Uncovered The Benefits Of Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy benefits everyone, young and old.

Aromatherapy is the practice of using Essential Oils to benefit us mentally, emotionally and/or physically.

Aromatherapy benefits us in many ways and, when used correctly, may help us...

· Feel Better

· Become Healthier

· With Relaxation

· With Concentration

· In Healing


· Reduce Pain

And much more…


To get the Aromatherapy benefits, we have to get the oil into our bodies.

That can occur in the following ways.

1. We may put it on our skin, where the skin absorbs it and filters it into our bloodstream.

The most common way to do this is by having an aromatherapy massage, or to rub it in ourselves.

* Important Note * Never use essential oils ‘neat’ on your skin.


A few drops in a carrier oil, is how they are applied.

2. We may inhale it, and let the air get it to into our lungs; from there it filters into our bloodstream, where the benefits of Aromatherapy become apparent
Different ways to do this are,
1. Heat the Essential Oil (and water) in an ‘oil burner’, and then inhale it from the air in the room.

2. Have a bath adding a few drops of these precious oils and inhale the steam from the water.


You can add to your collection of oils at any time, when you discover your favourites, or want to try something new.(Like an ailment you are treating or the Aromatherapy benefits that you are seeking).


It is often described as a NEW treatment, or a ‘New Age’ trendy fad, but it is, in fact, a very old and skilful art.

So, to get maximum Aromatherapy benefits, a brief history would be an advantage.


Some documented historical details produce a colourful account of Aromatherapy benefits through the ages.

Almost 5000 years ago, in ancient Egypt, aromatic oils were burnt as offerings to their gods, and they used Essential oils to embalm their dead Pharaohs.

Aromatherapy benefits the living and the dead! (As you will learn, Aromatherapy has many benefits).


Cleopatra enjoyed the benefits of Aromatherapy. She is said to have bathed in asses milk, and to this was added the most luxurious of aromatic oils to keep her looking young and beautiful.


(By the way, if you want to use Essential oils in your bath, it is a good idea to mix them with a little milk first. That way the oils get into the water, instead of floating on the top!


Hippocrates, the father of Western medicine, wrote in his journals of the ‘beneficial aroma’ of many plants.


It is believed that about 1000 years ago, an Arab physician, having discovered the benefits of Aromatherapy, devised a method of distilling oils.


Some of these techniques are still used today! His written record describes ‘many plants and their aromatic benefits’. The Crusades brought Perfumes and Essential oils from Arabia so that Britain may benefit from Aromatherapy.


You may be interested to learn that during the Middle Ages, when the Plague killed so many, the ‘parfumieres’, (the ones handling the Essential oils), were immune to the Black Death that swept through the whole of Europe.
A major Aromatherapy benefit!


In the 17th century, many of the women considered to be ‘witches', were really women knowledgeable in the different properties of plants and herbs and how to use the benefits of Aromatherapy, amongst other things, to treat the sick.


Until the 19th century there were countless and repeated recorded benefits of Aromatherapy when treating sick and ill people.


As time went by, and us humans became ‘smarter’, we started to use many NEW, artificial concoctions, to replace the OLD Essential Oils.


During the 19th and 20th century many of the benefits of Aromatherapy have been forgotten, even though the ‘knowledge’ is still very much out there in books and records.

Modern technology has given us fragrances and scents, which have little or NO Aromatherapy benefits.


They are just chemical formulas, much cheaper to produce than Essential Oils, but have zero therapeutic value Many compare the aroma of an Essential Oil to the scent of a Fragrant Oil and say that they smell the same; therefore they must DO the same thing.



This is NOT THE CASE!


The good Essential oils can be described as different oils, having different properties.

The Benefits of Aromatherapy come from the use of Essential Oils and products containing them.

The use of fragrant oils, or products containing them, have NO Aromatherapy benefits..

Different Essential Oils have different properties (i.e. they do different things to our body)

So… read a little about the Essential Oils and the benefits of Aromatherapy before you use them.

It’s NOT the smell that does the job; it is the different qualities and properties of the plant source that provides the aromatherapy benefit to us.


LESS IS BEST... More is NOT better!


In fact, it can be dangerous to use too much of some oils. Children and elderly people only need half the normal dose to fully benefit from Aromatherapy!

And remember, an Essential Oil that has been wonderful, and a fantastic Aromatherapy benefit to you, may NOT be the best Oil for your family member, best friend or neighbour. We are, all of us, totally unique, and have the right to be treated uniquely.


Aromatherapy is an art, and a science, so a little imagination and some grounding knowledge is a great help.

Discovery:Aromatherapy Massage

Subscribe To This Site









Aromatherapy is the therapeutic use of essential oils. An essential oil is an aromatic essence distilled from a single botanical source. Essential oils have many different effects on the body, mind, and soul. Some have an analgesic and antispasmodic effect, while most are antibacterial. Essential oils can be sedative or stimulating and can aid in skin care and wound healing. There are many different ways of using essential oils therapeutically – baths and saunas, foot baths, inhalations, compresses, creams or lotions, and perhaps the most common and relaxing way through aromatherapy massage.



How does it help?
Aromatherapy massage therapy is extremely beneficial and is an excellent way of reducing stress. The essential oils affect the autonomous nervous system and calm the ‘flight and fight’ response of the human body that causes a release of harmful stress inducing hormones. Furthermore, the massage in itself stimulates the blood circulation, increasing the supply of nutrients and oxygen to cells; and stimulates lymphatic flow, improving tissue drainage and improving the immune system. Aromatherapy massage is known to be one of the most effective ways to combat stress and stress related illnesses.



Oils.
In order for aromatherapy to be effective and beneficial, care must be taken when selecting the essential oils that will be used for healing. Some oils will be more appropriate, in terms of effectiveness, to particular people than others. To ascertain which oil is best suited for you, experiment with the oils and determine the right oil that will relieve stress and other stress related illnesses that are peculiar to you. While experimenting with different oils, keep in mind the properties of each essential oil and its effect on the human body, mind, and soul. Some oils have anti-inflammatory properties; some are relaxing and sedative, some invigorating and so on. A blend of 2-3 oils can be made by incorporating different characteristics and properties to suit your personal needs. Dilute and blend your chosen oils in a carrier or base oil, but be careful not to exceed recommended amounts.



Massage Techniques.
A full body massage is not a necessary requirement in order to benefit from the essential oils. Blended essential oils can be rubbed locally into the area that is giving problems, whether it is muscular aches and pains, a stiff neck or a congested chest. A few handy tips when doing a self-massage include, use gentle strokes towards the heart, to encourage the circulation, and when massaging the abdomen, move your hands in clockwise circles, following the flow of the intestines.



Some of the popular massage techniques that can be used in conjunction with aromatherapy are:


Swedish massage.
This method of massaging was developed by the Swede Professor Ling. It is beneficial to promote the feeling of well-being and also helps to reduce emotional and physical stress.

Neuromuscular massage.
Neuromuscular massage forms the basis of aromatherapy massage and evolved from the work of Stanley Leif. The overall effect of this massage is to restore the balance of the autonomic nervous system.

Lymphatic massage.
This massage helps to improve the flow of lymph and can also be incorporated into aromatherapy massage. Lymph drainage massage is particularly useful in detoxifying the body and boosting the immune system.

Acupressure massage and Shiatsu.
This method of massage focuses on the meridians of the body and aims to relieve blockages of these meridians by massaging vital pressure points. It can be performed while the person is fully clothed and requires no needles such as in acupuncture.

Reflexology.
In reflexology, the focus is placed on manipulating and massaging certain points on the feet and other parts of the body, that are said to directly affect internal organs. Massaging of these points is said to improve the functions of the corresponding organs in the body.

Aromatherapy Stress Relief

Aromatherapy Stress Relief
Are you stressed? Aromatherapy can be a tremendous help in stress relief. We are all faced with stress at some point in our lives. Controlling it is crucial in your overall health and well being.

If handled inappropriately, stress can be devastating. Stress lowers your resistance and makes you more vulnerable to illness and disease. It can also be mentally crippling.


Aromatherapy is a technique that uses the body’s sense of smell to help boost your mood, relieve stress, energize and encourage better health.


Essential Oils for Stress Relief

Below are essential oils helpful in the relief of certain stress related problems. Try adding a few drops of a related essential oil to a cotton ball and inhaling.



Anxiety: Lavender, Geranium, Palma rosa, Jonquil, bergamot, Chamomile, Basil, Cypress, Frankincense, Geranium Jasmine, Juniper, Melissa, Neroli, Ylang ylang


Depression/Guilt: Jasmine, Geranium, Lavender, Bergamot, Neroli, Nutmeg, Clary sage, Grapefruit, Sandalwood, Ylang ylang, Rose, Vetiver


Helplessness: Grapefruit, Rosemary, Lavender, Pettigraine, Neroli


Insomnia/Restlessness: Marjoram, Lemon, Vetiver, Valerian, Rose, Sandalwood, Chamomile, Neroli, Ylang ylang


Irritability/Nervous Tension: Sandalwood, Pettigraine, Clary sage, Lavender, Bergamot, Cedarwood, Cinnamon, Frankincense, Palma rosa, Vetiver, Jasmine, Ylang ylang


Tiredness/Exhaustion: Peppermint, Rosemary, Jasmine, Basil, Cinnamon, Lemon, Clary sage, Lavender, Nutmeg, Sandalwood, Rose, Vetiver, Geranium

Aromatherapy Stress Relief Blends

You can try the following aromatherapy blend to relieve the mental fatigue you might experience after a long day at work or when you’re just plain tired of thinking and want to drift away to a peaceful place...



•Patchouli (5 drops)
•Geranium (20 drops)
•Bergamot (10 drops)
•Lavender (5 drops)
•Ylang ylang (10 drops)

Mix the above oils in 5 ounces of Sweet Almond carrier oil. Add it to your hot bath and relax. It’s also great as a massage blend.



Counting sheep and still can’t sleep? If you’re suffering from stress related insomnia try this essential oil blend:



•Marjoram (9 drops)
•Lemon (14 drops)

Add the above oils to an aromatherapy diffuser and let the scents work their magic to send you off to a peaceful sleep.

Aromatherapy:The Smell Factor

To better understand aromatherapy benefits, it helps to know how your body processes smells.


The sense of smell is pretty powerful. In fact, the body can distinguish around 10,000 different scents! Amazing, isn’t it?



As scents are inhaled, the smell travels across the olfactory nerves located inside the nose and then up into the part of the brain that controls our moods, our memories and our ability to learn. This area is called the Limbic System and when stimulated it releases endorphins, neurotransmitters and other 'feel-good' chemicals.
Wow! That’s pretty scientific stuff… not to worry, in a nutshell, what all of that means is that smells have a subtle way of effecting your mind and emotions.

Just think of the way you feel when you sniff the scent from a fresh bouquet of flowers versus your reaction when you smell something not so fresh like garbage or burnt toast. A big difference right

Aromatherapy And The Immune System II

Plasma contains proteins,
enzymes, electrolytes, sugar, glucose
and fats and constitutes 55 percent of
the blood. The other 45 percent of the
blood is made up of cells, including
red blood cells (erythrocytes), white
blood cells (leukocytes) and platelets
(thrombocytes).
Red blood cells are
responsible for carrying oxygen to all
other cells in the body. Platelets help
cuts and wounds heal. White blood
cells form the army of the immune
system. Although all these cells depend
on each other to keep a person healthy,
it is the work of white blood cells that
is at the core of our immune system.
Blood and lymph are the
transport mechanisms for leukocytes
(white blood cells), the basic units of
immunity.
Leukocytes
White blood cells, or
leukocytes, come in different sizes and
perform different functions.
Leukocytes all have a nucleus, which
contains the material for growth,
nourishment and reproduction. All
leukocytes arise from a stem cell, or
parent cell, located in the bone
marrow. Stem cells give rise to different
types of blood cells, which then mature
into different types of cells depending
on where in the body the maturation
process takes place.
All the body’s leukocytes fall
into one of three categories:
polymorphonuclear granulocytes,
monocytes and lymphocytes. Each of
these has its own role to play in
immune function.
Polymorphonuclear granulocytes
(polys): These cells form the first line
of defense. They don’t have a
specialized function: they can attack all
foreign intruders. Polys include
neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils
and mast cells.
s Neutrophils: These cells are
extremely mobile. Neutrophils are
phagocytic cells, meaning that they can
engulf other cells, microbes and other
particles. Neutrophils play a major role
in the inflammatory response. They
comprise 55-70 percent of all white
blood cells.
s Eosinophils: These cells are
phagocytes. It is believed that they play
an important role in regulating the
severity of allergic reactions by
secreting an enzyme that breaks down
histamine. They also seem to be
involved in combating parasites.
Eosinophils comprise 1-3 percent of
the total of white blood cells.
s Basophils: These cells are not
phagocytic; however, they are
responsible for releasing histamine, a
chemical involved in the allergic
response. Basophils also release
heparin, an important anticoagulant.
These cells are found in small numbers
in the blood, accounting for less than
1 percent of all white blood cells.
sMast cells: These cells are similar to
basophils, but they do not circulate in
the blood. Mast cells can be found
closer to the skin and are very active
in the allergic response.
Monocytes: These cells make up 3 to
8 percent of all circulating leukocytes.
They are phagocytic. Although
monocytes are active in the immune
response, their most important role is
to mature into macrophages.
sMacrophages: These are very large
and extremely “hungry” phagocytic
cells that can not only circulate in the
bloodstream, but also settle in the
spleen, liver, lymph nodes, tonsils,
lungs and bone marrow. There they
can engulf aging or damaged cells and
microbes. They are also good defenders
against fungi. Along with the
neutrophils, macrophages are the
body’s major phagocytes.
Together,neutrophils,
monocytes and macrophages play a
major role in the inflammatory, or
nonspecific, immune response. These
phagocytes are able to engulf invaders
and abnormal cells and then help to
clean up after the immunological
response. However, as we will see later,
monocytes and macrophages are also
involved in the more specific immune
response.
Lymphocytes: These are very
specialized leukocytes and comprise 20-
50 percent of all leukocytes.
T-cells: These cells are called T-cells
because they mature in the thymus.
They comprise 60-70 percent of
lymphocytes. When humans are still
in the fetal stage of development,
immature stem cells migrate from the
bone marrow to the thymus, where
they become T-cell “parents.” The
progeny of these cells endure a
selection process that weeds out T-cells
that are abnormal or have receptors
that recognize normal body structures.
The cells emerging from this
Aromatherapy &
The Immune System continued
3
process are programmed to respond to
a single enemy. They then migrate to
the spleen and the lymph nodes and
await an attack. These cells now
compose what is called cell-mediated
immunity. T-cell receptors are made
of proteins and they specialize in
identifying viruses and other
organisms that invade a cell.
There are three basic types of T-cells:
sHelper T-cells: Most abundant Tcells.
They stimulate the growth of
cytotoxic and suppressor T-cells. They
also stimulate macrophages to perform
their engulfing duties and B-cells to
produce antibodies.
sCytotoxic T-cells (killer cells): These
cells attach to specific antigens and
secrete enzymes to puncture the shells
of the invaders.
s Suppressor T-cells: These cells
suppress the active immune response.
They keep the immune system from
becoming overactive.
B-Cells: These cells comprise 10-20
percent of all lymphocytes. Once a
stem cell produces a descendant, the
stromal cells of the bone marrow
decide whether this cell will become a
B-cell or another cell type. Once a cell
is designated as a B-cell, a specialized
structure called the surrogate complex
determines which cells will survive and
be allowed to circulate throughout the
body. The B-cells that survive migrate
to the lymph nodes and spleen to await
action. B-cells are especially adept at
catching intruders like bacteria. B-cells
fight intruders by manufacturing
antibodies. This type of immunity is
known as humoral or antibodymediated
immunity. Antibodies are
very specific; each one can bind to only
one specific antigen. This binding
helps destroy that particular antigen.
Antibodies come in five different types:
IgM, IgG, IgA, IgE and IgD. Ig stands
for immunoglobulin.
s IgM: is the first antibody to appear
in response to an invader. It attaches
to the intruder and marks it for
destruction by phagocytic cells. It
remains in the blood stream and it is
very effective against bacteria.
However, its effects are very short-lived.
s IgG is the most abundant antibody
and it provides lifelong immunity
against a specific antigen. It can enter
tissue spaces and is the only antibody
able to pass through the placenta,
giving the fetus its immunity.
s IgA is found in wet surfaces such as
saliva, tears, nasal and vaginal
secretions. It fights off invaders at the
sites of entrance.
s IgE is able to adhere to mast cells
and basophils to release histamines
responsible for allergic reactions. It is
also involved in the fight against
parasites.
s IgD almost exclusively found inserted
into the membrane of B-cells, it seems
to regulate the cell’s activation.
s Natural killer (NK) cells: These are
lymphocytes that are granular in
appearance. Their role is nonspecific.
They can destroy invaders, specifically
cancer and virus-infected cells, without
assistance from other cells.
The Communication System
As expected, in order for all
these specific and non-specific
leukocytes to perform their duties,
there has to be an effective
communication system in place. How
do these cells “speak” to each other?
Through proteins called cytokines.
Manufactured by monocytes,
macrophages and lymphocytes, these
proteins regulate cell growth and
function during inflammatory and
specific immune responses. Among
these proteins are interferons,
interleukins, tumor necrosis factor,
colony-stimulating factor, and
erythropoietin. Cytokines can enhance
inflammatory and immune responses,
and can inhibit these responses in the
fight or flight response. (see section on
Stress and Immunity).
The Immune System at Work
When a macrophage attacks
an antigen, it takes fragments of it to
helper and suppressor T-cells. In turn,
these orchestrate a response. Helper Tcells
always want to send too many
cytotoxic T-cells to fight, while the
suppressor T-cells never want to send
enough. Together they arrive at a
balance. The cytotoxic T-cells are sent
to fight armed with enzymes, when
they find the invader, they can use
these enzymes to drill holes on its shell
causing its insides to pour out.
Phagocytes arrive and clean-up debris.

Aromatherapy & The Immune System

It is no secret that the world
is a toxic place. Every day we are
exposed to innumerable diseasecausing
agents. The quality of the air
we breathe and the water we drink is
no doubt in decline. Our meat is full
of hormones and antibiotics & our
produce is sprayed with harmful
pesticides. Bacteria have become
resistant to even the strongest
antibiotics. Every year there’s a new flu
shot and millions of us head to the
doctor to get vaccinated. Many find
themselves sick anyway because the
shot only works against last year’s
“bug;” this year the bug has “mutated.”
In addition to all these factors,
prolonged periods of stress have
become the norm for many. Not only
do we have to deal with everyday
stressors (traffic jams, family problems
and demanding jobs) but we can now
add a bad economy, the threat of
terrorism and pending wars to that list.
In the mad rush to survive we forget
about taking care of the emotional side
of ourselves. In light of all these factors
it’s no wonder that disease takes hold.
The human body, with its
intricacies, beauty and mysteries shows
a remarkable ability to survive. Cells,
organs, proteins and hormones, each
one essential to our body’s proper
function, all work together in order to
keep us alive and healthy. At the core
of our ability to stay alive lies our
immune system, a system of
astonishing complexity. Researchers
discover something new about
immunity virtually everyday. However,
many questions remain unanswered.
Two concepts, nonetheless, seem to
have withstood centuries of research
on the human body: balance and
integration. In health, all of the body’s
systems and functions are in balance
and well integrated. No process in the
body occurs in isolation; complex
processes are dependent on seemingly
small ones, showing the body’s
extraordinary degree of integration.
When physical discomfort occurs the
body reacts in ways that will bring it
back to equilibrium, demonstrating its
innate desire for balance. However,
many factors can upset this
equilibrium. This lack of balance sets
off a chain of reactions that can cause
disease.
Thus, the question arises: Can
we help our bodies maintain or achieve
balance and integration? The answer
is a resounding: Yes! Disease does not
occur in a vacuum. There are
environmental, nutritional, emotional,
mental and genetic factors that play a
role in our health. Addressing disease
as a manifestation of a dysfunction of
the whole person, not just of our
physical health, is the key to a healthy
life. Alternative practices offer a
holistic view of health. Among these
is aromatherapy, an art and science
that seeks to enhance the body’s own
ability to heal and attain balance
through the use of essential oils.
Aromatherapy offers us a
multilayered approach to health that
addresses the body, mind and spirit.
What is the immune system?
Alternative Medicine, The
Definitive Guide states that “the
immune system is a complex network
of specialized organs, cells and
substances that acts as the body’s
primary defense against disease and a
wide variety of bacterial, viral, and
fungal infections, all of which we come
in contact with simply by breathing,
eating, and the acts of everyday living.
In addition, on a daily basis many cells
are damaged or killed due to trauma,
toxins, microbial attack, and other
processes in the body. The immune
system is responsible for removing such
cells, a task it can only perform if
healthy.”1
The immune system protects
us against the millions of viruses,
bacteria, parasites and fungi to which
we are exposed on a regular basis. In
addition to this, it protects us from our
own unhealthy cells (free radicals) by
disposing of them before they can
reproduce and become a problem.
So how does the immune
system accomplish this? How does it
defend us against all these enemies?
The processes involved in immunity
are so complex that researchers have
just begun to understand their
intricacies. They tell us, however, that
immunity begins at the cellular level.
The cells primarily responsible for
keeping us healthy are our white blood
cells. To understand these cells we
need to take a closer look at the
composition of blood.
Blood Composition
Often referred to as “the river
of life,” blood is the transportation
vehicle for substances responsible for
sustaining life and promoting
wellbeing. Blood carries oxygen from

अरे यू सिंगिंग थे लो सेल्फ-एस्टीम ब्लुएस?

Bipolar Disorder
"People say that they liked my presentation, but it was nothing like it should have been. I can't believe they didn't notice all the mistakes I made."

"She didn't say hi to me when I came into the chat room. I know that means she is angry and doesn't like me."

"She turned me down for a date! I'm so embarrassed and humiliated. No one likes or cares about me. I'll never find a girlfriend. I'll always be alone."

"I got an F on the test. I don't understand anything in this class. I'm such an idiot. Who am I fooling? I shouldn't be taking this class. I'm stupid and I don't belong in college."

Do any of these statements sound familiar? Have you ever felt like an imposter where you act as if you are happy and successful, but are really terrified of failure? Do you live with the constant fear that you will be "found out?" Do you live with persistent anger about not feeling "good enough?" If you answered yes to any of the above questions, there is a good chance that you suffer from low self-esteem.

Many people who have bipolar disorder struggle with low self-esteem. It is a continuous struggle we face every day. So how do we get it and how do we end the struggle?

How Does Low Self-Esteem Come About?
Early experiences can greatly impact the outlook we have about ourselves. Abuse, neglect, and abandonment can influence self-esteem throughout our lives. Being harshly criticized, being ignored, ridiculed, or teased, being expected to be "perfect" all the time either at home or at school can affect self-esteem. Low self-esteem can also come from inconsistent or critical parenting. People with low self-esteem were often given messages that failed experiences (losing a game, getting a poor grade, etc.) were failures of their whole self.

While things in our childhood may affect how we view ourselves, an experience later in life may also be the cause. Often those with a physical disability or mental illness -including bipolar disorder - feel as if they are lacking in some way or don't measure up.

Some people do not believe they are likeable, pretty, or successful. Even when given positive information, they still see the negatives in themselves. It becomes a never-ending cycle. Low self-esteem can also affect relationships if one depends greatly on the other to maintain their self-image.

Some Signs of Low Self-Esteem

•Self-consciousness
•Shyness
•Over-sensitivity
•Feelings of rejection
•Inability to make decisions
•Attacking others or their character
•Attention seeking
•Aggression
Other signs and behaviors that can indicate self-esteem problems:
•Pride
If one is genuinely self-confident, there is no need for pride; only an empty balloon can be "blown up." To cover up their own insecurity, a fair amount of people act out pride, as if they are better than others, but only because they lack self-confidence.

•Improper humility
Regarding oneself not as equal to others, but as less than others. Humility is a positive quality as it avoids pride and is other-centered, often driven by active compassion for others. Lack of self-confidence however, is often self-centered (feeling sorry for oneself and looking for excuses to not change your own situation) and it paralyzes you from doing positive actions.

•Idolizing people
Overestimating others is based on - or will easily lead to - underestimating oneself.

•Trying to be a perfect person instead of being oneself
A self-confident person doesn't need to behave like someone else. Instead of leading to praise, this behavior can lead to problems as others may easily pierce through the facade.

How Can I Eliminate Stress And Worry From My Life?

In order for you to be physically and mentally equipped to eliminate stress and worry from your life, there are two factors which must be aligned. Without these two factors, you will be ill-equipped to face life's challenges head on - and win!

So, what are these two factors?
Let me explain. There are two elements to the human body, the psyche (the brain) and the physiology (the body) and these two elements work together, perfectly synchronized, perfectly balanced and in rhythm. Without this 'synergy', the body and mind become unbalanced like a wheel with a badly-fitted hubcap.

This can impact on our wellbeing in two ways. Physical imbalance causes symptoms which can lead to worry and mental imbalance, which in turn causes poor or inappropriate thought processes, that create physical and mental symptoms .

You see, if the balance isn't maintained, the impact can be quite severe - not necessarily dangerous - but certainly quite disturbing, uncomfortable and sometimes frightening.

There are many conditions which can be caused by these imbalances; here are a handful of examples:

Bad back or neck pains
Muscle or soft-tissue pains
Low immune responses and allergies
Anxiety, panic attacks, phobias or obsessions
Dietary or digestive disorders
Depression
And the list goes

Can Your Self Talk Create Additional Stress? Yes!

It’s well-known in the therapeutic community that negative statements from others can erode our sense of self-worth. Children tend to believe negative assessments of them from teachers and parents, and develop a compromised self-concept when criticized on a regular basis. Researchers estimate that it’s necessary for the ratio of positive-to-negative comments be at least five to one for a relationship to be healthy and survive long-term. For these reasons, we’re taught not to let others put us down, but sometimes the person eroding our sense of self-worth and limiting our potential is us! That’s right, our self talk, or the words our inner dialogue uses when we think, can increase our stress levels, limit our potential, and color our experience with a negative pen. Here are some more detailed reasons why this happens, with links to resources you can use to change your mind and turn self-sabotage into self-mastery:

Language Colors Experience
Though it’s not clear as to this occurs, it has been found that the types of words we use can alter expectations and even our perceptions of reality. For example:
•If you’ve been told that a difficult person is ‘a nightmare to work with’, you will probably perceive that person as more frustrating than if you’ve been told they’re ‘particular’ or ‘somewhat demanding’.

•If your dentist tells you, ‘This will hurt. A lot!”, you will probably find a procedure more painful than if you’ve been told ‘You may experience some discomfort.’

•Research has found that people who speak different languages may see the same things differently based on the words their language uses to describe these things. For example, research has found that language can affect the perception of color. (People who spoke a certain language that classifies blue and green as different shades of the same color were less able than English speakers to differentiate colors that toed the line between blue and green.) These effects influence the right brain more than the left, but the influence is clearly significant.
As it subtly colors what you perceive and what you dwell on, negative self-talk can alter your experience of stress in the following ways:

Increased Perception of Stress:
When your self talk is negative, you may perceive things as more stressful. For example, when you tell yourself something is ‘difficult’ or ‘unfair’, it becomes more stressful to deal with than if you tell yourself it’s a ‘challenge’, or even a ‘test’. Using self-talk that is optimistic rather than pessimistic has stress management benefits, productivity benefits and even health benefits that have been proven by research.

Self-Limitation:
If you say “I can’t handle this”, you more likely can’t. This is because your subconscious mind tends to believe the thoughts it hears. You can limit your abilities by telling yourself you “can’t”, that “this is too hard” or that you “shouldn’t even try”.

Limited Thinking:
When you tell yourself you can’t handle something (or some other self-limiting thought), you tend to stop looking for solutions. For example, notice the difference between telling yourself you can’t handle something and asking yourself how you will handle something. Doesn’t the second thought feel more hopeful and produce more creativity? Negative self talk tends to be a self-fulfilling prophecy!
Stopping negative thoughts and creating habitually positive internal dialogue can reduce stress and empower you

Stress and Self Sabotage:Are You Creating Additional Mental Stress For Yourself?

Though virtually everyone experiences stress, sometimes the way we react to stress amounts to self sabotage! We’ve all found ourselves being impatient with people or taking out frustrations on innocent bystanders, or causing unnecessary conflicts and mental stress because stress is clouding our judgment. And while some people find themselves creating this type of drama in their lives occasionally, others make this self sabotage a way of life, continually creating additional mental and emotional stress for themselves without being aware of their own role in this! The following are some of the most common ways that people create mental and emotional stress in their own lives. Carefully think about whether any of these self sabotage techniques apply to you, so you can make simple changes to reduce significant mental and emotional stress from your life.
Being “Type A”:
People who move through the world in a Type A pattern of behavior typically rush frantically and treat others with hostility, among other things. If you react to life in a Type A manner, you’re probably bringing unnecessary emotional stress to relationships with aggressiveness. You may be missing simple solutions to problems because you’re rushing so much that you don’t pay close enough attention to details, and thereby creating bigger problems. The Type A pattern also typically brings health problems somewhere down the road. To assess your level of Type A behavior patterns, take the Type A Personality Quiz, and you’ll find an assessment and useful resources to help you stop the self sabotage.

Negative Self Talk:
Sometimes, the enemy is inside your head in the form negative self talk. The way we talk to ourselves, while generally formed during childhood, can follow us through our lives and color each experience like a ray of sunshine or a dark cloud surrounding us and blocking our vision. Those whose self talk tends to be negative may attribute malevolent intent to others when none exists, interpret potentially positive events as negative and missing important benefits, or create a self-fulfilling prophecy by believing that their stress level is more than they can handle. If you suspect that you habitually use negative self talk in your daily life, it’s not too late to learn positive self talk. By keeping a journal and using other tools to become more aware of your inner voice, using positive affirmations and surrounding yourself with positive energy, you can turn things around for the better, and experience much less mental and emotional stress in your daily life.

Poor Conflict Resolution Skills:
Do you tend to act aggressively with people when simple assertiveness will work better? Or do you passively let others walk all over you because you don’t know how to say no? Conflicts with others are generally a part of life, but how we handle them can actually strengthen relationships, or can cause loads of additional mental stress for all involved, and create bigger conflicts that take on a life of their own. Interestingly, many people who act aggressively aren’t fully aware that they’re doing harm in their relationships, and aren’t familiar with a better way of handling things. To get a better idea of how you react to conflict, take the Assertiveness Quiz, and you’ll get an assessment of your conflict-resolution style and resources at the end. You can also get ideas on how to handle conflict by reading my 10 Best Ways to Handle Conflict and 10 Worst Ways to Handle Conflict.

Pessimism:
If you’re a pessimist, you may see things as worse than they really are, may pass up opportunities to better your, overlook solutions to problems, and cause yourself mental stress in many other ways as well. Pessimism is more than just seeing the glass as half-empty; it’s a specific worldview that undermines your belief in yourself, brings poorer health outcomes, fewer positive life events, and other negative consequences. (Read this article for a more detailed explanation of the traits of pessimists and optimists, with research on the benefits of optimism.) Because the traits of optimists and pessimists are specific and slightly elusive to someone who doesn’t know what to look for, many people with pessimistic tendencies are completely unaware of it and view themselves as optimists. To know your tendencies, take The Optimism Self Test, and get an assessment of your explanatory style and find resources for how to become more of an optimist.

How To Learn Self Hypnosis For Stress Reduction

Hypnosis has helped many people reduce stress, quit smoking, manage pain, perform better and accomplish a myriad of other mental and physical tasks. Many people use hypnotherapists to achieve the deep state of relaxation and suggestibility required, but it’s also possible to hypnotize yourself! Try this powerful stress management tool today. You can learn self hypnosis quickly and practice in a few easy steps.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: Five to Thirty Minutes
Here's How:
1.Find a quiet place, free of distractions, and block off some uninterrupted time.
2.Get into a comfortable position. Many people like to recline, but others simply fall asleep if they get this comfortable, and prefer to sit in a cozy chair or in a cross-legged position. Experiment, and see what works for you.
3.Decide on a goal for your session, and put it into a positive statement for later use. For example, if you’d like to help yourself become less messy, decide on the positive phrase, “I’m becoming organized and efficient” (or something similar) rather than the negative statement, “I’m becoming less messy”. Since the subconscious mind doesn’t always register negatives, your mind might focus on the word ‘messy’, reinforcing that idea, rather on the goal of ‘organized’.
4.Start breathing deeply, expanding your abdomen on the inhale instead of raising your shoulders. Imagine that you are breathing in ‘calmness’ and breathing out all the stress from your day. Feel the oxygen spread from your chest through your arms and legs and to your fingers and toes.
5.Pick an environment that’s relaxing to you, and imagine going further and further into it. Imagine that you are walking down a long corridor, or deep into the woods, for example, leaving your current surroundings far behind. You may not get a feeling of ‘Wow, I’m in an altered state now’, but if you keep focusing on this visualization, you should get there. It’s more like the state you get into while daydreaming or deep in concentration than what you may be expecting.
6.When you are completely relaxed and feeling far from your regular life, begin repeating the positive phrase you chose for this session. You may choose to visualize the words, focus on their sound in your head, or visualize the end result.
Tips:
1.Some people find that soft, mundane background music or sounds help. Others find it distracting. Experiment, and see what works best for you.
2.If you don’t feel any huge changes the first couple of times, keep at it. Self-hypnosis works in subtle ways. You may be surprised.
3.If you can’t think of a positive way to frame your desired result, like if you want to quit something, for example, use a phrase for something that replaces the undesirable habit.
4.If you find it hard to relax and focus, you may want to record your voice directing you into a deep state of relaxation and repeating the desired suggestions of phrases.
What You Need:
•Some free time
•A quiet place (at first)
•Comfortable clothing
•An open mind
•A clear idea of what you want

Non-Motor Symptoms Of Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson Disease Symptoms
The major problem in Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the gradual loss in the brain of the chemical messenger dopamine. Without this neurotransmitter brain cells that use dopamine cannot communicate with one another effectively. This communication breakdown leads to functional breakdowns in every brain system that uses dopamine. The motor systems are just the most prominent and disabling of these functions, so they get all the attention. But there are other very important systems that depend on dopamine that are also affected in PD—as I am sure you know if you or a loved one has PD. These other brain functions are sleep, mood, speech, and thinking.

Sleep & Insomnia

•Up to 90% of PD patients experience sleep problems at some point in their illness.

•Between 40 and 90% of PD patients experience insomnia or difficulty falling and staying sleep. Most of these individuals do not feel refreshed after awakening from sleep.

•Insomnia in PD is related to muscle cramps, immobility, frequent need to get up and urinate, anxiety and side effects of medication.


Excessive Daytime Sleepiness

•Many PD patients experience intense daytime fatigue and sleepiness. We do not yet have firm numbers on how many patients experience daytime sleepiness.

•Daytime sleepiness may be dangerous if the patient needs to do a lot of driving.

•Excessive daytime sleepiness in PD may be due to a variety of factors including insomnia, sleep apnea (see below), depression and drug therapy (the dopamine agonists in particular may cause sleepiness).


Sleep Apnea

•As many as 20% of PD patients may have sleep apnea.

•Sleep apnea refers to a significant difficulty with breathing during sleep.

•Sleep apnea is a major cause of nighttime insomnia and daytime sleepiness. It also reduces oxygen flow to the brain which in turn impairs concentration and thinking during the daytime.


REM Behavior Disorder

•Between 15 and 48% of PD patients also have REM Behavior Disorder (RBD).

•REM sleep, or Rapid Eye Movement sleep, is that form of deep sleep in which we are most likely to have vivid dreams. Our bodies are paralyzed during REM sleep due to muscle suppression that occurs during REM so that we do not act out our dreams while asleep.

•REM Behavior Disorder occurs when the normal muscle suppression that occurs in REM sleep is abolished.

•The patients with RBD often acts out violent or frightening dreams where the dreamer or the bed partner are being attacked and the dreamer must defend against the attackers.


Mood

Virtually all patients with PD experience some mood disturbance during the course of the disease. This is not surprising. Like any other chronic condition, PD poses many daunting challenges on a daily basis and these can be discouraging to both the patient and his or her family. It is entirely normal to go through periods of sadness and discouragement. It is also entirely normal to experience worry and anxiety about how you and your family are going to cope with all the curve balls PD throws at you. So sadness and anxiety are entirely normal reactions to PD. What gets worrisome and requires attention is when the sadness turns into depression or when the anxiety becomes persistent and interferes with daily functioning.

Here are some facts that might be helpful:

•Up to 50% of PD patients experience major depression during the course of the disease.

•Depression can be effectively treated in PD with a combination of psychotherapy and anti-depressant medications.

•Between 30 and 40% of PD patients experience a significant anxiety disorder during the course of the illness. These anxiety disorders can be expressed as panic, phobic (particular situations trigger the anxiety) or generalized anxiety.


Speech Problems

The speech problems of PD include difficulty with articulation of speech sounds, speech volume and speech prosody or melody. These may sound like small problems but they can have a huge impact on your daily social interactions so it is important to treat these problems as soon as you can.

Thinking Problems

Dopamine supplies those areas of the brain that are particularly important for concentration, reasoning, reflecting and planning. These are known as the “executive cognitive functions” because they help to control all the other more basic thinking processes of the brain. It is important to note that these thinking functions are NOT lost in PD—they just slow down a bit. But that small slowing can have big effects on functioning if left untreated.

The Bottom Line: A Few Facts About These Symptoms

•PD is associated with several non-motor problems including sleep problems, mood problems, speech problems and thinking problems.

•The good news is that ALL of these problems can be effectively treated and when they are effectively treated your quality of life will dramatically improve.

•There is no reason to suffer unnecessarily. These are areas where you can act to make a difference. Act!

•Speak to your doctor about these problems if you have them.

•It is not inevitable that you have poor sleep or poor speech or depressed mood. You can do something about these problems

Remedy:Pallative Care For Stroke

A stroke, or cerebral vascular accident (CVA), is an abrupt interruption in the brain’s blood supply. The interruption could be caused by an occlusion in the arteries that supply blood to the brain (ischemic stroke) or from bleeding within the brain (hemorrhagic stroke). The effects from a stroke depend on the location of the brain affected and the severity of damage to the brain tissue and range from little to no residual effects to death.
When is Hospice Appropriate?
Unfortunately, stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States making the need for adequate hospice care for stroke victims essential. Determining whether someone is appropriate for palliative care following a stroke will depend on the severity of the effects. Acute Stroke

A stroke, as with any injury to the neurological system, takes time to manifest its full effect. A stroke victim, therefore, will be given time to begin to recover before any prognosis is reached. Usually, if there is no improvement in neurological functioning after three days, the outlook of a full recovery is grim. Therefore, the criteria for hospice care for a sudden (acute) stroke state that a person must have one of the following conditions for at least 3 days:

•Coma
•Persistent vegetative state
•Severely reduced level of consciousness (obtundation) with abnormal muscle contraction (myoclonus)
After the first three days, other factors help determine life expectancy and hospice appropriateness. These factors include abnormal neurological responses such as no response to painful stimulation. Increased age has been shown to have an effect on outcome as well. Age over 70 years increases the likelihood of death.

Chronic Stroke

Death from a stroke can happen some time after the initial attack. A stroke that leaves significant neurological deficits is sometimes referred to as chronic stroke or chronic cerbrovascular disease. With adequate medical care and rehabilitation, some people are able to regain some lost function. Others may not respond as well and will continue to decline in health, regardless of the intensity of care they are receiving. This is when palliative care becomes appropriate.

Factors associated with increased risk of death from a chronic stroke include dysphagia, or trouble swallowing, which can lead to malnutrition or aspiration pneumonia caused by inhaling ,or aspirating, bits of food. If the person is receiving artificial nutrition through a nasogastric (NG) or gastrostomy (G) tube and is still showing signs of malnutrition through significant weight loss, the outlook is poor. Recurrent urinary tract infections, blood infections, and recurrent fevers without a known cause are also signs of a poor prognosis.

Symptom Management
Palliative or hospice care for an acute stroke or chronic cerbrovascular disease from a stroke focuses on symptom management. Because the neurological system is involved in the functioning of practically every other body system, the distressing symptoms requiring treatment can be very diverse. Immobility and other diseases or conditions may cause pain as can involuntary muscle contractions or spasms related to neurological damage. Aspiration pneumonia can lead to dyspnea; nausea, vomiting, and constipation can be caused by a number of factors including medications and eating; sores on the skin from immobility (bed sores) can be uncomfortable or painful; and anxiety, restlessness, and depression can result from damage to areas of the brain or from the dying process itself.

Accessing palliative care as soon as it becomes appropriate will ensure that symptoms are managed properly and will help prepare you for what lies ahead.

Remedy:The Benefit Of Panic Attack Medication

While there is a leaning towards getting to the root cause
of a person's constant fear of panic attacks medications
have proven to be an effective relief mechanism for chronic
sufferers.

Are medications the answer? Not long term but as a safety
net, they often become relied upon by sufferers. This then
leads to the question of..."do panic disorder sufferers
become dependent or addicted to medications?

In the case of Benzodiazepines, there is a risk of
dependency and they are not really recommended for long
term use. But there effectiveness for immediate relief is
strong.

For long term relief, Tricyclic antidepressants are normally
used but if their effectiveness is retarded in any way, then Benzodiazepines may be the next alternative or used in
conjunction with antidepressants.

Tricyclic antidepressants are effective in reducing the
incidence of re occurring attacks.As with any drugs of the
nature of antidepressants, when weaning off them it should
be done in a gradual manner.

Are there side effects associated with panic attack
medication? This is something you will need to discuss with
your doctor. In the case of Benzodiazepines, side effects
such as fatigue, drowsiness, slurred speech and memory loss
are possible.

So are there alternatives to medications.

Did You Know?

Having an isolated panic attack doesn't mean a person will
develop a panic attack disorder. However, the latter is a
factor when a person suffers constant attacks and the best
course of action is to seek professional help.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Medications are considered a fix for the symptoms of panic
disorder however, getting to the cause of the underlying
problem is best achieved through counselling.

A popular form of counselling is Cognitive-behavioural
therapy and it's aim is to modify certain thoughts and
behavior patterns to control the symptoms.

An example of this type of treatment involves working with a
therapist and basically predicting when a panic attack is
going to occur.

How does this help you? The idea is you will learn of ways
to deal or respond to a panic attack which will help
eliminate the fear of having another attack.

Your therapist will introduce you to effective exercises
designed to identify your destructive or fearful thought
patterns and alter them.

The process can usually be a long and involved one and
eventually, when a patient is confident of controlling
their attacks, they are introduced to controlled situations
or areas where they have experienced or had cause to
experience panic attacks in the past.

What Will You Do Next?

The debate rages on about the effectiveness of medications,
not as a fix for symptoms but as a long tern solution.

The idea that panic attack may be better tackled by looking
for the root cause makes a lot of sense with on going
research in this area.

The fact is, if you currently suffer from chronic panic
disorder then doing nothing is not your best option

Stress and Weight Gain;How Stress Can Affect Your Weight

There are several ways in which stress can contribute to weight gain. One has to do with cortisol, a stress hormone. When we’re under stress, the fight or flight response is triggered in our bodies, leading to the release of various hormones.
Whether we're stressed because of constant, crazy demands at work or we're really in danger, our bodies respond like we're about to be harmed and need to fight for our lives (or run like heck). To answer this need, we experience a burst of energy, shifts in metabolism and blood flow, and other changes.

If you remain in this state for a prolonged amount of time due to chronic stress, your health becomes at risk. Aside from a host of other dangers, chronic stress can also cause weight gain -- which is why some products like Cortislim are marketed as diet aids.

Chronic stress and cortisol can contribute to weight gain in the following ways:


Metabolism -- Do you feel like you're prone to putting on more weight when you're stressed, even if you're eating the same amount of food as you always have? Too much cortisol can slow your metabolism, causing more weight gain than you would normally experience. This also makes dieting more difficult.
Cravings -- OK, you're stressed. Do you reach for a nice salad or a pint of Ben & Jerry's? I'll bet on the latter. People experiencing chronic stress tend to crave more fatty, salty and sugary foods. This includes sweets, processed food and other things that aren’t as good for you. These foods are typically less healthy and lead to increased weight gain.

Blood Sugar -- Prolonged stress can alter your blood sugar levels, causing mood swings, fatigue, and conditions like hyperglycemia. Too much stress has even been linked to metabolic syndrome, a cluster of health concerns that can lead to greater health problems, like heart attacks and diabetes.

Fat Storage -- Excessive stress even affects where we tend to store fat. Higher levels of stress are linked to greater levels of abdominal fat. Unfortunately, abdominal fat is not only aesthetically undesirable, it’s linked with greater health risks than fat stored in other areas of the body.

Stress and weight gain are connected in other ways:


Emotional Eating -- Increased levels of cortisol can not only make you crave unhealthy food, but excess nervous energy can often cause you to eat more than you normally would. How many times have you found yourself scouring the kitchen for a snack, or absently munching on junk food when you’re stressed, but not really hungry? More on what causes emotional eating.
Fast Food -- Experts believe that one of the big reasons we’re seeing more obesity in our society these days is that people are too stressed and busy to make healthy dinners at home, often opting to get fast food a the nearest drive-thru instead.

Too Busy to Exercise -- With all the demands on your schedule, exercise may be one of the last things on your to-do list. If so, you’re not alone. Americans live a more sedentary lifestyle than we have in past generations, yet our minds seem to be racing from everything we have to do. Unfortunately, from sitting in traffic, clocking hours at our desks, and plopping in front of the TV in exhaustion at the end of the day, exercise often goes by the wayside.

Fortunately, there are things you can do to reverse the pattern of weight gain and actually reduce your stress level and waistline at the same time

5 Ways to Calm Down Quickly-Feeling Overwhelmed

Question: What are some ways I can calm down quickly when I'm feeling overwhelmed?
"Sometimes I don't realize how much stress is building up until I suddenly feel overwhelmed. Other times, several stressful or attention-demanding events will happen at once, and I suddenly go from calm to completely overwhelmed really quickly. However it happens, how can I quickly calm down when I'm feeling overwhelmed by stress?"

Answer: There are many ways to calm down quickly when you suddenly get blindsided by stress and feel overwhelmed. The following are five quick and easy ways to regain your calm so you can deal with whatever situations are at hand:

Take a Walk
Exercise can be a great stress reliever in itself, as it helps you blow off steam and releases endorphins. Taking a walk when stressed provides the bonus of getting you out of the stressful situation and providing some perspective so you can return in a new frame of mind. (Learn more about the benefits of exercise here.)

Take a Breath
If you're not in a position to leave, you can feel better right away by practicing breathing exercises. Getting more oxygen into your body and releasing physical tension are two ways that breathing exercises can benefit you, and you can do them anytime or anywhere, even if your demanding situation isn't letting up. (Learn more about breathing exercises here.)

Take a Mental Break
If you can steal away a few minutes of peace, visualizations and guided imagery are a wonderful way to restore peace of mind. They're easy to do, and can relax you physically as well as mentally. (Learn more about visualizations and guided imagery here.)

Reframe Your Situation
Sometimes we intensify our experience of stressful situations by the way we look at them. If you can look at your situation differently, you may be able to put it into a different perspective--one that causes you less stress! Read more about mental and emotional stress that can be caused by pessimism, type A traits, and other self-sabotaging thought patterns, and learn how you can change the way you look at things. It'll come in handy when you're stressed. (Learn more about mental stress and self sabotage here.)

Try Progressive Muscle Relaxation
Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) is a technique where you tense and release all of your muscle groups, leaving your body feel more relaxed afterward. PMR is one of my favorite techniques, as it can be done by just about anyone, and with practice you can fully release virtually all the tension you're feeling in your body in a matter of seconds! This can help you feel more calm and better able to handle the situations at hand. (Learn how to practice PMR here.)
Once you've been able to calm down, you should be in a better position to address whatever stressful situations you're expriencing. It's also a good idea to adopt a few regular stress relievers and healthy lifestyle habits so that you can reduce your overall stress level so that you experience less stress and are less bothered by the stressful situations you do encounter

25 Tips For Stress Relievers

Ways to Relieve Stress
Below is a list of 25 top stress relievers, there’s something for everyone. Without further ado, on to the stress relievers!
•Throw On Some Music and Clean House
•Watch Aquarium Fish
•Take a Walk With A Friend
•Sing Along With Music
•Set Up a Home Spa
•Cut Down On Some of Your Commitments
•Play Positive Affirmations Hangman
•Play the Stress Management Memory Game
•Walk Your Dog
•Try Breathing Exercises
•Draw a Picture
•Dance to Your Favorite Music
•Work on Becoming An Optimist
•Try Focused Meditation
•Decode a Cryptogram Puzzle
•Take a Mini-Vacation
•Pray
•Keep a Gratitude Journal
•Play Music and Cook Something Wonderful
•Surround Yourself with Positive Energy
•Learn to Say No To Demands on Your Time
•Take a Nap
•Get Daily Stress Tips
•Reduce Stress At Your Job
•Take On A New Stress Relief Habit and Stick With It!

How Anxiety Affects Public Speaking

I've often observed that many people's top-ranking
fear is not death but having to speak in public.
The joke is that these people would rather lie in a
casket at their own funeral than give the eulogy.
Public speaking for people who suffer from panic
attacks or general anxiety often becomes a major
source of worry, possibly weeks or even months
before the speaking event is to occur.

These speaking engagements don't necessarily have
to be the traditional "on a podium" events; they can
be as simple as an office meeting where the individual
is expected to express an opinion or give verbal feedback.

In this case, the fear centers on having a panic attack
while speaking. The individuals fear being incapacitated
by the anxiety and hence unable to complete what
they're saying. They imagine fleeing the spotlight and
having to make all kinds of excuses later for their
undignified departure -out the office window . . .

This differs slightly from the majority of people who
fear public speaking. With others, their fear tends to
revolve around going blank while speaking or feeling
uncomfortable under the spotlight of their peers. The
jitters or nerves are, of course, a problem for this group
as well-but they're unfamiliar with that debilitating threat,
the panic attack, because they most likely
haven't experienced one before.

So how should a person with an anxiety
issue tackle public speaking?

Stage 1 is accepting that all of these bizarre and, quite
frankly, unnerving sensations aren't going to go away
overnight. In fact, you're not even going to concern
yourself with getting rid of them for your next talk.
When they arrive during a speech or meeting, you're
going to approach them in a new manner.

We need to build your confidence back to where it
used to be before any of these sensations ever
occurred. This time, you'll approach it in a unique,
empowering manner, allowing you to feel your
confidence again. Some say that most of the top
speakers are riddled with anxiety before an event,
but they somehow use this nervousness to enhance
their speech.

I'm going to show you exactly how to do this.

My first point is this, and it's important:
the average healthy person can experience an
extreme array of anxiety and very uncomfortable
sensations while giving a speech and is in no danger
of ever losing control, or even appearing slightly
anxious to the audience. No matter how tough it
gets, you'll always finish your piece-even if, at the
outset, it feels very uncomfortable to go on.
You won't become incapacitated in any way.

The real breakthrough happens when you fully
believe that you're not in danger and that the
sensations will pass. By asking for more, you're saying:

I realize that you [the anxiety] hold no threat over me.

What keeps a panic attack coming again and
again is the fear of the fear-the fear that the
next one will really knock your socks off and the
feeling that you were lucky to have made it past
the last one unscathed.

Because they were so unnerving and scary, it's your
confidence that's been damaged by previous
anxiety episodes. Once you fully understand that
you're not under any threat, then you can have a
new response to the anxiety as it arises while speaking.

There's always a turning point when a person moves
from general anxiety into a panic attack, and that
happens with public speaking when you think to yourself:

I won't be able to handle this in front of these people.

That split second of self-doubt leads to a rush of
adrenaline, and the extreme anxiety arrives in a
wavelike format. If, however, you feel the initial anxiety
and react with confidence that this isn't a threat
to you, you'll process the anxiety rapidly.

Using this new approach is a powerful ally because it
means it's okay to feel scared and anxious when speaking.
That's fine-you'll feel it, and you'll move with and
through the sensations in your body and out the other side.
Because people are often very anxious before the
talk has begun, they may feel they've already let
themselves down. Now you can relax on that point.
It's perfectly natural to feel the anxiety.

Take, for example, the worst of the sensations you've
ever experienced in this situation-be it general unease
or loss of breath. You'll have an initial automatic
reaction that says:

Danger-I'm going to have an episode of anxiety
here, and I really can't afford for that to happen.

At this point, most people react to that idea and
confirm that it must be true because of all the
unusual feelings they're experiencing. This is where
your train of thought creates a cycle of anxiety that
produces a negative impact on your overall presenting skills.

So let that initial "Oh dear, not now" thought pass by,
and immediately follow it up with the attitude of:

There you are-I've been wondering when you would
arrive. I've been expecting you to show up. By the way,
I'm not in the least threatened by any of the strange
sensations you're creating. I'm completely safe here.

Instead of pushing the emotional energy and excitement
down into your stomach, you're moving through it.
Your body is in a slightly excited state, exactly as it
should be while giving a speech-so release that
energy in your self-expression. Push it out through
your presentation, not down into your stomach.

Push it out by expressing yourself more forcefully.
In this way, you turn the anxiety to your advantage
by using it to deliver a speech; you'll come across as
more alive, energetic, and in the present moment.

When you notice the anxiety drop, as it does when
you willingly move into it, fire off a quick thought when
you get a momentary break (as I'm sure you have between pieces),
and ask it for "more." You want more of its intense feelings
because you're interested in them and absolutely
not threatened by them.

It seems like a lot of things to be thinking about while
talking to a group of people, but it really isn't. You'd be
amazed at how many different, unrelated thoughts you
can have while speaking. This approach is about adopting
a new attitude of confidence about what you might have
deemed a serious threat up until now.

If your predominant fear of speaking is driven by a feeling
of being trapped, then I suggest factoring in some mental
releases that can be prepared before the event. For
example, some events allow you to turn the attention
back to the room to get feedback, etc., from the
audience. If possible, prepare such opportunities in
your own mind before the engagements.

This isn't to say that you have to use them, but people
in this situation often remark that just having small
opportunities where attention can be diverted for the
briefest moment makes the task seem less daunting.
It may even be something as simple as having
people introduce themselves or opening the floor
to questions. I realize these diversions aren't always
possible and depend on the situation, but anything you
can factor in that makes you feel less trapped or under
the spotlight is worth the effort

Discovery Distraction Helps in Anxiety

In order to quickly move away from generalized anxiety
you need to throw yourself 100% into life.



What is needed is to engage regularly in an activity that
stimulates you, and holds your complete attention, something
in which you can become completely absorbed.

Something that distracts you is a very valuable tool in
taking your attention away from the uncomfortable sensation
of anxiety that may be lingering in your body.





You see almost everyone with anxiety finds themselves getting a
bit obsessed about how they feel at any given moment.
The less preoccupied the person is, the more time there
is to obsess over anxious sensations.



I am sure you have noticed that when you are doing
something you enjoy or that really holds your attention,
the less you 'check in' to measure your anxiety level.



Quite simply, the more you engage with life the less stagnant
and anxious you will feel.
Some of the possible activities that interest you could be:



Gardening, playing a musical instrument, sport, or simply
having a good conversation with a friend. The idea here is
to find something that you can repeat on a regular basis
that you enjoy doing or that at very least holds your attention.



If you find you have too much time on your hands and are
having problems coming up with something you could do
then I recommend you volunteer in a local voluntary scheme.
It could be anything from helping the elderly, looking after animals
or environmental conservation.



If you can spare even one or two hours a week for such
work, not only will you feel your self-esteem improve, but
it will help shake off any lingering feelings of isolation or
loneliness which are so often accompanied by
anxiety.




One thing you can be certain of is that there is some organization
near you crying out for a volunteer just like you to assist them
with their work.



The art of distraction has always been used to help people
refocus and avoid concentrating on whatever physical or
emotional discomfort the person is going through. It may just
be the caring friend who invites their recently heart broken
roommate out on the town to have some fun.



Dentists and doctors use distraction techniques frequently
to distract the patient from a physical discomfort they may
be experiencing, by giving them something else to
focus on (usually the bill).




The purpose of using distraction, for people who want to
live anxiety free, is to have new experiences that take the
person's mind off the anxious feelings they have been experiencing.





If you imagine that all the fearful anxious thoughts that go
through your mind are like a roll of film being run through a
film projector (your mind) and out into your life. Concentrating
on some activity immediately cuts the film and brings you directly
into the here and now.




When you are fully engaged with life there is no room for any
anxiety disorder. This mental space you create enables both your
body and mind time to become less sensitized to the anxiety.





By doing something you enjoy and feel you are good at, helps
build new competencies. You are saying to yourself
that the anxiety path is not one you want to travel down anymore
and that you will put your focus elsewhere.



The more time you give to following these rewarding pursuits,
the easier it is for your body to relax and return to a natural
state of peace.

How to Weight Train to Improve Parkinson's Disease

About Parkinson's Disease. Parkinson's disease is a chronic, progressive nervous system condition that results from inadequate levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine being produced in the brain.

The consequence of this shortage of dopamine is interrupted movement control that results in tremors and shakes and altered walking (gait) patterns. The cause of Parkinson's disease is not known although factors in the environment such as pollutants may play a role. The condition is mainly controlled with drugs such as levadopa.

Doing Weights with Parkinson's Disease (PD)
So how does strength and weight training assist in Parkinson's disease? The following provides some pointers.

Safety. A study of people with mild to moderate PD found that:


"Persons with mild to moderate PD can safely and feasibly participate in high-force eccentric resistance training". (Dibble 2006).
Muscle and strength. In a comparative trial, 10 people with PD who performed strength training developed significantly increased muscle size and strength compared to another group who did standard exercise movements.


"Muscle volume, muscle force, and functional status improvements occurred in persons with PD as a result of high-force eccentric resistance training." (Dibble, 2, 2006)
Creatine supplements. Creatine is a non-steroid supplement used by some weight trainers to build bulk and strength. It has a good safety record. Comparing two groups of PD sufferers doing strength training, the creatine supplement group showed modest improvements over the non-creatine group. Further studies are needed to confirm that this would be an advantage worth considering.


". . . interactions for chest press strength and biceps curl strength, and post hoc testing revealed that the improvement was significantly greater for CRE (group)." (Hass 2007)
Balance and strength. In a randomized study of 15 people with PD, the group doing weights and balance exercises fared better than the balance-only group.


"Both groups could balance longer before falling, and this effect persisted for at least 4 weeks. Muscle strength increased marginally in the balance group and substantially in the combined group, and this effect persisted for at least 4 weeks." (Hirsch 2003)
Gait and walking function. Two groups of people were studied, one group with PD and the other without Parkinson's. Both groups, of similar age and gender, undertook an 8-week weight training program focused primarily on the lower limbs.


"Subjects with Parkinson's disease had gains in strength similar to those of normal elderly adults. Patients with Parkinson's disease also had significant gains in stride length, walking velocity, and postural angles compared with pretreatment values." (Scandalis 2001).

In addition to traditional weight training of the large muscle groups of the arms and legs, respiratory muscle exercises have been shown to improve respiratory function

Discovered Tips For Travelling With Parkinson's Disease

If you cross time zones adjust the time you take your medications accordingly unless your doctor tells you otherwise. You want to be symptom free when you need to interact with others in the current time zone. But if you have motor fluctuations you need to take your medications based on your pattern of fluctuations rather than the current time zone. Discuss the timing of your doses with your doctor before you travel.
There is usually not any problem with border officials who inspect your luggage and medications. A huge number of people carry their medications with them through security checkpoints every day. If you have a large number and variety of medications it may be useful to have a letter from your doctor indicating that you need to take these drugs in a timely manner in case any questions arise from border officials.
Try not to travel alone. If you need assistance a traveling companion can be a lifesaver. Plus it is more fun to travel with another person.
Leave detailed information with your family or with some trusted friends on where you will be staying and for how long. They can provide this information to authorities who can reach you in case of emergency.
Enjoy yourself

Pope John Paul II and Parkinson's Disease

Pope John Paul II is credited by most historians with playing a crucial role in the peaceful overthrow of the communist dictatorships of Eastern Europe during the last decades of the 20th century. He is also credited with attempts to forge new relationships with other faiths, including Judaism and Islam. He traveled the entire world preaching peace, reconciliation and the inviolable dignity of the human person, ultimately visiting 129 countries outside of Italy itself. He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 1993 at age 73.
Parkinson's Disease and the Pope: He died 12 years later, after using his suffering to try to bring world attention to the disease and to re-invigorate the search for a cure for the disease. He regularly called attention to the disease during his papal audiences and met several times with representatives of PD service organizations. This man who had been something of an athlete before becoming Pope and who had preached to millions across the entire world was in his final years unable to walk normally or to speak normally.
Work and PD: No one can say for sure whether his PD affected his work as Pope. He served for another 12 years after receiving the diagnosis. As with most other people with PD, some symptoms probably began some years before the diagnosis. If so, that would indicate that for the majority of his pontificate he had been suffering from varying degrees of parkinsonism.
His Achievements: Consider that the man wrote thousands of pages of dense theological argument and beautiful, elegantly written encyclicals – not to mention several books that were on the bestseller lists for years. In addition, he had survived an assassination attempt in 1981 -- later visiting his assailant in his jail cell and forgiving him the attempt. This pope kept up a fairly sophisticated diplomatic effort for well-nigh 20-plus years and managed the billion-strong Catholic church for all those years as well.
Even if we can factor in assistance from able staff, the Pope’s accomplishments have to be accounted extraordinary. His PD seems not to have prevented this man from making history and from improving the lives of millions of people

Recovery,Stroke as a Cause of Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's Disease is normally caused by the spontaneous degeneration of areas of the brain which specifically control the initiation, rhythm, and smoothness of our movements, the tone of our muscles, and the mechanisms that allow our bodies to maintain a normal posture at all times, effortlessly. As these areas degenerate, these mechanisms break down, and the typical symptoms of Parkinson's disease begin to emerge.
These symptoms include a tremor, which is very noticeable in the hands and which happens when the hands are at rest, difficulty initiating movements, slowness of movements, stiff muscle tone which makes walking and moving extremely difficult, and an abnormal body posture.
Parkinson's Disease Caused by Stroke - Vascular ParkinsonismThe areas of the brain that are affected spontaneously by Parkinson's disease can also be affected by many small strokes which can happen over time in people who have stroke risk factors. When this happens, a person is said to have acquired "vascular parkinsonism" which is sometimes called "multi-infarct parkinsonism." This diagnosis is supported by evidence of strokes in a CT or MRI of the brain.
More often than not, this syndrome comes along with other problems in the brain which can cause other symptoms including vascular dementia.
Treatment of Vascular ParkinsonismThe most commonly used medications for vascular parkinsonism are L-Dopa and amantadine. However, many patients fail to respond to these medications. Cases which are resistant to these treatments should be followed closely by a neurologist who specializes

Can Parkinson's Disease Be Cured?Clues From Genetic Forms of Parkinson's Disease

There is, as yet, no cure for Parkinson's Disease (PD). But significant progress has recently occurred in the search for a cure. In the past 10 years or so, several forms of hereditary PD have been discovered and the gene defects responsible for these forms of PD have been identified and studied. This discovery of genetic forms of the disease can be considered a breakthrough discovery in the search for a cure of PD because scientists can use the genes in question to search for the root causes of the disease. For the record, the genetic defects that cause hereditary forms of the disease include mutations (changes in the chemical make-up of the gene) or duplications of portions of the gene in the question. The genes under investigation include the alpha-synuclein gene, the ubiquitin-C-terminal hydrolase-L1 (UCH-L1) gene, the leucine-rich repeat kinase (LRRK)2 genes, and the Parkin, PINK1, DJ-1 and the ATPase13A2 genes. Now, of course, all of these names of genes may just sound like a meaningless foreign language to you. But I assure you that their discovery will lead to significant progress in the search for a cure for PD.
Repairing Genetic Defects That Can Cause Parkinson's Disease
We now know that certain types of genetic defects on certain genes can cause PD. That means that if we can repair the genes in question, we can prevent or potentially even cure the disease. There has been some work in this area already and some exciting projects are underway. This whole area of investigation is called gene therapy or genomic medicine. To date, introduction into the brain of a rat (a rat that has damaged dopamine cells) of a viral agent that expresses human Park1 into a rat model of PD resulted in protection from dopamine cell loss and Parkinson's like behavior in the rat. Of course, showing improvement in rat models of PD is a long way from showing that the same thing can happen in the human brain.
How Genetic Malfunctions Can Cause Hereditary Forms of Parkinson's Disease
Studies of the genetic defects that cause hereditary forms of PD have demonstrated that PD can result when one of multiple processes breaks down. These processes ultimately lead to cell damage in the brain. The first process concerns breakdowns in quality control processes for handling protein production in the brain. Proteins are the building blocks of all the tissues in your body. So when the production process for protein manufacture breaks down, little clumps of ill-formed proteins begin to accumulate in cells, and in the case of alpha-synuclein, contribute to the formation of Lewy bodies. Research experts are still investigating the role of these Lewy bodies in the development of Parkinson's disease, but one theory suggests that protein aggregation interferes with the normal operation of the cell and dysfunction ensues. Another problem caused by gene defects that lead to hereditary forms of PD is known mitochondrial dysfunction. The mitochondria are little organelles in your cells that are responsible for producing energy for the body. A byproduct of mitochondrial operations is the production of free radicals -- little molecules that can hurt dopamine-producing cells. When mitochondria are operating normally, these free radicals are scavenged-up and neutralized. But when mitochondria are not operating normally, the free radicals build up in the brain and damage dopamine producing cells. Finally, gene defects that lead to PD have also been found in so-called kinase proteins. These proteins have multiple functions in the cell, and researchers are still trying to understand how the gene changes cause

Spinal Cord Stimulation For Parkinson's Disease

The technique of spinal cord stimulation has helped people with chronic pain and people with motor deficits due to stroke or bodily injury. Can it hep people with Parkinson's Disease? Recent research suggests that it might. Studies of spinal cord stimulation in animal models of PD report promising results. In one such study stimulation of the dorsalcolumns in the spinal cord restored locomotion in 2 different animal models of PD. The dorsal columns of the spinal cord typically handle the transmission of sensory impulses from the body up to the brain. How can this sort of stimulation improve motor deficits? Interestingly the researchers found that dorsal column stimulation reduced 'aberrant low-frequency synchronous corticostriatal oscillations' in the brain and this in turn allowed for recovery of near normal motor functions. Aberrant low frequency synchonous corticostrial oscillations just means brain waves in the part of the brain that produces dopamine that fire in unison when they are suppose to fire in response to stimulation. Apparently synchronous firing of these brain cells can be normalized to some extent by spinal cord stimulation--at least in rats and mice. Hopefully human studies in people with PD will be underway soon.

Dealing With The Emotional Challenges Of Parkinson's Disease.

Although it is true that the medications designed to treat Parkinson's disease have allowed persons with Parkinson's Disease to lead relatively normal lives - at least at the beginning stages of the disease - they do not halt the progression of the disease. As the disease progresses, the medications may lose their effectiveness for some persons with Parkinson's Disease. Some medications, furthermore, may have side effects that can affect one mentally and emotionally. Thus, people with Parkinson's Disease are faced with a chronic illness that each day limits their activities, that may also force curtailment of income-producing work and career activities and that impacts all of one's primary relationships. The person with Parkinson's Disease faces the prospect of deteriorating physical and mental functioning, the loss of primary relationships, dependency on others for activities of daily living and the necessity of having to remain in treatment until the end of their lives. All of these facts present unique emotional challenges to the person with Parkinson's disease.
What can you do to meet and overcome those emotional challenges? here are some suggestions:
Seek out information on emotional reactions to Parkinson's Disease and chronic illness...if you know what others have gone through emotionally when facing the challenge of Parkinson's Disease you may be better able to interpret your emotional reactions to the disease. Most importantly you will learn that you are not alone in what you are experiencing. Check back to this site from time to time for more pieces on the emotional challenges of Parkinson's Disease as these are central to learning to cope successfully with the disease.
Consider joining a support group composed of other people with Parkinson's Disease. At their best, these support groups can become safe places where you can bring your emotional ups and downs with respect to the daily challenges Parkinson's Disease presents. Don't give up quickly on a support group if it seems it is not working. Sometimes it takes time for a group to mature into a "place" that is safe and nourishing for its members.
Consider working with a therapist, a licensed clinician who can listen to and help you reflect on your emotional reactions to the disease and its daily challenges. A good therapist also will help you devise effective coping strategies that are right for you.
Cultivate as strong a support network of friends and family as you can. These will be people who you can turn to when the going gets tough...or when you just need to find a way to blow off steam. A good support network will be composed of a variety of people some who can help you with information, some with emotional issues and others with play and fun.
If you have a set of spiritual beliefs and practices, cultivate these as well. For many people with such beliefs their spirituality is stronger than any disease. They contend that their spirituality sustains them even in their darkest moments. Perhaps it will for you as

Pallative Care For End Stage parkinson's Disease

Here’s a topic that is not discussed often enough in the Parkinson's disease community: palliative care for end stage parkinson disease. At present there is no cure for parkinson disease—and we all know that the disease is progressive-it gets worse over time. Luckily that time may be measured in decades now given the major advances in medical care for parkinson disease. Nevertheless at some point care for the person with very late stage or end stage parkinson disease becomes impossible for one or two or a whole family of caregivers. Repeated hospital admissions are too expensive to say the least.
Nursing homes are not particularly good at palliative care. What is needed is a palliative program designed specifically for parkinson disease patients. No such programs currently exist-though families and patients say they want them. Here is a need, a pressing and great need that is not being addressed by the market or by government or social service agencies-not even by the palliative care community. Only people within the parkinson disease community, patients, their families and their advocates can make it happen. So what are we waiting for?

Can Parkinson Disease Be Ameliorate By Light Therapy?

For years now doctors have been treating various forms of depression with light therapy. The patient literally sits in front of a bank of lights for a few hours per day and that treatment really does improve some forms of depression. Recently the therapy has been tried for patients with Parkinson's disease. Not only to treat the depression of parkinson disease but to treat its motor problems as well. Why should light therapy help reduce symptoms of parkinson disease? Well you see light, when it reaches certain levels of intensity can inhibit production of a chemical called melatonin…and melatonin in turn can limit production of dopamine. So if you inhibit production of melatonin you should get better production and use of dopamine in the brain-or at least that is the theory. Now we have a couple of recent reports of some case studies involving use of bright light therapy to tFor years now doctors have been treating various forms of depression with light therapy. The patient literally sits in front of a bank of lights for a few hours per day and that treatment really does improve some forms of depression. Recently the therapy has been tried for patients with Parkinson's disease. Not only to treat the depression of parkinson disease but to treat its motor problems as well. Why should light therapy help reduce symptoms of parkinson disease? Well you see light, when it reaches certain levels of intensity can inhibit production of a chemical called melatonin…and melatonin in turn can limit production of dopamine. So if you inhibit production of melatonin you should get better production and use of dopamine in the brain-or at least that is the theory. Now we have a couple of recent reports of some case studies involving use of bright light therapy to treat symptoms of parkinson disease. Interestingly these case studies appear to be very promising. When people with parkinson disease were exposed to white fluorescent light for 1-1.5 h at an intensity of 1000 to 1500 lux once daily for two weeks commencing 1 hour before bedtime, marked improvement in bradykinesia and rigidity was observed in most patients. The authors of this study also claim that elevated mood, improved sleep, decreased seborrhea, reduced impotence, and increased appetite were observed after light therapy as well! Another study used an lluminance of 7.500 lux for 2 weeks and found improvements in motor and mood symptoms. There are no serious side effects associated with light therapy as far as I know…though one wonders about the dangers of skin cancer. In any case here is a promising new treatment of PD symptoms that does not appear to be expensive or associated with serious side effects! Yet as far as I know there are no large scale clinical trials of light therapy for PD currently underway. Talk to your doctor about light therapy if you are interested in trying it yourself.

When You Have Panic What Is Happening In Your Brain..

You are probably well aware that a panic attack is a 'fight or flight' response to a perceived threat. The reason the human brain responds like this goes back to our prehistoric past where humans needed their bodies to respond quickly to a perceived physical threat.
What this new research is telling us, is that people's mental activity during a panic attack is suddenly moving to the mid brain, resulting in the heightened state of fear and panic. In short, a separate part of your brain becomes more active during a panic attack.
The problem, as you well know, is that once the panic attack begins and that heightened state of fear starts, it is very difficult to calm yourself down. In order to restore calm you therefore need the brains mental activity to change. This is the reason why deep breathing is so ineffective in helping people control a panic attack. All deep breathing does is try and restore calm to the body.
Trying to mentally calm the body is like shutting the gate after the horse has bolted.Your brain is the control center and that is where the change needs to happen. During a panic attack your brain has moved into panic mode and in order to really restore order you need to learn how to switch your mental activity back to the rational part of your brain.
What's more is that you need to learn a technique that will allow you to do so in a split second, regardless of where you are or what you are doing.Sounds complicated? Well it is not. When someone feels reassured that they are safe the mental activity reverts back to the forebrain.
The One Move Technique™ teaches you to feel safe in a very simple and easy to apply manner. The One Move is called so because it is in effect a movement of mental activity. It is a technique that moves mental activity away from the impulsive mid brain back to the forebrain.