Awaken Your Healer Within

Posted byLisa at Micro of the MacroPosted inHealth & Well-BeingTags:, , , , , , , , ,
Reflections of Downtown Chicago
Our capacity for self-healing reflects our Divine origins

I have begun rereading The Healer Within: Using Traditional Chinese Techniques to Release Your Body’s Own Medicine by Roger Jahnke, Doctor of Chinese Medicine and the Director of the Institute of Integral Qigong and Tai Chi in Santa Barbara, California.  This book contains a wealth of information that really spoke to me.  Reading it the first time left me considering its teachings for months afterwards, until finally I bought it.  (You may remember me referencing Dr. Jahnke’s work in previous posts on favorite asanas and nudges for optimal function.)

The methods in the book, borrowed from Qigong, include gentle movement, self massage, deep relaxation, and conscious breathing.  The simple formula for self-healing is awakening the medicine within, the author writes, and one of the most effective ways to activate this formula is the regular practice of the four essential self-care methods.  (In addition to healthy eating & hydrating, I would add!)

Dr. Jahnke reports on research out of the New England Journal of Medicine stating that 8 out of every 9 deaths are preventable (meaning they occurred due to a preventable health condition.)  It has been shown that increasing physical activity a small amount has a powerful disease-reducing effect, he writes.  That applies to everyone, even those of us who are completely inactive.

Reflections at Yosemite National Park in California

The good doctor shares that thousands of people have learned these techniques, and many have experienced dramatic health improvements, often within two weeks’ time.  Commitment to a daily practice, albeit short and simple, is necessary, he says.

Now, on to the specifics.  All quotes below are from the book.

Method 1 is gentle movement.  Not to say that we should give up our regular exercise routines.  But in addition, or for those who are not really active, a few minutes of gentle fitness practice increases levels of healing internal resources that will not be gobbled up as fuel by hungry muscles.  Gentle movements help push water deep into our cells, increase oxygen and nutrient circulation, build strength, enhance balance, and accelerate propulsion of lymphatic fluid.

Method 2 is self-massage.  This, of course, is in addition to the benefit of a massage therapist if you are so inclined.  Daily self-massage, especially of the ears, hands, and feet, can aid sleep (I can confirm that!), hydration, & PMS symptoms, and address addictions.  This practice soothes the sympathetic aspect of the autonomic nervous system, which controls the function of the organs, resulting in the release of restorative neurotransmitters and the reduction of adrenaline.

Reflection from a shop window in Rome

Method 3 is deep relaxation, including meditation.  Research shows that many diseases can be caused or exacerbated by stress, and deep relaxation can resolve or neutralize the effects of stress on the body and heal disease.  This is accomplished by lowered brain wave activity, reduced blood pressure, dilated capillaries, and enhanced production of healing hormones.

The final method Dr. Jahnke shares is conscious breathing.  Inspiration (meaning to breathe in) is what we call the force that impels us forward into life with enthusiasm; it is the divine influence that brings forth creativity and vitality.  Breathing deeply in a calm fashion can also give us a sense of control. This practice pumps lymphatic fluid, causes neuropeptides to be released, increases endurance, and shifts the nervous system toward relaxation.

Rearview mirror reflection of the setting sun on Route 66 in Northern Arizona

The book provides a good number of examples, including illustrations, for each of the above techniques.  And if you’d like to experience a free Qigong practice that incorporates all 4 methods, check out this page on the website of The Institute of Integral Qigong and Tai Chi.

The human body contains an amazing internal pharmacy, if only we learn to activate it and keep it in good running order.  Dr. Roger Jahnke’s The Healer Within serves as an instruction manual, offering simple suggestions with profound effects.

Healing Blessings,

Lisa

The content of this article is for educational and informational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with a qualified health care professional before acting on any information presented herein. Any statements about the possible health benefits of any subject discussed have not been evaluated by medical professionals or the Food & Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or illness.

57 thoughts on “Awaken Your Healer Within”

  2. Another interesting read. I’m a big proponent of deep tissue massage, but guessing that isn’t what they are talking about (cuz. that hurts like hell ha). On a side note, thinking “8 out of every 9 deaths” are preventable.is really 8 our 9 deaths can be “delayed” – unfortunately we aren’t getting out of this existence alive.

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  4. Dear Lisa, this just confirms my own actions as I’ve been doing Qi Gong at home, for over a year now, and on finishing my morning routine (and sometimes afternoon as well) I always feel so alive and happy. Different 30 minute routines for increasing energy, healthy joints, also mindful movement. (I’m still following and reading your wonderful posts and this one is brilliant. Keep well and safe. I hope I will return to my own blog one day but not just yet). 💐🙋‍♂️

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    1. Ashley!! So nice of you to visit! Glad to hear this practice is part of your life. Thank you for your very kind words. Good to know you’re still reading my writings & that you’ll return to your blog at some point. Hope your creative juices are flowing for your other endeavors! 🌞

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  5. Such a great comprehensive write and sharing Lisa. I can’t agree more and that’s a great book.. thank you. I’m missed my daily practice but returning to some moves which is a blessing as are you. 💖💖🌻🙏🙏

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  10. Wonderful post, Lisa. I was not so kind to my body or mind for a long time. As you and I have discussed before, the power of meditation and breathing on the mind body system is prolific. I am also happy to see gentle exercise on this list. I’ve been practicing gentle exercise for about a year now and I find that it helps slow you down, to bring your conscious awareness to the benefits of moving and being slower. Important. Of course, massage is another practice I’ve added into my routine in the past year and the benefits are extraordinary. Wow! Lots to write. Wonderful post! Happy Sunday! ☺️

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  11. Thank you for this awesome post! I love the way you have presented this information in a way that we can implement it right away in our lives. It is thanks to you that I am drinking more water!!! Now, i am going to try some of these things too. it is a happy thing to think about. It does not have to be a hard thing…little changes to make over time. 🙂

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    1. Linda, hi! I’m happy you liked this one. Little changes can indeed make a big difference! I’m thrilled that you’re drinking more water! I enjoy hearing when my blog helps others to live healthier lives! Have a great week, my friend! 🌞

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  14. This is such an important message! Each of us have the power to heal ourselves. Myrtle Fillmore, the co-founder of the Unity movement, healed herself of TB after being told that she probably had only six months to live. She did this by talking to her body, the organs, tissues and cells, picturing them working perfectly, sending love to her organs and thanking them for their work. There are many ways to heal. I have been using massage on my abdomen to help with problems of constipation. Meditation has also helped me. Thank you, Lisa, for your message and all the information that you shared with us.

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  20. With the right information we all have the power to unlock our own healing powers within. The body has such an amazing healing ability on its own, especially coupled with everything you mentioned in the post ❤ Such a beautiful article. I hope more and more people awaken their own healing abilities. Thank you for this post and your insights on the book, def going on my must-read list 🙂

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