Some experts are predicting a looming mental health crisis as a result of the pandemic.
By the end of last year 10 million people, including 1.5 million children, were thought to be in need of new or additional support, according to a recent study. The longer-term consequences are not yet fully known.
Difficult times require new solutions. There is plenty in Eastern Medicine that can contribute to positive mental health. Perhaps it is time we examined its practices and approaches more closely.
Here are a few suggestions I am sharing in support of Mental Health Awareness Week 2021.
- Your mental discomfort matters
Feeling sad, anxious or depressed? Mental and emotional pain is certainly not “all in your mind”. A Practitioner of Eastern Medicine will consider the nature of the discomfort and acknowledge it as part of your energetic landscape, a picture of your health that is created to guide the treatment.
Curious to learn about your energetic landscape? Book a FREE 15 minute Consultation.
- Your mental health is connected to everything else
Eastern therapies act as a language that bridges your disparate parts and the relationships between them. Your physical, emotional, mental and spiritual life are one seamless, inter-connected whole (often visualised as a garden). One part cannot be isolated from another.
Something that benefits one aspect of you will have a positive effect on everything. For example, if you take a walk in the park, practice yoga or play sport, this benefits every aspect of you.
Aside from the physical workout, the raised heartbeat, being surrounded by the greens of Nature or stretching your body will also help improve mental clarity, lower stress and get your Ki (energy) moving!
- Frame the discomfort
Eastern Medicine views any sickness or disease as an imbalance. Shiatsu and Reiki engage our Ki to restore Yin-Yang into balance. When these polar energies are in harmony, we are better able to flow with the current of life, and maintain our health.
In this sense, Yin-Yang is a homeostatic mechanism by which the body can heal and establish a state of wellness. It is the role of the Practitioner, with the receiver as an active participant, to create the conditions in which the body may return to balance.
For example, a Shiatsu Practitioner applies gentle pressure and rotations to stimulate the movement of Ki. The receiver can be empowered to care for themselves between sessions by learning the Makko-Ho which are stretches toopen energy meridians, and specific acupressure points.
- Develop your self-healing abilities
Acupressure points are found all around the body and some can specifically boost mind and mood, and alleviate anxiety. I often share this point in the centre of the palm – The Palace of Weariness. It is one of my favourites because it is easy to find and creates an instant feeling of calm.
Guidance: Find the point in the centre of the palm; press as you breathe out, feel for warmth or tingling, and hold as long as it feels good. You can work the point on either or both palms.
Sign up my Go Slow Friday Letter to get more of my go-to acupressure points.
- Become an active participant in your mental health
Learning to be self-reflective, self-critical and self-aware helps us become more active and empowered in managing our health. Finding the answers we seek often requires us to look inwards.
To connect with your inner world, discover the power of your sensitivity and intuition, and exercise your self-healing muscle, join me online every Tuesday. Read more…
Useful links
- Mental Health Foundation – information about mental health and how to look after yours
- Mind – information and support specific to mental health during coronavirus
- Samaritans – for immediate support if you want to talk
Disclaimer – the suggestions above do not replace guidance from your GP or mental health professional.
