When you view health holistically, what is perceived is a dynamic interaction and exchange between our physical selves and our world. Western civilization has spent many years trying to circumvent this condition. Increasingly we have put distance between ourselves and nature. We have learned to successfully control our exposure to the elements and the seasons with insulation and heating and cooling controls. We have triumphed over dark and light as provided by the earths rotation by inventing electricity and light bulbs which allows us to stay up past our bedtime as designated by mother nature. And thankfully we have learned to put distance between ourselves and our sewage and garbage.
Viewed this way we say
Hooray!
for progress. Apparently humankind evolves: we perceive a need
or desire and in response create new conditions which are well intended to be an improvement on our current circumstances. And in many respects they certainly are.
But we are a work in progress and the irony that is slowly beginning to dawn on us is that so many of our improvements may actually have an unanticipated downside for which we were never prepared.
Like the fact that we are part of the natural world and as such need to recognize and honor certain aspects of our existence which we have heretofore ignored. Our current culture keeps most of us indoors during daylight hours, reserving outdoor recreation for weekends, using sunblock for fear of skin cancer. Fresh air and sunshine aren’t just a nice idea, they are vital to our good health. Outdoor air is established as still being healthier than the indoor version, and the sun, needed by all living things, is especially demonstrating it’s lack in this culture via the mass increase in cancers and bone problems.
Exercise isn’t optional, it is necessary for oxygenation and healthy muscle mass, bones and balance. And the oxygen doesn’t come from a tank, it comes from trees and shrubs and grass which are also not optional for a healthy community. The current epidemic of diabetes and obesity is attributable, at least in part, to our lack of needing to plough the back forty acres or do the laundry by hand.
Sleep/adequate rest are another issue. Our bodies respond to daylight and its lack by secreting various hormones, most notably melatonin which helps us to relax and sleep once the sun goes down. If you’ve spent the day and evening mostly in artificial light, your bodies ability to produce this relaxing hormone is compromised, as is your quality of sleep. Imagine how well you’d sleep if you had been outdoors most of the day, either working or playing. A day at the beach knocks us all out because we’ve just gotten a huge dose of sunshine, fresh air and exercise -all the things necessary for the body to produce its own antidepressants and tranquilizers.
In fact there are several traditions (Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Natural Hygiene Movement) that recognize the bodies cellular response to the different times of day. These follow the activity levels our cells experienced throughout evolution, with noon, sun’s highest point, being the point of greatest activity. Ingestion and digestion are best accomplished at these times, while our bodies just naturally rest and digest during the night. Working against nature just makes it harder on the body and wears it out faster.
But most of this stuff was covered in your manual, so what you may ask is my point here and why is the newsletter ending? Well, I’m making some changes in the way I operate.
You see, it has been from the outset, and still is, my goal to see my fellow travelers empowered in matters of health by recognizing and understanding their vital connection to the earth. It has been my experience that once this connection is truly made you no longer are wondering what drug you can avoid taking by taking what vitamin pill, but instead ask the more direct question of how you are out of balance or sync with nature and/or your own universe. The answer may lead to supplementation or dietary changes, but for the right reasons which makes all the difference. And as you perceive and make needed changes in other directions as well, you move into the realm of creating health instead of fighting disease and illness.
Having given years of thought to this matter I have concluded that working with others in an attempt to educate as well as consult just may be a more efficacious approach to creating the needed changes than maintaining an individual practice.
Yes, we and all living creatures require certain nutrients and in certain combinations and amounts. And it is time we recognized that the
improvement
of factory farming has been detrimental to all and the damage to soil and environment and food supply now must be reversed. But we also need to recognize the existence of the energy body and meridian system and learn to effectively utilize it for optimal health, just as Traditional Chinese Medicine has done for thousands of years. We need to really understand the need and importance of sane, optimal pacing in our lives, and the beneficial effect that positive social interaction can have. I firmly believe that when this knowledge is shared by the majority a grass roots demand will ensue that results in the needed changes in our lifestyles, food supply and environment. Epidemics of obesity, diabetes, cancer, cvd, etc. will cease to be fueled.
And when we collectively realize the
side effects
of the path we’ve been on, and the benefits of learning and changing, there are those who believe (myself included) that people will get along better as co-creators in this life. Few see war, hunger and disease as desirable cultural attributes.
So toward this end of my stated goal I have decided to broaden my field of influence by connecting up with others who share these goals. I will continue teaching at Canisius, but will also be conducting workshops at Healthy Transformations, the wellness offices headed by Dr. Margaret Mitchell MD . Most likely I will contribute to the newsletter I know it is their intention to publish. And as the local publication LightBridges has been kind enough to be an outlet for my writing, I will be submitting articles to them more often, as limiting it to my clients has been like preaching to the choir.
I will, of course, continue to be available for appointments at my office in Williamsville, though the hours are now limited to Fridays and Saturdays.
I hope you have enjoyed the publications of the past 7 years and that they have in some way benefited you. I’ll be in touch with the Fall schedule of classes and workshops offered, and maybe I’ll even see you there!
Be Well, Jean Franklin PhD.
Disclaimer: This newsletter is based on the opinions of Jean Franklin. Its contents are intended as a sharing of knowledge and information based on the research and experience of the author. It is not intended as a substitute for a direct communication with a qualified healthcare professional.
Disclaimer: This material is based on the opinions of Jean Franklin. Its contents are intended as a sharing of knowledge and information based on the research and experience of the author. It is not intended as a substitute for a direct communication with a qualified health care practitioner.
