Healing Chronic Illness Through Connection
In homeopathic theory, there is a concept called miasm. Miasm is a term that refers to an original chronic disease within an organism that rules at the foundational level of the energy and well-being of the person; it is ever-changing and increasing in symptom expression unless it is treated ‘artfully’ with homeopathy. The miasm is far reaching within the organism and expresses itself through various symptoms to form a pattern of illness, instead of a single “well defined” disease. Miasms are the basis of all disease processes; they can be acquired or inherited, and it is thought that the only way to truly heal an illness is to eventually heal at the level of the miasm.
There are different miasms expressed by humans, including psora, syphilitic, sycotic, tubercular, cancer, among others. Some individuals express a single miasm, while most people in our modern culture express multiple miasms. Psoric miasm is thought to be the “mother” of all disease, and the basis of all other miasms, as it dates back to the beginning of human existence. Psora was originally a kind of skin disease, or itch, but became an integrated part of all individuals, of all humankind. It can be active or latent, causing symptoms or simply operating in the background.
The hallmark characteristics of Psora are suffering and restlessness. It expresses itself as weakness, not having enough, and a sense of lack. It leads a person to save and collect objects, to want to possess things for themselves, create permanence and stability in their lives, cling to things that make them feel safe, and work hard to overcome the feeling of slowness, restless tiredness and inadequacy. Emotional tendencies include worry, desire, guilt, fear, jealousy and anxiety.
Homeopathic practitioners debate whether or not psora can be healed completely, especially in today’s world full of environmental toxins and other challenges. Many homeopaths, even in the time of Hahnemann, found reversing psora in the organism to be a very challenging task. The question remains, can Psora be healed completely?
The most useful practices in my personal journey with chronic illness have been those that work to soften the expression of Psora, especially the tendency to cling to my personal suffering, my own separate identity, and move through the world with self-preservation at the forefront. The aspiration to be of service, to offer the goodness in my heart to the world, the intention that all beings be free from suffering, has helped to guide my way out of the self-perpetuating foggy hole of “lack,” into the sunshine of compassion and connectivity.
The true nature of our mind and heart is that of connection; it is our persistent belief in separation [from each other, from the earth, from all things] that gives rise to Psora and provides fertile soil for it to take root. By training the mind and softening the heart, we have the ability to grow and loosen the self-absorbed tendencies of Psora. So yes, I do believe Psora can be healed. Perhaps it is ‘incurable’ from a homeopathic perspective, because this particular seed - the thought of separation and lack that plagues the human condition - can only be healed by humbling ourselves and recognizing that we are spiritual beings who are part of something bigger, and that we are, in essence, good enough exactly as we are.
In connection,
Dr. Lisa Hendrick
RESOURCED: SUPPORT FOR NAVIGATING CHRONIC ILLNESS
Beginning in June, Dr. Hendrick will be offering monthly groups for individuals facing chronic illness or difficult health passages. It will be a community space where we learn foundational tools, concepts and practices to balance mental, emotional, and physical health and augment the healing potential of any treatment plan. Individuals will walk away with simple practices, new insights, and a deeper sense of community. Topics will include naturopathic basic treatment guidelines, welcoming feelings through a tool called Somatic Dialogue, lymphatic health, clearing stagnation, grounding and breathing exercises, sleep hygiene, at home herbal medicine, and more.
Open to the public. This group is meant to provide supportive practices and basic naturopathic wellness guidelines. No medical advice will be given. We encourage all who attend to be established with a medical provider.
Single $20 or 4 meetings for $65
Time: 5:30-7:00pm
Dates:
Tuesday June 21
Tuesday July 19
Tuesday August 16
Tuesday September 20
Registration: Call 541-414-7230.
We look forward to coming together with you and deepening our sense of resourcefulness as we journey towards greater health, together.