I believe that all healing comes from within. If you believe it is healing, it is. Even if only in mental health, there is a healing. The practicioner just provides a vehichle for belief. But given the choice of a witch doctor or a surgeon when facing trauma I will take the surgeon. It is all magical indeed. No genuine intent to heal should be discounted or elevated beyond it's own merits. But beware the fools who believe beyond reason or will not learn from the experiences of those who have come before them. Be informed, careful, and reasonable. Above all, be your own healer. Don't rely on your own knowledge, but make your own decisions.
I have enjoyed good results from herbal formulas and vitamins. I have never been to a doctor for anything other than trauma such as a fractured skull or laceration. But I take over the counter drugs such as advil and tylenol. I have taken vacinations and would take anitbiotics if I thought it was necessary. I also like the idea of accupuncture and massage therapy. I use chiropractors when I feel I need an adjustment. I listen to pshychologists and sometimes think they make sense. It's all good if taken with care and balance. I will never give myself over to medical science though. Nor do think that all the herbs in the world will help me live longer. Personally, I subscribe more to Larc's therapy, sans the smoking. Maybe I've just been fortunate to have a healthy body, or maybe it's just because I don't worry about it, but I think it's more important to be mentally healthy than physically healthy. Try as you may, you'll never stop the process of degradation and death of the body. But you can transcend the physical health issues and achieve a remarkably healthy outlook on life if you want to. You can experience eternity in your mind, in competance, not in delusion, not under the influence, if you want to. That, to me, is healthy enough for now. Not that it isn't exceptionally enjoyable to be able to run and jump in total physical health, but it's not all that un-enjoyable when you can no longer perform in physical health, if you have the right mental health. There is a lot in life to be enjoyed even when in physical pain.
Herbs, homeopathy, allopathy - it's all the same and is what you make of it. Take the good and use it for your health. But don't get discouraged that nothing changes. You're still going to get old and die. Die in good health! And enjoy the ride.
Sean (amatuer philosopher)
Edited by - seaken2001 on 7 August 2002 15:48:13
