The "Cross Training" Support Program ® was developed by Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac as a multi-layered health system for healing. This great resource is for those looking for a sensible and rational easy-to-use guide to the best researched alternative therapies. Developed and referenced from the foremost experts on nutrition, herbs, acupuncture, exercise, homeopathy, healing touch and the metaphysical arts, this program allows one to use an "across the board" methods in health and healing.
The following maladies are all situations that can be helped with Aromatherapy, Herbal Medicine, Acupuncture, Exercise, Nutrition and Lifestyle Changes, Crystals and/or Homeopathy. These "Complementary Therapies" are the 'cross training program' of Alternative Medicine and is only a jumping point in the healing process. You may access other modalities at the menu bar to the left.
*Disclaimer: This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition. The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended as
diagnosis, treatment, or prescription of any kind. The decision to use, or not to use, any information is the sole responsibility of the reader.
See also anger,
acupuncture, anxiety, exercise, pain management,
stress.
Depression: is the most prevalent of all the emotional disorders. Symptoms may vary from feelings of minor sadness to sheer misery and dejection. When sadness persists and impairs daily life, it maybe an indication of a depressive disorder. Depression brings together a variety of physical and psychological symptoms, which together constitute a syndrome.
1."Melancholia", which was, for centuries the encompassing name for all emotional disorders is considered Major Depression. Clinically, in major depression, five symptoms on a daily basis for at least two weeks are considered a diagnosis.
The most common symptoms of depression are feelings of acute sense of loss, inexplicable sadness, loss of energy and loss of interest. The patient usually feels tired and lacks interest in the world around him. Sleep disturbance is frequent. Usually the patient wakes up depressed and is unable to return to sleep. Other disturbed sleep patterns are difficulty in falling asleep, nightmares or repeated waking. Often, emotions of guilt, oppressive feelings and self-absorption are apart of this syndrome. Cases of severe depression may also be characterized by low body temperature, low blood pressure, hot flushes and shivering.
* Dysthymic Depression
This form of depression is considered chronic ongoing, yet milder, less severe and less disabling.
* Atypical Depression
Other symptoms of depression are: loss of appetite, giddiness, itching, nausea, agitation, irritability, impotence or frigidity, constipation, aches and pains all over the body, lack of concentration and lack of power of decision. Some persons may lose interest in eating and suffer from rapid loss of weight while others may resort to frequent eating and as a result gain weight.
Irregular diet habits cause digestive problems and lead to the assimilation of fats. An excess of carbohydrates like cereals, white sugar, coffee, tea, chocolates and comparatively less quantities of vegetables and fruits in the diet may result in indigestion. Due to indigestion, gases are produced in the digestive tract, causing compression over the diaphragm in the region of the heart and lungs. This in turn, reduces the supply of oxygen to the tissues, which raises the carbon dioxide levels, causing general depression.
* Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorders
(PMDD) is considered severe depression with irritability and tension and PMS including five or more symptoms of major depression.
* Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a form of depression. Most people tend to slow down a little in the winter and experience some form of "winter blues," but full-blown SAD can be extremely disabling.
SAD is often the result of the winter season when the days are shorter. People tend to sleep more, become sedentary, crave carbohydrates, gain weight, and avoid social interaction. Psychologically, they tend to be depressed.
Attaining a balance of yin-yang or light and dark is innate in the Chinese Medicine and Feng Shui philosophies. Although we cannot see the electromagnetic frequencies of the earth or planets, it is important for us to live in an environment that allows us to be synchronized with these forces.
Read more on "Beating the Blues": Seasonal Affective Disorder.
* The Seasons and Depression
Spring can be a very uneasy time for the human psyche. Patterns of sleep and energy have a tendency to shift back and forth with uncertainty. Mood swings from high to low, changes in eating patterns, fluctuating temperatures outside and the urge to "run away
from it all" add stress to the mind and body and tend to occur when
there are equal parts of both daylight and darkness.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Anger is the emotion associated with
Spring, and for good reason.
Seasonal studies done at the National
Institute of Mental Health in Maryland have shown, dramatic mood changes coincide with changes from the darkness of Winter to the extended light of Spring.
Melatonin is a hormone in our body that
helps to regulate our moods and energy. With increased light, melatonin decreases in our body. Decreased melatonin means higher and lower levels of mood and energy. Tempers can flare rapidly triggered by rapid mood changes. Faster changes increase good and bad impulse
behavior.
We move from hibernation to growth in less than weeks. Increased mood and energy fluctuation brings with it lust, lethargy and love! According to the World Health Organization, conception is highest in
April and May. Romance blooms. Energies that have been suppressed for months have a tendency to now move to the surface, equivalent to the growth of Spring flowers bursting forth.
The end of Winter brings an end to isolation and 'Winter Blues', brought about by lack of sunlight and cold weather. But, as Spring comes and wanes into Summer, some people will find their 'blues' or depression unchanged. Then, even stronger feeling of hopelessness follow. The US Center for Disease Control found that between 1969 and 1999, suicides were seasonal. Findings showed that feelings of suicide are above average all Spring and below average in Winter. This is contrary to beliefs that suicides
are the highest during the Christmas holidays. The British Journal of Psychiatry agrees. They report that the pre-summer peak in suicides reflect the hope among the unhappy and lonely who seek change with
Spring, but often feel no different as the Summer draws near.
For some people, the transition from Summer into Fall is a difficult time. Knowing that the warmth of summer is gone, the transition from hot to cold and from more light to less light can be difficult to let go of.
Read more on "Beating the Blues": Seasonal Affective Disorder.
2. BiPolar Disorders
* BiPolar I - encompasses unpredictable swings in mood from mania (hypermania) to depression.
* BiPolar II - full criteria for mania is lacking, but encompasses recurrent depression separated by periods of mild activation with increased mania.
* Cyclothymic - numerous hypomania periods of short duration, alternating with clusters of depressive symptoms that fail to meet criteria of major depression.
3. Medical Depression
* Cardiac, cancer and neurological disorders, diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, and autoimmune disorders are all considered the basis for medical depressive diagnosis. Diabetes, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and weakness of the liver resulting from the use of refined or processed foods, fried foods and an excessive intake of fats, which may also lead to depression.
* Alcohol abuse and reasons why alcohol are abused are factors considered.
* Substance abuse includes the excessive and indiscriminate use of drugs also leads to faulty assimilation of vitamins and minerals by the body and ultimately causes depression. The abuse of aspirin leads to deficiencies of vitamin C and antacids can cause deficiencies of calcium and vitamin B.
Medications that can induce depression include: Antihypertensive drugs, Anticholesterolemic drugs and Antiarrhythmic drugs. Antihypertensive drugs such as beta-adrenergic blockers and calcium channel blockers are most likely to cause depressed moods. Antidepressive drugs which provide temporary relief, have harmful side-effects and do not remove the causes or prevent its recurrence. The harmful side-effects include gross liver damage, hypersensitivity, insomnia, hallucinations, a confused state, convulsions, a fall in blood pressure which brings on headaches and dizziness , blurred vision, difficulty in inhaling and urine retention.
Top 10 Ways To Boost Your Mood
1. Listen to Uplifting Music!
Music can inspire! Some music is designed to have a positive and reaffirming effect on emotions and mental clarity. Singing along to a familiar song or showtune might be all you need. Music is a magical medium and a very powerful tool. Music can delight all the senses and inspire every fiber of our being. Music has the power to soothe and relax, bring us comfort and embracing joy! Music subtly bypasses the intellectual stimulus in the brain and moves directly to our subconscious. There is music for every mood and for every occasion. Music Therapy is incorporated in a number of areas of medicine.
2. Use Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy has been clinically shown to ease stress and improve moods. Essential oils of plant, fruit, and flower essences are created to center and enhance the body and mind in order to help us in preventative measures, as well as, an effective cure for many illnesses. Scents can induce an amazing power as they influence our moods. Our sense of smell is the most direct path to our emotions.
This is the principle behind the ancient art of aromatherapy.
3. Get A Massage
Massage Therapy has been proven to reduce anxiety and sadness and to lower cortisol, the stress hormone. Massage Therapy not only treats those parts of you which are a problem, but also affects the whole of your metabolism through normalizing your circulatory, muscular and nervous systems and their interdependent functioning.
4. Enjoy Good Fat
Hormones that regulate Serotonin, our bodies' main mood-boosting chemical, are stimulated by fat consumption. Before reaching for a piece of cake or a cookie, try a piece of salmon. Not all fats are created equal and you should AVOID saturated fats. Instead, eat foods
containing 'good fats' such as fish, nuts and olive oil. These foods help with depression and low self esteem by boosting Serotonin.
5. Get Your Vitamin D
Serotonin is affected by Vitamin D. Studies have shown that consumption Vitamin D makes people feel better. Particularly those who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder.
6. Practice Yoga Therapy
Yoga Therapy is the ancient exercise from India, which has been shown to boost energy, release tension and stress, and help with depression, anger and fatigue. Practicing yoga is associated with establishing harmony,equanimity, balance.
7. Make Humor and Laughter Daily Medicine
Laughter reduces muscle tension. This muscle relaxation and the easing of psychological tension that accompanies it, is the main goal of pain and stress management. This certainly accounts for the stress- reducing power of humor. I often have patients say to me, "well how can I laugh if I'm depressed?" Rediscovering your sense of humor is the end result of your desire to feel better. It is your willingness to look for it. This proactive search for humor is the magical ingredient. The attempted approach to "look for humor in any situation" is a step in the "light" direction.
8. Eat Breakfast
Studies have shown that eating breakfast is associated with greater calmness and less stress. It also improves alertness, which can help your memory and ability to learn. Eating fiber at breakfast is best. Eating fiber in the morning allows for less emotional distress, more energy and more mental alertness!
9. Move!
Exercise is the best medicine for anxiety and depression. It not only keep the body physically and mentally fit but also provides recreation and mental relaxation. It is nature's best tranquilizer. Exercise produces chemical and psychological changes that improves your mental health. It changes the levels of hormones in blood and may elevate your beta-endorphins (mood-affecting brain chemicals). Exercise may also improve the function of the autonomic nervous system. Exercise also gives a feeling of accomplishment and thus reduces the sense of helplessness.
10. Meditation
Meditation works wonders. Every 5 to 10 minutes spent centering yourself in stillness will have positive effects. Meditation improves over all well being. Meditation helps us live a healthier, less stressful life. The physical and psychological benefits are wonderful and many people meditate only for those reasons. The practice of meditation helps us temporarily let the physical world go so that we can begin to see ourselves as we truly are. Taking the time to uncover what the hidden, unconscious emotions and beliefs that contribute to the depression helps create a permanent solution to the problem.
Ginseng, Ginkgo Biloba, Licorice and St. John's Wort are all wonderful herbs for depression. Used as single dry herbs in a tea, tincture or capsule, are all effective.
Ginseng Siberian ginseng improves the balance of important neurotransmitters (including serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine) in the brain.
In studies using laboratory animals, Siberian ginseng has been shown to act as an MAO inhibitor. In people with depression, the herb helps improve their sense of well-being. Dosage: 400 mg of a standardized extract three times daily.
Ginkgo Biloba Ginkgo is found to be useful in relieving depression, especially in the elderly who suffer reduced blood flow to the brain, according to results form clinical trials. Ginkgo biloba improves cerebral circulation, improving memory and often benefiting depression. Ginkgo is not as effective as St. John's wort for depression, but it can be taken along with other herbs and nutrients to bolster one's overall mood. Take an extract that is standardized to contain 24 percent ginkgo flavone glycosides. The usual dose is 80-120 mg two times daily (breakfast and lunch).
Licorice is known as a depression herb. Licorice is a very powerful antidepressant. At least eight licorice compounds are monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors. (MAO inhibitors are compounds capable of potent antidepressant action.) Licorice and its extracts are safe for normal use in moderate amounts up to about three cups of tea a day or 6 dropperfuls of tincture. However, long-term use or ingestion of larger amounts can produce headache, lethargy, sodium and water retention, excessive loss of potassium and high blood pressure. Warning: Do not take licorice if you have high blood pressure.
St. John's Wort is very popular for the treatment of mild to moderate depression. It has also been reported to reduce anxiety. Like kava, a flavonoid compound from St. John�s wort known as Amentoflavone, has been found to act in the central nervous system in a way similar to Benzodiazepine drugs. Clinical studies show that treatment with just one of the active compounds in this herb, hypericin, results in significant improvement in anxiety, depression and feelings of worthlessness. Studies also show that St. John's Wort improves sleep quality, often a major problem for people who are seriously depressed.
Different chemical compounds in St. John's Wort work together to relieve mild to moderate depression in several different ways. The advantage of this combined action is fewer side effects, because the total response is not due to a single strong action. Take 900 mg daily of 0.3 percent hypericin concentration-600 mg with breakfast and 300 mg with lunch. Do not take St.-John's-wort if you're pregnant. And avoid intense sun exposure while using it, since this herb can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight. Do not take St. John's wort along with the amino acids if you've just started the treatment program. After four to six weeks on DLPA or L-tyrosine, you can then begin St. John's wort. Likewise, do not take St. John's wort with the SSRI drugs (Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil).
Herbal tinctures are concentrated liquid extracts of the medicinal properties of herbs. Tinctures represent one of many different ways to prepare and use herbs. The terms tincture and extract are often used interchangeably.
Shake the tincture bottle well. As a dietary supplement, place 1 to 3 droppers ( under the tongue, or in juice or water as needed, 2-3 times a day.
Brain Food
Ginkgo, Gota Kola, Blessed Thistle, Siberian Ginseng.
Chill Out
Kava Kava, Valerian, St. Johns Wort, Passion Flower, Scullcap, Blue Vervain.
Ginseng Energy
American, Korean, Siberian & Tienchi Ginseng.
Male Power
Korean Ginseng, Tienchi Ginseng, American Ginseng, Siberian Ginseng, Mura Puama, Nettle, Astragalus, Saw Palmento.
Mood Support
St. Johns Wort, Chamomille, Schizandra, Oatstraw, Avena Sativa.
Nerve Strength
Oatstraw, Black Cohosh, Scullcap, Avena Sativa, Pleurisy root, Catnip, Lobelia.
Women's Balance
Chaste Tree, Dong Quai, Red Raspberry, Dandelion, Blessed Thistle, Gota Kola, Kelp & Licorice.
In a stainless steel pot, boil desired amount of water. The moment it boils turn the heat off. Add the following herbs in an infuser, muslin bag or tea ball for a single cup or add one-three teaspoons of herbs per cup for larger amounts. Allow the herbs to infuse for up to 5 minutes. Drink 3-4 cups a day. For flavor-add lemon and sweeten with Stevia or organic honey. These herbs are helpful for gently cleanses, purifying, detoxing, anti-inflammatory. This powerful formula will help remove accumulated toxins in the body. Strong antioxidant, cleanses the colon and stimulates circulation.
Brain Tea Improves memory retention. Stimulates blood flow to the brain allowing oxygenation. Properties that assist in cardiovascular and circulatory disorders. Gingko, Alfalfa, Peppermint, Catstraw, Gota Kola, Ephedam, Siberian Ginseng, Stevia.
Energy Tea No caffeine. Provides important vitamins and minerals. Increase blood flow, circulation, and oxygenation. Decreases fatigue and depression by stimulating the nervous system. Blackberry Leaf, Sarsaparilla Root, Siberian Ginseng Root, Muira Puama, Ginger Root, Roasted Chicory Root, Roasted Dandelion Root, Guarana Root.
Sleepy Tea Soothing blend of herbs for relaxing moments or right before bed. Helps in relieving stress and anxiety, indigestion, and insomnia. Kava Kava, Chamomile, Rosehips, Catnip, Alfalfa, Skullcap, Fo-Ti, Hops, Vervain, Wild Lettuce, Passion Flower, Lemon Verbena.
Aromatherapy can play a huge role in relieving feeling of depression and thoughts of negativity! Aromatherapy can help to alter your moods. Essential oils can stimulate the production of neurotransmitters to the brain which regulates your behavior. Depending on your depression, you should either use relaxing oils or stimulating oils. These oils include bergamot, chamomile, clary sage, cypress, geranium, ginger, jasmine, juniper, lemon, marjoram, orange and rose.
3 times a day, morning, noon and night, utilize these blends of essential oils:
Angel's Mist Depression Diffuser Remedy Blend
Angel's Mist Depression Inhalant Remedy Blend
Angel's Mist Depression Bath Oil Remedy Blend
Angel's Mist Depression Perfume Remedy Blend
The mysterious and amazing healing power of water has been utilized for centuries.
Water cleanses, refreshes and restores all life. We are always drawn to water. Be it a soothing fountain or majestic waterfall. Water is a carrier. It flows. It moves along the line of least resistance to find its way to the ocean where comes and goes in the ebb and flow of tides and waves. The appeal is inexplicable! We crave water, maybe because our bodies are made up of a large percent of it. Maybe beacuse we instinctively know how it can heal us.
Hydrotherapy is the use of water in any form, in the treatment of dis-ease. Hydrotherapy was used by the ancient Greek physicians. The use of baths for such purposes as well as for religious purification, personal cleanliness, and private or social relaxation dates from at least the time of ancient Greece. A German, Vincenz Priessnitz, popularized the use of spas in Germany and elsewhere in Europe, where they are still popular today.
Hydrotherapy has a number of uses. Warm water will relax spasm; thus, hydrotherapy has been useful in treating such conditions as muscular strains and sprains, muscular fatigue, and backache.
Heat is often used in conjunction with massage or other manipulative or stimulative treatments, such as the whirlpool bath. Heat dilates blood vessels, which in turn lowers blood pressure. It also increases the flow of blood, oxygen and nutrients and speeds the elimination of toxins. So a hot tub's combination of warmth and pulsing water jets not only quiets a racing mind, but also alleviates body tension, muscle soreness and joint stiffness.
Sitz baths (sitting in hot water) are effective in the treatment of many disorders. Water is also useful in physical therapy because patients who exercise in a buoyant medium can move weak parts of their bodies without contending with the strong force of gravity.
The neutral bath has a balancing effect on anxious, depressed or irritable people. Instructions for a neutral bath: Fill your bathtub with water slightly cooler than body temperature, around 94� to 97�F (You can check the temperature of the water with a regular thermometer.)
As the tub fills with water add 2 spoons of Angel's Mist Deep Soak Sea Salts to the bath water for a soothing, muscle relaxing soak.
Once the tub is full, add two of the above aromatherapy oils to the bath water and swirl it around.
Submerging as much of your body as possible, stay in the bath for at least 20 minutes, adding water as needed to maintain the temperature of the bath.
Consider a relaxing bath with the cleansing calming effects of Angel's Mist Lavender Fields Soap. A relaxing blend of Lavender, Chamomile, Clary Sage essential oil makes this soap wonderful for creating a soothing and calm complement to your bath.
Water should be a very important part of any nutritional program. Distilled water is best. 6-8 8 ounces per day.
Diet has a "profound effect" on the mental health of a person. Even a single nutritional deficiency can cause depression in susceptible people. Nutritional therapy can be used to build up brain chemicals, such as serotonin and norepinephrine, that affect mood and are often lacking in depressed people.
Eat foods rich in B vitamins,, such as whole grains, green vegetables, eggs and fish. The diet of people suffering from depression should completely exclude tea, coffee, alcohol, chocolate and cola, all white flour products,sugar, food colorings, chemical additives, white rice and strong condiments. The diet should be restricted to three meals.
Fruits can be taken in the morning for breakfast with milk and a handful of nuts and seeds. Lunch may consist of steamed vegetables, whole wheat chappatis and a glass of buttermilk. For dinner, green vegetable salad and all available sprouts such as alfalfa seeds, mung beans, cottage cheese or a glass of butter-milk would be ideal.
Add protein and carbohydrates to your diet: Incorporate protein into your diet. Protein helps to keep sugar levels stable. You can find protein in nuts, yogurt, beans, fish, chicken, tofu and lentils.
Seek out foods that are high in Omega-3 (a fish oil): This fish oil has been shown in many studies, to reduce your bad cholesterol levels and reduce plaque buildup in your blood. By reducing your bad cholesterol, you are helping your body to fight off stress and relieve anxiety, tension and even prevent heart disease! Fish that are high in Omega-3 are excellent ways to help your blood stream.
Folic Acid: Folic Acid (required for energy production) is considered brain food. The brain needs it to work properly. It helps to prevent anxiety and fatigue. Folic acid works best when combined with vitamin C, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12. Much research has indicated that a deficiency of folic acid may include depression, insomnia, anorexia, forgetfulness, hyperirritability, apathy, fatigue and anxiety. You can find Folic Acid in the following foods: Whole grain breads
-Fortified cereals
-Dried peas-
Dried beans
-Leafy vegetables
- Fruit.
Most multivitamin complexes contain folic acid.
GABA: GABA (Gamma Aminobutyric Acid) is an amino acid help reduce anxiety, allows rational decision making, promotes restful sleep and enhances workout recovery. It has also been shown to have similar effects as the benzodiazepine drugs. You will also feel more relaxed and notice that you are sleeping better. The recommended dose for GABA is 700-750 mg - 3 times daily - talk to a medical professional about using GABA.
Magnesium: The supplement magnesium has been found to aid in the management of depression. Taking 200-300 mg of magnesium 2 to 3 times daily has been shown to help.
SAM-e (Sammy): short for S-adenosyl-methionine, SAM-e has long been used in Europe to treat depression and is now available in the U.S. It seems to work faster than St. John's Wort. Look for tablets with enteric coatings which improve absorption, and also go for the new butanedisulfonate form. Results can be seen in as little as two weeks, but often takes at least a month for the best effects to be felt.
Selenium: Selenium, an important antioxidant, is a trace mineral found in soil and food. It protects neurotransmitters. Deficiency in selenium has shown to have a negative impact on mood. It also helps to reduce bad cholesterol and keep the heart healthy. You can get much of your selenium from dietary sources such as: Alfalfa, fennel seed, ginseng, butter, garlic, liver, Brazil nuts, shellfish and other fishes. You can find it in sunflower seeds, yarrow, wheat germ and Brewer's yeast.
Vitamin B1: Vitamin B1 is also known as "thiamine." In many studies, B1 has shown to have positive effects on the nervous system and mental well being. Vitamin B1 is found in peas, soybeans, fortified breads, cereals, pasta, fish, pork, whole grains and dried beans. Prolonged intake of large amounts of alcohol depletes your body's supply of vitamin B1.
Vitamin B6: Lack of Vitamin B6 has been known to cause anxiety and depression. The formation of certain brain chemicals from amino acids requires this vitamin. It affects the nervous system. The recommended Dietary Allowances for adults (25+ years) is 2.0 for men and 1.6 for women. The best sources of vitamin B6 are meats (particularly organ meats such as liver), whole grains and wheat germ.
Vitamin B12: Vitamin B12 is needed for energy, brain function and a healthy nervous system. It helps to combat depression, stabilize PMS and helps to protect against anemia and it may help fight cancer. The best food sources of Vitamin B12 are liver, kidney, oily fish, beef, pork lamb, cheese, eggs and milk.
Zinc: and essential mineral, has been found to have positive effects on the nervous system as well as helping to produce a calming effect. Most multivitamins contain zinc. Food sources for zinc are Oysters, meat, poultry, nuts, beans and dairy products.
What You Should Avoid:
What you don't eat may be even more important than what you do eat. Avoid alcohol, caffeine and sugar, because they tend to worsen depression. If you can�t avoid them, then at least cut down.
Avoid Caffeine: Caffeine is something many people in America and Europe are used to bringing in their daily lives. Though many studies have shown that this addictive stimulant can help produce symptoms of depression, insomnia and anxiety. Caffeine is found in coffee, tea, chocolate, many sodas and even certain medications. Always ask your doctor about a medication before using it. Also, ask the doctor if there is an alternative medication if your medicine contains caffeine.
Reduce Processed and Refined Foods:
Processed food can rob your food of nutrients and vitamins that your body needs to fight off stress and promote good health. Try to buy whole foods, unprocessed foods and try and stay away from "instant" foods, preservatives, artificial flavors, saturated fat and MSG.
Reduce Sugar Intake:
Too much sugar can rob our body of essential nutrients. Yet don't be so fast as to replace the sugar with Stevia the natural sweetener from the Stevia plant. Artificial sweetener can also cause anxiety as well as other health concerns.
Reduce Alcohol Intake:
In small amounts, alcohol can be good for your heart but too much alcohol is not a good thing for your body and too large of an intake increases your body's need for extra vitamins. The body has a harder time using oxygen. As a result, you can become more sensitive to stress - which in turn can cause anxiety reactions. It can also cause depression.
The Effects of Alcohol on Depression:
How does alcohol contribute to Depression Disorders? Research has shown that alcohol in high doses has numerous health hazards. As well as many other things that can: increase your need for extra vitamins due to disturbed eating patterns interfere with the body's ability to use oxygen, to process food & absorb vitamins. As a Result: High alcohol consumption makes you more sensitive to stress.
Chronic abuse of alcohol is often associated with depression-like symptoms, which can reduce the ability to solve problems, which in turn can lead to anxiety. Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to poor work performance, relationship difficulties & financial difficulties. This can produce stressors that worsen anxiety.
This medical system uses infinitesimal doses of natural substances to stimulate a person's immune system and body's natural defenses. Homeopathic remedies are named for the plant or animal ingredients they are made from. Homeopathy not only offers relief from temporary disorders but, can provide long term healing of a person due to its individual and "wholistic" approach. This often leads to a complete recovery from the dis-ease, as well as, providing an improved understanding of the patient's situation. This type of healing makes it easier and possible to avoid recurrence or relapses in the future and homeopathy stimulates the body's natural defense system by reestablishing normal immune system and cell functioning.
Depression:
Ignatia Amara this remedy is well-known for nervous conditions, irritability, sleeping disorders, apprehension.
Arsenicum album Anxious, insecure, and perfectionistic people who need this remedy may set high standards for themselves and others and become depressed if their expectations are not met. Worry about material security sometimes borders on despair. When feeling ill, these people can be demanding and dependent, even suspicious of others, fearing their condition could be serious.
Aurum metallicum This remedy can be helpful to serious people, strongly focused on work and achievement, who become depressed if they feel they have failed in some way. Discouragement, self-reproach, humiliation, and anger can lead to feelings of emptiness and worthlessness. The person may feel worse at night, with nightmares or insomnia.
Cimicifuga A person who needs this remedy can be energetic and talkative when feeling well, but upset and gloomy when depressed�with exaggerated fears (of insanity, of being attacked, of disaster). Painful menstrual periods and headaches that involve the neck are often seen when this remedy is needed.
MOVE!!!! Exercise also plays a MAJOR role in the treatment of depression. It not only keep the body physically and mentally fit but also provides recreation and mental relaxation. It is nature's best tranquilizer. Exercise produces chemical and psychological changes that improves your mental health. It changes the levels of hormones in blood and may elevate your beta-endorphins (mood-affecting brain chemicals). Exercise may also improve the function of the autonomic nervous system.
Exercise also gives a feeling of accomplishment and therefore, reduces the sense of helplessness. Some form of active exercise, must be undertaken each day at a regular hour. To be really useful, exercise should be done in such a way to bring into action all the muscles of the body in a natural way.
Walking is one such exercise. It is , however, so gentle that one must walk several miles in a brisk manner to constitute a fair amount of exercise.
Aerobics (low impact) is even better, for it increases cardiovascular health and distracts from the focus of depression and makes you feel wonderful! 3-5 days a week at 30 -40 minutes should be your goal.
The depressive mood can be OVERCOME by activity. Those who are depressed will forget their misery by doing something. They should turn away from themselves and consider others. At home they can take to decorating, repairing or constructing something new. The pleasure of achievement overcomes the distress of misery.
Overcoming that inertia can be difficult. Another challenge is maintaining, or adhering to, an activity program. Setting realistic goals, doing some problem solving, and recognizing that exercise won't always be fun or easy can help.
Talk to your doctor. Although not all mental health professionals have adopted exercise as a part of their treatment regimen, talk to your doctor or therapist for guidance and support. Jointly assess your issues and concerns about an exercise program and how it fits into your overall treatment strategy.
Identify what you enjoy. Figure out what type of exercise or activities you're more likely and less likely to do, as well as where, when and how often. For instance, would you rather garden in the evenings, jog in the pre-dawn hours, go for a brief walk in the woods or play basketball with your children after school?
Set reasonable goals. Your mission doesn't have to be to walk for an hour five days a week. Even a 10-minute walk can help lift your mood, get you into a more positive environment and refocus your thoughts, even temporarily, away from negative or self-critical thinking patterns. Custom-tailor your plan to your own needs and abilities.
Break it down. It might be good to have an overall exercise strategy. But focusing on the perfect plan or an ideal rather than what's realistic for you can sabotage your efforts. Don't start with the ideal and work backward. Start with the realistic and work forward. Break your program down into smaller parts. If you can't fathom walking for 45 minutes, what is possible? Fifteen minutes? Five minutes? Start there, and build on that foundation.
For many people, just getting shoes on and getting out the door is the majority of the effort. That's the hardest part. Once we're moving, though, it's often easier to keep moving. So put your energy into the front end � into just getting started.
Have short-term coping strategies. You may have a structured exercise program that calls for activity several times a week at the local gym. But plan for active ways to cope immediately and quickly with unexpected negative moods, depression, anxiety or other issues. For instance, even if it's your day off from exercise, taking a 10-minute walk may quickly help lift your mood if you're sad or anxious or find yourself focusing on negative thoughts. Try to respond to a negative mood with physical activity.
Don't think of exercise as a burden. If exercise is just another "should" in your life that you don't think you're living up to, you'll associate it with failure. Rather, look at your exercise schedule the same way you look at your therapy sessions or antidepressant medication � as one of the tools to help your treatment. Reframe the way you think about physical activity. Don't think of it as just another thing that you should be doing, but can't because of all of the demands in your life. Instead, think of it as something positive that you can do now to help you meet your goals, including feeling better physically and emotionally.
Address your barriers. Identify your individual barriers to launching a program. If you're self-conscious, for instance, you might not want to exercise in public. If anxiety or depression makes you feel like you're carrying a heavy weight around, the idea of moving on purpose, doing something active, can seem absurd. The barriers may feel overwhelming. But when you have depression, it's easy to overestimate difficulty. Instead, develop a strategy to overcome or get around those barriers. If you don't want to go to a crowded gym, perhaps you can go to a quiet park or use a home treadmill or bike. If you're put off by the thought of spending 30 minutes jogging, aim for five minutes of walking instead of just doing nothing. If five minutes seems daunting, try two minutes.
Prepare for setbacks and obstacles. Exercise isn't always easy or fun. And it's tempting to blame yourself for that. People with depression are especially likely to feel shame over perceived failures. Don't fall into that trap. Give yourself credit for every step in the right direction, no matter how small.
Chances are, you're going to come to a time when it gets really hard. If you say that you're a failure, that you blew it, that you have to start all over, you're more likely to quit altogether. Recognize that change is hard and setbacks are part of the change process. By learning how to cope with setbacks, you'll learn skills that will help you stay active over the long term.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
is the oldest, continually practiced, and professionally administered health care system in the world. It is a documented medical system spanning over 2,500 years based on comprehensive philosophies, rational theories, clinically tested and empirically verified by over 100 generations of highly educated practitioners. Chinese Medicine is a total system of internal medicine which is comprised of a diagnostic procedure based on signs, symptoms and treatment styles including acupuncture, herbal medicine, exercise, diet and meditation. It's foundation is based on the principles of balance; the interdependent relationship of Yin and Yang. Through this balance, health is achieved and maintained.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, mental or emotional problems such as depression are attributed to an imbalance or blockage in one or more of the internal organs and the energy pathways (meridians), which relate to them. When emotions are held on to over long periods of time, or when they result from a particularly stressful or traumatic event, they can become causes of illness. Emotions also can result from an imbalanced flow of vital energy or blood. Therefore, emotions can be the cause or the symptom of a disorder.
Some common patterns that can manifest as depression are Liver Qi Stagnation, Spleen Qi Deficiency, Kidney Essence Deficiency, or Lung and Heart meridian disorders.
Acupuncture and herbal medicine are effective therapies for the treatment of depression. Acupuncture redirects your Qi into a more balanced flow. It provides support to the underlying energetic spheres affected by your depression, helping to resolve the cause or effects of your stress. Acupuncture releases tension in the muscles. This allows increased flow of blood, lymph, and nerve impulses to affected areas, decreasing the stress experienced by you. Acupuncture also is effective in relieving the physical symptoms associated with depression and anxiety disorders, such as:
*Diarrhea
*Headaches
*Heart palpitations
*Insomnia
*Nausea
*Neck and shoulder tension...
The specific course of treatment depends on the nature and severity of your symptoms. Acupuncture treatment for depression, for example, may last approximately ten to twelve weekly sessions.
Visit Your TCM practitioner for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
There are many different approaches to massage and applications of it. "Massage Therapy" is a holistic procedure that affects all systems of the body; digestive, elimination, respiratory, circulatory, lymphatic,
endocrine and nervous systems. Many of today's health problems arise from stress. Because stress upsets the delicate integral balance of all your body's
functions, regaining this balance requires a holistic approach.
Massage Therapy and Lymphatic Drainage Massage not only treats those parts of you which are a problem, but also affects the whole of your metabolism through normalizing your circulatory, muscular and nervous systems and their interdependent functioning.
Massage for depression is effective by detoxing the whole system and can be done with soothing depression massage oils or relaxing body lotions
in order for the practitioner's hands to "glide" over the body with smooth, relaxing strokes.
Learn How to Give a Massage. This step by step method will help you learn just how to make your subject feel great!
The Crystal Facial Massage
works on a deep esoteric level allowing not only the physical body enjoyment and total relaxation but the stones will enhance a positive, reconnecting flow of energy which will allow you to bring up, recognize and clear emotional blocks.
Hot Stone Massage Therapy. is recommended for this condition. It is an ancient Ayurvedic therapy with river bed stones which draw out stress, tension and impurities from the body.
There is an emotional aspect to every illness. Often times, it is the emotional thoughts or "excess emotions" that will lead to illness.
Depression is considered "Anger turned inward". This is a situation that should be addressed. The external manifestations represent a cry for help from the tormented mind of the depressed persons. The severely depressed patient feels worthless and is finally convinced that he himself is responsible for his undoing and his present state of hopeless despair. Depleted functioning of the adrenal glands is one of the main causes of mental depression. The following therapies are utilized for calming the mind, help with stress relief and focuses on our mental powers over any situation.
The following therapies are utilized for calming the mind, help with stress relief and focuses on our mental powers over any situation. The ability to balance your emotional, mental, physical and spiritual self is up to you. Here are some suggestions:
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Allow The Universe To Take Over!
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Learn to breathe deeply and fully.
Your breath is your connection to relaxation and inner peace.
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�I relax and let go.�
Say this 4 or 5 times and watch how your body and mind relax.
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You have no motivation:
MOVE!! Exercise is the key to regulating your mind and body.
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Metaphysical expert Louise Hay sees depression as:
Anger you feel you do not have a right to have. Hopelessness.
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Use this affirmation:
I now go beyond other's fears and limitations. I CREATE MY LIFE!
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What is your experience with this disorder? Sharing your own experiences often helps others. We'd love to know in the
Peacefulmind Community
Depression is responsive to counseling and to a wide variety of psychotherapies. During the past several decades, there has been an increasing enthusiasm for focused, time-limited therapies that address ways of coping with depression and it's symptoms directly, rather than exploring unconscious conflict or other personal vulnerabilities.
One of the biggest culprits in depression is how we look at ourselves. Our distortion of our reality is one of the most destructive behaviors we can harbor and must be conquered in order to win over this self abuse! Taking the time to uncover what the hidden, unconscious emotions and beliefs that contribute to the
depression helps create a permanent solution to the problem. Consider these great tips:
Self Destructive Behavior and How to Cope
The Honor Myself Check List
Andrew's Self Esteem Series
Yoga poses can be good alternatives to "traditional" health remedies because they relax the body and mind, improve circulation and respiration, reduce tension and help the body through it's healing process.
Depression:
The Yogic breath exercise can be done without instruction, without danger, and with a good chance that your discomfort and stressful feelings will be reduced. Relaxation Breath is the most powerful tool for stress management.
Sit up, with your back straight in any position.
Place your tongue against the ridge of tissue just behind your upper front teeth and keep it there throughout the exercise.
Exhale completely through your mouth.
Close your mouth and inhale quietly through your nose to a mental count of four.
Hold your breath for a count of seven.
Exhale completely through your mouth, to a count of eight. Repeat this cycle three more times for a total of four breaths. Try to do this breathing exercise at least twice a day. You can repeat the whole sequence as often as you wish, but don't do it more than four breaths at one time for the first month of practice. This exercise is fairly intense and has a profound effect on the nervous system.
Deep Diaphram Breath
Sit with your legs crossed in a comfortable position. Breathe slowly and evenly from your diaphragm, through your nose. Fill your lower abdomen, lungs, then chest with air. Hold for a four count then slowly exhale the air out from your chest, lungs, then lower abdomen. Repeat 3 or 4 times. That's it! Just allow your shoulders to drop and your face relax as you breath, deep.
Yogic asanas such as vakrasana, bhujangasana, shalabhasana, halasana, paschimottanasana, sarvangasana and shavasana and pranayamas like kapalbhati, anuloma-viloma and bhastrika are highly beneficial in the treatment of depression.
Try these 3 Yoga Therapeutic exercises:
1.Janu Sirsasana (Head-to-Knee Forward Bend)
A forward bend for all levels of students, Janu Sirsasana is also a spinal twist.
Benefits
*Calms the brain and helps relieve mild depression
*Stretches the spine, shoulders, hamstrings, and groins
*Stimulates the liver and kidneys
*Improves digestion
*Helps relieve the symptoms of menopause
*Relieves anxiety, fatigue, headache, menstrual discomfort
*Therapeutic for high blood pressure, insomnia, and sinusitis
*Strengthens the back muscles during pregnancy (up to second trimester), done without coming forward, keeping your back spine
*concave and front torso long.
Contraindications/Cautions
*Asthma
*Diarrhea
*Knee injury: Don't flex the injured knee completely and support it on a folded blanket.
Step by Step
Sit on the floor with your buttocks lifted on a folded blanket and your legs straight in front of you. Inhale, bend your right knee, and draw the heel back toward your perineum. Rest your right foot sole lightly against your inner left thigh, and lay the outer right leg on the floor, with the shin at a right angle to the left leg (if your right knee doesn't rest comfortably on the floor, support it with a folded blanket).
Press your right hand against the inner right groin, where the thigh joins the pelvis, and your left hand on the floor beside the hip. Exhale and turn the torso slightly to the left, lifting the torso as you push down on and ground the inner right thigh. Line up your navel
with the middle of the left thigh. You can just stay here, using a strap to help you lengthen the spine evenly, grounding through the sitting bones.
Or, when you are ready, you can drop the strap and reach out with your right hand to take the inner left foot, thumb on the sole. Inhale and lift the front torso, pressing the top of the left thigh into the floor and extending actively through the left heel. Use the
pressure of the left hand on the floor to increase the twist to the left. Then reach your left hand to the outside of the foot. With the arms fully extended, lengthen the front torso from the pubis to the top of the sternum.
Exhale and extend forward from the groins, not the hips. Be sure not to pull yourself forcefully into the forward bend, hunching the back and shortening the front torso. As you descend, bend your elbows out to the sides and lift them away from the floor. Lengthen forward into a comfortable stretch. The lower belly should touch the thighs first, the head last. Stay in the pose anywhere from 1 to 3 minutes. Come up with an inhalation and repeat the instructions with the legs reversed for the same length of time.
2.Savasana (Corpse Pose)
Savasana is a pose of total relaxation�making it one of the most challenging asanas.
Benefits
*Calms the brain and helps relieve stress and mild depression
*Relaxes the body
*Reduces headache, fatigue, and insomnia
*Helps to lower blood pressure
Contraindications/Cautions
Back injury or discomfort: Do this pose with your knees bent and your feet on the floor, hip-distance apart; either bind the thighs parallel to each other with a strap (taking care not to position the heels too close to the buttocks) or support the bent knees on a bolster.
Pregnancy: Raise your head and chest on a bolster.
Step by Step
In Savasana it's essential that the body be placed in a neutral position. Sit on the floor with your knees bent, feet on the floor, and lean back onto your forearms. Lift your pelvis slightly off the floor and, with your hands, push the back of the pelvis toward the tailbone, then return the pelvis to the floor. Inhale and slowly extend the right leg, then the left, pushing through the heels.
Release both legs, softening the groins, and see that the legs are angled evenly relative to the mid-line of the torso, and that the feet turn out equally. Narrow the front pelvis and soften (but don't flatten) the lower back.
With your hands lift the base of the skull away from the back of the neck and release the back of the neck down toward the tailbone. If you have any difficulty doing this, support the back of the head and neck on a folded blanket. Broaden the base of the skull too, and lift the crease of the neck diagonally into the center of the head. Make sure your ears are equidistant from your shoulders.
Reach your arms toward the ceiling, perpendicular to the floor. Rock slightly from side to side and broaden the back ribs and the shoulder blades away from the spine. Then release the arms to the floor, angled evenly relative to the mid-line of torso. Turn the arms outward and stretch them away from the space between the shoulder
blades. Rest the backs of the hands on the floor as close as you comfortably can to the index finger knuckles. Make sure the shoulder blades are resting evenly on the floor. Imagine the lower tips of the shoulder blades are lifting diagonally into your back toward the top of the sternum. From here, spread the collarbones.
In addition to quieting the physical body in Savasana, it's also necessary to pacify the sense organs. Soften the root of the tongue, the wings of the nose, the channels of the inner ears, and the skin of the forehead, especially around the bridge of the nose between the eyebrows. Let the eyes sink to the back of the head, then turn them downward to gaze at the heart. Release your brain to the back of the head.
Stay in this pose for 5 minutes for every 30 minutes of practice. To exit, first roll gently with an exhalation onto one side, preferably the right. Take 2 or 3 breaths. With another exhalation press your hands against the floor and lift your torso, dragging your head slowly after. The head should always come up last.
3.Urdhva Mukha Svanasana (Upward-Facing Dog)
Upward-Facing Dog will challenge you to lift and open your chest.
Benefits
*Improves posture
*Strengthens the spine, arms, wrists
*Stretches chest and lungs, shoulders, and abdomen
*Firms the buttocks
*Stimulates abdominal organs
*Helps relieve mild depression, fatigue, and sciatica
*Therapeutic for asthma
Contraindications/Cautions
Back injury
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Headache
Pregnancy
Step by Step
Lie prone on the floor. Stretch your legs back, with the tops of your feet on the floor. Bend your elbows and spread your palms on the floor beside your waist so that your forearms are relatively perpendicular to the floor.
Inhale and press your inner hands firmly into the floor and slightly back, as if you were trying to push yourself forward along the floor. Then straighten your arms and simultaneously lift your torso up and your legs a few inches off the floor on an inhalation. Keep the thighs firm and slightly turned inward, the arms firm and turned out so the elbow creases face forward.
Press the tailbone toward the pubis and lift the pubis toward the navel. Narrow the hip points. Firm but don't harden the buttocks. Firm the shoulder blades against the back and puff the side ribs forward. Lift through the top of the sternum but avoid pushing the front ribs forward, which only hardens the lower back. Look straight ahead or tip the head back slightly, but take care not to compress the back of the neck and harden the throat.
Urdhva Mukha Svanasana is one of the positions in the traditional Sun Salutation sequence. You can also practice this pose individually, holding it anywhere from 15 to 30 seconds, breathing easily. Release back to the floor or lift into Adho Mukha Svanasana with an exhalation.
Also consider Breath Exercises, Child's Pose, Cat, Head to Knee, Knee to Chest, Laying Down Twist, Standing and Seated Forward Bends, Standing Knee Squeeze..
Meditation is a time-honored technique that can take you into infinite dimensions of consciousness. One major principle to meditation is in the ability to completely quiet your mind. Quieting the mind comes as a result of meditating over a long period of time, but any time you are looking within, you are meditating.
There are many meditation methods. Some are passive and others are active -- not in the physical sense, but in the sense that you actually do something during meditation. Meditators learn to focus their awareness and direct it onto an object: the breath, a phrase or word: a mantra, repeated silently, a memorized inspirational phrase, an image in the mind's eye. Researchers have documented immediate benefits in terms of lowered blood pressure, decreased heart and respiratory rate, increased blood flow, and other measurable signs of the relaxation response.
Meditation will calm an agitated mind, creating optimal physical and mental health, undo our sense of separateness, which is the common root of fear and misery, unify consciousness, putting us in touch with our higher self and connect us to higher consciousness. Meditation restructures the mind, allowing us to achieve our full potential as human beings.
Fold your hands gently in your lap and close your eyes. Take a few deep breaths. Then just sit. If you have never meditated before, you will probably feel as if your mind is full of thoughts. Don't try to stop the thoughts, just watch them. Imagine that you are on the bank of a river and that your thoughts are the river going by. Don't try to stop the river, just watch it. Within a week, you will see the river begin to slow down. You may become impatient, or even bored. That's okay. If you find yourself complaining, just watch the thoughts pass by. Do this for 5 to 10 minutes. You may find that you fall asleep because you are so relaxed. That's good because, in many ways, you have begun to let go. Continue at this pace and each day allow just alittle more time for yourself to meditate. Doing this allows you to relax and forget about time.
Consider the amazing power of the Deluxe Meditation Kit . Whether for meditation, quiet reflection or for creating a peaceful environment to be yours, the opportunity awaits those ready to explore the world of meditation!
When you are balanced, you can more effectively fight dis-ease, rid your system of toxins, as well as, negative patterns. You can achieve balance through the vibrational remedy and application of color. Color inteacts with the human energy system in a unique way to stabilize physical, emotional, mental and spiritual conditions.
Light Therapy
A research review commissioned by the American Psychiatric Association in Washington, D.C., concludes that in trials, daily exposure to bright light is about as effective as antidepressant drugs in quelling seasonal affective disorder (SAD), or winter depression, and other forms of depression.
Depression diminishes in response to daily bright-light exposure, usually administered early in the morning for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Light therapy yields substantial relief for outpatients with mild-to-moderate depression unrelated to any season. Such therapy also magnified the depression-fighting effects of antidepressants in these individuals.
The study of biological rhythms are described in Psychological Medicine. To reap maximum long-term benefits, depressed people receiving light therapy need to sleep on a regular schedule, therefore steadying their biological clocks.
Depression:
Yellow - Associated with joy and happiness, yellow is laxative and diuretic. It is a stimulant to the brain, the liver and the spleen. It is also effective in the treatment of indigestion, kidney and liver disorders, constipation, eye and throat infections, syphilis and impotence. In using yellow, it allows clarity of thought. It gives good ideas and awareness. It has a powerful effect on the nervous system and assists the left brain in operation.
Orange - Orange is the best stimulant, helping us in times of depression, loneliness, and boredom. It is the best emotional stimulant. Joy comes from orange energy. Orange has the love from red and the wisdom from yellow. It strengthens confidence and allows independence. In using orange, you can learn to understand how the stomach tells us about our physical situations.
Determine what color you need. Learn more about your personal Color Therapy Analysis.
Vibrational medicine, which validates that everything in the universe is in a state of vibration and the frequency at which an object or person most naturally vibrates is called resonance. The chakras, bones, and organs in the body all possess a different resonant frequency. When an organ or part of the body is vibrating out of tune or nonharmoniously, it is called "dis ease" or disease. A body is in a healthy state of being when each cell, each organ creates a resonance that is in harmony with the whole being.
Music is a powerful tool that can be used in so many ways. It has been proven that the type of music that makes a person relax or become receptive is not any one kind. It all depends on the individual and their affinity with it.
Healing Music is recommended for lifting depression by invigorating the soul.
The power of your mind and your belief system has everything to do with the condition, the speed and the way that you heal.
* Our Belief System is one of the major factors that can get us through situations or can cause our life to crumble around us! I do believe that there is a lot of innate goodness and balancing our minds do subconsciously to get us through hard times. The other portion of this is how we "program" ourselves to deal with any given situation.
* Our self-confidence and self-love are often the key to opening and strengthening this portion of our thoughts which in turn emanates from ourselves!
* Energy follows thought. Program thought to be positive and your energy will reflect it!
* Really appreciating what we DO have as opposed to what we would like to have, sometimes makes a significant difference. This is always an important element in healing that is often neglected.
Crystals have both piezoelectric and pyroelectric properties. This means that the polarities of the crystal will change when subjected to pressure or heat (even body heat from the hands). This will radiate energy from the crystal due to this reversal of polarities. It provides the transfer, storage and transformation of energy.
Offering a balanced energy field, energy modification, amplifies both energy and thought, clarity in thinking, and harmony and alignment with the chakra energy areas.
The Complete Chakra Kit stimulates the seven main energy sources which govern all the major organs and psychologically alters and clears the body's energy in order to allow healing to take place.
Crystal Medicine Pouches
are based on the Native American Medicine Pouches, each suede pouch comes with several crystals, sage for cleansing negativity and the best way to use, cleanse and energize them in order to get what you want out of life!!
Crystal Empowerment Pouches
are individually filled with several crystals to strengthen and enhance the best energy for each situation. Each suede pouch comes with several crystals and best way to use, cleanse and energize them in order to get what you want out of life!!
Crystal Elixirs
are wonderfully scented oils come in .05 ounce roll-on bottles and contain genuine crystals in vibrationally compatible essential oil blends. They are fantastic for Chakra work, energy healing, as an Aura Balancer, as a balancing perfume oil or simply as a "refresher" for your Gem Potpourri. Crystal Elixir oil blends are used externally.
Gem Essence
are the infusion of crystals, spring water and the power of the sun/moon in a bottle! These essence work in harmony with the body by interacting with our bio-sheath and are natural and self-adjusting. When crystals are activated by natural sunlight, they transfer their vibrational signature into water, creating a remedy that is safe, effective and used in conjunction with all modalities of healing. Gem Essence waters can be used internally.
Depression
Gold, Jet, Lapis Lazuli, Moonstone
Andrew Pacholyk has an extensive background in biomedical science and clinical training. Andrew has done massage, yoga and music therapy for over 15 years and brings his experience as an Acupuncturist and Herbalist to such health facilities as diverse as St. Vincent�s Hospital, The Body Center, New York Health Club, The Grand Meridian and his private practice, ProAcuMed Inc. in New York City. Andrew offers a safe and effective method with his diverse knowledge of the healing arts. Andrew is licensed in the State of New York and is accredited and certified by the National Boards in both Acupuncture and Herbology.
The Misson/Vision:
Andrew offers a unique and personal path in developing, understanding and incorporating the power of our belief system and your own inner wisdom in the healing process. Andrew works with:
* Functional and Orthopedic Testing
* Acupuncture and Massage Therapy
* Nutrition, Herbal and Chinese Botanicals
* Cupping, Moxabustion, Electrostimulation
* Mind Medicine, Belief Systems, Emotional Healing
Call Andrew at his office, ProAcuMed at 917 843 3623 or by email Make An Appointment NOW with Andrew
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4. Matthew McKay, Ph.D., Martha Davis, Ph.D. and Patrick Fanning, Thoughts and Feelings: Taking Control of Your Moods and Your Life, 2nd Edition
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8. Holistic Health Online at http://www.holistic-online.com
1. A Modern Herbal www.botanical.com
2. Balch, James F. M.D., Balch, Phyllis A., C.N.C., Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 1990
3.Barolet, Randall Bensky, Dan, Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas and Strategies; ed.; Eastland Press, Seattle, c1990.
4.Birren F. (1967) Color Psychology and Color Therapy. New Hyde park, N.Y., University Books
5.Boericke, William M.D., Materia Medica with Repertory, 1927, Boericke & Runyon
6. Chevallier, Andrew, The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants, 1996, Dorlilng Kindersley Limited
7.Balch M.D., J. and Balch C.N.C, P. Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 2nd Ed. New York, U.S.A: Avery Publishing Group, 1997.
8. Dewey, W.A. Practical Homeopathic Therapeutics. New Delhi, India: Jain Publising Co
9. Gibson DM. First Aid Homeopathy. The British Homeopathic Association. London, England
10. Duke, J.A. Handbook of Medicinal Herbs. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 1985
11. Duke, James A. Dr., The Green Pharmacy
12. Habif TP, et al. (2001). Acne. In Skin Disease: Diagnosis and Treatment, pp. 72�83. St. Louis: Mosby
13. Hahnemann, Samuel. Organon of the Medical Art. 6th ed. Edited and annotated by Wenda B. O�Reilly. Redmond, Washington, 1996.
14. Health Library, The: http://healthlibrary.com/reading/ncure
15. Kaptchuk, Ted; The Web That Has No Weaver; Congdon and Weed, Inc., New York, c1983.
16. Lawless, Julia. "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils". Rockport, MA: Element Books, Inc., 1995.
17. Merck Manual, Home Edition, 2000
18. Mills, Simon Y., The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism
19. Mindell, Earl, Earl Mindell's Herb Bible
20. Mother Nature's Herbal Encyclopedia www.mothernature.com
21. Murray and Pizzano, Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine
22. Myss, Caroline Ph.D. �Anatomy of the Spirit�, Three Rivers Press (August 26, 1997)
23. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM): A division of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services dedicated to research.
24. Shealy, Norman C., The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Natural Remedies
25. TCM: tcm.health-info.org/
26. The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 9th ed., New York: McGraw-Hill, 1996
27. Tierra, Michael, Planetary Herbology
28. Tierra, Michael, Lust, John, The Natural Remedy Bible
29. World Health Organization (WHO), http://www.who.int/en
What is your experience with alternative and complementary medicine? Sharing your own experiences often helps others. We'd love to know in the
Peacefulmind Community.
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