Yearly Archives: 2021

Behind the Walls of the Mind – A patient story of Complementary health support.

Therapist note  – In the light of mental health week, I thought I would share this heartfelt open patient story, looking at the possibilities of supportive complementary care for mental health issues.

Story

An issue of great complexity lurks behind your mind, one that is under study all the time. There are all kinds of people in this world, including those struggling with mental health, people of so-called “normal mind”, geniuses, and so forth. The mind has a nasty habit of taking us by surprise, letting us down, preventing us from achieving our goals, etc.

It may seem that whenever there is a battle with self and the brain there is no winning ticket. The truth is the mind holds the key to all areas of your body, but the central nervous system is the channel to the brain. Most of the time, when the brain is affected, it is a direct result of the central nervous system and spinal column. If the spinal column is injured or out of alignment, then the nervous system will be affected, which works its way to the brain. Trouble starts once the brain is hit, and often does not end until the source of the problem is found.

Thousands of individuals suffer from head injuries, neurological disorders, cognitive disorders, mental health issues and other diseases. As time goes by, the problems intensify.

I discovered in some research, studies, case studies, and so forth, that people who visited Naturopaths and Functional Medicine Doctors as well as neurophysiologists tended to have better health than those who did not. In many cases, a patient’s condition improves when their doctor focuses on their spine, which is in direct contact with their brain.

Scientists are often looking for ways to understand the causes of mental illness, disease, and physical disabilities. It’s common for them to run in every direction, but sometimes the answer is right in front of them.

Everybody has an opinion, a theory, and a guess, and many ignore the voices that call out with expertise and experience.

Naturopathic Doctors and Functional Medicine Doctors have sometimes faced some controversy regarding their services.

Despite the widespread belief that chiropractors only work with the body, experts realise that they are constantly dealing with the mind as well.

Let’s look at ADHD/ADD patients. Most of the time, symptoms of this diagnosis are caused by a part of the nervous system, spine, or brain. Most mental health professionals prescribe patients drugs, which only treat the symptoms, and are often causing other problems such as psychosis and schizophrenia.

Imagine if the MIND were treated without drugs, and natural herbs and spinal techniques were used. In the first place, there would be no or very few schizophrenia and psychosis patients.

Let’s take a look at Bipolar Disorder.

Chemical imbalances inevitably cause patients to suffer, so mental health professionals usually treat them with antidepressants, which may cause strokes, heart problems, early-onset changes in life and so forth.

What would happen if a specialist who knows the spine, nervous system, and brain treated the patient?  In my personal experience, I know a woman with Bipolar disorder who has sought Naturopathic Care and is doing well overall, with the exception of her bad habits which she has exhibited for more than 20 years.

However, I know another bipolar patient who had no Naturopathic Care, and she is the kind of person you may want to avoid if you can. She called me 18 times per day, threatened to commit suicide, and drove me absolutely nuts.

I am still in recovery.

I visited a psychologist, psychiatrist, therapist, and doctor complaining of mental health symptoms.

As a result of  Naturopathic treatments, I have seen symptoms decrease and better coping.

In no way am I promoting anything, but to understand the mind you must consider the spine, the central nervous system, the brain, and many other factors.

Often, the first thing you hear from counselors is a diagnosis; this can be a bad situation, as many play against your life to find an answer.

It is not uncommon for professionals to change diagnoses once they see their diagnosis is off. Sadly, this cycle goes on and on, putting the patient at great risk.

Now as I have said I am a past sufferer of mental health and all I can say is, maybe it would be nice if we considered other alternative, safer, therapies before just jumping into the medicines and preconceptions of others. I would like to think that we all have freedom to choose. I am happy to say that today I am of happy and healthy body and mind and just wished to share my story in the hope it may help someone out there, anyone out there. If it helps but one person then it was worth to tell the story.

Therapist note – I think this is a very honest and heartfelt declaration and maybe it will or won’t help another person struggling with mental health to look at various options, whether that be conventional, allopathic ones or alternative, complementary, integrative, functional, naturopathic etc.

Either way mental health must not be overlooked, and I am sure if therapies are deemed safe then having options and extra support systems can only be good, and certainly seeing and hearing where people have successfully recovered from alternative therapies, in this case with the support of chiropractic treatment then that is truly heartwarming.

What is Reiki?

Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It can be used for self-healing or as an alternative medical treatment. Reiki is said to soothe both the body and mind.

Reiki is a holistic healing therapy that was developed over the course of more than two hundred years by Mikao Usui. Reiki can be used to heal many different types of ailments, such as emotional, physical and spiritual ailments.  With long-term sessions, people may experience lasting relief from chronic pain, stress, depression, and anxiety.

What is the goal and how is it carried out?

The goal of reiki is to align the person’s energy with his or her higher self in order to achieve complete balance. This process removes any blockages that are preventing this healthy flow of energy.

Reiki healing is done through the use of hands-on treatments, meaning that it does not require any needling or invasive techniques. It is also possible to deliver it by distance healing.

It can be delivered in person, by phone, or through the internet. Although it is a form of energy healing that originated in Japan it has spread worldwide. Practitioners believe that this energy may be channeled into people’s aura to promote self-healing from injury and disease. Reiki practitioners use their hands or sometimes their whole body to channel the life-giving energy to heal another person, either through physical contact or at a distance, even if they are not present at the time.

What does reiki mean?

The word “reiki” is made up of two words ‘’rei’’ meaning Gods wisdom or higher power and ‘’Ki’’ meaning life force energy. There for one could say it has an overall meaning of “universal life energy.” Reiki masters are thought to have the ability to channel this universal energy and transmit their life force through their hands into other people and objects around them in order to heal them.

Reiki Symbols

Symbols are used in reiki to invoke the desired energies. Symbols can be drawn on the body with a stick of incense, or they can be projected onto a person or an object.

When we create symbols with our hands in reiki sessions, it creates an energetic circuit which is then sent to the recipient for healing. Symbols are objects, characters, words, or pictures that represent something abstract. They are often created by drawing a shape in the air with our hands and represent spiritual ideas like peace and love.

The symbols in Reiki are not words. They are drawn images that represent universal life force energy. The symbols in reiki were developed by Mikao Usui, a Buddhist monk who believed that the symbols could help to heal others and themselves.

Cho Ku Rei is one of the most known reiki symbols, but the words Cho Ku Rei carry an interesting mix of meanings and beliefs, for example: it is a Japanese term meaning to write quickly. It was first identified by the author of the book “Writing with speed: how to be productive in less time” (2006), who noted that the velocity of writing increases with practice and can be increased even further through a series of mental routines.

Cho Ku Rei is not about how many words one writes every minute; rather, it focuses on how many finished words one writes in a specific time period.

Cho Ku Rei is also the Japanese belief that a person’s spirit leaves their body when they sleep and wanders off to various places. It’s believed that the spirit of someone who died will return to visit their home or may stay with family members.

Japan is one of the few countries in which it is still socially acceptable to wear white after a death. Cho Ku Rei, or “death attire,” is seen as an extension of deep respect for the deceased.

This custom has its roots in ancient Japanese culture, and it came from the Buddhist tradition that encouraged individuals to wear white clothing after death. The Buddhist tradition started to spread throughout Japan, with people from different sects all following this trend. Eventually, it became a tradition that helped with mourning and grieving when a family member dies. Mourning rituals have been followed in Japan for centuries and Cho Ku Rei has been an important part of this ritual since its inception.

Cho Ku Rei, in Usui Reiki meaning “source of light,” is a power symbol that has been used since the days when reiki was first brought to the West.

It is a systematic procedure with many steps, and it has been designed to bring about specific results. The practitioner can use it for self-development or for healing others in various situations.

Other symbols are:

Sei He Ki – The harmony symbol – for when you are in need of purification and need balance and harmony to be restored.

Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen – The distance symbol – it means having no present past or future and therefore transcends time and space.

Who can benefit from reiki?

Reiki can be beneficial for everyone who is willing to try and experience it. But does this mean that it is a good idea for every member of the family to get a session from a reiki healer?

Reiki practitioners believe that the benefits of reiki are not limited to their patients. As such, they recommend that any person in the family gets at least one session with them. This way, they can maintain their mental and physical health as well.

Whilst it may not be the choice of healing for everyone, it is for someone who wants to deeply heal. Its gentle, non-invasive and very relaxing.

Who can train in reiki?

It is a technique that has been passed down through generations. The power of Reiki comes from an energy field or life force, which people can tap into and direct with their thoughts.

Anyone can use reiki for beneficial purposes – it does not require any complex training to get started and anyone can learn how to do it themselves with guidance from someone who already knows how, such as a reiki master.

Reiki can be used by anyone who is willing to learn. It can provide a sense of peace and a feeling of being cared for. Reiki healing can be done on ones self as well as others. A person must be “attuned” to the reiki healing energy modality to be able to work on themselves as well as others.

Reiki is becoming increasingly popular in the workplace. There are companies that offer Reiki as an employee benefit in order to help their employees feel cared for.

So, if you are looking for a new healing modality, this one is worth exploring to clear your energy which can lead to stress and disease process.

Disclaimer Note: It’s important to note though, that just because something is natural does not mean zero risk. While many natural therapies are very low risk there still may be complications, contraindications and contra-actions.

The internet is full of information on how you can cure yourself with natural remedies, therapies, fitness equipment and more, but we recommend that you seek out a Qualified Natural Practitioner, Reiki or Energy medicine expert and always consult a Naturopathic Doctor before trying any new things. Never stop taking any prescribed medication without speaking to your health practitioner first.

Thankyou – This article is for entertainment and informational purposes only.

As we all know, aromatherapy has been around for centuries and is a commonly used therapy for many, especially women.

However, it is less likely that you will find the words man and aromatherapy in the same sentence. It is rather funny that, as I myself as an Aromatherapist do treat a lot of men and they love it! and I just thought a lot about this and realized that despite my male clients, it is still promoted very much towards women or as a more feminine therapy.

Having said that, if you ask most guys what they know of Aromatherapy, you may well still receive a rather vacant stare in return as they draw blanks as to what you are even talking about. Those who have already experienced it though will speak proudly of how it helps and I have had many friends of friends come through my male client’s recommendations.

The truth is that Aromatherapy has many properties that will benefit men in today’s society. In the modern world, men must deal with different types of stress than they did in hunter-gatherer tribal times.  This isn’t to say, however, that the amount of stress is not the same, it’s just a different type. The way I see it, the stress in our present-day is more of a mental fight. I am able to reflect on numerous major benefits but below I am going to let you in on male client’s comments and experiences and the major benefits that have taken place in their lives as a result of Aromatherapy. (with their permission of course).

Within the scope of this article, we will explore how Aromatherapy benefits men in modern society.

If there are any of you who do not know what Aromatherapy really is, it might be a good idea to start at the beginning and especially if you are a male reader wanting to find out how this can help you. I welcome you.

As it turns out, modern Aromatherapy was actually identified by a Frenchman named Rene Maurice Gattefosse in the 1920s. So, ladies we must be thankful to our lovely male counterpart for that. I know I am:)

Since Mr. Gattefosse was prone to burns in his lab, due to his own personal experience, he became somewhat of an expert on burns. During a fright, Mr. Gattefosse accidentally set his arm on fire and doused the fire with lavender oil.

As a result, Gattefosse reported immediate pain relief and an incredibly rapid recovery process with minimal scarring. Comparing his recent burns to the previous ones, he knew he had discovered something. As a result of the incident, Gattefosse dedicated himself to the study of Aromatherapy. Lavender has many healing properties.

So there you go guys, nothing to be intimidated about when it comes to men’s aromatherapy.

One client states ” It has been most helpful in coping with the high levels of stress in modern life that I have experienced in my life. Until I tried Basil Oil, I was at the worst of my depression. A smell of Basil Oil is necessary to fully understand its properties. Basil oil gives me a fresh feeling at the end of the day. I have more quality time with my children and strangely I am able to let go of the stress I have had during the day. As a result, I am able to think clearly about positive aspects of life and bring myself to a pleasant place. Lemon oil has also worked for me, but I prefer Basil oil. You might want to give both a try”.

Amazing eh?  When thinking about Aromatherapy for men think about how it can help during sickness. Let’s face it most men turn to kittens when a cold strikes. As a client once stated to me, ”Aromatherapy can restore you to the ‘testosterone-injected beefcake’  you once felt you were”. Ok, so I smiled, but if it works for them, who am I to say otherwise. I think it’s amazing.

Here’s another client. He states

”Let me introduce you to my two new friends, Eucalyptus oil and mint. If I’m suffering from a cold or flu, this little combo is a real knockout. I suggested to my mates that they try it out the next time they get sick.  Also, another amazing essential oil I found is Yarrow oil it can also get rid of most cold and flu symptoms. It is obvious that this will only treat the symptoms, not the cause, but once you are feeling positive, it should be enough to keep you feeling positive”.

I know what you’re thinking, as a Naturopath, Aromatherapist,  I must have just the best male clients, and I taught them well:) Indeed I have:)

Let’s continue on.

Men can also benefit from aromatherapy in the case of skin burns. As we all know, guys are prone to getting, cuts, scrapes and burns. A nasty work-related scrape or burn on the leg can be a real downer for the weekend, especially when you had planned a footy match with your pals. There is nothing fun about getting burns on your skin, but luckily, as mentioned previously, lavender oil is a great way to relieve them.

And another such client stated.

”When I burnt my leg at work, I thought that was it and I couldn’t play soccer, but after a few days applying lavender, it was so much better, that I was able to go back the next weekend. It’s amazing stuff. – I carry it with me now at work.”

He also reported ”I also tried Bergamot for cold sores combined with Eucalyptus oil and it provides amazing relief. Thankyou”.

In the future, aromatherapy for men is more likely to be commonplace than it is today. My partner also uses various oils and diffuses them or uses them through inhalation or in massages. I know from personal experience that it has had a tremendous effect on my relationship at home after a stressful day. We are both calmer as a result.

Whenever he’s sick, he’s less miserable, and if by chance he gets minor damages when out working or playing sports, he’s covered there as well.

Overall, aromatherapy can be very beneficial to men. If you are having trouble overcoming stereotypes, keep in mind that it is making your life easier. When it comes to aromatherapy, there are a few risks, and you’ll need to become informed about the techniques involved to achieve your desired results.

But don’t be shy gents, let’s get you using aromatherapy and booking in your appointments to learn how this amazing and tried and tested therapy can help you, and you family.

Blessings

What is vibration therapy?

Vibration therapy is the use of vibration for therapeutic purposes. It can be used on a person, on a piece of equipment, or on an object.

There are many studies that have been conducted in order to understand the effects of sound and vibrations on human health. One thing that is clear is that sound and vibration therapy can be used to relieve pain, reduce discomfort, as well as increase relaxation and feelings of well-being.

Whole body vibration therapy

One particularly useful type of vibration therapy is whole-body vibration training. This is when someone lays down and vibrates their body to increase blood circulation and muscle strength. The vibrations also work to stimulate bone growth and improve nerve function. The vibration of sound waves has a substantial effect on our brain and nervous system.

Whole body vibration is also a technique that involves a person standing on a vibrating platform or being fitted with an inbuilt vibrating belt and/or vest. Vibration is transferred from the machine to the person’s tissues, which then stimulates muscle contractions in the legs and buttocks. This has been shown to reduce inflammation by increasing blood circulation, which then speeds up the healing process. Vibrations can be created with tuning forks, sound bowls, musical instruments and more.

How is it useful for general health?

In an article by the Harvard Medical School, they state that vibration therapy is used to “improve muscle and joint function, relieve pain, reduce swelling, and improve overall functioning” for those who have arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and other conditions.

Vibration therapy can help with chronic pain management. It can be used to help with neck pain that does not respond to more traditional treatments like physical therapy or chiropractic care. Vibration therapy is also one of the only treatments for plantar fasciitis. Though it’s unclear what impact vibration has on muscle tissue after contracting a virus or bacterial infection.

There are many different types of vibration therapy that are available to the public and all of them have their own benefits. Machines that provide this type of therapy to patients include vibrating platforms as well as handheld massagers which allow the patient to self-administer.

Contra indications

Vibration therapy is a technique that has been used for centuries and is still being used today. Whilst It helps to alleviate pain, increases blood flow, relaxes muscles and improves bone density there are still some contraindications.

Some of the contraindications for vibration therapy are: if you have heart disease, ulcers, osteoporosis or cancer.

Benefits for Weight loss, Muscle gain, Improved strength.

The vibration therapy for weight loss is one of the most effective treatments in this field. The reason is that it activates the muscles and promotes better blood circulation leaving you healthier and stronger. There is some evidence that suggests it may also help with muscle gain. Those with experience of these machines often say the vibration makes them work the muscles harder so it also builds strength. This is done through the use of vibration plates and is helpful for those that are unable to formally exercise based on health reasons.

The vibration therapy for weight loss usually includes a set of exercises, like squats, push ups and crunches, which are done while you are on a vibrating platform. As a result, your muscles get activated and they start to contract which leads to better blood circulation.

This kind of treatment is also great because it promotes relaxation and reduces stress levels.

Conclusion: The vibration therapy for weight loss is an excellent way to lose weight with no known side effects.

Other benefits:

Lower Blood pressure

According to health line – A 2012 study examined the effect of arterial stiffness using vibration training. The participants performed exercises on the plate and at the end of 6 weeks they all had a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure.

Improved body composition

Couple with dieting and aerobic exercise a group lost more weight whilst using the vibrating plate than those who solely used diet and or exercise.

Vibration therapy in addition to the use of sound therapy has been gaining popularity over the last few years with singing bowl, sound bowl classes popping up all over the united states. The use of mantra and sound healing is not foreign to eastern cultures where they often use sound healing and vibration in prayers as well as meditations. Various organs are set to various frequencies and so the use of sound therapy and vibrations can be extremely healing for stress reduction. The use of vibration and sound can be very useful as a part of a persons healthcare regimen.

Disclaimer Note: It’s important to note though, that just because something is natural does not mean zero risk. While many vibration therapies are very low risk there still may be complications, contraindications and contra-actions.

The internet is full of information on how you can cure yourself with natural remedies, fitness equipment and more, but we recommend that you seek out a Qualified Natural Practitioner, fitness instructor, chiropractor, Osteopath or vibration plate expert and always consult a Naturopathic Doctor before trying any new things. Never stop taking any prescribed medication without speaking to your health practitioner first.

Thankyou – This article is for entertainment and informational purposes only.

The internet is full of information on how you can cure yourself with natural and alternative remedies, foods, oils herbs and more and the information has grown in line with the surge in natural medicine popularity.

Alternative health remedies definitely have benefits and while they are not a cure, they can always help support the body in certain situations. Understanding when and how to use these remedies requires expert training, skill, and precision in recommendations. 

Alternative medicines are treatments that are considered to be an alternative approach and /or a complementary support to traditional Western medicine or allopathic / conventional treatments, that include plants, oils, supplements, nutrition, mind and body works amongst others, from varying disciplines and cultures. They can be used to treat many different kinds of illnesses and diseases.

In the Western world, many alternative remedies are largely unregulated, and their efficacy is not always established by scientific evidence.  Therefore, it’s important to fully research your therapy and practitioner to ensure you get the best help possible. Naturopathic Doctors often only use GMP certified supplements. These are pharmaceutical grade supplements that have been rigorously testing for containments as well as efficacy. Many nutraceutical companies test their products as well as finance their own studies to prove efficacy of the nutrients. 

There are many great societies helping to regulate and support these therapies and practitioners, and it is changing all the time which is a great thing to see.  There are literally thousands of therapies so do your research well or seek the advice of a Naturopathic Doctor who is often qualified in many disciplines to help you to choose your therapy or guide you to the appropriate therapist. Just because it is natural does not mean that it is healthy or recommended for you, especially with many diagnosis as well as medications in the system. 

You may have heard of herbal remedies, nutritional therapy, meditation, mindfulness, yoga, homeopathic treatments, acupuncture, acupressure, bachs remedies and other more common modalities but there are many thousands of others.  Some people use alternative healing modes as a way to combat the toxicity of modern life or to find peace with the body and mind.

Alternative health remedies for skin problems and hair.

Alternative health remedies are often said to be the newest trend in medicine, where in actual fact they have been around for many thousands of years in a lot of cases. With many people investing in those natural, organic remedies, we have to ask ourselves:

What can these remedies really do?

There are many claims about the benefits of alternative remedies and many reported benefits such as helping everything from skin problems and digestion problems through to circulation and hair growth.

The use of natural remedies is not new. The word “remedy” comes from the Latin “recuperāre,” which means “to make whole again.”

Alternative health remedies are not usually intended to cure major illnesses, such as cancer or diabetes but can be a support and benefit to the immune system and for overall wellbeing and mood. Alternative therapies can often be a complement to allopathic care and are not always recommended to replace these treatments. 

They are commonly called upon for milder problems, like skin infections or digestive issues and can sometimes be used in place of, but more commonly alongside, prescription medicine to support minor health concerns.

Let’s look at some remedies

Hair growth

There are a number of remedies that people can use to stimulate hair growth. These remedies range from natural home-grown methods to expensive treatments.

-Massage therapy, 

-Aloe Vera, 

-Coconut oil, 

-Ginseng, 

-Geranium oil, 

-Lemon, 

-Onion Juice, 

-Rosemary oil 

have all long been used to stimulate hair growth.

Skin

Natural remedies are an affordable way to solve problems. They can be found in the kitchen or even in the back garden. Some natural remedies for skin are apple cider vinegar, cucumber, and oatmeal masks. As well as aloe vera and rose oil.

Apple cider vinegar is a good remedy for dry skin because it has a pH of 4-5 which balances the skin’s natural pH level of 5-6. It is also rich in antioxidants such as polyphenols and flavonoids that help fight free radicals and prevent premature aging. 

Cucumbers have compounds called cucurbitacin’s that shrink blood vessels, thereby reducing inflammation on your face and improving circulation to your skin cells. 

Oatmeal is good for oily or acne-prone skin because it can soak up excess oil which help keep pores clean, but it is also antioxidant and anti-inflammatory and can also help to treat dry skin and remove dead skin cells. Oats contain saponins which are natural cleansers.

Go natural, its kinder.

Natural remedies are a kinder way to heal your skin because they don’t usually have any side effects and are made from organic materials that do not contain any chemicals. One of the most popular old natural remedies is honey, which has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.  Honey (with lemon juice and cinnamon powder)

If you are vegan there are others which carry similar healing properties.

– Coconut oil 

– Flaxseed Scrub

– Aloe Vera and Cucumber with Coconut oil 

– Apple cider vinegar mixed with water

– Blueberry face mask

– Coffee mask

– Banana face mask

  To name a few.

Always consult a doctor before trying natural herbs, oils, or  remedies

So you can see, there are many benefits to using natural remedies and these are just a tiny selection, so I urge you to do your research and try things out, above all, have fun. Natural medicine practitioners can work very happily and successfully alongside your primary care practitioner or Doctor and they very often do. So do not think it must be one or the other. In fact a good provider will see the benefit in all forms of care, and objectively educate you on the benefits versus risk of all treatment. 

Disclaimer Note: It’s important to note though, that just because something Is natural does not mean zero risk. While many are very low risk there still can be complications, contraindications and contra-actions. Please be mindful of interactions with various medications and drugs that you are currently take plus known contraindications for certain herbal remedies. 

The internet is full of information on how you can cure yourself with natural remedies, but we recommend that you seek out a Qualified Natural Healthcare Practitioner and always consult a Doctor before trying any new things. Never stop taking any prescribed medication without speaking to your healthcare practitioner first. If you would like to consider some alternative health remedies for your care, please schedule a consultation by clicking here: