Self healing can be a difficult journey. It requires a commitment to change and a willingness to heal. It also requires patience. It is important to remember that changes are gradual and do not happen overnight.
Be patient and encourage yourself on your healing journey. It is also important to acknowledge tough feelings.
1. Meditation
Meditation is a practice that promotes healing by calming the mind. It trains you to focus your attention where you want it, so that you can better control your thoughts, emotions and physical health.
Find a quiet spot, sit in a comfortable position and focus on your breathing for several minutes. Repeat a positive phrase in your head with each breath and ignore distractions.
Visualize your body in a state of perfect health and let go of any pain, tension or discomfort. This self healing technique is a powerful and relaxing practice. It also allows you to build a strong support system that can help you overcome stress.
2. Yoga
Yoga is a system of physical and spiritual techniques that include breathing exercises, meditation and assuming postures or poses. Although it is associated with Hindu religion, it can be practiced by people of all faiths and even those who are agnostic or atheist.
A number of studies show that yoga improves flexibility, balance and strength and reduces stress. It also helps to manage pain in people with rheumatoid arthritis and may relieve fatigue for those living with multiple sclerosis.
The word yoga is derived from the Sanskrit root yuj, meaning “to join, harness, yoke or attach.” It can be a powerful tool to help you heal yourself. A yoga practice can open up the chakras in your body and connect you with the energetic being within each of us.
3. Qigong
Qigong, also known as chi kung or qi gong, is a form of movement, breath regulation, and visualisation that helps cultivate, balance and move the energy ‘Qi’ within the body. It is a gentle, meditative practice and can be done by anyone regardless of age or physical condition.
Qi (pronounced “chee”) flows through the body in channels called meridians, which move towards and away from our internal organs. These meridians bring nourishment to the soft tissue, internal organs and fascia, promoting health and wellbeing.
Qigong can be used for a variety of health issues including high blood pressure, headaches, stress, back pain, and depression. A 2020 study found that qigong may help alleviate depressive symptoms but more methodologically sound studies are needed. The practice is easy to learn and can be performed anywhere.
4. Healing circles
Healing circles are safe environments in which those who share a common condition can share their experiences and harvest collective wisdom. These include discovery circles (for people who like to process whatever they’re facing through a specific form of creative expression), learning circles, and caring circles for family, friends, professionals and volunteers.
In addition to providing social support, healing circles can help people learn about their own body’s innate ability to heal. This is because, unlike conventional therapy, these groups emphasize body networks that are integral to the self-healing process.
The circle process, sometimes called hocokah in Lakota, allows participants to speak freely about difficult or painful issues with an emphasis on respect for others’ feelings. An item, such as an eagle feather or talking stick, is passed clockwise around the circle and only the person holding it may speak.
5. Supplements
Supplements are a form of self healing that helps the body heal itself with food-based vitamins and minerals. Herbs are also a popular way to support the body. They can help calm the spirit, relax the body and improve mental health. They can be made into teas, soups or taken as pills.
Insufficient evidence to rate the effectiveness of self-heal for:
A common TCM herb, self-heal is an herb that contains many nutrients. It is used to kill germs, loosen phlegm (as an expectorant) and tighten and dry the skin (as an astringent). It may also help with certain disorders of the female reproductive system and for wounds. It is generally safe for most people. However, always check with a healthcare professional before taking any herbs or supplements.
