I recently stumbled upon a fascinating article exploring the concept of "global healing zones," designated areas worldwide believed to possess unique environmental and cultural factors promoting well-being. This idea resonated deeply with a recent experience close to my heart: my mother's transformative journey in Bali.
Cafe Organic, Seminyak
Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis during my sixth-grade year, my mother faced a life-altering challenge. But my mother is a force of nature. Instead of succumbing, she embarked on a relentless quest for well-being. From embracing the Wahls Protocol to exploring every biohacking trend imaginable – gluten-free diets, red light therapy, hydrogen water – she became her own dedicated researcher, determined to defy the conventional narrative of MS. I've witnessed her unwavering commitment over the years, her fierce resolve to not become defined by her diagnosis. While her lifestyle changes brought significant improvements – she remained active and mobile, thankfully avoiding the wheelchair and vision loss that can accompany MS – a persistent undercurrent of chronic fatigue and recurring health issues lingered. Despite diligently nourishing her body and mind, a sense of optimal well-being remained elusive while she lived in the United States.
Then, a spark of inspiration ignited within me: Bali. I knew she would be captivated by its magic. The Balinese people exude unparalleled warmth and kindness, genuine smiles, and reverence for family, community, and spirituality that is palpable. And the island itself? A sensory symphony. Imagine toes sinking into warm sand as the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in vibrant hues, the air thick with a sense of peace. And the food! Especially in areas like Canggu, a haven of macro-friendly and vegetarian restaurants, she discovered a paradise of delicious, allergy-friendly, natural, and surprisingly affordable meals.
Avocado Salad from a Beach Shack, Sukutara Kitchen
Hesitant at first, she agreed to a two-week trip, comforted by the idea of exploring this new world with me. As the days unfolded, I witnessed a subtle yet profound shift. The Balinese sunshine seemed to infuse her with a newfound vitality. Embracing the natural rhythm of the island, she found joy in movement, accompanying me on long walks through the hills of Canggu and Seminyak. An impulsive suggestion to extend her stay met with an unexpected "why not?" As I continued my own travels to India, she remained. One month blossomed into two, and she was reluctant to leave by the end.
Our phone calls became a testament to her transformation. I'd picture her savoring flavorful curries with sweet potatoes and cauliflower in charming local restaurants, a picture of serenity and contentment. Gone was the stress of managing everything back home; here, in Bali, she breathed freely. Her health underwent a remarkable resurgence, almost paradoxically, without the constant barrage of supplements or the strict raw vegan diet she had previously adhered to (a change I gently encouraged, introducing her to the benefits of lean protein like chicken and fish, which undoubtedly contributed to her renewed energy and mental clarity).
Typical Day by the Pool, Casa Artista
Then, the serendipitous discovery of the article on global healing zones struck me with full force. My mother! This concept of healing through environment – the nutrient-rich food (how broken is our American food system that so many grapple with chronic illness?), the pristine water, the nurturing behavior of the Balinese people (their genuine kindness and unwavering helpfulness are truly remarkable), and the radiant climate. The abundant sunshine, a natural source of vital Vitamin D, and the accessibility of holistic healing centers – she even connected with a gifted practitioner who guided her through internal trauma work, fostering a shift towards a more positive and resilient mindset, a change I could see ripple through her interactions with me and my father. And the ocean, with its therapeutic salt-infused air.
One particular passage in the article resonated with a powerful "aha!" moment: "Some autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis (MS) have a well-known latitude gradient – MS is significantly less common in sunny, tropical regions than in high latitudes with long dark winters" (Olos, 2025). It was as if a lightbulb illuminated years of observation. The sunshine! Could this be a key factor in alleviating her chronic symptoms? Scientific research supports this connection. A 2018 study published in PMC National Institutes of Health highlights how Vitamin D is crucial in regulating the immune system and how its deficiency can exacerbate neuroinflammation, a key component in MS. The study even delves into the intricate relationship between Vitamin D, gut permeability, and inflammatory responses in the central nervous system, suggesting a direct link between this essential nutrient and the course of autoimmune conditions like MS.
This begs the question: could a long-term solution lie in embracing a life in a global healing zone like Bali? While the logistics of such a move are complex, this experience has ignited a profound sense of hope within me. Hope for a more holistic pathway to healing for my mother, whose optimal well-being is my deepest wish. This personal journey fuels my own aspirations to become a functional medicine practitioner, empowering others facing metabolic and chronic challenges to discover that they don't have to be defined by their pain or reliant solely on conventional pharmaceuticals. The internet can feel like an overwhelming labyrinth of healing modalities, but my mother's experience unequivocally demonstrates the potent medicine of sunshine and the profound impact of a supportive environment. Global healing zones may indeed hold the key to unlocking well-being for so many.
References:
The "global healing zones" article:
Olos, L. V. (2025). Concept for Blueprint for Mapping Global Healing Zones (H-Zones). LinkedIn. Retrieved from https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/concept-blueprint-mapping-global-healing-zones-h-zones-olos-dchuf/?trackingId=%2B0EYoOvyRHyLK1iZX5aOqA%3D%3D.
The Vitamin D and Multiple Sclerosis study:
Ghareghani, M., Reiter, R. J., Zibara, K., & Farhadi, N. (2018). Latitude, Vitamin D, Melatonin, and Gut Microbiota Act in Concert to Initiate Multiple Sclerosis: A New Mechanistic Pathway. Frontiers in Immunology, 9, 2484. https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2018.02484.
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