Addiction – the cure…
Healing is considered a process of transformation, a literal change from one state of being to another. When an underlying problem is addressed and treated, the nature of a person becomes fundamentally different, and a metamorphosis occurs. To re-establish balance, or homeostasis, as it is called in the medical world, a personalized program is needed with a carefully selected support team to treat the body, mind, emotions, and spirit to stimulate self-healing potential. In addition to a medical doctor, who can run laboratory tests to diagnose physiological problems, the therapies may include:
- chemical dependency counseling
- proper detoxification
- vitamin & amino-acid therapy
- a psychologist to discuss abuse and get in touch with feelings
- family therapy to work through addiction behavior-related family issues
- group therapy for peer support
- sauna flushing
- a holistically oriented nutritionist to address underlying deficiencies
- an exercise program
- chiropractic care and other bodywork
- acupuncture to promote the body’s vitality and balance
- qigong, yoga, or other activity to harmonize the body and spirit
- visualization and meditation
- hypnosis to help create a positive self-image and change unwanted patterns
- EFT, Emotional Freedom Technique, or tapping, to release negative feelings and beliefs
In homeopathy, the underlying illness is treated with a small dose of a substance which would cause that illness, the theory being that the body will fight off the foreign substance and in the process, quell the illness. Physical training and exercise is proving to be more and more important in every aspect of health. It not only tones and strengthens the physical body, it also flushes toxins, gets blood (which carries nutrients) circulating, and stimulates production of endorphins and other substances which support feelings of well-being.
Qigong or chi kung is an aspect of Traditional Chinese Medicine involving the coordination of breathing patterns with physical postures and motions of the body. It is mostly taught for health maintenance, but is also used as a therapeutic intervention. It is very toning and balancing for the whole being. Eastern Medicine therapies, including herbs, acupuncture, acupressure and reflexology, have proven to be very beneficial to people recovering from addiction imbalances. Visualization is where the healing journey starts, serving as a compass toward recovery. It is the art and practice of creating. Meditation brings in wisdom and experience beyond the rational mind. It is the art and practice of listening and observing. The most basic meditation technique is to sit in a comfortable position, close the eyes, and simply observe the breath – in and out. Even five minutes every morning is centering. Usually the experience becomes so pleasant that the time is naturally extended. Mini-meditation breaks can be done throughout the day to help let go of stress and negativity, focus one’s energy, and open fresh eyes to the world around.
Chiropractic care is based on the precept that the spine houses the Central Nervous System, which affects nearly every function of the body. If the spine is out of alignment, it may cause pain, as well as impinge on nerves, causing many illnesses throughout the body. A good chiropractic adjustment can literally “get one’s head on straight.” There are various types of bodywork that can help dislodge old, stuck injuries, whether physical or emotional. We store trauma in our beings, which can lead to a lifetime of discomfort. Releasing old wounds is one way to remove sources of pain that are often masked by addictive means. Bodywork modalities include deep tissue, cranial-sacral, Rolfing, Reiki, Feldenkrais, and many more.
High quality nutrition is an essential element of all healing programs. Nourishing our bodies in a world that is rife with pollution and processed, chemically-laden foods is a challenge in itself. If you are dealing with an addiction, you may be dealing with a nutritional deficiency and with toxicity. Loading the body with super nutrition is a must. Doing cleanses, drinking ample water to flush the systems, and dry brushing the skin (the main eliminative organ) are all methods of purifying the body and helping it heal. Whatever methods are chosen, it is important that you form a healing team of quality professionals, and that these people believe in your ability to heal. Regular communication between team members is necessary in order to work with the underlying causes, as well as the symptoms that are being treated. A residency program is also highly recommended, where everything from therapy through nutrition is available. An integrative medical approach combined with personal vision is a winning combination for healing.