The Spiritual Side of Hashimoto's

I sat in front of the doctor in tears.  "I don't understand.  How did I get this disease?  I really can't handle anything else wrong with my body."  In addition to this new Hashimoto's diagnosis, I had been recovering from serious physical injuries to my body from an auto accident with a semi-truck.  I really didn't think I could handle any more bad news.  We had just finished a long legal battle with the truck company to pay for my medical bills.  Within a three month span, my dear grandmother had past as well as two of my friends (way too young.)  I was under enormous pressure and in the thick of deep sadness.  Now this.

My caring doctor looked at me and explained all the medical reasons as to why I had gotten this disease.  "But," he said, "there is a spiritual component as well."  What he went on to explain made perfect sense to me.  The thyroid is a small butterfly shaped organ located in your throat, your 5th chakra.  The 5th chakra is linked to your ability to communicate and be heard.  It is also correlated to faith and understanding. I had been through a 5-year long legal battle with this truck company.  Had my voice been heard?  No.  Did I have to squash so many negative and angry feelings just to survive this period? Yes.  Was I in a period of faith and understanding?  NO.  I had just lost two people in my life, who were under the age of 40, for reasons I couldn't comprehend.  I had little faith or understanding of why they had to leave this world.

What the doctor was saying struck a chord deep in my soul.  He explained that when you don't communicate your feelings, when you squash what's inside, your body reacts in ways to make you notice and put you back in balance.  When you have Hashimoto's/Autoimmune thryroiditis, your body is literally attacking itself.  You are attacking your thyroid, the seat of communication. My body was literally crying out, "Pay attention to your voice. Be heard.  It's time to speak."

When I thought back, I hadn't been myself for years. Once a brazen, loud-mouthed, jovial type who sang and laughed often, I found myself turned inward, never speaking my true thoughts. I always had a knot in my throat.  I often kept my mouth shut when I really had so much to say.   The doctor said, "You really have to find your voice again. This is the way you're going to heal."  

For the next couple of posts, I'm going to share with you the techniques I've learned to better communicate with myself and with others.  Do you believe there is a spiritual component to thyroid disease?  What are your thoughts?  Join the discussion!

Dry Brushing: Better than coffee!

As many of us know, toxicity from the environment and heavy metals can play a role in causing Hashimoto's.  One of the first things my doctor suggested to help with detox my system was to work on supporting the lymphatic system.  Dry brushing is a simple, inexpensive way to start that process.

Dry brushing stimulates the lymphatic system and sets in motion the body's natural healing process.  It also promotes blood circulation and aids in releasing toxins.  In Ayurveda, this process is called Garshana.  I first learned about Garshana in 2007 when I attended the Perfect Health program at the Chopra Center.  After a week of Ayurvedic treatments and food, I felt better than I ever had before.  Of course, this was before I had Hashimoto's.  Because I have sensitive skin, I was wary of taking those scratchy, dry bristles and brushing my skin with them but after my doctor reminded me of this type of therapy, I gave it a try. 

Now, I'm hooked!

With all the fatigue and fog that can come with Hashimoto's, dry brushing is a welcome treatment.  Before I was diagnosed, I drank gallons of coffee to keep my energy up.  Now that I know it's best to skip the coffee, I dry brush first thing in the morning. It only takes me 5 minutes! The stimulation from my skin being brushed wakes me up in such a refreshing way that I now look forward to the brush instead of a Cup of Joe.  It's a pretty amazing experience and here are some of its benefits:

• Assists body's lymphatic system to release toxins
• Exfoliates the skin
• Promotes cell regeneration
• Can improve cellulite (I'm still waiting to see those results! ;-)
• Leaves you feeling energized and invigorated (no need for the coffee!)

This is how the Chopra Center suggests you dry brush.  I have seen other methods as well. I just do what feels best to me.

Won't you give it a try?  And, if you have, tell us your experience...