How Can I Heal From Rumination Disorder at the Cellular Level?
Millions of people struggle with eating disorders or disordered eating every day. This includes a number of people who struggle with rumination disorder. Rumination disorder can be both damaging and devastating to both the individual struggling as well as those closest to them. The good news is that there are many means, methods, and modalities that can help individuals heal from rumination disorder at the cellular level.
Healing at the Cellular Level
When it comes to healing at the cellular level, it is all about focused holistic healing. This means healing the whole “Self;” the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. Without healing all, none can heal fully. This includes individuals with rumination disorder.
For example, if one is to heal physically with a modality like yoga therapy they may not be getting what they need emotionally. However, if they heal with yoga therapy and trauma-informed therapy they will be getting both physical and emotional needs met. Then if one adds something like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), they may also begin to heal mentally. Finally, by adding something like mindfulness meditation, spiritual wellness is added. Now all four bases are covered and healing at the cellular level can begin. This can happen with all sorts of multi-angled combinations of treatment. It is also important that this multi-angled treatment is individualized.
The Importance of Individualized Care for Long-Term Recovery
It is important to remember that no one’s recovery journey should look the same. Yes, there will be some of the same means, methods, and modalities, but they should all be catered specifically to the individual. Unfortunately, this is not always the case.
The fact of the matter is that treatment and recovery has now grown into a multi-billion dollar industry. While it is great that there are more recovery centers available, there are also many more recovery centers that are focused more on their bottom line than they are on their client’s well-being.
These are also the same recovery centers that only offer “one-size-fits-all” “cookie-cutter” treatment plans. Here at Exclusive Hawaii Rehab, we find that these types of overarching treatment plans rarely work. Often, this is because they only use a minimal amount of modalities. However, when it comes to effective treatment, the more methods the better. This is what comprehensive recovery is all about.
The Importance of Comprehensive Care for Long-Term Recovery
Comprehensive care is all about using as many effective tools as possible. The key is to have those tools available. Here at Exclusive Hawaii Rehab, we have a plethora of treatment options. All of these treatment options may not be used by each client, but it is important that they be available in case an adjustment needs to be made.
This is what taking the multi-angled approach to recovery is all about. The multi-angled approach is all about using modalities from across the realm of recovery. This includes psychotherapies like CBT and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), experiential therapies like nature immersion therapy, surf therapy, and horticulture therapy, and holistic healing methods like yoga therapy and mindfulness meditation.
Better Understanding Rumination Disorder
Many people have heard about eating disorders like bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa but are unaware that there are many other types of disorders. One of these lesser-known disorders is rumination disorder.
So, what exactly is rumination disorder? According to the peer-reviewed thesis Rumination Disorder, by Doctors Kusnik and Vaqar, “Rumination syndrome [also known as rumination disorder] is a functional gastrointestinal disorder defined as the effortless regurgitation of recently ingested food from the stomach back into the oral cavity in the absence of organic disease. The regurgitation usually occurs within the first 15 minutes after the completion of a meal. A simultaneous remastication and expectoration or re-swallowing of indigested food is commonly observed and can continue for up to two hours after each meal.”
Rumination disorder is one of the least common eating disorders, but that does not mean that it is any less damaging or destructive. Many people with rumination disorder find that it completely inhibits them from having a comfortable and fully functional daily life. Also, many people are unaware that their loved one may be struggling with rumination disorder. This is why being more familiar with the signs and symptoms of rumination disorder can be so crucial.
The Signs and Symptoms of Rumination Disorder
While the signs and symptoms of eating disorders are going to vary based on the individual, there are many signs and symptoms that are more universal. These are some of the more common signs and symptoms of rumination disorder:
- The regular regurgitation of food (usually right after eating)
- Gastrointestinal pain and bloating
- Isolating away from family and close friends
- Loss of interest in activities and hobbies
- Changes in appetite
- Extreme weight loss
- Avoiding eating in front of others
- Constantly feeling full
- Changes in mood
- Co-occurring use of alcohol and/or substances
- Feeling anxious about eating and mealtimes
- Having feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and helplessness (depression)
- Struggles with sleep cycles, including sleeping too much and not sleeping enough (hypersomnia and insomnia)
- Thinking about self-harm
- Having suicidal ideations
Some people minimize the negative effects of eating disorders. However, as one can see with these signs and symptoms, there is nothing minimal about the symptoms of rumination disorder. This is also why if any, many, or all of these symptoms are present it is important to seek professional help as soon as possible. Doing so could mean the difference between short-term side effects and long-term consequences. The good news is that there are many effective methods for combatting and recovering from rumination disorder.
Recovery From Rumination Disorder
Rumination disorder recovery requires a good relationship between the client and the provider. According to the peer-reviewed journal Frontline Gastroenterology, “Following a positive clinical diagnosis of rumination syndrome, one of the most crucial aspects of treatment is an effective doctor-patient interaction. This should include a detailed explanation to educate the patient on the nature and pathophysiology of the condition with reassurance. A sympathetic approach, explaining that the regurgitation is caused by an involuntary habit, leading to subconscious tension of the abdominal muscles is often extremely beneficial and therapeutic.”
Once this positive relationship is established and these conversations are had, then various modalities of recovery can come into play. This is especially true for the use of psychotherapies like CBT, DBT, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and psychodynamic therapy.
Recovery From Rumination Disorder: Psychotherapies
Psychotherapies tend to be so effective because they often get to the essential underlying issues that are often the root/core causes of addictions and mental illnesses like eating disorders. These types of talk therapies help individuals see the negative way in which they often view themselves and the world around them.
Once this window to the underlying issues is opened up, then the client and professional can begin to come up with a plan to make changes to the negative behaviors that are associated with the underlying cognitions (thoughts) and emotions (feelings).
Psychotherapies can also be highly effective because they make the individual an active participant in their own recovery. This not only brings autonomy but also provides a vital sense of purpose for their recovery. Psychodynamic therapy can be particularly effective at bringing about these essential treatment components.
Recovery From Rumination Disorder: Psychodynamic Therapy
Psychodynamic therapy focuses on the unconscious mind. According to the peer-reviewed thesis Psychodynamic Therapy, by Doctors Opland, and Torrico, “Psychodynamic models propose that unconscious thoughts, desires, and memories inaccessible to conscious awareness still primarily influence human behavior; therefore, the psychodynamic model informs the psychodynamic therapeutic approach. Over the years, psychodynamic therapy has dramatically evolved to emphasize the role of past unresolved conflicts and how they manifest themselves in shaping people’s behavior and personality.”
Now, there are also two schools of thought when it comes to psychodynamic therapy. There are those who believe in a longer model, and then there are those who believe in what is known as “brief psychodynamic therapy.”
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “The healing and change process envisioned in long-term psychodynamic therapy typically requires at least 2 years of sessions. This is because the goal of therapy is often to change an aspect of one’s identity or personality or to integrate key developmental learning missed while the client was stuck at an earlier stage of emotional development.” However, “Practitioners of brief psychodynamic therapy believe that some changes can happen through a more rapid process or that an initial short intervention will start an ongoing process of change that does not need the constant involvement of the therapist.” The key is to find the right program that works for the individual’s needs.
Recovery From Rumination Disorder: Experiential Therapies
Many people who struggle with rumination disorder also struggle with isolation and not getting out and interacting with the natural world. This is where experiential therapies can be highly beneficial.
As its name suggests experiential therapy is much more about the “experience” than it is about the client-professional discussion (though this can be an integral part of the process. There are primarily two different types of experiential therapy; nature-based therapies and creative-based therapies. Two examples of this would be art therapy and nature immersion therapy.
Recovery From Rumination Disorder: Nature-Based Therapies
There may be no better place to engage in nature immersion therapy than on the Hamakua Coast of Hawaii’s Big Island. Here one can better connect to themselves through nature by exploring some of the most majestic waterfalls, incredible overlooks, and bright beautiful beaches. There is even a live volcano just waiting to be explored.
Nature immersion therapy also offers a myriad of various benefits. According to the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, “[B]eing outdoors can stimulate all the senses, increase the feeling of freedom, and have a positive effect on the immune system. Moreover, light and air can increase reflection and self-regulation for patients with depression. A close connection with the seasons and their change might serve as a mirror to oneself and it is suggested to promote self-acceptance and self-love.”
There are also other types of nature-based therapies that are ideal on Hawaii’s Big Island. One of these takes place out on the beautiful blue Pacific Ocean: surf therapy. A mere 15-minute journey from our luxury 30-acre property at Exclusive Hawaii Rehab sits one of the best surf breaks in the world. Here individuals can experience all of the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual benefits of surf therapy while also taking breaks to swim with tropical fish and the local green sea turtles.
Another ideal form of experiential nature-based therapy is horticulture therapy. According to the peer-reviewed journal Systematic Reviews, “Increasingly, access to green spaces has meaningful therapeutic applications, especially for people with mental health conditions. These therapeutic applications also extend to those with physical conditions who might benefit from the physical activity side but also might experience emotional and cognitive benefits. The positive aspect of gardening is that it efficiently combines physical with recreational activities, impacting on emotional, physical, and social well-being.”
Here at Exclusive Hawaii Rehab, we have amazing opportunities for our clients to engage in horticulture therapy. We have exquisite citrus trees, mammoth coconut trees, perfect pineapple patches, and fragrant guava bushes. There are also many new vegetable beds just waiting to be cultivated.
Recovery From Rumination Disorder: Holistic Healing Methods
Holistic healing is a critical component of treatment if one wishes to recover at the cellular level. Two of the most ideal types of holistic healing are yoga therapy and meditation.
The iconic yogi and spiritual teacher B.K.S. Iyengar famously said, “By drawing our senses of perception inward, we are able to experience the control, silence, and quietness of the mind.” This is the essence of yoga and meditation.
Yoga and meditation have been practiced for thousands of years. Initially, they were solely religious and/or spiritual practices but they have since moved into many other areas of life. Most recently, the realm of recovery.
The benefits of meditation are vast and varied. According to the peer-reviewed journal Cureus, “Meditation has several benefits improving the immune system and inflammatory processes by decreasing cytokine; appropriate telomere shortening also has helped healthy aging…. Mental health is another aspect influenced by meditation, as positive emotion brought about by meditation helps address various mental problems like social anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. Overall, it seems to have some impact in all health areas.” Yoga therapy has also been shown to have many of these cellular-level healing benefits.
Holistic methods like yoga can reduce a lot of the stress and anxiety that is often associated with rumination disorder. According to the peer-reviewed journal Frontiers in Psychology, “Yoga reduces stress by regulating the sympathetic nervous system. In correspondence to this, a meta-analysis found a positive effect of Yoga on both depressive symptoms and depressive disorders…. In addition, not only Yoga but also a high Yoga involvement has been found to predict lower levels of psychological distress, especially for anxiety and depression symptoms, and may help to buffer the negative effects of the current crisis and alleviate psychological symptoms.”
There are also many other types of beneficial holistic healing methods. These methods include massage therapy, aromatherapy, acupuncture, sound therapy, and reiki. The key is to find the right methods that can best benefit the individual and their individualized rumination disorder recovery plan.
Healing at the Cellular Level With Exclusive Hawaii Rehab
Here at Exclusive Hawaii Rehab, we believe in long-term success over short-term “fixes.” This is why we always focus on comprehensive, individualized recovery plans that have a focus on the future.
Rumination disorder can feel like there is no hope for the future. However, this no longer needs to be the case with the help of Exclusive Hawaii Rehab. Recovery is real. Hope is here. The key is to reach out and ask for help. We’ll take it from there.
Many people are unfamiliar with what rumination disorder actually is. However, it affects many more people than one may realize. The key is to be able to recognize the signs and symptoms so help can be sought as soon as possible. The good news is that there are many effective means, methods, and modalities for healing from rumination disorder. If you feel like you or a loved one is struggling with rumination disorder, we can help get you on the right road to recovery right away. You don’t have to go through this process alone. For more information about recovering from rumination disorder, please reach out to Exclusive Hawaii Rehab today at (808) 775-0200.