Autoimmune diseases impact millions globally, leading to a reduced quality of life and a persistent struggle with chronic symptoms. While traditional medicine can offer relief, many individuals are turning to alternative therapies to complement their healing journeys. This blog post explores how shamanic healing, root cause therapy, and natural health consulting can enhance wellness for those with autoimmune conditions. Additionally, we'll share actionable self-help tips from Josephine Sheppard, a Contemporary Shamanic Practitioner and Natural Health Consultant.
Understanding Autoimmune Health and Wellness
Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly targets the body’s tissues. Conditions like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and multiple sclerosis can manifest through symptoms such as chronic fatigue, inflammation, and pain. Studies show that around 50 million Americans suffer from autoimmune diseases, highlighting the urgency for effective treatment and coping strategies.
People are increasingly seeking alternative therapies that view the individual as a whole rather than focusing solely on isolated symptoms. Research indicates that addressing root causes rather than symptoms can improve health outcomes. By approaching health holistically, individuals often report improvements in both their symptoms and overall well-being.
The Role of Shamanic Practices and Healing in Autoimmune Wellness
Shamanic healing is an ancient practice where individuals connect with spiritual guides to promote healing and transformation. Practitioners believe that mental, emotional, and physical aspects of life are interconnected. This shows up in our modern society in science and holistic or functional medicine and biopsychology when we understand the mind-body connection and modalities of somatic therapy or movement, internal family systems (IFS), EFT (emotional freedom technique), herbology, etc. Techniques through Shamanic healing such as drumming, inner journeying (visualization), and using sacred plants guide individuals to discover their inner resources, unlocking their healing potential.
Shamanic healing can positively affect autoimmune health in several ways. For example, many individuals find relief from conditions exacerbated by emotional traumas, including symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, depression, and Complex (chronic) PTSD. Research has shown that 40% of chronic illness sufferers believe stress plays a role in their conditions. Shamanic journeying can offer insights into unresolved emotional issues, providing a pathway for healing.
Moreover, community connection is often emphasized in shamanic practices. Participating in rituals can foster a sense of belonging and support, vital for emotional well-being. Studies have revealed that social connections can enhance immune function and overall health, providing an additional layer to the healing process.
Root Cause Therapy: A Deeper Approach
Root cause therapy aims to identify and address the underlying factors that contribute to illness. This contrasts with conventional medicine, which often prioritizes symptom management. In autoimmune wellness, root cause therapy can be particularly significant, as common triggers include food sensitivities, gut health issues, environmental toxins, and psychological stress.
For instance, a study found that up to 70% of autoimmune patients may have food sensitivities, suggesting a direct link between diet and symptom management. By recognizing these factors, practitioners can craft personalized healing plans that support long-term wellness. Tailoring approaches to address individuals' unique triggers can make a tangible difference in their health journeys.
The connection between mind and body is especially pronounced in autoimmune diseases. Stress can amplify symptoms while achieving emotional balance can foster recovery. When paired with shamanic practices, root cause therapy can provide powerful insights and strategies for individuals seeking lasting relief. Particularly because the intention behind the shamanic practices is focused on going to the "cause" or "root" of a challenge to return the whole system (mind, body, spirit) into homeostasis, and not just treating a symptom.
Natural Health Consulting: A Holistic Perspective
Natural health consulting complements shamanic healing and root cause therapy by providing personalized guidance on nutrition, lifestyle changes, and alternative remedies. Practitioners analyze individual health histories to create tailored wellness plans that optimize overall health.
For those with autoimmune diseases, a holistic approach can lead to significant improvements. A balanced diet rich in whole foods—such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains—can provide essential nutrients. Incorporating anti-inflammatory foods, like turmeric and omega-3 fatty acids, can significantly reduce inflammation levels, which is crucial for managing autoimmune conditions.
Natural health consulting also emphasizes self-care and mindfulness practices. Research shows that regular mindfulness practices can reduce stress by up to 30 percent. Incorporating daily habits that foster emotional wellness can greatly enhance physical health outcomes.
Five Self-Help Tips for Autoimmune Wellness
Josephine Sheppard, a Contemporary-style Shamanic Practitioner, and Natural Health Consultant shares five practical self-help tips to support individuals on their path to better health:
1. Incorporate Mindfulness, Meditation, and sound therapy
Meditation and mindfulness can help with autoimmune disorders by reducing stress and regulating the immune response. Chronic stress is a common trigger for autoimmune diseases, and meditation can help reduce it. Mindfulness breathing and positive affirmations can help lower cortisol levels and alleviate anxiety.
It can help calm the mind and regulate the immune response, which may reduce the severity of autoimmune symptoms. Meditation can also reduce proinflammatory processes and increase cell-mediated defense parameters.
Meditation techniques can help people develop a greater sense of awareness and acceptance of physical sensations, including pain. It can also change the structure and function of brain areas associated with attention, perception, and emotional regulation.
Mindfulness practices can significantly enhance body awareness and emotional regulation. Dedicate just 5 to 20 minutes a day, consistently, to meditation to help reduce stress, improve mental clarity, and support immune function.
"Sound therapy has gained attention for its potential impact on autoimmune disorders, including Hashimoto’s disease. While the exact mechanisms are still being understood, preliminary research has shown that certain sound frequencies may regulate immune functions, potentially calming the overactive immune response in autoimmune conditions.
Sound frequency healing, including binaural beats and specific frequencies, has been suggested as a potential method to help improve autoimmune diseases. Some sources claim that specific frequencies may help relieve autoimmune diseases. Additionally, brainwave entrainment, a form of meditation using rhythmic sensory stimuli, is recognized as a relaxation method to decrease the stress and inflammation associated with autoimmune diseases." - Excerpt from the Paloma Health article regarding sound frequency healing. (Follow the hyperlink to view the entire article on their website.)
[Shamanic] drumming brings your biorhythms into sync. From your heart to your brain, major organs and systems fall into a pattern of entrainment where rhythms are aligned. This helps your systems to function optimally, which means that you are functioning optimally. Boosted immune system and more positive emotions.
2. Connect with Nature and the higher power of your understanding
Spending time outdoors can dramatically boost well-being. Nature provides a soothing environment that can alleviate stress. Try to walk in green spaces several times a week or engage in community gardening to enhance feelings of connection and peace.
Scientifically speaking, trees and plants release airborne chemicals called Phytoncides to protect themselves from disease. The Phytoncides have antibacterial and antifungal properties that, when inhaled by humans, boost our immune system.
Reliance on the divine (a higher power of one's understanding) may reduce anxiety and stress, which in turn puts the body in a good position for healing. Stress increases the cortisol levels in the body and delays healing. Typically, people who practice their belief systems are a part of a community of varying sorts. Having support during a difficult time is conducive to one's well-being.
3. Nourish Your Body with Wholesome, nutritionally dense Foods
Focus on a diet rich in whole foods, including fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains. Incorporating anti-inflammatory foods like turmeric, garlic, and fatty fish can help combat inflammation, which is critical for those with autoimmune conditions. High protein, and significant reduction of processed white sugar, is an important part of the healing and maintenance process.
Common factors in the various lifestyle dietary changes to support autoimmune wellness are consuming foods that are as natural as possible, fresh, and applicable to the season. This includes but is not limited to greatly reducing or eliminating most processed foods, especially white sugar (all forms), and gluten (for some), increasing fermented foods in the diet regularly, and increasing the protein intake (regardless of whether in animal or plant-based form). You can find out more about the various autoimmune supporting diets by viewing the article on Health's website about autoimmune disease diets. (Follow the hyperlink to view the entire article on their website.)
4. move regularly through exercise and somatic movement
Somatic movement can be beneficial for people with autoimmune disorders because it can help with pain, stress, and mobility. It can help relieve pain and muscular tension caused by autoimmune diseases. Moving regularly can help reduce the stress related to autoimmune challenges and improve one's mobility. Somatic movement can help create a more balanced nervous system, which can help people deal with illness or persistent pain.
Somatic movement can be combined with other practices, such as yoga or Pilates, to help people get to better health. When starting somatic movement, it's important to start slowly and work within your comfort zone. Even beneficial practices can cause discomfort, soreness, or fatigue at first.
5. Seek Community, connection, and Support
A critical area of health goes completely neglected, and often suffers: our relationships. Science has even clearly noted that when we are in thriving, connected relationships, not exclusive to romantic relationships, our bodies release oxytocin and promote healing. And of course, the reverse is true; high tension and disconnected relationships create anger and anxiety, exacerbating our body’s stress response, which in turn prevents healing.
The impacts of stress on our autonomic nervous system and the challenges this can pose for healing are drastically underrated. Having an autoimmune disease is in itself a stressor. Too often we approach our health single-mindedly on symptoms, laying out extensive battle plans to get our food, diet, supplements, and exercise on track. Like military generals, we endlessly strategize over which tactics will work and what attack we might pursue. In the meantime, a critical area of health is completely neglected, and often suffers - our relationships.
Building a support network is vital for emotional health. Engaging with support groups, family, or friends who understand your experiences can provide the encouragement and validation needed during your healing journey.
The Importance of a Holistic Approach
In the quest for autoimmune wellness, adopting a holistic perspective that intertwines body, mind, and spirit is essential. Shamanic healing, root cause therapy, and implementing the tools of self-care regarding diet, nutrition, and exercise with natural health consulting each offer valuable tools that can shape a comprehensive healing strategy. These combined approaches can also support you in identifying and improving your community connections and relationships that nurture you, as you nurture them.
By exploring these practices, individuals often uncover profound insights about themselves and their health. The integration of spiritual, emotional, and physical healing can lead to transformative results, not only alleviating symptoms but also fostering a deeper connection to oneself and the world around. Taking a holistic approach matters because we are the mind, body, and spirit combined - not just one or the other. All aspects - parts of oneself, must work together for our health and wellness in all aspects.
Embracing Your Healing Journey
The self-help tips offer a solid foundation for anyone seeking to enhance their autoimmune health journey. By embracing mindfulness, nourishing the body, connecting with nature, and building community, individuals can unlock their inner resources and embark on a path toward lasting wellness.
As you navigate these healing practices, remember that you are not alone on your journey. Resources and communities are available to support you every step of the way. Trust in your inner power and begin your transformative journey today!
--------
We appreciate your taking the time to read this blog article. Did you find it insightful, helpful, or valuable in some way? Please offer a form of gratuity, here. Thank you!
Commenti