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Having moved back to BC while experiencing a resurgence of health challenges, I am taking advantage of some free time to focus on wellness. My acupuncturist's advice regarding autoimmune conditions struck a cord, and while I do plan to seek some form of professional assistance, I have started by doing some work on my own with a book called The Immune System Recovery Plan, along with the Anti-Inflammatory Eating cookbook, and a guided meditation by Dr. Joe Dispenza on Gaia (based on his work You are the Placebo).
The recipes and advice in both books have been great so far, only a little bit different from the Body Ecology Diet that I typically turn to, and offer hope to anyone struggling with illnesses including lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease and more. The link between my digestive problems and other health issues has become increasingly obvious in my own life, and unfortunately over time my reactions to food only seem to have increased. The Immune System Recovery Plan helps to make sense of it all, with step-by-step instructions on how to proceed from here, including specific food and supplements to include, and what to avoid.
With Dr. Joe, I am working on long-held limiting beliefs around health and money (you can choose your own areas to focus on).
I will be honest with you: I am kind of a hard nut to crack. My health issues have been ongoing for more than 20 years, and that includes pain and digestive problems as well as mental health struggles with anxiety and depression - lots of stress, negative thinking and old patterns to overcome. Truly mind-body-spirit stuff. Since my 30's, a fondness for alcohol has also developed which helps me cope with current stressors, but anyone can figure out that a chronic drinking habit is going to do long-term harm (and what effect does it have on a spiritual level? I also came across an interesting article on that topic). Until now I was reluctant to give it up, but choosing to do so in solidarity with my BF who is quitting smoking has helped. I also chose a few herbal teas and Bach flower remedies to support the changes I want to make (and you know, the feeling of taking a magic potion) ;)
I have also finally invested in some earthing supplies (a long-time item on my to-do list)! Earthing (or grounding) is another alternative approach to dealing with inflammation in the body and is quite fascinating. Naturally, my first reaction to sleeping on the grounding sheet was to feel worse! Somehow it managed to zero in on the areas where I have arthritis and cause quite an ache! However the full-length book that came with my kit mentions this as an occasional reaction in people with chronic illness. Since the first night things have calmed down and there have been a few mornings where I woke up much earlier than usual on my own - a promising sign.
In all, I have not yet experienced dramatic improvements after the first two weeks on my new program, however, it seems reasonable that long-term issues take a bit of time to resolve. My headaches - though initially worse as well - seem to have decreased somewhat at least. My swollen glands have days where they seem to be getting better. And as usual, when I get inspired to make changes I implement too many things at once (not scientific!) which probably throws a person for a loop :) I accept this about myself and just do my best.
Cutting out bread products (again) has been hard too, but thankfully the variety of gluten-free foods has exploded in recent years, and substitutes are encouraged in order to avoid feeling deprived! The diet is quite varied, and I have had a couple of extra-large grocery bills as I stock up on all the vegetables, beans and nuts required but if you factor in the savings on alcohol it helps a bit. Let the adventures continue!
The recipes and advice in both books have been great so far, only a little bit different from the Body Ecology Diet that I typically turn to, and offer hope to anyone struggling with illnesses including lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease and more. The link between my digestive problems and other health issues has become increasingly obvious in my own life, and unfortunately over time my reactions to food only seem to have increased. The Immune System Recovery Plan helps to make sense of it all, with step-by-step instructions on how to proceed from here, including specific food and supplements to include, and what to avoid.
With Dr. Joe, I am working on long-held limiting beliefs around health and money (you can choose your own areas to focus on).
I will be honest with you: I am kind of a hard nut to crack. My health issues have been ongoing for more than 20 years, and that includes pain and digestive problems as well as mental health struggles with anxiety and depression - lots of stress, negative thinking and old patterns to overcome. Truly mind-body-spirit stuff. Since my 30's, a fondness for alcohol has also developed which helps me cope with current stressors, but anyone can figure out that a chronic drinking habit is going to do long-term harm (and what effect does it have on a spiritual level? I also came across an interesting article on that topic). Until now I was reluctant to give it up, but choosing to do so in solidarity with my BF who is quitting smoking has helped. I also chose a few herbal teas and Bach flower remedies to support the changes I want to make (and you know, the feeling of taking a magic potion) ;)
I have also finally invested in some earthing supplies (a long-time item on my to-do list)! Earthing (or grounding) is another alternative approach to dealing with inflammation in the body and is quite fascinating. Naturally, my first reaction to sleeping on the grounding sheet was to feel worse! Somehow it managed to zero in on the areas where I have arthritis and cause quite an ache! However the full-length book that came with my kit mentions this as an occasional reaction in people with chronic illness. Since the first night things have calmed down and there have been a few mornings where I woke up much earlier than usual on my own - a promising sign.
In all, I have not yet experienced dramatic improvements after the first two weeks on my new program, however, it seems reasonable that long-term issues take a bit of time to resolve. My headaches - though initially worse as well - seem to have decreased somewhat at least. My swollen glands have days where they seem to be getting better. And as usual, when I get inspired to make changes I implement too many things at once (not scientific!) which probably throws a person for a loop :) I accept this about myself and just do my best.
Cutting out bread products (again) has been hard too, but thankfully the variety of gluten-free foods has exploded in recent years, and substitutes are encouraged in order to avoid feeling deprived! The diet is quite varied, and I have had a couple of extra-large grocery bills as I stock up on all the vegetables, beans and nuts required but if you factor in the savings on alcohol it helps a bit. Let the adventures continue!
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