I'm Adalimone and this is The Slowdown.

I have known a lot of genuine healers in my life.

People who have helped me with the pain I have from my curved spine.

I have a doctor who literally tells me to go to the ocean and swim in the salt water.

For the most part, I listen to those healers.

But every once in a while, I get hooked by some ad or even some dear friend who swears by a certain product.

Listen, if you're in pain, if you're looking for answers, you'll try anything.

I've sworn off gluten and sometimes dairy. I've worn the crystals and I drank the lavender tea.

I've tried all the supplements there are to buy and then some.

I've done all the deep breathing and body work. I've cut out coffee and sugar.

I've eaten only vegetables and grain. I've eaten only meat and vegetables and no grains at all.

I've been told to drink only a certain kind of water and I've been told to not drink anything but water.

I've been told to try things that people on the internet suggest and I've been told to avoid the internet.

I've also been told not to take it all so seriously.

But if you have mysterious symptoms that can't always be solved even by the most caring of doctors,

any sort of snake oil sounds miraculous, my kingdom for healing, my kingdom for even the placebo effect.

I try my best to remain skeptical and yet I try my best to remain open to new forms of healing.

What if forgiveness helps ease my headaches or what if a tooth pulled will solve all my health problems?

But I always want to be aware of the trap of capitalism when it comes to healing.

I know I've said this before but as soon as it costs money, I'm suspicious.

I should probably move to Canada or find some other realm where healers are paid in poems and good graces.

Today's poem talks about the enticement of the self-care industry and how even the best intentions can lead to an obsession with what one can purchase in order to be healed.

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