Photo Credit: Stuart Heath https://www.flickr.com/photos/misteraitch/2302386855
A prominent football player had been nursing an injured ankle for quite some time. While watching a game, I recall the announcers commenting on the injections he was getting in his ankle to be able to play. Pain is our body's natural response to tell us something is wrong. I definitely understand people's needs to cope with pain through medications (hello, epidural!), but in some instances, masking the pain could turn into a bigger issue. Eventually, he ended up breaking his ankle during a game and will be out for the season. His body had sent him warning signs, but they were ignored and covered up with injections. Ignoring or covering up symptoms isn't only unique to pain.
I remember a conversation with a friend this past winter who had visited the doctor because she was not feeling well. He prescribed her an antibiotic, and she did question why he would prescribe that if her sickness was viral. Basically, he responded that people in Western society don't have time to be sick, so they like to take antibiotics to ease their symptoms to get back to work and daily living more quickly. He also added that even though some of these symptoms have subsided, the sickness is still there AND they are still contagious. This practice even extends to behavioral needs.
When I expressed concern over medication, I remember our former psychiatrist asking me if my child needed glasses, would I force him to go without? Or if my child had cancer, would I not treat it? What a compelling argument to make to have a parent medicate their child for excessive energy. All of these examples make me think about how we have become a society that doesn't actually deal with a cause, but instead masks the symptoms.
We are a society of convenience. All too often when people get a diagnosis, there is a magic pill available to hide the symptoms so you don't have to think about it. But the issue with this is that the problem is more than likely still there; it's just hiding.
People who provide alternative wellness options work to identify the underlying causes. Maybe it's something in your environment, maybe it's in the food and drink you're ingesting, maybe it's karma from another lifetime (yes, I'm serious), maybe your energy centers are blocked. These are things that magic pills don't consider, but can absolutely cause issues for people.
Sometimes wellness is a journey and not an overnight transformation. There are many different ways and angles to approach your wellness, including some options that might not be as well known or as popular. Perhaps the most popular approach is just masking your symptoms. Perhaps the most popular approach isn't what works best for you. Ask questions. Explore your options. Keep learning. You'll find what you need.
About the Author: Serena James is a holistic healer and the author of Vibe Higher. She offers a variety of energy healing services and workshops to help individuals experience a life of love, abundance, and wellness as they were meant to.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent any disease or illness. Any action you take as a result of this information is self-prescribed and your right to do so.
