May 18, 20224 min read

Your Health - Voice, choice and being heard

Updated: Apr 22

How many of you have had the experience of noticing or feeling that something is not quite right? That something is different to how it usually is for you, something that is not your norm? Or maybe you have noticed a difference in the 'norm' for your son, daughter, mother, father, partner, friend, pet, horse or other animal?

A-D-R

It could be a change in behaviour or manner, movement or loss in range of motion, it could be that things are not healing, or that you're less focused, more emotional.

Recognising that something is 'not quite right' by listening to that internal body communication, the feedback from our senses is the first voice that needs to be heard.

I have heard this referred to as 'ADR' by some health professionals meaning "Ain't Doing Right" and the same professionals also noted that when people got a sense of this, in almost all cases, they were right.

So my question is, are you listening to your body?

If you hear it, you can then make a choice about what you can do to help yourself or consider who you can ask for help and guidance

Healthcare professionals

There are a wide variety of people who support and assist you or your family with your healthcare - doctors, nurses, consultants, physiotherapist, exercise instructors, massage therapists, kinesiologist and other holistic practitioners.

Ask yourself, is your voice heard when talking about your health, wanting to understanding more, are alternatives or range options discussed?

Do you have the time and space to determine what is right for you, to process the information received?

What happens if you are heard, but the actions or choices you wish to pursue and ignored or discounted?

My experience when it comes to my own health, my voice, choice and being heard is that is has varied throughout my life. There have been times when I did not know or understand, when I was given an injection or medication anyway, but it was not fully explained, alternatives were not given. I realise that not everyone who is connected to my healthcare has the time, knowledge, holistic, or integrated approach or whole-person perspective.

The good news is that this is changing.

Integrated approach to health

An integrated approach to health puts you in the drivers seat, it allows for healthcare professionals in multiple disciplines to work together to support you. A key aspect for me to this is education. Educating individuals to understand more about their health and to make the connection that small signs of imbalance are important. Whilst Medical approaches can be great they are not the only solution. Whole-system and the integrating different approaches can be very beneficial too.

An integrated approach to health benefits not only individuals, but communities, even the planet. It offers an opportunity to share resources and create new and innovative ways to support our health.

Diversity in approaches

The MELT Method approach - this works with 4 balls and soft rollers. Techniques are used to reconnect, rebalance, rehydrate and release the connective tissues system and calm the nervous system. Self awareness and checking to see what changes the different moves have made is important. It can work directly or indirectly to relieve pain, regain pelvic, core and shoulder stability, and can be done standing, sitting or lying. It is a great way to prepare or help the body recover after activities and complements all forms of exercise, nutrition and treatments.

Pilates movement based practice - this works with your own body, small equipment or the larger reformer tower apparatus. It works with the musculoskeletal system to improve posture, alignment, strength, range of motions and core stability. It encourages you to connect to your body, understanding what is happening with your movement pattern, where excess tension is and how to adjust or correct your movement.

Kinesiology - this approach works with muscle testing to help you understand how and what you eat, drink, put onto or into your body, as well as your thoughts, emotions and sense of self (essence/spirit/vitality) all affect how your muscles, connective tissue and nervous system interact. Poor posture, digestive issues, low energy, lack of focus, concentration can all be helped using a variety of Kinesiology techniques. Your body has 'reveals' through muscle testing priory meridians identifying areas that require balancing via a series of hands on techniques to increase balanced fluid flow and energy.

Massage and scarwork - this approach works with muscles and soft tissue to help to release excess tension and to improve the appearance and impact of scars and scar tissue. A variety of manual techniques, essential oils and hot stones can be used to enhance the massage. Creating more fluid flow, improving posture, stress, supporting the bodies own healing mechanisms and as part of rehabilitation or recovery program.

Studying the Diploma of Integrated Medicine gives me a greater understanding of the philosophy, methodology and mechanisms of action for a variety of approaches including traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurveda, hypnosis, homeopathy, exercises, herbal, nutrition, acupuncture and green space.

It is also giving me additional insight of alternative approaches for a variety of conditions eg inflammation, birth, musculoskeletal and more. Meaning that when you come to me for a treatment I can take a look at the 'whole you' and understand how best to help you.