Zen History

Zen was born in India out of the teachings and practices of many great masters. Buddha, Mahavira, Kabir to mention some were striving to achieve a state of detachment, a way to completely cut themselves of the outer world and its relationships. Not in a selfish way, I understand, but in the mind of reaching a mental state of complete clarity free of mundane clutter. If you are attached you can not move, you become stagnant, murky. If you are free and moving everything flows, renewing energy takes the place of the old and everything becomes clear. This type of path called Dhyan " is the whole effort of Indian consciousness, it means to be so alone, so into your own being, that not even a single thought exists" (OSHO)

Dhyan reached China where it had more soil to grow and its name became ch'an and later Japan where it rapidly flourished and became Zen.

                                                    Letting Go

It seems to me that the way of Zen starts with letting go. If you want to be happy you must let go of control, of all judgment of all pretentiousness. Often we create misery by attaching values to what we achieve or not. We don't pay enough attention to the road, our eyes are fixed in the destination. If we don't get there, we feel like a failure unaware that with each step we took we had already arrived.                                           

                                                        ZEN


"Zen is not a religion, not a dogma, not a creed. Zen is not even a quest, is an inquiry; it is non-philosophical. The fundamental of the Zen approach is as it should be, nothing is missing. This very moment everything is perfect" - OSHO

We have all heard at one time or another the term Zen, but what does it really mean? What is its history and teachings? How can we apply its teachings to our daily life? Could practicing Zen be used as a tool to help promote mental health?

During my next blogs I will be going into these and many more questions, perhaps we will discover together how Zen could be the path to clean all inner clutter. "Drop all burdens. The higher you want to reach, the less burdened you must be"- OSHO

See you soon...

Social Phobias

Social phobias are fears and avoidance of situations in which a person may feel open to other people's judgement or inspection. Social phobia and shyness are different. Shy people are most likely able to participate in social functions to the extent where they feel comfortable. People with social phobia areare disabled by their condition to an extreme point. Their ability to function at work, socialy and in relationships are severely afected. Males and females are affected equally with this disorder.

Some of the most common fears of people with social phobia include:

Adapting with changing environments
Meeting new people
Speaking in public
Eating, drinking in public
Using public restrooms
Attending social events


It seems that Social Phobias begin forming in late childhood and adolescence. This is a time  when the individual is commonly faced with dealing with social situations needing the use of their own skills. If such needed skills are not developed in early childhood the person feels inadequate an unprepared to respond, creating fears and anxiety. Fear of scrutiny and judgement is always present and often paralyzing. Subsequently in order to avoid further anxieties  the person recoils from social interactions. The most common cause is generaly associated with overprotective parents and/or limited social interaction.

Treatment is aimed to help the person function  effectively in social situations. One way of treatment is the use of systematic desensitization. The person is asked to breakdown all the components of their fear. These components are then addressed one by one working from the least fearful to the most fearful. Seeing the total phobia in smaller manageable steps helps to not feel overwhelmed and over anxious over the whole process. Of course the most effective solution is to find and address the actual source of the anxiety, but this is not always possible since they were likely formed at a younger age and the motive might be long forgotten.

What You can do:

Does anything in particular make you anxious especially in a social environment? Well be pro-active. Keep a diary of the experiences and thoughts that seem to be related to your anxiety. This is a way of systematic desensitization. Next to it write down ways you feel you could have handled the situation. You will be amazed how next time  you are facing a similar situation you will fell better prepared and have some tools to handle it.

Often, just talking to a friend or loved one is all that is needed to relieve anxiety. But if you feel more in-depth help is needed or if your fear is crippling your quality of life then you can seek professional help. Taking measures to improve your self esteem can be helpful as well.

A professional therapist may recommend social skills training, role playing and modeling. Exercises in  social contact within group therapy situations help practice social skills. Also, anti-anxiety and anti-depressive medications are sometimes used to help relieve the symptoms associated with phobias.

Call your health care provider or mental health professional if you feel fear, unexplained anxiety and social phobia is affecting your work and relationships with others. There is help.

Self Actualization

The well adjusted personality is one that exhibits coherence in both the inner and outer perceptions of life and reality. When we are well balanced we can maintain consistency through all of our mental process while at the same time being able to adjust and integrate changes to adapt to new situations. Our mental health is in peril once we try to twist and unnaturally reform our inner innate balance, our natural essence. Frustrations and denials can prove to be devastating to ones nature, creating dysfunctions that we carry through life.

Once in a while we come across people that seem strangely at peace. They exude confidence and assertiveness, while at the same time have  compassion and empathy towards others. This are "Self-Actualized" individuals. Following are some characteristics. I am borrowing them from a Self Actualization site, I read while preparing to write this entry.

Realistic

Realistically oriented, SA persons have a more efficient perception of reality, they have comfortable relations with it. This is extended to all areas of life. SA persons are not threatened, not frightened by the unknown. they have a superior ability to reason, to see the truth. They are logical and efficient.

Acceptance

Accept themselves, others and the natural world the way they are. Sees human nature as is, have a lack of crippling guilt or shame, enjoy themselves without regret or apology, they have no unnecessary inhibitions.

Spontaneity, Simplicity, Naturalness

Spontaneous in their inner life, thoughts and impulses, they are unhampered by convention. Their ethics is autonomous, they are individuals, and are motivated to continual growth.

Problem Centering

Focus on problems outside themselves, other centered. They have a mission in life requiring much energy, their mission is their reason for existence. They are serene, characterized by a lack of worry, and are devoted to duty.
Detachment: The Need for Privacy

Autonomy: Independent of Culture and Environment

SA's rely on inner self for satisfaction. Stable in the face of hard knocks, they are self contained, independent from love and respect.

Interpersonal relations

Profound, intimate relationships with few. Capable of greater love than others consider possible. Benevolence, affection and friendliness shown to everyone.

Democratic values and attitudes

Able to learn from anyone, humble. Friendly with anyone regardless of class, education, political belief, race or color.

Philosophical

Acceptance of the nature of his self, human nature, social life, nature, physical reality, remains realistically human.

We can unlearn our dysfunctions and become again the natural happy person we were meant to be. Day by day get to know yourself , in a candid light. See what you like and celebrate it. See what you don't like an make a decision to change it. Work towards what truly makes you happy, towards your own set goals and do it  at your own pace.

Be respectful of others and demand respect back. Live life actively not as an expectator. Do not fuel false illusions and destructive behaviors. When presented with confusing decisions, react and chose in an honest way. And, most importantly take responsibility for your actions, learn from your mistakes and celebrate your accomplishments. Look inwards without judgment, and you will find the answers. "Self Actualization is the intrinsic growth of what is already in the organism, or more accurately, of what the organism is." Abraham Maslow

I found this video, it is an awsome inspiring example of promoting community awareness. It includes quotes from caring minds from all around the world. We must always promote self awareness, but it is of out-most importance that when doing so we also enable others to seek and find theirs.

On Dying and Compassion

In my last post we took a look at the stages of grief and the life and work of Dr. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross. In reading about her work I learned that she fought to her last days for the rights of dying patients and loved ones to be treated with respect and compassion.

When facing those hard last moments you should offer the gift of support and understanding. Be present in heart, not only physically. Listen without judging and respect the feelings of those around you. Remember not everyone reacts the same. Be there when needed, offer your companionship, but know that often the dying person needs time by themselves. When they express their wish to be left alone, honor it.

At the time of death spirituality is generally very important for the one making the transition. If they have a different religious path than yours, be supportive and participate, this is not the time to impose your own beliefs. Hospice Net offers these excellent advise:

Touch your loved one in a way that is comforting to your loved one (hold hands, rub her head, snuggle...). Let your physical presence be part of what nurtures a place of trust.

Tell your loved one you love him. If he is unable to respond then answer for him. "And I believe you love me too."

Tell them that you feel God's love in this place surrounding you and her. Let her know your trust is now in God. If you can express your experience of God's love/presence then describe it to her. If it feels natural to you, you could use a scriptural image (i.e. God has the hairs on your head numbered, so I believe that God knows where you are and knows your name).

Tell them that God will continue to support you after she is gone and that you will make it in the future with your faith in God and your belief that she is at peace with God.

Forgive your loved one of any past estrangement/ behavior/words. If he is unable to respond then answer for him, "And I believe you forgive me too."

Give your loved one permission to let go. Again assure her that you trust the move from your loving hands into God's loving arms. Offer words such as "God is here with me and you, let's hold on to God now," "God's arms are open to you," "I am here for you, and so is God."

Of course they use the word God, but I believe that spirit is one and divinity has many names. Use the one that brings comfort to you and your loved ones. Quality of life should include dying, do the most to assure you and your loved ones go through this transition with respect and compassion. To quote Dr. Kubler-Ross, "The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths.  These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen." 

 May love and compassion surround you and yours in life and at the inevitable time of death. Take care of each other with an out-most giving heart, let not a moment go by when you don't express your feelings for those around you. Live well and at the end of your journey, die well. 

Stages of Grief

The loss of someone you love is very painful deep heartache and deep sorrow of not having the physical presence of our loved one can be overbearing. The emotions and the physical sensations a person goes through when experiencing the loss of someone close is called grief.

There are many ways to start discussing the grieving process, but perhaps one of the most known models of understanding loss and its effects is the Kubler-Ross Model.

Denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance are the main five stages mentioned and often referred to when touching the subject of bereavement.

In order to get prepared for writing this post, I started searching for more information about the above mentioned model and of course my mind wondered off. I started asking myself, Who is Kubler-Ross? How and Why did she come up with the concept of breaking down the human reaction of facing death?

Well, Dr. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross was one of triplets, born in Zurich (Switzerland) on July 8th, 1926. She studied medicine and worked for the International Voluntary Service for Peace after WWII. It was then that she discovered her passion, serving and helping the people whose lives had been destroyed by the unforgiving monster of war. One day in Maidanek (a concentration camp),she found carved in the wall where prisoners spent their last moments, the picture of a butterfly. Since then, "it became her symbol of transformation that she believed occurred at the time of death"

She later came to America and worked in many hospitals, bringing compassion and fighting against the "standardised" treatment of of patients facing death. She wrote many books but it was her bestselling first book, "On Death and Dying", 1969, that made her an internationally-renowned author. The five psychological stages of dying (denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance) which were outlined in her book "became accepted as common knowledge throughout the world". She died at 78 on August 24th, 2004, in Scottsdale, Arizona of natural causes.

Her life was dedicated to the treatment of others, especially of those facing death and their loved ones with compassion, empathy and respect. I believe that understanding the bereavement process, is important in order to cope and know how to deal with grief. We should also raise awareness that the process for some people start much earlier, when physical death has not occurred yet. In the case of a prolonged illness this is a very stressful moment for both the family and the person making the transition. Following a  suicide the survivors face shock , anger, resentment and many other strong emotions. If left unresolved, they may cause depression and other mental health issues.

In my up-coming post, I will be addressing the ways that understanding, caring and compassion can help in dealing with the effects of grief.

Credits:
With written permission
http://www.ekrfoundation.org/

http://www.elisabethkublerross.com/

Mandalas and Sound Therapy

As mentioned before, mandalas in conjuction with sound tones can help you achieve a desired state of relaxation. It is also of great help when coping with anxiety, stress and anger. Following is a video that helps demonstrate this techinique. This visualization and meditation method is used also as a tool to deal with the efffects of grief and help with self awareness issues.

Alternative Healing Techniques

Mandalas and Sound Therapy

Mandalas are circular designs containing concentric geometric forms, containing images of deities, abstract designs and color schemes symbolizing the universe, totality, or wholeness. In fact mandala is a Sanskrit word meaning wheel. In Tibetan culture the making of the mandala is more important that the finished product. They are created in dimensional patterns as a visual aid to evoke meditation, reflect emotions to balance the body, mind and spirit. They are presented paintings, sand art or even computerized forms that give them a kaleidoscopic moving forms producing dynamically changing patterns .

Sound Healing

Sound healing works through various techniques and technologies. It uses the energy of sound in order to promote wellness. Vibration has a strong impact on matter, by producing tones or timbres the matter or substance gets affected producing a negative or positive outcome. This effect is called Cymatics.

Both techniques used in conjunction or alone are known to aid in:

pain alleviation
birthing process
anxiety
surgery (used by surgeons and patients)
self consciousness and awareness
meditation and relaxation
dying process
coping with grief process

Please keep posted, on my next article I will include a visual sample of how mandalas and sounds work together.

In this final part of "Understanding Metal Health Tests", I will be covering the fear of stigma of the diagnosed mental patient and mental assessments for children.

Stigma

Although mental illness responds well to treatment such as psychotherapy, prescription drugs and complementary alternative practices, there is still an avoidance to seek help. This avoidance stems from the fear of the stigma that comes with a mental illness diagnosis. The fear of being discriminated against and stereotyped surpasses sometimes the need of healing.

Throughout history people suffering mental conditions are stamped as being violent and unreliable. The mental health patient often faces problems when trying to rent or even seek employment. It is not a surprise that most people exhibiting some form or symptom of mental dysfunction shy away from professional help opting for a life of alienation. Alcohol and drug addictions are sometimes a product of not receiving needed help as they are used as a way to self medicate. It is important to rise awareness as a society and try to overcome the image and negative stigma of mental illnesses. Mental Health America offers a great support group lisiting.

Mental Health Tests for Children

Everyone is at risk of suffering from a mental illness. According to a pediatric update children are especially susceptible. Physical factors (inherited and/or inflicted to the developing fetus) and psychosocial harmful experiences after birth can affect the mental health of children. The mother's alcohol or substance abuse, family history of mental disease or traumatic events such as exposure to violence and neglect, are of great impact in a child's development. Mental illnesses in youth can lead to failure in school or substance abuse and if left untreated can result in life threatening conduct problems such as violence or even suicide.

Mental health tests are available to diagnose and treat autism, ADHD, mental retardation and behavioral/ emotional conditions. Visit the National Institute of Mental Health and learn more about the treatment of children with mental disorders.

Mental Health Tests are an in depth tool for the practitioner to better diagnose and treat a patient. They are composed of various assessments both physical (such as blood tests, MRI, etc.) and psychological. Mental tests help discover diseases of behavior, criminal, antisocial and personality dysfunctions. But what are those psychological tests and how do they aid in diagnosing or ruling out a mental illness?

Written and Verbal Tests

A mental health assessment may include one or more verbal or written tests. You will be asked some questions and will either answer out loud or write your answer on a piece of paper. Your answers are then rated and scored by your doctor.

Written questionnaires generally contain 20 to 30 questions that can be answered quickly, often in a "yes" or "no" format. They usually don't take long to finish and you can do them by yourself at a regular office visit. Many mental health questionnaires are available to test for depression and Cognitive Functions.

Depression:

The Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression is a depression rating scale of 17-items that evaluates depressed mood, vegetative and cognitive symptoms of depression, and co-morbid anxiety symptoms.

The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) is a 21-item test presented in multiple choice format which  measures the presence and degree of depression in adolescents and adults. Each of the 21-items of the BDI attempts to assess a specific symptom or attitude "which appear(s) to be specific to depressed patients".

The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) is a 30-item self-report assessment designed specifically to identify depression in the elderly. The items may be answered yes or no, which is thought to be simpler than scales that use a five-category response set.

Cognitive Functions (How well you are able to think, reason, and remember)

The Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) is the most commonly used test for complaints of memory problems or when a diagnosis of dementia is being considered. The MMSE is the test that the NHS recommends for deciding whether a drug treatment for Alzheimer's disease should be prescribed.It is widely used to check your cognitive functions and how well you are able to carry out routine activities, such as eating, dressing, shopping, or banking.

Sometimes a more extensive mental health test, such as the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale is needed. The WAIS is a general test of cognitive ability, which Wechsler defined as, "... the global capacity of the individual to act purposefully, to think rationally, and to deal effectively with his environment". Therefore following his definition of  intelligence as "an aggregate of mental aptitudes or abilities", the WAIS consists of 11 sub-tests divided into two parts, verbal and performance. The test was revised  to include a separate scale for children under 16 years of age.

Credits:

Bay Area Medical Information
Compact Clinical Assesment

Introduction

Mental health tests are an overall evaluation which includes your emotional, reasoning and cognitive functions abilities. They include interviews and tests with mental health professionals and regular physicians.

Mental Health Assessments distinguish between physical disorders and mental disorders such as anxiety, schizophrenia, depression and other dementia. Mental health tests are very important in the detection of learning disabilities such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), conduct disorder (CD), or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

It is also used to evaluate the mental status of a person who has been institutionalized, arrested or otherwise suspected of dysfunctional behavior, such
as drunken driving, physical abuse and other
criminal antisocial behavior and clinical Dementia.

Questions to assess your cognitive functioning (your thinking, reasoning, and memory) are also included. Perception, thought processes, logical thinking, and suicidal tendencies may also be included in the interview.

Physical examination

Depending on the setting and circumstances, a mental health assessment may or may not include a physical examination. In a case where it is determined one is needed, the health professional will review your past medical history (as well as that of your family members) including medications you currently take, if any.

Your senses (hearing, taste, sight, smell, and touch) your reflexes and balance are examined as a way to test the nervous system.

Lab tests

If a nervous system problem is suspected or discovered by the physical examination screening, tests such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) scan or electroencephalography (EEG) may be done. Laboratory tests for thyroid function, electrolyte levels and toxicology to detect drug or alcohol problems are often part of the screening.

Mental Health Tests are an in depth tool for practitioners to better diagnose and treat a patient. In the following days we will discuss the process to include written and verbal tests, the risks and fears of stigma, mental health tests for children and much more.

Relaxation Techniques for Public Speaking

We all have gone through it at one time or another in school, at social functions as professionals. Some people don't seem to have a problem with it, and go through the experience with an enviable ease. Some of us , in the other hand, have to try very hard to stifle the deafening horror scream that gets lodged in our throats when presented with the task. I am talking about Public Speaking.

Public Speaking can be intimidating even when we are well prepared for the event. We may be authorities in the subject, but when speaking to a group we get dry mouth, our hands sweat and the throat tightens up, our knees shake and we suffer the dreaded (and most embarrassing) temporary loss of memory. These are all symptoms of Stage Fright (or as I call it "I want my mommy syndrome"). Yes! if we have a diagnosis we have a treatment, so don't fear my friends!

Here are some easy public speaking techniques I am borrowing from The Advance Public Speaking Institute:

Visualization strategies

Pretend you are just chatting with a group of friends.
Close your eyes and imagine the audience listening, laughing, and applauding.
Remember happy moments from your past.

Strategies in advance of program

Get individual or group public speaking coaching.
Listen to music.
Read a poem.
Anticipate hard and easy questions.
Organize your speaking notes.

Just before start

Get into conversation with people near you. Be very intent on what they are saying.
Yawn to relax your throat.
Doodle.
Draw sketches of a new car you would like to have.
Look at your notes.
Put pictures of your kids/grand kids, dog, etc., in your notes.

Strategies when the program begins

If legs are trembling, lean on lectern /table or shift legs or move
Try not to hold the microphone by hand in the first minute.
Don't hold notes. The audience can see them shake. Use three-by-five cards instead.
Take quick drinks of tepid water.

Like with all in life, perfection comes with practice, so be willing to keep trying. Also don't forget to smile you will look friendly and in control to the audience and it may even relax you. Very important as well is to remember to breath deeply and calmly it will set a nice pace to your speaking tandem. Turn your nervousness into a positive thing, instead of showing fear show enthusiasm and energy.

In conclusion, learning how to deal with public speaking anxieties is the right step to easing discomfort of stage fright. The fact is you are a very interesting person, people deserve to know what you have to say.

 

Emotional Freedom Technique

I was reading about ways to cope with anger, and I found many articles about Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT). EFT can be almost compared to acupuncture, but without the needles! By tapping at meridian points with your own fingertips you stimulate energy that in theory, releases the negative emotions disrupting your emotional balance. The following is a video that explains in length how this alternative mental health technique can help you cope with anger management issues.

Postpartum Depression and Alternative Medicine Treatments

Giving birth is one of the biggest events in life. It is a happy event full of excitement and promises of joyful moments to come. But sometimes the period following the birth of a child mothers go through feelings of sadness and even clinical depression that affect their normal functioning. The bond between mother and child is not developed and this leads to feelings of guilt and anxiety.

What causes Postpartum Depression?

The common causes of postpartum depression are a combination of:

Hormonal changes
History of depression
Marital problems
Financial concerns
Complication during pregnancy or birth
Lack of sleep
Feeling overwhelmed by all the new responsibilities and changes
Feeling a loss of identity

How can Alternative Medicine Help?

Relaxation Techniques

Meditation, yoga and deep breathing exercises are some of the relaxation techniques that been shown to reduce anxiety and clear the mind. You can join a class or make use of a CD.

Biochemical Tissue Salts

These are salts that are naturally found in the human body. They can be used as postnatal depression alternative treatments they prevent severe mood swings and regulate sleep patterns.

Homeopatic Remedies

Homeopathic remedies that have been proven not to harm their babies while lactating such as Flower Essences they are gentle but very effective. Herbal Remedies to ease postpartum depression symptoms are:

Ignatia amara
Sepia
Damiana (Turnera diffusa)
Ginseng (Panax ginseng)
Lady's Slipper (Cypripedium calceolus)
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Oats (Avena sativa)
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum)
Vervain (Verbena officinalis).

WARNING: Women who are breastfeeding or are suffering from a chronic medical condition should consult a health care professional before taking any herbal remedies.

Also it is always a good practice to not alienate yourself, talk to others and seek help. There is a great group called Postpartum Support International. They offer contacts, classes and resources for moms and the whole family.

How to Talk to your Doctor about Alternative Medicine

Good communication between you and your doctor is very important. A good doctor patient relationship is paramount to the effective management and treatment of your physical and mental ailments. We are often intimidated by our physicians and opt for a submissive role in our own care. Especially when trying to discuss non-conventional methods we may feel a bit unsure in how to start that conversation. Watch the following video, it talks about that important step in a very motivational and friendly way.

Grief: Coping with the Holidays

The Holiday Season brings family and friends together. It is a time for sharing with loved ones in the traditions we hold dear. There are celebrations, gifts and old memories to be remembered and new ones to be made involving everything and everyone we hold close to our hearts. But, what if we are going through the loss of a family member or friend? How can we cope during this season not having the physical presence of a loved one? How can I grieve and still be part of gatherings and celebrations?

First of all, you have to be yourself and not put up a front. Own your emotions and know there is not a right or wrong way to feel. If you feel sad share it with a friend or close family member. Chances are people around you will not only comfort you, but find comfort as well in having a good talk. Know you are not alone.

Be flexible! We hold traditions and schedules so tightly we may add to the mounting stress of the holidays, and this is true even if we haven't experienced a loss. Try to get enough rest and don't be afraid to pick and choose the traditions you want to follow this year.

What about shopping? You may want to replace an exhausting Christmas shopping marathon. Gift Cards are now available in almost every store, make use of them. It is healthy to remain part of traditions, but keep it simple!

If you find yourself with not enough energy, let other people help. During hard times people come closer together. If someone offers to help clean your house or go grocery shopping take them on their offer. Also if they don't offer let them know how they can help, often they don't know how to behave around a bereaved person, and wont want to intrude. It is funny how we let people help when we are recovering from surgery or any medical ailment, but we close up when we are recovering from a loss. The pain is equally if not more real. You need help, accept it, seek it.

Maybe is a good time to learn some meditation and breathing techniques, they are known to prevent depression and anxiety. Remember there is emotional grief and physical grief . Pay attention to your aches and pains.

Don't be afraid of having a good time. It is OK to laugh. If it makes you more comfortable put a basket and fill it with pictures or little notes with good things to be remembered about your loved one. Maybe get a "Guest Book" for people to right fun memories and thoughts during that special holiday dinner. This is a good way to honor and include them. Light a small candle and start a new tradition that will keep their memory alive.

 Most importantly, educate yourself. Read about loss and understand the process and stages of grieving. Take care of your own health and well-being. Understand and be patient with yourself. Look for a support group, speaking and listening to others helps in coping with loneliness. Re-adjustment after the passing of a loved one is a long process. Find this holiday season an opportunity to grow stronger from within.

                     

     Aromatherapy Oils

As we covered earlier Aromatherapy is the therapeutic practice of using the essential oil of a plant as an alternative medicine in the treatment of health and well-being. Following are some examples of oils and the conditions they are generally used to relieve.

Amber: Use it for relieving stress and anxiety.

Frankincense: Has calming and soothing effects, good for meditation.

Musk: The smell of Musk is good for grounding your emotions.

Nag Champa: If you need to connect with your inner spiritual energy use this oil.

Patchouli:  MY number one choice to relieve stress and anxiety. Use it to boost your tired body.

Sandalwood: Relaxing aroma fights mood swings and its said to lift depression.

Bergamot: Antiseptic. Can be used as a de-wormer and antiparasite. This oil should be used with care.

Eucalyptus: This oil has a  camphoraceous odor. Use it for muscular aches and pains, bronchitis, and throat infections.

Geranium: Geranium is a mild analgesic and anti-inflamatory and may be used for neuralgia and arthritis symptoms.

Lavender: My favorite oil,Lavender is good for relaxing . Aids sleep, soothes tired muscles.

Mandarin: Use this citrus oil when if you have digestive problems as a stimulating tonic for the stomach and liver.

Tea Tree: Tea Tree is effective in fighting infectious diseases such as measles, chicken pox, cold and shingles. My friend uses it effectively to treat nail and skin fungus.

Sandalwood: Use Sandalwood if you have eczema, it relieves itching and inflammation.

If you want to learn more about Essentials Oils and Aromatherapy visit http://www.aromaweb.com/essentialoils/default.asp 

Warning: 

Essential oils should be diluted in a carrier oil and should not be swallowed or taken internally, unless under expert medical supervision, as they may be toxic. Allergic reactions are also possible. It's best to test for allergic reactions by applying a small amount of diluted oil on the back of the wrist or ear lobe. Pregnant women should not use them in the first trimester of gestation and should consult a physician

             Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is a form of alternative medicine that uses the oils of plants. It is a holistic treatment of caring for the body by using pleasant botanical oils. Essential oils are complex and highly fragrant substances. Egyptians used the method of infusion to extract the oils from aromatic plants. They were used for medicinal and cosmetic purposes as well as embalming. Now it is a practice widely used at home, clinics and hospitals. Aromatherapy oils are used in different ways such as being made into candles and incense. They can also be used as massage oil, placed in diffusers or burners to heat the oils in order to disperse the aroma throughout an area.

  

Many traditions and religions make use of essential oils sometimes in combination with other alternative medical practices and spiritual beliefs. Hospitals and holistic practitioners use these oils for a variety of applications such as pain relief for women in labor pain, relieving the side effects of chemotherapy and in the rehabilitation of cardiac patients.

Generally, essential oils consist of chemical compounds, which have hydrogen, carbon and oxygen in their building blocks. Oils are made from plants containing high levels of Terpen, an odiferous molecule. The different smells and properties depend on the chemical structure of each plant.

The sense of smell is incredibly powerful. Receptors in your nose communicate with two structures that are located deep in your brain, the amygdala and hippocampus. These structures store memories and emotions. When essential oil molecules are inhaled, they affect these parts of the brain directly. Influencing your physical, emotional, and mental reactions.

Essential oils can also influence mood through several other methods. Aromatherapy massage produces benefits from absorbing the oils into the skin, from inhaling the oil's vapors, and from the physical therapy of the massage itself.

Warning: 

Essential oils should be diluted in a carrier oil and should not be swallowed or taken internally, unless under expert medical supervision, as they may be toxic. Allergic reactions are also possible. It's best to test for allergic reactions by applying a small amount of diluted oil on the back of the wrist or ear lobe. Pregnant women should not use them in the first trimester of gestation and should consult a physician.

Tomorrow I will be listing different oils and their specific use in physical and mental health therapies.

Just Breathe ! 

As we mentioned before, Yoga Meditation systematically and through "witnessing" deals with all levels of your being. You can better deal with stressors and improve your interaction with the world and its demands. Yoga deals with the senses, body, and mind.

Breathing effectively is very important. Yogic exercises of pranayama trains the practitioner to expand and assist the better intake of air. This is obtained by using the abdomen, the Inter-Costal muscles of the ribcage, and the upper chest. This basic breathing pattern is called "The Wave".

                                                                            Wave Breathing

Inhalation begins with the expansion of the upper chest and progresses downward toward the navel as the diaphragm moves down.

Exhalation begins as a conscious contraction from the bottom upward, as the diaphragm moves up and the air moves out.

You should sit quietly with your eyes closed. Open yourself to the experience and feel the meaning of each action.

Take deeper breaths and notice that as you do, your posture begins to change. Be aware of the natural response your breathing is creating in whole body down to each cell. 

Inhale and fill your upper chest first, as you exhale, little by little tighten your abdominal muscles from the pubic bone to your belly. Continue this motion from your belly to your solar plexus.These movements create the wave-like motion of your spine as you continue breathing.

This technique is great as a meditation tool. It can be done anywhere, whenever you need to center your emotions and release stress.

Stay tuned, on my next post we are going to be talking about Aromatherapy and its use in alternative medicine as a complementary tool in managing your mental health.