Category Archives: Healing

Emotional trauma and chronic pain

This is a personal opinion essay about emotional abuse and chronic pain. The writer of this piece is not a mental health professional, nor are the editors of this blog. If you think you have been emotionally abused, please reach out to a mental health professional in your area, or seek out an online counselling…
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What is Oska Pulse and does it help Fibromyalgia Pain?

Oska Pulse is a new therapy to help chronic pain patients. Fibromyalgia patients will go to great lengths to alleviate their pain and fatigue, trying a number of therapies and medications. Some of these therapies can be pricey or come with unwanted side effects. In some cases, the therapy may not work, even after a…
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Acts of self care when times are tough

Acts of self-care for people with chronic illness When you have fibromyalgia, or any kind of chronic illness, one of the most important things to do is self-care. This is Google dictionary’s definition of it: the practice of taking an active role in protecting one's own well-being and happiness, in particular during periods of stress.…
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When it’s time to stop the endless search for a cure

I’ve given up. Well, given up trying to find the ‘cure’. It occurred to me last night, before bed, that perhaps I was burning myself out trying everything under the sun to help myself. I had planned to get a hot stone massage or two, book another few floatation sessions, another few sauna appointments, and…
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How (and why) to start a daily yoga practice

Twelve years ago, I never thought I’d be where I am today. I was tired ALL THE TIME. Despite the fatigue, I couldn’t sleep through the night. During the day, my brain felt like mush. I was at University, studying two subjects that I love (classics and psychology), but I couldn’t pay attention in class.…
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Amritapuri Ashram

I’m sitting on a balcony overlooking a sea of palm trees and a wide, winding canal at the amritapuri ashram. I’m second in a row of chairs outside the doctor’s office. There’s a middle-aged American lady on my left telling us she’s been feeling exhausted lately and wants to know what’s wrong. To my right…
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The problem with the “magic bullet” cure

You and I both know there’s no magic pill for chronic pain or chronic fatigue. Yet, even when we’re ready to try complementary or alternative therapies, it can be hard to move away from how we expect medication to work.  When I got strep throat as a kid, I went to the doctor, got an…
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Last-minute Chronic Illness Holiday Gift Guide (2019 update)

Some people throw up their Christmas lights and start listening to holiday playlists as soon as Halloween is over. Others…barely remember the holidays are coming just a week before. When you only have a few days left and still haven’t found the perfect gift for your loved one with a chronic illness, look no further…
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Track your way to better health – symptom tracker for chronic illness

How long have you been trying to get well? How many medications, diets, and life hacks have you tried without much success?  How many hours have you spent going to different doctors, therapists, nutritionists, and more?  And now the final question, how can you possibly keep track of all this?  I’ve been there. I tried…
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The Benefits Of Food Journaling (Plus) Daily Food Log Printable

Too often, most of what we eat or drink is on autopilot. Whether you’re driving, on-the-go, or had a bad day—it can be difficult to remember everything you consume. One way to track what you eat and drink throughout the day is with a daily food log. The process is simple, write down or track…
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