Jacob Holistic Healing

The African Violet Lady 

The following is based on a talk by Bill O’Hanlon at the 2007 NICABM conference:

Research has defined four characteristics that are the best predictors of happiness;  social connections, optimism, appreciation, and purpose.  In studies done around the world, even those living in horrendous poverty rated high on the happiness scale if they had strong social connections.  Sol Gordon coined the term Mitzvah Therapy for activites that create social connections. A Mitzvah, in Jewish circles, is a good deed; something positive done to benefit others.  Given that doing such a deed necessitates a social connection and provides a purpose it is not surprising that it can result in greater happiness and healing.

Consider the following true story.  A withdrawn, depressed elderly woman was living alone in Milwaukee.  Milton Erickson, psychiatrist and hypnotherapist, paid her a visit, upon the request of her nephew.  The nephew said his aunt used to be active in her church but had stopped participating due to her mobility issues, and he was concerned that she was preparing to die.  The woman showed Dr. Erickson around her large home which he noted was well adapted for her wheel chair but had all of the shades and curtains drawn, giving it a dark and dreary atmosphere.  The only bright spot in the home was the attached greenhouse which was full of African violets.  The woman asked Dr. Erickson if he could help her and Erickson replied, “You don’t need my help, your problem is that you are not a very good Christian woman.”   You can imagine that got the woman’s attention.  He went on , “What I prescribe for you is that you take a close look at your church bulletin every month and if you see that someone has had a happy occasion or a sad one, you have your driver take you and one of your beautiful African violets to the home so that you can pay a visit to express your congratulations or condolences.”  Being motivated to act as a good Christian, the woman took Erickson’s advice and paid such visits to members of her church.  Many years later, there was a headline in the Milwaukee newspaper; African Violet Lady Dies, Thousands Attend Her Funeral.

Perhaps it is time to discover the African violets of your own life or to help others find theirs.  As Gandhi said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” 

Vitamin D:  A Key Component You May Be Missing

Vitamin D has been much in the news lately.  Research is demonstrating its critical role in cancer and diabetes prevention, neurological function, bone health, and immune balance.  Many common chronic illnesses have been linked to vitamin D deficiency.   However, research is also demonstrating that most people are deficient in this vitamin.

Vitamin D is unique in that we get a small amount of it from food and some is produced in the body in response to sunlight.  Warnings against sun exposure over the last several years, and the increased use of sun blocking agents have likely contributed to the widespread deficiencies. 

              There are three sensible actions to take to make sure you optimize your vitamin D levels and receive all of its health benefits.  The first is to have your blood level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D measured.  Optimal levels are at least 30ng/ml.  Some health professionals are now measuring vitamin D levels routinely but it is best to ask your provider to make sure this is included in your care.  If your level is very low you may need larger doses than recommended for the general public, and because this is a fat soluble vitamin, blood levels may need to be monitored.  

The second step is to take vitamin D3 supplements.  Food sources of vitamin D include fish, some mushrooms, and fortified foods such as milk and orange juice.  However, it is difficult to get sufficient amounts from food only.  Experts suggest that both children and adults need 1000 IU of vitamin D3 per day. 

The third recommendation is sensible sun exposure, which means 10-15 minutes of arm and leg exposure 2-3 times per week.  It is best to always wear sunscreen on your face and hands, to avoid damage of these areas. Of course, this recommendation is difficult to follow in cold weather, so soak up the sun when you can and use supplements to keep your blood levels optimized.

If you are troubled by chronic illness, frequent infections, muscle or bone aches, or neurological symptoms it is prudent to investigate vitamin D levels, along with using other healing techniques. Let’s make sure we are giving our bodies all that they need to function optimally.