Backstory

I suffered a severe case of E. coli when I was just two years old, and I’ve since struggled with digestive troubles for as long as I can remember. Statistics indicate that about 1 in 9 people develop chronic gastrointestinal disorders after food poisoning, making it likely that I developed post-infectious disorders myself. Throughout my life, I often experienced food-poisoning-like symptoms even after eating what were considered healthy meals. For over 20 years, these symptoms significantly impacted my self-esteem and social life, creating unpredictable roadblocks in my daily activities.

To manage my chronic symptoms, I followed a strict low FODMAP diet recommended by allopathic (western) doctors. While this elimination diet is intended for short-term use before reintroduction of tolerated foods, many people with complex digestion problems, like myself, often remain on it indefinitely due to inconsistent intolerance of various FODMAPs. Although the elimination diet aims to reduce uncomfortable feelings and curb harmful bacterial overgrowth, it inadvertently starves beneficial bacteria, severely disrupting the gut microbiome. This reality is tragic because a balanced gut microbiome is crucial for optimal physical and mental health; about 99% of genes come from microbes, 70% of the immune system resides in the gut and 95% of serotonin—the “happy hormone”—is produced there. Despite these limitations, allopathic doctors still recommend the low FODMAP diet as one of the few options for individuals with complex gastrointestinal disorders. This is largely due to the fact that digestion remains relatively underexplored in allopathic medicine, and a holistic view of health is not often recognized.

Time and time again, consuming food resulted in sickness, a prime example of conditioning. Much like Pavlov’s dog, who learned to associate a bell with food and salivated at its sound, I began to associate eating with sickness, feeling anxious at the thought of meals. The brain has a direct impact on the body, and digestion is no exception; even the mere thought of food can stimulate digestive juices, while feelings of anxiety can lead to “butterflies” in the stomach. This connection shows that eating in a dysregulated state can negatively affect the body's ability to digest food properly. In my case, the repetition of indigestion causing anxiety and anxiety causing indigestion quickly became a vicious cycle. Given these types of cycles faced by many, it’s no surprise that roughly 23% of individuals with gastrointestinal distress, myself included, develop disordered eating habits, and 33% of people with IBS experience anxiety or depression.

As someone struggling with chronic gut issues, thyroid disease, neurodivergence, anxiety disorder, and at the time, an undiagnosed cervical spine condition, I became increasingly interested in the mind-body connection and their often overlooked healing abilities when united. Turning 30 prompted a bit of an existential crisis and unpacking my physical and mental relationship with digestion ignited my healing journey. My health issues weren't all in my head but they were definitely rooted in the miscommunication between my mind and body. 

 

Aha Moment

It’s important to understand that the brain—and therefore the body—can’t differentiate between reality and thought. For example, stress hormones like cortisol can be released into the body following a signal from the brain, whether someone is experiencing genuine stress or simply worrying about a nonexistent threat. While thoughts are incredibly influential, choosing the right method of communication is essential for optimal outcomes. Notably, only 20% of the information shared by the brain is received by the body, while an impressive 80% of the information shared by the body is received by the body, highlighting the effectiveness of communicating through the physical being.

This approach is particularly effective because it engages the right hemisphere of the brain, which communicates directly with the subconscious mind—the realm where harmful patterns and unhealthy neural pathways reside. Neural pathways are the connections that form between neurons in the brain. These pathways represent the patterns of every thought, serving as the brain's way of storing information. One can picture neural pathways as a filing system, where each file corresponds to a specific path, allowing for the retrieval and processing of memories and experiences. Each time a thought is repeated, the corresponding pathway becomes stronger, making it easier to access that thought in the future. People can get stuck in vicious cycles of limiting beliefs because these repeated paths become entrenched. Creating new neural pathways can help break these patterns of limiting beliefs. Trauma, for example, can be stored in the subconscious mind, where it may not be clearly accessible to the conscious mind, yet it still influences emotions and reactions. Engaging in practices that involve the body can stimulate the right hemisphere, bridging the gap to the subconscious and helping to forge new patterns for healing. This is why a holistic approach to the mind-body harmony is crucial for recovery.

With this knowledge, I dove into my healing journey, exploring harmonization of energy centers, nervous system regulation, manifestation, surrender to presence, and holistic medicine—all methods that suggest healing through the mind-body.

 

Find Energy

While starting a healing journey, cultivating self-love is vital for believing in one’s worthiness and ability to heal. If self-love isn’t at an optimal level, dedicating time to nurture it can be a significant step. Connecting with the heart plexus—the residence of the soul and intuition—is an effective way to strengthen this intrapersonal relationship. I spent a lot of time powering up my heart plexus; cultivating the energy and courage to begin the journey.

Everything in the world, living or not, is composed of tiny particles called atoms and molecules. These particles are in constant motion, demonstrating that all matter contains vibrational energy. This principle is supported by quantum mechanics, Einstein's theory of relativity, and the laws of vibration and thermodynamics. In the human body, bio-electromagnetic fields can be measured using advanced technologies such as magnetoencephalography (MEG) and magnetocardiography (MCG). Remarkably, the heart’s electromagnetic field can extend up to five feet away, making it about 100 times stronger than the brain’s field, which is detectable only up to an inch from the scalp. This highlights the heart plexus as the most powerful energy center of the body, playing a crucial role in overall well-being. There are seven key energy centers within the human body: the Inferior Mesenteric Plexus (base of the pelvic floor), Superior Mesenteric Plexus (below the navel), Solar Plexus (the gut), Heart Plexus (behind the breastbone), Thyroid Plexus (center of the throat), Pineal Plexus (midway between the back of the throat and the back of the head), and Pituitary Plexus (center of the head). The energy of different masses can affect one another, as demonstrated in physics through resonance, when a vibrating object matches the frequency of a second object, causing the second object to vibrate at a higher amplitude. Feeling the affects of good or bad "vibes", from everything around and within, is more than just a saying; it’s a tangible phenomenon.

To enhance the connection with the heart plexus, various techniques can be explored, such as affirmations and meditation. Heart energy center affirmations—like “I am worthy of healing”—are positive phrases that, when repeated regularly, can help shift negative thoughts and behaviors by creating new neural pathways in the brain. Additionally, practicing intuition-based meditations can declutter the mind, fostering an innate state where intuition, which is rooted in the heart plexus, guides the journey toward the authentic self and enhances self-love. Although, when seeking intuition, be careful not to confuse it with fear, as they can often appear similar. To differentiate the two, remember that intuition invites trust in the present, while fear demands control of the future. These methods are just a few examples that offer valuable support for nervous system regulation, which will be further discussed in the next section.

 

Nervous System Regulation

Bodies are composed of multiple complex systems that work together to maintain optimal health, with the nervous system playing a crucial role in physical and mental well-being. This system serves as the communication network, connecting every part of the body to the brain through signal transmission.

The nervous system is divided into two main parts: the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. The central nervous system includes the brain and spinal cord, acting as the control center for higher-order functions like consciousness and cognition. The peripheral nervous system consists of an extensive network of nerves that branch out from the brain and spinal cord, connecting to the rest of the body and enabling communication throughout the being.

The peripheral nervous system has two subsystems: the somatic nervous system and the autonomic nervous system. The somatic nervous system is responsible for voluntary, conscious control of body movements via skeletal muscles, as well as processing the five senses (vision, hearing, touch, and taste). In contrast, the autonomic nervous system operates unconsciously and manages essential processes such as heartbeat, digestion, and respiratory rate.

The autonomic nervous system can be further divided into two: the sympathetic nervous system, which prepares the body for mobilization and puts its systems on alert, and the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes relaxation and prepares the body for immobilization. The parasympathetic system includes the ventral vagal system, which supports feelings of safety and social engagement, and the dorsal vagal system, associated with shutdown and collapse.

Humans naturally move between the sympathetic and parasympathetic to respond appropriately to environmental factors. The three states of the autonomic nervous system—sympathetic (fight or flight), dorsal vagal (freeze), and ventral vagal (safety response)—are crucial for survival. However, being stuck in a fight-flight-freeze state for an extended period can lead to physical and mental health challenges. To determine which state may be dominant, this quiz can be taken.

The nervous system is essential for managing emotions, behaviors, and bodily functions. When entering fight-flight-freeze states, bodies draw energy from unconscious processes like digestion, significantly slowing that system's functioning. As a result, it’s common for individuals with certain mental or physical conditions to find themselves in a dysregulated nervous system state. This dysregulation can impair the functioning of specific organs or organ systems, as the body diverts energy from where it’s needed most for prolonged periods. Personally, I found myself stuck in the sympathetic "fight or flight" state, and looking back, I can see a clear pattern of impaired physical and mental function during these extended periods of time. However, with nervous system regulation techniques, I’m able to move back into regulation, and quickly see symptoms reduce simultaneously.

Techniques for regulating the nervous system come in many different forms, but it can be difficult to know where to begin—especially for those unfamiliar with the sensations of a nervous system state shift. Starting with taught techniques can be incredibly helpful, as they provide a foundation for understanding the body's language. As familiarity with somatic responses grows, the ability to adapt and diversify the approach as needed along the way increases. I explored various methods for regulation and among those experiences, several tools stood out as my favorites, including those listed below.


Regulation techniques:

  • Acupuncture and acupressure: Traditional healing practices that target specific acupoints on the body to promote wellness. Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin needles into these points, while acupressure uses manual pressure. The acupoints are interconnected by meridians, which facilitate the flow of life-force energy. When this energy flow is disrupted, it can lead to various health issues. By stimulating specific acupoints, energy flow is enhanced, improving overall health and helping the body return to its natural state of regulation.
  • EFT (emotional freedom techniques) tapping: Techniques that involve gently tapping on key acupressure points on the body with the fingertips while simultaneously focusing on uncomfortable emotional feelings and repeating positive affirmations. This mental and physical combination of actions helps to neutralize negative feelings, allowing individuals to modify unhealthy brain patterns.
  • Somatic experiences therapy: Therapyies that involve patients discussing their concerns with a therapist while being guided to focus on the underlying physical sensations connected to those feelings. This approach is rooted in the belief that trauma can be stored in both the body and the subconscious mind. By addressing both physical and emotional sensations simultaneously during discussions, this therapy facilitates successful healing and a deeper understanding of one's emotional experiences.
  • Breathwork: Exercises that consciously change breathing patterns through various techniques to enhance well-being. Many exercises emphasize nose and diaphragmatic breathing, as these methods offer numerous benefits, such as reducing exposure to foreign substances, aiding the immune system, and improving oxygen uptake and lung capacity—factors linked to longer life expectancy. Overall, breathing exercises can induce a sense of safety during challenging moments, modulating the stress response and facilitating a transition from a fight-or-flight-freeze state to a regulated ventral vagal state.
  • Meditation: Practices that observe the breath and thoughts without manipulation. This does not imply that the mind becomes empty of thought; rather, the goal is not to engage with thoughts as they pass through. Instead, it focuses on training the mind to avoid chasing appealing thoughts or resisting those that are unwelcome. Thoughts are viewed neutrally, allowing them to come and go naturally. Meditation can diminish rumination on past events and future worries, fostering a deeper connection to the present moment. Engaging fully in the present always facilitates a shift toward a state of contentment and safety.
  • Sound healing: Methods such as vocal toning, sighing, singing, humming, and listening to instruments like singing bowls, all aimed at generating stable vibrations within the body for regulation. The human body is energy and possesses electromagnetic fields, making it sensitive to vibrations—much like how a loud noise can startle while a soothing lullaby aids sleep. Increased vibration intensities and disturbances can significantly decrease parasympathetic activity. The vagus nerve is located in the neck near the vocal cords, which evidently links vocal sound healing directly to nervous system regulation.
  • Rituals: Routines that provide consistency, which is vital for humans, as change can trigger stress responses and shifts in the nervous system. Establishing morning and evening rituals fosters comforting predictability. The yin/yang clock can be utilized to craft rituals that align with the organ and energy body clock, allowing the body and mind to receive what they need when needed. This organ and energy clock outlines the flow of life energy through the body over a 24-hour period, lingering in each organ system and corresponding emotion for two-hour intervals. By understanding this schedule and using symptoms as cues, individuals can establish daily rituals that strategically address health and well-being, identifying which organ systems or emotions may require special attention.
  • Physical activity: Adults benefit physically and mentally from exercising on a regular basis. Physical activity supports overall health and ensures that all organ systems function optimally. Exercise positively impacts mental health by triggering the release of endorphins and neurotransmitters, which enhance mood, reduce stress, and help regulate appetite and sleep. Regular physical activity lowers cortisol levels, a hormone linked to stress. However, it's essential to provide the body with what it needs when it needs it; those in a fight-or-flight response, for example, may benefit from slow to medium-impact activities, as high-intensity exercise can elevate cortisol levels further.

  • Grounding: Activities that electrically reconnect an individual to the earth. This practice relies on grounding physics, which indicates that electrical charges from the earth can positively affect the body, as humans are energetic beings that respond to surrounding energy. The benefits of grounding are often linked to reductions in inflammation, improvements in cardiovascular health, decreased muscle damage, relief from chronic pain, and enhanced mood. Examples of grounding activities include walking barefoot, lying on the ground, submerging in water, and using grounding equipment such as mats, sheets, or socks.
  • Visualization: A powerful technique that engages the brain's right hemisphere, which directly communicates with the subconscious mind and supports the creation of healthy neural pathways. The brain cannot distinguish between real events and vivid thoughts, meaning that imagined scenarios can have tangible effects on the body, such as influencing hormone releases. Several visualization practices can help regulate the nervous system. For instance, in a body shake practice, stagnant energy can be imagined as being released through movement. In a shower practice, one might visualize the stress of the day being washed away, while in a drinking practice, each sip of a self-care beverage can be imagined as filling a metaphorical cup with calm and nourishment. Additionally, micro manifestation involves visualizing the day unfolding in the best-case scenario, which can have calming and regulatory effects on the mind and body.
  • Presence: Being present helps reduce anxiety and depression by focusing on the current moment rather than the past or future. Fully engaging with the present allows each moment to be fulfilling in itself. Practices to cultivate presence include doing one thing at a time, such as walking, eating, or completing tasks without distractions like TV or music. One can also appreciate the hands in many ways to ground in the present, such as noticing how they work together effortlessly in daily activities like washing dishes. Using the non-dominant hand for routine tasks can also be grounding by bringing fresh awareness to everyday actions.

Gratitude lists, co-regulation, Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, hypnosis, and neurofeedback are also valuable methods worth looking into. It’s important not to overthink this process; anything that feels good and engages the body and senses in the present moment can be regulating. Sometimes, this involves a specific actionable technique, while at other times, it may simply mean attending a social engagement or allowing time for stillness. Landing in a regulated state brings numerous automatic benefits, and creates a foundation for intentional, transformative healing.

 

Connect the Dots

This post has established several key concepts up to this point. Firstly, the mind and body are interconnected and profoundly influence each other. The brain serves as the control center, impacting all bodily functions, and it communicates most effectively through the body itself because it connects directly to the subconscious mind, where new neural pathways can be created to disrupt negative patterns and promote well-being. Secondly, everything in the universe, including humans, is composed of particles in constant motion, embodying vibrational energy, which enables the experience of tangible "vibes" from both the surrounding environment and within oneself. Lastly, humans naturally shift between nervous system states to respond to environmental factors; however, prolonged periods in fight-flight-freeze responses can lead to physical and mental health challenges, as these states of dysregulation can divert the body’s energy from critical processes. 

Together, these concepts suggest that through the mind-body connection, individuals can return to their innate state of health by regulating the body’s energy centers and renewing the brain’s neural networks, provided they believe this to be true—essentially encapsulating the principle of manifestation.

 

Manifest Health

Manifestation is the process of using energetic resonance to attract a defined intention. This concept suggests that internal body frequencies attract what shares the same frequency; therefore, anything can be attracted through manifestation, including health. Einstein once stated, “Everything is energy and that’s all there is to it. Match the frequency of the reality you want and you cannot help but get that reality. It can be no other way. This is not philosophy. This is physics.” This quote succinctly conveys the fundamental principles of manifestation. 

Manifestation can unfold as follows:

  • Define intentions: Identifying a clear, specific intention to manifest lays the groundwork for the entire process.
  • Harmonize energy: This establishes a line of communication throughout the mind-body, regulates the nervous system, and grants access to the subconscious mind, facilitating the mending of limiting beliefs.
  • Live it’s reality: The mind cannot differentiate between thought and reality; therefore, cultivating an elevated emotion as if the intention has already been realized convinces the brain that the manifestation has occurred, encouraging alterations in the mind.
  • Believe in the process: Doubt regarding the efficacy of manifestation can both prevent the body from vibrating at the intended frequency and hinder the mind's ability to renew neural networks.
  • Surrender to presence: Leaning into intuition and presence fosters trust that what is meant to be will be, further solidifying the belief system. Recognizing that a higher power—whether viewed through a spiritual or scientific lens—gives life can facilitate surrendering.

Combined, all these principles of manifestation significantly impact one’s energetic frequency, enabling the attraction of intentions that resonate at the same frequency. This energy grows by bridging the communication gap between the mind and body, allowing the redefining of neural networks and limiting beliefs, ultimately facilitating the creation of a new mind. Manifestation holds the potential to heal both physical and mental health, but its applications extend even further. It can be practiced to attract external intentions, such as lifestyle changes, love, and enriched life experiences. Spiritualists view it as manifestation, Christians know it as prayer, scientists explain it through physics, atheists consider it placebo, and witches practice it as spells. While the terminology may differ, belief in its validity has existed since the beginning of life.

Like nervous system regulation, knowing where to begin with manifestation can be challenging. Applying learned techniques, such as this guided meditation, can establish a solid foundation, and as familiarity grows, the approach can be adapted. Although it felt intimidating at first, practicing manifestation felt innate once I grasped the foundational concepts. Since starting this journey, I’ve successfully manifested many intentions. Some appeared almost instantly, while others took time. Letting go of outcomes frees me from a timeline and reinforces my trust that what is meant for me won't miss me. Given the exciting power of manifestation, it's easy for the ego to engage, making it essential to maintain a sense of presence. When the ego interferes, surrendering attachment to outcomes becomes impossible, and the process won’t unfold as intended

 

Surrender to Presence

Unhappiness often lies not in the present situation but in unwitnessed negative thoughts about it, which are the domain of the ego. Suffering happens when thoughts disagree with or dismiss what is currently taking place. Depression tends to linger in thoughts of past experiences, while anxiety revolves around fixating thoughts on what is yet to come. In a state of presence, what is current is recognized as what is truly meant to be, regardless of its nature, making contentment possible. Life is only accessible in the present moment; therefore, living the present merely as an obstacle between past and future moments isn’t truly living, leading to ongoing unhappiness and unfulfillment.

Being present means fully engaging with the current moment, allowing each experience to be fulfilling in itself, which helps keep the ego at bay. Within the self, the ego can be viewed as a separate entity from the deeper being. This deeper being, which emerges in moments of presence and resides in the heart plexus, embodies the purest aspect of one’s authentic self and is often described as the soul or intuition. In contrast, the ego reveals itself as unwitnessed negative thoughts and emotions linked to the past or future. If negativity such as active fear or anger surfaces, the ego is likely involved, while a sense of still receptivity and love suggests that the deeper being is taking the lead. These two characters can be envisioned as individuals dwelling on either shoulder of the self, whispering contradictory influences in each ear. With self-awareness, one can choose which voice to follow; it’s only in unawareness that the self has no choice.

Everyone carries emotional pain within—a festering energy that impacts both mind and body. This pain is born from past adverse experiences that create unhealthy neural pathways. Although this pain is rooted in the past, the ego seeks to renew it by continuously prodding at it, solidifying the pathway, and triggering further agony. The ego maintains its influence as long as these thoughts and pains remain unexamined. However, once self-awareness is cultivated and the mind is observed, a shift occurs, allowing the deeper being to take charge and enabling a state of presence.

In moments of presence, one can be resilient in the face of adversity because thoughts and emotions can emerge without necessitating action. Instead, one can view them neutrally, noticing how they arrive, linger, and ultimately fade away. The practice of presence is the key to ending all suffering and the only path to true contentment. By being present, one can achieve full regulation, vibrate at an authentic frequency, and surrender to the unknown, creating a profound foundation for both healing and fulfillment.

Practicing presence in interactions with others has significantly enhanced my relationships, allowing me to cultivate true love. However, being present in solitude remains a work in progress. As someone who experiences anxiety, I often find myself straying from the present moment, fixating on thoughts about the future, particularly concerning health. Yet, as I gradually let go of limiting beliefs and surrender to the unknown, I find myself naturally returning to my innate state of health. I genuinely believe that anyone can self-heal by harmonizing energy centers, regulating the nervous system, and manifesting health. I am also convinced that everyone has the potential to find true contentment and fulfillment through presence. However, embarking on this journey is a way of life and a lifelong commitment, not a quick fix. Integrating other healing methods simultaneously can provide essential relief along the way. In this context, holistic medicine serves as the perfect companion for healing, supporting the journey toward overall well-being.

 

Holistic Medicine

Until this journey, I primarily sought support for my health, including my digestion, through allopathic medicine. As mentioned earlier, digestion remains relatively underexplored in this field, and a holistic view of the body is often overlooked. The only solutions offered to me was the low FODMAP diet, an uncustomized antibiotic plan, and a generalized IBS diagnosis. While allopathic medicine addressed visible symptoms, it frequently neglected interconnected health aspects, often resulting in improvements in one area while exacerbating issues in others.

Feeling helpless at the dead-end allopathic treatments for my condition, I turned to holistic medicine, working with naturopathic doctors and other healers who focused primarily on natural botanical remedies. These holistic practitioners approached my health with a deep understanding of the human body's intricacies and the interconnectedness of its parts. This comprehensive method helped re-establish my overall health without compromising one area for another and facilitated the identification of the real root causes of my health concerns.

Digestion is much more thoroughly explored in naturopathic medicine, which is why I chose to pursue medical tests and treatments with a naturopathic doctor. The doctor explained that about 73% of patients diagnosed with IBS likely struggle with dysbiosis. Following the doctor’s guidance, I took a breath test for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), intestinal methanogenic overgrowth (IMO), and intestinal sulfide overproduction (ISO). The results revealed that I was dealing with excesses of all three dysbiosis types. Notably, this breath test had only recently been launched in 2020, and prior to this, there was no comparable test to diagnose all three types of dysbiosis. IMO was only officially recognized by the World Health Organization in 2023, and one of the medications my naturopath recommended had only been approved in 2018. This perspective on the evolving scientific landscape made me realize that I was part of a significant shift in the understanding of gastrointestinal disorders, many of which had remained undiscovered for much of my life, rendering effective treatments unavailable. 

I experienced remarkable results from the treatment for SIBO, IMO, and ISO. Once these issues had been addressed, I underwent a second dysbiosis test—a stool test measuring the levels of bacteria in my gut to assess any underpopulation or overpopulation. Fortunately, my results were promising, and my treatment plan for balancing those levels could be managed entirely through nutrition, guided by a custom nutrition plan my doctor suggested. I am still gradually calibrating my microbiome, but I feel better every day and now have a much healthier relationship with eating.

Despite the discovery of SIBO, IMO, and ISO, western medicine still refuses to address these conditions, leaving naturopathic doctors as the primary professionals for individuals with such diagnoses. I am incredibly grateful for my access to these practitioners and for being financially stable enough to afford their care. Unfortunately, naturopathic treatments are not covered under Canada’s public healthcare system and can be prohibitively expensive. It’s disheartening to recognize that many individuals facing these conditions lack access to the necessary treatment, highlighting a significant gap in the healthcare system.

I want to clarify that I am not against allopathic medicine. I believe that both holistic approaches, such as naturopathic medicine, and allopathic approaches, such as Western medicine, should be used strategically for their intended purposes. Allopathic medicine effectively treats end-result symptoms, while naturopathic medicine addresses root causes or acts as a form of prevention. Allopathic medicine excels in treating emergency, life-threatening medical concerns through methods such as surgeries and acute interventions, while naturopathic medicine often focuses on chronic health issues and promotes long-term overall wellness by emphasizing natural remedies and viewing patients through a holistic lens.

As my gastrointestinal health slowly began to stabilize, my new holistic view on health helped me uncover yet another condition. With my recent understanding of the nervous system’s impact on bodily functions, I realized just how dysregulated I had become. I applied various nervous system regulation techniques through mind-body connection but began to wonder if my nervous system itself was physically impaired. This thought led me to visit a chiropractor and together, we discovered that I may have a condition called atlantoaxial instability. Simply put, this condition is characterized by double-jointedness of the C1 and C2 vertebrae of the cervical spine, located close to the brainstem and the starting point of the nervous system. This instability significantly contributed to the severity of my other health concerns, considering how it disturbed communication between my mind and body. Symptoms include dizziness, occipital headaches, migraines, multiple cognitive dysfunctions, etc. I am currently receiving treatment from a chiropractor for upper cervical spine alignments, a naturopath for prolotherapy, and an osteopath for holistic treatments; a significant aspect of my healing journey.

It’s evident that the outlined concepts from this post are all vital for achieving true healing of the mind-body. However, grasping this complex interplay can often be challenging. A metaphorical representation can provide a clearer visual understanding of these concepts and their significance. In the next section, a metaphor will be explored to illuminate these ideas further.

 

The Big Picture

This post has covered various areas I’ve explored during my mind-body healing journey at the intersection of science and spirituality. To wrap up, I’d like to share a metaphor that encapsulates everything discussed, offering further clarity.

In this metaphor, a house personifies a person:

House Structure: The framework, insulation, and walls symbolize the body.

Control Room: This room, equipped with the electrical panel and water tank, represents the mind. Modifying this room illustrates the manipulation of the mind’s neural network.

Conductors and Water Lines: These connectors between the control room and the house's internal electrical and plumbing systems embody the nervous system, linking the brain to every organ system in the body.

Thermostats: These focal points transfer heat throughout the house, representing energy centers and how they channel life energy within the person.

Homeowner: This figure portrays the deeper being residing within the present person.

Handyperson: Home repair professionals symbolize medical doctors who address health concerns.

You can only adjust the control room when the house’s systems are prepared—like turning off power or closing a water valve—similar to how the mind’s neural network can only be adjusted when intentions are communicated through the body.

If the conductors or water lines aren’t regularly maintained, the house’s internal systems can become disrupted, just as the body’s organ systems can be impaired if nervous system regulation isn’t maintained.

If the thermostats aren’t calibrated to optimal temperatures, the house heating won’t be harmonious, just as energy centers must be calibrated to optimal frequency to align the person’s overall energy.

When all house systems are working together, the homeowner can manipulate the control room, disconnect old functions, and add new features. In the same way, when mind and body operate in unity, the deeper being can create new neural pathways, disrupt limiting beliefs, and manifest intentions.

A house must be regularly upkept to extend its longevity, just as a person needs consistent care to live a long. Even with daily maintenance, something in the house may still break, requiring construction. In these moments, more involved home repairs can target the root cause of the problem, or surface-level fixes can be applied to mend superficial imperfections. Similarly, a being may require medical attention despite ongoing care can choose holistic or allopathic medicine.

A house can only feel like a home when there is vibrant energy within its walls, just as a person can only be healthy when vibrant energy flows within. That honestly just about concludes my healing journey.

 

Concluding Thoughts

While it's important to set health goals and cultivate positive habits, it's also crucial not to overcorrect or become too attached to the idea of constant healing. An obsession with health can lead to therapy fatigue, orthorexia, hypochondria, OCD, or similar conditions, where the pursuit of perfection and endless self-improvement becomes overwhelming. Life is for living, and embracing flexibility and moderation is key to maintaining a balanced approach to health and mental well-being.

This journey has shaped my spirituality, recognizing the higher power of the interconnectedness of energy that vibrates through all matter. While I am not magically cured of all physical and mental pains at this point in time, I have made significant strides toward recovery and I’m cultivating contentment in life’s mundanity. I hope to inspire others along this path by living out its principles and embracing this lifelong journey of healing, which is an inherent part of the shared human experience.

This artwork was created in artistic expression of this experience.