Natural healing protocols address our basic needs for essential elements such as air, water, nutrients, rest and exercise. They can be as simple as conscious deep breathing or involve more complex routines such as hot castor oil packs. Natural healing protocols include a vast range of treatments for specific health problems of the body and mind.
Breathing is automatic to us. We don’t even stop to think about it. From the first breath of air into our lungs as a baby to our last gasp, breathing is taken for granted, although we have forgotten how to breathe properly.
Dr John Ray Christopher¹
We all know that air is essential to life, yet we rarely consider if we are getting enough of it. There are times when we exert ourselves, such as a sudden sprint to catch a bus or having to climb ten flights of stairs, and if finding ourselves breathless, declare ourselves as unfit. Breathing is basic to us; we are surrounded by air we cannot see, so it is hardly surprising that we lose sight of the importance of proper breathing to maintaining a healthy body and mind.
Similarly, we are advised to drink about two litres of water a day, yet few of us do. We use water to wash, soak tired limbs and may occasionally have access to a sauna or steam the face for clearer skin, but rarely do we think of water as a cure for what ails us. Correctly applied, breathing, hydrotherapy, exercise and fasting can all be used to correct imbalances and heal both body and mind. Therapeutic applications of water have been used throughout time. Yogis in the East have always understood the importance of the breath and the benefits of fasting. Health spas may increase or decrease in number depending on current trends but what holds true, is that the topical application of water is effective in curing and alleviating many ailments.
When we feel tired or run down we might wonder if we are getting enough protein or vitamins when the cause may be as fundamental as poor posture and breathing habits, dehydration, and lack of exercise or sleep. There are many ways to assist the body’s innate healing ability.
The wise way to deal with the body’s eliminative efforts is to accept that disease is an opportunity to pay the piper for past indiscretions.
Isabel Moser²
Considering the denatured state of most of our foods today, the emotional attachments or dependence on sweet and starchy treats, tobacco, caffeine, drugs and alcohol, it is easy to see that cleansing the body may be required from time to time.
The healing protocols employed will depend on the state of disease or toxicity of the person as well as their stamina. Other considerations such as phobias and personal likes and dislikes are also considered, as many of the healing protocols need to be self-administered.
Some people may experience a healing crisis during the process of elimination, according to Ginger Chalford, Ph.D.: “Physical reactions could include skin eruptions, nausea, headache, sleepiness, unusual fatigue, constipation, diarrhoea, head or chest cold, ear infections, boils, or any other way the body uses to loosen and eliminate toxins. An initial healing crisis usually lasts around three days but if the energy of the patient is low, it may last a week or more.” However, any temporary discomfort is quickly forgotten once you experience the benefits.
In most situations healing protocols such as hydrotherapy, skin-brushing, reflexology and relaxation techniques are invaluable tools for relieving temporary symptoms. Many of them are easy to implement and reduce reliance on over-the-counter medications. Bathing the feet in warm water while applying a cold compress to the forehead can help to clear some headaches. Walking barefoot on wet grass or wet stones for five minutes each day can help to restore homeostasis. Taking a walk in nature can calm a troubled mind.
Forming the habit of deep breathing will make you sleep better, think more clearly, have better circulation, and make you feel better all over because of the increased supply of oxygen that will be provided to every organ in your body.
Jethro Kloss³
Juicing, rebounding, hill-climbing, regular body brushing and alternating hot/cold showers can all be used to maintain good health.
¹ Christopher, J.R. The Breath of Life. Utah. Christopher Publications.
² Moser I. A. / Solomon S. How and When to Be Your Own Doctor. 1997.
³ Kloss J. Back To Eden. 2nd ed. Twin Lakes, U.S.A.: Lotus Press; 2009. p. 548.