The Cultural Diversity of Healing: Meaning, Metaphor,and Mechanism

Healing is a universal human concern, yet the ways in which we heal vary immensely across cultures. Anthropologists have documented diverse systems of healing—from village shamans and herbalists to acupuncture, energy medicine, and spiritual rituals—each offering its own theory of illness, its own patient-healer roles, and its own symbolic actions for recovery. What unites these systems is a shared structure: a defined explanation of affliction, a trusted healer, specific healing rituals, and expectations of wellness. In a world shaped by migration, digital communication, and cross-cultural interaction, these practices are no longer confined to their origins. Today’s clinicians must navigate a kaleidoscope of healing beliefs—not only among immigrants or indigenous populations, but within the broader public, where 20–40% of adults in countries like the U.S., Canada, and Australia regularly use complementary and alternative medicine.


At the heart of any healing practice lies the question: Does it work? But what counts as “working” is itself a culturally shaped idea. Recovery might mean symptom relief, spiritual peace, improved family dynamics, or validation of a community’s worldview. Healing often involves metaphors, transformations, and rituals—practices that may not fit neatly within biomedical definitions of effectiveness. With the global spread and commercialization of traditional healing methods, we face new ethical and practical challenges. Healers once held accountable by their communities now operate in marketplaces, where regulatory oversight may be lacking and cultural meaning can be diluted. As traditions hybridize and shift, clinicians and patients alike must grapple with what healing means in a fragmented, multicultural world.


Healing is never just physical—it is social, psychological, moral, and political. As biomedicine increasingly integrates into global health systems, its limitations in addressing the full human experience become clearer. Cultural healing practices often fill those gaps, offering hope, connection, and empowerment where clinical language falls short. Understanding these practices—not only how they work, but why they matter—helps clinicians meet the deeper needs of their patients. Disentangling cultural meanings from physiological mechanisms may help us build a more compassionate, evidence-informed model of care that values pluralism over uniformity.

Reference:https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3621226/

What to Say to Someone Who Is Depressed

When someone we love is struggling with depression, it’s normal to feel unsure about what to say—but silence or distance can unintentionally deepen their pain. Offering gentle words like “I care” or “I’m here for you” may seem small, but to someone feeling isolated, they are lifelines. Empathy doesn’t require perfect phrases—just honest presence. Listening without judgment, checking in regularly, or offering specific support like help with chores or a ride to therapy can go a long way. Remind them that they matter, that they are not weak, and that healing is possible. If you’re ever concerned about suicidal thoughts, seek immediate help. You don’t need all the answers—just being there could be enough.

Key Facts:

  • Saying something is often better than saying nothing at all.
  • Depression can cause withdrawal—keep reaching out.
  • Tangible support (rides, errands, meals) is meaningful.
  • Don’t try to “fix” them—just listen.
  • Encourage professional help, but without pressure.
  • Be aware of suicide warning signs and take them seriously.
  • Call or text 988 if someone is in crisis.


Compassion is more powerful than perfection. If you show up with patience and empathy, you remind your loved one they are not alone—and that there is hope. Keep the conversation going, keep listening, and never underestimate the strength of simply being present.

Reference:https://www.verywellmind.com/what-to-say-when-someone-is-depressed-1067474?hid=9da7c9b8a1c14056d0b1170abc613280ce8d3716&did=17726325-20250518&utm_source=verywellmind&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=verywellmind_newsletter&utm_content=051825&lctg=9da7c9b8a1c14056d0b1170abc613280ce8d3716&lr_input=c24f0f82324dd205a457b795567a3fcc0905f5476a12d769963bdac7cec1fc7a

How to Get Started With Therapy

Beginning therapy is a meaningful act of self-respect—it means you’re choosing to prioritize your mental well-being. While it can feel intimidating at first, just deciding to explore your options is already a major achievement. Therapy looks different for everyone, so think about what setting fits your lifestyle best. If you value privacy and flexibility, virtual therapy—through video or phone—might be the right fit. Whether you’re navigating daily stress or deeper emotional challenges, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. The important thing is that you’ve chosen to start, and that alone is a powerful step forward.

Key Facts:

  • Online therapy offers flexibility and comfort at home
  • Health insurance directories can help locate covered providers
  • Recommendations from trusted friends and doctors are valuable
  • Therapist directories from mental health organizations (like ADAA, APA) are credible sources
  • Online platforms personalize matches based on your unique concerns

Taking the first step to seek therapy shows resilience. Whether you’re navigating stress, grief, identity, or simply seeking clarity, finding the right therapist can help you feel seen, heard, and supported. Healing begins when you choose yourself—and you’ve already begun.


自我关怀是很重要的。
Self-care is important.

Reference:https://www.verywellmind.com/therapy-7092217#toc-how-to-get-started-with-therapy

How Do I Stop Feeling Like I’m Behind in Life?

It’s incredibly easy to feel like you’re falling behind in life—especially in a world filled with highlight reels on social media, relentless comparisons, and pressure to “keep up.” Whether it’s career milestones, relationships, financial status, or personal achievements, many people silently struggle with the belief that they’re not where they “should” be. But as experts like Dr. Carolina Casillas and leadership coach Ashley Rudolph point out, this mindset often stems from unrealistic comparisons, internalized timelines, and distorted definitions of success. What we label as jealousy or failure can actually be a window into what we truly want—and how far we’ve already come.

Key Factors:

  • Social comparison is natural but intensified by social media.
  • Feeling behind can show up in career, relationships, health, or personal growth.
  • Excessive comparison harms self-worth and can lead to anxiety, depression, or debt.
  • Jealousy can be a tool, pointing to your desires.
  • Self-compassion and goal clarity help shift focus back to your own timeline.

You are not behind—you’re just on a different path. Every journey unfolds in its own time, and your worth isn’t defined by someone else’s progress. By practicing self-compassion, examining your emotions honestly, and focusing on what truly matters to you, it becomes possible to find peace with where you are—and move forward with purpose, not pressure.

Reference:https://www.verywellmind.com/how-do-i-stop-feeling-like-im-behind-in-life-11729611?hid=9da7c9b8a1c14056d0b1170abc613280ce8d3716&did=17654617-20250512&utm_source=verywellmind&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=verywellmind_newsletter&utm_content=051225&lctg=9da7c9b8a1c14056d0b1170abc613280ce8d3716&lr_input=c24f0f82324dd205a457b795567a3fcc0905f5476a12d769963bdac7cec1fc7a

About Youth Violence

Youth violence doesn’t just cause immediate harm—it can have lasting consequences on a young person’s physical, mental, and social well-being. Exposure to violence during adolescence can disrupt healthy development, impair decision-making, and create challenges with learning. It can also lead to difficulty forming positive connections with peers and trusted adults, as well as make it harder to manage stress and emotions over time.

The health and social effects of youth violence are deeply concerning, especially because they are not evenly distributed across all communities. Communities of color, particularly Black or African American youth, are disproportionately affected. Youth violence is linked to a range of negative outcomes including mental health struggles, substance use, obesity, risky sexual behaviors, depression, academic failure, and even suicide. It also increases the risk of future violence—both as a victim and perpetrator. On a broader level, violence strains community systems by raising healthcare costs, reducing property values, impacting school attendance, and limiting access to support services.

Every day, thousands of young people are affected by youth violence across the United States. This crisis touches every type of community—urban, suburban, rural, and tribal. The impact is widespread, both in human suffering and economic cost. Below are some key facts and highlights based on U.S. data:

Key Facts & Highlights:

  • Youth violence is common
    • Homicide is the 3rd leading cause of death for youth ages 10–24.
    • It is the leading cause of death for non-Hispanic Black or African American youth.
    • Over 800 youth are treated in emergency departments each day for assault-related injuries.
  • Some youth are more at risk
    • Sexual minority teens experience more types of violence than their heterosexual peers.
    • Black or African American youth are at higher risk for severe violence, including homicides, aggravated assaults, and fights causing injuries.
  • Youth violence is costly
    • In 2020, youth homicides and assault-related injuries cost an estimated $122 billion.
    • These costs include medical care, lost productivity, and reduced quality of life—not including criminal justice expenses.
  • Impact of COVID-19
    • The economic burden of youth violence increased by 17% from 2019 to 2020.
    • 2019: $105 billion → 2020: $122 billion

Prevention is not only possible—it’s essential. Protecting youth means addressing both the individual and societal factors that increase or decrease the risk of violence. Long-standing systemic inequities, like concentrated poverty, residential segregation, and racism, must be addressed to create safer, healthier environments for all youth. Effective prevention strategies consider the full context in which young people grow up, especially for those from racial and ethnic minority communities. Tackling the root causes of violence is key to breaking cycles of harm and supporting young people in becoming healthy, thriving adults.

Reference:https://www.cdc.gov/youth-violence/about/index.html

Yes, Stress Really Can Make You Sick —Here’s Why

Can Stress Really Make Us Sick? Understanding the Mind-Body Connection

Yes—chronic stress can absolutely impact your physical health. In fact, 60% to 80% of primary care visits involve stress-related concerns. Health psychologists like Dr. Julia Kogan and functional medicine specialists like Dr. Patricia Mills explain that prolonged stress elevates cortisol levels, which can weaken the immune system, trigger inflammation, and exacerbate chronic conditions like arthritis, IBS, and fibromyalgia. Chronic stress also decreases white blood cells, disrupts sleep, and interferes with hormone production—leading to issues with menstruation, fertility, and even testosterone levels in men. Symptoms of stress-related illness include headaches, high blood pressure, lowered immunity, sleep disturbances, and reduced sex drive.

Key Facts:

  • Chronic stress weakens the immune system and increases inflammation.
  • Cortisol overproduction impacts hormone balance and immunity.
  • Stress can worsen chronic conditions like arthritis, IBS, and fibromyalgia.
  • Symptoms of stress-related illness include fatigue, poor sleep, tension, and frequent infections.
  • Activities like meditation, breathwork, yoga, walking, dancing, and aromatherapy can naturally increase oxytocin, the relaxation hormone.

While we can’t eliminate all stress from our lives, we can choose how we respond to it. Tuning into our bodies and incorporating daily oxytocin-boosting habits like mindful breathing, gentle movement, and social connection can help us build resilience. If stress is taking a toll on your body, it’s not just in your head—and it’s worth taking seriously. Prioritize your well-being and reach out to a healthcare provider if stress is affecting your quality of life.

Reference: https://www.verywellmind.com/yes-stress-can-really-make-you-sick-this-is-why-8350874

The Beauty of Cross-Cultural Friendships: Expanding Horizons & Building Bridges

Friendships that bridge different cultures, languages, and backgrounds offer a unique and enriching perspective on the world. When we connect with people who have different life experiences, we expand our understanding, challenge stereotypes, and develop greater empathy. Learning about another person’s traditions, beliefs, and customs firsthand allows us to see the world from a more inclusive and informed perspective. These friendships break down barriers and foster global awareness, making us more adaptable and open-minded individuals.

Cross-cultural and bilingual friendships also provide tangible cognitive and linguistic benefits. Engaging with a friend who speaks another language or comes from a different background naturally enhances our communication skills and deepens our cultural intelligence. Exposure to different languages, even informally, can improve memory, problem-solving skills, and creativity. Additionally, bilingual friendships can encourage us to learn a new language, making us more effective communicators and strengthening connections across diverse communities.

Beyond personal growth, bicultural and multilingual friendships create stronger, more inclusive communities. These friendships promote cross-cultural appreciation and foster an environment of mutual respect and understanding. In an increasingly interconnected world, the ability to navigate cultural differences with empathy and curiosity is invaluable. By embracing friendships that span cultural and linguistic boundaries, we build bridges instead of walls, fostering a world that thrives on diversity, connection, and shared humanity.

Jarrelle ( 杰遨 )Jieao

Vision Loss, Blindness, and Smoking

Smoking harms your eyes just as much as it harms the rest of your body, increasing your risk of serious eye conditions that can lead to vision loss or blindness. Two major threats to your eyesight are macular degeneration and cataracts. Macular degeneration, or age-related macular degeneration (AMD), affects central vision, which is essential for tasks like reading, recognizing faces, and driving. AMD starts in its dry form but can progress to the wet form, causing rapid vision loss if untreated. Cataracts cause blurry vision that worsens over time, and without surgery, they can result in severe vision impairment. The best way to protect your eyes from smoking-related damage is to quit or never start smoking.

Symptoms of Eye Diseases Related to Smoking

Symptoms of AMD may include:

  • Blurred vision or a blurry spot in your central vision
  • The need for more light to read or do other tasks
  • Straight lines that look wavy
  • Trouble recognizing faces

How Does Smoking Affect Your Eyes?

Smoking causes changes in the eyes that may result in vision loss. If you smoke:

  • You are twice as likely to develop AMD compared with a people who do not smoke.2,8
  • You are two to three times more likely to develop cataracts compared with a people who do not smoke.

Smoking not only harms your overall health but also puts your vision at serious risk, leading to conditions like macular degeneration and cataracts. By choosing to quit smoking, you can protect your eyes and your health, ensuring a clearer, brighter future. Take control of your well-being today—embrace a healthier, more mindful lifestyle, and make the choice to live tobacco-free. Your body, mind, and eyes will thank you.

**By prioritizing the health and safety of its young residents, Minnesota is investing in a brighter, healthier future for all.**

Reference: https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/diseases/vision-loss-blindness.html

How to Know If You Are in a Healthy Relationship

Relationships are rarely flawless; they’re a blend of both healthy and unhealthy elements. Yet, while we often discuss the warning signs of unhealthy relationships, we tend to overlook what defines a healthy one. Healthy relationships thrive on respect, trust, honest communication, and mutual support. Shifting our focus to these positive aspects helps us cultivate stronger, more meaningful connections.

To evaluate the health of your relationship, consider asking yourself questions like these:

  • Do you have trust in one another?
  • Do you respect each other?
  • Do you support each other’s interests and efforts?
  • Are you honest and open with each other?
  • Are you able to maintain your individual identity?
  • Do you talk about your feelings, hopes, fears, and dreams?
  • Do you feel and express fondness and affection?
  • Is there equality and fairness in your relationship?

Characteristics of Healthy Relationships

  • Trust
    Trust forms the foundation of any healthy relationship, built through mutual respect, dependability, and honest interactions over time.
  • Openness and Self-Disclosure
    Sharing thoughts, feelings, and experiences fosters connection and strengthens trust, while also respecting each other’s boundaries.
  • Healthy Boundaries
    Boundaries protect individuality and ensure mutual respect by defining acceptable behaviors and maintaining personal space and needs.
  • Mutual Respect
    Healthy relationships thrive on respect, shown through active listening, understanding, and supporting each other’s goals and individuality.
  • Love and Affection
    Genuine love evolves from passion to deep affection and trust, with each partner finding contentment in their shared emotional and physical connection.
  • Good Communication
    Open, respectful communication allows couples to resolve conflicts constructively and strengthen their bond.
  • Give-and-Take
    Reciprocity in relationships means giving and receiving support freely, balancing needs while nurturing each other.

Building a healthy relationship requires a balance of trust, respect, open communication, and mutual support. By fostering openness, setting healthy boundaries, and embracing love and affection, partners can create a nurturing connection that grows over time. Effective communication and a natural give-and-take ensure that both individuals feel valued and supported, even through challenges. While no relationship is perfect, focusing on these key elements can help strengthen your bond and pave the way for a fulfilling and lasting partnership.

Reference: https://www.verywellmind.com/all-about-healthy-relationship-4774802

Asthma and Secondhand Smoke

Asthma is a chronic disease that affects the airways in the lungs, causing them to swell and narrow during an asthma attack, which makes breathing difficult. This swelling reduces the flow of air in and out of the lungs, and the cells in the airways may produce excess mucus—a thick, sticky substance—that further obstructs airflow and exacerbates breathing challenges. If you have asthma, an attack can occur when something irritates your airways and triggers symptoms, which can vary from person to person. Tobacco smoke, including secondhand smoke, is a common trigger and is particularly harmful to individuals with asthma, though it is unhealthy for everyone.

Symptoms of an asthma attack may include:

  • Coughing
  • Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
  • Wheezing
  • Tightness or pain in the chest

Secondhand smoke consists of a combination of gases and fine particles, including:

  • Smoke from burning tobacco products, such as cigarettes, cigars, or pipes
  • Smoke that has been exhaled (breathed out) by someone who smokes

To reduce the risk of asthma attacks, it is crucial to identify and avoid personal triggers, such as tobacco smoke, which is not only harmful to individuals with asthma but also to everyone exposed to it. Preventative measures include maintaining a smoke-free environment, minimizing exposure to pollutants, and following a treatment plan prescribed by a healthcare provider. Quitting smoking is one of the most effective ways to protect your health and the health of those around you, especially children and individuals with asthma. By making these changes, you can create a healthier, safer space for everyone while managing asthma more effectively.

**Studies show that flavors such as fruit, candy, and menthol are particularly appealing to adolescents.**

Reference: https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/diseases/secondhand-smoke-asthma.html