Be Open to All the Options
It’s an exciting time where you have the option to use both holistic and conventional methods to heal. But rather than collaborating, all too often practitioners and people are choosing sides.
And sadly, this is to the detriment of the whole. The two sides shouldn’t be arguing. They should be collaborating. If you’re caught in either extreme and can’t find the middle - the place where you can see the value in both approaches and options - then you might be holding yourself back from feeling better all together. There is value in both approaches, being extreme in either view is very limiting. First and foremost, you never know what life has in store for you and you never know where you might end up one day and having an open mind will better prepare you for all life’s curveballs.
Loosen Your Grip
Wellness is about letting go of limiting beliefs, not creating new ones. It’s about moving through, with, and letting go of fear that isn’t serving its purpose anymore- not creating new fears for clients or yourself. It’s about being fluid, adaptable, and collaborative- not strict, rigid, tight, one sided, and “right”. It’s about opening up your mind and perspective so that you can readily see new pathways when you need them. If the goal is to feel better and live well, keep your focus on that. Not on a specific plan or any set of rigid rules. Yes, there is time for discipline, but discipline is different than being strict, stuck, rigid, and one sided. It’s OK to loosen your grip and to even let go, sometimes letting go is the best part!
Different Mix For Everyone and Every Season of Your Life
Each situation is unique and depending on the severity of your disease, illness, or issue- medical assistance might be necessary, the matter of life and death even. Likewise, treating an illness or issue without making any lifestyle changes is like treating only one part of the problem, it’s a half assed approach.
I absolutely think it’s a must to change your lifestyle in order to treat any sickness, illness, or disease- no matter the severity, period. But, I cannot say with certainty whether you should or should not take medications, that’s out of my lane and it’s a personal choice. There are way too many variables which is why I think it’s very dangerous and unprofessional when health and wellness experts on social media platforms use extreme standpoints to create “likes”, attention, and traction to grow their business. It seems that the more polarizing you are on social media platforms, the more you grow, the more traction you get. I see this all too often- people on both sides of the fence using flashy marketing tactics to entice people to their product, service, or viewpoint with personal gain as the end result, not the the person or community they are said to be serving.
People love short, quick, answers- the punchier the better- but wellness is not that. There is no short, quick fix or answer, no flashy catch phrase, no one size fits all. More importantly, social media is speaking to a mass, not a single person- remember that. Chances are whoever you are getting advice from isn’t thinking of you specifically when they are dishing it out - they’re thinking generally. They don’t know your unique situation. I’m not knocking general advice. Blanket advice isn’t bad, I dish out blanket advice as well, but I advocate for individual approach- meaning, I teach private sessions, do 1-1 coaching, and offer intimate events where conversation and questions are encouraged. When it comes to blanket advice, you, the consumer, need to educate yourself in order to empower yourself. You don’t have to take all the wellness options, just as you don’t have to take all the medications that are prescribed. You don’t have to put your fate into general advice. You have the power to own your health. To call your own shots with the help of trusted guides and experts. Take advantage of that very special gift.
Own Your Individuality
Your own individuality cannot be overlooked - there is no one size fits all and it’s time leaders in the wellness space start practicing this preach. We hear it all the time, but then get inundated with the “right” way to heal- take this pill… try this diet… block EMFs… reduce toxins… supplements don’t work….it’s exhausting.
Individuality applies to all end of the spectrum- we can’t just pick and choose when it’s relevant. That means no one medication works exactly the same on any one individual and there is no one holistic path that will lead you to healing. You can’t yoga your way to wellness or drink a special water that will heal you. Likewise, you can’t manifest your way through wellness or rely on a crystal to do the job… There is no one size fits all and no magic pill or service that will “heal” you. It’s not as simple as one thing, person, or service to “save” you. There is a different mix for everyone and the bottom line is, is that you are the one that needs to feel comfortable with what you’re choosing to do. Don’t wait for an outside source to dictate what your healing requires. And don’t let others dictate what is and isn’t working for you. You need to be your magic pill.
Own Your Wellness
You can accomplish this by taking an active role in your health and wellness- own it. Be it. Put in the work and time and have patience. This isn’t a quick fix. Understanding your comfort level will come with your experience over time deciphering what has been effective and what hasn’t. Building confidence takes time and experience. It doesn’t happen overnight. Making the choice on whether or not to take an Advil is quite different from deciding on chemotherapy and other disease modifying drugs. It’s better to become acquainted with what you feel comfortable before getting faced with a major decision like how to treat cancer or an autoimmune disease.
This is why it is important that you have the right team of support in place when you begin your path in healing - and why it’s crucial to practice preventative care. Especially if you are having a pressing issue. You will need support and guidance. But not just whatever guide comes your way- guides that you trust, that you can build a relationship with, and that are bringing your your desired results as you continue on your path. Eventually, over time, you won’t need the guides as much and your own inner guide will step in. But that takes time. Have patience.
When it comes to your healing, take ownership in the options and choices you make. Sure, in the beginning, when you’re learning, there is a period of time where you do feel at the mercy of those around you. But, over time, if you put the work in, you will become more educated in your body, mind, and spirit and in the different options of treatment, what’s working, and what isn’t.
Both medicine and one’s environment have impacts on your body. That also means they both can either positively or negatively affect your body. The proper choice, when it comes to health and wellness, comes down to the individual case. You have the power to choose- you don’t have to blindly follow anything or anyone. Rather, be curious, get involved, get second, third and even fourth opinions if needed. Ask questions. Then ask more questions. Then ask even more. Be curious. I can’t emphasize this enough!!!
Ask Yourself the Tough Questions
What do I feel comfortable with? Does this make sense to me? What changes am I willing to make? Are there financial implications? What will work best for me? What risks am I comfortable with? How long is this protocol? Is this a realistic approach? Can I sustain this protocol over time? What happens afterwards? What are the micro and macro views of your particular situation? The emotional impacts?
Notice there the question “should I choose holistic or traditional medicine?” is not in the lineup. Life isn’t black and white, especially when it comes to health and wellness. It’s OK to live in the different shades of grey, somewhere in between the black and white. You don’t have to choose between two methods. They are both available to you.
Let Go of Extremes to Avoid Burnout
Being extreme in anything often has negative impacts over time and is actually much more effort and less effective in the long run. Sure, there is a time and place to be extreme, but that shouldn’t be your norm- it won’t work. You can’t cleanse or workout your way into feeling better. Even tho those things do have net gains over time, they can equally have net losses when done mechanically without intention and awareness.
Wellness isn’t only about doing, checking your wellness activities off a list- there is A LOT more to it than that. Believe me. It’s not about how many 30 day juice cleanses you do, or 21 day challenges, how many detoxes you can squeeze in, or about never eating out. Just as 100 cycle classes won’t bring you magical weight loss results and there is no finite number of yoga classes with will “heal” you. More exercise isn’t always better and there is such a thing called orthorexia- orthorexia refers to an unhealthy obsession with eating “pure” food. I can’t tell you how many people I come across that are “healthy” when in actuality they have some sort of disordered eating going on. This in itself is a whole other topic that I won’t begin to touch on here… I’m simply trying to make a point. Being extreme lands you in extreme places with burnout as the major side effect. Slow and steady wins the race. Wellness is for the long haul, it’s marathon not a sprint. Avoid burnout and the yo-yo wellness lifestyle by remaining steady, not extreme.
Leave Space For Change and Growth
It’s hard work to be extreme. It’s stressful. It’s restrictive, rigid, and small minded even. It leaves no room for growth or expansion- or life for that matter. Shit happens and when it does it’s better to have options, to have an open mind, flexibility, and a little wiggle room. Think about it, doesn’t it feel better in your body when you realize you have options? Space? Wiggle room? That even if you thought this one way was the way, that you could in fact adapt, change your mind, or try something new? That just because today you felt one way today, that tomorrow you can’t feel a different way? You need the wiggle room. You need to be able to pivot, to change course, and to try new things - especially if your desired health result is not happening. Just because when you were 23 you enjoyed 5 mile runs, 4 days a week, it doesn’t mean that at 42 you still have to enjoy running 5 miles a day, 4 days a week. Maybe at 42 you don’t run at all.
You Don’t Have to Choose a Side or a Set Plan
Getting healthy is not a one way track and it’s not about choosing sides. You don’t get a medal for being the most holistic and there is no sense in knocking holistic practices because the science hasn’t proven it. Both East and West have those that promote total healing and a cure, but the reality is, is that healing isn’t that linear- at least not in the majority of cases. Your health and wellness plan is a living breathing thing. It’s got lots of twists and turns, ups and downs. The only way to navigate is to remain open with one goal in mind, to feel better. If you follow what makes you feel better, eventually, you will be better. It’s that simple. Take the time and do the work required to actually own your health and wellness. Focus on that- not the perfect protocol. A good wellness plan leaves space for your mind, body, and spirit to evolve organically while also steering it in the desired direction- hence why you need the flexible, not fixed, plan. The best plans have direction and focus while also remaining fluid and adaptable. Plans need to be able to respond to circumstance.
Variables
There are several variables that come into play when it comes to healing from sickness, injury, disease- another reason to avoid being set on one side or opinion.
It’s a very real fact that healthy food and holistic practices aren’t accessible to all, just as medications and medical treatment aren’t available to all either. I can assure you that there are examples of those wishing they had more access to holistic help just as there are those that wish they had basic medical care. And sometimes, no matter your philosophy, you can’t avoid having to use either approach depending on your situation- where you are, what’s going on, and what’s available. If you are in a third world country and contract a deadly virus, I’m sure you’d want the luxury of the modern medical system. Likewise, if the only options around you are holistic remedies and your body is screaming for help, I’m sure you’d be happy to try the holistic remedies available. It’s human nature to want to alleviate yourself from pain, suffering, and discomfort. It’s part of our basic human will to survive.
For this reason, and many more, it’s important that we all stay out of the judgement zone and leave other people’s healing to them. Eyes on your own page- unless it’s constructive, supportive, educational, or helpful in some way. Remember, just because something worked for me or Jane doesn’t mean that it will work for you.
Final Thoughts
Medications are 100% overused, abused, and misprescribed. Too many doctors aren’t taking the time to keep up with current research in health and wellness and even worse, they aren’t taking care of themselves. If your doctor isn’t healthy, the incentive for you - the patient - to be healthy is even less. And I can’t leave out the fact that just as there are “bad” doctors, there are “bad” holistic practitioners. And just as medications are over prescribed, so too are vitamins and supplements. There are many practitioners that put you on a slew of vitamins and supplements that make you feel worse, not better, with very little follow through and follow up.
Again, as leaders in health and wellness it is our responsibility to model the way. To be supportive and holistic in our thinking - meaning we have to think about all the sides, not just one side or even two sides. Most importantly as a leader in wellness you need to think creatively, critically, compassionately, with flexibility and the willingness to use all of your resources to find a solution for your client. Even if those resources mean you have to refer out. It’s not about you or about being right, it’s about helping people. If you can’t help, hopefully someone else can or the two of you together can find an even better solution. This is where the collaboration begins and the arguing against each other stops. It stops when you truly put the person first.
Healthy debate in a collaborative effort is very important, we need multiple sides to learn all the sides. But when the arguing trumps finding solutions and only lands in serving egos and bank accounts, it’s a problem. When it becomes about industry rather than the people, individuals, it’s a problem.
As you can see, this is a very complex issue and I’ve only just begun to scratch the surface. Listen when I say, don’t throw the baby out with the bath water. Don’t let go of the good while arguing the bad. Don’t put yourself in a box. Don’t let fear or stubbornness drive the wheel, it’ll end up biting you in the ass. I can say with great confidence that we are all lucky to have both options. And guess what?! It’s up to you what ratio, traditional versus holistic, that you choose to use. Nobody is shoving medication down your throat - you have the choice to choose what medications you want to take. It’s not only up to the doctors. You are the driver, remember? Stop blaming western medicine for everything and equally stop with the eastern medicine is bullshit, placebo. They both have pros and cons. It comes down to the user and the facilitator of the methods, not the methods themselves.
Last thought… If you keep doing things that make you feel like shit in a greater proportion than things that make you feel great, then you are most likely going to feel like shit most of the time. And this goes for both sides- if medication is just making you feel like shit and you don’t feel any said benefit, then maybe it’s not the right option for you. And if the holistic practice that your friend did that worked wonders for them isn’t working for you, stop. The measures you take should make you feel better over time, not the same or worse. If they aren’t working, do something about it. Take an active role in your health. Own it. Delegate for support, not solutions. You need to be the boss of your solutions. Not any person, place, thing, or experience can replace you.
Do I Currently Take Medication?
This is a long story that I’ll try to make short… When I was first diagnosed I only really knew Western medicine. I wasn’t at all familiar with Holistic and Eastern practices and had zero clue about a healthy diet.
After being diagnosed, which took about 4 months, I began a disease modifying drug, Avonex. At the time there were only 4 options, today there are over 20 options, I chose Avonex. This was a weekly injection into my muscle. It made me very sick for along time. Like I had the flu every week. It would take 2-3 days for me to recover. The severe side effects lasted about a year-ish. Eventually, my body learned to tolerate the medication better and the side effects were more like a low grade fever, 99, accompanied by body aches. This lasted about 24 hours a week, 1 day, for the next 7 years. I was on the medication for 8 years total. After 8 years, I felt well enough to try something new. I chose Gilenya. A once daily pill with no felt side effects. I took that medication for about 3 years. The last medication I tried was Ocrevus. I completed one full dose. Ocrevus is a 2 times a year therapy that also gave me little felt side effects.
In addition to the above medications, I also took a fuck ton of Ibuprofen, 400mg every 4 hours for the 24 hours I felt the side effects of the Avonex. So, once a week.
Additionally, after each of my episodes, 3 to be exact, I also took the recommended round of steroids. A week with an IV drip and then about 21 days with the pill for to slowly wean off.
They also offered me stronger pain medications, but those made me feel like actual dog shit, not better, so I didn’t really use them.
I was also given a medication for energy as the weekly Avonex made me feel tired. I took it once and felt like I was going to have a heart attack, my heart was beating so fast, and I never took it again.
Upon diagnosis they gave me Xanax to reduce my stress. I took it for about 2-3 weeks before feeling unpleasant side effects and dependency, so I stopped it. It was only helpful in that acute period, not for the long term. I had to find a different way to manage my stress.
About 5 years ago I stopped taking medication in order to get pregnant. I had considered it before, but the thought of not taking any medication felt a little scary to me. There was a high risk involved as MS causes disability, in some cases, permanent. I made lifestyle changes almost immediately after my diagnosis and currently still live a very healthy and balanced lifestyle. My discoveries along my path made me question whether or not I still in fact needed medication, but there was still doubt clouding my decision. I needed a reason to stop. I didn’t want to sound “reckless” to my family and friends. But I haven’t had a new episode in over 10+ years, I didn’t feel like I needed my medication anymore, and pregnancy was the push I needed to make the transition. It was scary when I did it. More scary than I thought it would be. I didn’t realize that despite my firm beliefs in my holistic ways, that I was also still be provided some sort of comfort, from my medication. It caught me off guard to be honest. Nonetheless, I remained off the medication and navigated my way through that initial discomfort and fear. Today, I am currently not on medication and feel very confident with my choice. With that said, I also live a very healthy lifestyle and practice what I preach.
I share this only as an example and to show that it hasn’t been just one thing for me. Along the above path I also did years of therapy, tons of work on my body, my emotional self, saw tons of doctors and alternative practitioners, tried all sorts of wellness modalities. I did all the wellness things and have come out the other side. I learned to utilize holistic practices as well as traditional medicine rather than consume them. I chose to own my path and in doing so, feel pretty damn good. I advocate for you to do the same.
To this day I have no idea how much or how little my medication helped, but it is a part of my story and even if the Avonex only had a 40% efficacy rate, 40% is higher than 0%. What I can say for certain, without a doubt, is that my lifestyle changes have been the most important piece of my healing. I would never stop my habits, those are sticking with me for life.
In the end, I am grateful for both world - East and West. They have saved my life and so many lives around me.
Final final thought… if you ever are faced with a tough decision when it comes to your health, weight out the options, make a choice, begin your healing, and know that you can always pivot along the way. Nothing is set in stone.