Everyday, we adjust ourselves in order to maintain homeostasis. If we are unable to adjust to these changes, we become sick. The human body is capable of healing itself with little assistance, as long as we do not get in the way of this healing process nor disregard its warning signs. The more aware of our bodies and the little changes that we experience, the easier it is to deal with any health adjustments necessary to maintain wellness.

Observing the stage or level of illness can help us choose the appropriate therapy and if possible not be invasive and/or destructive to the body. The first stage is exercise that is age appropriate and that, most importantly, generates energy (Qigong, Tai Chi, Yoga, etc.). What about more strenuous exercises? We can run on this deficient plan when we are young but this strategy should be adjusted as we get older. If you are tired after your workout, you are spending your energy and not collecting it.

The next stage towards wellness is eating correctly. This means eating food as a medicine. When food is digested, its essence is directed to different organs in order to power, strengthen and heal them (macrobiotics). Another food source would be herbs, aromatherapy, etc. Continuing towards more hands on therapies like Massage, Acupuncture, Shiatsu, Tui Na, Chiropractic, etc., we are moving into therapies used when it is necessary to shorten the time needed in order to achieve balance.

Pharmaceutics (Drug Therapy) is very strong and an effective therapy but there may be adverse side-effects. Surgery is another extreme therapy in relation to other complementary therapies but is often necessary. Disease and sickness comes in stages and will advance until checked or will run its course. Timing is the most important consideration in determining which stage of therapy will bring us back to wellness.

C. Muhammad Haqq, L.M.T., S.M.T., is the co-owner of Essential Massage of Cocoa Village, Inc., National Certified Event Sports Massage Therapist, former spring-training Sports Massage Therapist for the Indiana Pacers, CFT/Summer Sports Olympic Iron Man Triathlons, Women's Pro-FastPitch League, National Wheelchair Basketball League and Wah Lum Kung Fu Temple. For more information, please call 321-631-5678 or email [email protected]