Healing
Powers:
These days, a visit to your ³shrink² is not what it used to
be. In the past, Americans tended to adopt the laizze
faire attitude when it came to mental illness, largely because we did not
understand the authenticity of these diseases. However, as our culture
has evolved, its people not only accept them, but are infatuated with curing
diseases. The most common form of treatment is medication, rather than
natural or alternative methods, which can be just as effective.
While the idea of treating a disease unconventionally might raise
eyebrows, alternative practices have, in fact, been existent for many
centuries. Today, society is recognizing the need for such practices, and they
are more readily accessible than they have been in a long while.
Aside from the traditional hospitalization treatments, field
experts have developed numerous other ways to heal. Among these are art
therapy, color therapy, music therapy, acupuncture, and herbal supplements. The
³doctors² of these practices are certified professionals who oftentimes are
experienced in both traditional therapies in addition to their specialization.
Although art therapy has been around for a long time, the term was
not coined until the 1940ıs, when it became accepted as a means of
psychological understanding.
According to The American Art Therapy Association, art therapy is
the therapeutic use of art making, within a professional relationship, by
people who experience illness, trauma, or challenges in living, and by people
who seek personal development.
Marian art and biology teacher Kris Sandall feels that art therapy
is a great way to treat patients. ³Itıs a big plus-especially in
geriatrics. Itıs a benefit to have in nursing homes, and it helps in
physical abuse cases to communicate their emotions,² she said.
Through creating art and reflecting on the art products and
processes, people can increase awareness of self and others; cope with
symptoms, stress, and traumatic experiences; enhance cognitive abilities; and
enjoy the life-affirming pleasures of making art.
Color has been used to heal since ancient times, when the Greeks
and Egyptians built healing temples of light and color. Color has also
played a central role in Chinese, Indian, and Hindu medicines.
Color therapy is described as the use of color in various ways to
promote health and healing, both physical and emotional. Color treatment ranges
from wearing colored clothing, eating colored foods, or contemplating certain
colors, to being massaged with color-saturated oils or being exposed to colored
lights.
It is theorized that colors are tied to key concepts.
Yellow, for example, is associated with mental activity, intellectual power and
ability, and awakening. Specifically, yellow awakens an enthusiasm for life and
is effective in treating digestive problems.
Amidst the other therapies out there, a simple solution from your
very own stereo could do the trick. Everyone can try this trendy
therapy, from pregnant mothers to people with Alzheimerıs disease.
Music therapy follows the belief that prescribed use of music by a
qualified doctor promotes positive change in the psychological, physical,
cognitive and/or social functioning of individuals in need of treatment.
Music therapy has evolved since the early 20th century.
After World War I and World War II, collections of musicians went to Veteranıs
hospitals around the nation to perform for the thousands of veterans suffering
trauma from the past wars. Doctors observed their physical and emotional
responses after several sessions and received encouraging results: positive
responses from the patients. Medical personnel requested the hiring of
musicians at hospitals, a practice which has consistently offered positive
results.
Professionals perform music therapy by assessing emotional
wellbeing, and also through music sessions, song writing, lyric discussion, and
imagery.
Acupuncture has also gained fame over the years. Having originated
over 8000 years ago, this Taoist-based form of therapy stresses balance, which
is best illustrated by the yin-yang, a Chinese symbol. Acupuncture is
executed by inserting needles into particular parts of the body to prevent or
modify the perception of pain. It also has been found to strengthen the
immune system, promote good health, and be effective in fighting migraines.
If these still are not doing it for you, herbal supplements have a
long history of positive treatment. From aloe vera to olive leaf, many plants and herbs in
both pill and natural form- have proven to heal our ailments. For
example, ginger root acts directly on the stomach and liver to reduce nausea
and vomiting.
While intent to live healthily is commendable, how one takes
action is critical; nutritionists say to make sure all of your herbal
supplements are natural, or else you may be doing more harm than good.
Overall, the most important things are to listen to your body and
to treat it with respect. With the right knowledge and a little effort
(doing your research), healing can happen in many shapes and forms. So
before youreach for another pill, ask yourself, how else might I feel better?
In the words of
French writer Nicolas-Sebastien Chamfort, "If taking vitamins doesn't keep
you healthy enough, try more laughter: The most wasted of all days is that on
which one has not laughed." And in the words of Mother Teresa, ³The most
important medicine is tender love and care.²