Loving your body and approaches to dis-ease

Some of us are proud of our appearances and work hard to maintain them.

Some of us think that'll do and don't spend too long in the mirror. Some of us can't look in the mirror at all.

We are all different but it is critical for our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health that we love our bodies. That is nothing to do with vanity or feeling 'better than'. It is about sending loving kindness to the physical vehicle that is carrying you through life every day and that you chose.

Western and Eastern medicines take very different approaches to the physical body and treatment. They can be complementary. Western medicine has some marvellous doctors, medical treatments and research that saves and improves lives. It is essential on any healing journey that you do not throw the baby out with the bath water! However, being open to some of the principles behind Eastern medicine (used by billions of people on this planet) can help you heal enormously. Much of Eastern medicines focus on the flow of energy in the body and our 'energy meridians'. These get blocked with stagnant energy from emotional trauma or physical trauma. Whether you choose acupuncture, acupressure, chinese medicine, reflexology, Reiki or other forms of energy healing, these all focus on unblocking the flow of chi/Ki in your body which will mean the benefit you get from Western medicine can be improved.

From a spiritual perspective, our bodies are constantly giving us messages when we feel discomfort. The key is acknowledging the message, thanking the cells in your body for the message and releasing the emotions that need releasing. It sounds far fetched but try it and you may be surprised. Some people instantly feel the tension or pain dissolves from their bodies as they send loving thankful messages to their body thanking them.

Moreover, if we live our days criticising our bodies for being too fat, too slow, not good enough then that is what they obediently deliver. Change your mindset and appreciate your body for all that it has done for you. Are you able to look in the mirror full on and appreciate your body? If not, why not? What underlying beliefs about yourself and your body do you have that need releasing? Often, these are very deep seated but once they are released and you are back in flow with your body, so your body will give you more of what you want.

Buddhists have a concept of the inner smile. Send love and an inner smile to the inside of your body. If you have ever done yoga and been told to have a 'soft gaze', this is it. It isn't a glassy eyed stare at your yoga teacher!

It sounds very New Age. Get the pan pipes out and eat some mung beans why don't you?! But..it works. Simple as that.