Introduction
In the realm of healthcare decisions, the choice between medical intervention and alternative remedies often presents a dilemma. Bella's contemplation of a cholecystectomy, or gallbladder removal surgery, highlights this ongoing debate. As Dr. Marius Herholdt, CEO of Synergetica, introduces the HYCY system, Heal Yourself, Counsel Yourself. This blog explores the complexities surrounding medical decisions and the role of self-care in healthcare.
Folk Medicine or Not?
Bella said she was going to see a specialist for a possible cholecystectomy. For those of you not acquainted with the term, it refers to the surgical removal of a small, pouch-like organ in the upper right part of your tummy. Yes, you are right, it is the gallbladder.
The function of the gall bladder is to collect and store bile, a digestive fluid produced in your liver. It is performed in the case of gallstones, inflammation or polyps which can be very painful. Although one can live without a gallbladder as it is not essential to healthy digestion, there is anecdotal evidence that natural ways could help people get rid of gallstones without a surgical procedure by following a gallbladder flush regimen. According to some research, there is evidence that dietary factors influence the risk of developing cholesterol gallstones. Alan Gaby wrote an article on this topic, Nutritional approaches to prevention and treatment of gallstones.
As Bella was not scheduled for surgery yet, I had the liberty to ask her why she did not consider folk medicine options before taking such a drastic step. Her answer was: “No thank you, my doctor knows what he is talking about and he recommended it.” Case closed. Or is it?
We find this attitude often, people are willing to submit to medical authority without considering alternative options. Of course, we respect medical intervention when warranted. Our daughter recently had to undergo a tonsillectomy, and in her case, it was best as it was a chronic condition. But in many cases, people can benefit from wellness support and folk medicine protocols as alternative options, but this requires self-care which people are not always ready or open to.
Due to the medicalisation of society, the health ignorance of people and the high premium we place on medical care as an authoritarian system, we easily assume the role of patients when sick. Patients are passive followers, they expect the doctor to heal them; many people even become their diseases for we often hear: “I am bi-polar” or “I am a diabetic”. Shame, sorry to hear.
Patient or Actient?
The Foundation of Self-Care
The underlying principle is that well-being enhancement enables one to support and work with the innate healing mechanism of the human body. No expert can heal you or me, they can only facilitate the healing process at most. Well-being is more than physical health, it is a total holistic self-care process of overall improvement with six pillars:
- You can increase your knowledge of wellness processes and especially health literacy.
- Take care of your mental and emotional well-being because it impacts your physical health.
- Practice physical activity for it stimulates healing to take place.
- Avoid risks that could jeopardise your health, including exposure to stress and sleeplessness.
- Practice good hygiene, to minimise infections.
- Learn how to make rational use of natural products and services.
Remember
― Parker Palmer, Let Your Life Speak: Listening for the Voice of Vocation