I’m learning to listen to the universe when it comes to self-care
Holistic healthcare practices are improving my well-being as I manage MG
Have you ever experienced a period of your life when the universe seemed to be sending signals that were subtle at first, but then — bam! — they were in your face and hard to ignore?
That’s been my reality for several months now. Last week, I wrote about indulging in a self-care day in September that included getting my nails done. A week later, a friend offered to give me a Reiki session, and let me tell you: It was amazing.
Reiki is a type of ancient Japanese energy healing in which a a Reiki master hovers their hands over a person’s body to serve “as a ‘conduit’ for the universal life force energy that exists around us,” as an article by the Cleveland Clinic explains.
I left the session with a new appreciation for holistic healthcare options to help me manage the symptoms of myasthenia gravis (MG). I felt both rejuvenated and relaxed. It was a much-needed respite from the never-ending worries and strife that come with being a chronic illness warrior.
For an hour, I tuned out the world and focused on the relaxing music playing in the background and the warmth of my friend’s hands. Not only did I get to experience Reiki in a safe and comfortable environment, but I also got to know my friend better.
Take the time to take care
Looking back, my latest self-care journey started back in May, when I experienced my first hypnosis session. Another friend, whose website I was building, offered me a session so that I could better understand the service she offered. It was a pleasant experience and got the wheels turning on other modalities of self-care.
Over the summer, I had several conversations with friends about what self-care looks like for each of us and how important it is that we take the time to care for ourselves. We each have different strategies to help us relax, avoid burnout, and recharge our social, emotional, and spiritual batteries.
In the past five months, I’ve had hypnosis, Reiki, and massage therapy. I’ve also been more proactive in taking time for myself for things like getting my nails done and crocheting. I’ve also been doing an elimination diet to identify food sensitivities. That’s a lot of self-care!
When I took the time to sit back and think about all the things I’ve done lately to take better care of myself, it felt like the universe was giving me a smack upside the head to make sure I was taking this lesson about self-care seriously.
Listening to my body, and the universe, is making a difference in my overall well-being. I’m having fewer high-pain days, my body isn’t fighting itself because of my food choices, and I don’t feel yucky and bloated as much. My social battery is staying charged longer.
I’ve noticed that these holistic healthcare activities seem to be having a resurgence in some chronic illness communities as the difference between “curing” and managing conditions has become more distinct and broadly accepted. This is an important distinction, and I’m thankful that more people seem to be acknowledging it. It’s allowed me to experience all of these wonderful things as I continue striving to live my best life.
Have you tried Reiki or other holistic approaches to help manage your MG symptoms? Please share your experiences in the comments below.
Note: Myasthenia Gravis News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Myasthenia Gravis News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to myasthenia gravis.
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