Self Healing Design
Healing is perhaps as
mysterious as any term in our language. It is a word that conjures up thoughts
of divinity in some and outright skepticism in others. It is a term that
usually evokes an emotional reaction one way or the other.
To those who have
personally experienced healing episodes, it is a reality that the person feels
strongly about and is often even eager to share. To others with minimal experience
with disease and illness, the concept of healing may seem like an elusive
phenomenon with no real relevance. Many view the healing phenomenon from their
cultural background and philosophical viewpoint. Healing, therefore, is
comprised of components of worldview, culture, and personal experience.
Relevance
of concept to the proposed project
Many people turn to alternative forms of healing
when faced with disease or pain. Self-healing refers to the body's natural
ability to heal itself through the orchestration of the immune system and
energy pathways in the body.
Self healing involves healing and preventative
care that focuses on the connection between mind, body and spirit. It is
different than modern medicine because it focuses on healing the cause of the
disease rather than just the symptom. Healing the self often uses techniques
that derive from ancient beliefs and religious philosophies.
The Art of Self Healing: The art of self healing is guided by a philosophy that the body is
innately able to cure itself. When optimum conditions exist, the human body is
its own biological wonder. The self-healing movement incorporates a wide range
of healing sciences. Ayurveda exemplifies the best of self-healing philosophy
and practice. With 5,000 years of techniques and spirituality, Ayurveda is a
comprehensive and effective means of self-healing.
- Philosophy
According
to Ayurveda philosophy, the human body is equipped to heal itself. The human
organism is a microcosm of the universe, and like a hologram, a view of the
human body is a view of all reality. Illness occurs when people don't take care
of the organism or interfere with its intended perfect function. Every second
of every day, the human body fends off attacks by carcinogens, viruses and
bacteria. Negative emotions sap strength and the body adapts with its immune
system. Ayurveda views the immune system as an intelligent force for healing.
The individual, however, must tend to the body with appropriate diet, rest,
hygiene and spiritual practices. In spite of the human propensity to create
chaos in the body it always strives for holistic balance.
- Self
Ayurvedic
science looks to the self, which is the center of a human being and from which
all action and thought radiates. Using tree as a metaphor: When you water the
roots, the entire tree benefits.
Similarly, when you tend to the self, the
entire body, physical and spiritual, achieves harmony and health. Not only do
you experience physical wellness, but you are creatively and intellectually inspired. Many healing approaches aim to heal the
causes rather than the symptoms of illness. In Ayurveda, the self must be
treated.
3. Balance
When
human beings live in accord with nature, they realize heightened wellness. In
Ayurvedic philosophy, to live in balance with nature is to live according to
natural laws and the ebbing and flowing rhythm of reality. Ayurvedic science is
not purely theoretical. Ayurveda recommends specific practices for daily
health, including suggestions about diet, mental and physical exercise, and the
development of a routine. An example of living in harmony with nature is eating
seasonal foods from your own region. Ayurvedic healing also employs herbs,
meditation, diet, massage and sweat to achieve optimum health.
4. Illness
According
to Ayurveda, all symptoms of illness point toward a deeper cause. If you only
alleviate your symptoms, you will not restore balance to whatever is making you
ill. But the good, though challenging, news is that each person is responsible
for her own health. When an individual makes decisions about what she eats or
how she lives, she controls her health. While human beings often make unwise
choices, nature always responds the same way: It reflects lack of balance
through illness. At that point, it is the individual's choice to restore or not
restore harmony and regain health.
