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Could I at least get a hug?

In reading Mohan and Christina’s posts below, and comparing these to the reading on holistic healing, I can’t help but think about what it means to feel sick or experience pain. One of the excerpts from an interview with a patient includes the statement, “I think the acupuncture did gradually help, but, really, getting a hug from [Dr. Aparna] was the best medicine.”

Sickness and pain truly are such a personal matter and, as we’ve discussed in class, a truly personal experience. Like any other personal issues we are faced to deal with, we, as protective individuals, are selective in whom we let into our inner circles of “knowing.” Most often, we let into our inner circle not just a loved one, but a trusted loved one. This is someone who is going to care deeply about what we’re dealing with. They don’t want us to hurt anymore (physically or emotionally).

When I was a kid, I can remember having a high fever and my mom often telling me how she would take on the fever herself if that meant I could be rid of it. Even as a child, I knew this was not possible. But, the notion of it was comforting, endearing. It was a “medicine” that I greatly appreciated.

As an adult, I’ve dealt with some medical issues that have had no direct solution or remedy. To the doctor, I definitely felt like a statistic… “Based on your circumstances, and others like you, your chances of dealing with this again is at 75%.” In a mind-body-spirit consideration, is this type of feedback appropriate? I definitely felt like I was at a loss when I walked out of the office.

Directed to the doctor, a patient allows him/her into the inner circle of personal business... probably not by choice, but by necessity. When the issue is significant, personal, and painful to deal with, is the best response to that patient one, in which, you share with the patient where he/she falls within the national statistics? Or, would a hug and a glimmer of compassion amidst the unknown be the best?

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