Similarly, response to an emotion was an algorithmic action. If fear was generated, a deer bounded away. A bird took flight. A fish swam off. But, such escape was hardly possible by heading into predator. An algorithmic intelligence remembered, evaluated and instantly chose best of multiple escape routes to increase distance from danger. That region responded to pain, with a massive search for escape routes to avoid pain. While nociceptors selectively reported pain, action region generated a powerful drive to escape from it. That algorithmic drive was “hurt” part of pain. Hypnosis was known to still that drive. A similar result was reported for an older surgical procedure, which cut neural link between perception of pain and dynamic response to it. Both treatments had patients reporting disappearance of “hurt.”

Pain was an awful affliction. Chronic pain sufferers had to endure it over extended periods. Physicians recommended acceptance of pain as a solution. They suggested that a patient's attitude was also critical to treatment of pain. But, “acceptance” and “attitude” were difficult concepts. How could one accept continuing pain? How could a subconscious attitude ever be changed? This was where an appreciation of independent algorithmic processes of mind helped. Practical steps could yield a trusted result. Remove “hurt” part, distress, of pain. Learning “acceptance” was a worthy endeavor.

The mind had unique ability to see itself. Across centuries, sages looked inward and recognized their own feelings and thoughts. In same way, it was also possible to identify your own drives. The key was awareness. And, insight that identification was possible. The vital secret of atomic bomb was just that it was possible. The drive to escape pain was a unique entity. Its operation had recognizable symptoms. By consciously identifying its physical symptoms, a patient could learn to identify it as a distinct mental event. Identify tensions of urge to escape, of impatience, of desperation. When urge was recognized, it vanished. Later, this drive became a familiar entity, which vanished, on recognition. Recognition and practice stilled “hurt” drive. The pain was there, but it did not hurt anymore. Which went on to prove that even “acceptance” could also be an algorithmic process.

But we live in a generation now that has been cut off from this age-old tradition of self-reliance. Healing and health care have become almost--the exclusive province of duly licensed physicians. While doctors and other professionals-are indeed great to have around, what is not so great is when you cannot do anything without them.

Shouldn't we be able to do something to save our health--maybe even our lives--without a doctor?

What happens when medical help is not so readily available?

What happens when doctoring simply does not work?

Some of us go to doctor after doctor, and still no help. Is that end of line?

While antibiotics have saved millions of lives, they have not really solved some resurgence of germs that are turning up in new forms that do not respond to conventional therapies.

There has been a real shift in way people think about their health. Rising health care cost is a factor in recent surge of interest in alternative medicine. Many people are attracted to alternative physicians emphasis on treating whole person--body, mind and spirit. Most importantly some physicians use intensive counseling to help patients find out whether aspects of their daily lives, such as job stress, marital problems diet or sleeping habits might be behind their symptoms.

In this age of managed care and impersonal group practices patients find this individualized approach of alternative medicine particularly appealing.

One of principal goals of natural healing is to break cycle of dependency and allow people to be more in control of their own lives.

Ruby Boyd is the owner of <Back to Page 1