My Journey from Pain to Healing: How Cannabis and Alternative Therapies Changed My Life
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When my back was first injured in 2008, I did what most people would do—I turned to the medical system for help. Everyone around me recommended it, and I trusted their advice.
I looked and tried, and looked and tried again… but nothing seemed to help. Each attempt left me more hopeless and frustrated.
Then, in 2011, everything changed. Arizona had just started issuing medical marijuana cards to qualified patients, and that’s when I discovered alternative remedies—and experienced true relief for the first time.
My First Steps into Natural Healing
Along with cannabis, I was introduced to a Naturopathic Doctor who opened my eyes to a whole new world of healing.
She recommended:
- Acupuncture
- Massage therapy
- Nutritional and lifestyle changes
- Herbal medicine, including cannabis and other healing plants
The results were incredible. I was feeling relief, balance, and peace—things I hadn’t felt in years.
But I was also shocked. How had no doctor ever told me about these therapies? I’d seen multiple specialists, yet not one recommended any natural options.
That realization lit a fire in me. I made it my mission to advocate for plant medicine and alternative healing—approaches that have been used safely around the world for centuries.
Why Cannabis?
Cannabis gave me the most lasting relief, and it continues to do so today.
What still puzzles me is the legal status of this plant. Considering that no one has ever died from over-consumption or overdosing on cannabis, I find it hard to justify its classification as a Schedule 1 narcotic.
Yes, accidents or negative reactions can happen—just like with caffeine or other substances—but cannabis remains one of the safest natural medicines available.
Opening My Holistic Wellness Center
In 2012, I opened a holistic wellness center - Natural Healing Care Center - dedicated to alternative therapies, cannabis, and CBD education.
Our goal was simple:
Use cannabis as a gateway to natural healing and self-discovery.
We offered:
- Naturopathic medicine
- Acupuncture and constitutional hydrotherapy
- Massage therapy and kinesiology
- Energy healing (like Reiki)
- Cannabis education and AZ medical marijuana cards
- Organic CBD products and natural supplements
We continue to expand, adding new therapies as they reveal themselves.
Healing Across Generations
One of the most powerful parts of this journey has been seeing four generations of my family benefit from natural healing.
Our Naturopathic Doctor has done acupuncture on my grandmother, dad, myself, and my niece. Even my dog received monthly acupuncture for the last six years of his life from a holistic vet—it helped his hips so much.
I’ll never forget when my dad tried acupuncture for the first time. His kidneys were failing from a lifetime of juvenile diabetes, and he was waiting for a transplant. Dr. Jasmine May incorporated renal-supporting herbs and acupuncture, and after just one session, my dad—who was an “old-school” guy and not big on touch or doctors—was completely relaxed.
My mom called me an hour later, worried because he was “glowing” and had a blank stare while they were at the mall. I laughed and told her to take him home to rest—he was on a different energetic level than he was used to.
The Power of Energy and Alternative Therapies
Acupuncture, massage, Reiki, and energy work can leave you feeling euphoric and uplifted. The same goes for plant medicine, time in nature, or mindful movement.
My dad continued regular sessions. When he finally went in for his kidney transplant, his doctor was amazed—his kidney function was so stable that he didn’t need dialysis before surgery.
Those therapies, combined with herbs and energy healing, helped maintain his health through the waiting period and aided his recovery afterward.
The Tools That Changed My Life
Having access to these natural “tools” has given me the confidence and knowledge to manage chronic pain, emotional challenges, and stress.
Practices like:
- Meditation
- Yoga
- Breath-work
- Tai Chi
…all help prevent flare-ups and create emotional balance. Even when you can’t access treatments—like in the office or while traveling—you can always breathe, center yourself, and be present.
These small actions create lasting positive changes in your daily life and overall health.
Living with Chronic Conditions
Some conditions can’t be “fixed,” but life can still be enjoyable and fulfilling.
I’ve been using these therapies for over 13 years, through countless physical, emotional, and mental challenges that come with life or loss. Having these practices in my toolbox helps me get back on track faster and with more grace.
Now, when I have a flare-up (like this week), I can catch it early and ease the symptoms.
Instead of being down for weeks, I:
- Breathe deeply
- Use my Thera-Cane
- Stretch gently
- Apply Nana’s Rub Extreme Relief Salve
By the end of the day, I usually forget I even had a flare-up.
And when emotionally charged situations arise, I’ve learned to pause, breathe, and assess before reacting. This simple practice has transformed my relationships.
Natural healing and plant medicine have completely changed my life—and the lives of those I love.
Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain, emotional stress, or spiritual imbalance, remember:
You already have the power to heal within you.
I love you, and I’ll talk to you soon.
— David Yrigoyen (mmj_david)
