Sometimes the “last resort” really is the best option. Have you ever wondered…
What’s the best way to prepare for surgery?
What are some questions to ask going into a procedure?
How can I enhance recovery and support a favorable outcome?
Whether it’s cosmetic, life-saving, or reparative, surgery is something you or a loved one may encounter at one or multiple points in your life.
Important things to keep in mind:
- Surgery really is the LAST resort. If you’ve only consulted with a surgeon, very likely you’ve been advised to have surgery. Not only because it’s what they do, but because most surgeons aren’t trained or even aware of alternative options.
Cutting into the body is a BIG DEAL. The anesthesia and surgery itself can have lingering side-effects, not to mention some surgeries mask deeper underlying issues.
Kai Wellness partners with myriad providers and offers diverse modalities that can render surgery unnecessary. Just ask!
- Conventional doctors and surgeons are trained to do a good job and make sure you survive the surgery. Their concern with preparation or after-care is very limited. This is another area where holistic medicine and wellness care is the best option for ensuring a positive experience.
- There is a marked difference in recovery time and overall outcome among people who take extra care to properly prepare and practice after-care. I encourage you to take the time to invest in yourself and consult about your upcoming surgery! It can make a world of difference.
Every person and every surgery is unique and requires a personalized approach. Below are some general recommendations. For more detailed and customized care, please contact our office directly.
Some tips for preparation:
* Increase your antioxidant intake. Superfoods, fruits veggies and certain supplements like glutathione go a long way in supporting your body’s ability to heal.
* Get plenty of exercise. Besides being the single most relevant factor for overall mental and physical health, exercise prepares our muscles and metabolism to endure a procedure.
* Practice deep breathing and visualization of your body receiving the healing effects of your upcoming procedure. Mental and emotional preparation supports our tissues and psyches in a profound way. Make sure to really rest the night before, and do intentional relaxation practices the day of surgery.
Ways to enhance recovery:
* Support detox. Continue consuming antioxidants. Saunas are great AFTER the initial inflammatory phase has calmed down.
* Drink plenty of water. Not just water, but add electrolytes and minerals and chlorophyll and chlorella to help flush out the anesthetic and support tissue healing.
* Use specific peptides. Naturally-occurring in our bodies, certain peptides greatly aid the recovery process by helping tissue heal faster and stronger. **Most of my patients who take peptides after surgery recover weeks faster than their doctors expect.
* Understand that your body has changed. If it’s an orthopedic surgery, there will be a game of “tetris” going on inside of you for months as the body re-configures itself to it’s new structure. If it’s cosmetic or life-saving, there will perhaps be greater emphasis on emotional and psychological changes. Be gentle with yourself!
* Practice self love. Your body has been through the trauma of being cut into. It needs your love more than ever. Apply gentle, loving touch and words of affirmation (ie I am healing, my body is recovering and I send it love, every cell and molecule in my body is supporting my full recovery, etc.)
* Consider specific modalities that aid in healing and restoration of function:
– Acupuncture and cupping are a top choice for helping bring down inflammation and pain, promote tissue healing and immune response, and minimizing appearance and impact of scar tissue. They also aide the body in releasing the physical and emotional trauma associated with surgery, and help re-connect meridian pathways for optimal signaling. Sometimes people experience urinary or bowel irregularities following anesthetic use – acupuncture quickly helps restore proper function.
– Frequency devices and acoustic wave treatments support healing.
– Infrared penetrates deep to promote healing and tissue repair.
– Physical therapy and massage help the body release tension and restore functioning.
– Energy healing helps tremendously if you are experiencing panic attacks or heightened anxiety or depression after surgery.
– Chinese Herbs help tissues and bones heal faster. They can be used to resolve many surgery-related issues such as urinary retention, emotional dysregulation, digestive and sleep issues, and much more.
