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Why Can’t Every Day Be Christmas ? By Dr. Dave DiSano December, 2007 As the Christmas spirit fills our hearts in December with good will towards man, woman and child, I can’t
stop and wonder why isn’t that spirit of giving with us all year long. For many it is, but for some it’s a once-a-year
tradition. Why is it that the spirit of giving fills our heart with joy? Is it
the thought of making others happy, doing something good for others that brings us as much joy? And why can’t we feel
that way all the time? It seems too often we get so involved with our lives, making a living that we become self-centered
rather than selfless. And, it often becomes very easy to get caught-up in the season in buying gifts and giving out of obligation
or even worse giving to get, and then we really lose the meaning of Christmas. What
then is the meaning of Christmas? Of course it can be different for everyone based on their upbringing and beliefs. But, did
it not all begin with the birth of Jesus? God sending his son to save mankind and show us the way to faith, to God. And is
God not love? And many believe in us and around us all the time. Santa Claus and getting gifts may be great for children,
but often the gift giving gets out of hand for adults, and we do in fact miss the true meaning of Christmas: Goodwill (love)
towards others. “We
cannot hold a torch to light another’s path without
brightening our own!” Not
too long ago there was a great movie out, Pay It Forward. In it people were shown acts of great kindness and asked
to simply pay it forward, not back. To do something “nice” for someone else, possibly a stranger, rather than
pay back the person that showed you the kindness. Granted in the movie people first received, then they passed it on, and
gave, but the spirit of giving and doing for others was still there. So, why then
can’t we feel like Christmas everyday? Perhaps we can if we try harder to spread love everyday. Happy holidays. Dave DiSano, Ph.D. C.H. is a licensed
and nationally certified hypnotherapist. He has a background in psychology and natural health, and has lectured internationally
on alternative treatments in mental health. His recently published book Holistic Mental Health is available at Barnes &
Noble and online bookstores. He conducts individual or group sessions and can be reached at: 323-6934, website: drdaved.com
MOVING
FORWARD!
By Dr. Dave DiSano
April, 2006
Ever feel like you are dancing on peanut butter, stuck
on molasses, doing the same thing over and over again? Why is it often so hard to change, get out of that rut, and move forward?
Unfortunately we are always changing. Time changes us all, and it is usually not for the best. We get older each day. Each
year you might notice a few more grey hairs, a few more wrinkles, and a few more extra pounds. Every year we are more susceptible
to disease and chronic illness. So if we do not move forward, we often move backwards in our health because time is always
changing us.
In psychology it is accepted that habits can be changed with consistent daily effort. Do something new daily
for 21 days and it becomes ingrained. That is why all those fitness gadgets we see advertised on T.V. work. Do a little something
extra for 10 minutes a day, and you will certainly start firming up and lose inches. We bought a Pilates machine this past
winter, and it is advertised as; “use it for 21 days and it will transform your body” (we’re almost there)!
Change what you are doing for 21 days and it starts becoming a new way of life.
That is in fact why many of us do not
succeed with those New Year’s resolutions, their diets, or quitting smoking. In my private practice I am always aware
of this concept, and I believe I am very successful in helping people change because we work on this daily effort together.
People come into see me for typical hypnotherapy treatments such as weight loss, smoking cessation or to rid phobias. However,
my therapy is not a one session or “one shot” deal. I work with them to change that daily self-talk to move them
forward.
Habits are psychological but usually with physical features. For example when quitting smoking the physical
cravings for nicotine only lasts for 3 to 4 days, but the psychological dependence can linger for years. Phobias can have
very physical symptoms such as increased respiration, heart rate, and nervousness, or soothing, stimulating sensations (as
in biting your nails). We need to eat to live, but many of us, live to eat! And, of course many people eat out of boredom
or stress. To change any of these behaviors we need to change our daily self-talk. The emphasis again on daily. There is a
cable T.V. show entitled 30 days with… The concept being do something new or different for 30 days and it can have
a profound impact on your life.
So as we “March into April” let April be the month you “spring”
into action. Change what you are doing everyday in April, and in May, wonderful things will bloom in your life!
ADULT A.D.D. ?
By Dr. Dave DiSano
March, 2006
The pharmaceutical
companies recently “invented” a new mental disorder, Adult Attention Deficient Disorder (ADD). It appears that
the monthly profits from having over 4 million children on psycho-stimulate medications like Ritalin, Adderall and Concerta
wasn’t quite enough for them, so a great marketing campaign was initiated to convince adults that they too have trouble
thinking and that they is something “wrong” with their brains. So take this pill for life and you will be O.K!
And like many of the drugs pushed by the pharmaceutical companies they are completely unnecessary, they are big business for
physicians and psychiatrists, may cause more harm than good, and they create disorders just to generate company profits.
This March 31st I will be speaking in Los Angeles, CA, at the Annual Convention of the National Association of School Psychologists
again (last two years I spoke in Dallas, TX and in Toronto, Canada) on proper diagnosis and treatment options for ADHD. In
that presentation, that is one of the most highly attended in the convention, I discuss the recommendations of the American
Medical Association and the American Psychiatric Association on how ADHD (Attention Deficient/Hyperactivity Disorder) should
be diagnosed.
Too often family physicians put children (and now adults) on psycho-stimulates simply at the request of
their patients. This practice has been going on for the past 30 years with children. Parents are given little options by their
physicians other than trying to control their child’s behavior with drugs, because physicians have little training in
other solutions for the disorder. And what physicians do best is prescribe drugs.
Unfortunately, ALL medications for
ADHD or ADD have side effects. Some of the side effects are mild and immediate like headache, nausea, weight loss, and insomnia,
but others are significant and long-term, like heart problems, seizures, psychotic reactions, mood swings and growth suppression.
Psycho-stimulates ARE habit forming. They follow the same metabolic pathways as cocaine in the brain, and they can lead to
substance abuse later in life. But what I consider is one of the most significant problems with the medications is that children,
and now adults, are told that there is something wrong with their brains, that they are not normal, and need medication in
order to be normal. Ask a physician or psychiatrist what causes ADD and they will try and tell you it is a “brain dysfunction”
disorder, that the medication compensates for this dysfunction and that it is even genetic. To date there has been no conclusive
evidence that it is caused by any abnormalities in the brain, or that there is a gene responsible for it.
What many
medical professional that have studied the disorder believe is that the hyperactivity children display is metabolic (reactions
to their diet) and that the inattention is a result of motivation (they have no problems watching T.V. or playing video games
for hours). The medications prescribed for ADHD and ADD react the same for anyone that takes them, just as 10 cups of coffee
may make you somewhat jittery. Psycho-stimulates have a sedating effect on the nervous system, often making it easier to pay
attention. When to much is taken the individual is lethargic, affect is flat and creativity is nonexsistant.
The most
thorough and concise guide on ADHD and ADD can be found in the chapter on it in my recently published book, Holistic Mental
Health (2005). In the chapter, I describe what the medical community believes the disorder is, the effects of psycho-stimulate
medications used for it and alternatives to medications for treatment of ADD and ADHD. I even go a step further and discuss
possible causes of the disorder both metabolically and attention-ally.
November, 2005
WHY
NRT does not Work!
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) as in the nicotine patch, nicotine gum, or lozenges, has
a very dismal “cure” rate. Yet the marketing around such products states that they double a smoker’s chance
of quitting smoking.
However, according to several studies, 93% of NRT users are smoking again within 6 months after
using the products. This translates to a success rate of 7% for NRT products. A review study published in 2003 in Tobacco
Control found that several studies showed a cure rate of 5 to 7% among users six months later. Second time users of NRT products
reported a zero percent cure rate. Another study published in the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine found that
teenage users of NRT products had a 5% cure rate after six months, but that 40% of teenage NRT users had never smoked. They
were becoming chemically dependant on the NRT products, finding another over-the-counter drug they could abuse.
The six
month success rate when using no NRT products is 10%. Three percent better than with NRT products! The reason “cold
turkey” works better than NRT is that NRT works on the theory of supplying the body nicotine and than gradually stepping
down the amount so the smoker becomes less and less dependant on nicotine. Cigarettes supply 1 mg of nicotine each, and a
pack-a-day user gets 20 mg of nicotine daily. NRT usually starts at 21 mg per day and gradually steps that down. However,
when someone quits cold turkey 100% of the nicotine leaves the body after 3 days. Cravings usually peak in the first three
days, and than greatly subside at that point. A 2003 study by the American Cancer Society reports that 91.2% of smokers that
remain smoker free have done so without the use of NRT products.
Another important difference between those that try
to quit with NRT and those that that succeed “cold turkey” is the mindset between the two. NRT products promote
“quitting”, and when you use them you are trying to quit, and often continue to quit. But it is usually quitting
trying to quit smoking. Whereas, those that succeed giving up smoking on their own because they see themselves smoke-free,
and no longer a smoker.
This is why I believe hypnotherapy is so successful in helping people quit smoking. Rather than
focusing on “quitting” in hypnotherapy we focus on being smoke-free and convincing the subconscious mind that
you no longer smoke. That it was something you used to do, but do no longer, and that you no longer have any desires or cravings
for smoking. By implanting positive suggestions the hypnotherapist helps reprogram the subconscious increasing the odds of
being smoke-free. I believe 80 to 90% of my patients remain smoke-free, quite a difference from 5 to 7% on NRT!
October, 2005
Holistic Treatment for Depression
By Dave DiSano, Ph.D., C.H.
Depression
is more often than not treated with medications, or I should say the symptoms are. It is a classic example of a disorder that
most physicians believe they can cure by treating only the symptoms, giving little concern to the cause of the disorder. In
fact, I’ve had my patients tell me that their physician expected them to take a medication for depression for the rest
of their life! Why? Because they are told there is something wrong their brains, that they have a “chemical imbalance”.
I have difficulty time believing this theory of depression (or any mental disorder for that matter). That there is something
“wrong” with the their brain. I believe that we are born perfect, but over time our toxic environment takes a
toll on our bodies. That by treating the cause of the disorder, we can cure it, and the symptoms will, of course disappear.
This is the difference between Western and Eastern medicine. Western medicine practiced primarily in the U.S., typically treats
the symptoms (with drugs) and Eastern medicine (alternative or holistic) practiced in the rest of the world, treats the cause
of the disorder.
Western treatment for depression usually recommends antidepressant medications. Studies have shown
that a combination of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy works better than either treatment alone. However, clinical trials
of psychotropic medications have shown that placebos used in the trails to be 50 percent as effective as the medication. And,
typically 20 to 35 percent of patients fail to respond at all to antidepressant medication. All antidepressant medications
have incidence of side effects that may range from mild (such as dry mouth, nausea, headaches) to severe (internal bleeding,
coma, death).
Antidepressants work by altering the brain's supply of neurotransmitters, and are divided into categories
based on the effect they have on the brain. Tricyclic antidepressants have been used the longest, and work by blocking the
reuptake of norepinephrine, and thereby increasing the amount of it in the brain. MAOIs help to increase the levels of neurotransmitters
by interfering with the production of monamine oxidase a substance found in nerve endings that breaks down neurotransmitters.
SSRIs increase the brain's supply of serotonin. Atypical antidepressants may act on any of the neurotransmitters depending
on the medication. Lithium is believed to operate in treating depression by slowing down the reactions of certain proteins
that regulate the actions of neurotransmitters.
Antidepressant medications have a wide range of side effects and 35.9
percent of patients report adverse effects. Tricyclic antidepressants effect other neurotransmitters that help regulate certain
body processes. This leads to side effects such as sleepiness, drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation, difficulty urinating,
vision problems, dizziness, or a racing heart. Side effects of MAIOs include dizziness, changes in blood pressure, weight
gain, sleepiness or insomnia, reduced sexual functioning, swollen ankles and fingers. Side effects of SSRIs can include insomnia,
nervousness, agitation, nausea, diarrhea, and headaches. Occasionally SSRIs can cause sexual side effects such as diminished
interest in sex, arousal problems, and difficulty achieving organism. About 40 percent of people on lithium experience side
effects of digestive problems like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomachaches. Excessive urination, tremors, weight gain,
acne, dry skin, headaches, sleeplessness and exhaustion are also often experienced. Lithium will interact with medications
such as aspirin, ibuprofen and the antibiotic tetracycline, increasing the levels of lithium in the blood to dangerous levels.
And, antidepressants have reported up to 31 deaths per million prescriptions filled.
Eastern medicine treats depression
by cleansing toxins from the body, supplying the body what it is lacking, or curing imbalances. In Traditional Chinese medicine
depression is thought to be the result of a stagnate liver. A stagnate liver is considered an imbalance and the qi (life force)
stagnates in the liver and is not properly distributed. Since it is the qi that guides the flow of fluids and nourishment
in the body when it is stagnate in the liver, swelling of the liver occurs. The principle cause for this condition is eating
too much rich, greasy food that makes the liver become swollen and sluggish. To cure a stagnate liver it is recommended to
eat less and eliminate or greatly reduce foods high in saturated fats such as lard, animal meats, cream, cheese, eggs, shortening,
margarine, refined and rancid oils, nuts and seeds, alcohol, highly refined and processed foods. Foods that are recommended
to treat depression include brown rice, cucumber, apples, cabbage, wheat germ, kuzu root, wild blue-green micro algae (Aphanizomenon
flos-aquae), and apple cider vinegar.
Other imbalances in the functioning of the hypothalamus, adrenal, thyroid or pituitary
glands may also lead to depression. Illnesses such as diabetes, mononucleosis, hepatitis, pneumonia, HIV/AIDS, CFS, SLE, multiple
sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, heart disease, and stroke have been linked to depression.
Nutrient deficiencies such
as the B vitamins, niacin, folic acid, vitamins A and C, calcium, iron, magnesium, selenium and zinc may contribute to depressive
illness. Research has shown some 200 medications can have a side effect of depression. Medications for high blood pressure,
prescription pain medications, anticonvulsant medications, and even oral contraceptives can cause depression.
Eastern
medicine also uses a variety of natural therapies such as herbs to treat depression. St. John's wort is the leading medication
for depression in Germany prescribed by physicians. St. John's wort is believe to act similar to antidepressants by inhibiting
the action of neurotransmitters. In controlled studies using St. John's wort it was found to be as effective in treating mild
to moderate depression as antidepressant medications with far fewer side effects. In fact, the frequency and severity of side
effects has been considered clinically insignificant, however, the FDA warns about possible drug interactions when using it
in combination with other prescription medications for HIV, transplant medications, cancer treatment, and antidepressant medication.
SAMe is formed in the body by a combination of ATP and the amino acid, methionine. It plays a key role in numerous metabolic
pathways involving the transfer of methyl groups. In studies comparing SAMe with tricyclics SAMe outperformed the antidepressant
medications. SAMe may act like an antidepressant or, on cell membrane structure in easing depression. SAMe also appears to
have a quicker response rate than antidepressants, where patients show improvement in 7 to 14 days compared to an average
of 21 days for antidepressants or St. John's wort. However, SAMe has been shown to have a positive reaction when combined
with antidepressants unlike St. John's wort.
Other herbs, although with less clinical evidence, are also believed to
have positive effects in treating depression. Gingko is believed to treat depression by increasing the oxygen supply to the
brain and by increasing dopamine levels. Ginseng also increases blood flow to the brain and is believed to relieve depression
by its ability to reduce stress, improve mental concentration, and mental performance. Kava works as an antidepressant by
acting as a central nervous system sedative targeting the limbic system which regulates moods and emotions. Lavender, and
aromatic herb, has been used for a variety of mental disorders such as depression due to its ability to relax. Other essential
oils are used frequently in aromatherapy for relaxation such as bergamot, clary sage, geranium, and neroli.
Therapies
such as acupuncture, exercise, light therapy, yoga, massage, biofeedback, meditation and hypnotherapy all offer non-drug alternatives
for treatment of depression. Acupuncture has been shown to be as effective as antidepressants, and exercise has been proven
to be as effective as psychotherapy in relieving depression.
Holistic Mental Health for Depression
SPECIFIC
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Antidepressant medications that are combined with psychotherapy may be recommended for severe
cases of depression. However, antidepressant medication usually comes with a host of side effects ranging from mild to severe
(life threatening) and in many cases has no effect on depression. Medication also does not appear to uncover the cause of
depression. Alternative medicine has been proven to be as effective as antidepressants, without the side effects. Daily naturopathic
treatment for depression could include:
Supplements of St. John's wort, SAMe, ginkgo, ginseng and kava all have
been shown to be effective treatments for depression. Herbal interventions should not be used with prescription medications
and patients should always check with their physicians before combining alternative treatments with prescription medications.
Nutritional intervention may in fact uncover causes for depression and offer a non-medication approach without side
effects. A diet of natural foods such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, fish, and soy, and one devoid of saturated
fats, red meats, greasy foods and artificial additives can help cleanse the body and mind.
Supplements of B-complex,
vitamins A and C, minerals of calcium, magnesium, selenium and zinc are necessary for proper nervous system function.
Smoking and excessive caffeine also should be avoided as they interfere with the nervous system.
Therapies
such as aromatherapy, exercise, yoga, acupuncture, massage, biofeedback, meditation, and hypnotherapy may complement other
therapies when used with nutritional intervention and supplementation, or herbal medicine in treating depression.
(The above article is an excerpt from his book HOLISTIC MENTAL HEALTH).
September, 2005
AD/HD and School Performance
By Dave DiSano, Ph.D., C.H.
This
past June, Tom Cruise made what the medical community contends was a number of highly irresponsible and unprofessional statements
against the psychiatric profession. Among them was that we are drugging our children with medications like Ritalin in order
to control their behavior. And I believe, along with a growing number of medical professionals across the country that Mr.
Cruise is absolutely RIGHT!
Today over 2 million school-age children take Ritalin, and another 2 million take other psycho-stimulate
medications like Concerta, Adderall, Cylert, Dexedrine and even Strattera (supposed to be prescribed for adults), for what
is a highly questionable disorder. Highly questionable because Attention Deficient/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD) is not a
medical or neurological disorder (Sorry Dr. Phil).
The medical community has been trying for over 30 years to prove
that AD/HD and ADD is a medical disorder, that children (and now adults) have something abnormal with their brains. And, to
date there has been no correlation between AD/HD or ADD and abnormal brain chemistry. Studies that that have tried to “prove”
this connection were all shown to be seriously flawed, when it was later discovered that the subjects in the study had been
on psycho-stimulate medications, and psycho-stimulates are what cause brain atrophy (reduced size of attention centers in
the brain).
Psycho-stimulants have also been shown to have a great number of short-term (loss of appetite, headaches,
nausea, dry mouth, insomnia) to long-term (weight loss, hair loss, Tourette's syndrome, psychotic reactions, seizures, irregular
heartbeat, habit forming) side effects. How do physicians contend with the side effects the stimulants cause? By prescribing
more medications of course. It is not uncommon for an 8 year old to be on 3 different medications. The psycho-stimulants cause
insomnia so a sedative like Trazadone is given to help the child sleep, if the child appears depressed (from the Trazadone)
an anti-depressant is prescribed (Paxil, or Wellbutrin) causing the child now to have mood swings and the child is now diagnosed
with “Bipolar Disorder” in addition to his AD/HD. And what are we teaching our children? Take medications for
life because there is something “wrong” with your brain, when in fact, it is the medications that are causing
most of the problems.
The biggest problem I personally have with AD/HD and ADD (besides the harmful effects of psycho-stimulants
and teaching our children drug dependence at an early age) is that I know of no other “medical” disorders that
the individual can turn on and off at will. A child with AD/HD can’t sit still or pay attention in class, but at home
they can watch their favorite T.V. show for an hour without moving an inch? They can’t concentrate enough to learn their
spelling words, but can recite their favorite rap album verbatim? They can’t pass history but they get A’s on
their driver’s Ed. tests?
So what is causing the symptoms of AD/HD? In the previous examples it is obviously interest
or motivation, which I believe the lack of, is the cause of ADD. The restlessness and fidgety of the hyperactive symptoms
is usually caused by metabolic factors. Research has shown over the past 30 years that many children have allergies to food
additives, specific foods, or toxins that cause hyperactivity symptoms. Or, in many cases with younger children the behaviors
are the result of a permissive parenting style and are more oppositional behaviors, rather than uncontrollable hyperactivity.
An excellent resource that details positive behavioral interventions for such cases is outlined in Ritalin Is Not The Answer.
(1999), by David Stein, Ph.D.
Specific causes of AD/HD and interventions for metabolic symptoms are outlined in my book
Holistic Mental Health (2005). Suggestions I make for AD/HD include:
An evaluation with a naturopathic physician
to determine if a food allergy exists and a dietary evaluation to determine if a nutrient deficiency exists.
Eliminate
all processed foods that contain artificial additives such as aspartame, benzoic acid, BHA, BHT, MSG, butylene glycol, potassium
bisulfate, potassium and sodium nitrate, sulfites, and tartrazines from the diet.
Eliminate natural salicylates
such as almonds, apples, apricots, berries, cherries, grapes, raisins, oranges, peaches, plums, prunes, strawberries, pickles,
tomatoes, cucumbers and vinegar from the diet.
Add a vitamin/mineral supplement daily, with extra B-complex (120
to 150 mg, per day), vitamin C (1,000 to 2,000 mg, per day), calcium (1,000 to 1,500 mg, per day), magnesium (300 to 500 mg,
per day), zinc (20 to 30 mg, per day) and selenium (100 to 200 mcg, per day), and an EFA supplement containing omega-3 EFAs
such as in EPA fish oil capsules, or take evening primrose oil (2,000 to 3,000 mg, per day in two doses).
Calming
herbs such as St. John's wort, valerian or skullcap can be tried to reduce symptoms of hyperactivity and irritability.
August, 2005
De-STRESS YOURSELF!
By Dave DiSano, Ph.D., C.H.
Stress
can be a year-round problem for many. While most of us look forward to the summer for warm weather, outdoor activities, vacations
and family outings, there are a number of people whose stress levels actually increase this time of year. It could be due
to a change in routine (summer break for the kids!) or increased expectations placed on them to entertain or travel.
When
stress reaches a level where it interferes with your daily functioning, be it at home, at work or socially the medical community
terms it an anxiety disorder. A sudden attack of anxiety, often brought on by stress is called a panic attack. Panic attacks
are usually accompanied by an increased heart rate, shallow breathing, immobilizing or crushing feeling in the chest, even
fainting. Lifetime prevalence rates for Anxiety Disorder is estimated at 3.5 percent of the population. Anxiety Disorders
most typically start during late adolescence and the mid 30’s. However, in children the most commonly endorsed anxiety
symptoms were over concern about competence, excessive need for reassurance, fear of the dark, fear of harm to an attachment
figure, and somatic complaints. Girls generally endorse more symptoms than boys do, and younger children are more likely to
experience separation anxiety than older children. Panic Disorder typically begins in late adolescence to early adulthood.
Other conditions linked to prolonged anxiety and psychological stress include; angina, asthma, autoimmune diseases, cancer,
cardiovascular disease, common cold, diabetes, depression, headaches, hypertension, irritable bowel syndrome, and ulcers.
Stress, a leading cause of Anxiety Disorders, account for up to 90 percent of visits to primary care physicians. As many
as 750,000 Americans attempt suicide each year, often due to unmanageable stress. On the average work day nearly one million
employees are absent due to stress-related problems, costing American businesses more than $200 billion annually in absenteeism,
worker's compensation claims, health insurance costs and lowered productivity. Up to 40 percent of employee turnover is stress-related.
Recent studies have shown that stress also weakens our immune system, impairs our mood and performance, disturbs our sleep,
contributes to sexual dysfunction, and destroys relationships.
Today psychopharmacology of anxiety disorders includes
treatment with anti-anxiety agents and hypnotics, known collectively as sedative-hypnotics. Anti-anxiety medications are non-sedating
and primarily used to treat daytime tension, whereas, hypnotics relieve insomnia. Anti-anxiety medications include benzodiazepines,
buspirone, clomipramine, clonidine, hydroxyzine, meprobamate, propranolol, and trazodone. However, every medication carries
side effects, and the above could cause drowsiness, muscle cramps, mood changes, dizziness, sexual dysfunction, constipation
or diarrhea, insomnia, headache, depression, irregular heartbeat, seizures, and even anxiety.
However, there are a number
of natural therapies that can be just as effective without the side effects of medications. Significant current research supports
the use of several herbs that have similar properties and calming effects on anxiety disorders as prescription medications,
without the side effects. American ginseng contains ginsenosides that is believed to reduce stress and anxiety by reducing
blood flow to the brain. Side effects have only been observed when excessive amounts have used. Kava is another herb that
has been used for centuries to treat anxiety. Kavalactones, the active ingredient in Kava is believed to work by modifying
action of neurotransmitters, creating a calming effect. Side effects of Kava are reported with high doses. Valerian, a herb
that has been used for over 1,000 years as a calming sleep aid has been proven to be effective in treating anxiety, stress-related
headaches, tension and insomnia. Unlike prescription sedatives it does not interfere with sleep cycles. Side effects have
been observed with over consumption or when used in combination with prescription tranquilizers.
Other less "clinically"
studied herbs that have been reported to have calming effects on the nervous system include Lavender, an aromatic herb that
is used internally, externally and in aromatherapy, Skullcap/Virginian, used as a sedative and digestive aid, Chamomile, used
as a central nervous system sedative, Lemon Balm, also sedating and will relieve indigestion, and Passionflower, used for
chronic stress relief, anxiety and insomnia. Aromatherapy uses essential oils of flowers, plants, and herbs to promote healing
and well being. Essential oils of Clary Sage, Lavender, Melissa, Rose, and Ylang-Ylang are used to relieve stress in bath
oils and massage oils. Combining essentials oils with therapeutic massage produces deep relation that can alleviate stress
and anxiety for days.
Nutritional interventions that can reduce anxiety include reducing sugar, food additives, and
caffeine consumption, and increasing omega-3 EFA's, vitamins C and B-complex, vitamin E, pantothenic acid, and minerals such
as calcium, magnesium, potassium, selenium, and zinc. A natural diet with whole grains, vegetables, fruits and fish can supply
many of the basic nutrients needed for proper adrenal gland and nervous system function, however, additional supplementation
may also be needed. In addition to stress, environmental toxins like copper deplete necessary vitamins and minerals from the
body.
If stress is a factor in your life you might try the following:
Restrict sugar, processed foods, and caffeine
from the diet. QUIT SMOKING!
Eat a diet rich in organic foods such as whole grains, vegetables, fruits and fish.
Take
a multi-vitamin/mineral daily with additional vitamin C (2-3,000 mg, per day) B-Complex (100 mg 2 times per day), vitamin
E (400-800 IU's per day), calcium (1,200-1,500 mg, per day), magnesium (600-800 mg, per day) selenium (75-100 mcg, per day),
zinc (30-40 mg, per day).
Additional essential fatty acids should be taken by eating cold water fish (salmon, tuna) or
taking an Alpha-linolenic acid supplement.
Take American ginseng (1 gram per day) or Kava kava (60 to 120 mg, per day).
If stress or anxiety is causing insomnia try Valerian an hour before bedtime (50 to 150 mg).
Use aromatherapy at
home by using scented oils, bath oils or soaps such as Lavender, Melissa or Rose.
Get a therapeutic massage with essential
oils such as Clary sage, Lavender, Melissa, Rose, or Ylang-Ylang.
Try yoga or spend time each day in meditation.
See
a certified hypnotherapist.
Counseling intervention may be needed to determine if psychotherapy will be helpful if the
anxiety disorder is a specific phobia, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, or Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.
If a combination
of several of the non-medicatative approaches are not working after a number of months more serious underlying causes may
be at work. Consultation with a holistic physician is recommended.
(The above article is an excerpt from
his book HOLISTIC MENTAL HEALTH).
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