My mindset around health challenges used to be strictly clinical. But with all of the work and research I've done over the years, that perspective has shifted to a holistic one; one that is inclusive of the metaphysical aspects of a human being.
Many of us know October as Breast Cancer Awareness month, so let's start this month by shedding light on some of the less talked about factors affecting this area of health that touches the lives so many women (and men).
Let's start with the understanding that, like other diseases, cancer is an expression of energy. Cancer usually manifests in the body area near the most imbalanced chakra that is most affected by their core issue.
The Heart Chakra & Unhealthy Emotional Patterns
The energy center at the heart known as Anahata, or the heart chakra, affects pathologies of the chest, shoulders, and lungs of the physical body.
The vibration of this energy center is reduced to an unhealthy state when there are chronic feelings of resentment, anger, grief, longing, pining for contact, and pure fatigue.
When there is heavy energy stuck in your system, also known as energetic blocks, it prevents the flow of healthy energy through your energetic and physical body systems. For the purposes of this article, we're talking specifically about the heart chakra as it relates to the energy that expresses itself as breast cancer.
In addition to the emotions listed above, over-caring for others combined with the inability (or refusal) to care for and nourish your own needs also contributes to physical issues. Likewise, not feeling like you can trust others, and closing yourself off to love will also contribute to an imbalance of energy.
Not to say you can't or will never experience these emotions -- of course we all will! However, when they are held onto for a sustained period of time these emotions, patterns, and beliefs can manifest into an unhealthy physical state.
Releasing "Stuck" Energy
The moment you acknowledge and accept the fact that you are worthy of love and care, things begin to shift and you can open yourself for the energy to flow toward a balanced state.
Practice forgiveness. Holding on to anger, grief, or hurt from the past establishes blockages in the energy flow of the heart chakra.
On that note, holding onto or identifying with a diagnosis can make your healing journey more prolonged and challenging. Letting go starts with forgiveness.
There are many resources to help you release past emotions, memories, beliefs, and behaviors that don’t support you. We can always chat more about this in a consultation if you are looking for some options.
Here are some healing affirmations that can help to change your mindset around these beliefs:
"I take in and give out nourishment in perfect balance."
"I am important. I count. I now care for and nourish myself with love and with joy. I allow others the freedom to be who they are".
Crystals are also an amazing energy healing tool that we use a lot in our practice. Those that can help heal the heart chakra include: rose quartz, ruby, rhodonite, prehnite, emerald, jade, peridot, malachite,
Move Your Body
Moving your body helps with the heart chakra as it's associated with the element of breath, so getting the heart rate up encourages the flow of energy.
Not only does physical activity release stuck energy, but exercise is also strongly evidenced in research to prevent breast cancer -- among a laundry list of other chronic diseases.
How much movement is enough? While anything is ALWAYS better than nothing, the research supports that you should work up to a total of 60 minutes per day of moderate intensity aerobic (cardio) exercise, or 30 minutes of vigorous intensity exercise each day.
Reiki Energy Therapy
Reiki is a spiritual healing practice that enhances wellness by gently encouraging balance throughout the entire system: body, mind, and spirit.
Reiki is a non-invasive treatment that can help release the emotions and heavy energy in the heart chakra, while encouraging the flow of healthy energies including love and feelings of worthiness.
Furthermore, there is growing evidence in research that supports this practice as an adjunct to traditional cancer treatments to help both with the physical and emotional pain associated with cancer.
Like any other disease or illness, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Instead of waiting for something to go wrong, begin now to deal with deep-rooted emotional issues.
Remember that a huge part of self-love is self-care. In addition to tending to your emotional and spiritual side, also care for your physical body by moving it more and feeding yourself in healthy and nourishing ways.