How Stress, Energy and the Subtle Body Can All Play a Role in Your Healing

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I’m very excited that as Tasty Yummies evolves in 2016 and a brand new website is on the horizon, to be bringing you more content, beyond food, to support your individual healing journeys. I hope you enjoy.

How Stress, Energy and the Subtle Body Can All Play a Role in Your Healing

How Stress, Energy and the Subtle Body Can All Play a Role in Your Healing

Over this past year my ongoing healing journey has taken on many different faces and the path has very much evolved along the way. I have shared bits and pieces here on the blog, but so much of this past year was so up in the air and very changing, that most of the time this was something I chose to keep to myself.

Having been diagnosed with an autoimmune form of kidney disease late in 2014, my main goal in 2015 was to figure out what I needed to do to get this disease into remission. At the start of the journey, the biggest struggle for me to overcome, was the fact that I seemed to have no real outward or debilitating symptoms of the kidney disease, it was only discovered through a routine life insurance physical the year prior. However, after a brief time where my fear got the better of me and went the western medical route, including several rounds of varying pharmaceuticals, slowly this symptom-free girl found herself with a lot more issues. In turn, I had also found myself overcome by fear and feelings of helplessness.

As my state of mind shifted, so did my health. I began seeing a naturopathic doctor in January 2015 and we began the slow and arduous process of healing my body, first by approaching what could be (and for most people usually is) the underlying problem, my digestion. After the several rounds of prescriptions drugs for my kidneys, my gut was quite unhappy and the rest of my body also began suffering because of it. My naturopathic doctor suspected leaky gut, among other possibilities and this began the shift in my focus towards gut healing.

I spent the better part of the year trying out various protocols, elimination diets, supplements and so on. There were periods of great relief where I had felt better than I had in a very long time, as well as many stretches where I felt terrible, my body likely responding as it does, to the healing process. In the times of struggle it was hard for me to keep a positive mind. When I felt like I was doing absolutely everything I could, life began feeling limited because of the various protocols and plans I had committed to and my healing became, at times, at the center of my consciousness – my life truly felt like it was in a holding pattern because of it. I began to identify as someone being imperfect and I put things, goals, on hold until I “felt better”. It is inevitable that I hit my breaking point in the later part of last year.

STRESS

For me, the true realization that my healing goes beyond physical, began as I chose to honor myself more deeply and recognize unhealthy habits, that I was inadvertently choosing to ignore. My amazing naturopathic doctor often asked at the start of my appointments what my stress levels were and most times I exclaimed “Oh, me? I have no stress, I am good! Life is great”. I have news for you, just because you are positive person, if you choose not to acknowledge or dwell on stress or emotional distress, this doesn’t mean that it isn’t there doing harm, deep in the darkest depths of your soul. It’s there wreaking havoc, I can almost promise you. Ironically, the realization came for me during one of my school lessons in the Nutritional Therapy Program I am currently enrolled in. As we covered the digestion module, we talked at length about the need for our bodies to be in a parasympathetic state when eating. Our digestion works best when we are in a rest and restore/digest state vs the very common sympathetic fight or flight mode.

I realized how often I was actually eating meals under stress. While cleaning up the kitchen from a long day of recipe development, while reading, watching TV or standing over the kitchen counter cooking another recipe or some other unnecessary task that had my mind preoccupied. In doing so, my body wasn’t truly acknowledging, honoring or respecting the fuel I was feeding it. Even on a physical level, you chew less and quicker, swallowing larger bites and giving your digestion even more work. This for me, was step one in realizing that healing my body required so much more than taking a few supplements and changing my diet. Any healing protocol needs to be multi-layered approach, to be effective.

Just in this single realization alone, honoring the body’s need to be in a more relaxed state for proper function, I saw instant results in my digestion and I also began to acknowledge other areas of my life I was holding onto stress and other stagnant emotions. I am not saying this solved my underlying problems or cured me for good, but it was a small first step in a large overall problem and I was happy to see that a small change, could make such a large improvement. Stress can manifest itself in many different ways for all of us, but recognizing it’s presence, acknowledging the source and taking steps to lessen it, are vital in the healing journey.

How Stress, Energy and the Subtle Body Can All Play a Role in Your Healing

ENERGY and THE SUBTLE BODY

As a yoga teacher, I was already very aware the roles that the subtle body plays in our health and vitality. Yoga, meditation, exercise, these have all played a big role over the years, in my choice for a more mindful lifestyle. All bringing a deeper awareness of the flow of subtle energies in and around the body, I have always honored the role that these subtle energies play into my health and vitality. If we can look to our life force energy as a source for our overall balance, health or ease, then we can assume it’s lack is the cause of imbalance, illness or dis-ease.

The need for our life force energy to flow freely throughout our body to maintain our health, has been studied by scientists and health care practitioners alike, for many years. Our body is composed not only of physical elements such as muscles, bones, nerves, arteries, organs, glands, etc.; it also has a subtle energy system through which ‘life force energy’ flows. This subtle energy system is composed of energy ‘bodies’ which surround our physical body and assist us in processing our thoughts and emotions. The energy bodies have energy centers called chakras, which work somewhat like valves that allow life force to circulate through the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual bodies. We also have energy meridians and nadas. These are like rivers, or streams which carry our life force energy throughout our physical body, to nourish us and assist in balancing our body’s systems and functions.[1]

Our physical body thrives because of this ‘life force energy’ flowing through it. If we are deficient or blocked, our physical or emotional body is left imbalanced and we are more likely to encounter illness and disease. If our life energy is more free flowing and abundant, it is much more possible for us to experience good health and a vibrant well-being. Going back full circle, this brings back in our old friend, stress. Stress can be a huge factor in weakening the flow of our ‘life force energy’. Often stress comes in the form of thoughts and feelings that we are holding onto and attaching our identity to. Fear, anxiety, worry, anger, sadness, etc. With this holding on, we are also gravely affecting our body’s ability to heal and protect itself.

How Stress, Energy and the Subtle Body Can All Play a Role in Your Healing

ENERGETIC HEALING

More than halfway through this year long journey I have been on, to heal my gut and consequently, I hope, the kidney disease, I met Brook Albrigo, a shamanic reiki healer. While I am aware that I am far more open to this form of healing than your average person, I have also been exposed to versions of this practice that sadly left me both skeptical and truthfully, a little off-put.

On first meeting however, I knew that our paths were meant to cross and that Brook would play an integral role in my healing journey. Brook brings the most gentle healing energy that feels like a warm embrace, as soon as you are in her presence. After attending her New Moon and Full Moon sound healing ceremonies, I have been working with Brook for one-on-one Reiki sessions, regularly, as part of my healing and have seen great results and so much change in my health. It’s as if the last bit of progress towards healing, that I was struggling with, has finally been released and new pathways have been opened.

Reiki is a spiritual healing art with its roots in Japanese origin. The word Reiki comes from the Japanese word (Rei) which means “Universal” and (Ki) which means “Life Energy”. So Reiki essentially means ‘guided life force energy.’ Reiki takes our hands-on-healing instinct and moves it a step further by opening a channel in the Reiki practitioner where life-force energy can move through their hands and reconnect to the recipient. The Reiki energy knows where to go and balances on every level. There is no religion or belief system required to experience the benefits of Reiki — and they truly are limitless, since it operates on every level of well-being.

Reiki restores energy balance and vitality by relieving the physical and emotional effects of unreleased stress, taking the load off of our immune system so it can keep us healthy and help us to heal quicker. It gently and effectively opens blocked meridians, nadas and chakras, and clears the energy bodies, leaving one feeling relaxed and at peace.

Reiki is not a cure for disease, however it is an incredible tool for relaxation and stress relief and it may also assist the body in creating an environment to facilitate healing.

The purpose of my post, like most of my what you will hear me speak of when it comes to health and healing, isn’t to push you to Reiki or any other particular healing modality, plan or protocol, rather I share my experiences as a means to encourage you to expand your awareness and your ideas surrounding your healing. To give yourself the space to sit in silence and honor what it is your body is truly asking for, rather than getting stuck on what works for others. Understand if you have struggled still while doing “everything right”, eating right, taking all the supplements, etc, to find good health, your vitality – consider digging a little deeper. Explore alternative therapies and consider supporting the subtle body and your vital ‘life force energy’. There is more to healing than the physical.

21 Responses

  1. Wende says:

    Hi….Thank you so much for sharing..in June last yr I had a really high sugar number..A1C 9.3..i made up my mind I was NOT going on meds..so for the next 3 months I cut out all sugar and processed foods..ate fresh veg an fruit..in the mean time I stumbled onto Dr. Robert Morse on youtube..needless to say..I’ve been intrigued ever since..and in Sept. my number was 6.2..I may be on a different journey but the end results are the same..I seen Treehouse Masters build a Reiki studio for a client..in a tree..she explained that process on that episode..very interesting..I’m looking forward to seeing the new ideas you put together for this yr..Best wishes for a Happier..Healthier 2016 for everyone.

    • Beth @ Tasty Yummies says:

      Hi Wende, glad you enjoyed the post and thank you so much for taking the time ti share your journey. You are right, though all of our paths may be different, our end goals are all the same. Noah that reiki studio in a tree sounds amazing.
      Thanks for the well wishes and thank you for reading and I wish you much love and healing on your journey.

      • It’s incredible to see how many shortcuts and magic pills people are trying to take to then realize that there’s only 1 way to get healthier: eat well and exercise.
        Thanks for sharing

  2. Christina says:

    Great post. Something we all need to do in this crzay world is be more open to new ideas. My sister practices Reiki and I was a skeptic but no more, unfortunately for me she lives in New Mexico. Wishing you healthy New Year!

    • Beth @ Tasty Yummies says:

      Agreed Christina – staying open is so important in all areas of our life, especially when it concerns healing. How wonderful your sister is a healer. Lucky you. Do you receive distance healing from her?

  3. Lynn says:

    It’s simply remarkable that I ran across this post today. I don’t believe in coincidences but ratherDivine Order. I have been under a tremendous amount of stress emotionally and physically. Try as I may with all the wisdom and spiritual knowledge I could muster, I still found myself in a meltdown. Today I realize I need to expand my awareness and ideas surrounding healing on all levels. I profoundly honor and thank you.

    • Beth @ Tasty Yummies says:

      Aww Lynn, this makes me so happy that this post found you when it needed to and I am with you, there are no coincidences, at all. We are shown exactly what we are meant to. I wish you luck in your healing and your dealing 😉 Sending love.

  4. Sue Erdman says:

    Beth, I also believe in energy healing. I use reiki and healing touch to treat anxiety attacks. I wish you the best in your health journey.

    • Beth @ Tasty Yummies says:

      Hi Sue! Thanks for the comment. I am happy to hear you have found healing for your anxiety. I wish you well, too! xo

  5. Lynn Foster says:

    This article is amazing. I believe greatly in Divine guidance and I just “happened” onto this blog. not a coincidence but, rather a gift. Thank you, Beth for an honest and valuable post filled with priceless information and obviously sprinkled with love!

    • Beth @ Tasty Yummies says:

      Thank you Lynn, I am glad you enjoyed reading and that it touched you. Im also glad you could sense the love I had when writing it. Sending you love.

  6. Chef Sherry says:

    Thank you for sharing your story on how you are healing your disease naturally. You are taking the path I would have. There are so many ways to help your body heal itself without “popping a pill”.

    I wish you well on your journey of balancing your life and body.

    • Beth @ Tasty Yummies says:

      Hi there Sherry! Thank YOU for reading! I am with you the “pill popping” is always a small band-aid for a huge wound. Thanks for your well wishes. xo

  7. Sonia says:

    Thank you so much for sharing your journey. Not only are the physical symptoms confusing when it comes to digestion, it’s so very easy – and surely quite common – to think that stress is a normal part of life and that it is weakness to even consider it’s affecting our bodies in big and subtle ways. Thank you for the pointing out that it is wise to acknowledge it and that that is the only way we can truly begin to deal with stress

    • Beth @ Tasty Yummies says:

      Thank you Sonia, for reading. I agree with you, it’s funny how this not-normal state becomes a new normal for us, that we just somehow accept, despite the damage it is causing. Being aware and in-tune certainly helps identify it and give you the strength to work past it. Thanks for taking the time to comment.

  8. Dawn says:

    Thanks so much for this very well timed post. I have not been feeling well since I had stomach flu a few weeks ago. But instead of really changing my eating, I have been taking probiotics and hoping all would fix itself. However, my mental state has been in a flux with retirement from my job and figuring a new way to find balance in my life. This post brought a couple things to my thoughts: eating with intent and without stress, and stress in general, even if we tell ourselves we don’t have any. Again, thank you. Your post has been what I needed today!

    • Beth @ Tasty Yummies says:

      You are so welcome Dawn and thank you for reading. I am so glad it stuck a personal chord with you. It means so much to know that my works and my personal experiences can help someone else’s healing. I send you love and healing. You got this!!

  9. Carol says:

    Thanks for your post about warm lemon juice in the A.M. I had overactive bladder, medicine made it worse and lead to a UTI. A PT told me about Lemon juice in the A.M. Works for me and with GIRD. Now to de-stress
    , Thanks for the reminder to do so.
    Carol

    • Beth @ Tasty Yummies says:

      You are so welcome. Glad that it helped you find relief and yes, de-stress, girl! It’s life-changing stuff! xo

  10. Jen says:

    Hi there,
    Thanks for your posts, I too have been on a spiritual healing journey, as I had my gall bladder removed and been aligning my digestion and hormones since. I two started seeing a Naturopath which has changed my life, and has opened me to deeper healing. I have heard of Reiki, and curious to try it, but I don’t want to just go to .. any.. Reiki specialist, so thank you for sharing. It appears we are close to neighbors, I am in HB. Cheers- best wishes- 2016 is our year!

    • Beth @ Tasty Yummies says:

      Hi Jen. Gallbladder removal is no joke. I am happy you are working with a naturopathic doc and that it has led you on a deeper healing journey. Out of curiosity, does your doc have you on bile salts? This natural supplement can help greatly with gallbladder removal and the subsequent digestive issues that are sure to ensure because of it. I suggest looking into it, if you aren’t already on it.
      Amazing you are in HB – so close. You absolutely must make time to see Brook, if you can, she can play such an incredible role in your healing. Yes 2016 IS our year!! Woohoo.

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