Heart palpations, sweaty hands, shallow breathing, or not being able to catch your breath.......feeling anxious & unable to think clearly – does this sound like you?

More & more people are suffering from anxiety. Why is this happening?  There are a multitude of reasons – and each specifically individual to each particular person, however our very fast paced lifestyle has much to do with the symptoms that are becoming more apparent to many people in our day to day lives.

Anxiety disorder includes:

·         Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

·          Social Anxiety (SAD)

·          Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

·          Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

·          Specific Phobia.

A primitive reflex call the “flight / flight reflex” (which is a automated reflex that will send a hormone called “Adrenalin” surging though our blood stream)  I like to think of Adrenalin as super charged rocket fuel. Adrenalin would help us in the past to have extra human “super strength” to help us fight or run away from the Sabre Toothed tiger............)

Adrenalin still will kick in when we are “under stress...............” however these days there is no tiger to run away from or to fight. – In the past the action of “fighting the tiger or running away from it” would use up the adrenalin in the blood stream & when the threat was gone, our bodies would return to, homeostasis.

Now days, the “threats” that we are under, can be far more individual & challenging.

For example, someone may be :

·         Afraid to leave their house. (Agoraphobia)

·         Challenged in small confined spaces. (Claustrophobia)

·         Find it difficult to:

o    Drive

o   Have passengers in their car

o   Drive on main roads

o   Stop at traffic lights

·         Travel on a:

o   Plane

o   Bus

o   Train

·         Public speaking is a common situation where you can feel anxiety. – But for some people, even speaking to their work colleagues, or paying money to the petrol attendant may bring on overwhelming feelings of anxiety & potentially set off a panic attack.

The challenges to someone who is having an anxiety attack & an increase in adrenalin in their bodies, is that they are unable to think clearly.

·         In this situation, all of the blood supply leaves the logical part of the brain (where we do our best thinking.)

·         The blood migrates to our arms & legs (so we can be ready to run or fight.)

·         Blood also moves away from the digestive system (you do not need to be digesting food – when you are running from the tiger...............)

o   Therefore it is common for anxiety prone people, to often have digestive issues as well.

·         Neck, shoulder & leg tension issues are also probable, as the muscles in the body tighten & shorten – readying the body to fight the tiger..................

So what can be done for anxiety? – There are a number of ways that anxiety can be treated. It really does depend on your level of anxiety as to which modality will be of most benefit you. Often a combination of these therapies will work well in conjunction with each other.

2. Medication – Use of anti-anxiety and anti-depressant requires prescription from the doctor, and only under guidance and monitor from doctor or qualified psychiatrist, the patient will receive the correct dosage, minimize the danger of side effects.

3. Complimentary therapies- Kinesiology www.kerryheritage.com.au/kinesiology.html I have personally seen fantastic results for people with anxiety issues, people who have been able to overcome their specific anxiety issues, and confidently move forward with their lives.

Reiki www.kerryheritage.com.au/reiki.html may help to calm & relax - oincreasing the feelings of positive wellbeing in your life & reducing the stress.....

Meditation is another way of allowing you to decrease the anxiety & regain some perspective in your personal life.

4. Herbal – This is considered an alternative treatment for anxiety. However, the Chinese and native people had used them for thousands of years to cure the problems, and studies have found that they can be as effective as prescription medicine without the possible side effects. If you don’t want side effects, or prescription medication doesn’t work for you, and option is that you can try herbal based medicine – consult a herbalist.

5. Relaxation Exercise – Taiji and QiGong are very good relaxation exercises, it can help to relax your mind and body, and restore them to a healthier stat, balance up your body chemical and reduce your mind anxiety and stop feeding anxious sense to the body.

6. Regular Exercise – 30 Minutes of regular exercise every day will reduce the panic attack, and shorten the duration during panic attacks, and eventually eliminate anxiety. When doing exercise, your mind will be distracted from thinking something anxious, and your body will be healthier, less symptoms of anxiety will occur. That’s why exercise is vital in every treatment plan for anxiety.

6. Psychological Treatment for Anxiety – One of the most common and effective anxiety treatments is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and this method can be used with drugs or without drug.

This information has been provided for information use only. For specific anxiety issues, please contact your health provider.

What is Psyillium Husk?

Psyllium Husk is basically fiber: as it is essentially made up of complex carbohydrates. Psyllium Husk is extracted from Psyllium, a plant. Psyllium is the coating around the seed of the Psyllium plant, so it is completely natural.

How can Psyllium Husk help me?

It main benefit is in preventing constipation and promoting colon health.

The natural fiber in Psyllium increases the weight of our bowels, and acts as a safe laxative.

·         In fact  Psyllium Husk is present in many over the counter laxatives.

Psyllium is important for many reasons.

·         Since it contains carbohydrates, it can help diarrhea.

·         It can help ease the pain of hemorrhoids and cystitis.

·         Psyllium Husks have anti-inflammatory properties, and can be beneficial for those with diabetes.

o   In some studies, it has been shown that Psyllium Husk can improve lipid control in Type 2 diabetes.

·         Aids in weight loss control

·         Maintains healthy cholesterol levels

·         Maintains healthy blood pressure levels

·         Treats yeast infections

·         Psyllium pushes out mucoid plaque.

How is Psyllium Husk beneficial for maintaining a healthy bowel?

The Psyllium husk swells when it comes in contact with water.

·         It can absorb anything that is 8-16 times its weight.

·         Its bulky fiber qualities, makes it an effective laxative.

·         Psyllium husk forms a gelatin-like mass in the colon, which keeps the bowels nice and soft.

·         This mass also helps absorbs toxins located in our bowels.

  The bulky substance formed by Psyllium Husks stimulates peristalsis, which aids constipation.

Considerations when using Psyllium Husk

There are some very important considerations to be aware of when using psyllium.

·         Some people have complained of bloating or gas when first using the product.

·         Most practitioners suggest taking several weeks to work up to a full dose of this dietary fiber.

·         Early reactions might include diarrhoea and flatulence.

·         Some people are severely allergic to psyllium husk.

o   This is especially true of those who handle large amounts of psyllium husk to prepare laxatives.

o   Some have had anaphylactic shock reactions to taking psyllium husk.

o   Intestinal obstruction may also be a risk for some, particularly those who have had surgery on the intestines or bowels.

·         Psyllium is not habit forming like stimulant laxatives. It can be used every day as long as desired.

Points to remember when taking Phyllium Husk

The most important thing to remember when taking psyllium husk is to take it with lots of water, & continue to drink water throughout the day.

Take the Phyllium husk with food or water.

·         Do not eat it alone as it can cause digestive problems.

·         You can mix Psyllium Husk with practically anything: fruit/veggie juice, stew, soups, ice cream shakes, water, milk, etc.

o   I find it works great if you are making a smoothie or juicing your own veggie juice, (as it acts as a thickener.)

o   Another way of drinking the phyllium is to put it in a glass of warm water. NOTE: Remember not to make the water too hot or by the time it has cooled down, you will have a glass of glug! – The phyllium swells to more than 20 times it’s original size.

·         Ensure that you consume plenty of liquid during the day (at least 6 – 8 glasses of water.)

o   The Psyllium Husk can cause dehydration since it makes the moisture content of our bowels higher.

·         Psyllium’s nutritional value lies in the numerous benefits of dietary fiber.  The dietary fiber content of quality psyllium husks products is:

o   Psyllium Husks Powder: 4 – 4 ½ grams of fiber per 5 gram serving (1 rounded teaspoon)

o   ·        Psyllium Whole Husks: 4 – 4 ½ grams of fiber per 5 gram serving (1 tablespoon)

o   ·        Psyllium Husks Caps: 2 – 2 ¼ grams of fiber per 4-capsule serving Psyllium is a fantastic tool for helping with colon health. However, bowel issues are a “sign” that something else is not working within our digestive / elimination system. If symptoms persist please consult your medical health provider.

A kinesiologist may also be of benefit to you in similar situations regarding your colon health. Please consult your medical practitioner to ensure that there are no underlying medical causes to your current situation.

Author: Kerry Heritage
Kinesiologist
www.kerryheritage.com.au

Have you ever notices as the seasons change, and we move further away from Summer that sometimes it affects your moods & ability to be motivated?

·         Dark / gloomy days can leave you feeling lethargic & tired.

·         Cold & wet days – you no longer want to be outside & it has hard to be motivated to do the things that you need to do.

·         Sometimes it may even be difficult to get up for work.

·         You may even feel depressed................

There is a logical & scientific reason for this: Insufficient exposure to sunlight has been associated with low levels of melatonin and serotonin, carbohydrate craving, weight gain, and sleep disturbance.

Signs and Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder

The symptoms of SAD occur cyclically with a return of symptoms each year during the winter months. These symptoms tend to be the atypical symptoms of depression, including:

·         increased sleep;

·         increased appetite and carbohydrate cravings;

·         weight gain;

·         irritability;

·         interpersonal difficulties (especially rejection sensitivity), and

·         a heavy, leaden feeling in the arms or legs.

Causes of Seasonal Affective Disorder

·         SAD is believed to be caused by a disturbance in the normal circadian rhythm of the body. Light entering through the eyes influences this rhythm.

·         When it is dark, the pineal gland produces a substance called melatonin which is responsible for the drowsiness we feel each day after dusk.

·         Light entering the eyes at dawn shuts off the production of melatonin.

·         During the shorter days of winter, when people may rise before dawn or not leave their offices until after sunset, these normal rhythms may become disrupted, producing the symptoms of SAD.

·         There is also evidence linking SAD to a reduced amount of the neurotransmitter serotonin. Serotonin is the feel-good substance that is increased by antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). This decrease in serotonin production may be responsible for many of the symptoms of SAD, such as depression and carbohydrate cravings.

So how can I help myself to alleviate the symptoms of SAD?

There are some very simple techniques that you can try to help alleviate the symptoms of SAD.

·         Go outside into the daylight for at least 20 minutes per day. This will help to increase your levels of serotonin.

·         Sit outside in the morning light for 20 – 30 minutes.

·         Where possible do not wear sunglasses while you are outside – as it is beneficial to have the direct sunlight on the retina’s of the eyes. (Do keep your eyes closed while specifically doing this exercise for SAD.)

·         Do not use sunscreen, or sunglasses, allow your body to absorb positive nutrients from the sun. NOTE: Lack of sunglasses & not using sunscreen may be challenging if you live in the Southern Hemisphere – please use caution on bright light & warm temperature days..

·         Many people have noticed positive improvements in the emotional wellbeing after spending a few minutes each day in the sun / light.

Other options to improve serotonin levels include:

Meditation – find  a quiet spot outside each day & imagine yourself in your “peaceful safe place.”

·         A quiet spot like:

·         The beach:

·         A park:

·         The mountains:

·         A stream are all very good places to meditate & spend some relaxing time.

Engaging in a favourite hobby is a type of meditation that will also help you to relax &raise serotonin deficiency levels.

Listening to soothing music.

See a Kinesiologist& they will offer you advise & tools to help you to relax & de-stress & cope with darker months better more comfortably.

This information has been provided for personal use & information purposes only. If symptoms persist please consult your medical practitioner.

During my time working as a Kinesiologist, it has become very apparent that there is a lot of misunderstanding about the significance of drinking water.
Now I know we all hear about this "8 glasses of water a day bit.............." Actually there a  great deal of advertising & media coverage about it, (especially advertisers selling bottled water) but has anyone explained to you the real reason why you should drink "8 glasses per day."

I have found dealing with 16 / 20 clients per week, that most of my new clients have no idea.............
I wish to share some of the fantastic ways that drinking 1.5L - 2L of water per day, can possibly turn your life around.

Your body & brain are comprised of 79% water. For your total system to function correctly, it must be well hydrated.

• (That means that you need to drink water.....)
• Now some people will tell you that they do drink water (in tea / coffee / cordial / mineral water based drinks.)
• Your body does not see this "water" as a substance that it can easily absorb.
  

This is an invitation to all Reiki practitioners In Adelaide & surrounding areas, regardless of linage or level.

We all need the opportunity to meet with like minded people & have the opportunity to have some work done on ourselves & connect over ideas.

I am hosing a Reiki Play day on 5th December 2009 1pm-5pm.
Format for the afternoon :
*Meet with like minded people 
*Have the opportunity to have some Reiki done on yourself
*Have the opportunity to do some Reiki on someone else
*Have a chat & connect over ideas & stories of your experiences with Reiki
*Spend some time doing "something" for yourself

Please bring a plate of food to share (no nuts, as the venue has a no nut policy, due to children attending the venue with major life threatening nut allergies.)
BYO massage table if you have one, + a rug & pillow.
Tea & coffee will be provided.
A $5.00 donation would be great fully accepted to cover the cost of room hire.

VENUE: Seaview Downs Primary School - OSCH Room (map provided on acceptance of invitation)
               Ross Street Seaview Downs SA 5049

RSVP to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  to confirm your attendance on the day.

The summer holidays & Christmas for me is all about spending time with my family & friends, and having some “down time.”

This often means late nights, sometimes, not eating as well as I should, and I know that there is alcohol involved in the mix “somewhere............” (After all it is the season to be merry!!! – As if I really need an excuse.)

I have put some tips together to manage this “season” a little more comfortably for myself & hopefully they may work for you as well.

Managing your dates & appointments: Sometimes you really have to say NO! – I love being busy at this time of year, but sometimes I really & truly have too many parties / business functions / networking functions / kids school events / end of year concerts – parties to attend.

·         Prioritise & work out which ones you really need to attend.

·         Which ones you want to attend.

·         Make a decision about the others.........will the world fall apart if you do not attend.

·         What is more important to you.........your sanity & some “down time” or attending this event.

o   When I put it into perspective like this, it became rather obvious what I needed to do to look after my health & wellbeing. (Still do not get it right all the time, but I am working on it.........)

Have you every wished to learn Ear Candling? A wonderful tool to help promote & maintain a wonderful sense of health & well-being.

Ear Candling is a great resource, to create a "value added service" for your existing clients

I will be running a long day Practitioner Training Course on 6th November