The Science of “Feel it, to Heal it.”
Marilyn Schlitz's book, Consciousness and Healing, explains the research that has been conducted to prove there is a psycho-emotional component of healing. Most interestingly, there is a strong connection between repressed emotion and our ability to activate, or de-activate, our bodies natural healing capacity. "The theory implies that habitual repression of strong emotions results in chronically high levels of endogenous opioids, which in turn cause immune deficits that reduce resistance to infectious and neo-plastic disease" (Schlitz, 2005, pg. 69). This brilliant chapter, written by Pert, Dreher, and Ruff, goes on to explain numerous examples of how our emotional states impact the healing process from a biochemical perspective. Through the research, it is clear that repressed emotions cause the accumulation of toxic stress, which then leads to disease states. In addition, they explain that it is not necessary to eliminate all negative emotion. In fact, to the contrary, it is important to experience the full spectrum of emotional states. "Refined research in the mind-body field suggests that the variety of emotions, though associated with different biochemical substrates and unique immunological correlates, are not intrinsically maladaptive, immunosuppressive, or deleterious to health. Primary emotions such as anger, sadness, grief, fear, and joy are essential elements of the repetoire of human experience, and each emotion serves adaptive psychobiological and evolutionary functions" (Schlitz, 2005, pg. 70). Put simply, there is a biological purpose for each emotional state. They have a chemical function within the human body that promotes optimal health and wellbeing.
Integral Medicine views healing as a holistic, meaning-making process where patients are given the opportunity to heal through illness. The chapters make a distinction between "heal" and "cure", which I think is an interesting way to define terms. Healing doesn't have to involve a cure, and curing doesn't require healing. However, the opportunity exists for both of these to occur simultaneously if a transformative process is engaged. "An integral perspective is as much about healing as it is about curing. Just as you might work to mobilize your patients' antibodies to fight disease, integral health care involves in equal measure harnessing your patients' desire for health and will to live" (Schlitz, 2008). Schlitz explains that the lack of meaning-making may be holding back conventional forms of medicine, "No matter how technologically effective modern medicine may be, if it does not honor the place of meaning in illness it may lose the allegiance of those it serves" (Schlitz, 2005).
However, integral medicine only works if the practitioner themselves engages in the transformative process and truly believes in the power of healing,Ultimately, however, integral health care is not about the tools or techniques you carry in your medical bag. Rather, the key to an integral approach is you, the holder of the bag.Whether you are a doctor, nurse, social worker, educator, nutritionist, or administrator, it is about your own transformation as a healer and the nurturing of yourself as a healthy human being. By adopting an integral perspective, you may begin to restore wholeness in your life and work. By cultivating balance, whether at work or at home, you can find a supportive framework for your own growth and well-being (Schlitz, 2008).
In summary, if we want to encourage healing - in ourselves and in our patients/clients - we must be dedicated to honest communication, authentic self-expression, and immersive experiences of the full spectrum of emotional states. There is a saying in the new age, spiritual communities "You gotta feel it to heal it", and the science seems to back this one up! "The forms of mind-body medicine that awaken our healing potential are those that rouse emotion and generate spirit" (Schlitz, 2005, pg. 78)
References
Schlitz, M., Amorok, T. & Micozzi, M. (2005). Consciousness & healing: Integral approaches to mind-body medicine. Elsevier.
Schlitz, M. (2008). The integral model: Answering the call for whole systems healthcare.” Permanente Journal, 12(2): Commentary 61-68.
Schlitz, M. (2023). C&H Lesson 2 [Video] https://sofia.instructure.com/courses/12476/assignments/159160?module_item_id=483176