1) Have a better definition of health
Weil noted that most people, even doctors, are limited in their capacity to describe what true health is. In his words: "Health is a state of balance and wholeness that allows you to move through the world and not get sick. You're exposed to toxins, but they don't cause cancer. You're exposed to germs but don't get ill. You're surrounded by allergens but have no allergies. More than anything, it's about an inner quality of springy-ness and resilience - like a child's knockdown toy that won't stay down."
2) If you're sick, ask yourself "why is healing not happening here?"
Don't just focus on finding medications to cure or mask the symptoms (though of course medications do have their place). Weil advised to focus on discovering what needs to be adjusted to allow for the body's natural healing power to kick in. This isn't "woo woo" power - we're talking natural cellular repair, inherent immune function and other very real phenomena here.
3) Create positive behavioural change by making it fun
Weil described a couple of clever, over-the-top initiatives that demonstrated that making positive activities really fun (stairs that play musical notes, a trash can in the park that makes a hilarious sound when you throw a piece of garbage in) can mobilize people in astonishing ways. How can you add in some fun, to get yourself to make a health change that you long to achieve?
Yoga is a mind and body practice with historical origins in ancient Indian philosophy. Like other meditative movement practices used for health purposes, various styles of yoga typically combine physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation or relaxation. This fact sheet provides basic information about yoga, summarizes scientific research on effectiveness and safety, and suggests sources for additional information.
Key Points
Recent studies in people with chronic low-back pain suggest that a carefully adapted set of yoga poses can help reduce pain and improve function (the ability to walk and move). Studies also suggest that practicing yoga (as well as other forms of regular exercise) might have other health benefits such as reducing heart rate and blood pressure, and may also help relieve anxiety and depression. Other research suggests yoga is not helpful for asthma, and studies looking at yoga and arthritis have had mixed results.
People with high blood pressure, glaucoma, or sciatica, and women who are pregnant should modify or avoid some yoga poses.
Ask a trusted source (such as a health care provider or local hospital) to recommend a yoga practitioner. Contact professional organizations for the names of practitioners who have completed an acceptable training program.
Tell all your health care providers about any complementary health practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.
If you feel a cold coming on, consider reaching for this age-old remedy. A 2007 meta-analysis showed that the herb can reduce cold symptoms. Aim for three grams daily in tincture or capsule form, starting at the first sign of symptoms.
