I suggest four branches of healing techniques: medicine, body work, psychotherapies and methods of spiritual integration. Each of these is divided to show individual paths that represent many more, but there are limitations to this diagram as it is two dimensional, suggesting that the relationships of the tools of self-healing are linear. This could not be further from the truth, for the actual relationships are complex and numerous, creating a rich diversity. It is best to view this diagram as part of a three-dimensional web, creating a geodesic pattern of healing possibilities. An example would be an approach based upon herbs, massage, psychosynthesis and meditation. This combination might offer the person involved exactly what they need to facilitate self-healing. However, it may be that homeopathy by itself is appropriate. The combinations offer great subtlety and diversity of approach.
Medicine
The word ‘medicine’ here is used to describe anything that is taken—anything that is a gift from the Earth. At first sight it might seem strange that drugs are in the same group with herbs and homeopathy. They are all things, and as such, they are part of the diversity and richness of our planet. Whether it be hydrocortisone, False Unicorn Root, or a Bach Flower Remedy, all are produced from the body of the Earth. It would be a mistake to judge one against another. All have their place. What is needed is clear discrimination as to the appropriate treatment for each unique individual. There is nothing universally bad about chemotherapy or universally good about herbs. Let us be thankful for the choice.
Body work
The physical body has a deep wisdom, far outstretching the mind’s ability to conceive of it. A whole range of ways for freeing this wisdom and releasing the healing activity of the body have been developed. Perhaps the most limited and primitive method is surgical manipulation. But then there are times when all that can be done is to remove diseased tissue. This is necessary far less often than our surgeons believe, but it is still a valid and occasionally appropriate form of body work. Acupuncture, the ancient Chinese therapy of balancing body energy, is a most useful way of working with the body. In addition to these two very different types of body work we can include the manipulative techniques of physiotherapy, osteopathy, chiropractic, massage and Rolfing. Added to these things done to us are those we ourselves do. This would include Yoga, jogging, dance and all forms of physical exercise and expression.
Psychotherapies
Much of the pain and trauma that we experience in our lives is the result of emotional and mental problems. There are a range of therapies that help us move towards an inner knowing and an integrative realignment of our psychological selves. It is not just the emotionally traumatised or mentally confused person that benefits from an exploration and healing of the recesses of our emotional and mental nature. There is much that can be learnt by the ordinary individual to promote wholeness. Liberating the potential of a person can holistically transform them, which in turn affects their whole world. Reviewing belief systems, self image, patterns of behaviour and deep-seated drives or motivations within a clear context can liberate great reserves of healing energy and affirm an individual’s life and purpose.
Within the range of therapies there may be differing views of a human being’s psychic make-up that focus upon different parts of our ‘inner geography’. But they can all aid in the release of mental and emotional blocks. Approaches range from traditional psychoanalysis to the humanistic therapies and those called transpersonal, which recognise and work with the spiritual dimension as well as other aspects of our being.
Spiritual integration
Inherent in the holistic view of humanity is the perception of an integrating centre, a spiritual core, a source of life and love. Healing can be brought about by integrating the experiences of daily existence with the inner core of our lives. There are many varieties of spiritual paths. The paths to God are as numerous as the people going there. In approaching human spirituality from the angle of healing, there are ways in which we can open to our higher selves, and ways in which others can affect our ‘spiritual bodies’. One approach would be prayer or a variety of meditation, and another spiritual healing or the techniques that work with what has been called the ‘subtle body’. A factor that must not be overlooked is the possibility of miracles, a profound form of healing, and perhaps the only time that healing is done for a person and then it is only done by the spirit.
In all this we can see how the inner process of healing can be helped by a multiplicity of approaches. Many are the ways to free up and liberate the body’s innate powers of wholeness and regeneration. However, no matter how sincere the attempts at healing, if we don’t also look at our lifestyle and way of being in the world to see what changes are indicated—the healing won’t really work.
An important first step in the process of healing is the removing of value judgements. Being ill is not ‘bad’ and being well is not ‘good’. This is not to deny that one is more preferable and appropriate, but the rigidity and pressure contained within any judgement of good and bad will itself contribute to the disease. Illness may often be an opportunity created within one’s life to change and transform, and seen this way, it may be approached with less resistance and disapproval. There are times when the problem is an opportunity to use strong will and fight the illness, and times to be still and at peace with the process. It is impossible to generalise as to the way of approaching the lesson offered. To judge it—and yourself—is a mistake.
It is worth remembering that we are what we eat, but also what we breathe, what we think, what we say, what we see. So whilst all of what has been said concerns our inner lives, the interaction with the environment we choose to live in is just as important. The important word here is choose. We can choose to change. We are powerful and free in our lives. If we cannot change the outer situation then we can change our attitude to it.
The belief system through which we interpret the world colours our experience of both the world and ourselves. Beliefs can limit our expression and the clear flow of energy and consciousness through us. It is good to examine our beliefs to see if they support our life and purpose. In tandem with this goes self-image. The way we see ourselves, our gifts and limitations, needs and strengths, physical appearance and health, will largely create us. Self-image can have a profound impact on health, as skin and weight problems demonstrate, although other factors may be involved too.
If our relationships are not healthy, we won’t be. We can create relationships that affirm us, that reinforce our movement towards health and wholeness. Consciously choose the people with whom you share your life and work. Do your home, work place and recreational space reflect to you joy and positivity? If not, then change it or yourself. This may be very difficult, but then that is what healing is about, transforming ourselves and our world.
The most important relationship of all is possibly the one we have with nature and the Planet. Well-being is dependent upon our interaction with Gaia, and wholeness can be expressed through a conscious interplay with the greater whole of which humanity is part. The spirit of life can freely flow from nature to humanity when given the opportunity. A mutuality of life is then created, the context within which all healthy relationships are built. This experience of nature may be climbing mountains or sitting under a tree. The form is not important. The openness to a communion with nature is.
What about the books we read, the films and television we watch, the billboards we see, the politics we support? Is the music we listen to good for our health? Are your friends good for you? These are all relevant questions, none of which have assumed answers. Healthy music is that which helps you to experience your wholeness. For some people this may be Bach whilst for
