Whether I’m working with professional athletes like the Minnesota Twins players or patients in my clinic, one of the most important lessons I emphasize is the reality of the highs and lows of healing. When you’re recovering from an injury, illness, or surgery, there are moments where you’ll feel on top of the world. You’ll experience those few days where you feel like yourself again—strong, energized, and motivated. It’s during these moments that the temptation to jump back into your regular routine is hardest to resist.
I often see athletes and patients get caught in this cycle: they feel better, so they push themselves too hard too soon, only to face a setback. They might return to their workouts, busy work schedules, or hectic routines, thinking they’re ready to go. But what happens is the same thing that got them to the point of feeling so unwell in the first place: overdoing it.
Traditional Chinese Medicine works by addressing the root cause of an issue rather than just treating the symptoms. It seeks to bring balance to the body and supports healing from the foundation of the problem. This is a holistic approach that takes into account not only the physical symptoms but also the underlying imbalances within the body that may have led to the illness or injury in the first place.
One of the key principles of TCM is that healing is not an overnight process. In fact, your recovery could take anywhere from three months to 18 months, depending on the severity of the issue. For many, this may sound like a long time, and it can feel incredibly frustrating. The temptation to rush through the healing process is understandable, especially when you want to return to your normal life and activities.
Healing is a journey—a complex, often frustrating journey. Whether you're recovering from a physical injury, illness, or emotional pain, it's easy to get overwhelmed by the process. As a healthy individual who eats well, exercises regularly, and prioritizes good sleep, it can feel especially disheartening when your body doesn't respond the way you'd expect. After all, why should you be struggling when you're doing everything right?
The truth is, healing is never a straight line. It's filled with ups and downs that can leave you feeling defeated. One day, you may feel like you're on top of the world—strong, healthy, and vibrant. The next day, fatigue, discomfort, or pain may return, and it can feel like all your progress has been undone. It's frustrating, and sometimes it feels like you're stuck in a never-ending cycle.
But here’s an important question to ask yourself: What do you prefer? Would you rather invest the time in a full, thorough recovery that takes 18 months, or would you rather continue down the same path, risking a more severe injury or facing a more significant health issue down the road?
It’s easy to fall into the trap of short-term fixes. You might feel better after a few days or weeks of rest or treatments, but if the root cause isn’t addressed, you could find yourself dealing with recurring problems or even more serious health concerns. The frustration of a longer healing process may seem daunting, but in the end, it’s an investment in your long-term health and well-being.
What is the best approach for managing setbacks in the cycle of health? Taking the time now to properly heal—whether through acupuncture, herbal treatments, or other TCM therapies—can prevent you from needing to take even more time off in the future. Rather than masking the symptoms or pushing through pain, Traditional Chinese Medicine helps your body heal from the inside out, addressing both the cause of the problem and the symptoms.
I truly understand how frustrating and daunting the healing journey can be. It often feels like you’re putting your life on hold, especially when the progress seems slow. However, it’s absolutely essential to make healing your priority. It’s easy to underestimate the importance of full recovery, but in the long run, taking the time to heal properly will allow you to live a healthier, stronger life.
So, give yourself the time now to fully recover and heal—your future self will thank you for it. The investment in your health now will prevent more time and more complications later. Remember, healing takes time, and the true goal is not just to feel better quickly, but to heal completely and sustainably. It's not just about getting through the tough days; it's about learning to navigate the ebbs and flows with grace, understanding that setbacks are part of your growth.
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