It is so appropriate I discuss my last pillar of health, loving and supportive relationships, during the week of Thanksgiving. Of course I love the food but I think of it as a small part of this holiday (I can’t believe that I just wrote that food is a small part of anything). I look at this holiday as a time to reflect on all the blessings that I have had in my life and in the last year. I usually spend the Friday after the holiday reflecting on the gratitude and appreciation for life.
I believe loving and supporting networks might be the most important element to healing. Having loving and supportive networks IS an essential element of wellness. I first learned of the power of love to heal while I was in medical school. I was captivated by a picture, the rescuing hug, and I had to find out the story behind it.
"The Rescuing Hug" is a story of the birth of twin infant girls. Shortly after birth, one baby was thriving while the other baby was not expected to live. The nurse attending them decided against the hospital policy and put the healthy thriving twin in the same incubator with the baby in critical condition. As the healthy twin put her arm around her sister, the failing baby's vital signs began to improve and normalize. They both survived and left the hospital in good health. The embrace of her sister had essentially saved the critical twin’s life. This poignant tale adeptly illustrates the power of love, support, and touch in the healing process.
Creating and maintaining support systems of family, friends, church, clubs, co-workers, neighbors, etc. creates a basis for sustainable health. I work a lot with patients living with cancer and their support systems are crucial during diagnosis and treatment. Many of my patients living with cancer are independent and self-sufficient and manage the diagnosis.
However, when it comes to handing the treatment, whether it's surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation, they cannot manage without help. Physical, mental and emotional support to manage the little things can mean the difference between a successful or disappointing day. For example, one of my patients who lived alone and in a different town from her family was so tired after her chemotherapy that she spent the weekend with girlfriends taking of her. She had to because she felt to weak to be alone. Her supportive networks were a blessing for her in her healing process.
Take a moment to acknowledge your love and support networks during this time of thanksgiving. It will benefit you as much as the person you reach out too. Happy Holiday!
BIO:
Dr. Daemon Jones completed her undergraduate education in economics at Northwestern University (graduated 1992). She completed her naturopathic medical training at University of Bridgeport’s College of Naturopathic Medicine (2002). Dr. Jones founded Healthydaes Naturopathic Medical Center in Silver Spring, MD (2003. As a naturopathic physician, Dr. Jones is turning her life’s passion – the pursuit of vibrant health – into her life’s mission for others. She uses private consultations, cooking demonstrations, lectures and workshops as a hands-on way to help people enjoy learning about improving their health. She is a faculty member of Smith Farms Center for Healing and the Arts and Food As Medicine Professional Training program. Dr. Jones is the author of Daelicious! Recipes for Vibrant Health published in 2007.
Visit Dr. Jones at her Website:
www.healthydaes.org
Dr. Dae’s book:
"Daelicious! Recipes for Vibrant Living" can be purchased at www.amazon.com
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