True Remedies 1: Pure Air
The following is an oft-quoted statement attributed to Ellen G. White, outstanding author and speaker whose ministry shaped the modern Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Pure air, sunlight, abstemiousness, rest, exercise, proper diet, the use of water, trust in divine power--these are the true remedies. Every person should have knowledge of nature's remedial agencies and how to apply them. It is essential both to understand the principles involved in the treatment of the sick and to have a practical training that will enable one rightly to use this knowledge. (Ministry of Healing, p.127)
Hidden (or revealed) in this apparently simple statement is the most powerful formula for optimum health and healing going all the way back to the Garden of Eden. Eight vital components of good health are mentioned:
1. pure air
2. sunlight
3. abstemiousness (temperance)
4. rest
5. exercise
6. proper diet
7. the use of water
8. trust in divine power
This is the first in a series of eight articles covering the eight great steps to health and happiness that are outlined above.
Pure Air
Where do you live? If you are reading this on the internet chances are you live in an urban or suburban environment. Many large cities are notoriously polluted. With exhaust gas emission being regulated in some parts of the world this problem may not be a bad as early in the 20thcentury. But truth is if you desire optimum health for you and your family you should choose to settle in the country or as far from the city as you can in order to enjoy the best air. Given that the cities with their overcrowding, their expertise at creating and disposing of wealth, and their vices, you are even better off spiritually moving your family to a country location, where this is both possible and prudent. I mean you have to be practical and at the same time have eyes of faith.
But the country living theme is for another article. Here we are promoting the countryside as the place to enjoy fresh air, for we know that plants are the natural factories for oxygen. I love the seaside breeze too. And holistic rumour has it that some of the oldest persons live on high mountains, must have something to do with air as well.
Now that we have covered the general environment, let’s talk about the house itself. Some persons keep their doors and window closed because they are afraid of insects or animals, including the anthropoid kind. You need to ventilate your house especially the bedroom. You body requires oxygen to burn food and repair tissues. Your brain needs a ready supply of oxygen to carry out its function. Open those heavy drapes and let in the sunshine and fresh air. Protect yourself with insect screens and burglar bars if you must, but allow fresh air into your house, and sick room.
Zooming closer home, the air might be country fresh and renewed by circulating through your house, but you won’t benefit much with shallow breathing. When anxious or working on sedentary chores we tend to breathe very shallow. So every now and then catch yourself and do 10 or more deep breaths. Exercise trains the body to breathe deeply.
Have you noticed that while this article is not on sunshine of exercise they play a significant role in the body’s use of air?
Patients in hospitals should be made to exercise as much as possible and be encouraged to breathe deeply where these activities are not injurious to the disease condition.
Here is an insight into my life; five ways I enjoy fresh air in my own personal effort to enjoy a healthy lifestyle:
- Put on my garden clothes and get my tools and work for an hour or two in my backyard garden. Guess what, the fun continues when I reap and eat and share my bananas, cassava, papaya, otahiti apple, sweet potato and occasional vegetables.
- Swimming in the Caribbean Sea.
- I always make sure that my bedroom is ventilated.
- I pause ever so often in the day and do a series of deep breaths.
- I live 2,000 feet above sea level in the majestic mountains of Mandeville in the Jamaican countryside. Have to endure some bauxite pollution but the cool fresh mountain breeze in my area is not laced with caustic soda like those near the mud lake or the Kirkvine plant. Mind you I am prepared to live in a big city if necessary, but for now I count my blessings.
