Wellness

We All Have Medical Intuition—Now Here’s How to Use It

Written by: the Editors of goop

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Updated on: November 1, 2022

We All Have Medical Intuition—Now Here’s How to Use It

Photo Courtesy of Vivian Kim

When medical intuitive Katie Beecher told us we’re all medical intuitives, we said: Say what? It’s one thing to have faith in psychics and mediums—and for many, that’s already a leap. It feels like quite another to believe we might have those abilities, too. Intuition (the Jungian kind, a sort of “God within”) isn’t magic, though, according to Beecher. It’s innate. And any one of us can learn how to use it.

“One of the greatest rewards of my job is teaching clients that they also have medical intuitive abilities,” says Beecher. “You don’t have to do this for a living. Intuition can help anyone live their healthiest, happiest life.” Of course, not everyone is going to be full-on psychic—and we don’t need to be. Maybe what intuition has to offer is simpler: guidance.

Medical intuition does not replace doctors, lab work, conventional medicine—you fill in the blank. Still, the term is an easy lightning rod for controversy. This is expected. What we didn’t expect is that in Beecher’s practice, medical intuition bears a resemblance to some more main mainstream mindfulness practices. Which might make the concept more accessible than you’d think. And Beecher would argue that we already use medical intuition daily. So what would happen if we were actually intentional about it?

A Q&A with Katie Beecher

Q
Why do you think we all have medical intuition?
A

Medical intuition can involve readings and getting information from guides and energy fields, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. I define medical intuition as “knowing” things about our physical body and emotional state.

People often say to me, “I know something isn’t right, but I’m technically ‘fine.’” Or “My neck is bothering me, nothing helps it, and I have a feeling there’s an emotion behind it.” These are examples of your own medical intuition. Sometimes it’s as simple as avoiding a certain food on a hunch that doing so might make you feel better.

As parents and family members, we naturally use medical intuition to help others. Almost every parent knows what it is like to have to decide whether a child’s ear pain might need medical attention or if it will go away on its own. Picking up on mood changes and discerning between a cold, the flu, or possible food poisoning is intuitive.


Q
Is medical intuition a coping skill of sorts, then?
A

Intuition, as I understand it and as I use it in my work, means many things. Intuition is a valuable way of receiving self-love, self-acceptance, protection, and strength. I describe it to my clients as an entity, like Carl Jung’s definition: “God within.” It is there for guidance.

Successful medical practitioners and laymen use it unconsciously every day. Medical intuition should never be relied on alone as a diagnostic tool, but I do believe that it can be valuable in helping with emotional, physical, or spiritual issues.


Q
When does medical intuition not work?
A

The more in tune my clients are with their own bodies, the easier it will be for them to work with me to make progress toward healing, so improving intuitive connections is an important part of every session. The same things that can interfere with any intuition can also interfere with medical intuition.

  • Fear. Rather than allowing us to trust the universe, God, our bodies, and our own intuition, fear causes self-doubt and a desire to control. In turn, this creates tension in the body, blocking the flow of energy both inside the body and between ourselves and others.
  • Disconnection from the body. Intuitive information is received through words and images in our heads as well as physical and emotional symptoms. Without connection to our body, we are cutting off a vital source of information. Relaxation is key, and meditation can be a great tool.
  • Perfectionism. I often hear “I don’t think I’m doing it right” or “I can’t do what you do—I can’t use medical intuition.” There is no right or wrong way as long as your motives are sincere. Don’t judge the information; just let it flow. When I started, I missed so much great information because I thought I had to do it “right.”
  • Substituting someone else’s intuition for their own. I always warn my clients about this. Ask questions, do your own research, and get as many opinions as you need to, even if you are afraid of being annoying. It is very important to consult with others—we aren’t always our own best judge—but if you feel something strongly, stick to your guns.
  • Anger. Illness can bring about anger and feelings of victimization. I can’t blame people for feeling this way. A little anger can be motivating in the short-term. In the long run, it can foster rumination over the past and stress about the future. Anger can isolate us and make us feel hopeless. It cuts us off from our bodies. If you can’t be grounded and live in the present, you can’t listen to what your body needs to heal at this moment.
  • Bias and assumptions. I prefer to know as little as possible about someone before a reading. The more I know, the more I’m prone to making assumptions, which gets in the way of my guides.

Q
How can intuition help identify when things are off?
A

I believe that most physical issues—even physical “accidents”—have a spiritual and emotional component. Our thoughts, emotions, body, and spirit are all connected. In my experience, most people think about only the physical causes of physical symptoms—or at best, how stress might contribute. They might not consider how emotional and spiritual aspects of their lives may impact their health.

It is about listening and trusting—and not ignoring what you hear and feel. If you keep hearing the voice in your head saying that the issue isn’t going away on its own, pay attention. If something tells you that the mole on your skin has changed color and “doesn’t look right,” trust that and make an appointment with your doctor. Don’t push aside inflammation or joint pain as “just aging.”

Going to the doctor or dentist might not be fun, and for some people it is actually frightening, so they avoid it, which can cause even greater problems in the long run. I hear from so many people who tell me they wish they had listened to their bodies sooner and gotten help.


Q
How can you practice using intuition around food?
A

I suggest that people tune into their bodies and intuition while eating. Ask what would make your body and spirit feel good and joyous, listen to how you feel when you read labels, and consider how you might feel after the food is consumed. You can also use your intuition to help you determine whether you have intolerances just by paying close attention to how you feel after you eat.


Q
Do you use intuition to lead you toward or away from different wellness practices, like Reiki or breathwork?
A

There are so many amazing wellness practices, and it can be overwhelming deciding what to choose. Most people don’t have unlimited finances, and no one has unlimited time; you want to be sure that you are spending both wisely.

Intuition and information make great partners when choosing wellness practices and practitioners. Do not make quick decisions. Let your intuition come up with a list of questions and write them down. Read as much as you can about modalities, individual practitioners, potential benefits, possible side effects, and costs. Investigate whether a modality is appropriate for your goal and whether other people with similar goals have gotten results. As you search, the internet (and your intuitive guides) will bring up related topics. Let your intuition tell you where to go. Perhaps you will end up going in a completely different direction than intended and learn about something or someone amazing.

While doing your research, listen for feelings in your stomach and chest, as well as the “voices” in your head. It can be helpful to make a written list of modalities and practitioners you are considering and take notes on how you feel about each as you go.

If you are having trouble deciding, divination tools can be helpful. Asking questions of oracle or angel cards, runes, a pendulum, or another tool can help you break through anxiety and get out of your head.

Depending on the modality, you may notice a benefit right away or it may take a while. You may not benefit at all. (Before beginning, ask the practitioner—as well as other people who have done the practice—how long it typically takes to start noticing results.)

Check in with yourself frequently. If you do not notice a physical, emotional, or spiritual difference in a reasonable amount of time for you, don’t be shy. Perhaps your practitioner can try a different technique, level of intensity, or part of the body. Maybe it is time to try something new.


Katie Beecher is a medical intuitive who does the majority of her consultations over the phone. She has a BS in biology and psychology and an MS in counseling, with a particular interest in Carl Jung.


The views expressed in this article intend to highlight alternative studies. They are the views of the expert and do not necessarily represent the views of goop. This article is for informational purposes only, even if and to the extent that it features the advice of physicians and medical practitioners. This article is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice.