Recently, a Lyme client expressed her fatigue and overwhelm about the multiple appointments, supplements, treatments and advice she’d been seeking to heal and regain wellness. She wondered whether she was allowing herself enough down-time to recuperate. Interestingly, she was now speaking to her intuitive need to listen to the messages her body was giving her. The messages were about ‘less is more’, rest and holding a course rather than seeking additions to her treatment approach.
In our “more is better” society, we tend to throw everything at the wall and see what sticks. It may not be such an effective approach to addressing a chronic illness. It can also get us stuck in the idea that instant results are the way to measure treatment effectiveness.
In my continuing study of how to treat Lyme and other chronic disease, I am learning that there is no one right way to approach the problem because everyone has their own unique set of symptoms, pathogen load, toxicity in the body, stress-level, etc. Regardless of approach, there are some fundamental principles that are helpful to keep in mind when navigating the recovery process.
Fundamental principles of the healing process
It’s important to remember that you didn’t get here overnight and it’s going to take time to heal. Remembering this helps manage fear, create a flexible, recovery-oriented plan, and relax into the recovery. Healing is not necessarily linear and there will be inevitable ups and downs. Cultivating hope and believing in the body’s ability to return to balance are key.
At the core of the healing process should be:
- cleansing and detoxification practices. The body’s ability to clear die-off is just as important as any killing protocol you may be following.
- supporting and healing your gut. The heart of the immune system is in the gut. It is essential to invest in a healthy, well-functioning digestive system.
Addressing these two foundational pillars of recovery will improve your ability to heal dramatically, whatever else you may choose to do.
I reminded my client that the body can only process so much at one time. While treatments may all be “holistic” or “alternative” in nature, it’s too much for a body to have multiple treatments on top of another in the same week. I suggest that my clients focus on and anchor into a few things to address immediate symptoms and support the gut and detox, and allow the body to fully receive the benefits before introducing something new.
Working with a trusted team of practitioners who think holistically and utilize short-, medium- and long-term treatment goals with you can help you think strategically and stay on track when things become overwhelming. Your healing is a journey and an evolution. Stay focused on the prize and see yourself walking toward balance and well-being, rather than racing for a cure.
