Facing the Shadows & Healing During COVID19


This is an invitation to hope, healing and guidance during some very challenging times of cocooning.

I want to tell you a story that is relative to what is happening all around me with the growing mental health crisis I am witnessing before my eyes. I hope it will shed light for someone who needs it.


The year is 2005. I don’t always have a smile on my face.  Some days are just darn right difficult.

I say bad things about myself. I sabotage my efforts and tell myself that there must be something wrong with me. I say things from …  “who do you think you are? Are you nuts? No one thinks you have anything to offer.”

To things like “You’re tainted. No one will ever love someone like you and who could blame them after what you been through.”

I developed complex post-traumatic stress disorder as well as traumatic brain injury due to several co-occurring factors including … Domestic abuse, domestic violence by proxy, multiple concussions, car accident, rape etc etc.

I went from buying my first house at 19yo to building a successful business in finance to losing it all to point of homelessness due to an abuse from a man whom I was married to for 9yrs but endured 11yrs of court battery w/ over a $300k legal bill. He hoped it would kill me so he could cash in the life insurance policy. I wasn’t going away and I was not giving up fighting for the safety of my children.

I fought back, becoming a fierce advocate for family court reform in custody cases involving domestic violence. I collected 20 credible cases of severe injustice and gross judicial abuse against one judge.

My naivety thought the TRUTH WILL PREVAIL … I was even contacted by a 20/20 reporter about my work. I thought. “Wow. If this happened, I must be onto something.” So, I pushed harder. At one point I had 12 interns helping me.

Well, when one of my interns pushed too hard to access public information about a judge who was PAID by certain groups to help incarcerated abusers gain custody, I suddenly had a target on my back and suddenly thrown into prison shortly there after.

PTSD is a fucked-up thing.

Do you know what was WORSE than that which I endured?

Good people … Every day neighbors, so called friends, etc who did the unthinkable … who judged and shamed me vs the abuser. They turned a blind eye. I am sure if I were someone famous or someone in a position of power, I would have been treated differently.

What I could not understand is WHY “good people” could easily ignore and turn a blind eye to the astounding fact of 58,000 American children being legally trafficked to abusers and pedophiles EVERY year was staggering to me.

It was the mindset that if it wasn’t their kid, who cares.

In the domestic violence world, we call this “bystander abuse”

I was trying to make a difference in this world especially for those without a voice, and I failed. I failed my children and I failed all the US children being abused.

In Dec 2014, I stopped doing that work after the MA Supreme Court ruled in favor of a documented abuser to gain custody for financial reasons ignoring the best interest of the child statute.

There is now in 2020 a PENDING Supreme Court Case in Ma to make a history of domestic/child abuse inadmissible as evidence in a custody case. So the systemic abuse and oppression has NOT stopped.

The harder I fought the injustice, the bigger hole I made for myself. So I changed my focus. I shifted to speaking and healing trauma associated with abuse. I felt my efforts were more useful here.

Why am I airing all this out NOW?

Things are different NOW. OR are they?

YOU DECIDE.

That was then, BEFORE I understood WHY I endured such horrors.

Why it has taken me 15yrs to heal and regain my life again.

Why the very year I was supposed to put the last part to my healing journey and recovery into play … buying a house again. Build my business with 2 locations. Travel internationally AGAIN … This year Ireland & Japan …. All came to a screeching halt thanks to the COVID shutdown.

I am sharing this, because I recognize that many people’s reactions to what is currently happening with COVID19 as to how I was then and  as to what I was faced then.

I see things differently from a different lens.

There’s more to “THIS STORY” than the public is told. I have LIVED this level of institutional gaslighting and abuse before.

I am not sharing this to gain sympathy. I’m inviting you to a view what is happening from a DIFFERENT lens.

PLEASE HEAR ME OUT.

I’m seeing a lot of parallels to my experience in 2005 to now. The difference between then and today?

Then … it was targeted towards victims of abuse/rape on average depending on stats 1:3 with higher numbers in BIPOC* communities.

Today EVERYONE is impacted. 100%

Nature doesn’t discriminate.  Humans do.

This pandemic is full of a LOT that I won’t go into at this time outside that we are NOT being given all the facts. I find the current narrative to be highly problematic with visible gaslighting/abuse perpetrated upon the people. Scientists who challenge this narrative have either been discredited or murdered. Freedoms of speech highly censored as ordered by governments and there have been doctors who have committed suicide. There is something happening here that is MORE VIRULENT than COVID19.

Most Americans do not have any frame of reference to calm their fears about the sudden life changes and about dying from THIS infectious virus. Most are not aware of the annual normal deaths associated with cancer, flu, overdoses, nor car accidents. This has created a shock.

I want to focus on the growing contagion of trauma and mental health crisis that is happening that is RARELY addressed or talked about.

I know gaslighting.

I know false narratives.

I know trauma.

I know being silenced.

I know being censored.

I know being discredited by persons in power.

I know the harm & oppression perpetrated by the system.

I know panic.

I know being defensive.

I know chaos.

I know loss.

I know fear.

I know having everything stripped away from you, powerless to act or do anything, knowing I did everything right … the best I could.

I know isolation and helplessness.

I know the “pinch me” factor, wondering if this is all a bad nightmare that I will wake up from.

I know the feeling of questioning what’s real and what’s not.

I know the hypervigilance.

I know the desire to flee.

I know the blame game.

I know the feeling of ‘how am I going to survive’

I know the feeling that I didn’t belong on a planet so cruel.

We are ALL cocooning. Evolving. Changing in ways unseen by the logical minds eye.

The Invitation

I invite you to step out of fear and put our freedoms to work as a sovereign Be-ing. I invite you to make healthy choices and put in place everything we know about how to be healthy and strong in the face of life’s critical moments.

I invite you to be open to another narrative. I invite you to be open and be that curious child.  I challenge you to BE skeptical.  Healthy skepticism is good.

For me, there’s a BIG difference between how I am responding NOW vs THEN.

I spent 15yrs working on myself incessantly healing, purging, letting go, befriending my shadows, looking at the darkness within, finding SOLID credible teachers to help support me … all to heal, let go as well as build a healthy spiritual immunity and resiliency.

I’ve harnessed my super powers to sniff out corruption, gaslighting and abuse when I see it.

I have dared to be brave.

I faced fears.

I questioned the narratives.

I stepped up.

I have worked on improving my language understanding that language has spiritual power – ‘kotodama’.

I have faced my ‘white privilege’ and still do.

I addressed my own toxic infectious colonized mindset and still do.

I have maintained the mindset of a student.

I’ve avoided multiple major surgeries by employing spiritually based integrative holistic health practices.

I got off medication cuz they were no longer needed.

I avoided the need for antibiotics.

I changed my diet naturally without much effort eating things I would normally have found gross like spinach …

My body started to heal.

My mind started to heal.

I learned how to tap into the body’s magical powerful way of healing itself.

I’ve had to learn what self-love looks like.

I had to redefine what safety looks like.

I removed toxic relationships and inserted healthy boundaries with ones I wanted in my life.

If I wanted a different external situation, I needed to work on the internal one FIRST.

I became my own superhero. Is it easy? FUCK NO.

However, today I am pausing.

I pay attention to the inner cues and whispers like clues on a treasure map.

I am reflecting on how far I’ve come and that I am actually alive.

I empathize with all of those who are being highly triggered right now. I’ve been there.

I empathize with all of those who are being hypervigilant right now. I’ve been there.

I empathize with all of those feeling of anger, frustration, and feeling trapped. I know these emotions

I have learned some serious mad skills over the years to help me adjust.

I’m now really realizing how far I have come because of how I am responding to this crisis.

I want to share them with you.

I invite you to learn something different … to learn my “how” to become your own superhero especially during times of crisis.

I extend an invitation into self-discovery learning how to build healthy spiritual immunity and resiliency.

Let me show you.

I’ve invested in you. Will you invest in you?

There is light in the darkness.

There is possibility in times of chaos.

Can you see beyond the chaos?

Can you see beyond the obvious?

Our souls hold the wisdom we seek.

Our souls wait for us to be heard.

There is a way to master the calm within the storm.

I am here.

I’ve spent 15yrs building and acquiring an arsenal of tools to share with those who are ready for THIS medicine that is ministered to the human spirit.

How we look at the world is crucial. The world is as we see it.

This invitation is NOT for those who are already set in their ways and beliefs. I am not trying to convince anyone of anything.

This invitation is for those who are struggling with searching for a new narrative knowing there is a different way but may not know the what or how.


Please join us May 17th while we explore and journey into self discovery over a period of 5 weeks.  Learn how to not only be an empath survivor, but an empath thriver while building a stronger spiritual immunity and resiliency during times of crisis. Click here.


Am I making sense or do I sound like a crazy lady?

Thank you for reading.

Below is a list of resources to help you navigate these changes.

To book a private 1:1 virtual session with me, click here.

With appreciation,

Laura

Spiritual Medium, Healer, Speaker, Writer, Metaphysician, Advocate, Holistic Health Practitioner, Facilitator, Trauma Specialist, Empowerment Specialist and Spiritual Badass.

For more information about classes, click here and our events calendar, click here.

To book a private session, click here.

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*BIPOC = Black Indigenous Persons Of Color

LINKS

Click here for upcoming events

5wk Self Care For The Empath Virtual Class

Jikiden Reiki

Healing

Posts On Health

Posts on  Healing Trauma


Disclaimer

Please note that content on this website is intended for informational purposes only, and is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional, not is it meant to diagnose or treat a health problem, symptom or disease. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read on this website. Information provided on this website DOES NOT create a doctor-patient relationship between you and any doctor affiliated with our website.

Self Care for the Empath During Times of Crisis


Why learning how to not only be an energy empath survivor but an energy empath thriver is crucial during these stressful COVID19 times to propel us forward as an individual but also as a species/collective and learn tools to help transform those sensitivities that are triggering us or having negative affects into your super power.

Laura brings her 15 year journey of acceptance into self discovery, self care, and self love while embracing the gifts of BE-ing an empath.

Learn about Laura, her experience, what’s happening energetically during COVID19, the triggers, addressing the how to’s,  and why this 5 week class might be for YOU.

What others had to say:
“I highly recommend it for anyone being told they’re “too sensitive”, weighed down by their emotions or their environment or feel as though they don’t fit in. Laura is excellent at what she does and she has knowledge, compassion, insight and understanding that is truly unmatched.”  – Debbie

“Boom Boom Information! …I came to the class thinking how it would help me deal with the outside sources of the Empath issue which were well covered and Laura gave a lot of tools & info on how to deal, but importantly, for myself, opened me up (awareness:) )on how I need to deal & recognize what I am contributing to it. The journey … the balance …” – Sundee S.

“She knows her shit.”  – Hannah C.

To read more testimonials, click here.

Learn how to not only be an energy empath survivor but an energy empath thriver during these COVID19 times.

CLICK HERE to be the first to know & GET SPECIAL EXCLUSIVE RATE not offered anywhere else. 

GOT QUESTIONS??? Post in the comments or contact us directly


NOTE:  We tried to do a FB live 5x and somehow Facebook kept booting us. So this video is take 6 and as a result I FORGOT TO ADD : Spiritually based practices like mindfulness, meditation, reiki, yoga, thai chi etc – some triggering to empaths & others are more healing & beneficial. Learn the difference of what is right for YOU.

FREE Virtual Event: Meditation & Mastering Presence During COVID19

I am here for you & to support you through this … what some see as isolation, confinement or quarantine … I see as cocooning.

What does this mean? What does this look like? Stay tuned … I will go into this more.

Many of us mystics have been warning & preparing us for these times building up until now and there have been many prophecies foretold over the years.

We have a choice.

If you say we don’t, we do. We have a choice to go outside or not. We have a choice to be mindful of our actions or not. We have a choice to use hurtful words or kind words. We have a choice to find opportunities, potentialities, and possibilities in chaos.

Let us … all the spiritual people who have been apprenticing for decades for these times … help you navigate these changes.

I am here for you.

I am holding space.

  • Join us for a mid day of some spiritual guidance & energy updates at 12pm followed by some meditation and mastering presence at 12:30pm. Come to one or both.

LOCATION:

This will be on Zoom. Click here to join us or call in: 1 301 715 8592 (Meeting ID: 590 669 564)

DONATIONS:

Funds are running low to keep these events operating for FREE.  Help  support our FREE initiative, by making a donation to help us keep offering these events for FREE by making a donation via VENMO to Laura-Joseph-88

Virtual Class: Learn 3 Tips To Manage Anxiety, Stress & Triggers During COVID19

I am here for you & to support you through this … what some see as isolation, confinement or quarantine … I see as cocooning.

What does this mean? What does this look like? Stay tuned … I will go into this more.

Many of us mystics have been warning & preparing us for these times building up until now and there have been many prophecies foretold over the years.

Let us … all the spiritual people who have been apprenticing for decades for these times … help you navigate these changes.

I am here for you.

I am holding space.

TOPIC FOR FRIDAY’s EVENT

  • Managing Anxiety, Stress, & Triggers While Finding Balance and Mastering Presence In Times of Crisis.
  • Learn 3 Tips You Can Implement NOW
  • Will do a mini meditation if time allows as well as an opportunity for questions/answers

LOCATION:

This will be virtual class on Zoom.

To Register, Click here.

For more information, contact us

INVESTMENT Paid by DONATION:

Funds are currently running low due to financial investments needed to offer these events operating for FREE.

Help  support our FREE initiative, by making a donation to help us keep offering these events for FREE by making a donation

Virtual Class: Learn 5 Tips To Manage Anxiety, Stress & Triggers During COVID19

I am here for you & to support you through this … what some see as isolation, confinement or quarantine … I see as cocooning.

What does this mean? What does this look like? Stay tuned … I will go into this more.

Many of us mystics have been warning & preparing us for these times building up until now and there have been many prophecies foretold over the years.

Let us … all the spiritual people who have been apprenticing for decades for these times … help you navigate these changes.

I am here for you.

I am holding space.

TOPIC FOR FRIDAY’s EVENT

  • Managing Anxiety, Stress, & Triggers While Finding Balance and Mastering Presence In Times of Crisis.
  • Learn 5 Tips You Can Implement NOW
  • Will do a mini meditation if time allows as well as an opportunity for questions/answers

LOCATION:

This will be virtual class on Zoom.

To Register, Click here.

For more information, contact us

INVESTMENT Paid by DONATION:

Funds are currently running low due to financial investments needed to offer these events operating for FREE.

Help  support our FREE initiative, by making a donation to help us keep offering these events for FREE by making a donation

To get a glimpse about what you might experience on Friday?

Here is an intro to what was run on Monday with the experientials removed and individual mentoring removed for privacy reasons

In this video I share what is happening energetically and spiritually that led to these times and I share 3 tips to help you navigate.

On Friday, I will share 5 tips and will have a more elaborate approach to what is shown here with direct interactive group work and experientials.

FREE Virtual Event: Support, Spiritual Guidance & Meditation

I am here for you & to support you through this … what some see as isolation, confinement or quarantine … I see as cocooning.

Many of us mystics have been warning & preparing us for these times building up until now and there have been many prophecies foretold over the years.

We have a choice.

If you say we don’t, we do. We have a choice to go outside or not. We have a choice to be mindful of our actions or not. We have a choice to use hurtful words or kind words. We have a choice to find opportunities, potentialities, and possibilities in chaos.

Let us … all the spiritual people who have been apprenticing for decades for these times … help you navigate these changes.

I am here for you.

I am holding space.

I’m offering *FREE* support, spiritual guidance, energy updates, meditation and more in the FB group Reiki & Spiritual Enrichment With Laura Healing With Spirit

Join us VIRTUALLY in the comforts of your home for some virtual love, spiritual guidance, energy updates and meditation and more as we navigate these shifts together.

DONATIONS:

Funds are running low to keep these events operating for FREE.  Help  support our FREE initiative, by making a donation to help us keep offering these events for FREE by making a donation via VENMO to Laura-Joseph-88

FREE Virtual Event: Support, Spiritual Guidance & Meditation

I am here for you & to support you through this … what some see as isolation, confinement or quarantine … I see as cocooning.

Many of us mystics have been warning & preparing us for these times building up until now and there have been many prophecies foretold over the years.

We have a choice.

If you say we don’t, we do. We have a choice to go outside or not. We have a choice to be mindful of our actions or not. We have a choice to use hurtful words or kind words. We have a choice to find opportunities, potentialities, and possibilities in chaos.

Let us … all the spiritual people who have been apprenticing for decades for these times … help you navigate these changes.

I am here for you.

I am holding space.

I’m offering *FREE* support, spiritual guidance, energy updates, meditation and more in the FB group Reiki & Spiritual Enrichment With Laura Healing With Spirit

Join us VIRTUALLY in the comforts of your home for some virtual love, spiritual guidance, energy updates and meditation and more as we navigate these shifts together.

DONATIONS:

Funds are running low to keep these events operating for FREE.  Help  support our FREE initiative, by making a donation to help us keep offering these events for FREE by making a donation via VENMO to Laura-Joseph-88

FREE Virtual Event: Support, Spiritual Guidance & Meditation

I am here for you & to support you through this … what some see as isolation, confinement or quarantine … I see as cocooning.

Many of us mystics have been warning & preparing us for these times building up until now and there have been many prophecies foretold over the years.

We have a choice.

If you say we don’t, we do. We have a choice to go outside or not. We have a choice to be mindful of our actions or not. We have a choice to use hurtful words or kind words. We have a choice to find opportunities, potentialities, and possibilities in chaos.

Let us … all the spiritual people who have been apprenticing for decades for these times … help you navigate these changes.

I am here for you.

I am holding space.

I’m offering *FREE* support, spiritual guidance, energy updates, meditation and more in the FB group Reiki & Spiritual Enrichment With Laura Healing With Spirit

Join us VIRTUALLY in the comforts of your home for some virtual love, spiritual guidance, energy updates and meditation and more as we navigate these shifts together.

DONATIONS:

Funds are running low to keep these events operating for FREE.  Help  support our FREE initiative, by making a donation to help us keep offering these events for FREE by making a donation via VENMO to Laura-Joseph-88

During the Coronavirus Frenzy, Some Birthday Thoughts


HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME OR IS IT?

Today marks the beginning of the last year in a half century for me and I’m feeling quite vulnerable these days.

I originally had planned to talk about all the amazing incredible things that I want to accomplish and do and adventures I will take before I begin the next half century, and what should I do to transition with a BANG … BUT we’ve been given quite the curveball of a bang now. Haven’t we?!?!

All of my events and classes have been canceled thru April 15th. Some into May already.

My trip to Ireland next month has been canceled and unsure the scope of future travel plans elsewhere including Japan this fall.

HOWEVER …

I am surrendering all my fears and worries whether my business will survive this storm, and trusting all is as it’s supposed to be.

I should have known better cuz I wrote about this stuff in my 2020 forecast Jan 3rd. I was hesitant and careful at how I delivered the message as I didn’t want to create fear, but a guide on how to navigate.

BUT WOW.

My luv who showed up ending my day Aaaamazing bringing SOME of my favorites

So today, I stop. Pause. Reflect. And cocoon myself in while I re-calibrate.

I do what I have been preparing and trained to do over the last 49 years but especially the last 15 years.

I look for the opportunity, gifts, and blessings in the midst of chaos. So today I bless my junk.

I surrender into the flows and web of life like a life raft floating down a bumpy river. Sometimes it’s calm and other times it’s raging rapids.

I close my eyes, focus on my breath and remember my purpose.

I tap into the wisdom within, the wisdom of my ancestors and the original stewards of the land I reside on, the Massachusett people … being open to receive all that is to be received.

I honor the teachings. I show respect. I trust in the path unknown before me, and I allow life to unfold FOR me.

Today, my clients and classes are canceled. I will be planning opportunities for online bookings, classes, and meditation.

So instead, I will focus on Usui Sensei original reiki teachings for some much needed spiritual medicine. I recite the gokai every morning, every night, and every time I feel stressed.

Kyo dake wa (Just for Today)
Ikaruna (Do not anger)
Shinpai suna (Do not worry)
Kansha shite (Be grateful)
Gyo-o hageme (Do your duties fully)
Hito ni shinsetsu ni (Be kind to others)

I bow in gratitude to all who have helped shape who I am and continuing to grow up to become to be.

I don’t know what the future holds. None of us really do.

I surrender to the abyss of opportunity and possibility.

All I do know is that I am upping the dosage of my spiritual medicine, herbals, rituals, meditation, reiki, vibrational healing, self care and more.

I do know the world is needing to return to a path of love in their hearts. What’s more virulent than the coronavirus, is fear. And fear is wreaking havoc.

Please choose love over fear and PLEASE stand up to abusers, rapists, and bullies.

I’m off to the woods to lose my mind, commune with nature and center my soul. I look forward to wisdom I may recieve.

Thank you to all who have supported me and my journey throughout the years.

Sooooo … I guess it is a Happy 49th birthday to me …

With appreciation,
Laura

Spiritual Medium, Healer, Speaker, Writer, Metaphysician, Advocate, Holistic Health Practitioner, Facilitator, Trauma Specialist, Empowerment Specialist and Spiritual Badass.


For more information about classes, click here and our events calendar, click here.

To book a private session, click here.

SIGN UP FOR MONTHLY E-NEWS

Follow me on FacebookInstagramLinkedInYouTube.


Disclaimer:

© 2020 Laura Joseph. All Rights Reserved. This information is for general educational uses only. It may not apply to you and your specific medical needs. This information should not be used in place of a visit, call, consultation with or the advice of your physician or health care professional. Communicate promptly with your physician or other health care professional with any health-related questions or concerns. This article does not share the opinions of Healing With Spirit or its affiliates.  Be sure to follow specific instructions given to you by your physician or health care professional.

Holistic Health Tips For The Coronavirus Times


Preventative Tips on Staying Healthy

There is so much frenzy going on regarding the cornonavirus. I won’t belabor what is wrong.

So with that said, I felt I wanted to share with you MY tips to keep yourself healthy and boost your immune system. We forget that our bodies are designed to heal themselves. What I want to propose are ways to help strengthen your mind, body, and spirit during this crisis.

First, outside the basics of what is already flooded everywhere on the internet and social media such as good hand washing, minimize social contact, stay home if sick etc, there is more. I will NOT go into all that, but instead I will go into the OTHER stuff that sometimes is not addressed in the mainstream.

Are you ready for some of my home remedy tips?

Before we start, I would like to say, I do NOT do all of these at once. I pause. I listen to my body for what it needs intimately. Over the years in healing myself and my body, I have learned the power of building a relationship with my body and know what various emotional triggers, sensations, pains etc represent to me.

I encourage you to build a relationship with your body as it knows best what it needs. The body carries within it, infinite wisdom for your healing needs.

With that said, I will usually do a combination of these based on what I feel my body needs at that time. In this post I will address:

  • The herbal and vitamin tips
  • Things to increase
  • Eat more …
  • Things to avoid
  • and final thoughts

Here are my general recommendations:

The Herbal and Vitamin Tips

  • Elderberry: Elderberries have been used traditionally, and in some observational and clinical studies, as supportive agents against the common cold and influenza. (NCBI)
  • Turmeric (click here) has long been recognized for its medicinal properties. It aids in the management of oxidative and inflammatory conditions, metabolic syndrome, arthritis, anxiety, and hyperlipidemia. (NCBI). My favorite way of taking this is: turmeric root shaved 1 tsp (if only have access to spice powder then substitute), dash of cracked pepper in 6-8oz of hot water. Seep for 5min. Drink all. This is a chemical thing. Personally. I have found this combo work as effectively as other anti-inflammatories without the added side effects of liver and/or kidney damage. Click here for other top 10 evidence based benefits.
  • Vitamin D and Vitamin K2: Vitamin D has important roles in addition to its classic effects on calcium and bone homeostasis as well as immunity. I personally take 6000 IU of Vitamin D3 with added K2. Vitamins D and K are both fat-soluble vitamins and play a central role in calcium metabolism. Studies suggest that optimal concentrations of both vitamin D and vitamin K are beneficial for bone and cardiovascular health.  (NCBI)
  • Zinc and vitamin C: Supplementation of vitamin C was found to improve components of the human immune system such as antimicrobial and natural killer cell activities, lymphocyte proliferation, chemotaxis, and delayed-type hypersensitivity (PubMed). Likewise, zinc also plays a role in immune function.
  • Probiotics: A prospective study of probiotic supplementation results in immune stimulation and improvement of upper respiratory infection rate (NCBI). Considering the coronavirus attacks the lungs, this might be something very easily dismissed in its role by the mainstream. We forget that gut health is paramount for overall health.
  • Honey: Honey clasps several medicinal and health effects as a natural food supplement. It has been established as a potential therapeutic antioxidant agent for various biodiverse ailments. Studies show it exhibits strong wound healing, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antiviral, and antidiabetic effects. It also retains immunomodulatory, estrogenic regulatory, antimutagenic, anticancer, and numerous other vigor effects. Research also shows that honey, as a conventional therapy, might be a novel antioxidant to abate many of the diseases directly or indirectly associated with oxidative stress (PMC). Personally, I choose raw organic unfiltered honey that is local or manuka honey for therapeutic treatment. Manuka honey has shown it kills bacterial pathogens.
  • EZC Pak –  This is a physician directed tapered immune support pack with high concentrations of organic Echinacea, Zinc, and Vitamin C.  EZC Pak (click here) is one of the main things I personally took  (on top of the other recommendations above) in December 2019 with some odd virus that was unlike anything I have ever had after travelling abroad in the fall. It was so odd, I actually researched “international diseases” for travelers aka warnings etc.  Was it COVID19 I had? … I am not 100% sure, but my symptoms matched it perfectly, and I am sure this is also was killed my beloved Ava

Things to Increase:

Rest & Sleep:

Have you noticed that when you do not get enough sleep, you are prone to getting sick? Not getting enough sleep can lead to higher levels of a stress hormone. It may also lead to more inflammation in your body.

Most of our body’s ability to repair itself happens when we are at rest. So ensuring we get enough rest is important. Also, increasing the dosage of sleep might be needed as forecast moving through the energies of 2020.

One new study has explained how sleep contributes to the proper functioning of the immune system (Medical News Today).

Meditation

Meditation boosts antibodies. A recent study confirmed that, after being given weekly meditation training for 8 weeks, 48 biotech workers had significantly higher levels of antibodies than the control group.

Meditation stimulates immune system brain-function regions. Mindfulness meditation has shown increases in electrical activity in the prefrontal cortex, the right anterior insula, and right hippocampus, all parts that control positive emotions, awareness, and anxiety. These are also the areas of the brain that act as a command center for your immune system. When stimulated, they make the immune system function more effectively (The Chopra Center)

DON’T KNOW HOW OR STRUGGLE: Practice being present and try some mindful breathing or go into nature and UNPLUG from your devises. Sometimes 5-10 min a day is all the body needs.

Reiki

Reiki is a Japanese complementary alternative mind body medicine therapy that works with the human body’s bioenergy field.

Our bodies are designed and fully equipped to heal themselves, but many of are so use to looking for external solutions, we may have forgotten. Reiki taps into those innate healing abilities. By doing to, it can also promote the body’s natural immune response.

Jikiden Reiki practitioners, for instance, are trained to sense levels of toxins present in the physical body. Reiki is then used to intensively promote detoxification and a return to the body’s normal homeostasis. When minor sicknesses, such as coughs and colds are being treated, they will typically move through the body much faster than usual.

Yoga

Yoga is a mind and body practice with a 5,000-year history in ancient Indian philosophy. Various styles of yoga combine physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation or relaxation. (Medical News Today)

Research published in the Journal of Behavioral Medicine suggests that yoga can be helpful way to boost your immune system and decrease inflammation in the body. (Psychology Today)

Massage

There is growing body of research indicates massage therapy can benefit the immune system. Researchers have reported people who undergo massage experience measurable changes in their body’s immune and endocrine response. (Science Daily)

Thai Chi, Exercise, etc

With age, our immune systems become less nimble and not quite as ruthless. The number of T cells drop. The B cells also start to wind down, making fewer antibodies that respond to outside intruders and more errant ones that turn on the body itself.

Small studies have yielded some evidence that exercise seems to re-energize the immune system (Harvard Medical School)

Tai chi might have a strong effect on the immune system because it manages to bring exercise, relaxation, and meditation together in “one behavioral intervention,” the researchers said. They theorized that tai chi enhances T cell activity by quieting the nervous system’s “fight or flight” response, which can, in certain circumstances, interfere with the immune system. (Harvard Medical School)

Shin Rin Yoku

This is a Japanese term otherwise known as “forest bathing”. Current literature supports the comprehensive health benefits of exposure to nature and green environments on human systems on something that has been incorporated as part of the Shinto culture in Japan to decrease undue stress, potential burnout and “technostress.” (NCBI)

Studies have also found that “forest bathing” has “positive physiological effects, such as blood pressure reduction, improvement of autonomic and immune functions, as well as psychological effects of alleviating depression and improving mental health” (NCBI).

congerdesign / Pixabay

Eat more …

  • leafy greens such as spinach and kale,
  • bone broth is the secret ingredient in our mother’s chicken soup with all sorts of yummies for our immune health,
  • seaweed ( I like sneaking it in soups),
  • organic “berries” such as raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries
  • fresh rosemary,
  • holy basil,
  • fresh parsley,
  • ginger root – in teas, soups, dishes,
  • raw garlic has been shown to help fight viruses and bacteria. I eat this generously on the daily whether on toast or in dishes. It is one of my favorite go to foods.

… Things to Avoid …

Stress – Avoid or Minimize

Stress or at least work towards minimizing and taking steps to release stress when necessary. When we’re stressed, the immune system’s ability to fight off antigens is reduced. That is why we are more susceptible to infections. Check out Stress, Illness and the Immune System.

WHAT TO DO: You can try CBD to help cope with stress which targets the endocannabinoid system.

Some studies suggest that cannabinoids like THC and CBD are immunosuppressant, which can explain the relief experienced by medical cannabis users with autoimmune diseases and chronic inflammation. Other studies have shown that regular cannabis use can increase white blood cell counts in immunodeficiency disorders such as HIV, suggesting an immune-boosting effect.

You can also try taking Ashwagandha if you feel you need added support for your stress which supports adrenal type stress. This is one of my personal go to adaptogenic herbs that have helped me and others I know with underlying causes for stress such as PTSD. You can read here “Why Ashwagandha Root Could Be The Cure For The Western Epidemic of Stress Related Illness”.

Processed Foods: Avoid or Minimize

Research shows that dietary habits influence disease risk. Poor diet quality is implicated in almost every disease and health issue.  Processed foods harm your gut bacteria and promote insulin resistance, chronic inflammation, and overall disease risk (NCBI).

WHAT TO DO: Research indicates that diets abundant in plant foods and low in processed products strengthen your health (Healthline). Choose whole grains and things that do NOT come in a box.

Alcohol: Avoid or Minimize

Clinicians have long observed an association between excessive alcohol consumption and adverse immune-related health effects such as susceptibility to pneumonia and more recently to a greater likelihood of acute respiratory stress syndromes (ARDS), sepsis, alcoholic liver disease (ALD), and certain cancers; a higher incidence of postoperative complications; and slower and less complete recovery from infection and physical trauma, including poor wound healing (NCBI).

Alcohol can cause dehydration and lower immune system function, which may worsen cold symptoms as well as adversely affect other cold and flu medications. Therefore, reducing alcohol consumption would be a wise move at this moment unless you are a hot toddy type of person.

EXCEPTION: Some suggest the warm beverage’s ingredients of a hot toddy are known to alleviate cold symptoms. Whiskey, specifically, also contains the antioxidant ellagic acid, which studies suggest may help treat viral and bacterial infections (Fatherly)

Processed Sugar: Avoid or Minimize

A high-sugar diet (HSD) induces Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity, which severely threaten human health including immune response. (PubMed). Eating or drinking too much processed sugar curbs immune system cells that attack bacteria.

WHAT TO DO: When it comes to viral infections, eat healthier forms of sugars found in fruits, vegetables, and honey (as mentioned above), which are rich in nutrients like vitamins C and E, plus beta-carotene and zinc. Go for a wide variety of brightly colored fruits and vegetables, including berries, citrus fruits, kiwi, apples, red grapes, kale, onions, spinach, sweet potatoes, and carrots (WebMD)

Dairy: Avoid or Minimize

Dairy is a known inflammatory food and gut disruptor that can aggravate health conditions, such as: eczema, asthma, acne, mood disorders, autism, many autoimmune conditions, especially type 1 diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease and more.

ALTERNATIVES: Healthier options include goat milk, flax seed milk, hemp milk. If you MUST do the dairy thing, I suggest things like yogurt and butter are generally ok, but avoid milk, cheese, ice cream.

… Finally,

What I have provided here is just a guide. There are so many other alternative and complimentary therapies that would be beneficial. I just wrote about what is in my filters of knowledge and expertise backed by research and other credible information.

I would sincerely like to know if what you found here was helpful to you during these crazy frenzied times we are currently in.

I was told my my wise Osteopathic physician father who has been practicing medicine for over 40+ years tell me, prevention is the best medicine.

Prevention includes making life style changes as well because a pill, an herb, a treatment session is still just a band aid in many situations if you do not correct the underlying culprit.

And as I stated earlier, this is a BIG year energetically where we are being called to do the needed inner spiritual work.

Spiritual bypassing will no longer be an acceptable route to take moving forward. If you missed my 2020 energetic forecast earlier this year, you can click here for the full post including tips to help you navigate these energies.

If you are unsure as to what works and doesn’t work for you, book an integrative holistic health appointment with me today.

Thank you for supporting me and my work

With appreciation,

Laura

Spiritual Medium, Healer, Speaker, Writer, Metaphysician, Advocate, Holistic Health Practitioner, Facilitator, Trauma Specialist, Empowerment Specialist and Spiritual Badass.


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Disclaimer

Please note that content on this website is intended for informational purposes only, and is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional, not is it meant to diagnose or treat a health problem, symptom or disease. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read on this website. Information provided on this website DOES NOT create a doctor-patient relationship between you and any doctor affiliated with our website.


References

6 Foods That Cause Inflammation; Healthline; Franziska Spritzler, RD, CDE on November 12, 2019

10 Proven Health Benefits of Turmeric and Curcumin; Healthline; Kris Gunnars, BSc; July 13, 2018

A comparative study of the physiological and psychological effects of forest bathing (Shinrin-yoku) on working age people with and without depressive tendencies; National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine; Akemi Furuyashiki, Keiji Tabuchi, Kensuke Norikoshi, Toshio Kobayashi, and Sanae Oriyama; June 22, 2019

Adults demonstrate modified immune response after receiving massage, researchers show; Cedars-Sinai Medical Center; Science Daily; September 9, 2010.

Alcohol and the Immune System; National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine; Dipak Sarkar, Ph.D., D.Phil., M. Katherine Jung, Ph.D., and H. Joe Wang, Ph.D. ; 2015

A high-sugar diet affects cellular and humoral immune responses in Drosophila; PubMed; 2018 Jul 15;368(2):215-224. doi: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2018.04.032. Epub 2018 May 1.

Alterations in brain and immune function produced by mindfulness meditation; National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine; Davidson RJ, Kabat-Zinn J, Schumacher J, Rosenkranz M, Muller D, Santorelli SF, Urbanowski F, Harrington A, Bonus K, Sheridan JF. ; 2003

A nutrition strategy to reduce the burden of diet related disease: access to dietician services must complement population health approaches; National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine; Leonie Segal and Rachelle S. Opie; 2015

Biofield Science and Healing: An Emerging Frontier in Medicine; National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine; Shamini Jain, PhD, John Ives, PhD, Wayne Jonas, MD, Richard Hammerschlag, PhD, David Muehsam, PhD, Cassandra Vieten, PhD, Daniel Vicario, MD, Deepak Chopra, MD, FACP, Rauni Pritten King, RN, MIH, CHTPI, and Erminia Guarneri, MD, FACC; 2015

Can Food Act as Medicine? All You Need to Know; Healthline; Jillian Kubala, MS, RD on August 8, 2019

Cannabinoid-induced apoptosis in immune cells as a pathway to immunosuppression; National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine; Sadiye Amcaoglu Rieder, Ashok Chauhan, Ugra Singh, Mitzi Nagarkatti, and Prakash Nagarkatti; 2010

Curcumin: A Review of Its’ Effects on Human Health; National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine; Susan J. Hewlings and Douglas S. Kalman; 2017 Oct 22

Dairy: one of the biggest immune system stressors; Darou Wellness; Dr. Shawna Darou, ND;

Elderberry Supplementation Reduces Cold Duration and Symptoms in Air-Travellers: A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial; National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine; Evelin Tiralongo, Shirley S. Wee, and Rodney A. Lea ; 2016 Mar 24

Honey as a Potential Natural Antioxidant Medicine: An Insight into Its Molecular Mechanisms of Action; National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine; Sarfraz Ahmed, Siti Amrah Sulaiman, Atif Amin Baig, Muhammad Ibrahim, Sana Liaqat, Saira Fatima, Sadia Jabeen, Nighat Shamim, and Nor Hayati Othman; January 18, 2018

How does yoga work?; Medical News Today; Hannah Nichols; September 25, 2018

How Meditation Helps Your Immune System Do its Job; The Chopra Center;  Deepak Chopra, M.D 1/14/15

How sleep can boost your body’s immune response; Medical News Today; Maria Cohut, Ph.D; February 13, 2019

Immune-enhancing role of vitamin C and zinc and effect on clinical conditions; PubMed; Wintergerst ES, Maggini S, Hornig DH. ; 2006

In Brief: Tai chi gives immune system a boost; Harvard Medical School; Harvard University Publications; 2007

Is a Hot Toddy Really Good for a Cold? Doctors Explain; Fatherly; Lauren Vinopal;  Nov 11 2018

Jikiden Reiki® Services; Healing With Spirit

Modulation of Gut-Specific Mechanisms by Chronic Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Administration in Male Rhesus Macaques Infected with Simian Immunodeficiency Virus: A Systems Biology Analysis; National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine; Patricia E. Molina, Angela M. Amedee, Nicole J. LeCapitaine, Jovanny Zabaleta, Mahesh Mohan, Peter J. Winsauer, Curtis Vande Stouwe, Robin R. McGoey, Matthew W. Auten, Lynn LaMotte, Lawrance C. Chandra, and Leslie L. Birke; 2014

New Research On How Yoga Boosts Your Immune System; Psychology Today; Marlynn Wei M.D., J.D.; February 22, 2018

Prospective study of probiotic supplementation results in immune stimulation and improvement of upper respiratory infection rate; National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine; Hong Zhang, Chiajung Yeh, Zonglian Jin, Liwei Ding, Bryan Y. Liu, Li Zhang, and H. Kathleen Dannelly; June 2018

Shinrin-Yoku (Forest Bathing) and Nature Therapy: A State-of-the-Art Review; National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine; Margaret M. Hansen, Reo Jones, and Kirsten Tocchini; 2017

Stress, Illness and the Immune System; Simply Psychology; Saul McLeod updated 2010

Therapeutic Manuka Honey: No Longer So Alternative; National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine; Dee A. Carter, Shona E. Blair, Nural N. Cokcetin, Daniel Bouzo, Peter Brooks, Ralf Schothauer, and Elizabeth J. Harry; April 20, 2016

The Synergistic Interplay between Vitamins D and K for Bone and Cardiovascular Health: A Narrative Review; National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine; Adriana J. van Ballegooijen, Stefan Pilz, Andreas Tomaschitz,  Martin R. Grübler, and Nicolas Verheyen; September 12, 2017

Three Lessons 2019 Taught Us, Three Things To Know About Navigating the 2020 Energies, & What It All Means; Healing With Spirit; Laura Joseph; January 3, 2020

Vitamin D and the Immune System; National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine; Cynthia Aranow, MD, Investigator ; 2012 Aug 1

Why Ashwagandha Root Could Be The Cure For The Western Epidemic of Stress Related Illness; Healing With Spirit; Laura Joseph; November 28, 2018


© 2020 Laura Joseph. All Rights Reserved. This information is for general educational uses only. It may not apply to you and your specific medical needs. This information should not be used in place of a visit, call, consultation with or the advice of your physician or health care professional. Communicate promptly with your physician or other health care professional with any health-related questions or concerns. This article does not share the opinions of Healing With Spirit or its affiliates.  Be sure to follow specific instructions given to you by your physician or health care professional.