Oriental Medicine: Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs Hypnosis, Shamanic and Energy Healing, and Wellness Counseling
ancient medicine in a modern world
Stress: The Mind-Body Link
From the 1930’s through the 1970’s a Canadian endocrinologist named Hans Selye conducted research and authored a number of books regarding the effects of stress on the body. Since then stress has become a topic of interest and research in the medical and psychological communities…and of course our increasingly stressed lay population. We have certainly had our share here on the Gulf Coast beginning with Hurricane Ivan, and now with the economic uncertainties and the Gulf Oil Spill. As a natural health practitioner I am treating more and more people who are not only experiencing anxiety, depression, and insomnia, but also physical symptoms such as high blood pressure, headaches, frequent colds and flu, digestive disorders, and exacerbations in their arthritis, chronic pain, sinus problems, asthma, allergies and other conditions. Is there a connection between the emotions and physical symptoms? The field of psychoneuroimmunology says there is. This field can become very complex but one common denominator is probably chronic inflammation. Another is probably depleted adrenal glands. Let’s start with the adrenal glands. We have two. Each sits on top of our kidneys. We all have an ancient survival mechanism called the fight or flight response. This response has been with us since we were cavemen and had to escape or defend ourselves against predators and other attacks. In order to do this, our bodies had to increase our adrenalin and reroute our blood and oxygen supply from our digestive organs to our extremities. Our adrenal glands play an important part of this process, especially in the secretion of adrenalin (a stimulant) and cortisol (an anti-inflammatory hormone.) In recent years a third response has been added to our survival mechanism. This third reaction is called the freeze response. The body automatically folds into a fetal position that protects the internal organs. This freeze response is of particular interest of the medical psychological community studying and treating PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder). Anyone who is interested in more information on PTSD, I would recommend the work of David Bercelli, PhD, author of The Trauma Release Process. Let us return to the subject of stress and the adrenal glands. Usually we think of stress as being mental or emotional, such as worry, financial pressures, relationship difficulties, or always being in a hurry. But we can stress ourselves in a number of other ways. Stress can be physical, such as lack of regular exercise or adequate sleep. Smoking and being overweight certainly is stressful to the body. Dietary stress is common in our modern eating habits of eating fast foods, drinking caffeine, drinking alcohol, and eating refined sugars that keep our blood sugar on a rollercoaster, and skipping meals. Chronic illness is certainly stressful to our bodies as are infections and allergies. We all endure a constant barrage of many environmental stressors, such as chemicals in our air, water, and food, as well as electromagnetic pollution.
Stress: Why and What Can We do?
Our modern society has developed some technological miracles, but we are also dealing with some negative effects of progress. Our water, air, and land is becoming increasingly more polluted. Our foods are less natural and often filled with empty calories with few nutrients. They contain refined sugars leading to diabetes and tend to make our bodies acidic. This increases inflammation promoting many chronic diseases, increasing pain, and increasing stress-related disorders such as anxiety and insomnia. Artificial sweetners are being shown to be related to muscle and joint pain, plus they may be actually increasing food cravings. We tend to overwork and push ourselves to exhaustion. Many of us are taking multiple drugs which can cause side effects and create addictions. Excessive use of chemicals to clean, keep ourselves, our pets, and our yards free of pests is leading us toward the proliferation of superbugs from too many antibiotics and toxicity of ourselves, our loved ones, and our environments.
According the Dr. Norman Shealy, the following things are responsible for most of the illnesses of modern man:
Smoking
Stress
Preservatives, additives, toxins in food
Medications
Plastics
Lack of or excessive exercise
Lack of sleep and rest
If we are the cause of our own health problems, then we are empowered to also turn them around. We just have to make our own health a priority in our own lives.
First of all, we need to be eating fresh whole foods and drinking clean water. Stress does deplete our body’s stores of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and hormones; therefore, a multi-vitamin/mineral plus other supplements might be necessary. Chinese and Western herbs, homeopathy, flower essences, and essential oils can be very helpful in decreasing stress and building and maintaining our health. A regular exercise program decreases cortisol and inflammation. Sleep, relaxation, and recreation is vital. Time with friends and loved ones, in nature, and in meditation and prayer nourishes our hearts and spirits.
Sometimes we find ourselves in crisis or just needing support, education, and a kick start into our own healing process. Our community has many natural health practitioners, including acupuncturists, chiropractors, massage therapists, herbalists, naturopaths, counselors, hypnotherapists, yoga teachers, life coaches, and many other people including holistic M.D.’s who can help us get back on the right track.
Flower Essences for Stress These remedies are prepared from the flowers of wild plants, bushes, or trees. They are completely benign and can be given to children, pregnant women, pets, and even plants. There are flower essences from different parts of the world, including England, North America, and Australia. The most important function of the remedies is in prevention before physical disease manifests itself. Continued fear or worry will deplete one’s vitality. The first recorded flower essences are the Bach Flower Essences. They were developed by Edward Bach, an English physician in the 1930’s. There are 38 remedies grouped into 7 states of mind: fear, uncertainty, insufficient interest in present circumstances, loneliness, over-sensitivity to influences and ideas, despondency and despair, and over-care for others. All 38 remedies can be used to treat stress. Some of the remedies most commonly used for emotional states that can create stress are the following: Mimulus- fear or anxiety of known origin, eg. heights. A person may be shy and retiring and prone to hide his anxieties. Aspen- vague fears of unknown origin, anxiety, apprehension. Forboding that comes upon one for no apparent reason. Rock Rose- terror, panic, extreme fright Red Chestnut- excessive fear and anxiety for others, irrational anxieties Cherry Plum- desperation, fear of losing control of the mind, dread of doing something frightful, contemplating suicide. Crab Apple- cleansing remedy, despondency, despair. Helps us see that when a difficulty has been recognized, it is already well on the way towards being eradicated. Over concentration of on some trivial matter. Gentian- doubt, depression, and discouragement from known cause. Deep depression and dark melancholia. Negative outlook. Easily discouraged. Gorse- hopelessness, despair, utter despondency. Illness of long duration. Have been told nothing else can be done. Will give hope of recovery. Hornbeam- tiredness, weariness, mental and physical exhaustion. Doubts own strength or ability to face one’s work or life. Mustard- black depression, melancholia, gloom. Despairing. Hopeless. As if a cloud descends for no apparent reason then lifts. Larch- lack of confidence, anticipation of failure, despondency. Failure to even try. Oak- despondency, despair, but never-ceasing effort. Struggle on. Plod on from day to day. Never give up hope. Reliable, dependable, sometimes overwork. Olive- complete physical exhaustion and mental fatigue. Suffered a long time under adverse conditions or long illness. Reserve strength depleted. Pine- self reproach, guilt feelings, despondency. Never content with achievements and blame self for not doing better. Over conscientious, high standards, overwork. Star of Bethleham- after effect of shock, mental or physical. Sweet Chestnut- extreme mental anguish, hopelessness, despair. Reached limits of endurance. Total exhaustion and loneliness. Vervain- strain, stress, tension, insomnia, inability to relax. Over effort and enthusiasm. High strung. Results in physical exhaustion, illness, nervous breakdowns. Fanatics, reformers. Wild Oat- uncertainty, despondency, dissatisfaction. Unsure of path in life, not knowing what to do. Wild Rose- resignation, apathy. Doesn’t complain. Makes little effort to get well. Weary. Lack of vitality. Willow- resentment, bitterness. Can’t take responsibility for their own unhappiness. Blames everyone else. Believes their treatment was unjust. Depression. Takes without giving. Clematis- indifference, dreaminess, inattention, unconsciousness. Avoids difficulties and unpleasantness. Polite form of suicide. Elm- occasional feelings of inadequacy, despondency, exhaustion from over-striving for perfection. Temporary feelings with people in responsible positions. Walnut- oversensitive to ideas and influences. Link breaker. Change in one’s life. Leave old limits and restrictions. Impatiens- impatience and irritability, feeling of guilt and self doubt Rescue Remedy-EmergenciesImpatiens- mental stress and tension Star of Bethleham-shockCherry Plum- desperation Rock Rose-terror and panicClematis- out of body 2 drops stock bottle from each remedy to one ounce bottle. Alcohol. 3 drops to tumbler of water. Sip frequently. Homeopathy for Stress Homeopathy is a holistic system of curing people. It is the second most widely used form of medicine in the world, according to the World Health Organization. Chinese Medicine is No 1, Herbalism is No 3, Conventional Medicine is No. 4. The founder of this 200 year old system of healing is Samuel Hahnemann. His core principle is that “like cures like.” For example, a remedy made from an onion is used to treat hay fever as peeling onions will cause itchy runny eyes. Homeopaths have found the healing properties of hundreds of substances by trying them out on themselves and volunteers. Hahnemann observed that the symptoms of disease are not the disease itself but are reliable indicators of its cure. He discovered that disease is an inner process that includes thinking and feeling as well as physical symptoms. Underneath, and along with, all physical diseases there is a hidden unexpressed emotional component. As the healing energies of the body try to eradicate disease, symptoms are created which call attention to an underlying problem in one’s life, eg. anxiety about a job or relationship. Homeopathy has been shown to cure mental and emotional states.Homeopathic remedies “mimic” inner traumas and remind the body to resolve them so they can naturally dissolve themselves.In releasing the inner trauma the outer effects( the disease ) disappear, cured naturally by the inner healing intelligence( the immune system.)It may also help many physical complaints, such as eczema, migraines, menstrual difficulties, arthritis, asthma, and sore throats.Conventional medicine is considered the initial choice for accidents and mechanical injuries which may need surgery or life-threatening and terminal conditions, although a homeopathic remedy may be helpful for the pain and suffering that often accompanies these situations. Hahnemann also discovered a simple and unique way of preparing the homeopathic remedies from crude natural substances. This method is called potentization. The substance being used is put in a liquid form, diluted, then shaken violently. Water has memory and thus memorizes the energy signature of the substance. Potentization creates an energy remedy which is able to stimulate healing without side effects. It can be thought of as an energy vaccine. A minute amount of a substance can stimulate the body to set up a defense against that substance. Homeopathic remedies come in several strengths and are taken in liquid form or tablets that dissolve under the tongue. The homeopathic remedy will stimulate a curative response, quickly or slowly, according to the vitality of the person. Sometimes in the healing process, there may be an aggravation, ie. physical symptoms may temporarily get worse. Signs that the remedy is working are feeling better, dealing with life more effectively, having more energy, becoming more creative, or changing one’s life. The remedies will be more effective one avoids coffee and anything with camphor or menthol.
Essential Oils for Stress
Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils for physical and emotional healing. Essential oils are the extraction of hormones, nutrients, and numerous other bio-chemicals (the “blood”) of plants that stimulates a very ancient part of the brain, the olfactory center. They may be obtained from flowers, roots, bark, resins, and leaves. They can be smelled or applied to the skin and absorbed and carried through the bloodstream to the brain and body parts. Based on the theory that disease occurs when the body’s vibrational frequency drops below a certain point. The oils work by raising the body’s vibrational frequency. It is important to use only pure, therapeutic grade essential oils when they are being used for healing. The following essential oils can be used for stress and stress-related conditions by inducing a state of calmness and peace: Lavender- helps nervousness, irritability, depression, and manic-depression Frankincense- increases mental perception, consciousness, spirituality, and meditation Clary Sage- eases panic and paranoia, and reduces mental fatigue Bergamot- almost ripe rind of a small green citrus fruit- counters anxiety and depression Melissa- eases shock, distress, depression, and nervousness Vetiver- releases deep fears and tension, is uplifting and relaxing Sandalwood- treats depression, anxiety, and insomnia, helps one feel grounded Roman Chamomille- sedative effect Basil- increases confidence, decisiveness, and awareness of one’s surroundings Clove- overcomes mental fatigue, stress, and nervousness Helicrysum- lifts from depression, lethargy, and nervous exhaustion Jasmine- nervous system sedative, soothes depression, increases self-confidence Marjoram- helps emotional instability, hysteria, irritability, and physically debilitated Myrrh- inspires prayers and meditation and revitalizes the spirit Neroli (orange blossom )- counters emotional shock and mental confusion Orange- counters depression, hysteria, shock, and nervous tension Petitgrain ( bitter orange )- re-establishes trust and self-confidence Rose- helps alleviate depression and lack of confidence, helps in relationship conflicts Vanilla- improves confidence, helps dissolve pent up anger and frustration Ylang-Ylang- strong sedative, tempers fear, jealousy, anger, and frustration Birch- eases feelings of de privation and lack of support and resentment to authority Ginger- eases fear of lack Thyme- eases fear of no protection White Lotus- imparts harmony and feeling of connection Cardamom Nutmeg Valerian Oregano Oils that can be especially helpful for insomnia are: German Chamomille- helps overcome anxiety, hysteria, hyperactivity, over-sensitivity Bergamot- counters obsessive-compulsive cycles, including eating disorders Geranium- relieves anxiety, depression, irrational behavior, and discontent Lemon- increases general sense of well-being and sense of humor Marjoram- eases emotional instability, irritability, and loneliness Neroli- eases lack of self-confidence, anxiety, fear, fatigue, and insomnia Patchouli- counters nervousness and depression, helps put things into perspective Rose- calms, soothes, anti-depressant Lavender Valerian Roman Chamomille Marjoram Clary Sage Frankinsense Jasmine Lavender Melissa Myrrh Sandalwood Ylang Ylang Cistus Nutmeg Oils that can be especially helpful for depression are: Citrus oils of orange, lemon, grapefruit, and lemon verbena Lemon- eases feelings of emptiness, sadness, and frustration Lemongrass- eases resentment, is soothing and sedating Bergamot- eases depression, insomnia, anxiety Clary Sage- reduces mental fatigue and enhances a sense of well being Melissa ( lemon balm )- removes emotional blocks and instills a positive outlook on life Neroli ( Orange Blossom )- anti-depressant, anxiety, insomnia, and stabilizes emotions Sandalwood- sedative, calming, balances emotions, releases co-dependence Ylang Ylang Geranium Jasmine Lavender Oils that specifically address anxiety, loneliness, and rejection are: Basil- reduces hysteria and mental fatigue and increases self-confidence Cedarwood- increases self respect, integrity, stability, meditation, and intuition Cypress- eases insomnia and grief, increases emotional stamina Orange- counters depression, shock, hysteria, and nervous tension Rose Hyssop Bergamot Lavender Marjoram Oils that can help fatigue are: Eucalyptus- increases energy, counters emotional imbalance and debility Pine- replaces apathy and anxiety with peacefulness and invigoration Angelica- gives depressed people a new outlook on life Camphor- counters shock and depression and helps focus attention Cinnamon- an aphrodisiac, relieves tension, steadies nerves, invigorates Clove- stimulant that helps overcome nervousness, mental fatigue, poor memory Cypress- helps circulation and increases emotional stamina Fennel- increases self-motivation and enlivens the personality Peppermint- eases fear of dependence and failure, counters insomnia and shock Lemon Basil Black Pepper Oils that can address grief are: Basil- reduces stress and rattled nerves, hysteria, and mental fatigue Rosemary- balances both mind and body, prevents dark thoughts Fir- enhances sense of being grounded and of being elevated, releases emotional blocks Cypress- increases emotional stamina Clary Sage Marjoram Myrrh Sandalwood Hyssop Oils helpful for enhancing memory are: Peppermint- helps release stuck emotions, counters mental fogginess Rosemary- improves memory, confidence, perception, and creativity Lemon Heliochrysum Frankinsense Sandalwood Cedarwood Lavender Bergamot Jasmine Orange Rose Bay Can be used directly on skin or with a carrier oil, including with foot and ear reflexology, in a diffuser, in a bath.
Dr. Bonnie McLean Spirit Gate Medicine Gulf Breeze Florida ,Acupuncture, Chinese Herbs, Oriental Medicine, Holistic Healing, Alternative Medicine, Herbal Healing, Self Healing,Colds and Flu, Shamanism, Pain Control, Stress Related Disorders, Health and Healing Spirituality, Gulf Breeze, Pensacola Traditional Chinese Medicine,Natural Healing and Medicine
