DISCOVERING WELLNESS  
Healing Within "Wholly or Perhaps Holy"
Written by:  Dr Kimberly Kaye Castaneda, ND, CHt, DD, RMT
Truth and Wellness Facilitator
©2002 Kim Castaneda

    I would like to touch in this months column on the importance of healing the body as a whole. Not only addressing the physical ailments at hand but
bringing awareness to you your mental, emotional and spiritual health as
well. I can not stress enough how crucial it is to bring healing forth to
all levels of your "self".

    Very often one will be diagnosed with an illness such as cancer and will
follow through with the typical surgery, chemotherapy, radiation treatments,
perhaps lifestyle, environmental and diet changes and maybe even venture
into alternative treatments and yet months or years later the cancer returns
and the patient is devastated. More than likely the person did not address
the underlying issues deep within their core being, deep within their heart.
Cancer manifests from emotional pain, hurt, long standing resentments, grief or even retaining what you label as shameful secrets that over time eat away at the body.

    I know personally that this can be so. Fourteen years ago I was at that
crossroad myself. And for a few years consumed with fear that I may die. It
took the re-occurrence of tumor after tumor until finally taking a look
inward to see what these tumors were trying to tell me. For me, it was
protection. I subconsciously invited these tumors right in to take up
residency and then when I would fear their existence in my body I would
evict one or two with surgery just to realize that in doing so, I had lost
my defense system so therefore I would subconsciously bring in more for
protection. A vicious cycle. You see, When those areas of my body were sick
and diseased they could be off limits without having to feel any guilt or
comply with any expectations that I was uncomfortable with. How convenient when your in an unhealthy relationship. I eventually saw that I was losing the battle and that no amount of cutting into my body was going to heal me. I had to go deeper. I had to confront my feelings, my fears, my unhealthy relationship. I had to say NO to guilt and fear and say YES to me. Then and only then did the healing begin. "Telling your story can be therapeutic too,"  I smile as I release and write these words. No more shame, no more hurt.

    Very often we bring on illness because it is a safe place for us to be at
that time in our life because we are not strong enough to love ourselves and
to put ourselves first. we have such busy complex lives to lead taking care
of everyone and everything except ourselves and God forbid we take a break when there is so much work to be done and care to be given to others. We instantly feel guilty if we give ourselves a break but...if we are ill, then
we have a legitimate excuse to rest and relax. Sad but very true, Right? So
therefore we are so extremely fatigued and worn down that we trade off our
good health for a guilt-free rest or escape called ILLNESS. Sound familiar?

    You often hear of people who travel the world looking for cures and
alternatives when given a death sentence by their physician and when
mainstream medicine seems to fail them they find that through their long
journey and search for healing they are heartbroken and in despair because
nothing worked. When in fact they searched the world over to cure their body but failed to search within to heal their heart and in wasting so much time on their misdirected travels they had wore their body completely down on the physical level and had not taken time to heal and release the hurts.

    There are emotional causes connected to all physical illness such as
criticism, rigidity, resentment, anger, worry, grief, envy, insecurity,
guilt and non-acceptance: 

    • Criticism and judgments cause stiffness and
       arthritic conditions. 
    • Anger causes boils and infections. 
    • Resentment festers in the body. 
    • Worry ulcerates the body. 
    • Guilt punishes and causes pain. 
    • Back pain comes from a feeling of lack or not being supported either         emotionally or financially or from holding back in giving love or just a feeling that you want to be able say, "Get off my back". 
    • Digestive problems? Ask yourself, "What is it about my life that I just can't digest?"
    • Colon problems? What are you holding on to and what old issues can you not release or forgive?

    I believe that delving deep within oneself is where the healing process
truly begins. Although I will add that you must also care for your physical
body and nourish your spiritual self as well. Utilize lifestyle, diet and
environmental changes, detoxifications, and rebuilding processes.

    Emotionally, there must be intense self examining, perhaps forgiveness and releasing work to be done and self-care, self-love, self-acceptance and
nurturing your soul-self. You must know that YOU have the key to your own
health and that we all have incredible healing power.

    If you are feeling ill or tired...REST! When you quiet yourself, ask your
body what you need to do to heal and then LISTEN! Your body, heart, mind and soul may tell you to change habits, eat healthy, drink more pure water, quit a job you dislike, change careers to something you are passionate about, forgive, leave or repair relationships, seek counseling, smile, laugh, spend time in nature, become honest with yourself, etc...and through these
processes always know that when you shine light into the darkness, the
darkness will disappear. 

Choose to become a light for yourself and others.
Listen to yourself! 
Heal yourself! 

    If you are unsure as to where to begin,  search out for loving guidance. There are many modalities that are extremely  helpful in initiating emotional, mental, physical and spiritual wellness.  Emotional release therapy, regression therapy, spiritual healing/counseling, reiki or vibrational healing sessions, raindrop therapy, aromatherapy, Bach flower essence, color therapy, crystal healing, gua sha, acupressure, massage, relaxation, visualization, meditation, prayer, centering, yoga, tai chi, qi gong, deep breathing, artistic work, journaling, music and dance therapy, creative releasing techniques, positive affirming, hypnotherapy, psychotherapy and for detecting physical health issues live blood and dry layer cell analysis. Not all of these modalities may apply to your personal beliefs but you should utilize those that you are comfortable with and begin your journey today into DISCOVERING WELLNESS.

    The contents of this column are solely my beliefs and opinions. All positive comments or constructive criticisms are welcomed and appreciated. That is how we learn. ideas, requests or health concerns on future topics are also welcomed. thank you!

 

Dr. Kimberly Kaye Castaneda is a Naturopathic Doctor that researches and
teaches about the benefits of natural, non-invasive healing techniques and
therapies. Her Washington D.C. registration and ANMA board certification
along with her degree and certification states that she is qualified in the
use of all natural forms of healing. Dr. Castaneda has a private practice
in Rockford located at 631 N. Longwood Street, Suite LL03. To schedule a private
consultation, call (815) 963-1585. DISCOVERING WELLNESS.