If you’re anything like me on this wild path of self healing, this post is perfect for you. I can’t believe it’s been almost 20 years on my path of healing. I’m happy to say that today I live symptom-medication free of a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis.
Multiple Sclerosis is one of 80 types of auto-immune disorders known today touching 350,000 people in the U.S.
I’ve worked with about a hundred healers from every modality; Acupuncture, Ayurveda, light therapy, Reiki, network 
chiropractic, thai yoga massage, cranial sacral massage, re-birthing, angel therapy, yoga, Natropathy, intuitive heart healing, the Grindberg method, hypnosis, past life regression, quantum biofeedback to zen meditation — you name it, I’ve probably have done it.
Even before I was first diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis I was on desperate quest to ‘fix’ myself, to find a cure for my depression. I would try anything and everything. I felt like Indiana Jones, trekking through the jungle for the Holy Grail.
Turns out too many modalities can backfire.
I took too much on at once. Unable to pinpoint what was doing what, I made myself worse and ended up beating the crap out of myself. What I learned from this great experiment was to listen to my body and trust myself. I know I’m not alone.
This is why I created my Living Wellness Kickstart Program. It’s easy to get lost when you ride solo. Together, we can find a path that works for you.
Mind you, there is nothing wrong with blazing your own wellness trail, and you don’t have to stop what you’re doing. But before you take another step, read on for my list of tried and true methods to bring clarity to your journey.
Today, 1 in 3 Americans use alternative ways of healing.
Though I love this statistic, it’s a little alarming. I know what can happen to overachievers like me. In a recent strategy session, I came across a client facing exactly the same problem.
She was diagnosed with Fybromyalgia about 20 years ago. She had been managing the diagnosis through diet, Qigong and meditation, but she wanted to find a way to get even better.
Four years ago her digestive problems worsened, in addition to a chronically spasmed psoas muscle. From a physical perspective, she sought out deep Myofascial release. At the same time she was doing EFT [emotional freedom techniques] regarding past sexual abuse issues.
The psoas release triggered such a quick unraveling for her that the opposing piriformus muscle went into spasm and impinged a nerve… which subsequently incapacitated her.
Her entire life shifted. She was unable to move, unable to undertake every day tasks, even going to the park with her daughter was no longer possible.
Worst of all, her multiple healing attempts had put her in debt leaving her filled with resistance, loss of trust and fear of moving forward.
My heart ached for her.
Her strength is incredible. Though her journey took an unexpected turn, she found new ways to love herself through it all.
Please know: the choices she made were not wrong, they just weren’t right for her body. It’s important to avoid doing too much, or attempting advanced inner work before you explore a new modality.
Do not ignore your body’s wisdom.
It’s easy to get caught up with the shiny new healer or modality. I’ve been there and paid the price. Many of my clients have done the same. Start by asking the right questions.
Questions to ask before you work with a healer or start a new modality:
1. When you check in on this modality or healer, how does it feel in your body? Is there a clear YES or No? [If nothing comes up, give it time. It takes some practice to learn to connect to your body and follow it’s natural wisdom.]
2. Are you using this modality to fix you or make you perfect? If this is a YES then take a moment and know you do not need to be fixed. [It’s a process that I talk about in my 3rd step: EVOLVE.]
3. How many other modalities are you currently using or have used at this time? Does it blend well with them? Ask the practitioner what they think.
4. Have they come by referral? Do you trust the source? Do they offer a free consult or conversation beforehand?
5. Have they worked with anyone with your current situation + had good results?
6. What are their claims? What is their expertise? Are they certified?
7. Do you feel safe to let them know exactly how you feel? Make sure they will they honor your feedback during the session so if you want to stop you can.
If after your first session you do not feel comfortable working with that practitioner, it’s perfectly fine to not move forward. You can just say, ‘I am not sure this is for me and I have to see what happens.’ It is not any healer’s place to take it personally.
If they do, then moving on was definitely the right choice.
Never continue an ineffective or inappropriate practice because you feel you ‘should’, or you feel guilty for stopping.
20 years after starting my journey, I’ve created Living Wellness Kickstart, a tried and true support tool and road map for your ride to vibrant health and rock solid self-love.
Don’t let the unique nature of your process freak you out. You are not alone.
What I found is when I EMBRACED my health complications, it shifted my relationship to them entirely. I felt more at ease and less desperate to fix myself. This vibration sets you up for success.
[Psst-- this EMBRACE step is my gift to you. Pop your name and email in the box next to the headshot of me in the right hand corner.]
The second step, EMPOWER, shows you the many ways to feel strong, safe and grounded before you make a choice. Now that you’ve learned how to get in touch with your body’s rhythms, you can make choices that align with your healing.
This is a crucial place to have support. Making too many choices can overwhelm your system.
Don’t freak out…
Take a breath. Feel your body. If you need to put your hands on your belly or heart. Listen.
The last step, EVOLVE, is where you are able to allow, release and discover your personal process of healing. It’s the most feminine step. It makes my body tingle just thinking of it.
Remember: If it’s not working for you, stop the session.
I created the Living Wellness Kickstart after I had too many “bad” experiences with healers. I would just give myself over to the healer, not honor my own boundaries and feel awful about myself for not being able to stop the session when it wasn’t working for me.
I thought that it was supposed to feel that way.
Healing is a journey of radical self acceptance. If it does end up looking like you’re worse, you can turn it around and get the blessings no matter what.
What I love about these steps is they are simple and universal.
They work when you apply them and honor your unique healing journey. Today they are my foundation and I use them instinctively. And you can too. 
Kickstart gives you access to your own body’s wisdom.
Kickstart brings you back to feeling strong.
Kickstart reminds you that you are not alone + can’t do it wrong.
Especially when you feel scattered, scared or alone its easy to go outside yourself.
It’s normal if you are doing to many things at once. It creates confusion in your body when you are not clear or connected. Start taking baby steps back to yourself.
And there are many others who have benefited from this program — check out what the kickstarters are saying.
Be careful who you trust with your body and healing. If you do not feel safe then that is a BIG FAT NO! Listen to your body. It talks to you all the time.
I hope you enjoyed this post and found something that can help you on your path. Taking your soul to its next phase of evolution is a tough road. It should be paved with only the fiercest love and support.
Take EMPOWERED action:
1. Share this post with your friends, tweet it, like it, and spread the word.
2. Leave a comment below if you have anything to add to the conversation.
3. Get your cute self in the Living Wellness Kickstart. It’s only $47 for a lifetime membership before September 15th. [Don’t like it? You get 100% of your money back.]
Lots of healing love,
P.S. I hate to toot my own horn, so read this from a kickstarter:
“The Living Wellness Kickstart program came at a time in my life when I needed some support”
Hillary, thank you for your inspiring role as a mentor and role model, for your insights into this difficult journey toward wellness, and for being here for me and others on this path. The Living Wellness Kickstart helped me find peace along the way. ~ Pamela
The post 7 Questions You Must Ask Before Starting Any Alternative Healing Modality appeared first on Hillary Rubin.
