Embracing Traditional Natural Medicine On The Journey to Healing

As a child, my life was defined by illness. I spent much of my early years in hospitals, tethered to oxygen chambers and IV drips, my hands tied to the bed to keep the needles in place. At the age of two, a traumatic incident set the course for my health struggles. I crawled into a tub of soapy water while my mother was washing clothes, and by evening, my lungs had collapsed, requiring an emergency hospital visit. That moment marked the beginning of a lifelong battle with severe allergies and asthma, triggered by everything from dust and trees to food and the environment.

My mother, a nurse and firm believer in conventional medicine, treated me with doctor-prescribed medications for years. I’m immensely grateful for those treatments—they saved my life and alleviated many symptoms. However, despite the best efforts of medical professionals, my condition persisted. I spent only brief periods outside the hospital, unable to live the carefree life of other children. My allergies—to dust, trees, food, and even the air around me—made normalcy elusive.

After years of conventional treatments, my mother made a pivotal decision. She took me to a local healer, recommended by a friend, on a 45-minute journey that changed my life. I arrived at the healer’s doorstep in the midst of an asthma attack, struggling to breathe. The healer prepared a herbal brew, which induced a gentle purge. Within an hour, my asthma attack subsided, and I felt relief I hadn’t experienced in months. The healer prescribed herbs, juices, and extracts, guiding my mother on how to administer them. This marked my introduction to natural medicine, which began to clear my lungs of mucus and inflammation, offering me a new sense of freedom.

Though I still required occasional hospital visits, natural medicine became a cornerstone of my healing. My journey continued as I discovered karate in my teenage years. The breathing techniques and physical movements strengthened my lungs and reduced my asthma symptoms. At 17, I embraced yoga and adopted a vegetarian diet, incorporating vitamins, minerals, and herbs into my routine. These changes cut my asthma symptoms in half and helped me manage my allergies, which had previously caused debilitating migraine headaches triggered by foods like meat and fish. When I eliminated these triggers, the migraines vanished, and I could finally attend school regularly.

Through yoga and meditation, I uncovered the profound connection between emotions and health. I realized that some of my physical reactions—particularly to allergens like cat dander or pollen—were amplified by emotional triggers, such as panic and fear. Medications, including those stimulating my adrenal glands, had also fueled anger and depression. Through deep meditation, I learned to calm my mind, control my emotions, and reframe my reactions. This mental discipline significantly reduced my allergic responses, even to the 20 tree species that once plagued me in the Northeast.

Today, I am healthier than ever, though I remain sensitive to certain triggers. I’ve learned to balance natural remedies with occasional medical interventions, avoiding foods like cheese, eggs, bread, and excessive sugar, which I now tolerate in moderation.

This journey has taught me that many modern illnesses are not entirely natural. They stem from our environment—chemicals in water, soil, air, and food create extreme reactions in our bodies. Despite advanced hospitals and medical equipment, conditions like cancer, allergies, and respiratory issues persist because our bodies struggle against unnatural pollution. This realization led me to take personal responsibility for my health, combining the wisdom of traditional natural medicine with selective modern treatments.

Traditional healing systems—whether Chinese, Ayurvedic, or Indigenous—emphasize harmony with nature. In many cultures, shamans and healers address only acute emergencies, while communities rely on local plants and knowledge for everyday wellness. Our kitchens are our first pharmacies; what we eat profoundly shapes our health. Juices, soups, and whole foods empower our bodies to heal. Exercise, like walking or yoga, and a positive mindset through meditation are equally vital. I’ve found meditation to be the most potent medicine, calming the mind, releasing worry, and fostering joy.

During a workshop, a participant once complained, “My stomach is killing me.” I responded, “No, you’re killing your stomach.” When they admitted to starting their day with vodka, it became clear: our choices shape our health. A good diet, mindful eating, and avoiding known triggers are foundational to healing. Doctors and healers are there to guide us, but true health begins with personal responsibility.

I urge you to prioritize nature in your healing journey. Consult physicians to understand your condition, then explore natural remedies like herbs and mindful practices. Alarmingly, some regions, like parts of Europe, are restricting the use of natural plants and herbs for healing, and similar trends are emerging in the U.S. If we’re not vigilant, even simple remedies like peppermint tea may become inaccessible. This underscores the importance of advocating for our right to natural medicine.

As I reflect on my journey—from a sickly child to a healthier adult—I’m grateful for the blend of traditional and modern approaches that brought me here. Health is a conscious, diligent effort to stay in balance. I encourage you to embrace this responsibility, nourish your body with wholesome foods, move with purpose, and cultivate a peaceful mind through meditation.

May you all find good health and blessings on your path. Enjoy this beautiful Heart and Mind Festival, and let’s continue to explore the power of healing together.