"Nature does almost all the work" - the art of recovery

[Hezekiah]

theguardian.com/world/2022/...

I was impressed by this Guardian article today, and felt it was worth sharing.

Here's a taster:-

"But for all that the western medical attitude to the body and illness frequently disappoints, it remains a powerful approach, and for that reason has been adopted in some form or another across much of the globe. Even its ability to define and name our illnesses can offer consolation – I’ve seen many reassured by that act of naming, comforted by the knowledge that what afflicts them has an existence separate from themselves. The naming of an illness offers access to a community of others who have found ways of living with the same difficulties, and that itself can be a source of hope. But there’s a paradox at work: categorising an illness can offer a false sense of definition, locking us into an expectation that becomes self-fulfilling. I’ve known patients who accept the label of an illness with relief, and others who detest all labels as stigmatising. Where possible, I try to take those preferences into account."

[Mmrr]

A good read. I will order the book tomorrow.We sometimes forget that it is our bodies that undertake the healing process, medical interventions help, but our bodies heal.

My ex husband, a GP used to say the GPs role was to keep the patient amused until they got better (or died).

[Stayloose in reply to Mmrr]

Healing takes time but I suspect is heavily influenced by what happens during that time. Contributors on this site consistently provide acknowledgement, care and understanding when there isn't much space/priority given for it elsewhere. Sadly so often the missing element in modern Western medicine today.

[Mmrr in reply to Stayloose]

Absolutely

[Hidden]

Thank you for sharing. I read it today too and thought it was a great article. One where you stop to re-read bits. Some very important thoughts and concepts! Take care x

[Hidden]

Thanks for posting.

[Stayloose]

Thank you for posting. A thought provoking article.

[Sheila_G]

Yes that is very interesting. I believe all of it. I would like to read more on this subject. I will google it. Thank you.

[fitfatty]

A great article. I have pre-ordered it for my kindle from Amazon