. Other respiratory condition is characterized out possible causes and triggers for asthma include respiratory infec tions. acupuncture. cranial-sacral Respiratory System Asthma This chronic Disorders by congestion. chiropractic care. Treatment of asthma includes drinking plenty of fluids to help lubricate the lungs and decrease mucous and phlegm. irritating aerosol chemicals. particularly if they are initiated in the early stages of these disorders. poor diets. the use of specific herbs such as gingko biloba. and these conditions are often difficult to treat. climatic changes. Through the world. dehydration. and physical therapy. even life-saving. avoiding dust. nutritional support. respiratory allergens. wholesome air. most do not address the underlying causes of asthma. and may or may not accompany condition not often responsive to conventional medical Natural problem of the inner ear. and other triggers.298 Activating Your Healing System When You’re Sick Tin nitus Also known as ringing in the ears. and stress and emotional upheaval. Also. You can also aid your healing system by breathing good. these symptoms can be severe and even life-threatening. During flare-ups. therapy. asthma appears to be on the rise. pre vention is very important. yoga. a fact that many experts attribute to increasing urbanization and air pollution. Tinnitus is a troubling tinnitus is a treatment. wheezing. particularly in urgent and emergency situa tions. Other methods may also prove helpful in certain cases of inner-ear problems. and constricted airways. among others. Because your ability to hear is a precious gift. clean. Although many of these medications are invalu able. aerosol pollutants (including the inhala tion of toxic fumes or vapors). hearing loss. and keeping warm to avoid catching a cold. approaches to inner-ear problems such as tinnitus that support the work of your healing system include acupuncture. viruses. saline nose drops. release unhealthy emotions. including horseradish. practice stress-management and relaxation methods. Steam inhalation. but they may two are usually related to also be linked long repeated to . Bronchitis is characterized by inflammation and infection in the breathing passages in the lungs. All of these steps can be extremely effective in treating asthma. Nasal and inflammation can often be relieved by working with in contact breathing good avoiding dust. if this is not possible. and practice breathing exer cises. and other microorganisms in the air first come congestion your healing air. (See the section on pneumonia for additional suggestions. and drinking plenty of fluids. is most often caused by viruses bacteria that have slipped past the body’s primary defenses and entered into the airways. Emphysema and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) These term respiratory-system disorders cigarette smoking. prevention is the key to avoiding the common cold. Conventional doctors usually prescribe antibiotics and cough medicines for this condition. Coughing and congestion are persistent. Bronchitis Bronchitis. When you catch a cold.) are bronchi and bronchial tubes.Conquering Common Health Conditions 299 and oils during flare-ups. with your body through the nose. or polluted environments. Again. keeping warm. These include initiate treatment in the earliest stages. and wasabe (Japanese horseradish). which the Colds Common colds are invariably associated with runny noses. and fever may also be present. usually the nose is the first organ affected because the thousands of bacteria. Chinese mustard. can also be effective to help keep your nose and respiratory system healthy. alternative medicines and treatments that work with your healing system also can successfully treat asthma. your goal should be to system in several ways. In addition to the medications your doctor may prescribe. and other natural remedies. eating lightly (focusing on soups and hot teas). natural. smoke. one of the most common respiratory or infections of the lungs. To make ginger-root tea. an Pharyngitis is inflammation of the Pneumonia Pneumonia is an extension of bronchitis and sacs an invasion of the infection into the air night all sweats are often deeper present with pneumonia. and drinking substantial time plenty aloe. and the use of other natural remedies. especially period. such as plant. The best way to assist your healing system in the treatment of these conditions includes breathing good air. Again. Other. you will need a prescription for an antibiotic. As with all a res reflection of decreased the the result of certain stresses on to body. In addition whatever medica tions you might require.and mineral-based medicines. and getting adequate sleep and rest. Certain natural remedies. doing breathing exercises. weakness is Before the advent of antibiotics. herbs that stimulate repair of damaged tissues. drinking plenty of fluids. recesses as a and of the lungs. grate fresh ginger root. and steep for 5 tolO minutes. keeping warm. pneumonia was one of the leading causes piratory infections. result of the infection.300 Activating Your Healing System When You’re Sick exposure to asbestos over or a other chemicals that are harmful to the lungs. it is . then add lemon and honey before you drink the tea. Pharyngitis often begins when the body is chilled. Pharyngitis pharynx that frequently results in a sore throat. such unhealthy diet and lifestyle. even people with long-term smoking habits can improve their breathing and the health of their lungs if they quit smoking before irreparable damage has occurred. such including vitamin C and as comfrey and may also be helpful. Ginger-root tea can also be very effective in treating pharyngitis. Because of the body’s healing system. and bacteria have entered past your body’s primary defenses. put it in boiling water. managing stress. including antibiotics. pneumonia is usually immune function as an as of death. Fever and and because oxygen over is unable to enter the bloodstream common. Often. however. of fluids. prevention is much more effective and easier than attempting to cure either of these conditions once the disease has established itself. more natural methods that support your healing system to overcome pharyngitis include eating fewer fats and oils. You can 3. rhinitis. which increase congestion and clog your airways. or exposure to cold weather. It is difficult to get better and heal if you are not getting adequate rest because your are does most of its best work when you resting healing system or sleeping. it is important to avoid fats and oils until you are better because they tend to create more phlegm and mucous. Additionally. the faster your body can eliminate the toxins from the infection. but many others tend to have worse symp toms while they are indoors. grasses. and avoiding air conditioning. A few of the and more common varieties include Many people report the allergic source of their allergy to be specific plant materials. such as pollens. Keep warm. your immune system is impaired as a result you of the stress of your body attempting to restore proper temper Your keep warm by wearing a sweater or windbreaker. 2. fans. 70 percent fluid. around 98. Respiratory Aflergies Respiratory allergies the nose come in various forms and commonly afflict and sinuses.Conquering Common Health Conditions 301 important 1. your immune system and healing system bog down and you become more susceptible to illness. body likes to stay warm. people who breathe exclusively through their mouths have higher rates of respiratory allergies. When you are sleep deprived or chronically fatigued. and other potentially allergic material in the ventila tion systems at work or in the home may be responsible for most allergies. When become chilled. Drink to assist your healing system by following these recom mendations: plenty of fluids. Additionally. dust. sinusitis. For example. dust mites.6 degrees. and so Your body is the more fluid you bring into your system. hay fever. the way people breathe can affect their sus ceptibility to a respiratory allergy. This suggests that chemicals. or fungal spores. Rest. . ature. drinking plenty of warm liquids such as soups and herbal teas. This is probably because the air they are breathing does not have the opportunity for the nose to filter and clean it. mold. yoga. fried foods.) . horseradish.302 Activating Your Healing System When You’re Sick Following eliminate 1. applying salt-water cleanses. 2. Eliminate heavy. are some Sinus infections of the most most common of all infections and one of the common reasons reducing such as fats and oils in your diet can help. Sinus Infections respiratory people visit the office. including steroids. acupuncture. but chronic conditions respond better to more nat ural methods that support your healing system. and stinging nettles. past president of the American Holistic Medical Association and former chronic sinusitis sufferer. (An excellent book about sinus infections is Sinus Survival. and cranial-sacral bodywork may also be helpful to your healing system. The sinuses are small. doctor’s which begin in the nose and throat area. and buoyancy of the head. yoga. 3. spread to the sinuses. and other natural methods that work with your healing system and that can play a supporting role in managing and overcoming respiratory allergies. for urgent situations only. in the respiratory system. acupuncture. breathing steam. and breathing good air. Chinese mustard. echinacea. Chinese mustard. Sinus infections occur when respiratory infections. gentle massage. In addition. mines. and decongestants. sprays. chiropractic care. exercise. astragalus. or irrigation. a simple tips respiratory allergy: are six for helping your healing system Pay attention to to the to quality of the air you breathe. horseradish. cavernous air pockets that play an important role in defense. Learn switch or nasal breathing. These methods include drinking more fluids. which tend minimize fats and oils in your diet. rely on them for long-term treatment. including to increase mucous and phlegm 4. Rob Ivker. balance. rich. suppressive medications. Natural plant remedies wasabe. Natural sun baths. Try sunbaths. Try plant medicines. and astra galus may also be helpful. by Dr. Antibiotics are often prescribed and effective in acute cases of sinus infection. such as echinacea. natural 5. wasabe. Reserve antihista and don’t 6. ginger. fats. helps thin the mucous and aids your healing system in eliminating toxins. it with antibiotic Tonsillitis recently. however. Under most conditions. . and oils. but recent evidence points more toward changes in weather. the tonsils were routinely removed if they were con tinually swollen. stress. Ginger-root tea can also be very effective in treating tonsillitis. Ginger. in addi tion to other herbs. dietary management involving decreased dairy. avoiding stress. and adequate exercise. then add lemon and honey before Until you drink the tea. poor sanitation. The key to treating this condition. conjunction with inadequate immunity.Conquering Common Health Conditions 303 Strep Throat Strep the throat is caused more common by various types of streptococcal bacteria and is when the weather turns colder. Tuberculosis Tuberculosis (TB) is such as common where adverse environmental conditions poor air exist in quality. getting plenty of sleep and rest. doctors routinely treat therapy. place it in boiling water. are better left in. and steep for 5 to 10 minutes. and salt-water gargles. strep throat does not affect other organs and systems of the body. and compromised host-resistance factors. drinking plenty of fluids. that the tonsils perform an important immune function and. To make ginger-root tea. however. can also be helpful. lies in prevention. You can also assist your healing system by keep ing your body warm. grate fresh ginger root. Keeping warm. often coinciding with beginning of flu season. because of the rare complicating factors that can affect the kidneys and heart. such as alcoholics and people who are chronically malnourished. This illness more lack of sunlight. if possible. and inadequate ventilation nutrition. and managing stress all appear to be helpful in aiding your healing system in the treatment and prevention of ton sillitis. again. which lowers immune function. and drinking plenty of fluids. and getting sufficient rest. We now know. sleep. Although antibiotics may be required to effectively treat tonsil litis. We used to consider strep throat highly contagious. and lowered commonly occurs in developing countries or in populations that are destitute and despairing. Increasing water intake. avoiding or minimizing acidic foods. Digestive System Problems in the result of can Disorders common digestive system are and are often the a faulty diet. orange juice. You can often prevent and treat these conditions by working with your healing system. slippery elm. This means paying closer attention to the foods you eat. and citrus juices. curative medications may last underlying causes only temporarily.304 Activating Your Healing System When You’re Sick Treatments exist are to cure this illness. drinking more water. Maintaining adequate fluid and fiber intake is important to ensure timely elimination of toxins and waste products while preserving the health of your intestinal tract. and . emphasize the impor tance of daily sunbathing and proper diets. in combination with stress. Natural remedies such as peppermint and chamomile tea. and going long periods without any food or liquid intake whatsoever are a few of the specific ways that you can work with your healing system to overcome most digestive system problems. serious conditions. fats. avoiding too many fried foods. acid problems indiges— to more tion. can also be helpful. but if the not addressed. and oils. and gastritis. such as vinegar. decreasing irritating and toxic sub stances such as coffee and alcohol. techniques. Conversely. and aloe vera. symptoms of TB will often improve on their own. The problem may come right back after treatment has been com pleted because re-infection is likely. minor upset stomach. practicing stress-management avoiding irritating or harmful substances such as coffee and alcohol. factors that support the body’s healing system. deglycyrrhizinated licorice. which still exist in many parts of the world. once you cooperate with your healing system by addressing the underlying causes. TB sanitariums. These range from such common conditions as heartburn. The digestive system is very susceptible to stress because of the sensitive lining of the intestines. esophageal reflux. and the rich nerve supply that connects these structures to the brain and nervous system. S. there is still a tendency to regard surgery as the only solution to the condition. who are known vegetarians. strangely enough. Because little research has been done on the dietary influences on appendicitis. following the dietary suggestions given earlier.D. population. a surgeon will often remove the appendix as a preventative measure at no extra charge. during abdominal surgery for other reasons. rather. The now-famous were no cases study by of colon Burkitt. M. colon cancer is remarkably and refined Dennis in absent in most developing are countries where little meat food products consumed. Appendicitis. . Prevention. Learning how to relax. it is often successfully treated with fluids and certain herbs. many cases of appendicitis will respond well to clear-liquid diets. apparent contributors to colon cancer are dehydration. Low-residue foods and foods that are highly processed. if the inflammation is caught in its earlier stages.S. even if it has a high rate of occurrence in your family. In fact. chronic and emotional factors. In addition to diet. Co’on Cancer A In this country.Conquering Common Health Conditions 305 Appendicitis appendicitis has traditionally been regarded as a sur gical emergency because people who fail to receive timely treatment can rupture their appendix and suffer serious and sometimes fatal consequences. however. as it is here. Diets high in fiber and low in fat can often help prevent this problem. Even in this country. along with excess fat in the diet.. and instituting measures aimed at good bowel hygiene will aid your healing system and prevent colon cancer from occurring. constipation. is not routinely operated on in China.. in Seventh Day Adventists. can be contributing fac tors to appendicitis. Similarly. colon-cancer rates are very low compared to the mainstream U. stress. practicing stress management. if caught early. reported that there African cancer villages where people subsisted largely on vegetarian diets. leading cause of death in the U. including the regular ingestion of adequate fiber and fluids. will help your healing system maintain the health of your appendix. managing stress. Causes commonly from a combination of faulty include improper food combinations. especially during flare-ups. peppermint. Mild cases of food poi soning represent the ingestion of contaminated foods and are the more common causes of gastroenteritis. These substances serve to increase acid produc lining. eating diet in a as strong coffee and hurry ingesting alcohol. and is most often caused system. The prob lem with constipation is that it causes toxins to back up in your most common or Constipation is the condition of the colon. and using natural soothing com pounds such as aloe vera juice. cases can Symptoms often include nausea and vomiting. acidic foods.306 Activating Your Healing System When You’re Sick Constipation large by poor diet. drinking plenty of water and nonacidic. and slippery-elm teas can also be quite helpful. which includes the small and large intestines. but most last no more than a few days. and certain carbonated sodas. and the colon. You can also occasionally use gentle conventional and natural laxa tives for acute episodes of constipation. Increased fluid and fiber. with . relaxation and stress to increased exercise. soothing liquids will aid your healing system in eliminating this condition. stress and anxiety. which can contribute to other disease processes. which increases blood flow management. and diarrhea. or excessive fried or certain toxic substances such fatty substances. Fever may or may not be present. not enough fluids. and a sedentary lifestyle. Removing these factors while tion in the stomach. lack of fiber. constipation can result in bowel obstruction. abdominal pain cramping. intestines. which is a surgical emergency. are usu ally quite helpful to your healing system in preventing constipation. chamomile. Some of these among be severe. which irritates the Gastroenteritis Gastroenteritis is a mation of the entire stomach and the general term that refers to irritation and inflam gastrointestinal tract. If it is allowed to progress. Gastritis Gastritis results most and stress. deglycyrrhizinated licorice. Eating more bland and soothing foods. and they may be even more damaging to the liver than the agents themselves. without any solid foods. abnormal growth. as in chemotherapy for cancer. Viral hepatitis now appears in multiple forms. which can supporting the body’s healing flush out the intestinal contaminants with the vomiting and diarrhea. Take clear liquids in abundance for the first 48 hours. Consuming plenty of fiber and fluids is also important. especially if no solid foods are eaten. Most offer in the way of treatments for hepatitis. which causes scarring. contaminated needles. are aimed at attacking the supposed agents of disease. C.Conquering Common Health Conditions 307 Treatment is directed toward system. and there are many causes for the different types of hepatitis. or blood transfusions. non-A. Hepatitis hepatitis. such as B. are most commonly contracted through unsafe sexual practices. including hepatitis A. and other complications. silymarin. extremely important in supporting your healing system when you have hepatitis. and many more. Traditional medicines from India and China also . High-fat diets and low Diet is residue foods seem to aggravate liver conditions. Cases of hepatitis can be acute and isolated. nonB. or through sharing contami nated eating utensils. including turmeric and all yellow and orange vegetables and fruit. Hepatitis A is usually contracted by eating or drinking contaminated food or water. It is important not to introduce solid food that can feed the offending organisms and slow down your body’s healing processes. antibiotics may be necessary for a few days. Most other forms of hepatitis. or chronic and debilitating. Conventional Western medicine has little medications to Inflammation of the liver is called to improve the health of the liver. can be helpful for certain liver conditions. including liver cancer. Nutritional elements that help support the health of your liver include foods high in beta carotene. Alcoholic hepatitis is due to the chronic irritation and consumption of alcohol and can lead to cirrhosis of the liver. C. B. If fever is present. Viral hepatitis is con tracted through various infectious sources. and others. par ticularly if you are traveling overseas or are in an exotic tropical locale where your body may not be used to the local flora and con taminants in that part of the world. The herb milk thistle and its extracted alkaloid. a com bination of stress-management techniques. vitamin deficiencies. and soothing. Other natural substances that can assist your healing system in help ing to soothe and heal inflamed intestinal surfaces are water. and poor absorption of essential nutrients. Inflammatory Inflammatory Crohn c Bowel Disease a bowel disease includes as conditions such colitis. in the intestines become During times of stress. Because the liver is so important and so difficult to treat. including drugs and surgery. An effective diet for these disorders is one that is bland. slippery elm and chamomile teas. aloe vera. visualization and guided imagery. Okra is ideal for people with inflammatory bowel problems because it contains adequate fiber and is also gentle and soothing. hyperstimulated and irritate the the a lining. Stress management. and special dietary practices are most helpful to the healing system in managing these conditions. these conditions have in people who are under long-term stress. Addressing problems related tions to these disorders contribute to can early on is important problems elsewhere because these condi in the problems related to include anemia. and are common cramping during flare-ups tory bowel disorders. and ulcerative colitis. and emotional release of anger can also be very helpful for liver conditions. these conditions patients with inflamma similarly to autoimmune are influenced nerves by dietary factors and can stress. Diarrhea. including guided imagery and visualization. and those with perfectionist tendencies. For these reasons. a rare dietary combination. and yoga. body. in disease. those conditions . Chinese occurrence delicate intestinal herbal medicines. abdominal pain. and deglycyrrhizinated licorice. and that consists of adequate fiber. can also assist your heal ing system to help reverse these conditions. practicing preventive medicine is essential to avoid appear to be these liver conditions. which behave diseases. spastic colon. those higher who are high achievers. Those syndromes not brought under control. irritable bowel large category of intestinal syndrome.308 Activating Your Healing System When You’re Sick promising. if can worsen. Alternative approaches. Like other chronic intestinal diseases. Conventional treatments. acupuncture. gentle. including Ayurvedic medicine. slippery elm. are often effective to help your healing system in the short. Indigestion and abdominal pain in the upper abdomen and lower chest often accompany stomach ulcers. gentle. in addition to the more traditional antacids and acid-blocking drugs. Acting early to institute these measures will help place. Stress-management extremely helpful for the treatment and prevention of ulcers. but the includes habits bleeding learning to a stages of an ulcer. prevent ulcers from developing in the first techniques and learning how to relax are Urinary System The Disorders kidneys are the main filters and organs of your body that elim inate liquid waste products. pylon has been implicated in the cause of certain ulcers. less acidic. Your kidneys require adequate fluid intake and regular flushing. flesh-oriented diet that consists of non-irritating foods are most helpful. Stomach ulcers often have similar causes to inflammatory they represent a more persistent digestive system. less manage stress and system. soothing. Many gentle. nicotine. treatment depends on stopping if it has already begun. a bacterium known as H. but stress also is known to be a big factor in these and chronic imbalance in the conditions. soothing natural supplements. will most often not harm your kidneys. the ulcers can bleed. In the acute bowel disease.and long-term management of ulcers. A more long-term approach how to support your healing eating blander. conditions that. Eliminate caffeine. Other factors that can be harmful to your kidneys include the regular ingestion of certain toxic substances. and long-standing high blood pressure and diabetes. and they can become unhealthy if you don’t drink enough fluids. such as peppermint and chamomile tea. In recent years.Conquering Common Health Conditions 309 Stomach Ulcers and Duodenal Ulcers Commonly ulcers referred to as peptic ulcers. deglycyrrhiz mated licorice. sometimes. . and alcohol from your diet if you have ulcers. and. more changing your eating Drinking more water and neutral. stomach ulcers and duodenal are areas of the stomach that become deteriorated by stomach acid. if treated early or prevented. If be and Urinary-Tract Urinary-tract common Infections infections include bladder than in and infections. they can block the ureters and may require surgical removal. and from the bladder can pass down from the ureters into the through the urethra. and other natural substances such as cranberry. and most women instinctively know to urinate after sex to prevent this from happening. In adult women. however. Some stones can be blasted out by sound waves. certain herbs. Along with lots of fluids. Doing this will eliminate the bacteria that are associated with these infections. in serious infec tions. a technique known as lithotri~sy. can help your healing system maintain the health of your kidneys. Stress. juniper berries. At the same . such as uva ursi. Kidney stones are made of stone-like material that forms in the kid neys and then attempts to bladder. responding to nerve transmissions from the brain and hormonal messages from the pituitary gland. Another more prudent pre ventive measure is to take a bath or shower in the morning after you have moved your bowels. lead which are more to women men can kidney Urinary-tract infections can easily be prevented if good bladder and bowel hygiene are maintained.310 Activating Your Healing System When You’re Sick Kidney Stones Kidney stones are another fairly common and very painful problem. antibiotic therapy is mandatory to prevent further spread and damage to the kidneys. extremely painful. and excess caffeine and nicotine can all contribute to the formation of kidney stones. of blood in the urine. drinking plenty of fluids. the most common activity associated with urinary-tract infections is sexual intercourse. Kidney stones they almost always cause a small amount kidney stones are large. bladder. and avoiding alcohol and caffeine all help to support your healing system to prevent and eliminate kidney stones. faulty diet. and urinary tract. It operates on a cycle. hormonal imbalance. Once you have contracted a uri nary-tract infection. Stress management. dehydration. Female The female Reproductive System Disorders reproductive system is extremely sensitive and complex. I address the more subject of cancer chapter. The question of estrogen (hormonal) replacement ther to osteoporosis and heart disease that can occur following menopause is an ongoing area of debate among experts. progesterone Problems in the reproductive system may reflect hormonal time. An unhealthy diet. and breast cancer are the predominant types of cancer. active. it also has an associated risk of increased reproductive-system cancer. the use of natural. and volatile cell populations of any tissue in the body. and eat a wholesome. and how deal with it in detail later in this Menopause It is ation the apy during this time in a woman’s life that ovulation and menstru gradually end. First. To help your healing system maintain the health of your reproductive system. Cancer of the Female The female cancer to Reproductive System is one reproductive system are of the most common sites for appear. it is producing imbalances that prob during times of mental and emotional stress. prevent Because of this risk. nicotine. Women’s Wisdom. Christiane Women’s Bodies. Sexually transmitted diseases can also damage the reproductive system. and alcohol. including excess caffeine. There two reasons for this. and other harmful lifestyle factors may also contribute to problems of the female reproductive system.Conquering Common Health Conditions 311 its own hormones in the form of estrogen and that feed back to these other organs. Second. the cells of this system are some of the most rapidly dividing. try appropriate natural herbs. resulting in diminishing levels of estrogen in blood. An originate lems often flare up in other parts of the body. male or female. Although estrogen replacement may be appropriate in certain cases. and such excellent resource on how you can improve the health of your repro ductive system is Dr. uterine cancer. and it intimately interacts with other systems in your body. healthy diet. Northrup’s best-selling book. ovarian cancer. substances that work with the plant-derived estrogens and healing system are becoming more . follow the recom mendations for overall health given in previous chapters. the female reproductive system is extremely sensitive and vulnerable. to on this entire earth. Cervical cancer. and fibrocystic breast disease often reflect hormonal imbalances. a time of blood loss and sloughing reproductive tissues. Other disorders of the female reproductive system. . was able to reverse this condition as well by resuming weight-bearing exercises. Premenstrual Premenstrual that occurs Syndrome (PMS) or syndrome. ‘While the lack of estrogen conditions. and dong quai. can successfully respond to meth ods that work with your healing system. stress Natural herbs. which. decrease caffeine practice as and alcohol intake. breathing. PMS. is a common. if caught early. symptoms tant to ease and excessive caffeine and alcohol For a women on lack of exercise. other more important or may play a risk factors be considered. gentle yoga stretching. In generations past. Drink plenty of fluids. tension. effective These options are generally safer. raspberry tea. certainly. Christopher Reeve. menopause was accepted as a natural con were in dition of life. The late actor. painful disorder around the time of menstruation and involves cramping of the uterine muscles. Also. uterine Jibroids. gentler. it is impor to back little normal activities and listen their bodies of during menstruation. who also developed osteoporosis due to inac tivity. poor diet. always the go.312 Activating Your Healing System When You’re Sick popular. a quadriplegic. emotional upheaval. such as endometriosis. ovarian cysts. It may also include headaches and other asso ciated symptoms. and often just as conventional forms of estrogen. and natural medications and treatments. can make PMS on worse. can help alleviate PMS symptoms. Stress. there is more to osteoporosis than merely menopause and estrogen. Acupuncture. such cramp bark. techniques. sometimes so severe that they can be disabling. new evidence with NASA astronauts who experienced osteoporosis while they as more prolonged zero-gravity conditions showed that their osteo porosis could be reversed by their resuming normal weight-bearing activities once they were back on earth. and rest to stress-management and visualization support your healing system at these times. Some of these methods are proper diet. Clearly. with little evidence that it caused increased risk of heart disease role in these also need to osteoporosis. who are dehydration. management. increased fluid intake. and massage may also be helpful. San Francisco. the palmetto. Dr. including stress. many case reports and books are beginning to demonstrate cancer overcoming prostate cancer using methods that naturally work with your body’s healing system. their testosterone levels become diminished. Dean Ornish. and reducing overall body to In addition conventional medicines. treatments successful for Prostate Enlargement as Also known benign prostatic hypertrophy. play a significant role in prostate being at conducted on prostate health and prostate cancer. a natural herb that works with your healing system by shrinking and reduc ing swelling in the prostate. or BPH. and they can suffer from mood swings and depression. and others the and other disorders of the prostate. up 6 tolO times or more a night bladder never fully empties. which is the tube lead ing from the bladder through the penis. this condition compresses and encroaches upon the urethra. has now become one of the most common types of in New research by University of California. a man may have to wake urinate because with BPH. saw . may go Recent research shows that Prostate Cancer Prostate cancer cancer men. In addition to these stud ies. and at Sloan Kettering Cancer Institute in New York. Ruth Marlin. and natural sources of testosterone that work more harmoniously with your healing system are also currently being researched. In advanced to cases. Dr. can often be very helpful for BPH. increased fluids and fiber.Conquerrng Common Heafth Conditions 313 Male Reproductive System Disorders Male Menopause men through a male equivalent to female menopause. is showing that diet and emotional factors. Prostate Health in 90 Days is an excellent book by Larry Clapp. when. Prostate enlargement makes passing urine difficult. around the ages of approximately 45 to 65. a lawyer who had prostate cancer and successfully overcame it with methods that work with the body’s healing system. A low-fat diet. Standardized doses of testos terone are currently available to supplement low testosterone levels. and lymph nodes make up your lymph system. If testicular caught early stages and given appropriate medical treatment. Nervous Disorders of the System These Disorders more nerves are some of the of all conditions to treat. Serious disorders of the lymphatic system include Hodgkin’s disease. and other lymphatic cancers. legendary Tour de France and author of It’s Not About the Bike. circu late in the lymph fluid. complex and difficult challenges are because of the . The white blood cells of your immune system. which represents white-blood-cell proliferation and activation. eating a healthy. Testicular Cancer This form of cancer frequently afflicts younger males. cancer these conditions of the success lymphatic system are eradicate. but it is also important to use system. occurs in response to infections. accompanied by lifestyle changes that help support the body’s healing system. channels. which shares an important relationship with your body’s immune and healing systems. cancer is in its Lymphatic System Your Disorders lymphatic vessels. which represent gen eralized. such as stress natural methods that work with your healing management. wholesome diet. A famous is Lance lymphatic champion story of a person who overcame Armstrong. weakened conditions of the body. Conventional treatments such as radiation can often be helpful for these conditions. BPH is to related prostate cancer. If easier to caught early. Lymph-node enlargement.314 Activating Your Healing System When You’re Sick tension system in not by learning how to relax can also support your healing preventing and minimizing symptoms of BPH. The subject of cancer is discussed more thoroughly later in this chapter. which help fight infection and keep your blood clean. increasing fluid intake. lymphoma. it is often curable. and using other natural medicines and herbs. nervous system. lack of coordination. your Central Nervous Central nervous System Disorders are usually ~ serious. your mind. Gentle yoga techniques can also sup port the healing system by improving balance and coordination. and massage can also be helpful. which are usually trauma related and result in life-altering paralysis of one degree or another. Stress-man agement techniques are also effective in relieving pain and tension resulting from these conditions. palsy results in speech a and movement disturbances. supported by good nutri system treating them once they working with your healing system disorders are established. loss of balance. characterized and by tremors. music therapy. Acupuncture. system disorders often involve the brain and They include such conditions as the following: Alzheimer’s disease. Because of the seriousness of central nervous and the difficulties in focus should be on prevent them. a shuffling walk. which includes wide range of conditions that Multiple sclerosis. thought to be an autoimmune disease. and they help manage these conditions by stabilizing the electrical activity of the nervous system. n condition related cerebral ~ Cerebral palsy. which has been shown to increase blood flow to the brain. which appears early in life and is a debilitating to birth trauma or other congenital problems. and your emotions. tion and natural medicines. cause Epilepsy. characterized by a loss of short-term memory. Conventional medicines may be necessary to help manage these problems once they are established. . Stress management. Spinal-cord disorders.Conquering Common Health Conditions 315 intricate interactions between your brain. ~ Parkinson’s disease. and speech and visual disturbances. may be helpful in selected cases of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. rigidity. with symptoms including progressive weakness. including relaxation training and breathing techniques. seizures. the to Gingko biloba. have a natural calming effect on the mind and brain. 316 Activating Your Healing System When You’re Sick The most important thing you can underlying causes of these conditions and do is pay attention to the start treatment in the ear liest stages when symptoms are less severe. Some complex fractures might require assistance with methods such as bone setting and open surgical reduction using plates. Because of healing system’s amazing ability to mend and remodel bone. such as those caused by vitamin B12 deficiency. fractures heal uneventfully once the bones are held in place by either a cast or splint. The largest bone in the body. are nerve Peripheral neuropathies disorders that extremities. (pernicious anemia). the femur. Peripheral Neuropathies usually involve the neuropathy. Exciting new research in the field of nerve regeneration is investigating procedures that sup port the healing system’s ability to mend damaged nerves and create new pathways for victims of spinal cord injury and other diseases of the central nervous system. Because these conditions are often associated with other health problems that are both correctable and preventable. proper nutrition.” and nutritional neuropathies. rest. addressing those underlying factors is the key to working with your healing system to improve and reverse the nerve disorders. (beriberi). or thiamin defi ciency. sciatica and “pinched nerves. plenty of fluids. immobilization. rods. but most . takes just six weeks to heal from a simple fracture. Paying attention to good nutrition and incorporating stress management and other natural methods that work with your healing system can go a long way toward improving these conditions. natural sunlight. and pins. are common adequate calcium and vitamin D. most screws. as well as electrical bone stimulation. These disorders include diabetic Musculoskeletal Disorders Problems in the muscles and bones bruises and contusions Fractures Fractures heal best with to and range from fractures and other conditions. and natural medicines that support your your healing system. your stress exercise and management. newer research on astronauts shows that a lack of weight-bearing exercise may play a larger role. are important. stretching. because your muscles can are connected to your nerves. may also contribute to the condition. and relaxed. stretch. osteoporosis represents a loss density and strength. Osteoporosis can be prevented and often reversed by regular weight-bearing cium. Osteoporosis post-menopausal women. and relax the muscles while building tone and strength. so regularly stretching and relaxing all the muscles in your body. systematic approach to ensuring proper health of your muscles through exer cises that lengthen. These conditions tribute to muscle pain. Dietary factors and other lifestyle and personal health habits also A play a major role in these conditions. This was demonstrated in a involving Nigerian bone doctors.Conquering Common Health Conditions 317 fractures may not well-known study to medical require casting. Yoga is a gentle. . which can leech calcium from bone. the likelihood of injuries increases because of their stiffness and rigidity. but not flexible or relaxed. Muscular Injuries Injuries of the muscles are common. Anyone with a muscular condition would do well to investigate the possibility of adding yoga to his or her overall heal ing program. healthy muscle is one that is strong. yet they showed that the fractures they treated even using only sticks healed in the a same amount of time as those treated with modern methods in large hospital in America. Additionally. adequate vitamin D and cal and a healthy. however. who never went school. Common in influences calcium metabolism. mental tension and stress con also cause muscular tension and stiffness. wholesome diet that supports healing system. flexible. If muscles are strong and overdeveloped. of bone There is evidence that stress. and they are often contributing factors to many muscular and neuromuscular disorders. Many experts believe this condition is caused by a lack of estrogen. and which affects the endocrine system and high-protein diets. including back pain and fibromyalgia. in addition to exercising. Ironically.” gout is caused production. increasing fluid coffee and alcohol can intake and avoiding prevent flare-ups of this condition. Joint diseases are particularly common in the Western developed world. that can alter the . Osteoarthritis by the steady wear and tear of joints. Gout is virtually absent among poor populations. George Freeman Solomon. who is one of the world’s foremost authorities on rheumatoid arthritis. Certain foods and natural supplements such as glucosamine may also be helpful. Rheumatoid Arthritis Now considered an Most doctors believe that osteoarthritis is caused autoimmune problem. including fruit and vegetable juices. rheumatoid arthritis is caused by dysfunction in the lines of communication among the immune system. these conditions are relatively rare in most developing countries where activities and lifestyles are less sedentary. has identified several as psychological factors.318 Activating Your Healing System When Youre Sick Joint Because you are Disorders constantly moving. Gout is entirely cur able and preventable. and and Gout the “rich man’s disease. fowl. and increased consumption of fluids. at UCLA. and it responds well to reducing or abstaining from all meats. they are a common site for painful problems and dis turbances. the endocrine system. Dr. tai chi. your joints are subject to wear tear. and your brain. In addition. These include gentle stretching of the muscles that surround the affected joints. and seafood. such repressed anger. often the result of rich foods such Known as by as excess uric acid meat and flesh products. This condition can be prevented and reversed by following methods that work with your healing system. and swimming. Movement therapies such as yoga. which subsist predominantly on vegetables and grains. Emotional upheaval often precedes painful flare-ups of rheumatoid arthritis. acupuncture. and visualization and guided imagery can also be very helpful for this condition. including breathing and imagery. which eventually causes the muscles to fix the joints in a particular subsequently leads to irritation. position. In fact. and Extremities Hand Problems The hands are subject to overuse and abuse. chemistry responds well to physical therapy. are a common site for the occurrence consequently they particularly in later years. . swelling. rheumatoid arthritis often Disorders of the Hands. Working with your healing system by addressing the underlying causes of these problems. stretch ing. Surgery is often performed in more severe cases. weight of your body. Arthritis of the hands is easier to manage or cure if you catch it early and if you incorporate meth ods that work with your healing system into your daily life. this condition responds well to methods that work with your healing system. and if you do not they can cause endless misery—so much so. Other factors may also be present in this condition. If caught in its early stages. However. persistent stretching like that found in yoga therapy. diet. can help reverse and prevent this problem. and stress-management practices. Feet. and of arthritis. the effectiveness of yoga therapy for carpal tunnel syndrome was docu mented in a study that appeared in the Journal of the American to overuse of the wrist Medical Association. inflamma tion. which Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Carpal tunnel syndrome is a chronic condition of the wrists related joints. and joint pain. Foot Problems Your feet bear the entire properly care for them. such as physical therapy and gentle. This arthritis is often due to chronic tension in the fingers.Conquering Common Health Conditions 319 of your internal environment and trigger destructive autoimmune responses that affect joint surfaces. along with regular gentle extension of the muscles and tendons that control the movement of the fingers. all strategies that help support your healing system. Heel Spurs. going barefoot when ever possible. and Plantar Warts plantar fasciitis. standing. Disorders of the Spine Spine culoskeletal and each cared for. physical pain United States. Although these conditions are so painful at times that they can be incapacitating. scoliosis. spinal stenosis. or participating in sports and other strenuous activities. Plantar Fasciitis. it can be very effective for problems involv ing the nerves and muscles of the feet. There are 24 joints in the human spine. toes. and plantar warts are all common conditions of the feet. Corns. and legs. they can usually be reversed quite readily once the underlying causes are addressed. degenerative disc disease. or imbalances created by improper movement while walking. and sciatica. disorders represent a special and more complex aspect of mus joint diseases. ankylosis spondylitis. known as podiatry. They are often caused by improperly fitted shoes. heel spurs. exists just to tend to the feet alone. spondylolisthesis. soothing natural creams such as turmeric or calendula that soften the skin and support healing processes all serve as valuable aids to your healing system as it works to alleviate these conditions. Back is the . one is subject to a potential problem if it is not properly Back Pain single most common cause of work disability in the Approximately 100 billion dollars is spent annually on this problem. Back pain comes in various forms and severity and is associated with common diagnostic names such as spinal arthritis. Stretching the muscles of the feet. spondylosis. jogging. Reflexology is a type of mas sage that involves nerve meridians that connect areas of the feet to other parts of the body. herniated and ruptured discs. comfort able shoes and getting regular foot massages can often help your healing system correct these problems.320 Activating Your Healing System When You’re Sick that an entire specialty. Additionally. wearing roomy. and applying gentle. Corns. Long-standing histories of poor posture. taking warm foot baths. stress. diabetes. Dean Ornish’s in a be supportive your healing group environment. and ways to prevent this common. social isolation. Coronary artery disease can lead to ging sudden death from heart attack and claims more lives than all other diseases combined. The most common type of heart disease. These include eating a low-fat diet. repetitive injuries. or clog of the arteries of the heart. and it in several forms. High-fat diets. and learning how to express emotions and share feelings Dr. treatment. yet powerful. including cancer. performing moderate but regular exercise. wholesome diet. Healing Back Pain Naturally. In my previous book. and inadequate diet often contribute these conditions. accidents. practicing stress management and relaxation. and managing stress. is caused by atherosclerosis. stress. High Blood Pressure as Also known silent killer. if not as “the treated . Even to long-standing. repression a inhibition of emotions. lack of exercise. known as coronary artery disease. I address the underly ing causes. or infections. such as developing proper spine mechanics.” It is hypertension. have been shown ease. natural methods that work with your healing system.Conquering Common Health Conditions 321 abuse. high blood pressure is referred to a serious circulatory disease that. organized manner that will allow you to work with your healing system to overcome these problems. gentle stretching. eating a healthy. stubborn cases of back pain can be reversed if underlying causes and use methods that work with your healing system. debilitating group of maladies in a simple. When you learn to work with system. and to lack of of anger and intimacy all significant contributing factors to heart dis groundbreaking work on the reversal of heart disease without drugs or surgery is based on a program that incorporates simple. even the worst and most dangerous disease in the world can be healed naturally. you address the Circulatory System Heart Disease Disorders Heart disease is the number-one killer in the Western comes world. some natural medicines lation and can keeping aid your healing system by supporting circu your blood vessels calm and relaxed. it is critical for you to work with your healing system by learning how to relax and manage your stress to help bring your blood pressure down. The effect is similar to what happens when you place your thumb or finger over the end of a garden hose to spray the water out further and faster. Losing weight has also been shown to reduce blood pressure. Conversely. the face may also be affected. your blood pressure stress. under can occur This Medicines are available to artificially control high blood pres sure. mouth. Other such the tongue. can become elevated when you are when you are upset. excited. and bleed. as has exercise. Because the smooth muscles that control the diameter of your blood vessels are. In addition to cutting out caffeine and nicotine. This common disease is caused by constriction and narrowing of the arteries and smaller blood vessels. frightened. and cheeks. which increases the pressure of the blood flow inside them. your blood pressure tends to automatically become lower. but many of them have side effects that can interfere with the quality of your life. Whether or not you are currently taking med ications.322 Activating Your Healing System When Youre Sick properly. lips. most paralysis of one side of the body. when you are calm and relaxed. Lowering your blood pressure this way will lower your risk of stroke and heart disease and reduce your depend ence on medications. rupture. which are both known to elevate blood pressure. The prolonged. which can commonly arm results in severely incapacitating and even fatal. typically an be structures on and as a leg. become lodged usually generated in the brain’s circulatory paths and clog the blood vessels that nour ish the brain. A Stroke is a well-known second mechanism that from causes stroke occurs when small blood clots. Speech and swallowing . Stroke. in turn. an irregularly beating heart. increased pressure in the blood vessels that go to the brain eventually causes the vessels to burst. Stroke circulatory disorder most often caused by underlying complications of long-standing high blood pressure. controlled by nerves that are connected to your brain. or worried. can cause heart disease and stroke. which insulin derangement of sugar deficiency. Once the brain learns essary new to make the nec connections. the endocrine system may become imbalanced and dysfunctional as the result of underlying problems elsewhere in the body. also occur. and connecting new nerve pathways to compensate for the damaged portion that previously For those who controlled these functions. even can come life.Conquering Common Health Conditions 323 are can often affected. the body’s healing system can often restore the body to practically normal functioning. Because of the body’s again healing after under circumstances where all to resume hope appears lost. many people have been able a normal lives once they have suffered stroke. Memory can loss and loss of other mental faculties keep their spirits up during the hard work of the stroke rehabilitation phase. glucose metabolism. For example. paralyzed limbs and back to muscles miraculously system. and caused versa. Many patients with this syndrome report extreme fatigue after living hectic. in which the pressures that surround them are enormous and they and also is somewhat . usually by Chronic Chronic common Fatigue Syndrome fatigue syndrome in women is a relatively who new disorder that is more ventional medical baffling to treat by con specialize in the treatment practices. Because of its extensive connections. The most common endocrine disorder is diabetes. Endocrine System Disorders The endocrine system consists of important organs and glands that produce powerful hormones that are involved in a wide range of functions. Prolonged stress and a lack of rest appear to be major factors in chronic fatigue syndrome. nutri tional and metabolic vice is a problems or can affect the endocrine system. seemingly dead. The body can do this by accessing duplicate information on the undamaged side of the brain and transferring it to the affected side. although this process might take months or even years. fast-paced lives. Experts of the disorder believe exhaustion of the adrenal glands may be an important factor. conditions that influence turn personal to health habits and diet. it is only natural or that it will suffer from With chronic lack of energy and eventually become fatigued. drink plenty of fluids. course and unresolved grief. and contribute to other problems. significantly influence the of this Although some researchers have tried link this form of . wholesome diet. causing blindness. in addition to accompanying depression and other psychological factors that fur ther deplete physical energy and prevent the condition from healing sooner. To prevent this from happening. fatigue syndrome. there may other concomitant a problems. or adult diabetes. Type II diabetes has been traditionally obesity~ a diet high in sugar. The two main types of diabetes have traditionally been broken down into Type I. Insulin dependent refers to the need to inject insulin from a syringe body to help bring your blood sugar under control. and chronic skin ulcers on the feet and ankles. and to work with your healing system to restore natural health and energy~ it is imperative to incor porate adequate sleep and rest into your lifestyle. insulin-dependent diabetes and Type are several ways to classify II. These factors may serve as impediments to the healing system’s ability to do its job in a timely and efficient manner. emotional upheaval. such as yeast infections and fibromyalgia. and participate in a regular physical exercise and movement program. Diabetes There diabetes and the stages of this ill ness. which often starts out as non- dependent. linked to to maturity onset. such as nerve damage. maturity onset. and a lack of exercise. There also is a strong associated risk of heart disease in people who into your insulin suffer from diabetes. focus on a healthy. It can also damage the kidneys. which in disease. is that it can damage blood vessels in the eyes. The danger of high blood sugar. Adult. When the body is under stress and lacks quality sleep and rest. which is the common denom inator of all types of diabetes. as well. causing kidney failure. Psychological factors might include the fear of getting well and becoming overwhelmed again by the demands of work and other responsibilities. practice stress management. It also or appears be related to stress. but may become insulin dependent over time. juvenile onset.324 Activating Your Healing System When You’re Sick haven’t rested considerable relaxed for many years. depression. The juvenile form of diabetes. The vation that current interactions that view is further based can on the scientific obser time in the brain more insulin be found at any one than in any other organ or structure in the body. getting adequate exercise. good news is that this type of diabetes can be reversed when you catch it early and apply methods that work with your healing system. occurs at a much younger in age and can often be severe. During my tenure as a medical student more than 20 years ago. the evidence clearly points more toward including stress and diet. taking natural medications. juvenile diabetes was an In the past. is rare genetic causes. and spir itual factors that may be driving this unhealthy condition. and addressing the deeper emotional. practicing stress-manage ment techniques. or during gestation. Newer treatments for diabetes that address the causes. This changed perspective is due in part to the discovery that insulin communicates directly with the brain and is now classi fied as a neuropeptide or neurotransmitter. involve methods that work with your healing system. or low production of the thyroid hormone. but newer research points occur toward stress and during periods of deranged mind-body intense emotional upheaval in the individual or family. Insulin may be required until these other methods are well established. mental. since this type of diabetes The developing countries. rather than Thyroid Dysfunction Thyroid dysfunction is more common in women than in men. but a large number of patients have successfully weaned themselves from insulin dependence in a rela tively short period of time. It occurs in several forms. . and it occurs fairly frequently. These treatments include eating a proper diet. rather than as a pure hormone.Conquering Common Health Conditions 325 diabetes to lifestyle factors. underlying merely manage the symptoms. but on the rise in Western countries. These strategies are obviously more effective if they are instituted in the early stages of the illness. focus on incorporating preventive strategies before the illness has a chance to surface in your body. many experts believed that autoimmune illness triggered by a virus or another infection. drinking plenty of water. Type I. most com monly hypothyroidism. getting patients off insulin was considered an impossibility. If diabetes happens to run in your family. but the long-term effects of supplementing with thyroid hormone when it may not be absolutely necessary are unknown. and loss of weight. because the thyroid gland is under the domain of the pituitary gland. if prolonged we or pronounced. lack of exercise. can be most helpful.326 Activating Your Healing System When You’re Sick usually requires supplementation. Unfortunately. In many cases. which need to be addressed if one is to get to the root of the problem. improved mood. and an unhealthy lifestyle. This means that only one time may be sensitive to a particular substance. as shared in previous chapters. Western medi cine usually ignores these underlying causes in the treatment of thyroid conditions. such as stress. These sensitivities. Allergies system at a often system specific. greater energy. there is an increase in metabolism. We still have a long way to go. you can support your healing system by address ing the underlying factors that may be responsible for thyroid dysfunction. today we know much more than ever before. These are desirable qualities for an overweight person who may suffer from fatigue and depression. develop into an allergy~ The most common the skin and respiratory are system. Implementing the methods that strengthen and fortify your healing system. tion is corrected with which Immune-System Very little was Disorders and known about the powerful sophisticated intrica cies of the immune system before the onset of the devastating AIDS epidemic. which is under the domain of the hypothalamus and the brain. For . but. Allergies person is created as have specific sensitivities Every a unique individual and or as a to certain substances result may environmental can conditions. because of AIDS and the HIV virus. thyroid dysfunction usually indicates problems higher up the chain of command. and types of allergies affect have already discussed those under these separate headings. Additionally. When iow thyroid func thyroid hormone replacement. dietary imbalances. such as lactose intolerance. Food allergies include conditions that may not be true allergies. These allergies may show up in the form of a skin rash. Allergies allergies are less common than those of the skin and respira tory system. life-threatening situ ation. Chemical and Chemical and medical any reaction at all. wheezing. Effective conventional medications help ever manage and suppress the cause. and a runny skin. or they may even result in a serious. With lactose intolerance. These include allergies to medicines such as peni cillin and other antibiotics. nose. Employ the methods discussed in previous chapters that strengthen and for tify your healing system as it relates to the affected system. and eaten. chewed. one of the most common of all suspected food allergies. dust an the lungs. mineral dyes. sooner or later you will be able to identify the offending agent.Conquering Common Health Conditions 327 example. such as iodine. A substance that causes cause any reaction whatsoever when it is Drug Allergies drug allergies are common with medications and in settings. if dust is breathed into coughing. which is a simple sugar found in dairy products. however. the dust may cause but if it is placed on the may not cause allergic rash may not placed on the skin. the body lacks a specific enzyme and is simply unable to digest foods that contain lactose. and eliminate its unhealthy Food Food influence on your body. You can do this by carefully observ ing how your body interacts with each and every suspected allergen in your environment. This enzyme is lacking in the majority of people from the Orient and . acute currently available to symptoms of allergy from what are For long-term treatment. take precautions to any erate avoid further exposure or contact with it. focus on building up the health of the specific system that is affected by the allergy. it is better not to suppress your symptoms. swallowed. and other drugs or chemicals. but instead to work with your healing system to overcome the allergy. if you coop with your healing system in this manner. To overcome allergies in general. Even though discovering the true source of allergy may require a bit of tedious detective work. The additional good news is that many people currently afflicted with HIV are learning to work with their healing systems to improve their health. or poor personal health habits. but to avoid food allergies. When the immune system is compro mised. To minimize the risk of exposure to such allergens. pollutants. abstaining from illegal intravenous drug use.328 Activating Your Healing System When Youre Sick many other parts of the world. ‘Where the HIV virus initially came from is still controversial. and relying on natural medicines and modalities that support the rebuilding and restoration of the immune system. and avoiding blood transfusions from unknown sources. and practicing good intestinal hygiene. including visualization/imagery techniques. allergy but other Acquired AIDS is Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) example of what can happen to your body when the immune system is impaired. avoid foods with chemical additives whenever possible. your body can become afflicted by organisms that cause an infections and disorders that. groups. This approach includes concentrating on healthy diets. Variety is the spice of life. Many Many synthetic chemicals used in industry are harmful and irritating to the human body. it is not surprising to find that food-related allergies are becoming more common. under normal circumstances. Because new synthetic chemicals are continuously being introduced into our food supply. This virus can be found among people with multiple sexual partners. AIDS is entirely preventable by practicing safe sex. You can also work with your healing system to keep your digestive system free from irritating and toxic substances by consuming plenty of fluids and fiber. In true fact. drinking plenty of fluids. and additives. Cooperate with your healing system by eating foods from organic and natural sources that are free from chemical pesticides. Many . lactose intolerance is not a merely a normal variant found in certain ethnic suspected allergies have similar stories. it is important to know exactly what you are introducing into your body when you eat. practicing stress management. would not occur. repeated intravenous drug use. exercising. but it is clear that those whose immune systems are already impaired and worn down are at higher risk. it is highly likely that this disease will one day be declared completely curable. best to learn these Autoimmune Diseases This rapidly growing category of illnesses describes conditions that occur as a result of a derangement in the immune system that causes it to attack normal body tissues. a complete conversion from HIV positive back to HIV negative has been reported. Keeping your mind calm and relaxed is critical in the stages of severe allergic reactions that might possibly become including pharmaceuticals. and to open up to the loving support that is available from their families. Anaphylaxis Anaphylaxis reaction that is a less common but more serious form of an allergic can occur fish stings. anxiety. ankylosing spondylitis. as explained in an earlier chapter. be careful with new foods. but those with this condition who able to dealing with this difficult problem. Some researchers feel that viruses and certain bacteria can trigger the immune system to attack normal research suggests that these conditions represent body tissues. and cooperate with their bodies’ healing systems. especially when you are traveling. Anaphylaxis also can occur as other substances. and other insect stings. calm is essential because psycholog and tension can increase the symptoms. lupus. seem to have the are tion. early ana phylactic reactions. among many others. In the beginning much shame was associated with HIV infec love and accept themselves. and communities. jelly other venomous animals.Conquering Common Health Conditions 329 people with HIV are now symptom free. as has happened with other greatest success in dreadful diseases from the past. but. and multiple sclerosis. but new complex mind-body . fortif~r. scieroderma. it is techniques before any medical emergency occurs. as ical factors such Remaining stress. in selected cases. friends. Illnesses in the autoimmune disease category include rheumatoid arthritis. and exercise caution when you introduce new drugs or substances into your body. Stress management and breathing techniques can be helpful for anaphylaxis. To prevent anaphylaxis. wasp. As infected individuals learn to strengthen. Sjogren’s syndrome. and. a and bites reaction by to with bee. She was told by her conventional doc tors that her condition was incurable. such as stress management. prolonged. be Multiple In her Sclerosis groundbreaking book Who Said So? A Woman’s Fascinating Journey ofSelfDiscovery and Triumph over Multiple Sclerosis. Rachelle Breslow documented the mind-body factors that contributed to her own case of multiple sclerosis. These scientists believe that self-destructive that thoughts. Working with methods that support your not very system. self-hatred. effective. but she proved them wrong. natural diet. wholesome. whole By learning some diet. Con ventional and it is healing and a is largely focused on suppressing the symptoms. elements of the immune system. natural methods. which activated his healing system to overcome this autoimmune disorder. trauma appear this condition. treatment can extremely helpful for this condition. eating a healthy.” becoming increasingly clearer current time that this is indeed true. Robert Eliot It is so said. to inadvertently attack the body. In his best-selling book Anatomy of An Illness. this perspective is not an unreasonable explanation for the origin of many difficult-to-treat autoimmune illnesses. gentle yoga stretching. can lead to physical self-destruction persistent and through powerful for the if neurochemicals released from the brain. simple. and initiating other beneficial lifestyle changes. “The brain writes over prescriptions cardiologist body. He attributed his success to learning to use the powers of his mind and body while he incorpo rated other. they almost always worsen during times of Behavioral scientists also believe that autoimmune a dysfunc or tion may be resentment reflection of causes deep-seated hostility.330 Activating Your Healing System When You’re Sick interactions because stress. acting under orders from the brain. incorporating stress-management strategies and positive mental programming. . As the eminent Dr. she was eventually able to overcome this so-called incurable disease. to work with her healing system. including large doses of vita min C and laughter. Ankylosing Spondylitis Ankylosing spondylitis Stress and emotional is a severe form of arthritis of the to worsen spine. Norman Cousins described his journey of complete recovery from an advanced case of ankylosing spondylitis. operating under the direction of the brain and nervous emo system. you may be able to activate your healing system and any one of a number of diseases with suspected autoimmune origins. It also is are caused by the demons of fate. there definite causes. that immune function. from both clinical case there is now growing evidence. is tions. does not not come out of the blue to people randomly. cancer I need to address myths attack cancer. . strongly influenced by your thoughts. a overcome and By learning to harness these forces in constructive way. events. visualization and guided imagery ~J ~ healthy diet ~ Release of Exercise unhealthy emotional baggage ~ ~ Group support ffa Strengthened Love social intimacy ~ By incorporating these strategies ing system disorders. cancer. As with any illness. beliefs. reports and labora tory data collected from various research programs around the country. including Stress-management techniques A wholesome. you can work with your heal autoimmune significantly increase your chances of overcoming Cancer Before I discuss the four common strategies about for healing First. Strategies following: ~ that may be effective for autoimmune disorders include the Mind-body strategies.Conquering Common Health Conditions 331 These strategies gram based system. are Autoimmune Disorders and Your Healing System In addition to the experiences of Rachelle Breslow and Norman Cousins. attitudes. and entirely consistent with a comprehensive pro on the principles of working with the body’s healing they demonstrate what is also possible for you. to into your life. This scenario represents a distinct departure in forefathers simpler. This abnormal response to an unnatural stimulus is hazardous to the . they create a powerful stimulus that attracts male animals to our from the their source. when cancer was almost nonexistent. For example. cancer rates abundance. caught early. but rather an entire category of ill just nesses. not surprisingly. Second. Fourth. industrialized nations of the where synthetic. natural stimuli in predictable ways. In developing nations. in many cases particularly if it is prevented. standards. Problems in nature develop when artificial or unnatural stimuli are superimposed on systems that have been programmed to react to specific. significantly lower than those in modern industrialized nations. more wholesome ways of life that and ancestors enjoyed. obscure. even though cancer seem hidden. even though cancer may congregate in families. two nocturnal animals that become more active at night. the overwhelming major ity of cancer cases do not have a genetic basis. is cancer is an unnatural illness and disease that overcome. a plant or flower will grow toward the direction of the sunlight. They do this because the headlights are artificial stimuli not part of their normal nighttime environment. where these simpler.332 Activating Your Healing System When You’re Sick and circumstances that aliow cancer to take root in the body. deer and frogs. each with its own specific contributing causes. when applied to a system. and unhealthy. Third. and where lifestyles are becoming increasingly hectic. and perhaps most important. artificial chemicals and substances are used world. it is not surprising to see the highest among the more modern. will generate a specific response in return. it will be help ful to remember the following important universal scientific principle that operates in nature and the world of living organisms: “Any stimulus or force. can be and Cancer appears more commonly where nature’s laws of health have been violated. cancer rates are. by all measurements. As such. these factors may not one elusive.” For example. When the sex hormones emitted by females of most species are released in the air. ‘When the sun shines. and definitions. stressful. become mesmerized and freeze in their tracks in response to auto mobile headlights. healthier lifestyles are still somewhat more preserved today. it causes the tree to bend. or disease. To understand the origins of cancer a little better. when the wind blows against a tree. and evolve into three distinct. grow. They are eventually assigned to a particular organ or tissue. a ural stimulus. To the unsuspecting propensity to fly straight into a bright light or flame appears to be nothing short of a suicide mission. about normal cells. a neuron in the brain is programmed to conduct electrical impulses and discharge information to nerve tracts located throughout your body. for it is here. segregation. which brighter intensity. As different as they . it is important This information will so you will they help explain how your body naturally works. and regulate sweating and body temperature. For example. how grow. unnat nearer and of much moth’s observer. frogs. until a many years later when it may first be discovered underneath the skin. and migration. understand the underlying causes of cancer more clearly. divide. your cells embark upon an orderly. ‘What these cells occurs in the cells of normal tissues in humans and how is not turn cancerous are unlike the plight of deer. and moths when of cancer first confronted with unnatural stimuli. In reality. in reality. Although these cells look completely differ ent and participate in completely different tasks. and it often causes them to be hit and Moths get into similar trouble because by passing their nighttime navigational systems are naturally programmed for cars. undetected and as starts to invisible.Conquering Common Health Conditions 333 health of both deer and run over frogs. Normal Cellular Evolution of conception. differentia tion. in this particular example. and endoderm. absorb sunlight. starlight and moonlight. they have come from the same identical. This stage is From the moment completed after just three weeks of gestation. The story they begins here. primitive germ-cell tissues known as ectoderm. is ectoderm tissue. where they are programmed to carry out a specific function. primitive germ-cell lines. which. your body’s original two cells mul tiply. on the cellular level. From this stage. A cell in your skin is pro grammed to help grow hair. mesoderm. Before know more we blip on an X-ray or a lump can continue our story. supervised journey of further multiplication. the movement is caused by an unnatural response to an artificial. accord ing to precise division-of-labor requirements. and how for you to they evolve. that cancer grow. are but not for artificial lights or flames. through the same organizing intel ligence that created them. unnatural.334 Activating Your Healing System When You’re Sick appear and behave when they have reached full maturity. in the lungs. These new. it changes its appearance and function. abnormal mass of cells. where they cause irritation and injury to the cells of the lungs. These abnormal cells multiply and reproduce at an accelerated speed to improve their chances of survival. a Evolution of Cancer Cell Cancer represents a departure from the highly ordered. These changes do not occur overnight. Let’s look at a common example of how the evolution of cancer might come about from smoking. and take on more primitive roles. they relinquish their connection to the natural. natural state of health that exists within the cells of all living systems. which is unnatural and unhealthy. cancer is nothing more than a maladaptive response to an abnormal. sometimes over many years. introduces harsh particles and noxious chemical compounds into the lungs. In contrast to the high degree of differentiation all normal cells exhibited. As cancer cells regress from their highly differentiated structure and function. represent a reversion to a more primitive state. a cancer cell no longer functions in its previous. where. irrespective of the organ or tissue from which they may have origi nated. cancer has been clearly linked to repeated exposure to cigarette smoke. and they become their own independent. highly devel oped capacity. ‘When any repeated irritation and disturbance from an unnatural stimulus. At the cellular level. irritating. the cell begins to respond to this stim ulus by defending itself against further irritation and injury. injurious stimulus. more primitive cells now react directly with the stimulus that caused them to change and adapt. . self-assertive. or cell tissue is subjected to o Cigarette smoke. cancer cells. but slowly. these cells continue to communicate with each other and remain functionally connected throughout your life. persistent. In this regressed state. In so doing. orderly form and function they exhibited previously. It is as if these cells rebel against the cooperative organi zation and orderliness of the body that characterizes its natural state of health and instead break away to form their own aberrant colony. damage to the cells in the lungs is never allowed to heal. characteristic of a cancerous tumor. pro are now Because the cells to in “survival mode. * As the cells work without any rest to try to repair the damage to the lungs and to prevent further damage. * if smoking ceases and continuous cells of the lungs stops. * The continuous and persistent damage from the smoke causes are in the lungs to react in a defensive. healing system to repair and regenerate new. cells. In this case. healthy tissues. At the same time. can occur anywhere in your body unnatural stimulus is repeatedly applied to the cells of otherwise normal. disruptive. weeks. In many cases.Conquering Common Health Conditions 335 * The cells in the lungs attempt to mend the damage from the irritation and injury the smoke has caused. called cancer This cell that we nothing repeated the region all . This process is called mutation. mutation is a way that the lung cells can the face of the continuous irritation from the * adapt and survive in cigarette smoke. the continued input of smoke * disrupts normal mechanisms of healing and repair.” the smoke begins change their basic characteristics. lung From this tissues. and injury. the delicate cells that tective manner. injurious stimulus of the smoke. Over the days. months. it is more than a good cell turned abuse. A mushrooming growth. more damage is created as more smoke enters into the lungs. Mutation is an adaptation response of the cell to changes in the external environment. the cells also attempt to defend themselves from further damage as more smoke continues to enter into the lungs. into the monster obvious that bad in an a cancer cell is effort to heal from eventually turns so dreadfully fear. Cancer that an irritating. irritation. On top of this. eventually appears after many years in response to the repeated unnatural. example. healing processes in the resume and continue undisturbed. Cessation of the damage to the lungs can unhealthy stimulus allows the healthy healthy. and years that a person contin ues to smoke. Once the injurious stimulus is removed. replacing the mutating cells with normal. An example of this might be hydrochloric acid. but in excess. cancer is a gradual process. occurred with the drug DES. and intestines. hydrochloric acid can be produced in excess. Certain medicines and drugs can also cancer. which contain toxic. inflammation. This constant stimulation results in the disruption of normal tissue structure and function. immune system. however. requiring many years of repeated unnatural irritation and injury to tissues at the cellular level. injurious effect on specific organ tissues. they can become powerfully unhealthy. For can system always has the ability to repair dam normal health and functioning to any organ or cause cancer can come in many forms. The largest number of cancers now occur ring fall into this category. or chemicals that continually irritate the lining of the stomach or intestines. however. irritating. powerful produced by your brain and endocrine system can also exert an irritating. Intestinal can cers can often occur with the repeated ingestion of certain foods. where high bomb and rates of stomach cancer have been linked to excessive amounts of smoked fish. cause skin cancer. When stress or unhealthy moods or emotions repeatedly generate excessive amounts of these chemicals over an extended period of time. Excessive radiation exposure from atomic- Unnatural stimuli that or nuclear-energy leakage. the be natural substance tion. irritating stimulus that precipitates cancer may a produced by your own body. and can eventually lead to cancer. During times of increased stress and mental agitation. which caused thyroid cancer in the children of mothers who took this medication. causes cancers of the skin. and ulcers in your stomach. Excess hydrochloric acid can cause irrita Additionally. Cancer is also linked to toxic drugs or chemicals. which can evolve into cancer.336 Activating Your Healing System When Youre Sick however. Too much liver cancer. your healing ages and restore tissue in your body. hormones Neurotransmitters. In most cases. as witnessed at both Hiroshima Chernobyl. and other internal organs. This commonly occurs in Japan. and other . substances. and abnormal stimuli to the cells of specific organs. excessive exposure to the sun’s powerful ultraviolet rays example. alcohol cause can cause as irritating substances. chemical messengers. secreted in normal amounts by your stomach during digestion. Many experts advocate early screening measures to detect cancer. Bernie Siegel. and continue cancer research and our quest for a cure. people today than come ever before have gone into complete remission and have over cancer. incorporate ideas and methods from those cultures that place a strong emphasis on prevention. as well as others. diet and changes. Carl Simonton and Dr. radiation.Conquering Common Health Conditions 337 Cancer Prevention The promise of finding a cure for cancer lies in understanding its origins and focusing more on prevention than on treatment. Working with Your Healing System As our to Heal Cancer more knowledge and understanding increase. Although cancer is certainly easier to treat if it’s caught in its early stages. by the time the cancer is detected. have been extremely effective in helping motivated people overcome their can cers. Currently. 8 million Americans who have gone into treatments are now cancer remission after their medical free. in many cases. of cancer-free medicines. Studies conducted in places around the world where cancer is noticeably absent can provide important clues to the direction we need to take with cancer research and prevention. surgery. Learning to express emotions in a healthy way and reaching out for loving support are also highly effective in helping the healing system overcome cancer. while others represent a combina tion of conventional and alternative therapies. These methods include the lifestyle specific mind-body techniques that work to activate and stimulate the body’s healing system. and . and radiation. and mental attitudes of the populations being studied. And although there are times when sur gery. Many such of these as cures have come about using conventional treatments. Some of the crit ical factors to consider include lifestyles. beliefs. and insti tute changes in our own lives that support and strengthen our healing systems. and chemotherapy may be necessary to shrink use of natural medicines. drugs. We future if we can be hopeful about the possibility a begin to learn from these cancer-free societies. health habits. it is still far better to prevent it before it has a chance to take hold in the body. Guided-imagery and visu alization techniques successfully employed by cancer specialists Dr. but. foods. exercise. 0. it may already be well established and difficult to eradicate. to Here cancer: are a number of effective you can take heal o Remove all toxic. o Drink plenty of fluids. from your mind and body. Additionally. thoughts of worthlessness and self-condemnation. and you should not ignore or neglect them. and natural fiber. alcohol. with lots of fresh fruits. and all negative beliefs about yourself. Remember that cancer represents a regression of form and func tion by a specific group of your body’s cells as the result of an unhealthy stimulus that has caused them to lose their unique identity. o Exercise regularly your but not strenuously for at least 30 minutes each o day. this unhealthy stimulus has broken the connection these cells have to the rest of your body.338 Activating Your Healing System When You’re Sick lesions from your body to aid the work of your healing system. if you can bring your mental energies. In addition. offending body. and junk food. o such as cigarette stimuli and substances from your smoke. you will be in a much better posi your internal tion to overcome your illness and reclaim your natural measures state of health. as well as all toxic environmental stimuli. External agents of healing may be help ful. o Remember that your thoughts and attitudes affect your physiol ogy. it is important to remember that ulti mately you must not view cancer as something that has invaded tumors remove cancerous and body from the outside. hostility all resentment. on Focus healing system and internal resources for healing. and purpose. anger. as a disease primarily of origins and causes. . Release all tension. If you can dis cover the unhealthy stimulus in your life and remove it. and desire to cooperate with your healing system to deep inside your body. Use the power of your mind to create healthier internal chemistry o for your body. you will be well on your way to healing. awareness. Eat a wholesome diet. but your internal resources for healing are far more vast and powerful. but rather. vegetables. and grudges o Release all self-destructive thoughts. design. and tissues. according to your own specific needs. Make them deeply personal and detailed. Remember that by bringing your awareness deep inside of your body. open-minded. * healing your number-one priority in life. Practice forgiveness of yourself and others. imaging dialogue. you have the power to activate your healing system and positively influ ence the health of every single organ. remind the precise division of labor for which they were originally created. because true healing cannot take place under these circumstances. you sincerely request their assistance in healing. Remember that your healing system works best in a quiet. tissue. . and you must allow at least an equal amount of time for the cancer to disappear back into the matrix of your body’s naturally healthy cells. calm. In your internal on cells that. too. * gradual process. evolve. Just as Rome was not built in one day. Remember Make that your natural state is health. For the cancer to develop. Use these tech niques to dialogue with your body and establish a line of Use communication with your cancer cells. Talk to your healing system. including all conventional but be Consider all available means at your dis and natural methods that have proven track records. and that. To boost your confi dence in healing. guided-imagery and visualization techniques that are appro priate for your condition. focus on the elements of your body that are healthy and functioning well. so. in the spirit of cooperation for the greater health of your body. Enlist its cancer help. organs. and cell. restoration of health may take time. point Practice can stress access that you your natural * state of peace and inner tranquility regularly. relaxed reversing cancer a Understand that may be internal and external environment. Continue to focus all your energies and intentions on reversing the disease process until your natural state of health has been restored. you value and appreciate their role. posal.Conquering Common Health Conditions 339 * relax your body and mind management and meditation to the Learn to completely. Never act out of a sense of desperation or hurry. and grow in your body was a grad ual process. based the * Use discretion and common sense in choosing your treatments. . there your are ways to stay Because you system in if your commitment and resolve are sufficient. there isn’t a system. Naturally. to stimulate the In this respect. you set necessary system. Even illnesses believed be incurable events can be overcome when you set into motion the chain of activity of your healing particular disease. Even as you age. long as you are alive.340 Activating Your Healing System When Youre Sick Closing Thoughts on Conquering Health Conditions Your healing system has been designed and built to keep you healthy through every conceivable challenge life could possibly throw your to way. it is important to cultivate the fine art of patience as about the diligent work of incorporating all of the ideas and methods outlined in this and previous chapters. you have healing power. disease on the face of this earth that can stand in the way of reclaim healing healthy tip-top shape. and overcome illness by keeping have a healing ing your natural state of health. the longer you have had a the longer the period of time required for healing. Patience and perse verance are required to support the work of your healing system so it can restore your body to its natural state of health in the shortest time As period. . sleep your to Nature. renewed. your healing system does its best work when you are relaxed. methods for system. many doctors will tell them. your internal environment physio quiets healing system can work optimally to restore your health. When you are sleeping. and invigorated to begin the new day. in her infinite wisdom. has created the natural because the relaxation you get from sleep is essential health and well-being. When you are relaxed.Additional Relaxation Methods. and . and Guided-Imagery Techniques to Strengthen Your Healing System n this section of the book. After a good night’s sleep. When responding to their patients’ health problems. nervous system your can optimally perform its reparation and restorative work for body. down. Breathing Techniques. and your body’s internal your your environment provide the ideal backdrop in which your healing mind. uplifting environment to concentrate and perform his or her best work. tapping into you’ll learn additional techniques and the extraordinary power of your healing Relaxation Methods and Fortify Your Strengthen Healing System to Like any artist who requires a quiet. you should feel refreshed. peaceful. system. your body’s cycle logical processes your are minimized. As you may recall earlier discussions (see Chapter 6). such as TV. most people report me to they reading or watching or a tranquilizer. a mind-altering substance such as alcohol . to wind down from their busy days and help relieve their tensions. long-standing tension is one of the key underlying factors in the development and progression of many chronic degenerative diseases. however. it is easy for illness to step in and invade our bodies. one of the major causes of insomnia is the inability to relax during waking hours. During our waking hours.” They know that most problems are not as serious the next day. Relaxation used to be a natural aspect built into our lifestyles. but today our lifestyles have become so fastpaced that we don’t have time to relax. thanks to the magi cal. when tension becomes chronic and long lasting. The fight-or-flight response is definitely help ful when our life is actually being threatened. or feeling threat ened in any way. insomnia can set in. however. and restorative powers of sleep. Health suffers and illness can easily take hold when we don’t get enough sleep. it is important to learn doing. you will be strengthening and fortif~ring or your healing system in a most fundamental way. are When relaxed. These methods and some that need kind of external prop or activity. weakens host-resistance factors. When I inquire. tense. In fact. In so fight-or-flight response. and when we fail to take advantage of the natural. the fight-or-flight response occurs whenever we are frightened. among other things. This response results in the release of adrenaline. when the response is elicited frequently and sustained over time. restorative powers of sleep. or a combination of these. lowers bodies’ defens healing systems. healing. we wouldn’t know how we are not to do it. which causes the speeding up of our heartbeat and breathing. and interferes with the work of To neutralize the harmful effects of tension and reverse the dam aging how effects of the to relax. our our it drains vital energies. In fact. I am continually amazed at how many people don’t know never learned how to relax. When we have trouble getting to sleep.342 Activating Your Healing System When Youre Sick morning. For these reasons. but instead tense or excited. the fight-or-flight from our response can become activated. Further. it is also important to be relaxed. even if we had the “Take two aspirins and call me in the time. es. to 30-minute time slot for yourself during which you can be quiet and alone. As we learn. Make sure you won’t be disturbed during this period. much like a high-interest-bearing account grows larger and stronger over time. asthma. natural health. unfortunately. In our high-speed modern lifestyles. built into to relax. they usually have harmful side effects that neutralize whatever ben efits they might contribute. diabetes. practice.and ten sion-related disorders are on the increase in North America and in the minor Europe. in most instances. Many scientific studies can attest to the power and efficacy of relaxation. many ill nesses and diseases can be totally eradicated. and that you have no responsibilities to attend to—no phone or pager to answer. I might add that beyond the immediate benefits of the actual relaxation practices and techniques. Or. True relaxation improves your overall health by calming and soothing your body’s internal environ ment so your healing system can function and perform at its best. At best. learning how to relax is. and experience regular relaxation. In preparation for practicing the relaxation techniques. These benefits accrue over time to produce greater health. it is imperative that we relearn what once was a more organic lifestyles: how natural process. our simpler. proper judgment. at the cost of achieving mental relaxation. a lost art. con sciousness. and one reason why many stress. among these diseases are heart disease (the world’s numberone killer). but. and the body’s health (most common ly the liver’s) are sacrificed. it is important to secure a 20. As mentioned include earlier. a spillover effect occurs in the rest of your waking hours. no stove or of your mind True relaxation involves the natural . quieting down and calming to a point at which a feeling of deep peace and comfort permeates every part of your body. either. never to return again— including the heavy hitters previously mentioned. the mind is still actively engaged.Additional Methods and Techniques 343 activities often feel relaxing. recent est These diseases are not leagues. no diapers to change. these methods and devices are only temporary and achieve only a small fraction of the relaxation that the healing system requires to function optimally. Additionally. research has determined that hitters in the annals some of the heavi they of international public health. which is an essential ingredient for lifelong. rather. To overcome these diseases and improve our health. and cancer. high blood pressure. 344 Activating Your Healing System When You’re Sick oven to turn off, and so on. Find a room where you can close the door and be free from all distractions. (You may need to wear earplugs or headphones if it is noisy.) Make sure you are not cold. Whatever your position, you may need to place blankets or pillows under your knees, head, or back to ensure your comfort. Normally, when you are performing relaxation techniques or breathing exercises, it is preferable Before you proceed with any of the find it helpful to get a small tape recorder and record your voice as you read the instructions out loud, slowly and calmly. After you have recorded your words, you will have your own voice recorded, you any time you wish. Or, if you wish, you can just read each to through your nose. following techniques, you might to breathe guide through technique once or twice before you attempt to practice it. Progressive This is a Relaxation for Your Healing System technique for people who are chron especially useful for people who ically “high strung.” have never experienced what it feels like to be relaxed. For people who have trouble with the Deep Relaxation technique described ear lier in Chapter 6, Progressive Relaxation offers another simple yet powerful way to learn how to relax. wonderful relaxation tense or It is The n Technique a Lie down in comfortable position with your feet about shoul der width apart. Keep your hands along the side of your body, with your palms facing up. Adjust any part of your body to make sure you are comfortable before you proceed. Gently body. D close your eyes, and bring your to awareness inside of your Now, shift your awareness deep and breath toes. as you tighten as and your feet and toes. Take a long, tense all the muscles in your feet hard as you can, and hold all the muscles in your feet and toes in a tight, contracted state. Count to eight in your mind as you squeeze the muscles tight. Do not force or Squeeze strain, but hold your breath D as you are squeezing. After you a good, long, slowly strong squeeze, let go of your squeezing as let your breath out. Allow these muscles to let go of Additional Methods and Techniques 345 their tension and relax gently, without muscles, and leave your your breathing, forcing or straining. Continue to relax your gently slow your breathing. With each exhalation as to you siow and deepen of your breath, allow whatever tension exists in these muscles body. bring your awareness to your ankles, lower legs, knees, and thighs. Take a long, deep breath as you tighten and tense all the muscles in your ankles, lower legs, knees, and thighs. Squeeze as hard as you can, and hold these muscles in a tight, contracted state while you slowly count to eight in your mind. Hold your breath as you are squeezing. After a good, long, strong squeeze, let go of your squeezing and at the same time slowly let your breath out, allowing these muscles to relax on their own. Allow these muscles to relax as you slow and deepen your breathing, gently, without forcing or straining. Continue Next, let go of all muscular efforts of squeezing these muscles. Continue to relax your muscles while you gently slow your to breathing. a With each exhalation of your breath, allow whatever to tension exists in these muscles leave your body. area, Now, bring your awareness to your hips, pelvic breath as buttocks, and and lower spine. Take a long, deep you tighten tense all the muscles in your hips, pelvic area, buttocks, and lower spine. Squeeze as hard as you can, and hold these muscles in a tight, contracted state while you slowly count to your mind. Hold your breath as you long, strong squeeze, let go of your are squeezing. After squeezing while eight in a good, you slowly let your breath out, allowing these muscles to relax on their own. Allow these muscles to relax as you gently slow and deepen your breathing, efforts to without forcing or straining. Continue to squeeze these muscles. Continue let go of all relax your muscles to and your breathing. With each exhalation of your breath, allow whatever tension exists in these muscles to leave your body. a Next, bring a your awareness to your stomach, as abdomen, and chest. Take long, slow, deep breath you tighten and tense all the muscles in your stomach, abdomen, and chest. Squeeze these muscles as hard as you can, and hold them in a tight, con tracted state while you slowly count to eight in your mind. Hold 346 Activating Your Healing System When You’re Sick your breath as you are squeeze, let go of your squeezing. After a good, long, strong squeezing, and at the same time let your to breath out, allowing to these muscles as relax on their own. Allow these muscles relax breathing, breathing. 0 without you gently slow and deepen your forcing or straining. Let go of all efforts to to squeeze these muscles. Continue relax your muscles and your With each exhalation of your breath, allow whatever to tension exists in these muscles leave your body. Now, bring your awareness to the muscles in your middle and upper back, including the a long, slow, deep breath area as between your shoulder blades. Take you squeeze these muscles as hard as you can, drawing your shoulders back slightly while you gently arch your spine. Hold these muscles in a tight, contracted state slowly count to eight in your mind. Hold your breath as you are squeezing. After a good, long, strong squeeze, let go of and at the same time let your breath out, allowing your squeezing, these muscles as while you to relax on their own. Allow these muscles to relax you slow and deepen your breathing, without forcing or strain ing. Let go of all efforts to squeeze these muscles. Continue to relax your muscles and your breathing. With each exhalation, allow whatever tension exists in these muscles to leave your body. o Next, bring your awareness wrists, hands, and fingers. your shoulders, arms, forearms, As you draw in a long, deep breath, to squeeze the muscles in your shoulders, arms, forearms, and wrists as hard as you can, and hold them in a tight, contracted state. Make clenched fists with both of your hands while you slowly count to eight in your mind. Hold your breath as you are squeez ing. After a good, long, strong squeeze, let go of your squeezing, tight, and at the same relax on their time let your breath out, allowing these muscles to own. Let go of all efforts to squeeze these muscles. to Allow these muscles relax as you slow and deepen your breath ing, without forcing and your breathing. whatever tension that exists in these muscles o or straining. to relax your muscles With each exhalation of your breath, allow Continue to leave your body. a similar manner, systematically tense, squeeze, and then relax all the muscles in the back of your neck and head, as well as those on the top of your head. In Additional Niethods and Techniques 347 ~ similar way, systematically tense, squeeze, and then relax your forehead, and all the muscles around your eyes, ears, and jaws, and all the muscles on your face. In a ~ In a similar manner, relax all the muscles systematically tense, in your body, until all body as squeeze, and then your muscles have been tensed and relaxed in this fashion. * Next, allow your entire to only movement being the automatic, your stomach and abdomen limp and relaxed, with the involuntary movement of they rise and fall rhythmically, in lie conjunction and out with the movement of your feel all the muscles in your ing more relaxed. Now your body. Every body releasing awareness to of your breath as it flows in time the breath leaves your body, tension and becom slowly bring your breath is flowing in and out tip of your nose, where of your body through your the nostrils. * Notice the in and out the * rate or gentle, flowing movement of your breath as it comes of your body at this point, without trying to control depth of the movement. as Observe your breath self. As you continue to if it were something different from your * observe your breathing for at least 5 to 10 minutes, or longer if you desire, let your mind and body relax completely. complete this exercise, gently open your eyes and stretch your entire body. Don’t rush to your next activity. Take the time to savor the calm and relaxed state you have just experienced. Know that this is not an After you artificial or contrived state, on remaining state being. throughout the day, until the next time you are able to do this exercise. Regularly practicing Progressive Relaxation helps to strengthen and fortify your healing system in a powerful way. If you are current ly battling a health disorder, practice twice a day for a minimum of six weeks, and you should see significant gains in your health. If you are currently healthy, practice Progressive Relaxation once a day for 20 to 30 minutes to prevent illness from invading your body. of Focus in this calm and but rather your natural relaxed, natural state 348 Activating Your Healing System When You’re Sick Blue Sky Floating on Your Back Relaxation like the This relaxation Deep Relaxation technique (see Chapter 6), but this method also incorporates the soothing nat ural imagery of water and sky. If you have an affinity for these ele ments, this technique can be extremely effective and powerful. technique begins The n Technique sure Make you are in a comfortable position on your back. s Keep your hands facing inside ~ up, or the side of your body, with your palms fold your hands on top of your stomach and along abdomen. Gently close of your body. area your eyes, and bring your awareness Notice in the of your stomach and abdomen the that as slight up and down ment o movement occurs in of your breath it flows in conjunction with the and out of your body. move Notice that when the breath flows into your ach and abdomen gently rise, gently expand. Notice that when the breath flows out body, your stom o of your body, your stom ach and abdomen o gently fall, gently control the contract. Without trying to rate or depth of this movement, allow your mind to be a passive observer to the rhythmical flow of your breath as it moves in and out of your body, causing your stomach and abdomen o to rise and fall. body, feel all the muscles in your body releasing tension and becoming more relaxed. (Note: There is a natural relaxation phase in your body that occurs during each exhalation of the breath. When you pay close atten tion to your body and its breathing processes, you can feel this relaxation phase quite distinctly.) Every Now, time the breath leaves your o bring your awareness to down to your feet and toes. Use your breath and the natural relaxation exhalation o phase that occurs during each gently relax all the muscles in your feet and toes. Relax all the muscles in your ankles, lower hips, pelvic area, buttocks, and lower spine. legs, knees, thighs, Additional Methods and Techniques 349 • well the • Relax all the muscles in your stomach, abdomen, and chest, as as the muscles in your middle and upper back, including area between your shoulder blades. arms, Relax all the muscles in your shoulders, hands, fingers, and fingertips. forearms, wrists, • Relax all the muscles in the back of your neck and head, and the top of your head. Relax your forehead, and all the muscles around your eyes, and jaws, and on your face. ears, • • Relax all the muscles in your Continue to body. the • observe your down feel movement up and in your stomach and abdomen. Continue to breathing, noticing gentle more relaxed with each exhalation. your eyes Now, keeping closed, imagine that are not you are the surface of a quiet, serene lake, and there is blue comfortable on a floating on sky above and in the secure all around you. (If you water, you can being directly strong and imagine yourself floating water. secure rubber inner tube in the Above all else, it is important to feel completely • safe and with this imagery and this technique.) As you continue to breathe in and out in a gentle and relaxed manner, notice how the water beneath you is soothing and refreshing to your body. Notice how the vast blue sky above you is peaceful and refreshing to gaze upon, as if your entire being is embracing infinity and merging into the heavens. • and peace in your mind that extends into every part of your body as you continue to float on the surface of the water, gazing up into the blue sky. Allow your Notice a feeling of lightness self to feel this peaceful to sensation of to from the top of your head • the lightness and tips fingers of your water, relaxation and toes. at As you continue float on the surface of the look up the blue melting • sky above you, and allow yourself to feel as if you are into the expansiveness of the sky and all of creation. to Continue breathe and relax, drinking in the peace and seren ity of this experience. 350 Activating Your Healing System When Youre Sick After you complete this exercise, gently open your eyes, and stretch your entire body. Make sure you don’t rush to your next activity. Take the just experienced. time to savor the calm and relaxed not an state or you have Know that this is artificial contrived state, but rather your natural state of being. Focus on remaining in this calm and relaxed natural state throughout the day, until the next time you are able to do this exercise. Practicing this exercise regular ly brings the most effective benefits. Breathing Techniques That Strengthen and Fortify Your Healing System Breathing is an activity that you probably take for granted because your body can breathe on its own, automatically. It usually does so 24 hours a day, seven days a week, without your even being aware of it. But breathing is a powerful physiological activity that can be modified, either der the As we to your benefit or detriment, and it can aid or hin healing system. Chapter 6, breathing works on many differ ent levels to influence your body’s health and the performance of your healing system. And although there is no right or wrong way to breathe, many people have developed habits of breathing that do not optimize the performance of their healing systems. On a mechanical level, breathing affects your posture. Because discussed in move your rib cage and chest, which con the vertebrae in your spine, every breath you take influences nect to the alignment of your spinal column. For example, people with functioning of your the muscles of respiration breathing problems are typically shallow develop restrictive, hunched-forward positions in their spine, known as kyphosis. Kyphosis further restricts deep breathing and deprives the body of adequate oxygenation. An in the Hunchback of extreme example of kyphosis could be breathers, and they tend to seen asthma and other chronic Notre Dame. a Breath is also the link between your body and mind, and it exerts powerful influence on your nervous system. For example, when you or upset, your breathing becomes shallow and rapid. when you are relaxed and peaceful, your breathing agitated Conversely, are and on new scientific studies of breathing. In fact. and strengthen and fortif~r’ your healing system. and commit ting yourself to’just one or two of the following simple ‘breathing techniques. the Normally. deep breathing. up to 30 to 60 minutes. depending on your schedule. but you’re lying down. which are based on ancient yoga techniques from India. by practicing slow. or energy. Make are sure you are not cold.Additional Methods and Techniques 351 becomes slower and deeper. The important thing you is to make sure’you are in a comfortable position. keep your spine straight and your shoulders relaxed. you can calm and relax your mind and nervous system. Of all the Breathing Techniques traditionally done in a sitting position. uncon scious activity. breathing through your nose whenever possible is preferable. relaxed. By learning ‘to practice these simple. you may need to place blankets or pillows under your knees. as with techniques. you can bring more prana. performing breathing exercises.improve the oxygenation of your body’s tissues. and back to ensure your comfort. Because breathing. based on my 25 years of experience as a doctor who has studied breathing. is such a natural. will enable you to notice a tremendous improvement in your overall state of health. The processes are interrelated. I can assure ‘you that taking a closer look at your breathing. while you. breathing is one of the most powerful of all. into your body. However. If you are doing these while you are lying down. ‘Whatever your position. from one minute’s duration. Breathing techniques can are also do them while head. Obviously. The beauty of breathing exercises is that you can do them at numerous intervals throughout the day. If you are doing breathing techniques while you are sitting. you can assume a similar position to that of the Deep Relaxation (see Chapter 6) or Progressive Relaxation (see the section in this chapter on relaxation methods) techniques. easy breathing techniques. physical activities you can do to improve your health and influence your healing system. other relaxajion when you . many people have a strong aversion to learning how to breathe in a way that may initially-feel different or unnatural. for the most part. place a hand in front of your help your you feel the movement As you continue your hand. Continue to hold your awareness at this point. continue to follow your incoming breath as it flows into your body. See whether you can begin to feel the slightly cooler air coming into your body from able to just barely this same point. Notice this temperature differ ence between the air moving into your nose and the air moving out of your awareness. to hold your awareness at the point at which you can just barely feel your breath. nose. as see you breathe far you o out.) Now bring your hand back slightly until you can still just barely feel your breath. you will no longer need to use your hand. o you continue to breathe with this increased Continue to breathe this way for one or two minutes. hand. and then continue to follow this air as it moves into your throat and lungs. keep moving to breathe. of origin of the As you breathe in. watching it cause your stom ach and abdomen to rise and expand. start to focus your awareness on the incoming breath. nose to In the beginning.) are At the furthest away from your body at which you still detect your outgoing breath. Follow your breath further into your body as it causes your stomach and abdomen to rise and expand. . can follow the breath feel it it leaves your and how moving you can away from your body. As your breath strikes your hand further away from your nose. only now. As you continue to breathe this aware way. o With each breath you take. your hand further and further away until you no longer feel your breath striking (After you get good at this. Feel the cooler air gently striking your~nose as it enters into your body. keep moving can of your breath. Feel your breath spreading throughout your entire body with each inhalation that you take. follow the cooler air entering into your body and notice the place at which it comes in contact with your nose. be o of how far your breath flows out of your body. as Continue to focus at the cooler air o it begins to enter into your point body.354 Activating Your Healing System When You’re Sick sensation is easier for you to feel. o (Adjusting your point awareness may take a few moments. nose as or After one two minutes. on as your next exhalation. see whether you can do it without using Continue your hand. effec The * Technique it is Although fortable preferable for this awareness to position your sit. Even though it is simple so and easy. of this movement. Relax your shoulders and all the muscles in your body. Without trying to control the rate or depth just allow yourself to be a passive observer to the natural flow of . and when it flows out of your body. stretch your and release yourself from your seated body. * your stomach and abdomen gently fall. Notice in the of your stomach and abdomen the that as occurs slight up movement in conjunction out with the move of your breath it flows in and of your body. flowing movement of your breath as it flows in and 10 minutes. The the easier it gets. your stom ach and abdomen gently rise. and 2) the most interior point within your body at which you can still feel the presence of your breath. or * After 5 to slowly open your eyes. lying-down position. at gently shift your back point is fur which you could detect the movement of your breath. out of your body.Additional Niethods and Techniques 355 t Continue to as observe the gentle movement of your stomach and abdomen * your breath flows in and awareness out to of your the most body. the Simultaneously feel both of these points: 1) point that thest away from your body at which you can detect your breath. area Bring your and down ment attention area to the of your stomach and abdomen. natural it feels. When you perform this it is extremely pleasurable. Close your eyes. while you are sitting or lying down. * Hold your awareness between these two extreme points as you continue’ to observe the automatic. more you do it. “The Pause That Refreshes” This is a Breathing Exercise can simple and easy breathing exercise that you anywhere. don’t underestimate its power and strengthening and fortifying your healing system. distant Now. and feels tiveness in good. exercise correctly. and the more do anytime. into your bringing * body. * Notice that when the breath flows into your body. you may also lie down in a com breathing technique. as you would during normal breathing. there is a slight pause between these separate phases of your breathing. . as you would during your normal breathing cycle. As you hold this pause. with out forcing or straining. respec tively.356 Activating Your Healing System When You’re Sick your breath as it moves in and out of your body. gently release the pause and let your breath out slowly and smoothly. especially when you exhale. make sure you are comfortable with breathing. once again gently natural pause or break prolong and lengthen this out nat pause for one or two seconds before you let your breath urally. Note. notice inspiration and expiration. deepen. and right expiration. as you notice straining. ci slight breath pause of one or two seconds. ci yourself becoming relaxed. Do this in a gentle and soothing way. when you have temporarily suspended movement in your normal breathing rhythms. so that the time of your inhalation and exhalation are slightly prolonged. you should feel a slightly pleasurable sensation. until you begin to feel relaxation sweeping over your entire body. that it is extremely important to do this gradually. a Breathe like sensation of this for several minutes. and slow your right before your breath flows into your breathing. gently lengthen the time of the natural pause before you commence exhaling. body. the time of the breathing. right before you exhale. after a brief and ci When you before in your are ready. Notice that there are a total of two pauses built into your body’s natural breathing cycle. your ci Above all else. you may want to gently press your tongue against the back of your teeth or the top of your palate to make sure no air escapes during this period. as gently lengthen. Now. however. at after the next full next inspiration. If you do it right. without forcing or Next. and right before it begins to flow out again. Now. Now. out these two during the next pause after inspiration. These phases are known as inspiration and expiration. you continue to notice that ci As you continue to breathe in and distinct pauses between ci slowly. gently slow and deepen your breathing. Additionally. Make sure you are not forcing or straining. and that you are comfortable with your are breathing. an Remember to physiological processes and occurs. As you breathe out. and before long you’ll begin to see their remarkable effects. and they are extremely beneficial to your healing system. Even though it is this technique is also extremely powerful and overdo it. you can focus your awareness within. and a sensation of experience forcing straining. 20 to especially in at a the beginning. and and not more than four times day. does its best work when your body’s inter nal environment is quiet and calm. gently prolong the pause between each inspiration and expiration for up to one minute. Also. build up to 30 minutes time. the rhythm of your breathing will not be smooth and flowing. and you should feel comfortable and pleasurable sensations. subtle. pause that occurs with each tory and expiratory phases. at a do this breathing exercise for no more a than 3 to 5 minutes how time. over time. accompanying slowing mental activities This down of Breathing exercises calm the mind and body. If you try prolong or the pause longer than you can handle. which. all times while you to are • Make sure you comfortable at per forming this powerful breathing exercise. and it is extremely beneficial to your healing system. but rather jerky and interrupted. slowing down can be calming and peaceful. and you you • can can relaxing you may find it. During the pause.Addittonat Methods and Techniques 357 • Continue to breathe this way. Incorporate these exer cises into your daily routine. In the beginning. • gently prolonging the natural cycle of breathing between inspira During this pause. you will breath deprivation. and then again as you breathe in. In time. or even longer. and take a brief inventory of your body and mind during this pause. no matter pleasurable gentle and soothing. as you’ll recall. . and even during the pause. which is a time of complete cessation of respiration. discomfort. take a brief inventory of how you feel in your body and mind. your breath should be smooth and flowing. 358 Activating Your Healing System When You’re Sick Guided and Imagery to Strengthen Fortify Your Healing System images to Your brain translates mental into electrical and chemical body. o After you an are somewhat relaxed. Read relaxation Relaxation. strengthen. Because of this deep connection between your brain and your body. You may also your own voice as you read want to through get a tape recorder and record this exercise. take a ing o breath. Progressive Your Back Relaxation. image to form in your mind of any quiet. and fortify your healing system. Many studies have shown the health-enhancing benefits of guided imagery and visual ization techniques in helping motivated patients overcome serious illnesses. sigh body. uplifting .) signals that are transmitted your “Meeting Your Healing System” Guided-Visualization Technique Begin this technique or as you would the as described earlier in the book. o Focus relax o breathing completely. sighing breath. such techniques Deep Relaxation. on your as you allow your mind and body to As you begin to feel yourself becoming relaxed. see Chapter 6. allow your mind and body to be completely relaxed. let all the tension leave your a deep. through the Sky Floating directions completely Blue on once or twice before you attempt to practice it. and. As you breathe out. Take second. It is important not to hurry or rush through this step. and allow serene. as you breathe out. deep. Then you will be to close your eyes and listen through the imagery. able to your own voice guide you Follow these o simple are steps a to do this technique: position. keep your eyes closed. Make sure you feel completely relaxed before you proceed further with this exercise. lying on your back Make sure you in comfortable with your eyes closed. including cancer and heart disease. (For more information on guided imagery and visualization. the techniques of visualization or guided imagery can be a powerful way to activate. do not force or strain with the imagery~ and do it in any way. fresh image begins to not judge * that you have never seen before. totally image As you continue to breathe and relax. a Your image could be a beautiful outdoor a setting or inside you have or a in favorite. • Once your special place begins to come into focus. Once you awareness and comfortable in your special imagination to go inside your place. Allow it to keep forming in your mind until you have a fairly clear picture of the place. and you have a fairly clear idea of where you are. See of your body as you . of a house. allow your • yourself examining the inner workings gently survey the landscape.Additional Methods and Techniques 359 place. if you feel more comfortable. • Allow the image to become clearer and and answer more well defined. in your mind:• • Notice all the senses. ‘Whatever appear. • or is it are dry? Are there any breezes? What you wearing? as • Breathe deeply to and relax you allow your mind to absorb the images. continue to breathe deeply and relax. image. make • or even sure stand) are in your a you are in comfortable quiet. In your to lie down. been ally to cozy room in real life. be patient with the imagery. It could be a place actu place you saw in a picture. special place. position. body. these questions • What smells? are the sights? ‘What are the sounds? ‘What are the • ‘What kind of day is it? What does the is the sun? sky look like? ‘Where • What does the look like? countryside are or surrounding on environment • What sensations you feeling your skin? warm? Is there humid • ‘What is the air quality? Is it cool or ity. * Find a place sit down (or. Allow the image of your healing system to come into clearer tex focus. o As you glimpses of your healing system. dimensions. to reject imag ination presents o you. o system may even appear in the form of a person. It might even have a face or a When you have a fairly clear picture of your healing system in your mind. form as as you prepare 0 image to your healing system begins to into view. Find adjust your position to so Just as you would upon to meeting a new friend for the first time. yourself your healing system. Do your best not to be afraid of the image of your healing system that your case. allow whatever image is developing to form on its own. and allow yourself relax in this quiet place to meet o yourself waiting your healing system. and the image so that you are comfortable. o powerful that you creating distance. introduce . Notice all you can about its shape. color. name. allow yourself to come close enough to itso you can have a conversation with it. imagine yourself going a journey of discovery. Breathe within deeply. so there is no need to judge anything about the image. inter o Find quiet place. your body. where you feel safe and o body’s protected. deep once within the recesses nal environment. where you feel of your Stop and relax you’ve found a place to com fortable. Or it may be are more comfortable stepping back and the distance that feels best for you. o Your healing or animal. and you are reintroducing yourself. to begin get the first which is often the or welcome it.360 Activating Your Healing System When You’re Sick o As you your move around within the various on a structures and tissues of body. There is no right or wrong here. Wait for the first come See with anticipation. Or you may feel as if you are meeting an old friend after a long time. ture. Let your intuition 0 guide you. If an image forms that is totally unexpected. and whether it is moving or still. some other creature. There may be a slight delay in receiving the informa tion. next • Schedule appointment for the time you will meet. say When you finished.Additional Methods and Techniques 361 ~ You may want to tell your healing system how you feel. What much information about the expe new insights did you gain? Make . are asking your healing in questions and getting can If you pain. take rience After you have completed this guided imagery/visualization a few moments to reflect on the experience. If you are in pain. and • ask as many questions as you like. or you may be angry with it because you think it’s not been doing such a good job of protecting fortable to • your health. • illness. Or you may feel more more com system know it first. exercise. when you an can meet Find out again. If you are sick or have to ask it how to heal and get better. so don’t rush the responses. are but healing system is punctual and always definitely show up at whatever time and you must be specific. Take a pen as and notebook and write down as you can remember. “Goodbye” to your healing system. Continue to know it better. Doing this is very important to help you stay accountable for your role in this ongoing internal dialogue with your healing system. want Ask your healing system whether you might be doing something that is interfering with its work. Tell it this. before you tell it how you feel. you may want to share this. to • Ask your healing system how you can get what it needs to be healthy and strong. it will date you • specify. Ask whether there is something you are neglecting to do to keep your healing system strong and vibrant. Ask how you can improve your lifestyle and your daily personal health habits in support of its work. • Remember to listen attentively to the answers that will be forth coming. Because your available to you. remember to say “Thank you” to your healing • system. you may ask your healing an system how it you may heal your pain. or be in a hurry. • When you are done. Now it is up to you to implement these ideas in your daily life.362 Activating Your Healing System When You’re Sick healing imagery dialogue. what are you waiting for? Do it today! If you stay in touch with So. an action plan based on new ideas or information that your system has shared with you in your . your healing system. you’ll see that it will function better and work harder to keep you healthy and strong. 1995. Cleaves. Berkeley: Celestial Arts. Herbert.D. Healing Back Pain Naturally. 1995. High Blood Pressure Lowered Naturally. Norman. Healing Words. M. Timeless Mind. & Publishing. Inc. New York: Clarkson N.D. Bruno. M.D. Is It Worth Dying For? New York: Bantam Books.. Garden City. Breslow. GA: FC. Minding the Body. M.D. 1981. Bennet. Rachelle. 1989. M.D. Hay. Mind Body Medicine: How to Use Your Mind for Better Health. Brownstein. Carlsbad. Louise. Cortis. Larry. New York: E. Cawood. M. New York: Bantam Books.D. Borysenko. Mending the Mind. 1989. 1998. 1993. Yonkers. Norman.P. M. 1991. Joan. VA: Global Health Solutions. Benson. 1997. M. Golan. New York: Bantam Books.D. . New York: Bantam Books. Body’s Many Cries for Water. Bennett. M. Potter. Control Your NY: High Blood Pressure Without Drugs. Hal Zina. 1986. Peachtree City. Dutton. Frank W.D. 1993. New York: Villard Books. Chopra. Anatomy ofan Illness. 1990.D. Cousins. Quantum Healing. New York: Birch Lane Press. NY: Consumer Reports Books. 1985. 1988. Eliot. CA: Hay House. Dossey. Heart and Soul. New York: Bantam Books. Deepak. Ralph. Doubleday. The Doctor Within. Chopra. E. 1999. Arthur. Who Said So?: A Women’s Fascinating Journey ofSelf Discovery and Triumph over Multzple Scierosis. New York: Ballantine Books. Falls Church. Gig Harbor.RESOURCES Recommended Reading General Healing M. The Weilness Book. Optimal Wellness.D. Your Batmanghelidj. 1992. Robert. M. WA: Harbor Press. You Can Heal Your Life. San Francisco: Harper Collins. 1993. A 1996. Head First: The Biology of Hope. Goleman. Daniel and Joel Gurin. Cousins. Ageless Body. Deepak. Stress Management. 1991. Andrew.D. . Thriving. New York: Crown Publishers. Gerald. Caroline. 1978. M. NJ: The Pagano Organization. CA: Institute of Noetic Sciences.P. Nagendra. M. 1986. New York: Warner Books.364 Resources Hirshberg. M. 1990. 1996. and Imagery Carrington. Locke. Stephen. 1990.D. Simon. Siegel. M. Ivker. 0. India: Vivekananda Institute Publications.D. Hillsboro. 1997. Patricia. Bernie.D.D. Mary. M. Healthy Heart Handbook. Robin. Dr. Pleas. Weil. Jon. How Office Visits. M. New York: Random House. New York: Riverhead Hirshberg.D. and H. 1995. Larry 1999. Healing Psoriasis. TheArt of Healing. New York: Norton Books. Dean Ornish} Program for Reversing Heart Disease. New York: Harper and Row. 1992. M. M. Breathing. Bangalore.D. New York: Lincoln-Bradley Publishing Teitelbaum. 1996. M. and Marc Ian Barasch.D. R.D. Remarkable Recovery. Nagendra. 1990. New York: Avery Publishing Group. Siegel. Dean. Steven. Whitaker. Love. New York: Three Rivers Press. 1999. 1989. Getting Well Again. RealAge.D. Yoga for Yoga Common Ailments. 1987. Brendan and Caryle Hirshberg. Healing with Love. Freedom in Meditation. M. San Francisco: Harper Collins. M. Live Between Berkeley: Rodmell Press. John. New York: Fireside Books. Prescriptions for Living. Medicine thMiracles. Atlanta: Turner Publishing. New York: Harper Collins. Relaxation. New York: Bantam O’Regan. Jampolsky. 1986. Spontaneous Remissions. Peace. Jampolsk~ Gerald. Schatz Walking. Yoga for Dummies.D.D. M. Back Care Basics. Pagano. CA: Health Communications. Bernie. The Relaxation Response. Laskow. Love Is Letting Go ofFear. 1999. 1995. Caryle. 1993. Benson.. Womeni Wisdom. al. Love th~ Healing. New York: Harper Collins. Monroe. CA: IDG Books.D. et. NY: Anchor Books. Spontaneous Healing.D. Siegel. The Healer Within: The New Medicine ofMind and Body.D. Walking Medicine. 1988. New York: E. 2000. M. to New York: Cliff Street Books.D. Christiane. 0. New York: John Wiley and Sons.D. 1992. Group. Roizen. New York: Harper and Row. Ornish. Dutton. Vital Energy. Herbert. 1999. Neal. Forgiveness. 1998. Meditation. Julian. Gary and Kathy Burton. David. HR. R. Caryle Books. New York: McGraw-Hill. Myss. Berkeley: Celestial Arts. New York: Bantam Books. Reversing Heart Disease.D. M.D. 1993. New York: Knopf. M. M. M. Yanker. 1992. Optimum Health. Northrup. Pranayama. 1990.D. New York: Bantam Books. HealingJourney. M. From Fatigued to Fantastic. New York: Avon Books. Simonton. Simonton. 1998. Bernie. M. Pullig.D. Sausalito. 1997. Julian. Books. Whitaker. Garden City. Siegel. 1988.D. 1988. Rob. and Georg Feurstein. Carl. M. Nagararhna. M. New York: Warner Books. Bernie. OR: Beyond Words Publishing. Reversing Diabetes. Foster City. Sinatra. 1996. 1976. Leonard. M. Why People Don’t Heal and How They Can. Carl. Michael. Englewood Cliffs. Payne. 1995. Women~ Bodies. Pinckney. Deerfield Beach. 1990. M. New York: Delta Books. Barry The Zone. 1978. Luke. Pleasantville. Summertown. Full Catastrophe Living. Melina. Winter. 1987. Tucson. 101 Miracles ofNatural Healing. 2000.D. 1998. 2003. Shintani. Vitamins. NY: Reader’s Digest Books. 1995. New York: Delta Books. Eat More. Null. Foods That Heal.S. Srikrishna. M. Haas. and Victoria Harrison. Natu ral Medicine. New York: Rossman. Food for L~. Marty. 2003. Diet for a Small Planet.D. 1988. 2000. 1982. Weigh Less. Jordan. PA: Rodale Press. 1996.Resources 365 Payne. Andrew.B. M. Healthy Healing. Walpole. Arthur. ProofPositive: How to Reliably Combat Disease and Achieve Optimal Health Through Nutrition and L. NY~ Reader’s Digest Books. Lappe. Rubin.D. Sedlacek. Zinn. Ardmore. Garden City Park. (Ed. 1990. Weil. Nedley. John. M. Natural Healing Chan. Berkeley: Celestial Arts.B. TN: Book Publishing Company. New York: Harper Collins. Prescription for Nutritional Healing. 1993. Barnard.D. New York: Pocket Books. Linda. New York: Knopf. OH: Benefactor Press. Honolulu. Bombay. India: Kaivalyadharna Press. Neil. M. New York: Dover Publications. New York: Crown Publishers.D. M. Complete Guide to Health and Healing. Essence ofPranayama. James F. Honesdale. Patient Heal Thyself Topanga. New York: Ballantine Books.D. Yoga Rx.). 1989. Weil. Lane. Elson. PA: Himalayan International Institute. Organizations Academy For Guided for Healing Imagery 30765 Pacific Coast Highway #369 . Theresa (Ed. Rudolph. of Agriculture. Ballantine. Robbins. Foods That Harm. Weigh Less Diet. M. Keith. M. Dept.D. Ornish. Pleasantville. Dean. Family Guide to Natural Medicine. 1975.D. M. Brenda Davis. 1995. CA: Freedom Press. Balch. Emmaus. M. U. Diet and Nutrition. Gary. and Phyllis A. Jon-Kabat. Baich. New York: Signet Books. Neal.D. New York: Harper Collins.. Francis Moore. 1984. Carmel Valley CA: Traditional Wisdom. OK: Nedley Publishing. 1993. 1993.D.D. Handbook of the Nutritional Contents ofFoods. 1990. Broadway Books. NY~ Avery Publishing Group. Eat More. M. H. Tern. Alma E.S. NH: Stillpoint Publishing. M. Staying Healthy with the Seasons. AZ: Fisher Books. 1981.fes~yle. Griffith. 2002. Nutrition Agatston. Guinness. Vesanto. Becoming Vegetarian. Finding the Calm Within You. HI: Halpax Publishing. Natural Health. Boston: Houghton Muffin. Andrew. Sears. Diet For a New America. M.). South Beach Diet. Page. 1990. 1997. Larry. 1997.D. Healing Yourself A Step-by-Step Program for Better Health Through Imageiy. Eating Well for Optimum Health. Cincinnati. 1993. M.D. org .org Commonweal Cancer PU.attitudinalhealing. DC 20015 202-966-7338 www. CO wwwaapb. Suite 414 Washington.commonweal. Box 316 Help Program 451 Mesa Road Bolinas. NW.org Wheat Center for Attitudinal Healing 33 Buchanan Drive Sausalito.holisticmedicine. NM 87112 505-292-7788 www.cmbm.noetic.org Hawaii State Consortium of 932 Ward Ave.org Center for Mind-Body Medicine 5225 Connecticut Ave. HI 96814 808-535-5559 www.O. NE. CA 94924 415-868-0970 www. Box 17400 Anaheim. Suite 304 Ridge. CA 928 17-7400 714-779-6152 www.366 Resources Malibu. Suite 600 Integrative Medicine Honolulu.net Institute of Noetic Sciences 101 San Antonio Road Petaluma. CA 90265 800-726-2070 www.interactiveimagery. Suite C Albuquerque. CA 94952 707-775-3500 www.blendedmed. CA 94965 415-331-6161 www.ahha.com American Holistic Health Association P.org American Holistic Medical Association 12101 Menaul Blvd.org Association for Applied Psychophysiology 80033 and Biofeedback 10200 West 44th Avenue. Suite 3109 Box 957076 Los Angeles.gov [email protected] Preventive Medicine Research Institute 900 Bridgeway Sausalito.simontoncenter.edu/center/cousins .org National Center For Complementary and Alternative Medicine National Institutes of Health Bethesda.drweil.arizona. CA 9009 5-7076 310-825-8281 www.com wwwinregrativemedicine.pmri. MA 02474 617-648-9866 www.org Mind/Body Medical 824 Boylston St.nccam. 617-991-0102 Toll free: 866-509-0732 Institute Chestnut Hill. Arlington.nih. CA 90264 818-879-7904 Toll free: 800-459-3424 www.edu Scripps La Center for Integrative Medicine 10820 North Torrey Pines Road Jolla.scrippsfoundation.O. Andrew Weil University www.Resources 367 Integrative Medicine Alliance 180 Massachusetts Ave. MD 20892 www.org Simonton Cancer Center P. CA 94965 415-332-2525 www.integrativemedalliance.com [email protected] Cousins Center for UCLA Psychoneuroimmunology Institute Neuropsychiarric 300 UCLA Medical Plaza. Box 6607 Malibu. MA 02467 www. CA 92037 858-554-3971 www.mbmi.org Program in Integrative of Arizona Medicine Dr.npi. Dean Ornish in Dr. and for many years he was Director of the Princeville Medical Clinic in Princeville. . Brownstein is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pre ventive Medicine and a Founding Diplomate of the American Board he’s been the patients about almost as long as of Holistic Medicine. has been talking with his body’s extraordinary ability to heal itself for a doctor. M. Dr. educator.D. Brownstein lives with his wife and son heavily on in Hawaii. and speaker he has witnessed thousand of cases of extraordinary healing achieved by patients who were able to tap into their own healing powers. without the use of drugs or surgery inspired his first. which relies the body’s ability to heal itself. highly successful book. Dr. He is also Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine at the University of Hawaii. In his long and distinguished career as an awardwinning physician. Hawaii. Brownstein has worked with Dr. Ornish’s very successful program for reversing heart disease.About the Author ART BROWNSTEIN. Dr. His own remarkable recovery from debilitating back pain. Healing Back Pain Naturally. Brownstein has written a personal. Natural Medicine. which has since cured thousands of other gery. incorporated of his into Dr. Brownstein lessons own extraordinary and healing the revolutionary to world-famous Back Life program. call toll-free 888-851-9090. M.The Center for Integrative Medicine Author of Natural Health.” —Andrew Well. and 8 Weeks to Optimum Health \Healing ~ Back Pain Naturally online at www. Its and informative book help people prevent the and treat back approach is consistent philosophy of integrative accurate medicine that I teach. Dr. Founder. Dr. Healing Back Pain to Naturally: The Mind-Body Program to Proven Work. the Brownstein through program step-by-step. too.Also by Dr.harborpress. showing can how you. pain. and its content scientifically and full of hope for sufferers. practical. triumph joy of over pain rediscover the living.com. Brownstein I n his first book. patients without drugs In or sur Healing Back Pain leads you Naturally. by phone. . Art Brownstein tells how he learned cure permanently enduring 20 back himself after years of crippling the pain.D. Spontaneous Healing. a . Founder. Healing Back Pain to Naturally: The Mind-Body Program to Proven Work. . call toll-free 888-85 I -9090. In Dr. practical.” —Andrew Weil. back and informative book help people prevent and treat pain. and 8 Weeks to Optimum Health Order Healing Back Pain Naturally online at www. Spontaneous Healing. Its approach is consistent content with the is both philosophy of integrative accurate medicine that I teach. Dr. Brownstein I n his first book. “Dr. Brownstein lessons own extraordinary and healing the revolutionary to world-famous Back Life program. and its scientifically and full of hope for sufferers. showing can how you. MI) pain.harborpress. Brownstein through program step-by-step.Also by Dr.%’ . Brownstein has written to a personal. Or to order by phone.com. M.D. Natural Medicine. the Healing Back Pain leads you Naturally. incorporated of his into Dr. too. which has since cured thousands of other patients without drugs or sur gery.The Center for Integrative Medicine Author of Natural Health. Art Brownstein tells how he learned cure permanently enduring back himself after 20 years of crippling the ff1 h~pc —ANnR. triumph joy of over pain and rediscover the living. ‘1 .