7 Practical Healing Strategies Healthcare Needs for Survival

[Carol Ebert, MSN, RN]

Sanoviv is a benchmark of where healthcare needs to be in the future in order to survive. Oh and did I mention, this amazing facility is located one hour from San Diego - across the border into Mexico. That's why they can use other healing modalities we are not allowed to use in the U.S. with proven results of success. They still treat patients with major chronic degenerative diseases in traditional ways (like stage 4 cancer when the patient has been written off by our system), but they also offer a functional medicine approach that focuses on the whole body, mind and spirit in consultation with physicians, nurses, chiropractors, nutritionists, dentists, psychologists, and spa therapists. A true patient-centered approach that leads no stone unturned.

Unlike my latest experience with a traditional medical consult for my husband who will soon be undergoing a cardiac catheterization with the possible placement of a stent, all the nurse and physician were interested in doing was "telling" us what was going to happen next, as opposed to investigating all about his lifestyle and what factors might impact him now and in the future related to this situation. Once again I was aware that he was only having his heart treated, and not his whole being.

So my latest trip to Sanoviv reminded me of simple strategies that we could all start implementing with the end result of helping others achieve true healing instead of just getting body parts fixed. Here are some ideas for you to consider. Of course it would be great if you could actually implement all of these things for the benefit of our patients in one fell swoop. But realistically, if you would make a commitment to start the process of taking one small step in a healing direction, that could start the ball rolling or even just begin the conversation - that would be great progress.

Remove toxins from the environment

Our bodies are overloaded with toxins and we are exposed to more and more in great amounts every day. Here is one example. Consider how much hand sanitizers are being used in most businesses to the point where people are afraid of germs and getting addicted to using them constantly. Many hand sanitizers expose you to potentially harmful chemicals and may compromise your long-term immunity. Take home message - just like we learned in school - wash your hands with soap and water.

Use organic cotton clothing washed in toxin-free cleaning solutions

Think about how much of the time your skin is in contact with clothing, pajamas, sheets. If fabric smells like something, it is probably tainted by chemicals used in detergents, and those chemicals pass into your body thru your skin. Find out what products are being used to clean fabrics in the hospital and in your home and change it to something toxin free.

Encourage positivity

Use a positive tone and use positive words when conversing with patients and co-workers. Make sure TV programs being shown convey a pleasant feeling. At Sanoviv, prior to surgery, patients attend a laughter yoga class. Laughter decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, thus improving your resistance to disease. Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the body's natural feel-good chemicals. Endorphins promote an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain.

Serve healthy whole food

Food is medicine. Everyone at Sanoviv eats food that is mostly plant-based and organic at a ratio of half raw and half cooked. They have an organic garden to grow their own food, and when they can't get everything they need, they carefully select produce from other trusted sources. They also protect from potentially harmful pathogens by cleansing produce in a colloidal silver fruit and vegetable wash.

Provide communal dining

At Sanoviv all patients (except those too ill to join in) and guests eat together in a common dining room to provide socialization, positive support, and to feel more human and not so isolated as we do with patients. Negative conversation is discouraged.

Create a calm environment

At Sanoviv, soothing music is provided throughout the facility which has a calming effect during treatments and meals. Gentle chimes are used to wake up in the morning. A quiet room is available in view of the ocean providing total silence while patients recline with multiple pillows positioning them comfortably.

Bring in nature as much as possible

Patients receiving IV's are in recliners and outside on the deck overlooking the ocean and listening to the ocean waves. Walking barefoot in the soft grass (Earthing) is encouraged to release any buildup of the negative effects of all the technology we are exposed to from EMF. (Electromagnetic frequencies). Multiple healing pools outside are used for natural detoxification and water exercise.

Hopefully these healing strategies give you "food for thought" and may inspire you to take positive action toward small steps that can improve and heal our non-healing healthcare system. Please share your insights and experiences, especially what you see already working!

References

Benefits of a Quiet Body

Functional Medicine

Healing Through Laughter Yoga

Healthy Home Tips

Organic Cottons

Sanoviv

Scientific Reasons Why Being in Nature is Relaxing

[Flatline, BSN, RN]

I cannot argue with most of what you said, especially on positivity.

I would like to say though that any facility that lists colon cleansing as their #1 therapy loses all credibility with me. I am sorry, sticking a garden hose in your butt is not therapy, maybe pleasurable for some but it is not a medical therapy.

[macawake, MSN]

That's why they can use other healing modalities we are not allowed to use in the U.S. with proven results of success. They still treat patients with major chronic degenerative diseases in traditional ways (like stage 4 cancer when the patient has been written off by our system), but they also offer a functional medicine approach that focuses on the whole body, mind and spirit in consultation with physicians, nurses, chiropractors, nutritionists, dentists, psychologists, and spa therapists.

How do these people treat stage 4 cancer?

When I look at the list of therapies offered I'm horrified. Colon hydrotherapy, chelation therapy and rectal insufflation ozone?? And reiki Well, at least that one isn't harmful. I haven't even heard of all the ones on the list but the ones I know are enough. There's a reason these treatments aren't allowed in many countries with more strict regulations, and that reason isn't Big Pharma. It's the lack of evidence that the treatments work and a lack of evidence that they are safe.

I agree with flatline. I believe that nutritious food and spending time in nature is beneficial for most of us. Other than that, my opinion is that nurses and physicians have an obligation to promote only evidence-based medicine and steer clear of pseudo-science and outright woo.

[3ringnursing, BSN]

I cannot argue with most of what you said, especially on positivity.

I would like to say though that any facility that lists colon cleansing as their #1 therapy loses all credibility with me. I am sorry, sticking a garden hose in your butt is not therapy, maybe pleasurable for some but it is not a medical therapy.

I think it's listed in alphabetical order and "C" is first (although I believe a good swig of MOM and lots of water would probably yield the same results). My father-in-law sure believed in colon cleansing, but I don't.

[SummitRN, BSN, RN]

Toxins toxins everywhere... colon cleansing... must use organic cotton!

What is with AN and this cascade of pseudoscience and fluff articles?

Are we going to have articles about homeopathy next?

[RoyalTeaRN]

Thanks for the post.

[spotangel, DNP, RN, NP]

There is a wide expanse between western medicine practices and other schools of treatment.Prevention and natural remedies are commonly practiced in the rest of the world. One has to be aware of quick fix treatments that may or not be legitimate. One should research,speak to others and not ignore your own gut reaction when choosing a treatment. Again there is no cookie cutter treatment for any disease as each person is unique.

[elkpark]

There's a reason these kinds of places aren't allowed to operate in the US ... I'd love to see their "proven results of success."

[Carol Ebert, MSN, RN]

I appreciate all the comments. One thing I've learned after 50 years of experience with healthcare, health education, prevention and wellness is to be open to all possibilities when it comes to achieving optimal health. Healthcare doesn't always have all the answers and we personally need to take an active role in staying healthy and investigating all opportunities that could benefit us. After all we are in charge of our own health and need to rely less on healthcare to fix us and more on our own efforts to stay well. Once I got a masters degree in health education, I realized my nursing focus was too narrow for me and the "big picture" of health offers many more opportunities for healing.

[SummitRN, BSN, RN]

There are plenty of healthy answers without turning to pseudoscience.

But if you ignore science, anything could be possible! Oh wait... that's not true. BS is still BS. When you promote it, you urge people to waste time and money on fake treatments that can have real adverse effects!

OP Are you being paid by Sanoviv to promote their treatment center in Mexico?

Treatments:

Colon Hydrotherapy

Detoxification

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Dental Filling Removal

Whole Body Hyperthermia

[macawake, MSN]

What is with AN and this cascade of pseudoscience and fluff articles?

I've been thinking the same thing. I'm glad that I live and practise in a country where physicians and nurses can have their licenses revoked if they promote treatments that are not evidence-based.

What is with AN and this cascade of pseudoscience and fluff articles?

Are we going to have articles about homeopathy next?

That's all we need. Best-case scenario, it's sugar pills with no plausible mechanism of action (because no, water doesn't have memory even when it's been subjected to violent treatment and diluted according to some magical thinking ritual.. and no, like doesn't cure like...) and no effect beyond placebo. Worst-case scenario... Well...

FDA warns consumers about homeopathic teething products

There's a reason these kinds of places aren't allowed to operate in the US ... I'd love to see their "proven results of success."

So would I. People who promote alternative methods seem to forget the fact that alternative medicine and quackery is a huge profit-driven multi-billion dollar industry. The difference between alternative medicine and evidence-based medicine is that the latter has to prove efficacy and safety through high-quality clinical trials, the former does not. When alternative methods are proven to work they cease to be alternative and become evidence-based.

There are plenty of healthy answers without turning to pseudoscience.

But if you ignore science, anything could be possible! Oh wait... that's not true. BS is still BS. When you promote it, you urge people to waste time and money on fake treatments that can have real adverse effects!

I agree. It's scary. Several of the alternative methods mentioned are known to carry serious health risks. Also, by using them instead of conventional proven treatments, patients risk having their disease progress to a point where cure is no longer possible. By the time they turn to treatment that could have cured them, it's too late. The only one who benefits is the woo practioner who's likely laughing all the way to the bank. It saddens and infuriates me when seriously ill and desperate human beings are taken advantage of.

OP Are you being paid by Sanoviv to promote their treatment center in Mexico?

I too would appreciate an answer to that question.

One thing I've learned after 50 years of experience with healthcare, health education, prevention and wellness is to be open to all possibilities when it comes to achieving optimal health.

I don't think that anyone's arguing that we shouldn't be open to possibilities. After all, what is science if not a quest to find out and learn more :) But there is a difference between being open to possibilities which is a good thing and on the other hand suspending critical thinking and lowering standards as far as evidence goes.

Healthcare doesn't always have all the answers and we personally need to take an active role in staying healthy and investigating all opportunities that could benefit us. After all we are in charge of our own health and need to rely less on healthcare to fix us and more on our own efforts to stay well.

It's true that medicine doesn't have all the answers and people taking an active role in their own health is positive. But none of that in my opinion justifies the promotion of scientifically unsound/dangerous and unproven treatments by licensed healthcare professionals.

[nursej22, MSN, RN]

I cannot argue with most of what you said, especially on positivity.

I would like to say though that any facility that lists colon cleansing as their #1 therapy loses all credibility with me. I am sorry, sticking a garden hose in your butt is not therapy, maybe pleasurable for some but it is not a medical therapy.

Yeah, I have always considered the entire alimentary canal to be a "one-way" street, headed south.