Who's Afraid of Bacteria?

We are at the onset of winter, which brings with it the common winter ailments – flu, various inflammations, and the like. To many, it seems inevitable that people will fall ill during a cold and rainy winter. People often claim: "The cold brings us the flu." But is this truly unavoidable? Moreover, nearly every year we hear of a new virus for which a vaccine is being developed, and the following year we need a new vaccine for another virus, leaving us caught in a cycle. This notion also applies to bacteria. The common assertion is that bacteria cause infections, leading to the conclusion that they must be battled. Is this really so?

 

As an aside, I wish to clarify that when there is an infection, it doesn't mean one shouldn't treat the bacteria themselves. My point is primarily to highlight that this should not be the main focus of treatment. However, undoubtedly, when there is an infectious inflammation, sometimes the pathogen must also be addressed. Overall, I would like to propose a different approach than the prevailing one. I wish to introduce the perspective of "natural medicine." Many inquire: in the environment in which we live, there are various bacteria and viruses. How, then, do we explain why some people are affected by these bacteria while others are not?

 

We are reminded of Rabbi Chanina Ben Dosa's teaching to his students: "It is not the serpent that kills, but the sin that kills." Rabbi Chanina's words pertain to a spiritual matter, but they can also be applied to the body. It is not the bacteria that kill but the physical weakness that invites those bacteria – that is what can be fatal. This is the philosophy of natural medicine. From this, we derive two important practical conclusions: A. It is advisable to consult a practitioner who can guide you in strengthening your body and mind before symptoms of illness appear. B. Even when a person is already unwell, the primary focus of treatment should be on strengthening them physically and mentally to recover from their current state. We will elaborate more on this next week.