I believe that medicine’s potential is much more than the version we see in the world today. A doctor should be an educator with the goal of bringing patients to a place of deeper understanding of who they are in the world. To me, medicine is ultimately about self-empowerment through self-knowledge and growth.
Read more
In this week’s edition we have:
Another week passed without scientists announcing they had finally arrived at the complete understanding of the human being.
I’m not so sure that any of us are holding our breath. Our knowledge is a work in progress. To live with riddles is a defining part of being a modern human.
At BCWH our philosophy acknowledges the many important discoveries modern natural science has given us. Additionally, we acknowledge that natural science will not lead to a complete understanding of the riddle of the human being.
The soul and spiritual nature of the human being is woven into our bodily existence but can’t be fully illuminated on the lab bench. Anthroposophic Medicine sees the soul and spirit aspect of humanity not as special phenomena of our one physical body, but as independent entities that accompany the physical body.
Our physical body is an individual component of our existence, and our life organization and our consciousness also have independent existences and therefore individual characteristics that need addressing in health and illness.
The difference between the holistic approach described above and the standard modern idea that life and consciousness are mere phenomena of the human organization may seem subtle, but in that difference lives the major study of our holistic approach.
We strive to extend the modern approach with any insights that might arises from that holistic outlook. And it’s our honor to partner with your on that undertaking.
What’s a good compliment to a really good treatment?
Early detection.
What’s better than early detection?
Prevention
Good habits turn off bad genes. Epigenetics is the science of looking at outer determinants that turn on or off genes that are known to lead to disease.
In other words, just because you have a genetic tendency towards a particular illness, it doesn’t necessarily mean the gene will express itself. In fact, genetic analysis in longevity studies shows that people who live a long life have the same basic genetic tendencies as everyone else. Their inner and outer environment is what stands out.
Indeed, it’s a public health fact that
will prevent a large percentage of illness (90%!).
A recent opinion piece that caught my eye, Cancer is largely preventable and people don’t know it, (by John Whyte, M.D., board-certified internist and chief medical officer of WebMD, author of “Take Control of Your Cancer Risk) talks about how 70% of cancers can be prevented. Here are some highlights:
“A 2019 study by the American Institute for Cancer Research found that more than half of Americans don’t realize that the type of food they eat, as well as the amount of alcohol they drink, play an important role in developing certain cancers.”
“For example, a diet without enough fruits and vegetables can significantly increase your risk of certain cancers.”
“It’s also time to cut out — or at least way back on — processed and fatty meats and salty snacks. Instead, try fish twice a week and use different herbs and spices. If you have a choice, select coffee or tea for their anti-inflammatory properties instead of sugary juice.”
“People also need to know about the relationship between physical inactivity and cancer cell growth — because the science on the subject speaks volumes. Getting in your daily 10,000 steps isn’t a bad thing, but it’s not enough for cancer prevention. That requires working up a sweat for 20 minutes to half an hour about five days a week. What activity you do — from jogging to biking to vacuuming the house — is less important than ensuring you get to at least a moderate level of intensity. How do you know you’re there? Though you may still be able to talk while doing it, you shouldn’t have enough extra breath to sing.”
“It’s also time to explain how chronic stress, and the hormones it creates, may decrease immune function — and how to relieve that stress. Meditation is very effective, as are breathing exercises, and plenty of online resources are available for free. If you are experiencing anxiety and stress that won’t quit, don’t be afraid to acknowledge it, and ask for help from a support group, counselor, or mental health professional.”
“And don’t forget the importance of quality sleep as well as the quantity. Sleep is a time for your body to clear out toxins. To maximize sleep, make your bedroom a spa — cool, quiet, and dark. And no, you can’t catch up on sleep on weekends. For more effective cancer prevention, make it a lifestyle priority to get a good night’s sleep every night.”
“If you’re flossing your teeth every day for good dental hygiene, good for you. You’re also decreasing your cancer risk, because gum disease has links to cancer.”
“Overall, we need to empower people with the knowledge they need to take control of their cancer risk.”
I couldn’t agree more.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Recognize your greatness, your power. That’s what interests BCWH the most: you engaging very robustly with you.
Your process, your effort, and all the intangibles to your approach really matter. We are here to help.
Lifestyle medicine enlivened with your enthusiasm will serve you well.
Realizing your power and taking a step to use it for good is the greatest gift and will be the force that creates the changes we seek.
