Help vs. Harm

In my search for better wellness, I have been reading and trying new types of healing.

Now, I  feel I am a pretty typical person. I trust doctors to give me good care, just as I trust teachers to teach me well, business people to treat me honestly, and friends to offer friendship.

I have faith in Western treatment because it worked for me–I had mobility back for several years after my diagnosis, and no pain.

I also have faith in non-Western treatment because it worked for me. I have gone to acupuncture and received other Oriental Medicine treatments throughout my disease–in pain and in peace–and have experienced many healthful benefits.

In the past year an a half, however, I have felt especially unsatisfied by a strictly Western approach–my cocktail of medicines are not giving me the results that I had hoped for, and I am experiencing some of the side effects (hair loss, cracking nails, fatigue, stomach upset, dizziness) more profoundly than I once did.

I intend to remain on these medicines, however, because I believe in their efficacy to reduce my overall inflammation. I just hope to reduce the amount and frequency that I take them.

I want my body to begin healing itself.

Because autoimmune diseases are diseases of oneself, it can be confusing what is helping and what is harming. I like the way Wikipedia defines autoimmune diseases, like rheumatoid arthritis: Autoimmune diseases arise from an overactive immune response of the body against substances and tissues normally present in the body. In other words, the body actually attacks its own cells.

If my own body is attacking itself–how can I fight back?

I have a few ideas that I want to pursue–diet, acupuncture, physical/occupational therapy, massage, healing sessions, meditation, yoga (of course). I know that none of these individually will heal me–but I have to try.

I bet that many people with chronic illness get to this point–I am willing to make my health a priority, even if it inconveniences me to do so (oh, how I will mourn chocolate gone from my life!).

I am willing to try anything to be well. I am hopeful that I can cultivate kindness (yes, my intention) inside my cells and in my world.

[Via http://theopeningyear.wordpress.com]