A surgery, or any invasive procedure, large or small, places stress on the body. Often, in the days leading up to a scheduled operation, you may be left waiting while your thoughts fill up with worries and “what-ifs,” yet with little you actively do. This mental tension can intensity the overall stress of the experience, which in turn will lock your nervous system into a survival mode.
Assuming that your nervous system was not too relaxed before you scheduled your surgery and now locked in a survival mode, you may perceive any situation that you are facing as a threat or a personal attack, which cannot be beneficial to the upcoming procedure. What if, instead, you choose to settle your nervous system into a deep relaxed state, which will allow your energy to be directed towards healing and preparation rather than towards worries and desperation?
You might be wondering how you can relax your nervous system now, in a time that everything is uncertain in your own body, not to mention in the whole world? Or possibly wondering if it would be even possible to do it?
I am very much certain that you can do it, but before we begin, I want to ask you to take a moment to make a conscious decision that your mission is to work together with your own body to prepare it for this surgery (or any other upcoming event in your life, including living). If you have a partner in your life or someone close who plans to be with you through this upcoming procedure, you may consider inviting them to do this with you, as their nervous system might need some relaxation as well.
There are countless of ways to relax your nervous system. I will share here few ideas that could be productive as you prepare for a surgery. You are welcome to explore them and add your own to this list. With that said, keep in mind that choosing just one idea and following through with it will be far more beneficial than staring at the entire list and telling yourself there’s too much to handle and you can’t possibly get it done…
Nourishment
Nourishment means supplying your cells with the materials they need in order to function in their most efficient way. When you do so, your body learns to trust that there is no need to stress about food supply and thus your nervous system relaxes. Many real foods can nourish your cells, however, if this is not your practice, you may get discouraged to make changes through out such a sensitive time.
But what if you add only one thing to your meals, without changing a thing? What if you begin one of your meals (or 2 or all of your meals) with a cup of chicken soup / bone broth?
There are so many reasons to eat this soup daily, regardless to any circumstances. Beginning with its fats which nourish your nervous system and calming down your fight-or-flight response. Continuing with its gelatin which calms digestive disorders; and its collagen which protects your joints, ligaments, & skin; and its minerals; and its nourishing properties for basically everything you could ever imagine!!
You are welcome to use my recipe or make your own.
Make it a point to do all you can to nourish your body.
Castor Oil Packs
Castor oil, a very thick oil derived from the castor bean (Ricinus communis) seed, has been praised for many benefits. Among them: Decreasing inflammation, Increasing circulation of blood and lymph thus enhancing the immune system, Improving elimination of toxic substances, Promoting tissue healing, Decreasing pain, Lubricating ligaments, Improving digestion, Easing many conditions including uterine fibroid, non-malignant ovarian cysts, endometriosis, headaches, migraines, constipation, intestinal disorders, gallbladder/liver conditions, and probably many more.
All of these are awesome and extremely important for preparation to a surgery. But the most beneficial quality of the castor pack is relaxing your nervous system when applied on your belly. As messy as you may find it, your nervous system will very much thank you!!
You are welcome to use my instructions or do the packs any way that works for you.
Make it a point to create a daily anchor for your nervous system to relax, regardless to any events occurring that day.
Rest
According to Harvard university, sleep enhances memory, immune system, focus, improves mood and provides vitality for us to be productive. But when you prepare for a surgery, your mind might be filled with worries and concerns which may prevent you from getting a good night sleep. Here are few suggestions to help you calm down your racing mind:
* Drinking a cup of Lemon balm tea (Melissa officinalis) can be wonderful before bed. Prepare another cup next to your bed in case you wake up in the middle of the night and cannot fall back to sleep.
* Taking one deep, long breath can change your mind-set for that moment. Be mindful to expand your belly as you inhale and let it soften as you exhale. Taking just a few breaths like this can be truly life changing.
* Listening to a short, guided meditation – easily can be found on YouTube or any meditation app, can help your mind shift. One that I do daily, and shared here before, is Sitting in the power, led by Chris Ratter, Psychic Surgeon:
Make it a point to do everything in your power so you can sleep and restore.
Spend Time Outdoors
Take the time to be outside. If you are able to walk – find a nice trail to walk daily. If walking is hard – sit on your porch or find a nice bench in your area to spend 30 minutes sitting there. Dress for the weather and just breath. This will help you reset your nervous system and will have a great effect on your sleep as well.
Make it a point to enjoy your time outdoors.
Take on fewer commitments
Even when you believe that something you are committing to do will take only a few minutes and will not be a burden on you, consider not to make this engagement. Use the time to do only things that serve you. This might not be an easy task for you to do. If so, fill up your calendar with commitments to your own health and healing journey (hopefully including some of the above suggestions), leaving no room for any other distractions. It will make it much easier to say NO when your calendar is full.
Make a point to preserve your energy to yourself only and not spread it out carelessly.
Pray
Whether from your heart or from your prayer book, a prayer will give you the confidence that you are never alone, and that you are always protected. Make it a point to trust that everything you experience is happening for your highest good and will turn out better than you can ever imagine.
Your body deserves your full attention and attendance, regardless to any scheduled procedures or surgeries. Make it a point that, when you prepare for something that is beyond your usual routine, you will give your body the best possible opportunity to provide you with the best possible outcome. Keeping in mind that doing just one thing will always be more than doing nothing or just sitting and worrying! Your body will thank you! And you will feel it!! May everything turn out better than you ever expected!
If you ever need my help, don’t hesitate to reach out—we can work together to fine-tune the best path forward for your unique situation.
Traditionally Empowered Healing LLC 