This column focuses on the philosophy of naturopathic medicine, its principles and practices.
I'm going to do this column a little differently this month. I've had this on my mind and want to share some thoughts and observations for your consideration.
I believe, in general, that we all have a pot of energy in any given day to get us physically and emotionally through that day. Sometimes one area uses up more than its share of energy for that day, but in general, in a healthy person, it evens out over time and we all function pretty well.
When I'm working with someone, I'm trying to use the naturopathic principles I learned in school and I'm trying to look at the whole person - the big picture. Sometimes it's very obvious that the energy pot is being used way more on the emotional stuff and that's why the physical stuff is suffering - and so bringing them into the doctor's office.
Now, if we can help ease some of the physical distress, then there will surely be more energy left over to deal with the emotional distress And that would be a good thing and it does work in that direction. But how much more efficient would it be to work on reducing the emotional take from the energy pot?
We tend to name this emotional thing "stress," although that's really too general to be useful. In order to really address its hogging the energy pot, we have to know it a little more clearly.
And this becomes a big problem for us.
Why should this be such a problem? If we understand that a stress in our life is a primary cause of our physical discomforts, why are we so reluctant to identify, name, expose and change the problem?
I'm sure there are as many reasons as people, but these are some of what's been rolling around in my head lately. They're my opinions only and I'd love to hear your thoughts about them or additions that occur to you.
The broad reason is because it's hard. But why is it hard? A couple reasons to consider. 1) There's not a lot of social support for digging into this emotional/stress part of life. It's socially acceptable to have physical pain and discuss that in public. Sometimes it's even visible and arouses concern and compassion. It's okay to go to the medical doctor for these physical problems - people will understand, give us time off work, bring us dinners and send a card. It tends to be easier to say, 'I have an ulcer' than 'I hate my job' at a party, or 'I was abused when I was 8'. Some still feel a stigma for getting - or admitting to getting - counseling. So sometimes it's just easier to focus on the physical ailment so we fit in - even if the physical ailment is being caused by the stressful ailment.
2) We're human and it's hard to admit we make mistakes, or should have done things differently. Changing a job or a marriage or a location or an addiction or whatever may require us to own up to our less than stellar choices in the past to move forward.
3) When we DO admit mistakes and make some changes, we often are again faced with #1 again - little support for the changes. The people around us are used to us in the old way. They may have played a part in supporting and encouraging the old us. The new us may look like a threat to them and their habits. Sometimes, not only is there little support for our changes, but outright sabotage of them. This can add more stress and make it seem just easier to go back to the old way. At least that way we know, have support for, and can be comfortable in our discomfort.
Remember that we are one whole person. One part of our life is not separate from all the rest of the parts. If there is a lingering emotional burden causing whatever your symptom is, even the best herbal tincture or other naturopathic or allopathic intervention is not going to solve it. Honor your connection, your wholeness and find the support you need to manage the changes ahead. It will be worth it at the other end!
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What is
The Vis?
a) Latin word for power
b) A foundation of naturopathic medicine
c) Word rhyming with bees
d) All of the above
The correct answer is d!
"The Vis" is, in naturopathic medical circles, short for the Latin, "Vis Medicatrix Naturae," which translates to the Healing Power of Nature. It is at the very core of naturopathic medicine and what sets it apart. The Vis is our body's own innate intelligence that strives every minute of every day to keep the body in a perfect balance of health and function. |
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To Ponder...
"If everyone demanded peace instead of another television set, then there'd be peace."
-- John Lennon
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Looking Ahead
June 27 - Kim Z's yoga classes canceled
July 4 & 6 - Kim Z's yoga classes canceled
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Greetings!
Is it really June? The spring was cool, but is still busy with wrapping things up for the end of the school year. Warmer summer days are ahead and we are looking forward to doing some garden work, starting some medicinal herbs, and converting some good Vitamin D in the sunshine! Enjoy! |
Studio News
2nd Tuesday Programs -
are on summer vacation - Enjoy yours!
Studio Yoga Schedule Changes - Monday night classes will now be taught by Tracy, with Core Yoga from 5:15-6:15 pm, followed by Beginner/Intermediate Yoga from 6:30-8:00 pm. The Wednesday night Core Yoga class will not be held this summer. New flyers are in the box outside the Studio door and the schedule can be found at the website Studio page and Calendar. Yoga Class Schedule
In Other News... The Run - On July 17, Dennis Godby, ND, his son and two other supporters will leave from San Francisco on a 3250 mile run across the country to raise awareness of naturopathic medicine. There will be special events, interviews and general PR along the way, ending in November in Bridgeport, CT. Letting people know who and what we are is what we need to get known, get used and get licensed! To see the route, tell others you know along the route, find out more and donate if you so desire, check out the website at this link: The Run If you're a Facebook follower, you can find The Run's FB page too.
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Of the Month
This month's Vis is just a little different all the way around! Our "Of the Month" for June is a little bit of information about connections and giving and partly an unveiling of a new program.
Introducing the
WellSpring Sowing Circle!
You have probably heard of sewing circles - a group of people, usually women, who met regularly to sew, often on projects for a charitable cause. While fewer people seem to sew these days, there is still a great need for support of various charitable causes.
Not only do the causes need our support - we also need the causes. As social beings, we are a part of the communities outside ourselves - in our towns, our countries, our world. Contributing to the work of making a better world, on any level, is important to our overall health and well-being. There are many ways to make a difference, each of us has different gifts to share and they are all important! Certainly everyone has experienced what is sometimes called the "helper's high," that feeling of overall well-being when you've been able to do something for someone else. If that's not evidence enough, there are several studies that have shown significant health benefits to people who give and serve others. Researchers at places like Duke University and Boston College and Johns Hopkins have found when people volunteer and give to others they have decreased stress hormones in their blood, decreased pain and medication reliance, less depression and heart disease - even a decreased chance of dying during the study period! When looked at in the context of aging, giving helps keep us young! The studies suggest that the highest benefits come from direct contact with others, but that all forms of giving are good for us.
"With every deed you are sowing a seed, though the harvest you may not see." -- Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Enter WellSpring's Sowing Circle. Each quarter WellSpring will feature a charitable organization. There will be information about the group and its work in the Views of the Vis as well as in the office. A percentage of Medicinary profits will be donated at the end of each quarter, along with any additional monies gathered at the office.
Besides the financial component of support, the Sowing Circle can raise awareness not only of need, but of the wonderful efforts that surround us. In our world of seemingly endless bad news, naysaying and fear, we can be uplifted by the ingenuity, efforts and generosity of others and, perhaps, be encouraged to join them. Most organizations out there can use financial support and manpower. But another way to help out is to spread the word about the work they're doing. It is my hope that this Circle will sow all three of these kinds of seeds - and maybe even more that I haven't thought of yet!
"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world."
-- Anne Frank
The organization chosen for this first quarter of the Sowing Circle is Michigan Peaceworks, in honor of my son coming home from Afghanistan in June. There are many worldwide groups that work for peace - this time we'll keep it a little closer to home. Peace across the globe is not something that any of us have seen, and seems unlikely that we will see in our lifetimes. That doesn't mean it isn't worth pursuing and we must envision things first. Imagine all the people living life in peace. You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one. I hope someday you'll join us, and the world will be as one. -- John Lennon Michigan Peaceworks (MPW) is committed to peace, social justice, human rights and civil liberties. They provide accurate information about our military activities around the world, believing that knowledge and understanding of the total costs of war can emphasize our growing need for peace. MPW promotes non-violent resolution of conflict and works with youth to start this conversation early on. Their Youth Action Network is active in over 20 high schools in Michigan. MPW teamed with Veterans for Peace in 2009 on the Iraq Water Project, and currently sponsors speakers, films, demonstrations around the state. You can read more about them at this link: Michigan Peaceworks And from a health perspective, our own peace plays an important role in our own health. Constant stress, fear, worry, inner turmoil and unrest takes its toll. While I believe it's important to work toward peace in our world, it cannot be done without cultivating it in our own lives. "When we are unable to find tranquility within ourselves, it is useless to seek it elsewhere." -- Francois de la Rochefoucauld Here are some other programs working with peacefulness right from your computer. 64 Days - During their official 64 day program which runs Jan-April, a sequenced series of thoughtful peace messages comes to your email in-box every day. You can review this any time during the year on your own at their website, linked above. Global Peace Index - This link ranks peaceful countries of the world and just recently added a ranking of peaceful states of the United States. (Sorry, folks, Michigan isn't in the top half!)  10 Million Clicks for Peace Follow this link to join others across the world in spreading peace - for yourself and for others. When you sign up (it's free), you get access to an E-Course in peace that comes right to your inbox.
"All we are saying is Give Peace A Chance." -- John Lennon (what would we have done without John Lennon??!!?)
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Join me in making peace a focus this month. Look around and see where you could use a little extra peace...with yourself? A co-worker or neighbor? It'll be good for your health and when we all let those little ripples of peace flow out, it'll be good for the world too.
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Be Well,
Kim Palka, ND
WellSpring Naturopathic |
The information contained in this newsletter is presented for
educational purposes. Nothing contained in it should be
construed nor is intended to be used for medical diagnosis or
treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your
physician or other qualified health care provider. Whenever you have any
health care related questions, please call or see your physician or
other qualified health care provider promptly. Always consult with your
physician or other qualified health care provider before embarking on a
new treatment, diet or fitness program. You should never disregard
medical advice or delay in seeking it because of anything you have
read in this newsletter.
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Views of the 