Hope is a powerful healing tool. Optimism and hope allow a person to see an open doorway to feeling better to achieve life’s goals. Hope and optimism enable people to look up, rather than down, at their life’s path and journey. Hope is crucial to healing. Many individuals, groups, and facilities recognize the benefit of hope and optimism for helping people feel and function better. At Acupractic Natural Healing Center, Dr. Lisa Oskardmay provides education and information during treatment to help people see the potential of natural healing methods to raise their hope and optimism.
According to the Veterans’ Association, Hope and Optimism are components of a `Whole Health` approach to health care. This approach empowers and enables individuals to take charge of their health and well-being as they live their lives to the fullest. Hope is about leaving room for something good to happen. When one has no hope, there is no room for optimism or healing.
Numerous studies show the link between being hopeful and being connected to one’s community, better relationships, and better life outcomes. Research suggests that encouraging people have a better chance of fighting ailments such as diabetes and anxiety, and depression. Optimism may not cure any condition, but being hopeful and recognizing the potential for a better outcome helps reduce stress with significant physiologic benefits.
For instance, lowering the stress hormone cortisol helps reduce inflammation, a significant culprit in pain and degeneration. Additionally, since elevated cortisol levels are connected with weight gain and foggy-headedness, reducing this hormone can help one maintain a healthy BMI and think more clearly.
Belief and expectation are the key elements of hope. Believing and expecting positive change can help to unlock the brain’s release of natural painkillers- endorphins and enkephalins. Like morphine, these natural brain chemicals influence positive respiration, motor function, and circulation changes. When we feel good, we function well, and we look good. Hope and reasonably high expectations for good outcomes help to influence our mood, appearance, and well-being.
So, how does one achieve high hopes and optimism? Well, hopeful people laugh and smile more than brightly. Consider turning off shows that are depressing and focusing on more uplifting input. Also, folks who eat balanced diets, including more fruits and vegetables, appear more hopeful. Talk with a nutritionist to learn new eating methods if your diet needs to be healthier. Research shows that vagus nerve stimulation can help reduce stress by increasing parasympathetic nerve input. People who use abdominal breathing, alternate hot and cold, and other practices support this polyvagal approach. Dr. Lisa uses auriculotherapy to stimulate the vagus nerve, as well.
There are many low-cost, beneficial ways to gain the benefits of a hopeful, optimistic outlook. Reflect on the possibilities. Call our office today at (919) 929-1400, email us at schedule@acudocnc.com or schedule online at acudocnc.com to see how chiropractic, acupuncture, and other natural healing methods can help you look and feel better.