Too often, the effects of trauma on the spirit are overlooked and can cause unforeseen issues in new relationships along with health complications. Moving on, interacting with friends and keeping yourself busy are pieces of advice that are given to those who have experienced a broken heart, but these tactics aren’t the best measures to take to cleanse the spirit of damage sustained.
There are specific techniques that can be used to heal the spirit from a broken heart, and thanks to the advice of herbalist and author Brigitte Mars A.H.G, I have a few ways to place the heavy laden on the path of enlightenment. Mars’ Book “The Sexual Herbal: Prescriptions for Enhancing Love and Passion” details several methods for healing the spirit after experiencing heartbreak. According to Mars, therapy for grief focuses on three aspects: rest, positive energy and health. The following techniques speak to these aspects of therapy.
Take a look at these healing practices and make a mental note of them to pass them on to someone in need or to heal yourself.
Gem Therapy
Gemstones have natural healing qualities that have been used for centuries by ancient civilizations to treat ailments and diseases. Using rose quartz during meditation or holding it while sleeping can help with calming anger and heal grief and emotional wounds. Rose quartz also promotes love. Wearing jewelry made out of this stone is an easy way to incorporate the healing properties of this stone into your everyday life while healing from heartache.
Color Therapy
The color violet is good for healing grief. Whether worn or visualized, using this color as a form of therapy works. Using a breath technique, visualize yourself inhaling healing violet light and as you exhale see the colors of your sadness flowing away from you with each breath. Visualization practices help in the area of healing from trauma.
Nutritional Therapy
The average person turns to snack binging during times of depression or distress, but healing the spirit from grief requires less sugar and fried treats and more natural substances. According to Oriental medicine, “grief responds to the metal element and to the lungs and large intestine”. Incorporate more green and orange-colored foods into your diet such as violet leaf, dandelion, kale, collards, carrots and sweet potatoes. Make a sweet potato pie and pair it with a small scoop of ice cream or drink a glass of fresh carrot juice to jumpstart your healing. These foods will help support your liver in moving through difficult times. Eating celery will also help with the pangs of heartache, while ginger, clove and coriander will move lung energy.
Good Rest
While the body is going through its time of healing, you will need to get as much rest as possible. Even if you’re not feeling sleepy, to rest is to be at peace and to remain in a state of calm. Find a cozy spot on the couch near a window or go on a getaway to one of your favorite places that is known to bring peace and calm to your life. Turn off your electronics, place an away message on your emails, grab a good book and your favorite tea and relax.
Let your mind drift wherever it may and if you begin to think of the situation that caused you pain, let your emotions flow out. If you have to cry, scream or shout do it. You’re in the comfort of your own space and these forms of expression are also cleansing methods. Bring a journal with you to write down your experiences and thoughts as they come to you. You will feel lighter after your resting moments.