Wednesday’s Warmth: Embracing the Whole-Body Warmth of Hyperthermia climbing Mount Arafah
Unlike local targeted hyperthermia, full-body hyperthermia was an entirely different experience. I was pushed toward a fever state, knowing that controlled overheating triggers a cascade of positive immunological effects. I must take a moment to salute the amazing Nurse Hung, who guided me through every step of the process. She made sure I was at ease—administering my IV, inserting a thermometer to carefully monitor my core temperature, and vigilantly watching over me throughout the session. With graceful care, she bathed my head with cool water, helped me adjust my posture when I needed to shift, and gently placed cool, wet cloths on my palms and behind my neck.
I found myself drifting into a serene state, my thoughts turning to the sacred climb of Mount Arafah that awaited many Muslims the following day as part of their pilgrimage. I envisioned myself scaling that blessed mountain, feeling the scorching heat of the Meccan sun as my temperature peaked, and each time Nurse Hung inquired if I needed a sip of water, I imagined a pilgrim offering chilled, blessed Zam Zam water.
I reached an optimal target of 39.7°C, maintaining a steady 39.5°C for a significant duration—an achievement that made the session both successful and effective. In that moment, I began to grasp the profound synergy between medicine and mindfulness, realizing that this powerful combination was key to true healing. Simultaneously, my spiritual mindset blossomed—as though I were standing atop Mount Arafah—feeling grateful, wholly surrendered to my Lord, and silently chanting the sacred words that echo in the hearts of millions of pilgrims.
لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لاَ شَرِيكَ لَهُ، لَهُ الْمُلْكُ، وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ، وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَىْءٍ قَدِيرٌ
'La ilaha illallahu wahdahu la sharika lahu lahul mulku wa lahul hamdu wa huwa ala kulli shay in qadeer'
There is no god worthy of worship except Allah alone, with no partner or associate. His is the Dominion and to Him be praise, and He is able to do all things.
After the session, which lasted about an hour, Nurse Hung gently assisted me to my feet and guided me to a nearby bed. She tenderly wiped away the sweat from my skin and settled me for an additional hour of relaxation. The VIP treatment was truly an understatement—I quickly dozed off, completely enveloped in a state of zen.
At 13:00, I met with my doctor to review my blood lab results and discuss the next steps. His optimism was contagious—I was equally buoyant about my future progress. Then, at 15:00, I was once again delighted by the holistic massage therapy session on my schedule. Therapist Vevee was gentle, mindful, and effective; the pure, potent essential oils she used awakened not only my senses but also a deep inner calm. I felt extremely rejuvenated, and my mind was soothed—a welcome counterbalance to the intense physical treatments I’d experienced earlier.
This holistic approach is something every hospital should embrace. I’m learning that healing requires more than traditional medicine alone; it demands a fusion of conventional treatments with holistic care, as our emotions and mental state profoundly influence our hormones and stress levels. After all, true healing begins with being in a state of calm. I could clearly recognize how my days had been anything but calm before starting treatment. There was significant work to be done regarding my emotional health, but I felt a surge of excitement knowing that I had finally taken the first step.
With that realization, it was the perfect segue into my next session, just after 16:00, with Coach Mona. In this session, I immersed myself in learning about EFT tapping, stimulating the vagus nerve, and understanding the body’s responses—all while recapping and reflecting on everything that had transpired since our first meeting just a day ago. Mona was elated and deeply grateful that I had taken her advice to heart. She truly radiates sunshine and hope—a humble, beautiful soul whose warmth and genuineness made me feel completely at ease. Our shared ethos formed an immediate connection, and I offered shukr (thanks) to Allah. One of my daily prayers is for my Lord to surround me with those who draw me closer to Him, and Mona was certainly one of those cherished individuals who did just that.