Healing Lessons from Kabbalah

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The diagram known as the Kabbalistic Tree of Life represents the world of structure that we can know. Outside of this structure is that part of the creation that is beyond our comprehension. In general, the right side of the tree represents the right hemisphere of the brain, and the left side corresponds to the left side of the brain. The bottom of the tree corresponds to the physical world, and as we progress up the tree we encounter more non-physical realms of experience. There are three paths that connect the left and right halves of the tree. The Hebrew letters that correspond to these paths (starting at the bottom) are Mem, Aleph, and Shin. In Kabbalah, these letters represent water, air, and fire, respectively. A useful paradigm is to contemplate how we can use water, air, and fire to bring the left and right sides of our being into balance. We can also associate water with the abdomen, air with the lungs, and fire with the brain. By keeping these three parts of our being in balance, we can enjoy good health. There are also three paths that connect to form a path from the bottom of the tree to the top. The letters for these paths are Tav, Resh, and Dalet. Tav stands for Torah and Teshuvah (return/repentance); Resh stands for Rachamim (compassion); and Dalet represents Dal (poor). Thus, through the study of Torah we begin a return to a more spiritual state. Through applying the lessons learned in Torah, we develop compassion. Through the practice of compassion, we impoverish our own ego and open ourselves up to a larger spirituality.

HEALING WITH WATER:

• Drink several glasses of water each day to flush out your system.
• Get a good water filter/purifier to eliminate contaminants from what you drink.
• Go swimming to relax the large muscles groups and lower blood pressure.
• Use ice packs to relax sprained muscles and pinched nerves.
• Soak in hot water or a hot tub to increase circulation to the extemeties.
• Cleanse your body with a hot shower.
• Wash your hands before eating.

HEALING WITH AIR:

• Get a home air purifier to eliminate dust, pollen, and other contaminants.
• Take deep breaths to exercise the lungs.
• Practice yogic or other breathing techniques to relax the mind and body.
• Frequently engage in aerobic exercise to oxygenate the blood.

HEALING WITH FIRE:

• Practice meditation to balance the fire of the mind.
• Take a sun bath during those times of the day when the UV rays are less concentrated.
• Take ginger, garlic, or other "hot" herbs to promote circulation and warm the body.
• Take frequent saunas to relax the body, promote circulation, purify the lungs, and simultaneously cleanse through water, air, and fire.