Why Healing Isn’t Just Physical – And How to Nourish the Whole You
When people say “you’re done with treatment,” what they really mean is…you’re on your own now. And that is freaking scary for most survivors!
You’re no longer going to daily appointments. You’re not being monitored as closely. Your body may look like it’s bouncing back.
But inside? There’s still so much healing left to do.
And that healing? It’s not just physical. It’s emotional. Mental. Spiritual. And for many survivors—it’s deeply energetic.
Cancer is Trauma. Even When It’s “Caught Early.”
Maybe no one’s said this to you yet, so let me be the one:
If you feel anxious, numb, afraid, foggy, or exhausted after treatment—that is a normal trauma response. Quite possibly in addition to your chemo, radiation and hormone therapy. And it can last a while.
Even if your prognosis was “good.” Even if your body responded well. Even if your friends and family think you should feel lucky, grateful, relieved.
There’s often a huge emotional collapse when the fight is “over.”
You might feel:
Hypervigilant (What if it comes back?)
Numb or disconnected (Who even am I now?)
Isolated (Everyone thinks I’m fine, but I don't feel fine)
Unmotivated or overwhelmed (I should be doing more…what should I be doing?)
This is the part of healing no one talks about. But it’s real. It’s common. And it’s worthy of care.
You Can’t “Think” Your Way Out of Trauma
Emotional healing isn’t about mindset hacks or toxic positivity. It’s about nervous system repair and regulation and reconnection to self.
Here are some of the healing tools that helped me nourish the whole me—and that I now share with the women I coach:
1. Energetic Reset: Reiki + Energy Healing
After treatment, your energy is often scattered, blocked, or depleted. Reiki and energy work helped me feel grounded again, like I was coming back into my body.
These modalities gently move stuck energy and promote rest, regulation, and emotional release—especially for those who are highly sensitive or empathic.
2. Somatic Support: Breathwork, Tapping, Gentle Movement
You don’t necessarily need intense workouts. You need practices that help you feel safe in your body again.
Try EFT (tapping) when anxiety flares
Try guided breathwork before scans or appointments - meditation apps have these
Try slow, intuitive movement to reconnect with your body without judgment - tai chi and yoga are great options
These small practices are powerful ways to discharge stored stress.
3. Inner Voice Journaling + Grief Work
There’s often grief after cancer—grief for the old version of you, for what was lost, for what shifted.
Journaling can be a place to hold that grief with compassion. Try asking:
What am I still carrying from treatment that I’m ready to release?
What parts of me are asking to be seen or soothed?
What do I need that no one else can give me right now?
4. Spiritual Grounding: Ritual, Meditation, Connection
For many of us, healing becomes a spiritual experience—even if we didn’t expect it. Lighting a candle. Sitting in silence. Being in nature. Asking for guidance. Talking to your higher self. These rituals are medicine.
Find what centers you. There’s no right way to do this. Your healing gets to look like you.
Whole You, Whole Healing
If you've felt like something is still “off,”. If you've checked all the physical boxes but still feel tired, lost, disconnected—You’re not doing anything wrong.
You’re just being invited into a deeper layer of healing.
And you don’t have to go there alone.
Journal Prompt:
What part of me is still asking to be healed?
Don’t rush. Just write. See what shows up.
Let’s Go Deeper (Coming Soon)
In September, I’ll be sharing some of my favorite whole-self healing tools inside my newsletter—including a few new resources I’m creating for survivors who want more emotional, spiritual, and energetic support.
Be sure you’re on the list. We’re just getting started.
You are not just a body. You are a whole, radiant being.
And every part of you deserves healing.
Rooting you on,
Kara
Breast Cancer Recovery Coach
Founder, Be Empowered Holistic Health & Wellness Coaching
Let’s Keep Going, Together
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