Healing from Medical Trauma
Every woman I know has experienced some form of trauma from the Western medical system. Whether it’s not being listened to, having concerns dismissed, being sent for unnecessary tests, or being spoken to condescendingly when you express an opinion about your own body, this emotional trauma is real.
Step One: Return to Your Body
The first step in healing medical trauma is to come back to yourself.
Pause. Breathe deeply. Feel your feet on the ground. Remember that your body belongs to you.
Don’t let anyone’s authority shake your intuition. Take the time you need to reconnect with your inner knowing before making decisions about your health.
Step Two: Reclaim Your Power
The second step is to take your power back.
Learn about your body. Arrive at appointments informed and confident. Be clear about what feels right for you and what doesn’t. Knowledge is one of the most powerful tools we have for self-protection and healing.
Understanding the System
We may never change the Western medical system. It is vast and financially driven. From pharmaceutical companies to insurance structures, the bottom line often outweighs patient care.
Most doctors enter medicine with good intentions. But the system they’re trained in is symptom focused, not patient focused. The average appointment lasts less than 25 minutes, and most medical programs include only about 11 hours of nutrition education. This lack of emphasis on nutrition and lifestyle, the true foundations of health, is deeply concerning.
When I began studying herbalism, I looked into a Medicinal Plants course offered by one of the world’s most prestigious medical colleges. It lasted two weeks. As someone who has studied herbs for three decades, I can tell you that plant medicine is a lifelong study. The idea that one could meaningfully understand it in two weeks is absurd and reflective of a system disconnected from nature and true healing.
Becoming Your Own Advocate
We all have different levels of knowledge about our bodies. Be honest about where you are, and seek out practitioners who value partnership.
Do your research. Ask questions. Interview your doctors. Notice how they speak to you and whether they listen. Trust your instincts, you’ll know when someone meets you as an equal.
Also, be clear on what kind of care you want. How much Western medicine feels right for you? How much holistic support do you want to include? Many integrative practitioners lean more heavily toward one side or the other. Knowing your preferences helps you find the right match.
Finding a doctor is like finding a partner. You’ll know when it’s right. If it isn’t, don’t settle.
A Moment for You
Place your hand on your heart.
Take a slow breath in.
Envision yourself surrounded by light.
You are whole, you are wise, and you are in control of your body.
With love,
Françoise