The Foundations of Healing

No matter where you are on your healing journey, it is a fundamental naturopathic belief that the body has the innate wisdom and ability to heal itself - a little thing we like to call the vis medicatrix naturae.

And while each journey is unique, there are a few fundamental building blocks that everyone can incorporate into their daily routine to provide the correct environment for the body to thrive.

Think of these pillars as your trusted go-tos, your daily essentials and a steady hand to hold as you walk your path toward a more energised and fulfilled life.

Food as Fuel

What we consume on our plate is central to all human health. Like all things human, however, it can be complex and changes from person to person. No one way of eating will suit everyone. Using your own body as a compass will help you to navigate the foods that align with you, both physically and spiritually.

As a broad way to approach what to consume in a day, a vast variety of fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, good quality proteins and whole grains will do the trick.

Eating in season is also a great way to support your body’s natural rhythms. During spring and summer, look to cooling, hydrating and lighter meals. With the arrival of autumn and winter, welcome grounding, warming and thoroughly cooked meals. Eating in season will also do wonders for the budget!

Organic and spray-free foods should also be consumed where possible. Not only do pesticides and other chemicals harm precious soil, they also deplete you of your gut microbes and may contribute to other damaging processes within the body. Farmers’ markets are a great place to start.

Side note: It is completely normal to feel more or less hungry from day to day, week to week, especially if you are a menstruating woman. Tune in and listen to what your body is calling for. It knows best.

Hydration

I’m sure you remember that class in school when you first learned about how much of the human body is made up of water. The consumption of adequate water each day ensures that your cells are able to carry out all of the many processes that keep you happy and healthy.

The simple act of drinking enough water every day will give your body that extra boost it requires to help you feel revived.

Opt for filtered water. There are some great filters on the market that will remove contaminants and heavy metals.

Lemon water and herbal teas (cold or hot) are also excellent ways to keep you hydrated if you wanted to switch things up.

Side note: Your skin is going to love you! Hydration is absolutely essential for glowing, dewy skin.

Sleep

Sleep is so often overlooked in a world where you are constantly pushed to optimise your productivity from every waking hour. This is of huge detriment to your health as, without appropriate rest, your body will have a very difficult time trying to recover.

We all need time to rest. For some, this is 9 hours of sleep a night. For others, this is 5. Again, using your body as a compass to discover that sweet spot for you is crucial.

As humans, our bodies and brains follow a circadian rhythm. This 24-hour sleep-wake cycle aids us in knowing when we should wake up and when it is time to sleep.

To help tune into this rhythm, waking with the sun and limiting light exposure (including technology) before you go to bed, will help you fall asleep, stay asleep and wake feeling well-rested.

If falling asleep is difficult, try limiting caffeine intake after lunchtime. Fatty fish, mushrooms, sour cherry juice and pistachios are also delicious foods that help your body produce melatonin (the sleep hormone).

An air diffuser with calming aromas such as lavender can also gently guide you into a blissful sleep.

Movement as medicine

Just like food and sleep, there is no one way to exercise. Finding a way of moving your body every day that works for you, will become your new best friend. Whether that is a beach walk, yoga, dancing, resistance training or bike riding, finding a way of connecting with your physical body will have far-reaching benefits.

There are several studies that now show how detrimental a sedentary lifestyle is. For a lot of us, our sources of income require us to sit down for the majority of the day, every single day. This just makes it all the more important to find a style of movement that sparks inspiration, so when the time comes to move your body, you are faced with excitement and not resentment.

Have you ever heard of the phrase “runner’s high”? Or experienced the feeling of euphoria after a workout? This is because your body and brain release endorphins as a direct response to exercise, which increase your sense of pleasure, accomplishment and overall happiness.

In times where feelings of anxiety are rife, you can view these endorphins as little golden nuggets.

Side note: You are looking to build habits that can be incorporated into your day, every day, for the rest of your life. This is not a quick fix. So treat your body with care and don’t push yourself too hard.

Time out

A disconnect to nature is a common occurrence amongst a lot of the modern world. Couple this with an addiction to technology, we have created a rather large cocktail for imbalance. To truly restore, recalibrate and heal, time spent in nature, without technology, is imperative.

Believe it or not, but a large percentage of individuals are deficient in Vitamin D. This is probably due to our lack of time spent outdoors and our instilled fear of the sun (the ultimate life-giver). Vitamin D is essential for proper immune function, bone integrity and plays a pivotal role in the production of dopamine and serotonin (the happy hormones).

Unplugging from the digital world and grounding yourself in nature may seem like a rather small or insignificant change, however adopting these practices for just 30 minutes a day will truly aid you in realignment and push you a step further on your healing path.

Your vibe attracts your tribe

This one is a bit of a two-step process.

Firstly, the way you talk to yourself matters. How often do we talk to ourselves in such a way we would never, ever, say to a loved one? Why is it that we can be our own harshest critics? Why is it, that we can forgive those around us for making very human mistakes, but we often cannot forgive ourselves? We must first begin to treat ourselves like we are our own best friend.

Secondly, the energy we put out into the world is the energy we receive. When we begin to act from a place of love, confidence and compassion, we start to build networks of like-minded souls.

One of the most significant determinants of a healthy and happy life is having a community around you where you feel supported and heard.

I hope these points help you feel like you can take on life with a fuller tool belt.

Remember, when we give the body what it needs, it has the innate ability to heal and thrive.