THE HEALING LIFESTYLE

By Lawrence Wilson, MD

© May 2007, LD Wilson Consultants, INC.

For most people, healing means getting rid of their symptoms. This is a level of healing I cannot dispute. However, so much more is possible. I believe all human beings should be happy, healthy and at peace most of the time.

This article presents an outline of the home spa lifestyle. While it does not eliminate the need for doctors and medications, it can allow a person to achieve a level of health far above what most believe is possible.

HOME SPA LIVING AND EATING

Meals at spas are simple and of excellent quality. Food choices are among the most important factors in this lifestyle. I can only present the basics here. For more details, a longer version of this article is on the website, www.drlwilson.com.

Vegetables. Eat cooked vegetables at least twice every day. Vegetables increase the alkalinity of the body more than any other food group. They also provide many nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and fiber needed to pass food easily and quickly through the digestive tract.

The best vegetables for this program are roots such as carrots, parsnips, turnips, rutabaga and onions. The cabbage family of vegetables is also excellent. Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage and cauliflower compose this group of healing foods. Greens such as kale, spinach, mustard greens, beet greens and Swiss chard are very healing as well. Pea pods and frozen peas are also excellent. A bag of frozen peas cooks in 5 minutes and makes an excellent, tasty and filling snack or even an entire meal.

Whole Grains. Grains are excellent foods for those who can digest them. They are tolerated better as one’s health improves. The best include brown rice, which is also available as pasta. Others are white basmati rice and blue and yellow organic corn (including organic corn chips). Millet, quinoa, amaranth and flax are also often tolerated well.

Grains provide many nutrients, neutralize an acid pH to some degree and provide what is called etheric energy. This subtle form of energy assists the development of the body to extend life and provide superior health and a joyful existence. This somewhat esoteric topic will be covered in a future article. Whole grains carry this energy more than most foods that can be eaten in quantity, which is why grains have been considered holy in most cultures.

Equally important is to avoid most other cold cereals and grains. They are mainly quite acid-forming. The worst are refined grains such as white flour found in breads, pastries, cookies and many other products. Even whole wheat bread is not part of this lifestyle. The reason is that wheat is a highly altered food due to hybridization, genetic modification and more. Pasta is better but easy to eat too much. Rice or corn pasta are preferable.

Gluten, a protein found in wheat and some other grains, is often not tolerated well in many people. This can be subtle and may not be revealed on any standard blood test or even on intestinal biopsies. Other gluten-containing grains include oats, barley, rye and spelt. I suggest avoiding all of these for the best results. This can be tricky as they are found in many processed foods. They are hard to completely avoid unless you stick with strictly fresh and minimally processed foods.

Proteins. Most people need some concentrated protein every day, and often feel their best eating a small portion twice or more daily. Protein foods, especially those of animal quality, offer many beneficial nutrients including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids and much more.

Eggs, chicken, turkey, lamb, beef and some cheeses are among the best proteins with a few cautions. The main problem with meats is finding quality products. More outlets offer hormone-free meats from range fed livestock. However, this does assure cleanliness, a big problem with chicken, turkey, beef and pork.

In fact, pork, ham and bacon are not recommended at all due to the possibility of parasitic infection. Most beef cattle are deeply hybridized and not bred for superior nutrition. So we do not recommend eating a lot of beef, even the natural beef. Organic milk products, especially goat and sheep dairy products, tend to be of better quality. Avoid all processed meats and cheeses.

Beans, nuts, seeds and dairy are decent proteins, but not as high in etheric energy as are the meats and eggs. Fish is not listed as a high-quality protein food although it is nutritious. Most fish today are contaminated with metals and chemicals, and often infections due to water pollution. Wild caught fish may be better, but not necessarily.

Vegetarian regimens are not recommended. Many people do well on them for a time, and indeed they are more “cleansing” for a while until deficiencies develop. Vegetarian regimens are quite deficient in some nutrients and very low in etheric energy.

Fruit. Fruits have very little etheric energy even when fresh. They have even less when dried, frozen or canned. Fruit often upsets the blood sugar level and can contribute to intestinal diseases such as yeast infections. Also, while technically alkaline-forming, the body may not be able to neutralize some fruit acids when digestion is poor. This can cause an acidic reaction in the body.

Water And Sunshine. Drink mainly distilled water. Water is essential to balance the body’s pH and distilled helps remove some toxic substances. A few health authorities claim that distilled water is acidic and therefore less desirable. However, by effectively removing acidic waste products, distilled water assists in balancing the pH for most people.

Spring water is second best. Next is carbon-filtered tap water followed by water treated by reverse osmosis filtration or just tap water from a clean source. Drink three (3) quarts or more each and every day. Most people are dehydrated. Restoring proper hydration can take several months to a year. An excellent habit is to drink several large glasses of healthful distilled water upon arising in the morning. This plus a sauna is an excellent way to start your day.

Exposure to sunshine for up to 30 minutes daily, away from the hottest part of the day, can benefit almost everyone. If you are sensitive to sunlight, be sure to sunbathe early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Do not wear sunscreen of any kind for the best effects.

Food Supplements. Supplements are very helpful. However, this topic is large. I will only mention a few foods used as supplements that help many people. These are kelp, sea salt, brewer’s yeast and rice polishings. Eaten in moderation with your meals, these provide extra minerals and vitamins that our food often lacks. They are very affordable as well. Kelp contains some toxic metals as it is from the sea. However, it also contains alginate that binds these metals. Always seek supervision regarding supplementation if you feel you need it.

Sparing use of common herbs can add nutrition as well as flavoring. Beware of herbs imported from Asia or Latin America, particularly Ayurvedic herbs and Chinese herbs. They may contain toxic metals or other toxic substances.

Foods To Avoid. Most of what is called food is not fit to eat on this healing program. Leave out of your diet all refined and processed grains such as white flour, most white rice, white and brown sugar, honey and all artificial sweeteners. For sweetening, if you must, use a little stevia, xylitol or pure maple syrup - and only occasionally.

Avoid table salt, as this has had most of its trace minerals removed and often aluminum and other poisons added. Table pepper is hardly better and is often rancid. Avoid most boxed and canned foods except the few listed above. Also avoid most frozen prepared meals, as they are highly processed and usually contain a long list of chemical ingredients. There is no substitute for reading labels if you are not sure what you are eating. Restaurants are a problem, as you have no way of knowing what the cook has added to your food, or the honesty of the establishment in terms of what you are getting.

Do not despair, however, as there are plenty of vegetables to choose from and many ways to tastefully prepare eggs, meats, poultry and the healthy whole grains.

Alcohol is never recommended, though a glass of red wine once every few weeks will not upset a healing lifestyle. A cup of coffee daily is too much, but a cup once a week is fine. Avoid soda pop, fruit juices and too many vegetable juices. Most of these contain excessive sugars and provide very little etheric energy. However, a small glass of carrot or green juice daily is excellent.

Organic Foods. Organically grown is a wonderful step to improved food quality, but leaves much to be desired. Organically grown foods are still mainly hybrids that are unhealthful to start with. These are often grown on mediocre soil fertilized with superphosphate chemicals that stimulate rather than nourish the crop. Some is transported thousands of miles and is not fresh at all. And always wash vegetables and fruit thoroughly, as any of it can harbor parasites and other microorganisms.

Eating Habits. Eat when hungry, meaning do not go long periods of time without eating. However, it is not helpful to eat all the time. Sit down when hungry and have a meal or a snack when needed. Also rotate your foods. Eat the same food no more than every other day.

Leave your anxieties, worries and fears behind when you sit down to eat. Relax if possible before, during and after eating. Sit quietly for meals and eat slowly and consciously. Avoid eating in traffic or in noisy places. Chew thoroughly and do not to drink a lot of liquid with meals. Drink up to 15 minutes before a meal or an hour or more afterwards. This prevents diluting your stomach and digestive juices with too much liquid.

Cooking And Food Combining. Cooking is important in this approach to health and healing. Raw foods, like vegetarian diets, often cause more problems than they solve. Cooking effectively kills many bacteria and parasites, and breaks down vegetable fiber and some connective tissue in meats. This makes many nutrients that much more available to our bodies and concentrates some nutrients. This way we can eat less of the food than if it were in its raw state. This is extremely beneficial for a digestive system under stress.

Cook food preferably at low temperatures and/or quickly by steaming, boiling in a little water or stir-frying. Soft boil eggs 3-4 minutes, scramble or fry lightly.

The simplest food combinations are easiest on your digestion. If you can adapt to a single food at a meal, such as a large package of frozen peas for breakfast or a large bowl of steamed carrots for supper, the happier will be your digestive system. Human beings used to eat much simpler meals than most do today. Also do not add any more dressings, sauces or spices than needed. These, too, can upset a stressed digestive system. Simple meals will also reduce your cooking time, giving you more time for your home spa experience.

NUTRITIONAL BALANCING

Another key component of this lifestyle program is the use of hair mineral analysis to assess body chemistry and guide its correction through more specific recommendations for diet, lifestyle modification, a detoxification protocol and other modalities of healing.

The work of Dr. Paul C. Eck was instrumental in bringing this difficult science to a place where it can be understood and used well by healing practitioners. It is a tissue biopsy in which a sample of hair is used as the biopsy material, although any tissue could be used. Sampling hair is non-invasive and the sample is easy to store and transport without needing special permits or apparatus. It offers a unique window into the cells of the body and provides data that is not revealed on most blood or urine tests or other scans such as x-ray or MRIs. It can also reveal vital data about neurological and emotional conditions such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, schizophrenia and epilepsy.

Hair mineral testing has been used for over 75 years on animals and in analyzing soil samples, where it is the standard test. In our application, it will reveal the metabolic rate and oxidation type, tendencies for over 35 health conditions including emotional and mental disturbances. It is also excellent to monitor progress and even to predict future illness and prevent them before they occur.

THE HOME SAUNA

The near infrared light sauna is an essential part of this program. It allows the body to eliminate hundreds of toxic chemicals, and many toxic metals as well, in a few years time with regular use. The sauna also assists the body to eliminate chronic infections that most people carry. These include chronic sinus and upper respiratory conditions, among many others. The sauna also causes greatly enhanced circulation that detoxifies the internal organs and moves more blood to the peripheral areas. This is excellent for most skin conditions. Near infrared saunas are dry and clean, and use very little electricity.

Any sauna, but especially a near infrared light sauna, greatly speeds up the healing process. It is by far the best health investment I feel you can make. We can help you build one with free plans, or provide parts or a simple ready-to-assemble kit for $500.00 plus shipping. View the website, www.drlwilson.com, for more details.

RESTING AND SLEEPING IN A HEALTHFUL ENVIRONMENT

Do your best to get 9-10 hours of sleep every night. Going to sleep between 8 and 9 PM will give you the most restful night’s sleep.

Naps will also be needed, as one will feel tired at times as healing occurs. For this reason, do your best to live in a place with clean air, peace and quiet. Also, vigorous exercise is not a part of this program. We prefer for you to conserve your energy as much as possible for healing. Limit your exercise to gentle walking and practices such as tai chi and yoga, but only if done gently.

MEDITATION

Proper meditation is a key for developing self-awareness and grounding. It can do much more, but this is our present focus and goal. For more information about meditation, see the articles on my website entitled Meditation and one titled Becoming Grounded.

The meditation we recommend is simple yet powerful. It will help eliminate from your energy field the chaotic energies that almost everyone carries with them. I learned it from a man named Roy Masters, whose website, www.fhu.com, offers it on a cassette or CD with a book. I offer a somewhat expanded version on my website called the Meditation/Observation CD. The basic process is to move chi or subtle energy with your mind down the front of the body, almost as though you are standing under a waterfall or a shower. Later the energy moves up your back as well.

The process of fully cleansing your energy field so that life can flow unimpeded takes a decade or more of continuous practice. This may sound daunting until you realize that you spend much more time than this in school or at work, often with far less rewards. Spending a half-hour to one hour daily doing meditation, especially easy to do while in the sauna, just becomes a part of your lifestyle. It is a practice that is uniquely human and improves every area of your life, far more than just your health and your well-being.