Convalescence – the missing link to true healing?

There is a major piece of the healing process missing from modern medicine, and dare I say it – oftentimes from Naturopathic medicine, too. That process is convalescence – the lost art of taking a period of time out to allow for the gradual return to health after illness or injury.

Here’s the thing – any acute illness puts the body into a state of crisis, the symptoms make themselves pronounced and we meet them with care, knowing enough to seek treatment and take time off to heal.

In today’s world, however, as soon as that crisis has turned a corner, we’re expected to soldier on and return to work, typically far earlier than we’re ready.

This never used to be the case. In the Victorian era, convalescence was a common prescription, and it was assumed one wouldn’t make a full recovery after a debilitating illness unless they did so.

Patients were sent home from hospitals to sanatoriums or convalescent homes in the country, the mountains, or the seaside, to benefit from the restorative powers of Nature – fresh air, sunlight, healing waters and nutritious whole foods [Source]. Recuperation away from the stressors of life… doesn’t that sound like something!

“A good convalescence is a marvellous thing. It rounds off an illness and gives it meaning; it makes the sufferer stronger for having had it. In a way no vaccination could do, it arms and strengthens the immune defences and provides real protection against recurrence, possibly forever.” (Mills & Bone, 2000).

Convalescence centres reached their peak as the primary treatment for the tuberculosis epidemic, in 18^th and 19^th Century Europe, though became obsolete with the advancement of modern medicine, increased hygiene and sanitation practices, antibiotics and other medications.

Despite this, recovery from serious illness, debilitating injury, or invasive surgery remains a lengthy process. Even after the initial trauma subsides, lingering symptoms require time and care to resolve fully.

Rushing back to work and daily life too soon risks relapse and prolonged recovery. It can also overwhelm the immune and nervous systems, making you more susceptible to future stressors or infections.

Glandular fever, influenza, COVID and burnout are all pertinent examples of significant illnesses/stressors that can lead to long-term symptoms such as fatigue, weakness and poor immunity alongside that general feeling of ‘never been well since’, if the initial insult never fully gets a chance to resolve.

Taking a convalescence therefore closes that book for good, here’s how to do it.

🛌🏻 How to convalesce

There are four parts to a good convalescence: rest, nourishment, movement, and medicine.

🧘‍♀️ Rest

Rest is the most essential element. Deep rest allows the body to turn inwards and get busy repairing itself. Deep rest looks like time off without feeling guilty about it. Deep rest looks like going to bed when it is dark and waking with the light. Deep rest looks like the disposal of a to-do list and indulgence in a really good book. Deep rest looks like getting groceries delivered to avoid the chaos of traffic, parking and the supermarket. Deep rest looks like curling up on a chair in the sun to admire the garden and listen to birdsong.

Most of all, deep rest looks like giving yourself permission to do so, and reminding yourself that this is a good use of your time. You are building a stronger, more resilient body so that you can move forward without looking back.

🍲 Nourishment

Healing and recovery require energy. This is a time of increased demand for nutrients, from which to build new cells, tissues, hormones, neurotransmitters… none of which can happen if the coffers are empty.

Fortify yourself with a diet of whole foods, organic if possible, and of simple fare.

Prepare nourishing broths and soups, made from root vegetables that bury deep into the earth, sharing their energy of grounding and connectedness with you.

Increase your protein intake to help maintain and repair body tissue. Weave in quality sources of iron, B12 and folate (lean meats, fish, eggs, beans, pulses, leafy greens, spirulina) to help build quality blood.

Drink ginger tea and cook with warming spices, to boost circulation and delivery of nutrients to the cells/tissues/organs in need.

🚶‍♀️ Movement

Gentle exercise helps relieve stagnation, clears waste products from the lymphatic system and prevents muscle atrophy.

A brisk walk in nature combined with gentle stretching or yoga can significantly help rebuild your strength and resilience. Elevating your pulse slightly can be beneficial in dissipating the adrenaline accumulated throughout the day from minor stressors.

Don’t push yourself though – if exercise worsens fatigue or exhausts you, it’s too much. Over-exertion can lead to a relapse and delay recovery. Listen to your body!

💊 Medicine

Depending on your reasons for taking a convalescence, you will need to keep up with whatever protocol you have been following, conventional or otherwise.

Herbal medicine has a lot to offer here, to help nourish and tonify a depleted system. The herbs that have these specific actions are generally well-tolerated and safe for long-term use while you heal.

Chat to your practitioner about this and be sure to check for any interactions or contraindications with prescribed medications.

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In summary, convalescence is a forgotten art that deserves to be brought to the forefront. The body in all its wisdom has the innate power to heal itself, you just need to give it space to do so. ❤️‍🩹

Hope that helps, for more support, book a consult with me here,

Till next time,
Lauren.