Wondering “why?” “how could this happen to me?” or declaring that “life isn’t fair!” really is self-defeating, despite your strong urges to ask those questions of yourself. It’s not self-defeating, however, to ask for help when you feel like you just can’t quite make it alone; and it’s certainly not wrong, or “weak,” to give yourself time to go through a grieving process over whatever it is that brought you down — asking for help and allowing yourself to move through the stages of grief of trauma are healthy, normal, and natural. Don’t ever tell yourself you’re too strong to let anything bother you: if you try to take on more than you feel you honestly can, you’ll buckle under the pressure and take yourself farther on down.

You can truly find natural treatments for anxiety and even panic attack treatments to heal your body and spirit when everything seems literally hopeless. In a very important way, this singularly emotional head-on collision with life’s toughest lines of attack will later serve to make you stronger. It really will — even though you won’t see that while you’re enduring that hopeless feeling.

Now is the time to ask for help: reach out to whomever you feel closest: a best friend, spouse, family member, counselor, member of the clergy, or even your faithful pet. Just go to your own particular touchstone, and get to work: Put all your energy into yourself and your healing process — the time to focus on you is now! You can’t get rid of what you won’t accept in yourself.

You can’t fight something you keep insisting isn’t really there. So, where there’s pain, there’s healing; where there’s a wound, there’s a bandage.

Sometimes just being reminded that feelings of hopelessness related to anxiety are natural and to be expected is all you need to get over the obstacles blocking your path. And sometimes, watching something you’ve worked on come falling from its very foundation will show you what you’re really made of — while you’re busy building another firm base to replace what’s been lost. And if nothing else works, here’s a surefire “quick fix” that will turn you around really quickly:

Take a “time-out” like you did when you were a child — do whatever it takes: the methods really don’t matter, as long as it helps. If it works for you, do it — you’ll soon be on the way to some serious, holistic healing.

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Parents may suspect that their child is different and fear autism or other Pervasive Developmental Disorders not otherwise specified. Parents who believe there may be a disability should talk with their physicians about their concerns outlining reasons why they believe their child’s development isn’t normal.

Autism is a serious diagnosis that has lifelong consequences. But, with early intervention many of the behaviors can be positively affected to the point that the person would appear normal to the untrained eye. Older children and adults who have high functioning autism may have some oddities in their behavior and may have difficulty making friends but will be able to live independently and be employed.

As a baby there are several things that parents can watch for that may indicate a problem in the upcoming months. These behaviors include responding to their name. In later years videotaped studies show that children with autism may respond to their name only 20% of the time. However, at an early age not responding to their name or selective response to sounds can also indicate a hearing deficit.

Another criteria may be imitation of others behaviors and facial expressions. As an infant as young as 8 to 10 months babies will imitate clapping, facial expression and laughing with their mother and caregiver. It is the basis of many of the infant games such as peek-a-boo and patty-cake. Children who are autistic will respond less to imitation than other children.

Does the baby respond socially to others? At an early age children will begin to smile and respond to others. When a typically developing infant sees another baby cry they may begin to cry themselves or look concerned. A somewhat older infant may crawl nearer to the individual who is distressed and pat them. Researchers and families note that these behaviors aren’t evident in children with autism. They seem to be unaware of the feelings and emotions of others.

A typically developing infant will attempt to engage their caregiver in joint attention activities such as pointing at objects or ‘showing’ them a toy. This joint activity usually begins around age 1. Watching the caregiver and baby an onlooker may notice that the baby watches the caregiver and then watches what the caregiver is watching. This isn’t the case in children who have autism. These children seem unaware of the involvement of their caregiver in their environment. They don’t often show a toy to their parents.

Other possible differences in activities include the baby doesn’t have meaningful gestures by the time they are one, they don’t speak at all by 16 months, they lose social or language skills, have poor eye contact with caregivers, don’t seem to know how to play with toys, are attached to one toy or object and doesn’t smile. At times these children appear to be hearing impaired because they exhibit selective hearing.

The road to a diagnosis can be difficult and time consuming. According to the American Academy of Neurology it can be 2 to 3 years after parents notice the first symptoms before an official diagnosis is made. This is, in large part, because of the concern of labeling a child.

However, early intervention can also improve the outcome of the children who have autism. This means that parents and physicians walk a tight line between labeling a child who may not be autistic and developing a treatment protocol that can help reverse some of the behaviors that have a negative impact on the child’s life.

Parents who believe that their child may have autism, or a similar disorder, should not wait to have a diagnosis delay potential treatment. Treatments that involve physical therapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy at an early age will not impede the progress of a typical infant and will only help the progress of an infant with autism. Getting those therapies paid for by insurance companies only means a diagnosis of developmental delay without the label of autism.

It’s important for parents to continue to seek out a medical diagnosis that satisfies their questions and gives them the treatment recommendations needed to move forward. Don’t wait for a definitive diagnosis before starting to treat the symptoms and behaviors that are evident. Early intervention will only improve the chance that the child will be able to overcome many of their developmental disabilities.

You are what you think. If you think that you are fearful of something, you would actually become fearful of that thing, regardless of how irrational that fear could be. If you expect that you would have panic attacks any time soon, you might actually enter into one. The mind is so powerful that it could trigger experiences that are frightening enough to cause you extreme levels of panic sensations. With this similar capacity at your disposal, you could reverse the power of your mind and use it to your advantage.

Based on the principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, a psychotherapeutic approach, a person has the capacity to manipulate dysfunctional reactions, emotions, cognitions and behaviors in order to arrive at a more cohesive and healthier well-being. Given that your panic attacks are triggered by your brain, you could help your brain tone down certain symptoms by just trying to fix its dysfunctions. While simple positive thoughts can help you direct your experience of panic attacks, more intensive and systematic Cognitive Behavioral Therapies can provide you an atmosphere of peace that is free from panic attacks.

Run towards the object of your fear. People have the natural tendency to get away from things, places and events that caused them bad experiences. But the thing is, running away from something would not help release you from your fear, it may actually aggravate your condition. This is because you are somehow reinforcing your fear by feeding in more dosages of fear to your current condition which is the last thing you should really want to do.

No matter how difficult the idea of facing your fear may seem, it is actually among the most effective ways to help you cope and overcome panic attacks. Once you confront the object of your fear or the cause of your panic attacks, you can gain more courage to subdue the symptoms without having to resort to pills and medications.

Win over yourself. Sometimes, it is much easier to accept your lack of sense of control after undergoing panic attack symptoms. One thing will lead to another until you find yourself completely powerless against your condition. Unfortunately, many people have become victimized of their own disorders only because they did not try anything to save themselves from panic-triggering episodes.

If you could try to gain power over yourself and over your symptoms little by little, you can possibly cope well with the disorder until you either have learned to effectively live with it or entirely remove it from your system.

It sometimes the self that causes people with panic attacks the most serious problems. It is also sometimes the mitigating factor to the progression of the condition and its symptoms. If you can gain some control over your own predicaments, half of the trouble is already resolved.

Begin by determining which area of your home is best suited to serve as a place of meditation. Some practical considerations to think about: try to choose a room or area of your home that is quiet and comfortable, perhaps the room of your home which is farthest from street noises or other disturbances. Designating and designing your sacred space for meditation is fun and rewarding. Don’t get hung up on thinking that you need any pricey or exotic items. Have fun with it, be creative, and choose colors, textures and items which appeal to your senses.

Devote a space to the sole purpose of meditation. You may choose to decorate this area with whatever things you find relaxing and comforting. Many people are fond of creating a small alter space to hold candles and incense. A comfortable mat or blanket for sitting on is also widely used. It is more important that an area be set aside for meditation than how it is decorated or what items you use to make the space “sacred”. The space is sacred to you; it is your personal choice in how the area is created.

You may find that you do not have an appropriate place within your home for meditation. In this case it is perfectly acceptable to move your mediation routine outdoors. Designate a bag or sack for carrying your meditation supplies. Again it is more important to make the designation than the bag itself. In other words, the mental connection to the item is more impotent than the item. Saying “this bag is my meditation bag”, or “this mat is my meditation surface”, etc., the act of making the designation is what matters most.

A yoga mat or camping mat can be purchased quite easily. Most of these mats roll up and are convenient for travel and outdoor usage. Incense, candles, cushions and other supplies can easily be stored in a bag or other container to use when needed.

Creating a sacred space is a completely personal endeavor, it does not matter what decorations or items are used, it does not matter if there are any decorations at all. It matters only that you set aside a space for meditation; it can be an empty room, a few square feet of your home or back yard. Designating a space is the important matter, the act of putting aside a space for meditation puts your mind in a state of recognizing the importance of inner calm and stillness, and it acknowledges the importance of your meditation routine.

About the Author:

Author, Syndicated Columnist and Thought Energy Consultant Jeffry R. Palmer Ph.D. is the author of “The 7 Day Psychic Development Course”. An exciting, fun and highly effective method of increasing intuitive and psychic abilities.
“The 7 Day Psychic Development Course”

Sleep apnea is a condition that reportedly affects between 2 and 4% of the population in the U.S. Physicians however, believe that this number may be abnormally low since the diagnosis of sleep apnea is often over looked by primary care doctors or people attempt to address the symptoms of loud snoring using over the counter remedies without addressing the underlying oxygenation problem.

In a study from Standford University in California U.S. researchers found that people who suffer from depression are five times more likely to have a breathing related sleep disorder than those who don’t suffer from a depressive condition. This is the first study to show a link between depression and sleep apnea.

The study didn’t attempt to explain how these disorders may be linked but it does suggest that when patients present to the physician with complaints of depression they should also be screened for sleep disorders that include obstructive sleep apnea.

Undiagnosed and untreated sleep apnea will lead to hypertension, stroke and cognitive deterioration. It can affect school or work performance, social and professional life and affect the daily routine.

There have been several other studies that suggested that sleep apnea was associated with a higher rate of depression but none that had explored the association and the risk factors in the general population.

Interestingly the treatment for sleep apnea will also treat the depression. People with sleep apnea and depression find that with treatment for sleep apnea comes a quick response in their depression.

Treatment for the sleep disorder has a better success rate in treatment of the depression than does just addressing the depression with medication or behavioral therapy. This is because the depression is directly associated with the biological and physiological changes in the body when it is chronically deprived of oxygen through the night.

According to the National Commission on Sleep Disorders Research 40 million U.S. citizens are chronically ill with a variety of sleep disorders. Sleep apnea is the cause of daytime sleepiness in approximately 20 million people in the U.S.

Psychologists and psychiatrists can play a very important role in the treatment of depression and sleep apnea. The sufferer of sleep apnea will often face social and emotional challenges in accepting the therapy. A significant number of people will fail to comply with the therapy because they may not have enough support and are unable to adjust to the treatment protocols. As soon as the treatment for sleep apnea begins most patients and families notice a change in the personality and functionality of the person. Sometimes this improved personality and functionality isn’t well accepted in a social environment that has accommodated to the previous dysfunction.

Sufferers of sleep apnea who are pursuing therapy may need the support of a counselor or therapist to help them continue to use the treatment protocols and help people in their environment learn to adjust to them.

Sleep apnea is characterized by loud snroing and distrubed or interruped sleep patterns. Sleep apnea can have serious consequences including cardiac problems. Frequently patients will awaken in the morning with a headache. If they become sleep deprived they may feel sleeppy all day, and may fall asleep while driving in the car.

Sleep apnea is diagnosed by a sleep study. During a sleep study, the patient’s breathing patterns, heart rhythim and brain waves are monitored.

If it is found that sleep apnea is present, most doctors recommend the use of CPAP. CPAP is a breathing device worn during sleep to help keep the airway open. In some situations surgery is recommended. The uvulopalatopharyngoplasty with or without tonsillectomy are surgical procedurs designed to open the airway. In rare situations, a tracheostomy is necessary. These are procedures designed to circumvent this sleep related collapse of these structures.

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Many times the association of ADD or ADHD has come up, as if every case of a learning disorder is directly related. There are many myths however, that are so far fetched or just not even in relation to learning disorders, that it is easy to see exactly why people with this affliction are very much reclusive.

Start with the most absurd of the myths, laziness. The notion that someone that is affected with a form of learning disorder is just lazy cannot get any further from the truth. There is no medical association pertaining learning disorders with a lack of energy or drive.

The fact that the individual seems to have no desire to complete their work is just that, they do not. It is not for a lack of energy or drive, it is out of fear that they will mess up, and it will get noticed and in turn centers them out amongst their peers.

The same can be said for the thought of sheer rebellion. These kids do indeed stand out from the rather rebellious crowd. A child that is rebellious will fight and give trouble, where a person with a learning disorder generally does not want to draw too much attention on themselves, at least not in the school anyways.

Behavioral issues are another common belief in the mind of the unknowing. To assume that one has a said condition such as ADD or ADHD solely because they try to pass off their work or are having trouble in the classroom is to say the least ignorant. The behavioral issues are in fact the result of the lack of processing that the brain does, when it comes to the scholastic work. This is an easy way to get a person with a learning disability to become very restless.

Low IQ is a common assumption as well when it comes to the person that has a learning disability. In fact, the truth is that the majority of students that have learning disabilities, score higher in actual IQ tests than most of their peers that are not afflicted with the same conditions. It is fact; IQ has absolutely nothing to do with a learning disorder.

The idea that learning disabilities are a direct result of mental retardation is completely false. There is no direct correlation between MR patients and the conditions that are prevalent in a learning disability. Learning disabilities are not in any way a form of mental retardation. The process of receiving information to the brain is the problem with learning disorders. There is a sort of break in the connection, which inhibits all the appropriate information from coming in and being processed.

The idea of a learning disorders being related, to many of the issues that have been mentioned is simply not the case. There are already many problems associated with learning disabilities as it is, people with this sort of affliction do not need speculation as to what their problem is or where it comes from, what they need is method to fix it.

They need support to overcome this problem, for if they have none, the future of the said individual would surely be troublesome. Learning disabilities have a tight hold on students whom have not had any prior help, like from their parents in the way of home lessons that strengthen their skills in reading, writing, and comprehension. Communication is always a large issue as the process of taking in what is being said can become quite scrambled.

Helping the individuals with said disorders cope with the stress of not being the same as everyone else is a very good first step, in their way to a productive life. A really nice gesture would to be a book buddy for someone you know that is afflicted with a learning disorder, give him or her a chance to show some amazing improvements before your very own eyes. Now that is a sight to see.

The anxiety or depression in people, who have been diagnosed with cancer, stems from the fears and uncertainties that they experience. Contrary to the expectations, patients especially in advanced stage of cancer experience anxiety or depression not because of fear of death, but from the fear of being left alone, fear of uncontrolled pain and dependency on others.

However, many of these causes can be alleviated with treatment to provide anxiety relief. The treatment for providing relief from anxiety should start by educating the patient with the information on cancer and the treatment it requires. This will help him or her completely understand the situation and the treatment options. Most cancer patients go through a phase of extreme anger and helplessness that stems from a feeling that life has been unfair to them. The only way of overcoming this feeling is to channel the anger towards positive action like seeking adequate and appropriate help.

Another major cause of depression or anxiety in cancer patients is the fear of being left alone. This is activated if the family shows signs of being scared of the condition. A cancer support group can be of great help by providing avenues of talking about the condition to other people who understand the situation better and can provide valuable inputs on how to manage life, going forward.

These support groups can also help the family in understanding that the condition is nothing to be scared of so that they can mete out humane treatment to the patient. Even those lucky few who are diagnosed in the early stages of cancer and have been successfully treated may suffer from anxiety or depression due to thoughts of a relapse that can hound them. Though some people are able to grow out of the shadow of this worry, there are some who may be troubled by it.

The anxiety associated with this increases when another member of the family falls sick or during follow-up visits to the doctor. Such people need to develop a positive mental attitude, find ways and means to relax and most importantly talk about your feelings with others. In cases where these approaches do not work, medications for anxiety relief may be used in combination with these techniques.

Natural treatments for anxiety are also gaining prominence since they do not have side effects and are not habit forming.

Here are some tips for dealing with everyday stress the natural way.

Consider What You Eat

Stress relief may be as close as your dinner plate. While it’s not going to magically remove all stressful things from your life, a healthy diet can really help you deal positively with life’s stressors. Some foods to include in your stress-management diet include nuts, seeds, fresh fruits and vegetables, and whole grains.

Prepare for Little Things

As you work to reduce and deal with everyday stress, it helps to prevent those little stressors that can add up to make a very bad day. Here are some little things to remember each day (you can even make a list and post it beside the front door so you’ll see it before you leave the house, and so you don’t have to try and remember all these things):

* Have an extra car key handy on your person (around your neck, in a pocket, etc.) so you don’t lock your only key in the car by accident.

* Have snacks on hand in case your favorite lunch place is closed or if you get stuck in traffic and can’t get home or to a restaurant to eat. Also, snacking on healthy foods helps keep blood sugar steady, which may help reduce stress symptoms.

* Keep water or a drink handy.

* Check your finances before you leave the house: coupons, wallet, check book, credit cards, etc. Take stock of what you have so you don’t stress yourself out trying to figure out what you can and can’t afford.

Listen to Music

Choose music that is calming and peaceful, and play it throughout the day or whenever you can. You may not even pay much attention to it after a while, but it is probably affecting your stress levels (in a good way!).

Exercise

Regular exercise has been shown to greatly reduce stress. The key, sources say, is to exercise daily so that your everyday stresses are “worked out,” so to speak. Exercise helps basically every body system, and gives you a much-needed energy boost that can help you handle the stressors that come your way each day.

Deep Breathing

Slow, deep, regular breaths are said to help stress. Periodically during the day, you can stop and take 5 to 10 deep breaths, in through your nose and out through your mouth. Breathing out should be as slow as breathing in. When you breathe in, it’s recommended that you “aim” toward your belly button, as though breathing into your lower abdomen.

Stretching

Regular stretching exercises help loosen tight, tense muscles and increase circulation. A few minutes of stretching at intervals throughout the day can have a positive effect on your stress levels.

ADHD disorder in children and adults can present slightly differently because of the different stages of life. In many cases the condition is diagnosed in childhood when the behavior associated with the disorder affect learning, schooling and other social aspects of the childs life.

Children with ADHD will have signs of inattention, hyperactivity and/or impulsivity in very specific ways. The children who have symptoms of ADHD are in constant motion. They dont appear to be quiet unless they are sleeping! They dont seem to listen to instructions and can talk excessively. They interrupt and intrude on others and are easily distracted. Many times they have significant difficulty finishing their tasks set before them by parents or teachers.

When the doctor evaluates the childs behavior it in comparison to behaviors of children at the same stage in life.

There are other disorders that can cause behaviors that appear to be like ADHD but arent related. Children who have experienced a sudden life change such as divorce or death in the family, have undetected seizure activity, are anxious or depressed or have a medical disorder that affects the function of the brain can exhibit symptoms that are similar to ADHD.

Many parents look at this list of possible symptoms of ADHD and can see these in all their children, especially boys. Thats because the behaviors are typical children behavior! However, children with ADHD dont have control over these behaviors no matter how hard they try.

The diagnosis of ADHD before the age of five is difficult and probably shouldnt be attempted so that the diagnosis can be avoided if the child grows out of these issues by age six, which most children do. The diagnosis of ADHD is also more difficult after the child reaches their teen years.

There are several types of ADHD disorder in children. Combined Type means that these children have all three symptoms and is the most common form in children. Hyperactive/Impulsive Type are children who are both hyperactive and impulsive but are also able to pay attention. Inattentive type, formerly known as attention deficit disorder (ADD), are children who are not overly active and dont disrupt the classroom but have trouble paying attention.

Researchers have found that children who have ADHD dont make enough chemicals in key areas of the brain that are responsible for organization of thoughts. This disorganization causes the symptoms that we see in children with ADHD. More recent research has also found links between smoking, alcohol abuse and other substance abuse during pregnancy to ADHD.

Things that dont cause ADHD but may exacerbate the symptoms and make it more difficult for the child to remain in control are sugar, food allergies, lack of good nutrition, Aspartame, lack of sleep, television and video games. Although these can make the actual symptoms more difficult to control they can also make the behavior of children without ADHD more difficult to control.

If you think your child may have ADHD you should speak with your childs doctor. The diagnosis is only made after information is obtained from several different sources. You physician will work with you to gather the correct information and will order vision and hearing testing if they havent been recently completed.

Paradoxical Insomnia is different. This rare sleep disorder is similar to traditional insomnia in the sense that the person experiencing this disorder does not get sufficient sleep either as a result of not falling asleep on time or waking up before the person is ready. The difference is that Paradoxical Insomnia also has characteristics that make the disorder particularly tough to deal with. People with this disorder not only have a hard time falling asleep and staying asleep, but they also may feel as though everything around them is louder and brighter than it actually is. In other words, not only can they not sleep, but everything in their surroundings is keeping them awake whether they like it or not. The ticking of the clock seems louder, the light from the button on the phone seems brighter, and all the while they get more and more frustrated that they can’t seem to fall asleep.

People with Paradoxical Insomnia may report that they are up all night long when in fact they do get sleep. This rare sleep disorder comes with a distortion in the person’s mind as to how much sleep they are actually getting at night. While a sufferer may complain of barely getting one or two hours of sleep each night, if a sleep study is conducted it may be discovered that the person is actually getting much more sleep and just isn’t aware of it. In fact, some people who think they get absolutely no sleep actually do get sleep but they just dream that they are awake. Obviously, this rare sleep disorder can be perplexing and frustrating for people who are affected by it.

Since Paradoxical Insomnia is a rare disorder it is important to get evaluated by a doctor or sleep specialist before accepting it as a diagnosis. There are other sleep disorders which have similar symptoms, so sometimes it may be difficult to make a proper diagnosis. Once all other disorders have been ruled out and it has been determined that nothing else is causing the sleep problems (such as drugs or medical problems) then a doctor may prescribe medication that will help the person fall asleep and stay asleep. Many sleep experts also suggest that people learn to retrain their bodies to fall asleep and to stay asleep without drugs, but to instead use behavioral therapy and relaxation exercises. Talk to a doctor to find out what will work best for you.

One of the new phenomenons that is being seen with people across the world is the willingness to try out alternative therapies, for example natural remedies for ADHD and it includes the use of herbs. One of the reasons for this is the fact that the pharmaceutical drugs have a lot of side effects and at the same time, with the advancement in the field of information technology like the Internet, people now have access to different types of information, including the information on herbs that have medicinal benefits. Some of the benefits that the herbs are supposed to provide are that these are completely natural, do not have any withdrawal effects, no side effects and are not addictive.

Valerian (Valerian officinalis) and ginkgo are believed to help to calm the nerves and increase the ability of person to focus. Gotu cola is another herb that has been postulated to benefit people with ADHD. It is supposed to have anti-anxiety and anti-stress effects and at the same time it also helps in improving concentration. Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) and kava kava (Piper methysticum) have also been recommended for people with ADHD. Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) and passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) have also been reported to have beneficial effect. One recent study indicated that American ginseng (Panax quinquefolium) in combination with gingko may improve the symptoms of ADHD.

It is prudent to add a word of caution. Most of these herbs have not been evaluated scientifically for the benefits that they are supposed to provide. Hence it is important to use these herbs under the guidance of a professionally qualified herbalist. However, since these are natural, people see no harm in trying them out. And if it works, then one couldn’t ask for more!

* Peppermint 80 drops
* Lemon 75 drops
* Rosemary 45 drops
* Pure Water 4 fluid ounces (120ml)

Also, learn more about Road King essential oil blend for staying alert while driving!

Notice your breath rising …. and …. falling …. as you imagine ocean waves rising …. and …. falling …. rolling effortlessly into shore as they become smaller and smaller …. then …. breaking …. dreaming …. your thoughts drifting …. now …. back into that space of all knowing …. listen to the ocean in your ears …. like the sea in a seashell traveling a spiral into a center of silence.

And there you can discover something of the utmost importance to you. Right now you may not know exactly what it is, but somewhere inside you do and all you need to know now is that you can just relax and travel that special spiral.

As you dream yourself on a vast ocean on a bright sunny day, floating …. up …. than …. down …. with ease …. warmly drifting …. on an inner ocean of your own cerebrospinal.

Then suddenly as in slow motion a beautiful dolphin leaps into the air from your right side, transverses an arch over your body, and enters the water on the left side while simultaneously another dolphin leaps into the air from your left side and transverses an arch over your body, and enters the water on your right side. And without thinking your body drifts gently through their arch as each dolphin spirals in the fluid. One dolphin comes to your left ear and the other to your right ear.

You feel their dolphin snouts in your ears as the dolphin on your left side sticks her dolphin tongue into your ear and begins licking while at the same time the dolphin on the right side sticks his dolphin tongue into your right ear and begins licking.

Listen!

as they tell you in dolphin language that they are from Delphi, the navel of our plant Earth. They are special messengers. They have access to the lost city of Atlantis and its vast libraries of knowledge and the Oracle of Delphi. They can swim deep into your unconsciousness through the ventricles of your brain, down your spinal column to your sacrum and back up into your “minds eye” and bring ancient knowledge..

They can swim out your frontal fontanel and rise on a rainbow to the surface of your cerebrospinal fluid and take a breath of stillpoint. And as they bring that stillpoint back to the seat of consciousness and place it into the treasure chest of your stella tursica a realization comes:

“These dolphins are my friends. I have known them all my life. They swam with me as a fetus in my mothers womb. They know me in the deepest way and have access to my creative resources. They are my dream messengers from the lost city deep in my medulla oblongata. They send sonic messages on high pitched sounds through my cerebrospinal fluid — they are my sonar — I can ask them anything and they will search my oceans and bring me the necessary jewels of knowledge I need to meet my life challenges.

Take a moment to be with your dolphins; ask them any question you want about your life and make sure that your creative self searches your life and puts together the most important question for you to make special changes that you can appreciate and that will support all of yourself and everyone around you.

So just float, enjoy the warm sun, and listen to your dolphins………..

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You can encounter physical, emotional or mental stress. To deal with all the stress that happens to you shouldn’t you be armed with the very best tools possible in order to deal with all the stress?

You can manage stress by gathering together some not so hard to learn, “learnable skills”. We are after all designed to handle stress. Our bodies react to stressful situations in a physical way without us having to tell them what to do. At the first indication of a possible physical threat your adrenaline starts flowing and your heart begins to beat faster so that blood can get to your legs giving them the ability to run fast and get you out of harms way.

Back in ancient times physical danger was the most common form of stress. In our modern world the most common form of stress is the psychological kind. The kind that is generated by a global highly technical world that requires that we keep up with the fast pace of the world. You can learn the tools needed to navigate this global highly technical world.

One tool that you have to use is that of learning how to relax. Relaxation allows you to stem the urge to panic. When we panic all cognitive skills “go out the window” and we make mistakes dealing with the problem that caused the stress. We want to be able to think smart so that we can avoid danger. There are several relaxation techniques that are easy to learn. One is to just deep breath.

Deep breathing not only relaxes your muscles, it delivers much needed oxygen to your brain and other body organs. Take deep breaths through your nose and slowly blow the air out of your mouth. Breath as deeply as you can. Repeat 10 times. You should feel more relaxed by the time you finish. Visualization is a great technique for learning how to relax.

You use imagery when you use the visualization technique of relaxation. You paint a peaceful scene in your mind. You can paint the same scene or envision a different one each time. Note the details of your peaceful scene; imagine peaceful sounds, sights and feelings. Make use of all your senses to paint the picture in your mind. Before you know it, your body will start to relax.

Another tool you can use to manage stress is to change the wording about what is stressing you out. When you think about or talk about what is causing the stress instead of using words like anxious, worried or fearful you feel towards a situation or event that is stressing you out; change the wording into concern. You are concerned about…. instead of being anxious, worried or fearful about it.

You may be surprised how much the brain is connected to your emotions. If you practice using words that give you power or control over a situation and minimizes feeling out of control; that you will start to feel that way too. Being anxious, worried or fearful about something gives you the sense of not having any control over it. If you instead say that you are concerned about it, the emotions are not as high and you present a more controlled attitude about it.

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This nutritional alternate therapy comes in handy especially with children who are at a higher risk to exhibit side effects due to prescribed medication. There are two aspects of this nutrition management – diet restriction and supplementation. In an observation study conducted as early as 1975, it was shown that a large proportion of children showed signs of improvement in symptoms of ADD when artificial food coloring and flavors along with naturally occurring salicylates were eliminated from their diet. In a recent clinical, children were administered a placaebo and tartrazine and their behaviors were observed over time. It was noted that when children were given tartrazine, about 50% of them showed signs of irritation and restlessness.

Even though many believe that refined sugar causes signs of ADD, there is no study that supports this empirical observation. But most of the restrictive diets that have been formulated for children suffering from ADD eliminate the consumption of sugars, candies and chocolates. The one thing to note is that even though these are basic measures that any of us can take on our own, these diets should be followed in consultation with a nutritionist since reduction of various essential forms of food may cause malnutrition in children.

The supplementation aspect of nutritional remedy for ADD includes the ingestion of various minerals that are essential for proper brain development. Supplements or high doses of many minerals are recommended. These recommendations include high levels of vitamins (much higher than the Recommended Daily Allowance or RDA), magnesium, Vitamin B6, Iron, Zinc, Melatonin and essential fatty acids. Even though each of these nutrients is linked to proper brain development, there is no proof of the fact that adding on extra doses of these minerals will ensure proper treatment of the condition. But they do provide a possibility of reducing the symptoms of ADD and therefore, is worth trying, given that there are no side effects of the treatment.

Another type of treatment that can be explored in the fight against ADD is herbal remedy for ADD. Similar to nutrition management, there are no clinical studies that prove the efficacy of the herbs used in treatment of ADD. But the fact that there is empirical evidence is motivation enough for parents to try these for their children.

The heart of meditation

In the stillness of meditation, we return to that inner nature that we have so long ago lost in the busy and chaotic distractions our mind is subjected to each day. The heart of meditation is to bring the mind home, release and relax.

* To bring the mind home – means to turn your mind inward and to rest in the nature of mind.

* To release – means to release mind from its prison of grasping, since you recognize that all pain, fear and distress arise from the craving of the grasping mind.

* To relax – means to relax your mind into your true nature, letting all thoughts and emotions naturally subside and dissolve into the state of the nature of mind.

Meditation in a nutshell

I don’t think it is possible to relate what meditation is in a nut shell but here is my feeble try: “Quietly sitting, body still, speech silent, mind at peace, let thoughts and emotions, whatever rises, come and go, not clinging to anything”.

A Reiki meditation

Strictly speaking I am not sure this can be called a meditation but I cannot think of a better name so I will still refer to it as a Reiki meditation.

There are many types of meditations the three methods that seems most effective in the Western world are watching the breath, using an object and reciting a mantra. In this simple Reiki meditation one could say one uses the last two: object in the Reiki symbols and mantra in the names of the Reiki symbols.

This is a very forceful and effective meditation that gives relaxation, mental calmness, clarity, increased ability to visualize, clairvoyance, increased healing power and a wider conciousness. It can also be used to solve problems or reach goals and it surrounds you with healing Reiki energy.

Here is how to do it:

1. Sit comfortably, either on a cushion with legs folded or on a straight back chair. Keep your spine erect (without force). If you are sitting on a chair do not lean back. Rub your hand together and put your hands on your knees or on another place comfortable for you.
2. Relax and breath slowly, think about Reiki.
3. Draw the Power symbol in front of you with your whole hand. Visualize how a white or violet light comes out trough your fingers as you draw the symbol in the air in front of you.
4. Visualize the symbol in the third eye chakra an recite its name three times. Keep the symbol steadily in your third eye.
5. When you feel that you have meditated enough on this symbol let it float up into a field of light above your head. Return your consciousness to the third eye chakra.
6. Repeat steps 3 to 5 with the Mental/Emotional symbol and the Distance symbol.
7. When you are finished meditating on the three symbols you will be concentrated and full of healing Reiki energy. You can now continue with the final part of the meditation where you can send Reiki to your projects, goals or healing others at a distance.
8. Send Reiki by visualizing or describing the object, goals or person. You can use the method you have learned or the one you feel is most suitable to you.
9. When finished, slowly relax and release all thoughts. Sit quietly for a few minutes and enjoy the peace.
10. Rub your hands together and “wash” your face with them. Open your eyes, walk a few steps and feel how refreshed you are.

Here are a few tips:

Make sure you have a quiet and undisturbed place. I will once again stress that you should keep your back straight to receive the most benefit from any meditation. At step 2 you can ask for help from your Reiki guides and thank them when you are finished. Practice seeing the symbols in front of you, this helps whenever you use Reiki.

Try it and see if you like it – have fun!

Rosemary

In Victorian times, rosemary was part of the language of flowers, and it was an herb signifying remembrance. This association of rosemary with remembering isn’t merely romantic fancy – rosemary contains rosmarinic acid, a powerful antioxidant that helps scavenge up free radicals in the body. It has additional mind-enhancing compounds, as well, including compounds that preserve acetylcholine in the brain. Acetylcholine is an important neurotransmitter in the brain.

Sage

There’s a reason why wise folks are called “sages.” Sage, similar to rosemary, inhibits the breakdown of acetylcholine. It’s rich in antioxidants too. The breathing in of sage essential oil is likewise helpful for heightening mental clarity. Sage may be added to foods, brewed into a warming tea, or taken in capsules.

Ginger

This spicy herb has been renowned to address migraines as effectively as medicine. This indicates that it not solely helps inflammation, but inflammation specific to the head and brain. Try brewing some ginger tea (simmer One teaspoonful of grated fresh ginger root in a cupful of water for ten minutes), or consume whole, candied ginger root. You are able to likewise add ginger to soups, broths, and stir-fries.

Curry

Curry contains, in addition to other spices, cumin and turmeric. Turmeric helps repress inflammation, and inflammation is linked with memory disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. It might likewise help forestall plaque build-up in the brain. Add a lot of curry to your favorite dishes.

Ginkgo

Ginkgo increases the flow of blood to the cerebrum, and the more blood circulating in the brain, the more dependable your memory and mental faculties. Ginkgo is assimilated in the form of supplements – consume no more than 240 mgs of standardized extract each day.

Horsebalm

Here is an herb that you may not know about. Horsebalm is a species of Monarda, and other Monarda species have many of the same mind-enhancing benefits. Some gardeners grow assorted Monarda species – bee balm/bergamot herb are easy to grow and are generally found in gardens.

Horsebalm contains carvacrol and thymol, which are inhibitors of acetylcholine breakdown. Another benefit of horsebalm is that its active compounds cross the blood-brain barrier. You are able to create a delightful tea from dry or fresh Monarda species.

You are able to likewise use horsebalm in tincture form – add it to lotions and shampoos to take in the benefits through your skin and scalp. (Note: don’t mix up horsebalm [Monarda Punctata] or bee balm [Monarda Fistulosa] tincture with bergamot [Citrus Bergamotia]. While Monarda species are frequently called bergamot, they’re not the same as the citrus fruit by the same name.)

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The medical and behavioral side effects of ADD medications such as Ritalin and Adderall have many parents searching for natural alternatives for their children. While traditional medications can be effective, the risks are many, and reactions differ from child to child. As parents become disillusioned with prescription ADD medications or simply decide to try natural alternatives first, more and more are turning to natural ADD supplements. And as more natural medications are developed, more is known about the ingredients that are most effective in treating the symptoms of ADD.

Ginko Biloba is one of the best-known Natural Remedies for ADD. It helps to increase neurotransmitter levels and blood flow to the brain, which aids the brain’s ability to focus. One of the most positive qualities of Ginko Biloba is the tendency of its effects to become permanent, which eventually renders continued use unnecessary. This quality is emblematic of many homeopathic ingredients.

Brahmi is an herb that is believed to have many positive effects on the brain, including an ability to increase overall cognitive function. It can help improve your child’s ability to learn, and recent research shows it might have an additional benefit of protecting the brain from free radicals.

Gotu Kola, otherwise known as Centella Asiatica, is an excellent child ADHD treatment (and ADD treatment) and can reduce reduce your child’s Anxiety level and augment his or her brain funtion. It also enhances Memory and has been shown in studies to improve blood flow to the brain and general circulation.

Skullcap is an Herbal Remedy for ADD that is used to treat common symptoms like restlessness and agitation. It can also aid in combatting Insomnia.

St. John’s Wort is another natural supplement that should be taken long-term in order for its positive effects to become permanent. It should be used if your child is suffering from Depression, Insomnia, fear or Anxiety.

All of these ingredients can alleviate many of the symptoms of ADD, and there are a variety of Natural Remedies on the market that combine some of the listed ingredients to produce successful results. Natural Remedies are a predominantly safe and effective ADD treatment, and a popular alternative to prescription stimulants and other traditional ADD medications.

Abruptly stopping prescription medication can be harmful to your child, so if you decide to take this step, consult your doctor before changing your child’s routine. Just as with traditional medications, it can take time for your child to feel the effects of natural supplements, and each child can react slightly differently. Hopefully, you will find that Natural Remedies have a positive influence on your child, and on your life.

This is a rare and dangerous sleep disorder. Sleep related eating disorders are different from other sleep disorders that occur during waking hours. While anorexia and bulimia are certainly eating disorders, these do not generally occur solely at night during sleeping hours. In other words, people affected by sleep related eating disorders are not making a decision to gorge themselves on food, and are not doing so with the intention of later purging it all out. This is an event that occurs outside of the person’s consciousness, and may not even be remembered until the next morning when the person awakens with a full stomach and a huge mess in the kitchen.

People have a lot of problems with this sleeping disorder because it affects them in several ways. Their quality of sleep is affected because they do not consistently sleep in bed throughout the night. Their health is affected because they are consuming sometimes-mass quantities of food in the middle of the night, and in some instances they might be putting their overall health at risk because at times people with sleep related health disorders will attempt to use a stove or microwave oven in their sleep state. This can lead to injuries and damage.

Perhaps most damaging at all, however, is the psychological effect that this disorder can have a on a person. This sleep disorder can make people feel completely out of control, and can also lead to negative views of their bodies. The sad fact is that sleep related eating disorders can actually lead to other eating and exercise disorders because the affected people turn to extreme methods in an attempt to counteract the massive quantities of calories they take in during an episode of nighttime eating. People with this sleep disorder might limit their calories during the day or may turn to excessive exercise so they do not gain weight as a result of the eating binges. This can leave some people feeling embarrassed and helpless.

If you think you may suffer from a sleep related eating disorder it is important for you to get evaluated by a doctor. There are so many things that can go awry when it comes to nighttime eating while still sleeping, so this is not something that anyone should ignore. Treatment will probably include some habit modifications as well as potential prescribed medicine. The important thing is to get treated so the behavior will stop.

Alternative medicines vary in their dosages and effectiveness. There is no government agency that regulates their formulation or the effects that they may or may not have. Companies can volunteer any testimonials and information from their customers, but are not required to do so.

If you (or a loved one) are already taking medication for Alzheimer’s, introducing alternative remedies into the mix can cause problems. The effectiveness of the traditional medication can be reduced or compromised altogether.

Alternative treatments usually involve using non-invasive therapies, herbal remedies and other supplements. Many have similar results in the body to more traditional medicines, but without all of the side effects. If you are thinking about alternative methods of treatment, here are a few choices.

* Gingko Biloba – This is a common plant extract that people take for memory loss. Gingko biloba has been used in Chinese medicine as a way to improve memory. It is thought to be useful as an antioxidant, protecting the integrity of cellular membranes. There is no conclusive evidence, however, that it has any benefit for Alzheimer’s sufferers.

* Huperzine A – This is a type of moss also used in Chinese medicine. The effects of using this supplement are thought to be similar to prescribed cholinesterase inhibitors. They increase the levels of acetylcholine in the brain, which plays a role in memory function. Clinical trials are in the works to do more testing on the compound to find out if it has any significant benefits.

* Ergoloid Mesylates – These are derived from rye fungus. The remedy has been used already in Europe. Early research has shown positive results but more testing is necessary. Ergoloid mesylates can be given in liquid or pill form.

* Omega-3 fatty acids – These can be found in cold water fish and in plant sources. These fatty acids play a role in brain health and are helpful to reduce inflammation and increase immunity. It is best to get your dose from natural sources but supplementation can give you more of what you need.

* Lemon Balm (Melisa officianalis) – Lemon balm is used as a calming agent. It helps to relieve depression, anxiety and their symptoms. Alzheimer’s patients can be prone to outbursts, anger and depression over their condition as it progresses. This can be a natural way to deal with these situations.

Alternative treatments for Alzheimer’s may offer some relief for various symptoms of the disease. It is best to see your doctor first to discuss both traditional and non-traditional ways for dealing with the treatment.

According to the Drug Enforcement Agency, the manufacture of stimulant drugs has increased by more than 500 percent since 1991, and over 50 percent of the prescriptions for these drugs are written by pediatricians.

Unsurprisingly, these alarming statistics have raised questions about whether some doctors and parents are too quick to medicate children, and whether it might be worthwhile to try homeopathic remedies for ADHD before turning to stimulant drugs.

The reason drugs like Ritalin and Adderall can be successful in treating ADHD is because they stimulate brain activity. While extra stimulation may seem like the last thing a hyperactive child needs, the heightened activity in fact helps the brain to focus and pay attention. There are several herbal ingredients which act similarly to stimulate the brain, and can be used as part of an effective child ADHD treatment plan.

Among these ingredients is Brahmi, an herb that has long been known to enhance cognitive function. Brahmi can help increase learning abilities, and according to research, it provides another healthful benefit of protecting the brain from damage from free radicals.

Ginko Biloba is well-known herb that is often found in natural medications. It is popular for it’s ability to generate increased blood flow to the brain, as well as increased neurotransmitter levels, helping the brain to focus. Perhaps one of the best qualities of Ginko is the tendency of its positive effects to become permanent, eliminating the need for its continued use.

Centella Asiatica, which is also called Gotu Kola, is a natural ingredient that has been shown to reduce anxiety levels and enhance memory and brain function. Recent research has also suggested that it helps to increase blood flow to the brain and improve general circulation.

Siberian Ginseng is another natural brain stimulant that increases endurance and concentration. This particular herb also moderates the release of body energy and normalizes body function. Similarly, Panax Ginseng, a Chinese herb, has been shown to reduce stress and fatigue, strengthen the immune system, increase motivation and also normalize body function.

There are effective herbs for hyperactivity, and the herbs mentioned above have all been used successfully in treatment for ADHD. There are a wide variety of herbal remedies available that are created by experts in the field, and combine multiple ingredients that both stimulate and soothe for the best effect. Since many herbal stimulants have effects on the brain that are similar to the effects produced by prescription stimulants, the two types of medications should never be taken together.

It is essential to consult a doctor before trying any new medication or before stopping any medication, and if you do ultimately decide to try ADHD natural remedies, remember to give them at least a few weeks to take effect. You might be among those who find it is a healthy and effective alternative to prescription stimulant drugs for your child.

Focus Formula is a natural, safe and proven herbal remedy, clinically formulated to effectively treat symptoms of ADHD without the side effects of psychiatric drugs such as Ritalin, Concerta and Adderall.  Focus Formula treats the symptoms of ADHD naturally to reduce hyperactivity and restlessness; calm, soothe and reduce mood swings; improve concentration, memory and attention span; improve alertness and mental focus; calm over-active minds; reduce impulsiveness and aggression.

Focus Formula is formulated for children and adults with ADHD. Adults with ADD (no hyperactivity) should use Native Remedies Focus ADDult, while children with ADD (no hyperactivity) should use BrightSpark for ADD. Formulated by a clinical psychologist, Focus Formula is pharmaceutically manufactured to the highest standards.

At the present time there has been no single causative agent or reason for the development of these signs and symptoms in children. There are however, many different theories. And because the syndrome is so complex there exists a real possibility that there are multiple causes or triggers that combined result in the symptoms commonly diagnosed as autism.

All of the theories discussed here don’t have concrete evidence to back them up – which is why they continue to be theories and not causative agents. One such theory, that has been communicated through parent groups and support groups, and backed up by many case studies, is the link between the measles immunization and autism. Case studies have shown that there is a population of children who react poorly to the preservatives in which the immunizations are dissolved.

The number of children who have developed autism which can be linked back to their immunization is small in comparison to the number of children who are diagnosed. But the theory continues to be investigated and researched. Unfortunately it is the drug companies who often pay for the research studies and who also have the most to lose by any link between immunizations and autism.

There has been a likely genetic link found to autism only because it appears that those families who have members with autism are more likely to have children with autism themselves than the general population. However, to this point there has been no autistic gene found that gives a positive link. Because families are likely to be exposed to the same environmental stimuli, toxins and foods the link could also be found outside the genetic pool.

Through imaging studies it’s been found that children with autism have brains that are slightly larger than the normal range for the general population. The theory that people with autism have brains that are wired just a bit differently is currently under investigation a the University of Pittsburgh.

Researchers believe that there has been some link to problems in the immune system of an individual. The National Institute of Health states that the evidence is not yet strong enough to show a causal relationship. This immune problem would however answer the genetic link, because the genetic makeup of an individual will affect the immune system, and the potential link to measles immunization, because the inability of that baby’s body to effectively deal with an allergy to the immunization could result in neurological deficits.

In several studies there has been some evidence that allergies to certain foods could contribute to these symptoms such as gluten (wheat) and casein (dairy). Another theory about the cause of autism surrounds one treatment modality that has been used for years – mega doses of vitamins. Although malnutrition is likely not the culprit it may be that the body is unable to metabolize the vitamin group being used for treatment.

The truth is that, to date, there has been no causative agent identified. Researchers, doctors and parents continue to support the investigations and studies needed to find a cause because by finding the cause the cure, or a definitive treatment protocol, won’t be far behind.

“Thorough and compassionate. Consider it essential reading if you are concerned … More >>

Attention Deficit Disorder: The Unfocused Mind in Children and Adults

The fear of something happening is often so powerful that people become confined to their own homes unable to venture out in public.

Medication is often a choice that people will make to help them cope but some of these very same medications can create anxiety too. People take sleeping tablets to help them to sleep without knowing that one of the common side effects of sleeping tablets is increased anxiety.

Obviously a natural alternative will be a better option unless you consider some of the herbal products that are on the market as many of these can have a reaction with some people.

Yoga on the other hand is a natural solution to the problem that is more effective than all else and has absolutely no side effects.

Besides that it is free to do, it can be done in the privacy of your own home and it is not something that you need to ‘come off’ after it has achieved the desired result. Quite to the contrary where most people who start yoga continue to use what they have learned for the rest of their life in one form or another.

When people constantly suffer from anxiety attacks and start to withdraw into themselves they get a distorted outlook on life and will tend to look at most things in a negative light.

By bringing about a balance in the mind there is no room for these negative thoughts and as a person becomes more positive they also recover confidence and that in turn helps them to venture out and become more active.

Inactivity is a concern with elderly people in particular and is responsible for increased levels of stress and frustration. This often leads them to resort to alternatives such as alcohol to ‘help’ cope when in fact these solutions do quite the opposite.

Yoga is certainly the best solution minimizing anxiety attacks.

Anorexia nervosa is classified as an eating disorder where sufferers have an obsession with food and are overly concerned with being thin. They are often so terrified of gaining weight that they go to extreme measures to lose or maintain a body weight that is below normal for their age and height.

Anorexic individuals restrict the amount of calories they consume, sometimes to the point of self-starvation or purging by vomiting the small amount of food they do eat. They also use laxatives excessively or over-exercise so that their bodies burn more calories than they eat.

However, anorexia is more than simply the need to be thin or to restrict food intake. It is often psychologically tied to the lack of control the person may be experiencing in other aspects of their lives. On a subconscious level, anorexic individuals may feel a sense of accomplishment that they have control over something in their life. The constant mental pre-occupation with food and their weight means that mental anguish or other emotions are avoided and not dealt with.

People with anorexia nervosa are often overly sensitive to world issues, and often take the worries of the world onto their shoulders. The strict restriction of food may be used as a measure of how good they are at restraining themselves, taking willpower to an extreme degree. They can see it as a great feat, and inwardly applaud their determination.

Who Suffers from Anorexia and is it Serious?

Anorexia is much more prevalent in Western Societies than elsewhere in the world. This can be attributed to the commonly held Western notion that a slim figure is attractive – a notion that is perpetuated by the media and fashion.

Anorexia affects mainly young women; the most common age of onset being between 15 and 19. Approximately 90% of all cases are female. This can also be linked to a societal ideal that encourages women to be thin and men to have a strong muscular body type.

Anorexia is a very serious disorder with a high mortality rate, and often results in severe medical consequences if left untreated. Most people with anorexia do not believe that they have a disorder and usually view their weight loss as an accomplishment.

For this reason, they seldom seek help for themselves and are usually brought into treatment by a concerned parent or friend. There is hope, however, as there are successful treatments available, and many anorexics are able to overcome their disorder and regain a healthy body-weight and sense of self.

What are the Effects of Anorexia on the Body?

Inadequate amounts of food results in malnutrition, which adversely affects all the body’s organs. Many anorexic girls permanently damage their vital body systems and functioning, which often includes the reproductive organs, heart, and kidneys.

Anorexic girls commonly experience loss of menstruation (amenorrhea). Anorexia can have serious medical complications and severe symptoms, as the effects of self-starvation and purging take a serious toll on the body’s health.

Some of the many consequences of anorexia include:

* Loss of menstruation (amenorrhea)
* Dry skin and brittle nails
* Brittle and thinning hair
* Sensitivity or intolerance to cold temperatures
* Cardiovascular problems such as chronically low blood pressure and heart rate, palpitations, and in extreme cases, heart failure
* Electrolyte imbalances: low potassium, sodium and magnesium
* Kidney stones or kidney failure
* Changes in brain chemistry, often resulting in depression
* Lowered immune system functioning
* Constipation and bloating
* Headaches due to malnutrition
* In severe cases, nerve damage such as numbness or mild paralysis in the feet or leg can occur

When Should I Worry About Anorexia?

Signs of anorexia nervosa include obsessive thoughts of food and being frantically concerned with body image or weight gain. People exhibiting signs of anorexia typically feel less anxious when they have control over their strict diet and disciplined weight loss. Other signs of anorexia include feeling hopelessly unsatisfied with your figure every time you look into the mirror, even though your family and friends comment on how thin you are.

Many anorexics fail to see that this is a problem, or their fear of weight-gain overshadows their fear of health complications and physical discomfort.

Anorexia is a serious condition and has been identified as the psychological disorder with the highest mortality rate, with 10% of all cases being fatal due to resulting medical complications. It also has a very high suicide rate, as it often co-exists with depression.

Parents who are concerned that a child has anorexia should seek professional advice and assessment. While many teenagers develop picky eating habits, anorexia is a serious condition requiring medical treatment. Anorexic girls and young women often must be treated in medical facilities where they are monitored 24 hours a day.

What are the Symptoms of Anorexia?

* Severely low body mass index in relation to age or height that is self-induced
* Refusal to maintain normal body weight
* Unhealthy obsession with food and the amount of calories taken in compared to the amount used
* An intense fear of gaining weight
* Distorted body image – will often think she or he is fat even though noticeably thin
* Often feels self-worth is dependant on body shape
* Misses at least three consecutive menstruation periods
* Increased downy hair on face and limbs (lanugo)

Disorders that May be Related to Anorexia

* Bulimia nervosa is closely related to anorexia, and in many cases anorexics become bulimic.
* Depression is high among individuals with anorexia
* Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is closely related
* Substance abuse is also common among anorexics

Tips for Coping with Anorexia

* Talk to your dietician or medical doctor about necessary supplements. It may take time before you change all your old eating habits, and until then, you need to ensure that your body is receiving all the nutrients it needs.
* Stick to your treatment and meal plans. It will be difficult at first, but focus on the fact that you are on the road to a healthy body and mind.
* Try not to push supportive people away. Understand that caring friends and family who push you to stick with your treatment have your best interests at heart, and they only want to see you get better.
* Buy a journal. Keeping a record of your thoughts and feelings can be very helpful. You can track your progress and note when and why negative eating thoughts arise. Try to uncover the emotional reasons behind your eating disorder.
* Resist the urge to constantly weigh yourself or check yourself in the mirror. These habits only serve to encourage an unhealthy lifestyle.
* Adopt a loving relationship with yourself. Treat your body with love and respect by implementing a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, exercise, and enough rest. Set aside times where you pamper and treat yourself.
* Try to stop criticism as soon as it enters your mind. Judging yourself is an unhealthy habit at the heart of eating disorders. Accept yourself as well as those around you as beautiful inside and out – just as is. Do not buy into media’s view of the unrealistically skinny figure.
* Remember that while you may feel a sense of control when self-starving or controlling your weight, you are in fact out of control – it is the anorexia that is in control until you make the decision to change.
* Recognize the influences in your life that promote your disorder. Avoid too much TV and reading beauty magazines, as they give a distorted view of beauty. You may need to avoid certain friends if they encourage your old habits, or address the people that put pressure on you to be thin.

There is much more information in the ebook “Natural Help for Anorexia“. To save this ebook and read it later, please right click HERE and choose “save as”.

Some stress is necessary for optimal functioning. It’s what enables us to give interesting presentations, makes sporting events fun to watch, serves as a protection in dangerous situations, and motivation and energy in challenging ones. People perceive demands differently and what can be motivating for one may be distressing to another.

When the body faces a stressful event, your central nervous system gets ready for action. Certain areas of your brain activate hormones which in turn activate adrenalin. All of this happens within a matter of seconds – you know it’s kicked in when you feel your heart beating faster and your face flush. In the meantime, seventeen other hormones are being released, sending the body into a hyperactive state.

Sugars stored in the liver are released providing quick energy. Your red blood cells release more oxygen, your stomach goes into hibernation allowing more blood to reach your brain and muscles in preparation for flight. Your intestines are affected – either constricting or – yikes, relaxing! If allowed, your body will finally relax after the threat passes.

The problems lie when we are in a chronic state of arousal whether through repeated acute episodes of stress or prolonged chronic states such as through poverty, unemployment, grief and other long term situations.

In episodic acute and chronic stress, your body hasn’t had a chance to turn off the switch and recent research has confirmed negative health effects ranging from cardiac damage, increased susceptibility to viruses, increased headaches, insomnia, GERD, skin problems, stroke and other health issues.

How Do You Respond to Stress?

When experiencing stress, you may be affected totally, not only in your body but also in your emotional reactions, your personal thoughts, and your relations with others.

The following list of stress symptoms contains the most typical reactions to stress. It can also help you begin focusing on ways to manage stress.

Physical

Headaches, Fatigue, Insomnia, Weight change, Colds, Digestive upsets, Accident prone, Teeth grinding, Restlessness, Alcohol, drug, or tobacco use, Shoulders tighten up or ache, Pounding heart rate.

Mental

Forgetfulness, Dull senses, Poor concentration, Low productivity, Negative attitude, Confusion, Lethargy, No new ideas, Boredom.

Emotional

Anxiety, The “blues”, Mood swings, Bad temper, Crying spells, Irritability, Depression, Nervous laugh, Worrying, Easily discouraged.

Social

Isolation, Resentment, Loneliness, Lashing out, Clamming up, Lowered sex drive, Nagging, Fewer contacts with friends.

Look over the symptoms you’ve experienced and circle those that occur frequently or regularly.

Study your list. Which symptoms cause you the most concern? Are you aware when they are happening to you? Can you stop them from happening? Do you see a pattern in your symptoms? Are they mostly physical? Do they usually involve other people? This might give you a clue in directing your stress management program.

About the author

Cathy Gariety is a Registered Nurse and CEO of Gariety Group Consulting – a firm specializing in stress management providing services to individuals, corporate and healthcare facilities. She is also Editor of their Stress Buster newsletter. Email stresscoach@getresponse.com for a complimentary Mini Stress Management E-Course delivered to your email address once per week for four weeks.

* Bergamot

* Clary Sage

* Frankincense

* Geranium

* Jasmine

* Lavender

* Mimosa

* Myrrh

* Neroli

* Rose

* Rosewood

* Sandalwood

* Violet

* Ylang-Ylang

ROSE OIL:

Therapeutically, this scent does have a potent antidepressant effect and may be used, via face and body massage, skin care, baths, or vaporisers to treat nervousness, sadness, or long-term stress.

LAVENDER:

The balancing properties of lavender can correct emotional problems and feelings of instability. Its calming effect will induce a restful sleep try a drop of lavender oil on your pillow or into an evening bath.

NEROLI (oil of the orange blossom):

Neroli … is one of the most suitable essential oils to use for nervous tension, insomnia, and stress-related illnesses as it has a very positive calming influence on mind and body.

Caution is urged when using the oils as they are very potent and may therefore cause a skin rash (however, lavender is the only oil that can be safely applied undiluted to the skin). It is suggested to put a drop or two into 3 tablespoons of carrier oil (such as a neutral odor light vegetable or nut oil) for a massage, or else 2 to 4 drops of oil(s) to a warm bath and soaking for 10 minutes.

Another suggested use is as a room freshener – use a clay or ceramic vaporizer to heat water with, or near, the oil. An easy way to make a room freshener with essential oils is to wet a cotton ball with the essential oil and place it in a room or cupboard to scent the area. (For maximum effect, place somewhere warm such as behind a heater or fireplace.)

These neurotransmitters, principally dopamine, serotonin and epinephrine, control emotions, organization of thought, impulsivity and reaction to stimuli. In the past, case studies have reported a link between a large intake of sugar and problems with impulse control and hyperactivity.

More traditional Western medicine has never equated solid nutrition and a good diet with a decline in illness and disease. Eastern medicine, or Traditional Chinese Medicine, has always understood the connection between what we eat and how our bodies are able to recover from stress and illness. Today, as West more frequently meets Eastern medicine physicians are learning to recognize the positive effects of eating a well balanced diet that is high in fiber and low in animal fat and protein.

ADHD and diet needs are not different. Although sugar has been implicated in the past with hyperactivity that has usually been in children less than 5 who already have poorly developed neurological systems and who are eating well over the recommended amount of sugar.

The lack of control that individuals with ADHD suffer has been related to the decreased production of dopamine, epinephrine and serotonin. These chemicals or neurotransmitters, are responsible for the behaviors that are linked with ADHD. For some reason these individuals have difficulty producing enough of these chemicals or have reasons the body isnt using the chemical appropriately.

Parents with children who have ADHD recognize that their childrens behavior isnt consistent from day to day pointing a finger to other aspects of the childs life that isnt consistent which may have an effect on the presentation of the symptoms. One of these day to day changes are the childs diet.

Some researchers have found that there are children who react badly to the preservatives, dyes and flavorings that are in most of todays processed foods. These reactions lead to asthma attacks, eczema and an exacerbation of behavioral disorders including ADHD.

Parents have found that controlling the ADHD and diet of those children can help to limit the amount of medication that is required to control the behavior and to improve the overall function of the individual. These changes dont happen overnight but parents usually see a difference within 48 hours after changing the childs diet. Of course the temper tantrums that are thrown when the Cheetos and Chips disappear may seem to mimic the behavioral dysfunction of the ADHD but it really isnt.

Parents who have waited out the anger over the disappearance of the processed foods and who have made those changes themselves have found that the overall health of the family improves and the behavior of their children improve as well.

Most physicians dont recommend removing processed foods but when behavior improves they are willing to recommend that parents continue to make the changes that appear to be working. Unfortunately they dont share those success stories with other families who then may be able to decrease the medication that their child is taking.

If your son or daughter has been diagnosed with ADHD changing their diet to remove all processed foods is one very natural way of decreasing the amount of medication they may need and improving their overall functioning.