Saturday, November 19, 2011

Fibromyalgia; Part II


Since looking at Fibromyalgia, much of this discussion has been about LTF. Are there other causes of Fibromyalgia? The simple answer is yes, however, some of them may be indirectly related to your thyroid function. I will discuss a few here as well as provide other references.

First regardless of the cause, I want to say that it is important to take care of yourself. For me, that means going to the gym twice a week to do moderate resistance training. I eat healthy, and practice a Yoga type of stretching. I meditate daily (meditation being a great tool to learn to be more present, which among other things helps with stress).

  1. Genetic. Treatment options include those mentioned above, and include any other self care techniques that you find beneficial.

  1. Accident. After suffering from a car accident for example that causes whiplash, you may need therapy. Treatment options include body work therapy, such as Physical Therapy, CranioSacral Therapy, Myofascial Release, and Chiropractic. I’m leaning more toward what I call gentle Chiropractic these days, but regardless who you see, check with their referrals, and make sure you feel comfortable with them.

    Most people bounce back from accidents, but some see them as the beginning of their spiral downward with health problems. If your symptoms continue seek professional help for thyroid treatment, for the reasons previously discussed. Your low thyroid levels could very well be the cause of your Fibromyalgia.

  1. Nutritional. There are so many books written regarding nutrition. Many of them contain valid information, though often you have to wade through a lot of fluff, or information that may not pertain to you.

    I suggest you seek the advice of a Registered Dietician. I do this because of their core understanding of nutrition, biochemistry, and ability to make suggestions for your specific health needs. Also I would like to make a few book suggestions; The Only Diet There Is, One Man’s Food is Another Man’s Poison, check out a book on vegetarianism, If this is Tuesday it Must be Chicken.

    And if you think eating right is difficult or pricy, remember this, beans and rice, are a staple diet for many in other developing countries. They are cheap, and can be the building blocks for a healthy complete diet.

  1. Food Allergies. Food allergies usually come after your body has been compromised in some way; hormone imbalance, stress, chemicals, accident, genetics, psych/emotional issues, etc. Saying that, however, treating food allergies can play an important part in regaining your health. If you suspect food allergies, some supplements to look into are L-glutamine, 4-8grams/day, Vitamin C, 3000-5000mg/day, MSM ¼ tsp 2X day up to ½ tblsp 2X day. One of the best methods for determining food allergies is the elimination diet. Eating foods that your body is NOT allergic to, and addressing other issues that you may have will give your body the break it needs to begin to recover. The process may take time. We don’t get sick overnight, so have patience.

  1. Detox System. Finally a word or two about your detox system. There are books that you can reference, that can provide you with more information than you really need. For our purpose let’s say that your body detoxes through your lungs, skin, liver, intestines, and kidneys.

    Eating well, drinking fresh clean water, and living a clean lifestyle will help your body to naturally detox. Structural body work techniques will facilitate this process by releasing restrictions that may impede blood and oxygen flow, and also open energy flows that can hold psychological and emotional stress. Sauna therapy and exercise will help mobilize fat cells and help your body to literally sweat out toxins. Specific supplements can help facilitate this process such as, Vitamin C, fish oils, B complex, l-glutathione, and milk thistle. Liver detox formulas can help the function and process of your liver. Besides herbal formulas that contain milk thistle, a simple remedy you can make at home requires ½ a lemon squeezed into ½ a glass of water, with 2 tblsps of olive oil. Drinking this every morning at least half an hour before eating for at least two weeks can facilitate normal liver / gallbladder function.

    I don’t normally make specific supplement recommendations, but I have heard good things about an internal cleansing program for parasites by UniKey Health. It comes recommended by Louise Gittleman.

There are a host of other resources on the subject of Thyroid function, as well as Fibromyalgia. My purpose here was not to try and provide all the answers, rather to provide you with a different perspective, and to get you to continue your own search.

PS.  I don't know very much about this treatment, but have heard about it over the years with interest, Low Dose Naltrexone Therapy.  Naltrexone is a medication used to help those addicted to opiates, but used in low doses taken at night it seems to reset immune receptors shared with those for opiates...my suggestion, look it up.  





Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Health Care?


When most people think of health care reform, they think of medical care that may include cancer care, heart, Alzheimer’s, lupus, and other health care needs. Sick care. There are times we all need this type of care, but with chronic health issues on the rise, more and more we need to take further responsibility for our own care. That’s what I call health care, or preventative care. We hear about it, we talk about it in spurts, we may even know a little about it, but as a society we don’t embrace it.

What I am taking about here is taking care of our mind, emotions, body and spirit, since they are not separate entities, but rather in my experience are always working together to find balance and harmony. I will spend a few sentences discussing each, and then provide a summary.

There has been so much written about nutrition, that there is almost nothing left to be said. Diet this, don’t eat that, juice this. We eat foods that contain chemicals that we never used to consume 100’s of years in the past. These chemicals and others from our water and air are new to our bodies. It makes sense then to eat the cleanest food possible, and to buy a good water filter system for our homes. Finally eating a balanced diet, incorporating seasonal foods, as well as foods grown in your area seems to be the easiest and best alternative to eating right. Forget diet, this is your life, not a semester at school.

Exercise in moderation. Get a fitness trainer if you feel uncomfortable with the gym and equipment, or just don’t know where to start, and work with your body to find its rhythm. Don’t push it. Forget what your gym teacher said. Learn to listen to your body.

Either for maintenance or if you are having health issues find a good support system. I have tried and done it all; acupuncture, massage, cranio-sacral therapy, chiropractic, myofascial therapy, etc. Each has it’s place, and each one will effect your whole being, and your total health. I personally go to a Chiropractor once a month, not because I have back problems, but because it helps everything flow, as well as helping my mind, and emotions.

Learn to take care of yourself. As I went through my counseling program I heard that a lot. “Take care of yourself.” But what does that mean? To me it can mean things like diet, exercise, massage, yoga, but it also means taking time for myself; meditation, prayer, reading a book, a walk in nature, a nice bath, and if you have the facility, sauna. To go along with this I will add counseling and other care techniques, which can include breath, biofeedback, and relaxation techniques, some of which you can do on your own. Our minds are powerful tools, and too often lack the training to help us live happier, healthier lives. Acknowledge your thoughts, and “issues” that come up for you; bless them, and then decide if you want to continue to hold on to them. You have more choice then you may believe.


Thursday, August 4, 2011

It does NOT have to be Complicated




I have written a number of short blogs on things we can do to take care of ourselves, everything from nutrition, to exercise, to other integrative approaches; Chiropractic, Acupuncture, Massage, CranioSacral Therapy, etc.  More and more people are integrating approaches like meditation and Yoga into their daily routines, but if this all sounds like a lot, it doesn’t have to be complicated.

A wonderful gift you can give yourself, is taking small meditative moments throughout the day.  Often it’s too hard to take half and hour or an hour to meditate, or do Yoga, but if you take a few minutes a couple of times a day, it can help you not only remain focused, less stressed, open, and also more present.

What does this entail?  It can be done it a number of different ways, and so I will present a few simple ideas.

Breath.  I have written a few blogs on diaphragmatic breathing.  This, in and of itself can be a meditative moment.

Grounding, grounding, grounding.  Take a few moments to feel yourself connecting to the earth’s energies.  You can imagine growing roots into the earth, or you can, with your breath, breathe in the earth’s energies with your in breath, and with your out breath, connect yourself deeper to the earth.

Two simple questions.  “What am I feeling?”, and “Where am I feeling it?”  Allow yourself to simply observe any sensations without judgment, without trying to change them, or without making them right or wrong.  Breathe.  You can say something to yourself like, “I’m ok even if I’m feeling …”

Smile.  Put a smile on your face.  Now take that feeling, and smile in different areas of your body; your neck, your shoulders, your heart, your solar plexus, your head, etc.  Smile, and allow that feeling/sensation to fill these areas with more ease and joy.

Sunday, July 3, 2011

I’ve Got Bipolar


How many times do I hear that? Daily, weekly, monthly. 

Bipolar has become the new ADHD, and everyone has come down with it. Why the sudden rise in Bipolar? And finally, could this be an epidemic?

First I don’t mean to make light of Bipolar, or any other mental health disorder. My goal in writing this is to take an objective look at Bipolar and provide a better picture of this complicated diagnosis.

In the medical field there is no explanation for the sudden rise of Bipolar. However, some might say that our ability to diagnose the disorder has improved, and therefore also the number of those being diagnosed. For someone in the field of Mental Health, a Counselor like myself, the answer is not as easy.

I have had years in the medical field, more specifically the Integrative Health Field because of my own chronic health problems in the past. During that time I studied many modalities of healing, Acupuncture, Nutrition, Herbology, Massage, CranioSacral Therapy, as well as others. I found that with any illness there are multiple causes. Think of it as a wheel, with each spoke on the wheel relating to a different area or factor. These include genetics, psychological/emotional issues, stress, chemicals in our air/water/foods (silver amalgam fillings, herbicides, pesticides, silicone breast implants, etc.), vitamin/mineral/amino acid deficiencies, viruses/parasites/bacteria, structural problems (spinal misalignment especially after trauma, accidents, etc.), hormonal abnormalities (hypothyroidism, menopause, etc.), and lastly allergies (pollens, foods, etc.).

The problem any time we make a diagnosis is that it’s complicated which becomes part of the problem. Western medicine tends to want to make things simple; often just treating the symptoms. Bodies are broken down to their individual parts and then we forget about the whole. You have one doctor who treats your knee, another who treats your colon, a third your heart, a fourth your brain, etc. We have made incredible advances at treating acute problems using this model; heart transplants, brain tumors, hip replacements, the list goes on. We are not so good at treating chronic problems.

This leads to my final point. In order for a Psychiatrist to give you meds he/she has to give you a diagnosis first. Most people have times they are angry, and moody. If you are someone who has used drugs you would have experienced these and other symptoms; extreme high feelings, anxiety, insomnia, etc. Maybe you’re just overworked, and running on adrenalin all day, you can’t sleep, are irritable, moody, and have times of depression and lack of concentration.

I share these examples because all of these can be Bipolar symptoms when viewed individually, but when taken in context and seen as part of the whole picture they can all be normal reactions to life’s stressors.

What if you were exposed to chemicals at work that caused you extreme anxiety, or if you lived in a building that had a mold problem, or you had hidden food allergies that caused you to become moody. Is that Bipolar? No. What if you had been sexually abused and traumatized as a child, and now had severe mood swings, and depression. Is that Bipolar? No.

Many of these are everyday examples of people that are either diagnosed or treated for Bipolar, when other underlying factors could be the cause for their problems.

If these examples don’t meet the criteria for Bipolar, what or who does? To have a diagnosis of Bipolar, you have had to have at least one Manic Episode which includes, besides anger and mood swings, feelings of grandiosity or an inflated self-esteem, decreased need for sleep, spending sprees, pressured speech, among other symptoms. And before you say, “that’s me”, these symptoms must last at least ONE FULL WEEK. Also being a rapid-cycler does NOT mean you go from being happy to sad a couple times a day. Rather it means you have had episodes of Mania that meet the previous criteria, as well as episodes of Depression that meet the criteria for that diagnosis, and have had 4 or more episodes in a 12 month period.

If you or someone you know meets the criteria for the Bipolar diagnosis, then I would advice treatment. If on the other hand you don’t, you may instead be suffering from Anxiety, Depression, adult ADHD, or some other health problem. Sometimes adults with ADHD look like they are in a Manic Phase, though on further evaluation, you find out they’re always like that. Other people suffer from Anxiety, either through heredity, or any number of other factors. This too may look like Mania at times. It’s important to separate out the symptoms into their individual categories, but then you have to view them within the whole picture. ADHD, Anxiety, and Depression, all can be treated with medications successfully if necessary without resorting to Bipolar medications.

If you are like many of us, either overworked, stressed, possibly harboring unresolved issues from the past, then before resorting to any medications, there are Counselors, Psychologists, Life Coaches, Fitness Trainers, Massage Therapists, Nutritionists, Chiropractors, Acupuncturists, as well as other professionals who can help you get on the right course by learning to take care of yourself. Prevention is often the best medicine in these cases, but if that’s not possible, don’t wait till it’s too late. Start taking care of yourself today.

There are also many self care techniques, tools, or modalities you can use as well, a hot bath with 2 cups of Epsom salts, a good book, a 20 minute walk, Yoga, Meditation, journaling, art, exercise, gardening. It all works; you just have to learn to take the time for yourself. What’s stopping you? What would others say if you started to take care of yourself? How would you feel if you started to take care of yourself?

If you think you have a medical condition that is contributing to your overall health or mental health problems, I would suggest seeing a doctor, or Nurse Practitioner. I have often found that NP spend more time with you then doctors, and in today’s world that can be a real plus. As I said earlier there can be many issues that cause us to feel unwell. In my time spent at a local Mental Health facility, the most common factors were structural abnormalities, caused by car accidents, and hormonal problems, most commonly hypothyroidism.

Monday, March 7, 2011

Chronic Pain, there are answers.






Chronic pain is a disabling condition that affects every aspect of ones life and well-being. It can have a negative effect on almost every aspect of the body, as well as effecting the cognitive and emotional functioning of the individual.  It has such a profound effect on the individual that it also affects the people in ones life adversely, ones career and extra curricular activities

Prolonged pain affects the sympathetic nervous system causing a detrimental effect on the body.  It achieves this physiological response through the endocrine system and an increase in the hormone production of ACTH, catecholamines, ADH, angiotensin, and glucagon, which adversely affect various body systems.  These systems respond to the stress of unresolved pain by increasing the heart rate and blood pressure, increasing the demand for oxygen consumption, impairing the GI function, causing respiratory dysfunction and further complications, causing sodium and water retention, causing muscle spasms/impaired muscle function and muscle fatigue, and also a depression of the immune system.

Unresolved pain can also result in an individual experiencing distressing cognitive impairment as well as increasing anxiety levels.  These changes can further interfere with activities of daily living such as diet, exercise, work, leisure and sleep patterns.

Chronic pain requires a multidisciplinary approach for effective treatment.  Counseling can provide education in cognitive and behavioral strategies found to be effective in the management of chronic pain.  Also relaxation training lowers the response level, reduces symptoms and minimizes the physical impact of stress caused by chronic pain. 

I have been in the health field for over 15 years.  In my Counseling I provide an eclectic approach that includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person Centered Therapy and Relaxation Techniques.  I help clients see how their cognitions and behaviors affect their pain and its degree.  I help them to uncover unresolved issues / traumas that may be exacerbating the problem, and create new, healthier thoughts and behaviors.  I use Relaxation Techniques such as progressive relaxation and visualizations to assist in this process by forcing the client to directly face their problems and pain, thus learning to release any resistance they may have related to their situation.  It is my experience that when confronted with pain most people don’t want to experience it, creating resistance that leads to more resistance and an increase in symptoms.

What are the benefits to this kind of exploration and treatment?  People can expect a greater sense of peace, ease, and joy.  Also many people experience an increased sense of well-being and empowerment, thus improving their relationships, and their lives.

What about tools that you can use for yourself?  Yoga and meditation is a great start.  And it doesn't matter what kind of meditation.  What matters is that it's the right kind for you; whether that means a walking meditation, or a quiet sitting meditation, or a guided meditation.  Meditation is a great tool for teaching us to be conscious / aware of the present moment in an open and non resistant state of non-judgment.  Give it a try, and be well.

Monday, February 28, 2011

You Can't Build a Castle on a Pile of Manure!





Recently I've been working with affirmations again.  Affirmations, that age old belief that what we think and "put-out-there" we help create.  On a side note, it's often suggested that you need feeling and clarity behind your affirmations.


Try taking a few moments to be quiet, to go inside and first observe any other thoughts, sensations and feelings without judgment, by giving them some room, before embarking on your own journey.  This will allow you to start with a clearer slate.  (More has been said about this topic in previous blogs, and will be discussed in "Letting Go".  If you are needing further help seek a qualified Counselor, Psychologist, or Social Worker to help you work through old issues and outmoded beliefs.  You may also enjoy looking through authors such as Byron Katie.)

People often say, "Well, I tried that, but it didn't work", or "It won't work for me".  And it won't work if you also are having thoughts and feelings that conflict with your original prayer.  The Universe/God, doesn't discriminate.

If my intent/affirmation/prayer is "I am abundant", but at the same time I have other thoughts that come up for me such as, "Who am I to be successful", or "This doesn't work", or better yet, "This won't work for me", along with feelings of anger, judgment and fear, then that is exactly what I am creating.

I have always been someone that is afraid other won't accept me, and so I often fought hard for acceptance.  Many of my thinking errors or thoughts started with "I have to/I should...I shouldn't...", etc.  Working with new beliefs and ideas such as "I am free to be myself", or, "I am a powerful spiritual being", only started really feeling right after I began to work through and let go of old limiting thoughts and feelings.

You can be successful in achieving your dreams.  You are a powerful spiritual being.  You are supported, always.

As a Friend

As a friend I enjoy the times we share together.
As a friend I appreciate the memories and experience we create when we are together.
As a friend I am here for you.
As a friend I want to feel that you can talk to me, even if I've done something that's upset you.
As a friend...

Saturday, January 22, 2011

Teenagers! A Story





  
I saw a mother and daughter the other day at work.  The mother and father had adopted this now 16-year-old about 5 years ago along with her younger sibling.  The mother spent most of the time telling me about her behavior and how difficult it is to live and deal with for her and the rest of the family.  She also went on to tell me that it has not just been her, but also previous foster homes that had this same trouble before her. 

I saw the frustration, I called it anger, this mother exhibited, and I also saw the real caring and desire to help, through a little digging.  It’s been a long 5 years for her, which is evident, and it’s wearing on her.  In the last year she has lost 23 lbs she told me, so it makes sense that she would be angry and frustrated.  She became a little defensive when I used the word angry, and spent some more time telling me about some things the daughter has been doing.

I asked her about what she is doing to take care of herself and if she is taking time to separate herself from the situation?  She asked me where the time for that is, and I replied that she has to make the time.  She told me that she has people to talk to at least, but that she doesn’t share her story with many, even though I believe that others would not only be supportive, but also have similar stories themselves.  I could see the amount of energy she was spending in keeping it all together, and in wanting so desperately to have everything work out.
I was able to bring the daughter into services, upon which she probably will receive some medications, and counseling, however I wish I had more time with the mother, and was also able to work with the father.  I would like to see how they relate and talk to one another on a daily basis. 

It’s obvious to me the daughter is exhibiting behaviors that in some ways are typical of being a teenager, but also may be do to her experiences with her biological family as well as previous foster families.  I believe she will benefit from counseling if she is able to open up and talk with someone besides her friends at school.

There seems to be more to this picture than just the daughter’s behavior, however, there usually is, and I say this not with judgment, but with the desire to help.  If I could work with the parents I would spend my time teaching them a few things. 

  • I would suggest they start listening to their daughter.  They may not agree with what she has to say, her wants or desires, but they need to listen.  To go along with that, I would suggest they need to let her know that they have heard her, and that they understand her feelings.  This may look like this, Daughter…“I never get to stay go out with my friends when I want to.  You’re so mean!”  Parent…”You think that we are mean because we don’t let you go out when you want, and this makes you very frustrated.”  This could then lead to a further discussion where the parents could tell her why they don’t let her always go out, and maybe a compromise or choices for her to have about going out and curfew.  As a teenager it’s not enough to just tell her what to do anymore.  But also the very act of truly being heard by another caring individual is incredibly soothing and disarming.

  • I would also suggest that everyday they find something to complement her on.  This does not relate to how well she cleaned her room, or whether she dressed well, or even her grades.  This refers to something about her.  Example…”Thank you for asking me how my day was.  I appreciate how you care about others.”  Or, “Your grades were very good this semester.  I appreciate that you care about yourself and your future enough to do well at school.”

I know this is not an easy situation, and I’m not trying to propose a cookie cutter solution, but my experience is that communication can take us a long way in repairing relationships with others and with ourselves.



Wednesday, January 5, 2011

That's Just the way I AM !?

Some of us feel that way at times. That’s just the way I am, “I’m goofy”, or “I’m shy”, “I’m…”

There are reasons we are the way we are. Some are out of our control. Others we have created unconsciously as ways of coping from our environment. Others yet we learned by example from those around us.

Have you ever heard anyone say, “I’m not going to be like my parents when I grow up”, only to turn out just like them?

What does it take for us to change? Let’s start with Intent and Acknowledgment.

Intent…is knowing what we want. Intent can be viewed as anything from goal setting, to affirmations, to prayer. When we couple this with feelings; feeling how we will feel when we accomplish our goal, and seeing it as if it were true, we are creating a clearer pattern for a goal to take shape. It’s the details we don’t have as much control over, and it’s here we need to be humble, learn to compromise, and relinquish some control.

Acknowledgment is the process of checking in with ourselves and being honest. If something comes up for me that I am troubled about I first take time to acknowledge what I am feeling, and where I am feeling it. I may check to see if there are any other thoughts and sensations associated with it. This process involves learning to live more in the moment, but it can also be viewed as learning to accept and love yourself, because it’s done without judgment.

This last process is essential yet sometimes a difficult one, as none of us, in which I include myself like to feel things that are uncomfortable. Exploring our inner worlds doesn’t keep us stuck, however, it sets us free. It feels empowering to me to know that I will be OK even when I am feeling intense emotions, knowing that they will pass allows me to be more accepting and honest with myself. This is a very different process than going over a thought or problem in our heads, over and over again.

I know that if you start practicing these simple, but profound tools, they will make a difference in your life, and help you reach your goals.

Try it.