Posts Tagged ‘anxiety’

We all have aspirations and goals. Whether it’s a New Year’s resolution list, a spiritual or religious holiday, a milestone birthday, or just plain ready for a change, those hopes are valid and genuine. But manifesting them is a whole other story.

Why? We usually set ourselves up for disappointment by making these dreams unrealistic, get too busy with life to follow through, we don’t believe we can achieve them, or we don’t or can’t make the commitment it can some times take to quit smoking, lose weight, or go back to school in our 40s. This year can be different.

4 Tips a Better You

1- List five goals you hope to achieve. These goals can be health, relationship, finances or anything areas in your life you want to improve. Make sure you are realistic. Lose 50 pounds by February or have a best selling book in two months when you haven’t started writing, might be stretching it a bit.

2- Make a game plan for each goal. This plan should be daily, weekly, and monthly action steps. Stick to them. Cross them off your check list as you achieve them. Crossing items off is incredibly therapeutic!

3- List five to ten potential obstacles to manifesting all that you want. Be totally honest with yourself on this one. Are you ready to overcome these obstacles? Do you need a degree, more time, or a loan? Do you need to build your confidence before you take that first acting class?

4- Recruit a support team. Ask friends and family, make like-minded new friends, or join a support group to help you on the road to success. Everyone who can your cheerleader will aid in you in sustain you and keep you on track.

Let’s make 2014 your healthiest and happiest yet. Email me your success stories. And good luck!

Live natural. Live well.

Heather

Did you know that 40 million people will experience high levels of anxiety in the U.S. this year? Damn, that’s a lot of people. No wonder the number of people taking anti- anxiety medications has gone up 30% in the last 10 years. Do these medications really fix the underlying cause of anxiety? The answer for most people prescribed anti-anxiety meds is a resounding “No!” The primary symptoms are just masked for as long as you’re taking the medication. Not only is the problem still there, but the unresolved issues can make you physically ill as well.

Ask anyone who’s experienced it. Anxiety and panic attacks suck.

Causes of Panic Attacks

*Adrenal fatigue- cortisol disruption

 
*Food allergies

*Hormonal imbalances

*Caffeine

*Stress, especially post traumatic stress disorder

Luckily, Chinese medicine and nutrition are great for treating and healing why you have them in the first place. Who wants to go through life on edge or fearful all the time? Or afraid that you’re going to have a panic attack, causing more anxiety? Now you heal once and for all.

Foods to Reduce Anxiety

* Beets, radish, yams, cabbage
* Seaweed- Kelp, wakame, arame
* Blackberries, black beans, quinoa, mung beans

What ever your mood, you can fix it with food. Find out the cause of your emotional upset. Then dig in to these delicious treats to reduce anxiety, fear, and even panic attacks.

Live natural. Live well.

Heather

Have you been experiencing hot flashes or irregular periods? Worried about osteoporosis? Emotions running rampant? You might be at the beginning of menopause or peri-menopuase. Yes, there are many drugs out there that reduce menopause symptoms with some dangerous side effects. Why not eat the right foods to feel cooler and a little less crazy instead? Proper nutrition can reduce symptoms and keep you calm with out any of the worries of medication. In Chinese nutrition, each plant, nut, seed, or fruit has an energetic value to it. They can give you energy or help you to de-stress.

Here are some tips.

What to eat, when you’re feeling.….

Overwhelmed or afraid

Miso soup, adzuki beans, black beans, buckwheat, soba noodles, roots and greens, squash

Impatient

Barley, wheat, rye, lentils, white beans, spring greens, daikon radish

Worried or self-conscious

Millet, adzuki or garbanzo beans, sweet squash, root veggies

Depressed or sad

Brown rice, tempeh, lentils, roots and greens, miso soup, onion, scallions, ginger

Cooling foods to help with hot flashes and night sweats

Apples, bananas, pear, persimmon, cantaloupe, tomatoes, citrus, lettuce, radish, cucumber, celery, asparagus, Swiss chard, eggplant, spinach, summer squash, bok choy, broccoli, cauliflower, corn, zucchini, soy, mung beans/sprouts, alfalfa sprouts, millet, barley, amaranth, seaweed, spirulina, wheat grass, peppermint, lemon, cilantro, marjoram, molasses, oats, wild rice, black beans, parsnips, black sesame seeds, potatoes, kidney beans, blueberries, blackberries, and watermelon.

Sources of fluorine for building bones

Cabbage, avocados, black-eyed peas, seaweed, rice, rye, parsley, lemon grass, licorice, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, carrots, caraway seed, cauliflower, cucumber, dates, endive, turnip and beet greens, dandelion, sunflower seeds, garlic, spinach, tomatoes, green leafy vegetables, and almonds.

 
Feeling better about ‘the change’ now that you’ve read this? I hope so! You can take charge of your health and do it naturally. The transition into menopause can go smoothly.

Live natural. Live well.

Heather

So you’ve gotten the big C diagnosis. Now what? Whether you decide or not to go with Western treatments- surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation, Chinese medicine and nutrition should be a part of your healing plan.

Chinese medicine can help with any cancer related symptoms and side effects associated with chemotherapy and radiation, including: nausea/vomiting, burns, weakened immunity, stress, anxiety, detoxification, pain, bruising, hair loss, skin issues, hot flashes, fatigue, digestive issues, loss of appetite, and anemia.

You don’t have to take my word for it. Even the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has proven that acupuncture used on cancer patients improved their immune system response. Their studies also showed that acupuncture reduced pain levels in some cancer patients. Clinical trials performed all over the world have determined that acupuncture reduces nausea and vomiting caused by chemo and anesthesia.

What can you do?

Eat & Drink

* Immune boosting- astralgus root, probiotics, lemon, aloe vera, bell pepper, kiwi

* Nausea- ginger, mint, dry crackers, apples

* Calming- beets, radish, carrots, yams, melons

* Detoxifying- dandelion greens, cucumber, kale, beets, seaweed, tumeric, garlic

Avoid

* Sugar- cancer loves to feed on sugar.

* Dairy- casein, which is a milk protein, encourages tumor growth.

* Non- organic- pesticides and steroids cause and promote cancer.

* Toxins found in beauty and household cleaning products.

Most importantly, do what makes you happy. Find support from people who will keep you on track. All experts agree that having a positive outlook on your diagnosis and treatment is vital to recovery.

These tips are meant for prevention as well. Whether or not you’ve gotten diagnosed with cancer, you can use this opportunity to take charge of your health and even come back healthier than ever before.

Live natural. Live well.

Heather

Do you feel tired all the time? Do you get plenty of sleep and still don’t feel rested. Do you have difficulty focusing? You might be experiencing adrenal fatigue.

Your adrenals are two small glands that sit on top of your kidneys and give you energy. They regulate your stress response and secrete hormones, including aldosterone.

The adrenal glands can become fatigued for several reasons: Lack of quality sleep, stress, medications, alcohol and drug use, caffeine, and more.

Some adrenal fatigue symptoms

1. Chronic fatigue
3. Insomnia
4. Easily overwhelmed
5. Craving salty and/or sweet foods
6. Sensitivity to light
7. Difficulty concentrating
8. Poor digestion
9. Irritable bowel syndrome
10. Frequent Colds
11. PMS and Menopause
12. Low blood pressure
13. Sensitivity to cold
14. Allergies
15. Arthritis
16. Anxiety, Panic Attacks, and/or Depression
17. Low libido
18. Dark circles under the eyes

Does this sound like you? Chinese medicine and nutrition can help heal your adrenal glands. Some lifestyle changes are necessary as well. Find ways to reduce stress, get enough quality sleep, stay hydrated, reduce your coffee intake, and you’re on your way.

Live natural. Live well.

Heather

I don’t have to convince you that a healthy sex drive is a good thing. More and more studies are proving what the ancients have known for thousands of years: sex is good for your health. But in today’s hectic world, being “in the mood,” doesn’t always make the top of your to-do list. The result? A low libido.

Ancient Chinese medical texts describe in detail how important a healthy sex life is for general health and well-being. There are even descriptions of how often is healthy according to your age. There are many ways to improve sex drive and function, but the safest and most effective way is do it naturally through Traditional Chinese Medicine and Nutrition, along with essential oils.

You might be asking, “Why choose Chinese medicine over Western medicine?” For starters, acupuncture, herbs, proper nutrition, and essential oils have no side effects when used properly. Another added bonus is that certain herbs increase fertility and help with other health concerns while giving you that extra oomph.

Along with stress, poor lifestyle habits, and physical conditions (arteriosclerosis, high blood pressure, prostatitis, obesity, smoking, diabetes, and high cholesterol), a history of sexual trauma can lower your libido. Even seemingly mild occurrences can have an effect on your sex drive. Healing any issues around this type of trauma is key to sexual health. Chinese medicine along with therapy is the perfect combination to deal with such issues.

Scar tissue caused by surgery in the pelvic region can cause lack or insufficient flow of Qi and blood to the area and may cause impotence, low libido & infertility.

There are many Chinese herbs whose functions include: regulation of energy metabolism, promotion of sexual functions, removal of plaque and cholesterol, lowering of blood pressure, reduction of scar tissue, and regulation of the adrenal cortex.

How do essential oils work? Sense of smell, which is connected to olfactory nerves, works mostly on a subconscious level. Olfactory nerves are directly connected to the most primitive part of the brain, the limbic system. The limbic system deals with sex drive, hunger, and thirst. Certain smells mimic sexual olfactory signals. Thus, ‘turning you on.’

Play with them. You and your partner can put them on each other. If pregnant or trying to get pregnant or you have any hormonal imbalances, please consult a qualified professional as to safety of certain oils.

Oils to Use

* Increasing libido- jasmine, rose, sandalwood, myrrh, and frankincense, cinnamon, pepper, nutmeg, peppermint, sage and clary sage.

* Prostatitis- Thuja and thyme

* Sexual trauma- frankincense

* Anger/stress distracting you- lavender, ylang ylang, & bergamot

* Depression- rosemary & ylang ylang

* Love sick- chamomile

* Lavender is very calming and can relieve the feeling of pressure/anxiety with sexual performance. It reduces high blood pressure that can cause sexual dysfunction. Lavender also reduces scar tissue.

The good news is that a low libido is treatable without having to worry about the side effects or safety of most medications on the market. Whether or not you choose Chinese medicine to increase your sex drive, it is important to remember that achieving balance in your life is key to your health.

Live natural. Live well.

Heather

Stressed from planning your wedding? Trying to lose weight for your big day? Want to make your skin look more vibrant? I can help you accomplish all of the above.

Chinese medicine will help in several ways, namely: weight loss, increasing energy, calming stress and anxiety, boosting your immune system so you don’t get sick, and facial rejuvenation. I recommend that the initial consultation take place approximately three to six months (depending on individual goals) prior to your wedding. We will then establish a personalized treatment plan to set us on the road to accomplish what we need to accomplish before your big day.

On your actual wedding day, I offer acupuncture, massage, and aromatherapy to both you and your bridal party (should you so desire). This is the perfect way to get ready, de-stress, take a breath, relax and enjoy. And for the women sharing this special day with you, these treatments make a wonderful gift. The best part is, I come to you!

Live natural.  Live well.

Heather

Wouldn’t it be great to have a way to make your stressful work feel stress free? Wouldn’t it be great to feel relaxed and invigorated each and every day? Sounds impossible, right? Wrong!

Acupuncture, massage, herbs, proper diet, and exercise are all important in minimizing the effects of the pressure caused by life’s daily stresses. Headaches, sleepless nights, losing your temper, feeling tired, and tense muscles will all become a thing of the past.

The best part is that this is all done safely and naturally without any negative side effects. You’ll feel more energized, joyful and calm – all at the same time. Bring passion back in to your life. It’s time to feel the way you did when you were younger and had less responsibility.

Patient Testimonial:

“Before working with Heather, I used to be one of those guys who got pissed off at everyone and everything. People were actually afraid of me on tour. I can’t tell you how many fights I’d get into. The stress and exhaustion wore me out. I’m still not the nicest guy, but I take everything , or almost everything, in stride now.”
- Jack G., Singer

It’s a well-known fact that many people have a problem with some form of addiction. Whether it’s cigarettes, alcohol, drugs, food, caffeine, love, or sex, addiction doesn’t necessarily mean you’re unable to function or live a relatively manageable life. It can be an action or substance that is in any way negatively affecting your daily life and you find it virtually impossible to stop.

For many, life’s ups and downs are extremely painful and being “numb” is the easiest way out. For those in the performing arts, emotional sensitivity makes them fantastic performers but also causes a great deal of pain. And as previously noted, along with the pain comes the overwhelming desire to numb it.

Daily acupuncture is an effective way to ease the suffering of withdrawal and help with cravings. It also safely and effectively aids in dealing with the emotions that come up once sober.

My treatment protocol is best used in conjunction with therapy, 12 step programs, and the support of loved ones. I make the process less painful – both physically and emotionally – greatly increasing the chance of success. Make this really be your last bottom.

Imagine how much more deeply you’ll be able to connect with your family and friends… Imagine the sense of triumph and true happiness you’ll feel once sober…

Chinese medicine is also ideal for those already in recovery. The natural calming effect and emotional support is completely safe — no transference of dependency and no negative side effects.

Patient testimonials:

“I’ve tried getting sober off and on for almost 20 years. Since working with Heather, I haven’t gotten loaded in almost 3 years. A miracle.” – Jack G., Singer

“My problem was with food. I ate any time I was upset. I was about 100 pounds overweight when I first came to Doctor Heather. With regular treatments, herbs, practical nutrition, and exercise, I’ve been able to keep the pounds off for over a year. I no longer reach for a bag of cookies. I’ve never been more secure in myself and in the way I feel and look.” – Louisa M., Actress

Feeling stressed out lately? The holidays got you down? You might want to think about adding some vitamins and improving your diet. Some of you reading this might be thinking “I can just take a pill for my problems.” I hear a lot of my patients think that taking medication long term is completely safe.

Well guess again.

Side effects of anti depressants may include: abnormal dreams, impaired vision, anxiety, chest pain, chills, confusion, diarrhea, diminished sex drive, dizziness, dry mouth, gas, headache, hives, impotence, insomnia, itching, loss of appetite, nausea, nervousness, rash, seizures, fatigue, sore throat, sweating, vomiting, & muscle weakness

Simple ways to help cope

Chromium (broccoli, grapes, oranges, grains) Lessens depression, particularly in people who are also craving sugar. Chromium is a blood sugar stabilizer for all you sugar addicts out there. Take 300 mcg of chromium per day.

Folic acid (brown, red & wild rice, beans, oranges, dark greens) and B12 (sea vegetables, Brewer’s yeast, miso, fortified foods, salmon, eggs, milk) People with B deficiencies are more likely to have severe depression. Take 800 mcg of folic acid and 1 mg of B12 per day.

Magnesium (wheat and oat bran, brown rice, nuts, molasses) Supports brain function and helpful for mood disorders, including PMS and bipolar disorder. Take 300 mg of magnesium per day.

Omega-3 fatty acids (walnuts, flaxseed oil, hemp seeds, borage oil, primrose oil, oily fish,) Build healthy brain cell membranes and help facilitate neuron-to-neuron communication. Take a supplement that includes a total of 650 mg EPA and DHA daily.

Zinc (beans, nuts, oatmeal) Helps metabolize omega-3 fatty acids in the brain. Low zinc levels are often found in those suffering from postpartum depression. Take 25 mg zinc per day.

So, if you’re having a hard time, please use the above information to at least get started. I hope this information helps lift your spirits!

Live natural. Live well.

Heather