Tuesday 21 May 2013
Optimum health with Natural Therapies!: Are you feeling SAD this winter? Discover how you ...
Optimum health with Natural Therapies!: Are you feeling SAD this winter? Discover how you ...: Are you Sad in winter? During wet rainy days, grey skies and winter months, some people suffer from sym...
Are you feeling SAD this winter? Discover how you can change that
Are you Sad in winter?
During wet rainy days, grey skies and winter months, some people suffer from symptoms of depression that can appear gradually or come on suddenly. These symptoms often dissipate as spring arrives and stay in remission through the summer months unless heavy rains and grey skies are present. For some people, this is a sign that they suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
Symptoms:
Symptoms usually appear during the colder months of autumn and winter, when there is less exposure to sunlight during the day. Depression symptoms can be mild to moderate, but can be severe. Those who work long hours inside office buildings/factories with few windows may experience symptoms all year, and some individuals may note changes in mood during long stretches of cloudy weather irrespective of season. Symptoms and feelings can include, but are not limited to:
Ø fatigue
Ø lack of interest in normal activities
Ø social withdrawal
Ø craving foods high in carbohydrates
Ø weight gain
Ø not wanting to get out of bed or wake up
Ø depression with sometimes – suicidal feelings
Those with SAD may not
experience every symptom. For example,
energy level may be normal while carbohydrate craving may be extreme. Sometimes a symptom is opposite the norm,
such as weight loss as opposed to weight gain.
In a small number of cases, annual relapse occurs in the summer instead
of the autumn and winter, possibly in response to high heat and humidity. During this period, the depression is more
likely to be characterized by insomnia, decreased appetite, weight loss, and
agitation or anxiety.
How Does SAD Develop?
SAD has
been linked to a biochemical imbalance in the brain prompted by shorter
daylight hours and lack of sunlight.
Just as sunlight affects the seasonal activities of animals, SAD may be
an effect of this seasonal light variation in humans. As seasons change, people experience a shift
in their biological internal clock or circadian rhythm that can cause them to
be out of step with their daily schedule.
SAD sufferers
may be producing hormones (such as cortisol) and neurotransmitters that promote
wakefulness into the early hours of the morning and still produce sleep
inducing chemicals such as melatonin until midday. Hence you are not able to sleep until past
midnight and struggle to drag yourself out of bed until late morning.
Melatonin is a hormone whose main
function is to induce sleep by travelling through the bloodstream and
transmitting the sleep message to other body systems. In healthy individuals the secretion of
melatonin peaks in the middle of the night during your deepest sleep. At dawn, sunlight shining into the eye
triggers the pineal gland to switch off the production of melatonin, thus
removing the desire to sleep. Since
melatonin travels to all parts of the body in the blood, it has far-reaching
effects, as all hormones do. During the
hours of darkness and sleep, melatonin influences the secretion of hormones
from the pituitary gland, often referred to as the "master gland" of
the endocrine system. The pituitary then
reduces hormone production from other endocrine glands such as the thyroid and
adrenals. These glands produce vital hormones
such as thyroid hormone, cortisol, and adrenaline, which
control metabolism and motivate us to action during our waking hours.
Researchers have proved that bright light makes a
difference to the brain chemistry.
Evidence suggests that the farther someone lives from the equator, the
more likely they are to develop SAD. The
most difficult months for SAD sufferers seem to be June to August, or in
northern hemisphere December to February.
SAD may begin at any age, but usually between 18 and 30 years. Women are eight
times more likely to suffer from SAD than men.
The prevalence of SAD increases until the mid 50’s then declines, often
considerably lower at age 65 and over.
Another
major theory explaining SAD involves disruption to the way the neurotransmitter
serotonin works. Serotonin is an
extremely important chemical messenger in the brain and its function has a
major impact on mood. Low serotonin
function can result in a type of depression characterized by symptoms such as
feelings of sadness, worthlessness, guilt, and suicidal thoughts. Serotonin levels vary significantly in normal
humans across seasons with lowest levels in winter months. Research indicated high daytime levels of
melatonin in SAD patients, and found that serotonin levels of everybody tested,
even healthy volunteers, were lower in winter than in summer. Receptors on brain cells that are stimulated
by serotonin are not functioning correctly, resulting in abnormal
neuroendocrine responses and the symptoms experienced in SAD.
Serotonin
is actually converted into melatonin.
This happens as light levels fall in the evening and the pineal gland
signals for melatonin production to increase.
Serotonin and melatonin are opposing, with serotonin stimulating us
during the daytime and melatonin inducing sleep at night. In SAD, melatonin levels are higher than
normal during the day, so sufferers experience sleepiness and other melatonin
induced effects, and are prone to serotonin deficiency symptoms such as
negative emotional states.
It
is important for your doctor to rule out a diagnosis of clinical depression or
manic-depression, which can also have predictable cycles throughout the
year. Most people with SAD have unipolar
depression, but as many as 20% may have or go on to develop a bipolar or
manic-depressive disorder. Manic or hypo
manic episodes can also occur in the spring and summer. It is important to discriminate the improved
mood associated with recovery from the winter depression and a manic episode
because there are important treatment differences.
Conventional
treatments:
Increased exposure to sunlight can improve
symptoms of SAD. Such as a long walk
outside or arranging your home or office close to a window during the day. If depressive symptoms are severe enough to
significantly affect your daily living, light therapy (phototherapy) has proven
an effective treatment option. Bright
light makes a difference to the brain chemistry ideally exposure of 30 to 90
minutes a day during winter/overcast days.SAD can be misdiagnosed as hypothyroidism, hypoglycaemia, infectious mononucleosis, and other viral infections, so correct evaluation is necessary. SAD may be confused with more serious conditions such as severe depression/bipolar disorder.
If you feel the depression is severe or if you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, consult a doctor immediately regarding treatment options or seek help at the closest emergency room. A mental health professional can diagnose the symptoms and suggest therapy options. With the right course of treatment, SAD can be a manageable condition.
How natural therapies can help:
I recommend seeing a qualified naturopath
and obtaining a full blood test of minerals, hormones and most importantly
melatonin, tryptophan and serotonin.
Recently 3 doctors advised me that the latter 2 tests are rarely if
ever requested. When I queried why they
said they could not see a valid reason for such a test and that anti
depressants were usually prescribed.
Absorption of B6 & B3 is important.
So it is probably best not to self prescribe but to see a practitioner
who can help you.
Serotonin is produced from the amino acid tryptophan. Unfortunately, if a gut dysbiosis is present,
the unfriendly microorganisms such as bacteria and yeast can get hold of the
tryptophan before we have time to absorb it through our intestines. Without sufficient supply of tryptophan,
susceptible individuals are likely to become deficient in serotonin, with the
result being various forms of depression, including SAD.
A few factors contributing to cause are:
Ø Dietary
Ø Malabsorption of
specific amino acids and nutrients
Ø Stress and
lifestyle factors
Ø Genetic potential
Lyn Craven is a Practitioner of Naturopathy, Bowen
Therapy, Energy/Reiki Therapist, Meditation Teacher, and a Corporate Health
Presenter/Consultant. Lyn is a health
researcher/writer of various topics for Health magazines and has produced a
meditation CD assisting people manage stress. This CD is available on line – 2 minute
sound sample is on the website. She runs a private practice in Sydney and
conducts workshops in Sydney & Sunshine Coast. She can be contacted on 0403 231 804 lyncraven@bigpond.com Website:
www.lyncravencorporatehealth-naturopath.com
Optimum health with Natural Therapies!: Benefits of Meditation for Stress and Optimum Heal...
Optimum health with Natural Therapies!: Benefits of Meditation for Stress and Optimum Heal...: Benefits of Meditation for Stress release from your life! How can meditation benefit me, you may ask? Meditation is o...
Optimum health with Natural Therapies!: Polarity Therapy - how it can help you
Optimum health with Natural Therapies!: Polarity Therapy - how it can help you: Polarity Therapy and how you can benefit from a treatment Polarity therapy heals by activating the Universal Life Force Energy, a...
Polarity Therapy - how it can help you
Polarity Therapy and how you can benefit from a treatment
Polarity therapy heals by activating the Universal Life Force Energy, also known as Ki Force, and Qi/Pranic Energy, which balances the natural life force energy fields that sustain the human body. If your energy becomes blocked within the body – it results in pain, tension, stress.
Polarity is another form of hands on healing which incorporates gentle rocking movements of the body and occasional rotation and stretching of legs to release constriction and tension. When hands are placed on positive and negative points on the body this activates an energy current between these 2 points, assisting in balancing and recharging the body as the energy flows. This treatment is deeply relaxing yet revitalising and is a powerful healing technique. When we are in a relaxed state our body’s innate intelligence will automatically correct any temporary imbalances. Disease simply means a state of dis-harmony where the energy flow is not able to return to its origin.
On a physical level, Polarity Therapy is used to treat numerous back problems, including rotating and tilting pelvis, short leg syndrome, tennis shoulder and more. Polarity therapy can increase your physical energy, relieve fatigue, stress, relax muscular tension, balance the metabolic and nervous system, increase self-awareness, whilst releasing deeply held emotional patterns.
Randolph Stone created polarity therapy after he spent many years exploring different types of healing by indigenous people of many lands. Stone was a medical doctor and Osteopath and became disillusioned with people constantly returning with the same health problem. Many of the techniques he observed utilised energy to assist in healing and Stone spent many years recording his findings, eventually integrating these techniques and forming what we now call Polarity Therapy.
Polarity can assist in balance the energy centres of the body including the energy template that surrounds the human body. Emotions are gently released and physical discomfort begins to improve.
Polarity exercises are incorporated into the treatment to enable you to assist in your own healing. They are easy stretching postures combining use of sound, breath. Polarity therapy is received in loose clothing and can take 1 - 1½ hours. Occasionally it Reiki Energy healing can be integrated with this therapy.
On each visit, you will receive additional sequences to build on the treatment regime and help with balancing physical, mental, emotional and spiritual levels of the body. The final treatments often take a little longer due to added sequences.
Polarity Diet focus’s mainly on vegetarian cuisine and incorporating herbs to enhance and help resolve any organic health issues that maybe present, such as reproductive, digestive for example.
Example of some disorders that can be treated by using the above modalities:
Ø Mental
and emotional disorders such as depression and anxiety
Pre-menstrual Tension. & Menopausal Symptoms
Pre-menstrual Tension. & Menopausal Symptoms
Ø Sleep
disorders. Respiratory disorders both upper respiratory (sinusitis, hayfever)
and lower respiratory (coughs, bronchitis) etc.
Ø Fatigue/Anaemia,
general immune enhancement.
Ø Athletic
performance and Stamina. Support during degenerative/terminal
diseases.
diseases.
Ø Can
assist addictions such as alcohol, smoking, sugar/chocolate, bulimia etc.
Headaches and migraines.
Headaches and migraines.
Ø Treatments
for animals using flower remedies
Ø Eases
pain and discomfort resulting from muscular constriction and mis-alignment of
the physical body, either through sport, poor posture, injuries etc.
If anyone would like to experience Polarity therapy, please
contact me to arrange a time. Please
allow for additional time as the treatments progress with added sequences.
Lyn
Craven is a Practitioner of Naturopathy, Bowen Therapy, Energy/Reiki Therapist,
Meditation Teacher, and a Corporate Health Presenter/Consultant. Lyn is a health researcher/writer of various
topics for Health magazines and has produced a meditation CD assisting people
manage stress. She runs a private
practice in Sydney and conducts workshops in Sydney & Sunshine Coast. She can be contacted on 0403 231 804 or lyncraven@bigpond.com www.lyncravencorporatehealth-naturopath.com
Benefits of Meditation for Stress and Optimum Health!
Benefits of
Meditation for Stress release from your life!
How can meditation
benefit me, you may ask?
Meditation is one of
the most powerful and easy healing tools to learn. It will allow you to manage/eliminate stress
from your life, therefore feeling more positive, focused and centered so that
you can make clear and confident decisions.
Meditation soothes, calms and nurtures your
emotional nature generating a deep sense of peace within yourself. Meditation is an excellent adjunct to all
other therapies and treatments you may receive.
Creative Visualisation
is the type of meditation I deliver and is simple to learn, allowing you to use
your imagination and the power of your mind in a positive and constructive
way. Creative visualization is a type of
meditation that does not encroach on anyone’s personal or spiritual beliefs.
Meditation allows you
to target your goals and assist’s you in fulfilling any projects and deadlines
that you are involved in. The mind is
very powerful so when experiencing deep relaxation during meditation you allow
yourself to become in control of the mind rather than the mind be in control of
you!
During times of stress
and anxiousness we loose sight of our inner promptings – our intuitive
guidance, this is when we may make the wrong decisions or become anxious and
create self doubt within our self.
Meditation will center you, calm and relax you. Busy lives keep us from tuning into our body
and how it feels in the present along with our intuition the we simply forget
how to use it! When you take a guided
journey through your body you allow your mind to tune into the sensitivities,
feelings, emotions and any physical discomforts that maybe present. You also develop a sensation for the subtle
energy both within and around you, since all your senses become more
activated. You then allow every system
in your body to take a well earned rest!
Meditation can be used
to enhance and stimulate optimum health in conjunction with any other therapies
that you are presently receiving. It is
without doubt – one of the greatest healing tools you will ever learn! You will experience increased
self-confidence, motivation, vitality, inner strength and ability to prevent
external stress’s impacting on your life, improving both your physical and
emotional health and well-being and generating vital energy!
People say they don’t
have time to sit and be still for 15-20 minutes, well you will be truly amazed
with how good you feel if you devote daily sessions into your busy
schedule. You will find anything you do,
you will do better by meditating!
Positive outcomes are
many, and you can learn to draw that which you desire into your life purely by
visualization and using the power of your mind along with your intent whilst on
a guided journey.
Here are some benefits
you obtain from regular meditation.
The positive aspects for the physical
body are:
w Assisting in lowering blood pressure and slowing down the
cardiovascular system
w Assisting in restoring balanced function to the digestive system
allowing all nutrients to be absorbed more efficiently
w Relaxing and nurturing entire nervous system
w Assists in relaxing muscle tension
w Diminishes intensity of some headaches/migraines
w With practice can assist you in generating your own self healing to
any part of the body where your intention is focused
w Relieving insomnia
The positive
aspects for the emotional body are:
w Freeing the mind from self doubts and internal chatter
w Releasing fears
w Releasing and resolving anxiety
w Assisting with depression and generating optimism
w Generating self esteem, confidence and motivation
w Regaining your Inner Power and strengthening your Will
w Instils patience, tolerance, self acceptance and self love
w Releasing judgmental attitudes and thoughts
w Releasing self doubts
w Releasing anger, aggression and allowing the peace of love to flow
into your life
w Stimulating mental focus and clarity of mind.
w Assists in grief and trauma generating emotional equilibrium
w Allows you to reach a place within for forgiveness for self and
others
The positive aspects for the spiritual
body are:
w A deeper connection to a Higher Power/God/Spirit
w A stronger connection and appreciation to all aspects of life and
creation
w Self Trust and Trust in the unknown - Higher Power
w Stronger intuitive abilities
w Receptivity to clear guidance from the subconscious mind, psychic
awareness and channelling
w Openness to inspirational ideas, thoughts and visions
w A stronger sense of your own presence, life path and destiny
This type of
meditation is often presented to executive and staff members of a number of
companies to assist in stress management enabling them to be more productive,
confident and experience clarity of mind with clear decision making.
The exercises or
journeys as I like to call them, can be for healing both physical and
emotional. They can assist in
relationships whether, work colleagues, friends or intimate. These journeys allow you to work more
harmoniously with people in your life and to generate positive energy to every
situation that you encounter. They allow
you to communicate at a deep level with another, in particular if you are
afraid of expressing your true feelings.
They are simple and easy to learn and fun!
I often create a
journey that is appropriate for the environment that people work in, i.e.
specific deadlines, goals etc.
During the time that I
have taught meditation using creative visualization I have received some
wonderful feedback from people whose lives have been transformed! It is tremendously rewarding to see the
positive outcome each person experiences and know that they are equipped with
the knowledge of a powerful yet gentle, healing tool for the rest of their
lives.
Recently a woman met
with me over her chronic insomnia and having tried many medications including
sleep therapy advised me that meditation was what was finally helping her to
sleep. She has been diligently listening
to a meditation CD that I have created for clients for anxiety and sleep
problems and finds if she wakes in the middle of the night that by listening to
the meditation journeys for just 5 minutes she promptly falls back to sleep
again. This woman’s health was
deteriorating considerably due to constant broken sleep over many years. Her anxiety over a past trauma deeply
imbedded in the subconscious mind was causing her to constantly wake during the
night. By listening to a guided journey
the sound of the voice and rhythm of the gentle music was nurturing and
soothing allow her to relax and release her anxious state so that she could
fall asleep without the need for pharmaceutical medication which produces side
affects and is often addictive over time.
I recommend everyone
to discover the type of meditation practice that is right for you and to
incorporate it into your daily life to aid in maintaining optimum health,
vitality, confidence and a sense of inner power.
Lyn Craven is a Practitioner of Naturopathy, Bowen
Therapy, Energy/Reiki Therapist, Meditation Teacher, and a Corporate Health
Presenter/Consultant. Helping people
manage stress and resolve repetitive injuries, back pain, achieving greater
balance, more energy and healthier lives.
Lyn is a health researcher/writer of various topics for Health magazines
and has produced a meditation CD assisting people manage stress. She runs a private practice in Sydney and
conducts workshops in Sydney & Sunshine Coast. She can be contacted on 0403 231 804 or lyncraven@bigpond.com
www.lyncravencorporatehealth-naturopath.com
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