NATURAL HEALTH: Anxiety and Panic Attacks

Posted on March 8, 2012 by Windhorse

Dawn Greenwald

Anxiety disorders promote extreme worry and tension with no apparent cause, and can leave you feeling fatigued and distraught. Panic attacks are often sudden, debilitating, and can also be the source of fear for repeat episodes. The cause of panic attacks is not known, but may involve the same physiological response as stressors to the body. When the body believes it is under attack, a survival system is engaged so that the body can respond quickly. Some of these responses include faster respiration, faster heartbeat, increased perspiration, and a rise in blood pressure. Another response is blood vessel constriction in the digestive system and greater blood flow to the arms and legs.

Your doctor may suggest medications or psychotherapy to help with anxiety disorders. There are also natural therapies that are helpful, but talk to your doctor before pursuing this avenue. The Mayo Clinic suggests that relaxation training is very effective, and nutritional supplementation is useful. Some good relaxation training techniques are meditation and deep breathing exercises. Yoga is another technique that teaches control and relaxation. Traditional and quantum biofeedback techniques are very effective in re-training the body to relax and to reduce stress. In addition to balancing the body’s electrical system to regain control and re-train body functions, professional biofeedback specialists can teach you techniques, such as progressive muscle relaxation and deep breathing, that you can practice at home,. Products, such as 100% pure essential oils and oil blends, also have proven very effective for helping the body to relax naturally.

One of the common earmarks of anxiety and panic attacks is the feeling of not being in control. Although the brain sets up the alarm functions for the rest of the body, it is the mind that determines whether the threat is real. Working in a safe environment with a professional biofeedback specialist, a church leader or spiritual counselor, or psychotherapist may help you develop the skills you need to calm or still the mind, to put the busy mind into a position of a helpful servant instead of that of a cruel master. Every person is unique and requires a personalized solution. By re-training in this holistic manner, working with the mind, body, and spirit, the healing process can be more effective and longer lasting.

Posted in Anxiety and Health | Leave a comment

Strengthening Our Immune Systems through Balance and a Healthy Environment

Posted on March 8, 2012 by Windhorse

by Dawn Greenwald

A previous article reviewed how we can support our immune systems by providing our bodies with the resources that it needs, such as proper and adequate nutrition, sleep and exercise. This article describes how we can also strengthen our immune systems with a balanced pH or bioterrain and bowel flora, low or well-managed stress levels, and minimizing toxins such as those from foods and the environment.

The body attempts to preserve a blood pH of approximately 7.3 to maintain normal cell reproduction and healthy metabolism. When the body becomes too acidic, we may experience loss of energy, digestion issues, pain, and serious conditions. Chronic acidity compromises the immune system and invites invaders like bacteria, viruses and parasites. Cancer thrives in an acid environment, but one that is too alkaline can be unhealthy as well. Maintaining a proper pH balance is possible through proper diet, drinking good water, and sometimes taking natural supplements that alkalize when blood pH is too acidic.

A healthy digestive system supports the entire body, including the immune system. When beneficial microorganisms in our intestines are destroyed by antibiotics or other chemicals and by infections, the immune system is stressed and weakened and harmful bacteria and other invaders take over. To maintain a healthy balance of bowel flora, consider using probiotic supplements or products such as organic kefir or yogurt.

Excessive stress, whether it’s physical, mental or emotional, suppresses the immune system or can even  churn the immune system into a hyper-reactive mode, intensifying allergies and other conditions such as asthma. When stress is chronic, the adrenal glands become exhausted, creating a chain of reactions in the body that may lead from fatigue to serious conditions and disorders. Reducing or managing stress, usually by way of implementing lifestyle changes, are important steps. Stress-management options should be included in your calendar to balance work or relationship stresses. These may include scheduled vacation or fun time away from work or stressful relationships, regular massage therapy, biofeedback, yoga, and other relaxing and enjoyable activities.

Toxins introduced into the body make our immune systems work harder than normal. Chemical additives and emissions occur in our water, air and soil; thus, we cannot avoid contact with poisons and contaminants. In addition, we’re exposed to more toxins in the products that we regularly use, such as cleaning solvents, paints, toothpaste and other personal hygiene products, as well as the foods that we eat. Drugs and other chemicals suppress the immune system. To support our overburdened immune system, it is important to practice regular detoxing or cleansing, particularly of the colon and liver. Perspiring through the skin is one way the body detoxes. This can be done with exercising or sitting in a sauna. Deep breathing exercises and pure essential oils help to cleanse the lungs. Herbal supplements, detoxing foot baths, and other methods have been proven very helpful for removing toxic substances from the body.

Talk to a nutritional counselor, naturopath, or other healthcare professional to find out more about detox practices and products. Choose organic foods and naturally derived cleaning and personal hygiene products. Drink plenty of water daily, and enjoy the detoxifying effect of an exercise program for more radiant health.

Posted in Immune Health | Leave a comment

Unhealthy Toxic Emotions

Posted on March 8, 2012 by Windhorse

By Dawn Greenwald

“Toxic emotion” is a common buzz word that refers to the detrimental impact that negative thoughts and feelings have on one’s mental, emotional, physical and spiritual well-being. Recent studies have suggested that habitual negative emotions such as anger, worry, fear, anxiety, guilt and resentment form hard-wired, stressful physical responses in the body that become unconscious and automatic. Thus, when triggered, the mind-body reacts without conscious consideration or control. Uncontrolled negative thoughts and feelings can generate not only emotional, mental and spiritual turmoil and suffering, but have also been reported to cause common physical conditions and diseases such as allergies and skin conditions and is hypothesized to cause more serious illnesses such as cancer.

Every person has literally thousands of thoughts a day. When those thoughts trigger memories of pain that may have been experienced in the past, anger may arise. Alternatively, pain or embarrassment anticipated in the future may conjure the emotion of fear. When there is no resistance or control over such thoughts and they are allowed to run rampant, chemical responses are developed in the brain and the rest of the body to accommodate a reaction cycle and create imbalances in cells and tissues in the body. Remember, you are the captain of your vessel and you control what thoughts/emotions are given permission to board. However, once the offending toxic emotion has  been a long-term passenger, your ability to steer the ship falters and you go off-course.

Secular and spiritual counselors can help us to change course. These professionals provide confidential guidance based on our unique lifestyles and needs. We can also follow published suggestions and techniques, such as the seven-step program to release toxic emotions (Deepak Chopra) or four techniques for “bringing thoughts into captivity” (Dr. Caroline Leaf). We can practice mindfulness meditation daily to become aware of our thoughts, practice forgiveness and prayers daily to break the vicious cycle of toxic emotions, take steps to move toxins out of body tissues through various cleansing products and programs, massage therapy, quantum biofeedback, and yoga, and adopt other strategies such as Emotional Freedom Technique for breaking spiraling negative patterns. In addition, we should engage in life-affirming activities to help regain control of the vessel’s course. Examples would be listening to uplifting music, applying essential oils that uplift emotions, sharing laughter with a loved one or friend, spending time in Nature and giving your time to those who are less fortunate and feeling their appreciation and love. The opposite to any negative emotion is love. It can still all stormy seas and steer our vessels to the best of shores, so start by remembering and actuating feelings of love to release worry or guilty thoughts, resentments, anxiety, judgements or anger. If you can master this practice, you are in the Captain’s seat once again.

Posted in Attitude and Health | Leave a comment

Manage Pain

Posted on February 23, 2012 by Windhorse

Effective Pain Management with Quantum Biofeedback
Dawn Greenwald, CBS CQBS

Many forms of pain are stress-related and can be managed or eliminated with stress reduction. Stressful life situations that involve strong psychological or mental and emotional factors can arouse physical responses, affecting nerves, muscles, and even brain circuitry.

Overwhelming and repeated life stressors may eventually cause dysfunction or damage to body tissues. Common examples are tightening or tensing of muscles and nerve irritation, typical of tension headaches, neck and back pain, and tempromandibular joint disorder (TMJ). Other stress-related pain includes chest pain or angina, extremity disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome, and fibromyalgia.

Tender tissues and restricted function due to pain can lead to more stress, as fears arise about movement limitations and site degeneration and weakening. A pain cycle may ensue, leading to anxiety and depression. So, even as pain may be caused by stress, pain is also a major cause of stress. It may be initiated by an accident that causes structural damage, but life stressors may exacerbate the pain after physical healing of the injury has occurred.

Quantum Biofeedback is a recent noninvasive technology that successfully reduces stress and helps to manage pain by training the body to relax, to regain control of the sympathetic nervous system, and to regulate muscle tension. It is a gentle technique that delivers balancing frequencies to your body as you recline in a comfortable chair. During a biofeedback session, you will gain information regarding the nature and location of stressors in your body, and you will often feel less or no pain and more relaxed after a series of sessions, the length of application dependent on the individual, the type and location of pain, and lifestyle.

Research has also shown that Quantum Biofeedback can be very effective for other conditions such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), vertigo, and irritable bowel. It helps to increase focus, memory, dexterity and mobility, and feelings of general well-being. The National Institute of Health has said that 80% of all medical conditions are caused by stress. As stress is reduced, many conditions are reduced or eliminated.

Quantum Biofeedback helps to break the pain cycle, reduces stress that causes pain, and is a safe and effective component in any pain management program. Discuss your pain with a qualified physician first, as your pain could be symptomatic of a serious condition. More information about Quantum Biofeedback can be found at www.QuantumHealthSite.com.

Posted in Pain Management | 1 Comment

The Ubiquitous Cellphone

Posted on February 23, 2012 by Windhorse

Cell Phones and Health
by Dawn Greenwald

Cell phones have become indispensable in our social world, and even have impacted our political world with fast texts and worldwide media access. However, there is another side to the story. Recent safety concerns of texting and driving have initiated new laws in some cities, but their growing output of dangerous electromagnetic fields should continue to be an important concern as well.

Mobile phones transmit low-powered radio waves between 450 and 2700 MHz, when turned on, and can interfere with some medical devices in hospitals and navigational equipment on airplanes. That is why you must turn off your cell phone during air travel.

How do these frequencies interfere with the human body? Have you ever felt heat coming from your cell phone while it was turned on? Some people can immediately feel the radiation on their ear and face, or on their hip or leg when the phone is being carried in a pocket or belted carrying device. Although research has not shown consistent results to date, some studies have shown effects on brain electrical activity, cognitive function, hyperactivity, disturbed sleep patterns, heart rate and blood pressure. Various studies are on-going to determine whether long-term mobile phone use can result in cancer.

Some people have developed a hypersensitivity to cell phone and other electomagnetic frequency (EMF) pollution, due to the significantly expanding use of electromagnetic devices since World War II. They represent a wide range of frequencies, which include power lines, satellite dishes, video display terminals (monitors, TVs), lamps, electric blankets, refrigerators, microwaves, computers, etc. Some hypersensitive people don’t even realize that it is the unseen EMF’s that are causing their stress levels to rise and any conditions/diseases to become aggravated. We are being bombarded everyday with an ever-increasing variety of EMF’s, and it is taking a toll on our health.

There are steps you can take to minimize damaging effects of EMFs in general, and cell phones in particular. First, increase the distance between you and the source, whether it be power lines, electric clocks, TV, or mobile phones. Second, decrease the amount of time spent near the source, and if it’s not in use, switch it off. Use low settings on appliances, move electric clock/radios away from the head when sleeping, and use headsets (some suggest air-tube headsets) on cell phones to avoid head exposure. Know where your junction boxes are located, and be aware that the magnetic portion of EMFs can travel through walls. Third, you can use protection devices that are on the market that absorb, diffuse, deflect, and balance harmful EMFs. Dowsers have found that quartz crystals help to deflect or block EMFs, so placing some of these beautiful rock specimens in front of your computer terminals and TVs may be helpful. New technology has been developed, creating devices that can be attached directly to cell phones and other electronic devices, and wrist bands that can be worn to minimize EMF exposure and balance the body’s energy system. Some of the world’s best athletes are using these protective devices and restoring their energy and performance levels. Take steps to reduce harmful EMFs from cell phone usage and other sources, and restore your core health.

References: World Health Organization; The Body Electric: Electromagnetism and the Foundation of Life, by Robert O. Becker, M.D., and Gary Seldon, 1985; www.emwatch.com; www.health-concerns.org.

Dawn Greenwald, Life Force Energies, is a quantum biofeedback specialist, professionally certified in stress and pain management through the Natural Health Certification Board. She may be contacted at 40-7522 or through the website www.quantumhealthsite.com. Innovative Health Network is now accepting requests to receive their monthly newsletter. Those who are interested should email innovativehealthnetwork@gmail.com.

Posted in ElectroMagnetic Energy Fields and Your Health, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

A Healthy Change of Attitude

Posted on February 21, 2012 by Windhorse

by Dawn Greenwald, CBS

Complaining and other negative attitudes are a type of suffering: perceiving threats, living with fear, blame and resentments, worrying about the future and dwelling in the past. The result is reactive behavior, acting through blame and based on dependency, not feeling in control of your life but perceiving that there is insufficiency and lack. This unhealthy attitude, or pattern of thinking, can generate imbalances in body chemistry and blockages in tissues, promoting disease and inhibiting body growth processes (1, 2).

The opposite of a complaining, negative attitude is Gratitude or Thankfulness. Positive attitude removes blame and resentments and promotes a pro-active choice for living by taking control and responsibility for our thoughts and intentions. Positive attitudes tap into the higher aspects of ourselves, such as kindness, respect and love. These life-affirming attributes promote good health through a “growth response” mechanism at the cellular level (1).

It takes courage to decide to change your attitude. It is a responsible choice that cultivates quality awareness and higher consciousness, and is a life-changing decision. Although change is not easy, changing a complaining attitude to one of gratitude represents a personal decision to regain your health, open your life to receive more blessings, and open the door to more opportunities. Negativity always closes doors. The first step to changing your attitude is to become more aware of your thoughts and your speech. Note when you use words like “can’t” or ‘stupid”, etc., and choose life-affirming words or phrases instead, such as “I’d like to” or “getting better every day”. Guard your thoughts and choose to stop the chain of negative thinking. Engage in practices such as Mindfulness Meditation to help shift your thought patterns. Practicing in this way will assist you in taking the next step.

Second, compose a list of things/situations/people for which you are grateful, including your own personal attributes. Find the golden linings in your life. If you find difficulty in seeing the positive, try moving your perception to a higher level, looking at it as someone else might or as you might view it from a national or global level. For example, if you don’t like your job, think about the many unemployed in our country who would envy you for yours. If you don’t have a job but have good health, the use of your voice, two working arms or legs, remember that there are many that don’t. If your health is poor, do you have a roof over your head and food on the table? Many tornado and fire victims do not. You get the point.

The third action you can take to change from a complaining to a ‘gratitude attitude’ is to become the change you wish to see in your words, thoughts and actions. If someone asks how your road trip went, for example, instead of immediately saying it had rained the whole way, pause to find the positive, perhaps saying that you made it back safe and sound. When you feel resentments threatening, turn your mind and heart to a happy memory or thought. Bring it to life as much as possible. For example, if the smell of pumpkin pie brings fond memories of time spent with grandma, fill your personal space with pumpkin spice-scented candles. If you felt peaceful on the beach but are land-locked, listen to the sound of waves on an ocean relaxation CD. If gospel songs fill your heart with joy, play them often. Volunteer to help others in your community. Uplifting someone else is a sure way to bring lightness to your own heart. Embrace life with gratitude to receive blessings in your life and to enjoy healthy living.

References: (1) Bruce Lipton, PhD, 2008. The Biology of Belief; (2) Dawson Church, PhD. 2009. The Genie in Your Genes.

Dawn Greenwald is a certified biofeedback specialist, certified in stress and pain management through the Natural Health Certification Board, and a licensed Spiritual Health Coach. Contact her at 575-430-7522 or at dawng@tularosa.net.

Posted in Attitude and Health | Leave a comment