Brandon LaGreca
Many are familiar with the concept of the placebo effect, especially as it pertains to drug trials designed to determine whether a therapy’s benefit exceeds the power of expectation alone. That the bodymind can replicate nearly any pharmaceutical intervention is a staggering fact—you’d think we’d stop everything to study how best to nurture this effect.…
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The last few posts on spiritual medicine have been a progression toward understanding the traditional Chinese medicine axiom that all disease originates from an imbalance of emotions stemming from stress and trauma. Another way to express this is that the disruption of our internal terrain caused by stress and trauma sets the stage for disease…
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The last post in this series broadened the notion of spirit as conscious awareness by detailing the five shen of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)—the different facets of consciousness that make up the human experience. TCM teaches that we are amalgamations of earth and spirit, standing “between Heaven and Earth” and serving as stewards of both…
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In the last post in this series, we explored the idea that thoughts, emotions, and perceptions have measurable biochemical effects. In this light, “spirit” as conscious awareness becomes a placeholder for a vitalistic, embodied aspect of health. Now, let’s take a more nuanced dive into that connection. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) teaches that humans are…
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What is spirit? It is no small matter to define something without matter, but if we are going to examine what it means to practice spiritual medicine, we need a working definition. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is not alone among holistic forms of traditional medicine that view spirit (shen) as distinct from an animating life…
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This month’s post highlights the work of a guest contributor and dear friend, Emma Liles. It’s one of those pieces I find myself wishing I had written. With profound wisdom that beautifully complements my recent explorations into the connection between cancer and emotions, Emma masterfully weaves together personal experience, scientific understanding, and heartfelt reflection. Her…
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Meditation has long been a cornerstone of human spirituality and self-discovery, consisting of various techniques to quiet the mind and foster inner peace. While the practices may vary widely, they share the common goal of guiding practitioners toward greater mental clarity and emotional balance. In this post, I will explore four distinct types of meditation,…
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It’s no secret that Americans spend more on healthcare than any other developed nation. In fact, the United States’ per capita healthcare expenditure in 2022 was $12,555, nearly double the average of $6,651 in other high-income nations. Yet despite this substantial investment, Americans are often underutilizing some of the most powerful and accessible self-care practices…
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If you’re attempting to establish a new habit, like getting in shape, I recently heard some simple yet profound advice: don’t focus on the specifics of exercise; focus on being the person who shows up at the gym. This may sound odd at first, but there’s a subtle wisdom in that statement. New habits need…
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If you look beyond the fear of death and the uncertainty of an unknown future, you will find something even more concerning. At the core of a cancer diagnosis lies a deeper existential anxiety: the dread of not having lived up to one’s potential and purpose.
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