Simple, safe, effective solutions to many health problems already exist. These methods are based on the common roots of traditional western and eastern medicine. Some of these are dietary healing, herbology, acupuncture, healing touch, chiropractic, homeopathy, auyervedic, and macrobiotics. They have been and are currently successfully practiced by hundreds of thousands of people to improve health.

Many blame their health problems on a gene, a virus, toxins in the work place, in the air, stress, everything but their own choices. Doing so shows a lack of understanding of self, nature, life and an inability to self-reflect. Often problems result from a lack of fundamental health-enhancing qualities such as responsibility, strong will, family support, faith in something larger than oneself, gratitude, passion and fulfillment, and lack of understanding of food and health. Without these, whatever modality is chosen becomes just another pill to be taken and discarded when symptoms disappear.

When disease is artificially removed without changing the underlying cause, long-term balanced health will not be achieved. The “whole” or the foundation may collapse. I’m not suggesting that we abandon medical treatment. I am recommending that we look for the deeper causes of the problem from a physical, mental/emotional, spiritual, and lifestyle perspective. Lasting solutions can be found to the multiple ills of society when treated holistically.

Holistic healing is a process and involves many factors. Those who have tried the “quick fix” approach with little or no long-term success may be ready for the permanent results that can be achieved by getting at the root of the problem.

In our western culture we commonly think of the mind, body, emotions and spirit as separate entities. Traditional cultures have known for thousands of years that they are intimately connected. Every thought we think, every emotion we feel, every food we eat, and every interaction we are involved in has an impact on our overall health.

In my 22 years as a holistic health practitioner, I have observed certain patterns among those I have counseled who successfully reversed health problems. Some of them are presented in this article. These traits are not rigid models. We all have some of them to some degree. They are healthy potentials each of us can maximize in our own unique way.

Radiant health is our natural state. It takes a lot of abuse on our part to not experience this state. This is not done intentionally, but out a lack of understanding of health and life. Many have been taught that suffering with poor health, abusive relationships, unfulfilled dreams, and struggle are a normal part of life. The only thing normal about these conditions is that many people experience them. We can substantially improve our health and life and eliminate problems. There are many tools available to achieving radiant health, all of which involve our participation.

The first step is to take RESPONSIBILITY. This means not blindly accepting the opinion of some outside authority as the only way. We look at how our choices may have led to the problem, and recognize that we can make new choices to remedy the situation. This does not mean that we stop seeing our health care practitioner, but rather, we gather as much information as possible and make our own decisions as to which modality is appropriate for us. The opposite of responsibility is to become the “victim” which our culture encourages. This is one of the most demoting factors in our ability to change ourselves. The moment we accept that we are the victim of our problems, then how do we know what to do? We had nothing to do with getting the problem. Taking responsibility is often distorted and misunderstood and can bring self-blame, guilt and shame. We are, to some extent, the cause of our problems, but that doesn't make us guilty. Call it ignorance or misunderstanding, and stop carrying guilt about it. Taking responsibility is meant to empower us to make new choices for a healthier result.

Next is AWARENESS of our feelings and beliefs. It is deeply knowing ourselves. This means to simply observe our thoughts and our response to the world around us. As we observe, ask questions. Do you believe you can recover your health, be happy, and fulfilled? What does the illness have to teach you? Why do you make the choices you make? What motivates you? What makes you feel good? Keep asking, “what do I need to know”. Our lives unfold along predictable patterns unless we question. Through questioning, we discover that things that seem unchangeable are open and fluid. Observe and question without judgment, as judgment creates non-action.

Health and longevity depend on our daily nourishment. Many must not only recover from the disease, but also from the toxic effects of medical treatments.

In 1988 the Surgeon General stated that two-thirds of the deaths in this country are related to diet. Our eating habits play a major role in many common diseases including heart, stroke, osteoporosis, cancer, obesity, diabetes, and emotional disorders. Most Americans have a limited awareness of the power of food in maintaining health and reversing disease. Proper diet is the most basic and practical way to change our condition. The food we eat becomes our blood, affecting the quality of cells, tissues, organs, and the mind. Properly nourished, our body, heart and mind can more easily cleanse and renew themselves. Every time we eat something we are affecting the quality of our health and life. Modern medical treatments and all other therapies are more effective when based on a solid dietary foundation.

The most effective diet is based on whole grains, vegetables, low fat, no-cholesterol proteins, and fruits. Foods have specific therapeutic properties, and we each need our own individualized version of diet based on our unique constitutional strengths and weaknesses, our health condition, and what we are trying to accomplish. The physical and psychological benefits resulting from appropriate diet is endless.

LETTING GO OF THE PAST, resolving conflicts and discovering their positive impact in our lives is paramount in healing. Resentment, anger, guilt, and all negative emotional states are self-poisoning. They weaken cells and immunity, and clog us up in much the same way as cholesterol. There is a very real energy to emotions that, when unresolved for a long enough time, create sickness. We are the only ones affected by this negativity. Resolving negative emotions releases energy into the present, and allows us to feel lighter and to experience balanced health.

Listening to our INTUITION, developing sound judgment and FAITH are important qualities in healing. Exercise discernment when choosing healing therapies, and, once the course is set, have FAITH. Faith is not the rigidity or dogma some are attached to, but rather is knowing there is an order and unity to life, a sense of wholeness and connectedness with something larger than oneself. With faith, unlimited opportunities unfold, and we gain a sense of confidence in our choices.

Finding one’s PURPOSE in life is prevalent among those who are healthy. Everyone has talents and skills through which they express themselves. Our life is a creative art form. When we don’t find our unique creative expression we are restless and frustrated, regardless of success in the conventional world. PURPOSE stimulates a deep sense of fulfillment and joy; our life takes on a larger significance. When we live our purpose a healing momentum occurs that is far greater than any chemical.

Re-establishing priorities and a nourishing rhythm to one’s life can also lead us to health. Research has shown that those who are driven by ambition and achievements are more likely to become ill than those who place more value on harmonious relationships and balanced living.

Each of the above factors has a profoundly positive influence on our health and are more effective together. When utilized, we can go beyond sickness to health and happiness. Start with small steps and build on them. ACTION is often the missing link in our quest for radiant health.

Deborah Barr © Whole Health Resources