Wellness in Practice

We have been looking at the theory and background of wellness. Now let’s take a look at some examples. This is somewhat like Jesus’ use of parables to teach – you can go only so far on theory before everything starts to run together. Illustrations clarify theory.

Gerson Therapy: In the middle of the 20th Century, Max Gerson, M.D., was healing disease that all other physicians had given up on. One such example is a small boy, “Baby R.S.” (Case No. 15 of 50 in reference) This 8-month-old baby had surgery twice to remove a recurring cancer on his left shoulder. The doctors recommended radical amputation; the parents refused and took the baby to Dr. Gerson. Under Dr. Gerson’s care 1950 - 1957, the baby steadily improved; the treatment was a lasting success with the boy growing up healthy and strong. Dr. Gerson died in 1959, but his therapy continues to heal “terminal” cases today. (Max Gerson, M.D, A Cancer Therapy, Gerson Institute, Bonita, CA: 1990, p 306ff)

Macrobiotics: This is a diet based on whole grains and traditional foods in harmony with the seasons. During WW I, imports of grain to Denmark were cut off by blockade,. The food advisor to the government ordered slaughter of 4/5 of the pigs and 1/5 of all cattle to free up grain for people to eat in the place of meat and dairy. He also limited production of alcohol from grain. The Danes ate more porridge, fresh vegetables, greens, beans, peas, and fruit and less milk, meat, and butter. In one year of this austere diet, approximating a macrobiotic diet, the cancer rate dropped by 60% and the death rate by 40%. After the war, with their former meat and dairy diet restored, the disease and death rates soon returned to their prewar levels. (Michio Kushi, The Macrobiotic Way, Avery Publishing, Garden City Park, NY: 1993, p 8)

Budwig Protocol: Johanna Budwig, MD., practiced in Europe during much of the 20th century, restoring wellness to thousands. One example was George Friedrich who had suffered three serious heart attacks between ages 60 and 63. Medication controlled his symptoms, but he became very weak and aged visibly. When introduced to Dr. Budwig’s Formula (cold-processed, unrefined raw flaxseed oil blended with low-fat cottage cheese), he immediately included that in his daily diet. Within three months, his breathing was easier and his angina was almost eliminated. A year later, the medical doctors who examined him were amazed at his full recovery. (William L. Fischer, How to Fight Cancer & Win, Agora Health Books, Baltimore: 2000)

The Hallelujah Diet: In 1976 at age 42, Rev. George Malkmus was told that he had colon cancer, a baseball-size tumor similar to the one his mother had recently been treated for – unsuccessfully; she died a horrible death. On the advice of a friend, Rev. Malkmus changed his diet to all raw fruits and vegetables and lots of fresh carrot juice. In less than a year with no medical treatment at all, the tumor had disappeared, along with hemorrhoids, hypoglycemia, severe allergies, sinus problems, high blood pressure, fatigue, pimples, cold, flu … even body odor and dandruff were gone. In the 32 years since, Hallelujah Acres has helped many thousands of people worldwide back to vibrant good health. (George H. Malkmus with Michael Dye, God’s Way to Ultimate Health, Hallelujah Acres Publishing, Shelby, NC: 1996, p 24ff)
These examples are just four of the many ways that people are finding wellness today. The common element among them is depending on the body to heal itself by supplying vital nutrition and eliminating the causes of disease. There is no medicine as powerful as the healing capability that the Creator designed into our bodies at the beginning. Genesis 1:31 “And God saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good!”

There is not time nor space to go into detail here on all the approaches to wellness, but I welcome your inquiry on any specifics.