Healing Anorexia, Bulimia and Binge Eating    

 Getting Free of Anorexia, Bulimia and Binge Eating

Testimony of a counselee who was healed of bulimia (used with permission)
    What are eating disorders?    Anorexia?     Bulimia?     What does it matter?    
What causes anorexia and bulimia?      What can we do?    
*** How Restoration Prayer Ministry helps    

Testimony:  I am Healed of Bulimia!
I have to let you know of two major breakthroughs since Restoration Prayer Counseling!!  I have not had any more trouble with bulimia - and that is major! Now that I know who I am in Christ, I am not triggered by rejection or feeling unattractive. I am free to trust God!

Also, you know how allergic I was to dogs. Now I own a lab and can enjoy holding her without allergic reactions! I am healed. I prayed and resisted the spirit of fear and fear of allergic reactions is gone!
Thank you, Jesus!

What are eating disorders?
Eating disorders are a serious health issue that affects as many as 1 out of 10 women at some time in their lives, more teens than women and millions of men.  Eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia are more than a diet plan; they are very unhealthy and even life-threatening. They are often rooted in life-long issues, strong emotions, fear, shame, control, poor self-image, excessive perfectionism, faulty reasoning, and unresolved spiritual issues.  Many times life-threatening medical issues result and professional help is needed.  

There are three types of eating disorders: anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa and binge eating without use of compensatory measures.  In each case, the person is attempting to meet legitimate needs using something other than God as their source and in their own strength.

How can I know if I really have anorexia?  Check yourself for these signs:

• weight loss of at least 15 percent below normal body weight

• are preoccupied with your body size and dissatisfied with specific features

• the loss of a menstrual period for 3 consecutive months

• a tremendous fear of gaining weight if you are healed of anorexia

• a distorted body image (say you still feel fat)

• an obsessive preoccupation with food and exercise

• dry skin, brittle nails, and constipation may occur

• possibly new fine, downy hair growing on your body or face

• hair may thin and fall out with long term anorexia

• may have increased sensitivity to cold 

• deny hunger or anorexia

• refuse to eat

How is bulimia different than anorexia?  Bulimia involves these symptoms:

• binges two or more times every week for at least three months

• may eventually alternate binges and fasts with no periods of normal eating

• food may be eaten inconspicuously so that you can vomit secretly

• binges are followed by self-induced vomiting or purging 

• inordinate use of laxatives or diuretics to force weight loss

• are obsessive about exercise and fasting

• may or may not look thin but are persistently over concerned with appearance

• have a sore throat from vomiting

• can begin with anorexia and move to bulimia or have both

What does it matter if I choose anorexia or bulimia?
First of all, anorexia and bulimia can be deadly.  Sufferers may  develop hypothermia (a low temperature,) low heart rate, low blood pressure, a depressive disorder, turn to substance abuse, dental enamel may erode (a result of stomach acid,) electrolyte imbalance, dehydration, irregular heart beats and occasionally sudden death.

What causes it?

1. Perfectionism - over achieving: unreasonably high standards for their appearance; possibly an inherited compulsion to succeed

2. Deception: hiding one's failures and addictions, obsession with needing to be in control

3. Poor self-image and low self-esteem: feels worthless, unlovable, unattractive and "fat," may withdraw socially, avoids eating with others where bulimia will be observed

4. Sexual identity ambivalence: confusion about becoming mature physically

5. Depression: because unrealistic goals cannot be reached, passing criticisms or major stresses cause you to cope with anorexia, binging or bulimia

6. Control issues: when the family discovers the addiction and tries to force change

7. Performance based acceptance: exceptionally dependant on parents for acceptance or meeting the (?) unreasonable standards of peers

What can we do for one who suffers from anorexia, bulimia or binge eating?
We can consistently offer them unconditional love and acceptance apart from their performance or appearance.  As we impart value to them as a person, they will recognize the importance of their contributions, preferences, opinions and begin to make healthier choices. Stay with them during and after meals, offering strength.  Avoid placing blame, power struggles, messages of being a failure or being unacceptable.  Help them to begin to like themselves.  

If possible, introduce them to a healing group, as it may help them to determine the root issues and give them hope to overcome it.   Listen attentively without minimizing their pain, as they begin to share their wounds and hurts.  Model other ways of handling stress.  Support them in receiving God's Truth about themselves as they begin to base their self-esteem on His Truth, instead of the opinions of others.  Rejoice with them as they begin to crave the Truth of God instead of the lies.  Take them to see a nutritionist, therapist or medical physician, if necessary,

How can Restoration Prayer Ministry (RPM) help eating disorders?
In RPM sessions, our client simply asks Jesus to come and reveal the root areas that need healing.  We wait quietly as He shows us what wounds need to be healed and what walls need to come down.  He knows where the original pain is hidden and the lies that were embedded.  If He is allowed to take the walls down, He will become the protector Himself.  He takes the power out of the lies and the pain out of the memories. 

They consistently tell us that where the pain may have been 7-10 on a scale of 1-10, it is a ZERO now!  Jesus offers them Truth instead of lies and supernaturally clears their minds of false beliefs and false identity.  In the extended Restoration Prayer Ministry, we pray with great thoroughness over every root that is revealed, whether it be inherited from ancestors, mental ungodly beliefs, unhealed hurts or oppression and bondage.  See RPM - What It?

Please note:  Healing with vision is not imagining that Jesus is there, but experiencing an live interaction with our living Lord.  It is not re-decision therapy or cognitive work, where one might mentally choose to make new choices or draw new conclusions out of their own resources. Healing with vision is a prayer to invite Jesus to appear with His own methods of healing without our coaching!!  (I say very little, never suggesting what to see.)  My role is reduced to scribe: I take notes as our client sees the open vision and dictates it to me!!  Sometimes, I see Him too and I am healed as well.  There is always more grace than we need in His presence.

In RPM we provide an opportunity for a person to invite Jesus Christ to tell them or show them their wounds, roots or walls (without analysis.)  Jesus is then invited to touch each one supernaturally, as he did many times in the New Testament.  He does --- and they marvel that their life-time of pain and the power of the lies is gone instantly.  He actions or words may be very simple or brief. He may only tell them truth that you or I would have told them.  The difference is that His anointing, power and presence breaks every yoke and heals  wounds effectively and immediately.  

Is it legitimate to offer that healing may result from a vision with our resurrected Jesus? What therapist is more legitimate than Jesus?   We never guarantee any certain result but most do smile in amazement and report that their pain is a zero now!  When you have exhausted your own means and methods, you are invited to join us for Restoration Prayer Ministry with Jesus.

If you suspect anorexia, bulimia or binge eating, please contact us and allow us to help.