When you have a headache, you may take an aspirin or Advil. You may have come to expect that drug to "cure" your headache. However, the truth is it only masks the pain in your head, which by the way, is simply a symptom. The definition of a symptom is "something that indicates the presence of a bodily disorder." Hmm, maybe you've never thought about it much, but the headache isn't a "disease" it's only a symptom of something else going on in your body. Through that pain your body may be trying to tell you any number of things - eat something, you're hungry; get some sleep, you are tired; take a break from the computer, your eyes need a rest; relax, you are stressed. The one thing I can confidently tell you it is not saying is that you have an "Advil deficiency!"
In order to change or improve any health issue you must address the root cause, not just deal with the symptom you are experiencing. Jesus shows us this principle. In Mark 11:20-21 we read the passage where Jesus had seen a fig tree full of leaves which indicated that it should also have figs. When it did not, He cursed the tree. Upon seeing the tree the next day, the disciples saw that it had "withered from the roots." Jesus didn't just deal with the fruit, leaves or stem, He went directly to the source of the problem - the roots.
Romans 11:16, 17 tells us the root supports the plant and if the root is holy the rest of the tree is holy. A plant is only as healthy as its root system.The same is true for us. Unless the root cause of a disease is addressed and corrected, all the drugs in the world will only mask pain or discomfort and "manage" the disease. The pain may be gone temporarily, but the root cause remains. Drugs simply treat symptoms. As Dr. Darren R. Weissman explains so eloquently in his excellent book, "The Power of Infinite Love and Gratitude," by masking symptoms with drugs we are silencing our bodies' only method of communication!
Our bodies are magnificent creations of Almighty God. Let's not just drug them, but listen to them. Don't just look for the quick fix. God built into our bodies His own infinite wisdom and healing power, if we just take the time to listen.
Take a Step:
What health issue are you dealing with? Migraines, being overweight, diabetes, high blood pressure or cholesterol? Sure the easy way is to just take a pill and continue doing what you have always done. It shouldn't surprise you that while pain may decrease for a time or your "numbers" may appear to have improved, you have not addressed the cause and so the problem remains. You may have heard the saying, "to have something you never had before you must do something you never did before." You can't keep eating ice cream and cookies every day, take a diet pill and expect to lose weight and get fit and healthy! It just won't work. There is no shortcut to true wholeness and vibrant health. But it is so worth the effort.
If you need help dealing with a health issue, I would consider it a privilege to discuss options with you.
Until next time, I wish you vibrant health!
Ann
Showing posts with label heart disease. Show all posts
Showing posts with label heart disease. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
One for All and All for One!
In 1 Corinthians 12:20, 26 we are told that the Body of Christ is made up of many "members" even though it is one body. I'd like to focus on this principle, which is true of our bodies. We can all agree there are different cells, organs and systems that together make up our physical bodies. We have to also factor in our experiences, emotional makeup, personalities, thoughts, beliefs and perceptions. These also affect how healthy we are. Each of us is a complex, multifaceted, Designer original! For instance, your emotions affect your physical health as surely as the food you eat! In fact, 85% of illness originates in our emotions. If you believe you are unhealthy - even if you have nothing wrong with you - that belief will be self-fulfilling - it's been proven time and time again.
Ok, on the surface this may seem like a "duh" rather than an "aha" moment. Which one of us can pray and worship God wholeheartedly when our head is splitting or our back is aching? It's very clear our physical condition impacts both our spirit and soul, which is our mind, will and emotions and vice versa. If you are upset with one of your children or worried about something, you may experience the effects of that anxiety and tension in the form of a neck ache or upset stomach. Conversely, just try to sit quietly and read your devotional when you are angry or hurt by something your spouse or a friend said - it is nearly impossible! However, what has amazed me about the deeper truth of this scripture is that our bodies are created to work as integrated systems - each part works in concert with the others. When we are truly healthy, we are experiencing this harmony of cells, organs and systems.
Our God is very big on wholeness (shalom - nothing missing, nothing broken). Referring to the Body of Christ, this scripture points out that even we who make up His little toe are just as important as those who comprise His heart. It holds true physically as well. (Just stub your toe and you'll agree!) This was brought into sharp relief recently when a friend was experiencing dental problems. She had an infected tooth that was causing problems not only in her mouth, but in her sinuses, head, neck and eyes as well! Research now shows that gum disease has been linked to cardiovascular problems. Left untreated, that bacteria has been proven to directly cause heart problems. Another friend related that her cousin was advised by her dentist after a checkup to contact a cardiologist immediately as she had advanced gum disease. She ignored the warning until she began experiencing alarming symptoms several years later. By then, her heart was so damaged, her only medical recourse was a heart transplant. Imagine, the impact of one tiny tooth! This may sound extreme, but I assure you it is true. Perhaps a more obvious connection is how dental health affects digestion, particularly for the elderly. Missing teeth may cause the inability to chew food properly, which negatively impacts your ability to properly digest your food. Without proper digestion, your entire body suffers. Some health practitioners, particularly those versed in Chinese medicine, even see a connection between your dental health and your respiratory system.
We truly are "fearfully and wonderfully made" (Psalm 139:14). God created every cell of our bodies for a specific purpose, just as He created each one of us to fulfill a specific plan and purpose with our lives. Let's honor God by caring for these amazing bodies He so carefully and lovingly created for us!
Take a Step:
Is there a spirit or soul issue that is affecting your physical health? Are you dealing with a health issue that is impacting your spirit or soul? If so, I would encourage you to get help in dealing with the issue so that you can enjoy true wholeness. If you have no idea where to begin, send me an email at ann@threedimensionalvitality.com and I would be honored to help you take the first step.
Until next time, I wish you vibrant health!
Ann
Ok, on the surface this may seem like a "duh" rather than an "aha" moment. Which one of us can pray and worship God wholeheartedly when our head is splitting or our back is aching? It's very clear our physical condition impacts both our spirit and soul, which is our mind, will and emotions and vice versa. If you are upset with one of your children or worried about something, you may experience the effects of that anxiety and tension in the form of a neck ache or upset stomach. Conversely, just try to sit quietly and read your devotional when you are angry or hurt by something your spouse or a friend said - it is nearly impossible! However, what has amazed me about the deeper truth of this scripture is that our bodies are created to work as integrated systems - each part works in concert with the others. When we are truly healthy, we are experiencing this harmony of cells, organs and systems.
Our God is very big on wholeness (shalom - nothing missing, nothing broken). Referring to the Body of Christ, this scripture points out that even we who make up His little toe are just as important as those who comprise His heart. It holds true physically as well. (Just stub your toe and you'll agree!) This was brought into sharp relief recently when a friend was experiencing dental problems. She had an infected tooth that was causing problems not only in her mouth, but in her sinuses, head, neck and eyes as well! Research now shows that gum disease has been linked to cardiovascular problems. Left untreated, that bacteria has been proven to directly cause heart problems. Another friend related that her cousin was advised by her dentist after a checkup to contact a cardiologist immediately as she had advanced gum disease. She ignored the warning until she began experiencing alarming symptoms several years later. By then, her heart was so damaged, her only medical recourse was a heart transplant. Imagine, the impact of one tiny tooth! This may sound extreme, but I assure you it is true. Perhaps a more obvious connection is how dental health affects digestion, particularly for the elderly. Missing teeth may cause the inability to chew food properly, which negatively impacts your ability to properly digest your food. Without proper digestion, your entire body suffers. Some health practitioners, particularly those versed in Chinese medicine, even see a connection between your dental health and your respiratory system.
We truly are "fearfully and wonderfully made" (Psalm 139:14). God created every cell of our bodies for a specific purpose, just as He created each one of us to fulfill a specific plan and purpose with our lives. Let's honor God by caring for these amazing bodies He so carefully and lovingly created for us!
Take a Step:
Is there a spirit or soul issue that is affecting your physical health? Are you dealing with a health issue that is impacting your spirit or soul? If so, I would encourage you to get help in dealing with the issue so that you can enjoy true wholeness. If you have no idea where to begin, send me an email at ann@threedimensionalvitality.com and I would be honored to help you take the first step.
Until next time, I wish you vibrant health!
Ann
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