It started as a joke. In trying to come up with podcast ideas, I laughingly said “how about ‘How to Hog-Tie a Llama’!” It is now a podcast and an article!
Llamas are unique and intelligent animals. They are the best guard ‘dog’ ever. But llamas are wary, distrustful and you can’t just walk up and love on them. Their life is about protecting.
What does that have to do with health? We are all stewards or protectors of health. The body you adorn is the only body you will ever get. How you take care of it over the course of your life will determine how it will take care of you the rest of your life. If you’re thinking, in that case, I’m sunk, there is hope. You can usually still do a lot to reverse the damage done.
Fortunately, we have a very adaptable, very healable body. Our body tirelessly tries to right any wrong. Daily, we bombard it with toxins from our lifestyle, the air we breathe, the water we drink, the garbage we put in our bodies and on our bodies. Toxins from plastic that are in everything, weigh down our body’s ability to adapt and resolve issues. Our homes are generally the most toxic substance that surrounds us! Our body was designed to right that wrong by complex cleansing systems that denature, neutralize, micronize, enzymatically destroy, or self-destruct toxins, ineffective cells and biological wastes. However, the onslaught of toxins far exceed our body’s ability to effectively eliminate all of it. Our bodies weren’t really designed to handle these man-made chemicals. As a result, we have to give it some help. Regular detoxification is crucial to maintaining our health.
We can also eat well. Your body is comprised of water, fat, protein, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and a whole lot of micro-nutrients, both known and yet to be discovered. In order for your body to build and repair, these nutrients are needed on a daily basis. If they are missing in your diet, you will thwart your body’s ability to repair what it strives to repair. Your body desperately wants you to be well. It doesn’t like sub-function. It will beg, borrow and steal from any place it can to maintain constancy, to heal, to function, to protect, to do anything it needs. It is adaptable, but you have to do your part and give it what it needs.
It reminds me of llamas. Llamas are very adaptable and survivors. Their body too needs to build and repair daily. It amazes me that when a large animal veterinarian comes to a farm for an ailing animal, the first thing they look at is their feed. Does it contain enough minerals, protein, etc.? Yet with humans, it is rarely on the list of things looked at if we are ailing and go see a medical doctor. That needs to change.
Well, I have never learned how to hog-tie a llama, but like llamas, I know that protecting is important. Take the steps necessary to protect the health of your body and your body will take care of you.
©2023 Holly A. Carling, O.M.D., L.Ac., Ph.D.
