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"We are responsible for everything in our lives, including how the chemistry in our bodies works or doesn't work." Wayne Dyer's words hit me like a bolt of lightening as I listened to his taped book, You'll See It When You Believe It.

Throughout the years, I had suffered tremendously with bouts of allergies and asthma; it wasn't until that moment that I had a confirmation I could eliminate my allergy problems. The asthma attacks had been under control since leaving the mid west where I was born and raised. This move eliminated contact with cattle hair and grain dust and other pollens indigenous to the area, which I had extreme allergic reactions with.

I often spoke, to anyone who would listen, about how the mind heals the body or allows the body to become ill. This knowledge was based on my thoughts, reading and research. As I spoke about my 'belief/knowledge' my bouts with allergies hung heavy in my mind. In all of my reading, nothing clicked as a solution until that moment in September 1989. I was 47 years old. As I had learned while studying transactional analysis, Dr. Dyer, also, held the premise: "We are responsible for everything in our lives." "OK, Wayne," I said, "I agree. Now what? How can I take responsibility for the chemistry in my body when my immune system is damaged? My immune system contains chemicals," I reminded myself. "I am responsible for those chemicals doing their job. What am I doing or not doing that is responsible for the chemicals not doing their job?" I asked myself fervently.

A few days later I began, in earnest, to be a detective. I revisited myself as an infant in the crib. With much satisfaction and pride, my father has told the story that he knew how to quiet a howling infant. With his hand, big and muscular from working as a cattle rancher, he 'patted my back with three or four hard, quick pats, 'You,' he proudly announced, 'stopped howling. You seemed to like it,' he concluded, 'because you always stopped howling.'

My father was physically abused as a child, and he carried the legacy into his parenting. He did not consider the 'hard quick pats' on my tiny back as abusive, nor would anyone necessarily consider either of us as abused at the time of our upbringings; some people would not consider it abuse today. In the days of my father's childhood, and those of my own, this type of behavior with a child was viewed as stringent discipline for a child obviously needing corrective action. However, with certainty, my abuse began when I was an infant in the bassinet. As I revisited my infancy and childhood, no new memories came forth. This was frustrating. I had not found any new clues. "Chemicals. I am responsible for my chemicals. How can I take responsibility for those chemicals?" The answer seemed elusive, but I was determined. "Chemicals? What mechanism triggers the release of my chemicals?"

"Ye gads! The brain. The brain sends messages to all systems in the body. The portion of the brain that controls the chemicals is often called 'the old brain': it is the 'fight-flight' mechanism that instantaneously (no need for conscious command) sends chemicals so the system can 'fight or flee.'
"So what has that got to do with allergies?" I asked myself. "Allergies, allergies, allergy attack, allergy attack--am I getting somewhere? I am being attacked by pollen--so? What is the link between allergy attacks and being an abused child? Allergy attack--allergy attack." Days and weeks passed. I repeatedly mulled the thought, "Allergy attack, child abuse, allergy attack, child abuse: there is a link. I know there is a link. What is the link?"

When the human system is attacked by something, the immune system instantaneously sends chemicals to fight the invasion. "My system is damaged since being frightened as an infant," I lamented. "What can I do now? I am responsible for the chemicals in my body," I reminded myself. "How do I make a system work that has been damaged? If my brain controls the chemicals and my thoughts control my brain, I can control those chemicals. Nevertheless,
how can I control the chemicals? The link-where is the link?"

I began thinking about the incidents of physical abuse. I saw my father's menacing figure coming at me--his face red, hand raised, swearing and shouting. Whack, his large hand hit the side of my head. ATTACK! My father attached me verbally and physically. There is the link! Allergy attack's verbal/physical attack--the two had emerged in my psyche as the same.

To understand the physiological and psychological construct, one needs to accept the reality that the physical body and psyche are intertwined. One is not separate from the other. To understand the emergence of allergy attacks with verbal or physical attacks in my psyche, we need to discern my experience as an infant in the bassinet. The five senses: hearing, sight, smell, taste, and touch are an infant's only means of understanding their world and communicating. Three of the five senses are activated by the technique such as my father's to quiet a howling infant: The infant hears the father's footsteps and, in the first instance, assumes that someone is coming to comfort her. The father says, 'Be quiet [shut up];' in a loud voice; simultaneously the impact of a hard, quick pat is registered (touch). The shock of the loud voice (hearing) and hard pat (touch) is reacted to by a restriction in crying (breathing)--breathing and smell are synonymous.

The shock of the loud voice and physical impact has knocked the breath from the infant. When the infant's autonomic system reactivates breathing, the infant breathes in the smell of cattle hair and grain odor, which permeates the father's clothes. In many instances, the mother responds to the crying infant; however, the infant is unable to distinguish when the mother or father will respond. Therefore, the infant soon recognizes the footsteps of the father, but has no way to escape. Her fight and flight mechanism is triggered, and chemicals surge through her body requiring additional oxygen as her heart rate and breathing increase. As she attempts to bring in oxygen, she simultaneously constricts her crying; the two conflict with each other. This causes swelling in the bronchial system, which is how asthma is manifested--restricted bronchial passage.

Not withstanding, humans have evolved with immunities to the elements that are common to the environment. With rare exceptions, the human immune system, as a chemically functioning system, is adequate to protect the organism. In an experience such as mine, the infant's psyche is being imprinted through three of the five senses. This leaves a powerful impact. As in my case, cattle hair and grain odors are associated with fear and not being able to breathe. Thus, my asthma/allergies became a physical reaction to fear, distress and the sensation associated with any strong smells. I remember experiencing asthma attacks when I was anticipating a stressful situation involving my father or if he verbally attacked me.

Through listening to my past feelings and watching my reactions, I accepted the reality that my immune system had been damaged. The doctors also told me my immune system was ineffective, but they blamed it on a fact of genetics fluke, something I had to accept. I dutifully accepted my fate; after all, doctors know the human body and are healers-they know best. The next step, I began observing my physical reactions whenever I started having allergic reactions. "What did I tell myself-what did I tell my brain?

My brain has the power to send chemicals to my immune system. Why weren't my chemicals there when I needed them?" I observed and observed. One day I noticed a very subtle body sensation, so subtle that I hardly noticed its presence. The body sensation was so faint and so far away. I barely captured it. "What was the origin of this faint sensation? Listen carefully, listen, observe, listen. Yes, yes, there it is: Shut down, shutdown, do not move, do not think, do not feel, do not react, you cannot do anything, shutdown.'" My heartbeat seemed so still. It was very faint. I took my pulse and had a hard time finding it. "How is that connected to my chemicals? How is that connected to my immune chemicals not being sent?" I continued to listen and observe my body's reaction to smells.

Ye gads! The thought came into my mind. My fight-flight command was not being activated. Instead, I was telling my fight-flight system to shut down. WHAT? The fight-flight mechanism is fundamental to the survival of the system. I was telling mine to shut down. My mind then wandered back to the incident when my father attempted to chase me with the horse. I realized that was the time I shut my fight-flight system down more than it had ever been shut down. "Do not move, do not move, do not think, do not feel, do not react, you cannot do anything, shut down." My heart stood still as the horse jolted to a stop in front of me, his hot breath blowing in my face. From that point on, I remember not feeling the pain when my father hit me. I was completely shut down.

As the days passed, I continued to listen to and observe my breathing. As I observed, I became aware that I became passive when a sneeze was an allergic sneeze. The thought was, "There is nothing you can do, the pollen attacks and you are in a lot of pain and feel sick and can hardly function, but it only lasts a short time. Withstand the pain--keep going--it will pass." As a child, I could not fight or flee. Emotionally, to survive the verbal and physical attacks, I became passive by telling myself, "The best course of action is to do nothing." This thought process subconsciously blocked the transference of survival chemicals to protect my system from danger. When the chemicals were sent, I could feel the bone-chilling pain before and after the assault. I did not like this chilling pain and, therefore, instructed myself to shut down.

Eureka, the final link! I had trained my brain to stop sending the fundamental fight-flight chemicals used to protect the system. No wonder the doctor gave me adrenaline shots when my natural chemicals did not work. Adrenaline is the major chemical the immune system sends to fight or flee. The next step was to monitor the messages I gave myself when I sneezed. The pattern was consistent-I became very passive, I could feel my senses shut down. All my muscles relaxed, no outward emotion. Nothing! I listened, observed and listened. After many years of telling my brain to shut down, learning to fight back was not easy. It was so natural to shut down. Nevertheless, I listened and every time I felt myself shut down, I gave a command to fight back. I visualized the chemicals rushing into the blood stream and throughout my body. I practiced and practiced. Gradually, I noticed a difference in the severity and the duration of allergy attacks. Spring 1990 arrived (a usually difficult season, as I was allergic to tree and grass pollens): no sneezing, no watery eyes, no coughing. Eureka! I did it. I did it! This was and remains a physical and psychological victory with extensive implications. I wanted to shout from the rooftops. I wanted to tell everyone--Metaphysical healing works!!

With each passing pollen season, I have been increasingly allergy-free. For three years, it was necessary that I consciously made the effort to 'remind' myself to fight back. I do not need to have total concentration anymore. In addition, if I have allergic reactions to manufactured elements, I do not hold myself responsible for generating the immune system to fight back. This is due to the fact that the immune system protects the system from natural elements; if I held myself responsible for eliminating all allergic reactions, I could set up unrealistic demands and constitute an unrealistic psychological failure as well.

A note of caution for anyone who may think I have described this process as simple and easy: it was very difficult and required concentration, commitment and dedication. During the beginning stage of recovery, any distractions resulted in reduction in concentration as well as reduction in effectiveness. This was discouraging at times and I heard myself saying, "See you cannot really change this damage, you are not as good as you think you are." This was an example of all the negating and demoralizing things my father said to me. It occurred to me, I was allowing other people's words to control what I could or could not accomplish today, and I became even more determined.

Step one was to acknowledge I was powerless and unmanageable. The first part is a conclusion I drew about myself after learning the facts about my disease as outlined in the Big Book. After honestly relating my experiences drinking to the "Doctor's Opinion" and the first three chapters I concluded, "Yes, I am an alcoholic. I have a problem with drugs and alcohol."

The second part is an agreement I make with the fact that yes, my life is unmanageable. I have a problem living. Not surviving or getting by, but actually living the life I always wanted to live. One without the constant fear, guilt, and remorse I lived with while drinking. A life without constantly fighting everyone and everything to have things my way. One I didn't have to prove myself to anyone or live up to anything.

Until I could admit that I was both powerless over drugs and alcohol and my life was unmanageable, I wouldn't need to try and be sober. It's that simple. I believe this is what our book refers to on page 30 when it says "We had to concede to our inner most selves that we were alcoholic. This is the first step in treatment." I was confusing wanting to be sober with wanting the consequences of my drinking to go away. For me, I knew I was alcoholic, but my life just wasn't unmanageable enough. When I admitted complete defeat was when I hit my bottom and was able to begin true recovery.

I was so self-sufficient it almost killed me. I lost everything I cared to lose and kept trying one more time to feel that ease and comfort which comes at once by taking a few drinks. The problem was I just couldn't get to that place anymore. I was stuck in self-pity. I went to treatment, I was doing aftercare, attending meetings daily and couldn't stay sober. I wanted to be sober and feel at ease and comfortable. That's the big dilemma for me getting and staying sober. The only tool I had to make life livable was alcohol and it quit working. I had to find a new way to do things.

I had a chance to be with my family Thanksgiving after a year of tough love. It was a weekend I will always remember. We were hiking in the mountains and I was overcome with the presence of His beauty and the unconditional love of family. I was filled with gratitude and the sense that I didn't have to live in the pain of my drinking ever again. My eyes opened to the possibility of a sober, happy life. I was powerless over alcohol and my life was unmanageable. I had taken step one. I was ready for recovery.

So what do I do? I work the remaining steps of Alcoholics Anonymous with a sponsor who has worked them. Not a drug and alcohol treatment center, not aftercare, not an Oxford House, not 90 meetings in 90 days, not anything else. Those things are helpful tools but by themselves they cannot keep me sober. If I could just not drink no matter what--as it is often suggested to newcomers, I wouldn't have a problem! It isn't easy, but nobody said life is. I had to quit feeling sorry for myself, grow up and take action to save my life. As soon as I recognized that and quit fighting it got a lot easier.

May all of you struggling with that first step find your way. Make this your bottom and get on with the joy of living in recovery.

 

Only a migraine sufferer understands the pain. Regardless of how the migraine starts the end result is the same - excruciating pain that renders you helpless. Walking hurts, breathing hurts. Even thinking hurts.

People often discount migraines without any true understanding of the suffering a migraine can inflict. They treat migraine sufferers like hypochondriacs or drama queens. This is simply not so. There are any number of painkillers and pills available to help curb the pain. The issue here is that many of these painkillers require repeat prescriptions and involve an ongoing cost. The other side effect of many of the prescribed medicines is that they can help with the pain of the migraine headache itself but tend to have a "knockout" effect on the sufferer.

Most migraine sufferers will be familiar with the "where did the day go?" effect of many of the stronger painkillers. There are natural remedies to the migraine plague. They're simple and cheap (if not free). None of these are to replace prescribed medication but can be used in conjunction with your medication to bring relief about faster. They also complement each other.

Dark Room

If you suffer from migraine headaches and an attack begins then find the quietest, darkest spot in your home and lay down there. The area or should also be relatively warm to allow you to relax faster. Your eyes should remain covered but open. This usually means using some sort of blindfold but a scarf, long handkerchief or other material works just fine. Keep your eyes open as much as possible because experience has shown that shutting your eyes to try and cope with the pain uses extra facial and jaw muscles that can just increase the problem and not cure it.

If an attack has already begun then follow the same routine and take whatever prescribed medication you have.

Relaxed Breathing

A migraine attack generally brings on a sort of anxiety attack in the sufferer. They know how much it's going to hurt so their heart rate increases. This increase in blood flow makes the problem worse. Once you've retreated to the quiet, dark area and covered your eyes from any possible stimuli then breathing is the next area to focus on. You must let your breathing relax. Panicked breathing will increase the pain you're already experiencing.

To allow your breathing to relax follow these steps:

1. Take a long slow deep breath and exhale equally slowly.

2. Again take a long, slow deep breath. As you're slowly inhaling focus on the sensation of the air filling your lungs. Feel the air filling your body. Once you've inhaled as much as is comfortable again exhale slowly. As you're exhaling focus on the sensation of the air leaving your lungs and escaping through your mouth. Breathe out completely.

3. Repeat the process of inhaling slowly, focusing on the sensation of the air filling your lungs and exhaling slowly 4 or 5 more times.

4. By the fourth repetition you should notice that your breathing is far more relaxed and calm. Your heart rate should now also have lowered back to a resting rate and you may even feel slightly sleepy. If so embrace that feeling and allow yourself to fall asleep.

Lavender Oil

This is the final step in the process. Lavender oil is renowned for its medicinal properties and this is doubly so for migraine headaches. Lavender oil is cheap and completely safe to use. Only use pure Lavender oil for treating migraines - lavender scented fragrances or scented oils are useless. It must be the purest lavender oil you can find.

If you feel a migraine attack coming then grab your lavender oil. Place a single drop of pure, undiluted lavender oil on each temple or behind each ear. Also place 2 or 3 drops of undiluted lavender oil on the pillow you're going to rest on.

Combined with a quiet, dark room and the deep breathing technique the lavender oil provides that final "punch" in the natural treatments. The scent of the oil will relax you and simply inhaling lavender infused air helps to ease the pain of a migraine almost immediately.

By Niall Roche

One of the unofficial symptoms of Carpal Tunnel is waking up at night due to increased pain and/or numbness in the hand....and from the fingers and wrist clenching and curling forward into a claw.

This not only annoys people, it can scare them. It's not really supposed to do that! Why does it do that?

The answer is pretty simple, but like all simple things it takes a little bit of explaining.

There is a process that leads up to the hand curling while you sleep at night. It goes like this.

1. Lots of use of the hand.

2. Muscles get tighter and tighter.

3. The nervous system sets those tight muscles as the new normal. So muscles get tighter and stay tight, progressively.

4.  A lot of other bad stuff happens under the skin that you don't notice. And continues to as time passes.

5.  The body fights off these negative factors until it starts to lose.

6. You start to feel ache, then pain.

7. You ignore it and avoid thinking about it as long as possible.

8. It -really- starts to hurt, and doesn't go away like it used to.

9. By now, your muscles are REALLY tight. Constantly. 

10. When you sleep at night, you think your muscles relax but they don't because tight is the new normal. It's kind of like you go to sleep at night holding up a 30 pound barbell.

Because your muscles are so tight, they are constantly pulling. Since you're asleep and not paying attention, the natural laws of physics take control, and the muscles on the palm side of your forearm (which are tighter than those on the opposite side) pull, pull, pull. 

The fingers and hand curl forward because the muscles are pulling them forward.

And they constantly pull, for hours maybe. And they get tired. And then they start to hurt. And the nervous system gets scared and does what it does best to protect you...tighten up muscles to guard you. The tightness becomes almost a spasm. Imagine holding up that 30 pound barbell for hours. You would get fatigued, then hurt. The same thing happens while you sleep.

And because the curl and muscle contraction can compress the median nerve, you get more numbness and pain.

The fingers and hand curling forward is not a neurological problem. It is not because of nerve damage. 

This is not something to be scared of. It is, however, a good clue that there is something that you need to start dealing with. And you might as well deal with it the RIGHT way.

The most reliable diabetic symptom for diagnosis is high blood sugar levels caused either by decreased insulin production (Type I diabetes), or by the body developing a resistance to

Excessive thirst is an early diabetic symptom, especially when there is no obvious cause, such as exercise, hot weather, or other illnesses. Another diabetic symptom is excessive hunger, even when consuming normal amounts of food. Frequent urination is also an early diabetic symptom, and most often manifests itself as frequent trips to the bathroom during the night. Fatigue after meals is another early diabetic symptom. Finally, rapid weight loss without explanation, or any dramatic weight change can also be an early diabetic symptom.

Though these diabetic symptoms can also be related to other medical conditions, patients should be tested for diabetes if any of these diabetic symptoms persist for an extended period of time. Testing for diabetes is a simple procedure, and if these diabetic symptoms are not recognized early on, the disease can progress untreated, potentially leading to more severe diabetic symptoms.

In some cases where early diabetic symptoms are left untreated, neurological diabetic symptoms may develop, such as: blurred vision due to macular degeneration, which can eventually lead to blindness; numbness in the extremities due to peripheral neuropathy; slow-healing wounds and/or persistent and recurring yeast infections in women due to a suppressed immune system; and dry, itchy skin due to diminished sweat gland function as a result of peripheral neuropathy.

If you or anyone you know is chronically affected by any of these diabetic symptoms, they could be suffering from untreated diabetes and should see a doctor immediately. If left untreated these diabetic symptoms could progress into more serious and potentially life-threatening conditions.

If you suffer from back or joint pain, taking supplements may be preferable to drugs. Supplements that are naturally found in the body are less likely to have side effects like brain fog or sleepiness. They're also easier on your kidneys which have to process those drugs. Generally natural supplements are less expensive than drugs and, of course, available without a doctor's prescription.

There are several natural substances you can use to ease back and joint pain:

Magnesium

If you want relatively quick relief to muscle and joint pain, magnesium is the first supplement to try. Magnesium is necessary for numerous body functions. It is used to maintain normal muscle and nerve function, regulate heart rhythm, and support the immune system. Magnesium also regulates blood sugar levels and blood pressure. For many people, a normal diet may not be enough for optimum magnesium levels so it's wise to take a supplement. Also, medications such as diuretics and antibiotics may result in magnesium deficiency.

Magnesium is used in analgesics before surgery to help the patient's muscles relax. Take it right before going to bed, and it will help you have a good night's sleep. In the morning you'll awake with relaxed muscles. The only negative to magnesium is diarrhea can occur if you take more than the recommended dosage. This is a temporary effect, however, and will cease when you reduce the dosage. Magnesium is available in tablets, liquid, or powder. It is basically tasteless, so if you're averse to pills, the liquid or power can be mixed into smoothies or tea.

Glucosamine Chondroitin

Like magnesium, glucosamine is found naturally in healthy cartilage. Early medical trials show it may be helpful in treating osteoarthritis, especially in the knee. It also shows promise for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Often glucosamine is combined with chondroitin which, again, is also found in healthy cartilage. They work synergistically to rebuild cartilage. It is common to find glucosamine chondroitin combined with MSM or calcium. Taking it will not provide quick pain relief, but it will aid in rebuilding joint tissue over time. As far as side effects, there are rare reports of abdominal pain, loss of appetite or nausea.

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)

MSM is odorless and tasteless. It is related to DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide), an alternative treatment for arthritis. Like chondroitin, it is often combined with glucosamine. MSM is naturally found in cow's milk, meat, seafood, fruits, and vegetables. While there is no dietary requirement for MSM, it is available in capsules, tablets, creams and lotions. Clinical trials have indicated that MSM is effective for osteoarthritis, but many people suffering from rrheumatoid arthritis have claimed it was helpful.

Hyaluronic Acid (HA)

Hyaluronic acid is found throughout the body as a component of connective tissue. Its main function is to cushion and lubricate. HA helps to support healthy skin, eyesight and joint function. Joints deficient of HA don't move well and become stiff. Those taking the supplement report relatively quick relief to joint pain; however, it's main benefit will be felt over time as it aids strengthening of connective and joint tissue.

An aromatherapy massage combines the benefits of massage therapy with the use of essential oils. 

They can have many different effects on the mind, body and spirit, and make an aromatherapy massage an uplifting experience.

Essential oils are an aromatic essence distilled from a single botanical source and are renowned for their sedative, stimulating and analgesic properties. They have many different therapeutic uses.

A few drops in the bath, for inhalation, or added to creams and lotions can be very pleasant, but the most relaxing and therapeutic use is through aromatherapy massage.

The Benefits of Aromatherapy Massage

Massage, dates back around 4,000 years where massage was used in traditional Chinese medicine where it was used as a healing therapy.

The benefits of massage affect the body as a whole and it particularly influences the activity of the following areas of the body:

Musculoskeletal, circulatory, lymphatic, and nervous systems.

Massage is a 'hands-on' therapy and there are many variations, ranging from a gentle stoking and kneading of muscles to firmer, deeper, manual techniques.

Many studies have shown that massage therapy is an excellent way of reducing stress. Many people from all walks of life enjoy regular massages for this reason.

With the correct techniques and the right blend of essential oils, an aromatherapy massage can provided symptomatic relief to a variety of problems.

Stress for example, can cause and exacerbate many chronic problems including digestive problems, migraines, hypertension, back ache and muscle tension.

An Aromatherapy massage can be an effective way of inducing relaxation, combating stress and ensuring continuation of good health.

Aromatherapy Massage - What You Can Expect

On your first visit for an aromatherapy massage, you will be expected to provide your therapist with in-depth information into your current state of health and wellbeing.

This is likely to take the form of an initial consultation. During this consultation, your therapist will need to ascertain if you have any illnesses or injuries that may affect the massage.

Your therapist may also want you to consider what factors in your life may be contributing to the symptoms you are experiencing. For example, backache or muscle tension might be related to stress at work or family worries.

The therapist will be looking to treat you as a 'whole' - mind, body and spirit. He or she will blend oils to relax and calm, to ensure you get the best from your aromatherapy massage.

A good therapist may also make suggestions for dealing with the issues that are contributing to your symptoms. They may suggest alternative forms of treatment or help.

Aromatherapy Massage - How does it work?

Armed with the information gathered from your consultation your therapist will select and blend essential oils that they feel best meet your individual need.

The essential oil blend will be added to a 'carrier oil' and this will be used for your aromatherapy massage.

During the aromatherapy massage, much of the essential oils are inhaled and absorbed through the mouth and nose stimulating the production of relaxing, sedative euphoric or sedative neuro-chemicals, providing beneficial mental and emotional effects.

Aromatherapy Massage - Choosing a Therapist

Massage is a very personable experience. It is important that you choose a therapist whom you are comfortable with, as you will be expected to remove some of your clothing, but only as much as you feel comfortable with.

Clear communication, understanding and consent are vital and you should feel confident to advise your therapist if any specific technique hurts, or you feel discomfort at any time.

An aromatherapy massage usually lasts about one hour, but can be shorter or longer on request. After the session, your therapist may suggest a blend of oils that you can continue to use at home.

The amount of sessions you have will depend on your personal circumstances. Many people recommend the use of aromatherapy massage as a maintenance tool to be used as often as possible.

Finding the right aromatherapist for you

You should take the time to find a therapist with the appropriate skills and training. If in doubt you should ask to see any relevant certificates of training.

There are various professional bodies that you can contact for details of aromatherapy massage and a number of organizations will provide an aromatherapy massage in the comfort of your own home.

By Kelly Price