Care in our Culture Part Two: Invisible Illnesses and Holistic Medicine

"Put on as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness and patience."  Colossians 3:12

THE WIDENING GAP

In the fall of 2013, I watched my dear friend and mentor victoriously battle through the end of her cancer journey as she left behind a legacy of faith and courage.  Although there was some controversy with her decision to treat her cancer holistically, neither she nor her family expressed any regret in this decision.  Her desire was to raise awareness about the value in taking care of your body and engaging in a healthy lifestyle.  She was also very passionate about educating people, especially the church, about providing compassion and care for those who struggle with chronic conditions and invisible illnesses.  Around the time of my friend's death, I became increasingly aware of the widening gap in our culture, the medical community, and in the church when it comes to understanding and showing compassion for individuals struggling with these conditions, especially for those who choose to use alternative healthcare.  

Several of my friends and acquaintances who battle invisible illnesses and use alternative healthcare have shared with me their personal struggles of being hurt by criticism and insensitive comments from family, friends, and members of their church.   After spending some time in prayer and having discussions with a few Christian holistic practitioners in my church as well as my friends with chronic/invisible illnesses, I felt compelled to speak up on their behalf.  This led to some enlightening conversations and discussions involving the lead pastor and elders of my church.  They have been very open and understanding in regards to this gap.  I believe that most people have a desire to be of service and support to others; however, they may be unaware of how to help and they lack understanding of the struggles that this vulnerable group faces.  A chronic condition embarks each individual on a very personal journey that can be extremely draining--physically, emotionally, and financially.  In order to foster care and compassion in our culture, it is imperative we understand how the condition affects the individual and their unique experience that has led them to use a specific medication, treatment, or therapy for their condition.

WHAT IS HOLISTIC HEALTHCARE?

Complementary and Alternative medicine, or CAM, is a broad term used to describe a variety of therapies and medical interventions that are available through different types of health care providers.  These providers use alternative approaches to address certain diseases and/or conditions.  Chiropractors, acupuncture therapists, holistic or naturopathic doctors, massage therapists, nutritionists, and Field Control Therapy (FCT) practitioners are some of the more commonly known CAM providers.  CAM focuses on and addresses the whole person, viewing the mind, body, and spirit as interwoven together.  CAM differs from conventional or allopathic medicine.  Each approach to heath care has its place and benefit.     

Why People Choose Holistic Healthcare

●      Some desire a healthier lifestyle and prefer not to take medications or undergo invasive therapies that may expose them to radiation or other harmful substances.  

●      Adequate health insurance coverage has become more difficult to obtain over recent years and medical costs continue to rise.  Supplements and alternative treatments/therapies sometimes are significantly less expensive than the prescriptions, tests, and standard treatments/therapies that conventional healthcare offers. 

●      People often choose CAM because they are struggling with a health issue that conventional medicine has not been able to fully address.  Some have come across medical practitioners who have been unkind to them, blaming the patient or minimizing their situation when conventional medicine failed to appropriately treat their condition. 

●      Holistic practitioners treat the whole person, and they are more likely to provide services and treatments with compassion and greater sensitivity to what the patient is going through.

●      There are countless testimonies of individuals who have successfully treated their illness/condition naturally with nutrition, supplements, and non-invasive therapies.

*There are no guarantees that either conventional or alternative medicine will heal the person.  Only Jesus Christ has the power to heal and restore lives. 

Challenges and Struggles People Face When Using Holistic Healthcare

●      CAM Therapies seek to address imbalances that can lead to a disease or condition.  Often, the longer an individual has had a health challenge, the longer the length of time before the individual sees improvement and/or recovers.  In my situation, it took at least a couple of years of therapies before I saw significant improvements.  Then, when I was reinfected with Lyme disease twice in 2015, I lost a lot of the ground I had gained.  It takes a great deal of patience, faith, and prayer to endure. 

●      CAM therapies may include a process of eliminating harmful substances that can cause some individuals to have temporary unpleasant symptoms in order to detoxify and heal.  I have found that when I am being treated for the root cause of a symptom, that symptom will worsen for a time before it gets better.  That can be somewhat frightening if you do not understand what is happening.

●      Alternative practitioners do not focus on a diagnosis but can often identify factors such as the presence of harmful substances or conditions that appear to be associated with the symptoms being experienced.  This approach to health can be difficult for a patient to explain to others and can make CAM appear less believable when they are unable to do so. 

In my experience, some individuals who use CAM to treat their health conditions can feel isolated and may become withdrawn or depressed.   I believe there are several reasons for this, including the following. 

●      There is a prevailing attitude that Conventional Medicine is superior to CAM.  Conventional Medical professionals may not be aware of the extent of research or level of success CAM has had in helping individuals with their health challenges.

●      Family members and friends may not understand the holistic treatments/therapies the person is utilizing and question the legitimacy of alternative therapies.  They may also minimize the individual’s condition or suggest they see a doctor without taking the time to understand the specific circumstances.

●      There can be a perception in the Christian community that CAM involves New Age, false religions, and deceptive practices.  Well-meaning Christians may verbally reprimand the person, telling them they are deceived and practicing something that is “spiritually wrong.”  

  I have talked to a few Christian alternative healthcare practitioners about this and they all have openly admitted that in this venue of healthcare there are practices and practitioners that utilize New Age and other pagan philosophies that should be avoided.  They have told me there is a line you draw and don’t cross—that is where prayer and discernment must come into play.  On the other hand, God is holistic in nature and He uses many ways to heal and provide healing. I believe there are many legitimate alternative therapies out there that do not cross this line.

*When individuals are both physically and emotionally vulnerable and family/friends as well as those in the church body speak words of judgment and scorn without trying to learn more about the therapies the person is doing and why they have chosen holistic healthcare, those individuals have the potential to shut down emotionally and isolate themselves from others, feeling as though they have to face this journey alone!  We as a church should be aware of this situation so we can Bridge the Gap for them!

A HUMBLE LEGACY- KELLY'S STORY

"My heart and flesh may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and portion forever."  Psalm 73:26

When Kelly Peterson was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010, she made the informed decision to treat her cancer holistically despite the overwhelming fear, scorn, and opposition from doctors and other people in her life.  She had an incredible support system throughout her cancer journey; however, she also received criticism from those who disagreed with her decision to use alternative healthcare.  She also witnessed the loneliness and isolation of others with similar experiences.  Instead of feeling sorry for herself or holding on to any resentment towards others, Kelly let it go to God and trusted His guidance to use her situation as an opportunity to help others.  Kelly decided to use her insights to take action and instigate change.  In the last 2 years of her life, she took notes for a book she planned to one day write.  Her goal was to guide individuals with family/friends who have cancer or a chronic illness and use alternative therapies to treat their conditions.  She also wanted to educate the church body on how to better assist and care for these individuals.  Although Kelly did not have the opportunity to complete her book, she did put together a list of the insights that she discovered during her journey.  Kelly's family has expressed a strong desire to share these notes with the public in order to raise awareness about individual needs and to improve the quality of life for those facing these struggles.  The following information was derived directly from Kelly's notes and personal observations.  

How to Help and Encourage Someone with an Invisible Illness or Chronic Condition 

• Remember that they are sick and trying to fight a disease/condition, even if they may not LOOK like it.
• It is more beneficial to LISTEN and be there for the person instead of questioning if their illness is real or not, questioning the legitimacy of their treatment/therapy, or offering excessive advice.
• Sympathize and be understanding of where they may be at or may be feeling (mourn with those who mourn).
• While it IS good to ask them how they are doing, don't let that be all you ask them.
• Tenderly, tactfully, and timely speak hope into their hearts and minds.
• Rejoice with them in their small victories.
• Call periodically and ask them how they are doing.
• Pray with them in person and on the phone.
• Send cards with notes and prayers of encouragement.
• Send unexpected flowers to brighten their day.
• Show them genuine interest in their treatments/protocols by listening and asking SPECIFIC questions.
• Offer to do some research online for them.
• When telling someone "let me know if there is any way that I can help", keep in mind that while you may think this is helpful, it is not because #1) It is very hard for anyone to ask for help and #2) They have so much going on they do not have the time or energy to think of ways you can help and sometimes they are just trying to make it through the day.  Instead come up with specific ways in which you can offer to help.
• If you live near the person, ask them, "Would it be helpful if I texted you before I run errands so that I can pick something up for you?"
• If they are housebound, offer to run errands, grocery shop, take their kids shopping, etc.
• Offer to do some chores and clean for them so they can rest, i.e. vacuum, laundry, cook meals, clean bathrooms/kitchen, etc.
• Offer to help "declutter" their homes, work on the computer for them, or assist with other household tasks.
• Offer to take their kids out for the day or weekend-- the situation can be very stressful and upsetting for the children.
• Offer to do seasonal outdoor chores, i.e. plant flowers, weed garden, mow lawn, shovel driveway, rake leaves, wash windows, clean gutters, etc.
• Put together a support team for them.
• Organize a phone chain where people are calling regularly to check on them.
• Coordinate the regular delivery of meals for them and their family (ask about specific diet restrictions).
• Coordinate a schedule of individuals to help with daily chores/house cleaning, rides to appointments, and other needs.
• Assist in putting together a schedule of daily protocols for alternative therapies.
• Get them a massage (great for the lymph system) or offer to take them out to see a comedy show (laughter is good medicine!).
• If you live in the same household, adopt a healthier/similar diet. 
• Help reduce any unnecessary stress in their lives, i.e. relational/family, work-related, household clutter, etc.
• Read some of the books they are reading with them.
• Go to appointments with them and/or drive them there if they are not physically able to drive on their own.

What the Local Church Can Do To Help

• Arrange for elders in the church to pray with them and anoint them with oil.
• Coordinate individuals to call and/or come to their homes to pray with them on a consistent basis.
• Call and check on them regularly.
• Post specific needs on a website or email.
• Coordinate financial assistance, offerings, donations, etc.
• If they are unable to physically leave their homes, offer to bring "church" to them by singing worship songs with them, studying the Bible together, etc., as they may be yearning for the fellowship and spiritual connection that occurs in corporate worship.

How to Assist Individuals Financially

• Coordinate a fundraiser to offset medical costs, treatments, and therapies.
• Ask what therapies they are doing and if you can pick something up or help pay for it.
• Offer to pay for one supplement each month.
• Offer to buy a piece of at-home medical equipment or device/treatment.
• Deliver organic groceries to them.
• Offer to purchase a book they have expressed a desire to read in order to learn more about their disease or condition.

BRIDGING THE GAP AS A CHURCH

"What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works?  Can that faith save him?  If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, 'Go in peace, be warmed, and filled,' without giving them the things needed for the body what good is that?  So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."  James 2: 14-17.

We as a church have the opportunity to show support, compassion, and minister to individuals in their unique and vulnerable situations, but we can’t do that without understanding their struggles and taking the time to hear them out.  It is crucial that we are made aware of these issues so that we are better equipped to help and come alongside them.  I believe that God can equip us to come together as a people with compassion, love, humility, and forgiveness when necessary.  We just need to open our hearts and our eyes to see where He leads us and the love He provides.  Then, we are able to bridge the Gap!

"Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind."  1 Peter 3:8

RESOURCES

To see the first part of this article on Invisible Illnesses/Disabilities:

http://dzehm.blogspot.com/2015/10/care-in-our-culture-part-1-invisible.html

For more information about Kelly's story, alternative healthcare, and how to help individuals with chronic illnesses, you can read these blog posts.

http://dzehm.blogspot.com/2014/05/kellys-hope-womans-life-legacy-and.html

http://dzehm.blogspot.com/2014/06/kellys-hope-part-two-building-on-legacy.html

http://dzehm.blogspot.com/2014/08/kellys-hope-part-three-bridging-gap.html

http://dzehm.blogspot.com/2015/02/the-voices-of-lyme-voice-of-battle.html

http://dzehm.blogspot.com/2013/11/health-wellness-and-beauty-of_4739.html

http://dzehm.blogspot.com/2013/06/embracing-wellness-through-alternative.html