Depression

The Elegance of Homeopathy

Homeopathy, having been in existence at least 250 years, is an extraordinarily elegant healing system. Because it is “energy” medicine, diluted and shaken up or potentized, some people are more responsive than others.  Sensitive people respond well, as do folks who are cleaner, less toxic.

Homeopathic remedies work on several levels. The remedies commonly found available in health stores or online typically come in lower potencies such as 6c, 6x or 30c, 30x. These remedies, e.g. Arnica montana, or Rhus toxicodendron, can treat anything physical from sprains, acute pain, to headaches, diarrhea, gas or bloating, and poison oak. These low potencies are shorter acting, for acute conditions. Most homeopathic remedies are made from plants or minerals, some such as snake venom Lachesis, are made from animal source. Remember because they are diluted, none are toxic past the 12c or 24x potency.

The higher potencies (LM, 1M, 10M) are only available from practitioners of homeopathy who have advanced knowledge or training. These potencies are deeper acting, especially on the mental and emotional levels. They may be called constitutional remedies, one single remedy in high potency (LM, 1M, 10M), which can treat the whole body, mind, emotions, spirit. Homeopathy can seem too subtle, yet when you match the correct homeopathic resonance with the body, a huge shift can occur on all levels!

I always tell my patients that this is the best thing I can do for them, giving them their constitutional remedy. It can help clear some deep/past grief, fear or anger that is holding back healing. Typically patients don’t get a constitutional remedy from me until their 3rdvisit, as the first two visits we focus on detoxification and rebalancing the organs and hormones

Here are two interesting cases of patients who responded well from homeopathy:

Case 1: 

LS, a young man in his 20s came to see me feeling lousy: low energy, out of sorts, depressed, and with joint pains. When I tested him via applied kinesiology or muscle testing, I found he had a miasm, a homeopathic term for feeling the effects from a neurological toxin (vaccine, metal, drug, etc.) With two doses of the correct homeopathic remedy, Medhorrinum 10m, the dark cloud lifted. After two rounds of enzymes and drainage/circulatory detox supplements, his pain lifted and his energy returned. He returned to his full expression of being: robust, creative and full of life. With homeopathy, I was able to help his body remove the obstacles to cure and support his own healing ability, or vital force.

Case 2:

BR, a highly sensitive person whose work was interior design, came to me with extreme anxiety. She couldn’t relax, sleep or focus, and felt suicidal. She even questioned her relationship with the man she loved and had been with for 8 years. With the proper electrolytes, amino acids, B vitamins and homeopathic remedy (Thuja LM1), she felt some relief immediately. Her nervous system continued to heal over the next weeks and months. She now feels great, loves her work and relationship again, and even got married a few months ago.

Detoxify Your Brain

Get those toxins out of your brain and body! One of the best ways to prevent brain decline is to detoxify your body. Your brain has its own lymph system called Glymphatic, which shrinks at night to help detoxify your brain. Make sure to get enough sleep to support this function. If toxins remain in your body for years, they can certainly get lodged in the brain. Think of mercury dental fillings, a neurotoxin that can off gas in your mouth, or aluminum from cookware. These heavy metals are damaging, especially in the long term.

Brain decline can lead to dementia, Alzheimers, loss of memory, and a host of other symptoms which could make life miserable. Mental symptoms include Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, fog, worry, anger, fear, ADD & OCD. Physical symptoms of a brain or nervous system deficiency include chronic PAIN, inflammation, loss of smell, numbness, tingling, twitches, spasms, cramps, tremors, neuropathy, shortness of breath, sweats, & seizures.

Toxins include bugs (bacteria, virus, fungal, parasites), chemicals (pesticides, herbicides, GMOs), heavy metals, vaccines, EMFs (electro-magnetic fields such as from cellular, wifi, electrical), protein toxins (from undigested gluten, dairy or soy), and high stress. Of course brain injuries such as concussion can cause scarring and alter the cranial structure of the brain. I myself lost hearing in one ear after a series of head injuries.

All these toxins can be slowly drained from the brain! I use nutrients and supplements to do this. Greens  such as cilantro, chlorella, or barley grass; enzymes such as bromelain, protease, pancreatin 4x, 8x, 10x; herbs such as collinsonia, astragalus, radish, turmeric, boswellia, and other bitters. Homeopathy works great to support detoxification. In my practice I test to see which nutrients each person needs; no one would need all the above, just maybe a few.

Fundamental nutrition for the brain includes regular protein, hydration, electrolyte or mineral balance and healthy fatty acids as the brain is 60% fat. Exercise is crucial, especially aerobic or high intensity interval training so as to fully oxygenate the brain. The brain also needs stimulation such as learning new things, creativity, hand writing, etc. The gut/brain connection is crucial, since 70% of the neurotransmitter Serotonin is produced in the gastro intestinal tract. Thus it is especially important to have a clean healthy diet.

There is also an important connection between the brain and hormones: menopausal women often suffer poor memory, brain fog, insomnia, and other disabling symptoms. If you are experiencing other symptoms of hormonal imbalance, such as fatigue, get help now, don’t wait.

After 20 years in holistic practice, I have recently learned how to energetically test for toxins in the brain, via muscle response testing or applied kinesiology, using the Morphogenic Field Technique. I have a new test kit for the brain, as well as bugs and toxins. My system is always individualized, as no two people are alike. The best time to prevent brain decline is NOW; it’s never too early.

Electromagnetic Energy Pollution

Electromagnetic Energy: It’s Everywhere

Electro-Magnetic Fields (EMFs) are harmful radiation emitted from cell phones, cell towers, wifi, SmartMeters, cordless phones, microwaves, and even from the electrical components in our cars. All electric appliances and electronics emit differing doses of harmful radiation. The electric pulse of our cells, and of the earth, is about 8 Hz. When we are exposed to artificial (60 Hz and higher) electrical pulses, there is a bioelectric field affecting every cell in our bodies. Chronic health issues can result in continued exposure to this invisible energy.

The primary effect is on our brains, nervous system, hormones (especially thyroid and adrenals) and immune system. These radio frequency fields can lead to symptoms of insomnia, anxiety, depression, headaches, chronic fatigue, arthritis, heart disease and more. EMFs affect our entire body, with a reduced capacity to handle stress.

Since a child’s brain is developing for at least 20 years, it is especially alarming that many young children now have cell phones. GET THE CELL PHONE AWAY FROM YOUR BRAIN!! Use a headset, cord, speaker, or bluetooth so your cell phone is at least 6″ away from you body.

To protect your health and to repair damage from radiation, here are a few tips:
– Minimize use of cell phones & Wifi. Use a corded router or phone (landline) when possible. Some routers have an on/off Wifi switch, such as NetGear.
– Use a protective device such as Q-Link (necklace and/or cell protector) to reduce exposure
– Turn off wireless devices at night
– Take supportive supplements, such as electrolytes
– Walk barefoot on the earth for enhanced grounding!
– And GET YOUR CELL PHONE AWAY FROM YOUR BRAIN: it can’t be stated too often!

Nutrients for Anxiety, Depression and Insomnia

The human brain weighs only three pounds, yet uses 20% of the body’s glucose, or energy supply.  The central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) is the center for all physiological mechanisms: digestion, hormone production, immune modulation, learning, memory, mood, sleep and more.  Our brains need a constant supply of energy, oxygen, and stimulation to function well.

The nervous system (brain and nerves) is thrown off by trauma, stress, injury, surgery, drugs, and abuse, to name a few.  Electro-magnetic fields (EMFs) or radio frequency fields such as from cell phones/ towers, wifi, smart meters, or airport body scans can also negatively affect the brain and nervous system.

A nervous system deficiency can produce mental or emotional symptoms such as insomnia, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), mania, bipolar disorder, excessive worry, fear, grief, depression or anger.  However, physical symptoms of imbalance include numbness, tingling, twitches, jerks, spasms, cramps, neuropathy, chest tightness, shortness of breath, sweats, and an inability of the body to heal, especially from pain conditions.

Key brain neurotransmitters include dopamine, serotonin, GABA, norepinephrine and acetylcholine.  Some are excitatory (energizing), some are inhibitory (calming), but the proper balance is crucial for optimal mood function.

Plasticity, the ability of the brain to adapt or change, is also crucial for optimal brain and mood health.  You can increase plasticity by learning new ideas, e.g. language, thinking critically, or utilizing therapies such as acupuncture, chiropractic, massage, light or laser therapy.

I have found after 15 years of clinical practice in natural medicine that certain nutritional supplements are crucial for optimal brain health.  Vitamins such as folic acid, B6, B12, choline & inositol; minerals such as magnesium, potassium (electrolytes); specific amino acids (e.g. L-Glutamine, 5 HTP, L-Phenylalanine or GABA); ribonucleic acid (RNA), protomorphogens (PMGs) and omega 3 oils are especially helpful in improving brain health.  These nutrients can be crucial in reducing anxiety or depression, brain fog, negative thoughts as well as improving memory, clarity, happiness and balancing hormones.

Stress can increase the adrenal hormone cortisol, which can slow brain function.  Indeed the primary adrenal hormones epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine are also brain neurotransmitters of the sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight).  Thus there is an intimate connection between adrenals, stress and mood.

Lifestyle modifications such as yoga & meditation are supportive.  One can adopt mindful strategies such as developing the inner observer and retraining the mind to reduce negative or fearful thoughts.  These can be replaced with positive, loving or grateful thoughts.

Our brain, like our bodies, is capable of healthy cell reproduction, so it is important to supply it with proper nutrients (protein and healthy fats), as well as regular exercise to enhance endorphins, and rest for replenishment.  The brain neurons (nerve cells) heal, though nerves take a long time to renew.  It can happen in 3-5 months, but may require 6-12 or even 18 months to fully recover, such as after surgery.  Proper amino acids and above nutrients can speed this healing process.