In keeping with my last blog, I will continue on the path of our bodies from a different angle. How our lifestyle choices directly affect our body. This is something I experience in my practice all the time so I got very excited when I read Lissa Rankine’s book, “Mind over Medicine “, as she brings scientific proof to this very concept. Here is an excerpt from her book:

“My theory – that the lifestyle choices you make can result in physiological changes in the body – extended to the people you interact with in your personal and professional life, how much creative freedom you experience, how spiritually connected you feel, your relationship with money, and how happy you are. People who make happy, healthy life choices, such as finding a loving, supportive life partner, having close relationships with friends and family, and engaging in work they love, lead lives full of positivity, which optimize the relaxation response, counteract the stress response, and lead to better health.

We all know that stress is bad for us in a vague, what–do-you-expect-me-to-do-about-it sort of way. But after my initial research, I now understood the clear link between the stress the mind experiences and the way the body breaks down. I observed how emotional stressors like loneliness, frustration at work, anger about a past trauma, money worries, and fear could result in illness.

It’s not enough to focus solely on the body without taking into account the health of the mind. Promoting health of the body without encouraging health of the mind is an exercise in futility. Not until we realize our bodies are mirrors of our interpersonal, spiritual, professional, sexual, creative, financial, environmental, mental and emotional health will we truly heal. In fact, the scientific data suggests that, at least in some instances, the health of the mind is equally, if not more, important to the health of the body. The body doesn’t fuel how we live our lives. Instead, it is a mirror of how we live our lives. The body is a reflection of the sum of our life experiences.”

One of the biggest categories that Lissa is recognizing in the world right now are people that are not technically classified as Sick People or Well People. We are familiar with this concept. Those of us who are not technically labeled Sick by professionals because blood tests are in the normal range, vital signs are stable yet we don’t feel vital. There can be a feeling of constant fatigue, depression, anxiousness, restless nights’ sleep, decreased libido, weight gain, muscle and joint aches and pains, digestive issues, headaches, chest tightness and dizziness.

This is where the physiology of emotions come into play. This is the realm that I work in with my clients. Together, we learn how to decipher the messages of the body and what changes are required in how we live our life in order to bring vitality back.

Here is a testimonial from a client after having a few sessions with me that demonstrates this point:

“Wanted to say thank you SOOO much for yesterday’s session. You have such beautiful energy and a lovely way about you. And I loved the healing space you have created. I had been feeling quite down lately and experiencing stress and anxiety (chest and stomach pains and shortness of breath from the extent of worry). Well, as I drove home, I noticed that these physical symptoms were no longer there. No pain, and I could breathe ‘normally’, not hyperventilating. I had such a great sense of peace too. I still feel the same way today and it’s wonderful, and I feel stronger and better able to deal with things. Also, I slept so well feeling very rested in the morning.”

Do you have examples of this link between your lifestyle and how your body feels? I would love to hear about it. You can connect with me via email or telephone, leave a comment right here on the site, or click the ‘contact tab at bottom of the screen if you are reading this post on the website.

Until next time,

Karen