Your MINDSET on Disease

I think that if I'd been born and brought up in a country like China, ...Traditional Chinese Medicine and their ideas and views, would have worked for me.  I love the ideology of their culture towards treating people and their views on sickness and disease.  If we could only embrace those facts here on our side of the world, we would be far better off and much more healthier and heal ourselves so much better.  But ... one word ... MINDSET!

Are you aware that in China; CANCER is often referred to as Western People's disease?  Are you aware that the incidence of cancer in China, Japan and even India is far lower than in the Western countries?

Some people think it's because of diet, but I feel that's only a small part of it.  Another possibility even a larger factor, maybe the mindset the Western Civilization has that they believe in ... for example ... Cancer.  Or I should say they believe in the FEAR that this word instills.  And how can we Westerners not be afraid of it when there are the constant awareness campaigns that conventional Western Medicine and Westerners focus on.  We are constantly being bombared with ads about detecting cancer and donating to cancer research, every corner we turn, everyday on the T.V., in the newspapers, magazines, bus stops, etc., etc. Heck, we even have a whole month dedicated to wearing PINK!!!  It's crazy how far it has gone, it is constantly around us.  We are constantly focusing on it whether it's consciously or unconsciously! Also our ideals focus on Technology and diagnostics rather than promoting overall physical and mental well being and balance.

The Western doctors focus only on the cancer and trying to make you feel as though something external is attacking your body and has to be gotten rid of.  In otherwords, Cancer is the enemy and has to be attacked by their diagnosis and horrid treatments, which always instills fear.  Whereas Chinese medicine looks at your well being more wholistically.  They have your TOTAL well being in mind more so and they have you believing that your body has a way of healing from it's imbalances, not just physical ones, but emotional and mental as well.  They believe that the cancer is actually an ally.  Now, these methods are much more comfortable, reassuring, and can give you hope.

The cancer itself wasn't the enemy or the disease .. It was in fact the body's way of trying to heal itself.  Viewing cancer as an enemy that needed to be annihilated doesn't get rid of the underlying problem that caused it in the first place.  Something deeper is addressing and triggering the cancer cells to appear.  Think of it from the prospective that these diseases being actually mental and spiritual diseases that manifest in the body.  Treatments that address the mind and spirit will have a much better chance of affecting change than an approach that merely deals with the person in the physical ...and any modality that is wholeheartedly supported by the surrounding culture will be more effective than one without such underlying strength, especially if the method addresses a patient's mindset and spiritual outlook.  Such diseases in specific cases are a disease of the mind and the soul, not just the body.  The physical manifestation is merely a symptom of something much deeper. Scientists look in all the wrong places.  They are only studying the symptoms not the cause and then creating drugs to mask the symptoms.  They may be able to manage the symptoms, but do they find a cure? 

I do suggest ... not looking at or doing any treatment program that only is looking at the symptoms as something to be gotten rid of like an enemy.  This is a fear based reaction.  These symptoms are your body's way of trying to heal.  I know that if you try to eliminate the illness with an adverse idea or attitude, you end up doing the opposite and embedding it deeper into the illness mindset .  It doesn't mean necessarily that you don't go to see a doctor, I'm really referring to how to look at the disease or physical manifestations of the body...  The idea is not to obsess about it and to have your days revolve around doing things for the sole purpose of getting rid of the illness.  It's actually far more productive to distract yourself and stay occupied with activities that stimulate you in positive and creative ways.   Escape the prison that you have put yourself in and try to free yourself from needing your health to be a certain way in order to find happiness or just create ... enjoying the moment as though you were already healthy.  Living in the present means not carrying anymore baggage from one segment of time until the next ... every instant is unique and can't be replicated.

It's our choice whether to carry our fears with us, keeping us stuck in an illness.   You don't have to be spiritual guru or anything, just make the most of every minute, living it to the fullest and doing things that make you happy.    Know that every part of you is magnificent, your ego, intellect body and spirit ,... it's who you are...a beautiful product of the universe.  Every aspect of you is already perfect. There's nothing to let go ... nothing to forgive... nothing to attain.  You are already everything you need to be.  It can seem so complicated, but it's not.  It's all about BALANCE, and your MINDSET!

Benefits of Evening Primrose Oil

Recently came across this little gem, so thought I would share.... it is such an excellent source of Fatty Acids and can do so much for benefiting your body.

Evening primrose oil is the oil from the seed of the evening primrose plant. Evening primrose oil is used for skin disorders such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne. It is also used for rheumatoid arthritis, weak bones (osteoporosis), Raynaud’s syndrome,multiple sclerosis (MS), Sjogren’s syndrome, cancer, high cholesterol, heart disease, a movement disorder in children called dyspraxia, leg pain due to blocked blood vessels (intermittent claudication), alcoholism, Alzheimer’s disease, andschizophrenia.

Some people use evening primrose oil for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS); asthma;nerve damage related to diabetes; an itching disorder called neurodermatitis; hyperactivity in children and attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD); obesityand weight loss; whooping cough; and gastrointestinal disorders including ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, and peptic ulcer disease.

Women use evening primrose oil in pregnancy for preventing high blood pressure(pre-eclampsia), shortening labor, starting labor, and preventing late deliveries. Women also use evening primrose oil for premenstrual syndrome (PMS), breast pain,endometriosis, and symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes.

In foods, evening primrose oil is used as a dietary source of essential fatty acids.

In manufacturing, evening primrose oil is used in soaps and cosmetics.
In Britain, evening primrose oil used to be approved for treating eczema and breastpain. However, the Medicines Control Agency (MCA), the British equivalent of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), withdrew the licenses for evening primrose oil products marketed as prescription drug products for these uses. The licenses were withdrawn because the agency concluded that there is not enough evidence that they are effective. The manufacturer disagrees, but it hasn’t published studies yet to prove the effectiveness of evening primrose for these uses.

How does it work?

Evening primrose oil contains “fatty acids.” Some women with breast pain might not have high enough levels of certain ”fatty acids.” Fatty acids also seem to help decrease inflammation related to conditions such as arthritis and eczema.

Easy Ways to Brighten your Mood!!!

With winter quickly approaching here in the Sunny (Summer only) Okanagan … I see a lot of people who suffer from Seasonal Depression.  Who can blame them, it is depressing here in the Winter with all the cloud.  But here is a quick fix to brighten your mood…

    

     

1.    Have a Happy Meal (no not McDonald’s … well okay, if you really want to and it makes you happy, go for it).

2.       Soak Away Your Blues

3.       Be good to yourself and Take an Extra Break

4.       Make a date with a friend

5.       Lift Your spirits by going out dancing.  Very therapeutic!

6.       Sniff a nostalgic scent

Cold water fish, such as salmon, trout, tuna, herring, mackerel & sardines are loaded with mood lifting omega 3 fatty acids.  Aim for 9 oz of those fish a week or 2,000 mg of a fish oil supplement daily.

Chronic stress has long been shown to fuel depression, so it’s no surprise. Harvard discovered that when negative emotions, such as sadness or anxiety strike, just taking a nice long hot bubble bath can help.

Women who drink 3 cups of coffee daily are 42% less likely to feel blue.  Caffeine ups your brain’s production of mood lifting dopamine.  (I was soooo happy when I read that one!!!)

Although you probably don’t really feel like getting up, getting dressed and getting out … as many as 72% of melancholy women feel less sad within 1 month if they simply spend an hour or two each week with a supportive friend or better yet, call on the craziest friend you know.  Laughter is always the best medicine!

Just 2 weeks of Tango or 2 Stepping Lessons significantly improves the mood of some who feel depressed.  Physical activity ups the release of “happy” hormones for up to 5 hours.

Ever catch a whiff of a scent that triggers a pleasant memory of your childhood?  Such an aroma, like baking cookies,  playdoh or your mom’s perfume?  … according to a recent study, pleasant aromas are a proven way to lift your spirits instantly.  There all kinds of oils available out there that you can disfuse at home to keep the blues at bay!

Are you missing out on this important supplement?

Raise Your “Master Hormone” With Zinc

Did You Know….that supplementing with zinc can boost thyroid levels so that you no longer suffer from weight problems, sexual dysfunction and low-to-no energy?

Fifty-nine million Americans suffer from some form of thyroid dysfunction. Symptoms include unexplained weight gain, an increased risk of obesity, depression, anxiety, hair loss, lagging libido, infertility and decreased energy.

It is imperative that abnormal levels of thyroid hormones be stabilized so that thyroid-related health conditions do not become chronic, incurable problems.   Supplementing with zinc is a safe and natural way to boost thyroid levels and help your form of thyroid dysfunction.

The Master Hormone

Dr. Oz refers to the thyroid as the “Master Hormone” because it controls virtually everything in the body. This 2-inch, butterfly-shaped hormone is located in the front of your neck beneath your voice box.

Small, but mighty, the thyroid regulates metabolism, calcium balance and the reproductive system…and promotes the use of oxygen and the production of protein.

A properly functioning thyroid owes it all to zinc. It starts with the hypothalamus—the part of the brain that produces hormones that control weight and body temperature among many other bodily processes.

The hypothalamus releases what’s called the TRH hypothalamus hormone (a hormone that requires zinc). The TRH hormone stimulates the pituitary gland to secrete the thyroid-stimulating hormone TSH. Once the thyroid gets the go ahead from TSH, it releases the hormones T3 and T4, which control a multitude of bodily functions.

Without zinc to trigger the release of TRH, the thyroid remains sluggish, resulting in an under-active thyroid and a condition known has hypothyroidism. When zinc levels are too high, the thyroid becomes over-active, resulting in hyperthyroidism. The key is to keep those zinc levels in check.

Zinc: An Essential Trace Mineral

After iron, zinc is the most crucial trace mineral in the body. It strengthens the immune system, accelerates wound healing, prevents blood clotting, and regulates reproduction, growth and sense of smell.

Unfortunately, as we age, zinc deficiency and subsequent thyroid dysfunction conditions tend to flare up. Watch out for the following signs that your zinc levels are low:

Slow wound healing

Reduced appetite

Unexplained weight loss

White spots on nails

Supplementing Safely with Zinc

****Supplementing with zinc does come with a word of caution:  Studies have indicated that increased zinc levels lead to a drop in serum ferritin concentrations—an indicator of low iron levels. It’s important to monitor your iron intake while supplementing with zinc.

Too much zinc has also been linked to copper deficiency—a condition that leads to health issues such as too much T4 hormone in the blood stream, which then activates an over-stimulated thyroid.

Always consult a healthcare practitioner before adding zinc to your supplement regimen.

The recommended dose is typically 30-50 mg of zinc per day. Keep in mind that supplementing with zinc is not a quick fix, especially if you currently have a compromised immune system. If after a few months symptoms aren’t improving, consult your doctor.

Thyroid Imbalance ... Part 2

Top Ways to Treat Hypothyroidism Naturally

Getting the proper nutrition is the first and most important step in regulating your thyroid.  Your thyroid relies on food for fuel. Masking the symptoms of hypothyroidism with prescriptions and supplements will do more harm than good over time.

Eating processed foods containing white flour and sugar stimulate inflammation and can weaken your already sluggish thyroid. Here are a few quick tips on how to fuel up for thyroid health.

Lower your intake of caffeine, white flour products and sugar – Your morning latte and bagel may taste delicious, but this unhealthy  combination will only aggravate fatigue and further damage your impaired thyroid.

Increase omega-3 fatty acids to produce and transport hormones.  Without omega-3s, cell growth suffers.  Adding olive oil, nuts, avocados, flax seeds, fish and coconut oil to your diet stimulates new cell growth and improves thyroid function.

Carefully monitor goitrogenic foods that can impair thyroid function such as broccoli, spinach, peanuts, cabbage and kale. These foods should be consumed in moderation unless they are cooked.  Exposing these foods to high heat nullifies the goitrogenic properties.

Your body needs protein to transport hormones.  Your thyroid uses the proteins found in grass-fed meats, eggs and legumes to distribute those hormones efficiently.

Supplement with probiotic yogurt or fermented foods for longer-lasting energy and a healthy gut.

Your thyroid is very sensitive to stress hormones so now is the time to start reducing stress.  Look at your daily activities and determine how you can find time to relax. It will help improve thyroid function.

Avoid x-rays whenever possible – simply ask for a neck collar to protect your fragile “butterfly.”

Foods with high concentrations of selenium and iodine can be particularly beneficial.  Seaweed, blackstrap molasses, navy beans, cranberries, and Himalayan salt are all rich sources of iodine.  To up your selenium intake, experts say you should try incorporating Brazil nuts, shitake mushrooms, and chia seeds into your diet.

Looking at Your Health as a Whole and making dietary changes alone may not completely resolve thyroid issues.  Vitamin deficiencies may be a factor, as well.  If you’re low in vitamin B12… vitamin A… or vitamin D, your thyroid will slow its production of hormones.  A deficiency in vitamin A can cause an especially rapid decrease in hormone levels.  Even if you’re emphasizing natural, whole-food sources of these vitamins, you may find you need to introduce vitamin supplements as well.

It is imperative that abnormal levels of thyroid hormones be stabilized so that thyroid-related health conditions do not become chronic, incurable problems … Supplementing with zinc is a safe and natural way to boost thyroid levels and help your thyroid dysfunction.

Another factor to consider is that your thyroid may be responding to an overgrowth of gut bacteria… the presence of heavy metals in your body… or toxins in the bloodstream.  In these cases, you will need to detoxify your body to restore thyroid function to its optimal level.

Remember, no part of your body stands alone. An issue in one area can send ripples through the entire system.  Women are seven times more likely to experience thyroid dysfunction than men are – and their risk increases with menopause and after age 60.

Changing your nutrition to naturally treat hypothyroidism naturally will benefit far more than your little gland with a big job to do.

If you are suffering from an THYROID IMBALANCE or some form of DYSFUNCTION … BIOFEEDBACK is the perfect modality to seek out to help balance your body again!

What you need to know about Thyroid Imbalance Part 1

Did You Know… a thyroid imbalance can affect your entire body?

The thyroid has been referred to as the “Master Hormone” because it controls virtually everything in the body.  Although it may be tiny … (it’s only two inches long and weighs less than an ounce) … you can’t let that mislead you.  From its location below your voice box, this butterfly-shaped gland sends out signals that affect every cell in your body.  Your thyroid can be likened to an airport control tower for your body.  Because thyroid function impacts your entire body, it can be difficult to diagnose when it starts to go awry.

The two main functions of the thyroid are to metabolize calories into energy and to manage the production of hormones that oxygenate your cells.  Each cell in your body contains receptors for thyroid hormones, so if production slows down or speeds up, the consequences can be wide-ranging.

Small, but mighty, the thyroid regulates metabolism, calcium balance and the reproductive system…and promotes the use of oxygen and the production of protein.

It starts with the hypothalamus—the part of the brain that produces hormones that control weight and body temperature among many other bodily processes.

The hypothalamus releases what’s called the TRH hypothalamus hormone (a hormone that requires zinc). The TRH hormone stimulates the pituitary gland to secrete the thyroid-stimulating hormone TSH. Once the thyroid gets the go ahead from TSH, it releases the hormones T3 and T4, which control a multitude of bodily functions.

Hypothyroidism is often times diagnosed incorrectly due to the fact that the symptoms are vague and varied. Misdiagnosis is common and doctors may treat only the symptoms of hypothyroidism and not the source.

Most Common Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

Chronic fatigue

Chronic pain – especially in the joints and muscles

Intolerance to cold – such as cold hands and feet

Dry skin and dry, thinning hair

Irregular menstruation and infertility

Constipation

Unexplained weight gain or puffiness

Depression or mood swings

High cholesterol

Memory loss

It is estimated that over 24 million people suffer from a dysfunctional thyroid – and more than half of these cases are undiagnosed or misdiagnosed.

Endocrinologists have discovered that the majority hypothyroidism sufferers have an autoimmune disorder that causes chronic inflammation called Hashimoto’s disease.  Hashimoto’s occurs when your immune system begins to attack your thyroid.  This disease accounts for a shocking 90% of thyroid dysfunction in patients.

24 Hour Chinese Medicine Clock

This is just a little bit more for fun ...
This post tells the times associated with each organ.  See if it matches up with any of your issues...
for example:  Are you constantly waking up each night at 3:30 a.m.?  What is that in relevance to?

Associated symptoms using the 24 hour Chinese Clock:

Bladder (B) 3-5 p m.  Bladder problems, headache, eye diseases, neck and back problems, pain along the back of the leg

Circulation (C) 7-9p.m.  Poor circulation, angina, palpitation, diseases of the sexual glands and organs, irritability, pain along the course of the meridian

Conception - Diseases of the urogenital system, hernia, cough, breathing difficulties, breast problems

Gall bladder (G) 11 p.m.-I a.m.  Gall bladder problems, ear diseases, migraine, hip problems, dizziness, pain along the meridian

Gland Meridian (Gd) 9-11 p.m. (Triple Warmer)  diseases of the thyroid and adrenal glands, ear problems, sore throat, abdominal distension, oedema, swelling of cheek, pain along the meridian

Governing Meridian (Gv)  Spinal problems, mental disorders, fever, nose problems, headaches

Heart (H) 11 a.m.-1 p.m.  Heart problems, dryness of the throat, jaundice, pain along the course of the meridian

Kidney (K) 5-7 p.m.  kidney problems, lung problems, dry tongue, lumbago, oedema, constipation, diarrhoea, pain and weakness along the course of the meridian

Large Intestine (Li) 5-7 a.m.  abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhoea, sore throat, toothache in the lower gum, nasal discharge and bleeding, pain along the course of the meridian

Liver (Lv) 1-3 a.m.  liver problems, lumbago, vomiting, hernia, urination problems, pain in the lower abdomen and along the course of the meridian

Lung (L) 3-5 a.m.  respiratory diseases, sore throat, cough, common cold, pain in the shoulder and along the meridian

Small Intestine (Si) 1-3 p.m.  pain in the lower abdomen, sore throat, swelling or paralysis of face, deafness, pain along the meridian

Spleen (Sp) 9-11 a.m.  problems of the spleen and pancreas, abdominal distension, jaundice, general weakness and sluggishness, tongue problems, vomiting, pain and swellings along the course of the meridian

Stomach (S) 7-9 a.m. stomach problems, abdominal pain, distension, edema, vomiting, sore throat, facial paralysis, upper gum toothache, nose bleeding, pain along the meridian

The Importance of EMOTIONS

Emotions can really reek havoc in our lives at time, but they are really like our personal guide.  We may want to hide from them at times, but we should in face usethem to our advantage.  We should listen to what our emotions are trying to tell us and be open to them.  They can lead us to great insight.  Everyone our our experiences in life has an emotional component.  Whenever possible, try to check in with your emotions and ask yourself  'how do I feel?"  This can help us express our emotions and quite possibly keep us out of that dreaded "over reacting" consequence because we actually took the time to stop and check in with our emotions.  This small and easy check-in will allow our emotions to move through us ... as they are meant to do, instead of our emotions holdling us back or keeping us prisoner.

Our emotions come from the deeper part of our consciousness.  Our consciousness or logical mind can be helpful as it allows us to evaluate the pros and cons of a situation, but it can also cause us to become indecisive.  Sometimes, it can get in the way of our intelligence.  It can be helpful to ask ourselves why we feel a certain way.  And that "certain way" is usually because of a past situation! But if we allow ourselves to check-in and ask our subconscious mind or our heart which may then allow us to see or feel more clearly and not let our old baggage get in the way.

Our emotions are really not something to be feared.  They can help us connect with our higher selves, they can help us dream for the future, and they can let us know if we're on track with our desires. Our emotions are more reliable than our thinking, logical mind actually. It's important to remember that we cannot be our emotions if we become aware of our emotions. Just like we are not our behaviors when we overreact!  Our behaviors are more just a way in which we act or live in any moment when we may not have the answer we need at that moment.

We are consciously aware of our emotions even if we don't realize.  Face it, it's not usually something we sit and ponder over until we are forced into a situation where we let the emotions rule us.  We can trust our emotions (really!!!), to bring us to our true self or to that which we desire.  Sometimes though, we're unable to do this.  Sometimes life becomes uncomfortable or dramatic.  But we don't have to let our emotions interfere and cause us even more uncomfort and more drama.  The tendency then can be to push our emotions down or to deny them.  They can then become stuck in our body which can lead to illness and disease.  So ...you see... it's very important to adopt this ask yourself from within and do the check in.  Release what you are feeling but in a more positive way.  When life becomes uncomfortable or dramatic, try to take a practical approach.  You might remove yourself from the situation.  You might do something to calm, nurture or support yourself like going for a walk, meditating, soak in a tub, get a massage, listen to some music, do your favorite craft .... or anything that helps you to relax and unwind... But don't let yourself be stuck ... release them any way you can.  You are not your emotions and you are not the behaviors.
And if you need help getting in touch and releasing some of that old baggage that keeps popping up and adding to your drama .... you can always call me ...!!!!