The Healing Journey: Irina Sharma’s Insights on Surviving Breast Cancer

An interview with Irina Sharma, A Modern Mayr Medicine Practitioner and Breast Cancer Survivor

In this enlightening interview, Irina Sharma, a Modern Mayr Medicine practitioner and breast cancer survivor, shares her transformative journey of healing and resilience.

Drawing from her personal experiences, Irina discusses the principles of Modern Mayr Medicine and how they have shaped her approach to wellness.

Her story not only highlights the importance of holistic health but also serves as an inspiration for those navigating their own health challenges.

Can you share your journey into the field of Modern Mayr Medicine and what inspired you to become a practitioner?

Irina Sharma: My journey started in 2005. I was recommended by my TCM doctor to go to a Medical Centre (retreat) called VIVAMAYR. I smiled and said VIVA Las Vegas here I come…… and when she said it’s in Austria, I said even better.

I love the country. More than anything I heard about the mighty Prof. DR Harald Stossier, the Founder of Modern Mayr Medicine & VIVAMAYR. I was at that time going through some hormones shifts and wanted to explore a place where I could detox, rest & rejuvenate nestled in nature.

Being an athlete it was time to find a good spot for regular maintenance so with an open mind and not doing any prior research on what Mayr Medicine is I landed there.

After my great experience I was reminded that Health is “Simple”. What I grew up learning is being applied as preventive medicine and cure of Lifestyle diseases. Spending time with Dr. Harald Stossier and experiencing my own self healing ability paved the path for me.

As an entrepreneur I teamed up with Modern Mayr as a business associate and my company further supported in global expansion of Modern Mayr.

Last 20 years I have been going every year as a patient and also started to study under Prof. Stossier graduating as an Integrative Health, Lifestyle & Nutrition Educator & Expert.

How do you define Modern Mayr Medicine, and what sets it apart from other holistic health practices?

Irina Sharma: The principles of Modern Mayr Medicine (MMM) complementary medicine are based on diagnostics and therapy according to Dr. F. X. Mayr who is the defining pioneer of natural preventive medicine.

MMM strategy is to combine the traditional diagnostics according to Mayr with the modern scientifically proven complimentary medicine.

This approach help’s people with their health issues such as allergies, hypertension, diabetes, gut, obesity, cancer to name a few.

The focus is to re-activate the body’s self- healing powers and restore its energy levels which support preventing disease & maintaining health. Most important is to accept the natural rhythm and not to work against the principles of nature.

Nutrition What really counts is the core step:

Nutrition =Food X Digestive performance

The digestive tract is one of the most important organs. Our energy, our quality of life depends on the work of the intestines. The better the intestines work, the better we will be nutrified and every single cell of the body gets the best quality of nutrients.

If you are not able to metabolize the food as it should be, you create a lot of maldigestion, mainly fermentation and putrefaction.

We produce a lot of toxins in our intestine which are reabsorbed and then spread over the whole body. This is very often the beginning of a disease and most of our diseases of civilization are related to intestinal problems.

In summary, Modern Mayr Medicine is a comprehensive, personalized, and science-backed approach that targets digestive health and aims to optimize overall wellness through diet, detox, and lifestyle changes, setting it apart from many other holistic practices by its specific focus on the digestive system and the small intestine the connection to our entire brain & body.

MMM pillar is it’s diagnostic precision through Applied Kinesiology (Functional Myodiagnostics) & Orthomolecular Medicine. More than 2,000 years ago, Hippocrates — the father of modern medicine — suggested that all diseases begin in the gut. We have expanded on the same but through the small intestine.

With over 30 years of experience, what are some of the most significant changes you’ve observed in the field of holistic health and wellness?

Irina Sharma: We have moved far away from the philosophy of health and wellness. Health is Simple and Self Responsibility is the key. We are blessed with choices, and my work advocates following your faith when it comes to making any decision on our health.

How do you integrate modern medicine with traditional healing methods in your practice, and what benefits do you see from this approach?

Irina Sharma: My first and most important step is to ask the patient what they would like? Considering the patient’s cultural background and beliefs. This helps in building a bond and encourages patients to take responsibility for their health.

Once this trust is established, patients are more open to hearing about the complimentary personalized medicine approach and are willing to try some new protocols.

While integration can be beneficial, it requires careful coordination and respect for both systems of care. Practitioners, pharmaceuticals & policy makers have an important role in building an integrative eco system.

One can only do this if both sides are willing to have a dialogue, respect and build an integrative education system for a the healthcare industry.

Ultimately, integrating modern medicine with traditional healing methods offers the potential for a more personalized, patient-focused, and comprehensive approach to healthcare.

Can you discuss some common misconceptions about holistic health and Modern Mayr Medicine that you encounter?

Irina Sharma: If only I was paid a cent each time to answer this question, I would have earned Millions!

Many of my patients are not aware of the difference between Complimentary Medicine, Alternative Medicine, Natural Medicine & Holistic Medicine. It’s important to understand each modality to decide. They are often misunderstood or misrepresented. Here are some common misconceptions about both:

Holistic Health:

1. Holistic Health is Just About Alternative Medicine

• Misconception: Many people think that holistic health only involves alternative therapies like acupuncture, herbal medicine, or chiropractic care.
• Reality: Holistic health actually focuses on treating the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. It includes not only alternative treatments but also modern medical care, nutrition, mental well-being, lifestyle choices, and preventative practices. It’s about creating balance in all aspects of life to support overall health.

2. Holistic Health is Anti-Western Medicine

• Misconception: Some assume that holistic health rejects modern, science-based medicine.
• Reality: Holistic health doesn’t reject Western medicine; it often works alongside it. The goal is to combine the best of both worlds—using evidence-based treatments when necessary while addressing the emotional, spiritual, and lifestyle factors that contribute to health. For example, a holistic approach to cancer care might involve chemotherapy (Western medicine) along with nutritional counseling, meditation, and stress management.

3.Holistic Treatments Are Always Natural and Safe

• Misconception: Some people believe that holistic therapies, being “natural,” are always safe and free from side effects.
• Reality: Not all natural remedies are safe or effective, and they can interact with prescription medications. It’s important to approach holistic health with the same caution and research as any other medical treatment. Consulting a trained professional and ensuring that treatments are evidence-based is key to safety.

4. Holistic Health Means Quick Fixes

• Misconception: Some people think that holistic approaches provide instant results or “cures” for chronic conditions.
• Reality: Holistic health focuses on long-term wellness and prevention, which often involves gradual improvements in lifestyle and well-being. Results may take time, and it’s not about quick fixes but rather sustained health and balance.

Modern Mayr Medicine:

1. Modern Mayr Medicine is Just a Fad Diet

• Misconception: Some people believe that Modern Mayr Medicine is simply a trendy diet or detox program.
• Reality: Modern Mayr Medicine is a comprehensive health concept that focuses on detoxification, proper digestion, and addressing the root causes of various health conditions. While dietary recommendations are an integral part, the approach also includes aspects like mindfulness, rest, and addressing emotional well-being. It’s a holistic system aimed at improving the functioning of the body’s digestive system and overall health.

2, Misconception: Modern Mayr Medicine cannot treat and cure Cancer, infertility, Diabetes etc

Reality: Modern Mayr Medicine is a medicine that treats the cause. It combines Orthomolecular medicine, TCM, Homeopathy, IV’s, nutrition and fully certified modalities to treat Lifestyle diseases.

3. Modern Mayr Medicine Is Just About Cleansing or Detoxing

• Misconception: There’s a common belief that Modern Mayr Medicine is simply about fasting or detoxing the body.
• Reality: While detoxing is a part of Modern Mayr Medicine, it’s not the sole focus. The approach is centered on improving digestive function and optimizing the body’s natural detoxification processes, which involves not just fasting, but also mindful eating, improving gut health, and learning about food choices that benefit digestion. The holistic goal is to restore balance, not just cleanse.

4. Modern Mayr Medicine Is Only for Weight Loss

• Misconception: Many believe that the purpose of Modern Mayr Medicine is primarily to help with weight loss.
• Reality: Weight loss may be a positive side effect of Modern Mayr Medicine, but the main objective is improving digestive health, enhancing overall vitality, and addressing chronic conditions. It’s about the long-term health of the body, mind, and spirit, not just a quick solution for shedding pounds.

5. Modern Mayr Medicine Is Strict and Difficult to Follow

• Misconception: Some people think that Modern Mayr Medicine requires extreme measures and is too difficult to integrate into daily life.
• Reality: While Modern Mayr Medicine encourages certain lifestyle changes, like mindful eating and periods of fasting, it also includes practical steps that can be adapted to individual needs and routines. The philosophy emphasizes balance, and practitioners often guide patients through steps that are realistic and achievable. It’s not about rigid rules but about improving how the body functions through sustainable practices.

6. Modern Mayr Medicine Can Replace Conventional Medicine

• Misconception: There is a belief that Modern Mayr Medicine can completely replace conventional medical treatments.
• Reality: Modern Mayr Medicine is not intended to replace conventional medicine but to complement it. It’s an adjunct to traditional medical care, focusing on improving digestion, lifestyle, and overall health, rather than substituting prescription medications or therapies. If you have a specific medical condition, it’s important to work with your doctor to ensure you’re receiving appropriate treatment

Both holistic health and Modern Mayr Medicine are about comprehensive wellness that includes both prevention and treatment. They incorporate elements of traditional medicine while respecting modern scientific advancements.

The key is to understand that these practices are about long-term health and balance, and they work best when integrated thoughtfully with conventional care. The misconceptions often arise from oversimplifications or misunderstandings of what these approaches actually entail.

What advice would you give to someone who is just beginning their journey toward holistic health and wellness?

Irina Sharma: Holistic health is something that is inherently part of us as human beings. It’s the natural state of well-being that includes the mind, body, and spirit working together in harmony. Often, as we grow up and live our busy lives, we can become disconnected from that inherent balance and wisdom.

The key to reintroducing and understanding holistic health is about rediscovering this innate connection within ourselves, rather than trying to acquire something external.

The journey isn’t about trying to attain something you don’t already have, but about reconnecting with the balance and wisdom that you were born with. Take your time, be gentle with yourself, and trust that this journey is one of rediscovery, where you learn to listen to your body, mind, and spirit once again.

Tip: I always suggest to start realigning with the circadian rhythm, automatically you will start experiencing changes which is a great way to start taking the next conscious step.

Lastly, what message do you hope to convey to the broader community about the importance of holistic health and self-care?

Irina Sharma:  “We can activate the power of self-healing through natural means”.

I believe that success rests on a naturalistic philosophy of health and medicine that focuses on treating the person, rather than solely the disease.

If we integrate modern studies with ancient medicine, we can eradicate most health problems. But the balance approach is not what the policy makers want.

Healthcare industry will be better advised to listen to what their consumers of their products and services want rather than force on them a system that serves their own self-interest. The patient should be given a chance to be a stakeholder in the health care system.

Below are some simple steps that can have an immediate change in our health. It can be as preventive or if you are facing any health challenges.

Modern Mayr Medicine Healthy Longevity Golden Rules:

• Chew every bite minimum 25-30 times
• No drinks/liquid with meals 
• If there is no time to eat – skip the meal.
• NO snacking between meals
• NO raw food after 4:00 PM (fruits & salads)
• Stop eating the moment you feel satisfied
• NO Juices & Smoothies
• Breath from your nose while chewing

It is important not to equate the act of swallowing with digestion. Swallowing normally takes just a few moments; however, the act of digestion can take from 90 minutes till 8 hours.

It is important to remember that the only aspect of the digestion process that is under your control is chewing your food and swallowing. Our individual digestive strength is the result of our natural daily bio rhythm which supports “Healthy Lifespan”.

Irina Sharma’s journey from breast cancer survivor to Modern Mayr Medicine practitioner exemplifies the power of resilience and holistic healing.

Through her insights, she encourages others to embrace wellness practices that nurture both body and mind.

Irina’s commitment to helping others on their healing journeys underscores the profound impact of personal experience in shaping a compassionate approach to health and well-being.

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