As I type this, I’m quite certain I’m on fire.
No, not in an empowered type of way.
I want to try to be discreet, but I’d rather be real with you: it burns and feels like torturous stinging fire when I pee. Yep, I said it. The discomfort is intense and spreads to my entire body. Suddenly I’m throbbing and achy all over, slightly nauseous and unable to think clearly or focus at all. Ugh!
Sadly for us ladies, urinary tract infections are among the top female complaints. For us especially lucky gals who get one infection, our risk is greatly increased for getting another. And, believe me, I know how pesky they can be. So, what I’m about to say next might come as a surprise:
We need to deeply feel and experience our symptoms.
Yes, I know this isn’t comfortable, but it’s absolutely vital! Because, in truth, our symptoms are not just symptoms at all: they are the body’s way of screaming out to get our attention. Something from deep within is expressing an imbalance so we can take action to correct it. Let us, then, be sure that we listen intently to these messages.
But, even though our symptoms are informative, it’s also not OK to sit in screaming pain all day. First, let’s talk physical. What can help a bladder infection on the physical level?
At the first signs of a UTI, we should immediately cut out sugar, alcohol and caffeine (green tea is OK in moderation due to the beneficial antioxidants, but coffee and black teas are no-no’s). It’s also very important to abstain from sex during this time, as it can greatly irritate an infection. So, if you feel the tiniest hint of pain in your bladder, it’s really best to say “no” to cocktails, coffee, sugary treats and sex. I know it’s a drag, but trust me—these things can make an infection worse very quickly.
It’s also of great benefit to load up on fruits and veggies. Drinking tons of water (at least one large glass every hour) will help flush out your system. And, speaking of beverages, 100 percent cranberry juice can be a godsend. Be warned: it’s very, very bitter, but completely worth it, I promise! Grapeseed extract, probiotics and garlic capsules are also great for boosting the body’s healing capabilities. And, finally, good old-fashioned rest is underrated and a fabulous help to our bodies when we’re not at our best.
OK, as helpful as these tips may be, what about when cranberry juice isn’t enough? When garlic capsules and probiotics only scratch the surface?
Let’s go deeper and dive into the fun stuff: the emotional and psychological part of a bladder infection.
Many folks think that having a bladder infection means that we’re “pissed off,” and that may absolutely be the case. But, there’s often much more to the story. In Chinese Medicine, the bladder is related to fear, and I think that this is powerfully accurate.
In my experience, bladder infections flare up when I’m starting something new (a new relationship, a new job, moving to a new city). And, for me, these experiences often mean a lot of fear, fear…and ummm…did I mention fear? Ugh! And, and all that fear makes me feel so desperately vulnerable, small and fragile.
Understanding this vulnerability aspect is, I think, a key part of healing urinary tract infections.
So, lets take a breath. Let’s enjoy a long inhale and an even longer exhale. Let’s close our eyes and ask ourselves:
What do I really feel right now?
Does a part of me feel scared or vulnerable?
Just stay right there, remain totally open, and notice what comes up.
Every feeling is valid and nothing is off-limits. There’s no need to judge, just simply observe. This space is completely yours.
If, like myself, you’re feeling very vulnerable, know that you are safe. Wrap your warms around yourself or get a cozy blanket and know that it’s perfectly OK (actually beautiful!) to feel this way. We’re not really taught how to navigate vulnerability and it can be so confusing and painful. In this culture, we often equate vulnerability with weakness, but this couldn’t be more off-point.
Honestly, I think that when we’re most vulnerable, we’re actually at our strongest. We’re most in touch with our emotions, intuitions and feelings. We’re most open and receptive and this is a magnificent thing! But, it’s important to learn to care for ourselves when we feel this way. For me, lying in bed and listening to music while journaling (also accompanied by some intense crying!) really helps me revel in my vulnerability and feel safe.
See (or even better, feel) what you need, and follow that little voice wherever it takes you. It will not lead you astray.
Because honestly, we can drink a ton of cranberry juice and take all the probiotics in the world, but our UTI’s won’t truly feel better unless we understand and nurture the most vulnerable parts of ourselves.
Learn how to handle fear better in LIFE IS CHANGE: Learn to let go of fear and accept change>>
[su_panel background=”#f2f2f2″ color=”#000000″ border=”0px none #ffffff” shadow=”0px 0px 0px #ffffff”]by Sarah Harvey
