Do you believe?

Healing is an art as well as a science. Even the most refined, rational, renowned, data-centered medical professional will admit as much, because the truth is, no one really understands healing. It can be described, yes, (i.e. the immune system mobilizes and kills the invading virus.) But why and how exactly the immune system mobilizes is a complicated mystery. A virus is a virus, but the way it interacts with us is not predictable. Some will get sick as dogs, others will feel mild "flu-like" symptoms, still others will not be at all affected. Sometimes those who "never" get sick (not ever true, but people like to say it) will come down with a much more serious version than those with compromised immune systems. Some sufferers will cough, others will suffer from head congestion, still others will become queasy. Some will have fevers, others won't.

I could go on, but I'm sure you get the picture, that we can apply science to our healing techniques - and I'm glad we do! - but hard science can only describe without fully explaining what takes place when we heal. Science can only take us so far.

Here's my truth: all healing modalities are faith based.

I hear people say things like, "I don't believe in acupuncture." It's an interesting statement. Does it mean the person doesn't believe acupuncture exists? Because it certainly does. It is practiced all around the world, has been practiced in China for 3,000 years. What the statement means (I think) is that the person doesn't believe acupuncture is effective, which again begs the question of how long it has been around, and how widely popular it is. Why would it prevail if it didn't work? What does "work" mean in this context? What does "work" mean in any healing context? Who knows!

When I question people who make such statements, their answers, no matter what they say, invariably refer to the truth that all healing modalities are faith based and that faith is extraordinarily personal, reflecting so much about the uniqueness of each individual.

I'm going to take this one step further and say that every time we take steps to become healthy, we are, in effect, praying. When we pick up the phone to make an appointment with the health care professional of our choice, do yoga or eat a well balanced meal, get enough sleep, change a bad habit, stand up and stretch, or take our medicine, we are sending a message to the universe, the divine, or however we see the big picture. What we're doing is praying for good health.

Practice the art and prayer of self care, whatever that means to you, please? Who knows if it  will work - but - it can't hurt, right? Self care makes possible a calm, grounded embodiment and enhances self esteem. I believe in self care. I do.

Shalom.