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Midlife Crisis Begins in Kindergarten

Midlife Crisis is the term we use to indicate a trauma experienced in the middle years —usually having to do with the question, “What am I doing with my life?” There are stories of extreme reactions that all of us have heard: like the guy who is a doctor, quits one day, and goes to live in the woods; as well as less dramatic cases like the financial consultant who enters the ministry.

There is nothing wrong with changing careers. But we don’t say midlife celebration, we say midlife crisis!  Crisis, because this time is often associated with feelings of unhappiness and confusion. Some people choose to “run away.” Others are afraid to change anything, then feel for the rest of their lives that they have been short changed. These are the people who say in later years, If only . . . , I missed my chance to . . .

And, so, we have books such as Do What You Love, The Money Will Follow by Marsha Sinetar, How To Find Your Mission In Life by Richard Bolles, Life Launch by Hudson and McLean . . . the theme being that if you knew what you were meant to do in the world, you would have a purpose, which leads to fulfillment, happiness, and good relationships.

How do we figure out our purpose? Look at your natural talents and interests, the books say. Many include self-assessments to help you figure out what you love, just in case you don’t know anymore.

When children start school they bring their natural talents and gifts with them. Instead of encouraging these, the first thing we do is teach them to put their interests on hold. We begin early the process of hiding the clues, the keys to our adult lives. We begin attaching labels: slow, average, ADD, LD . . . Years later the potential scientists or artists or teachers have the seeds buried so deeply they can no longer remember what set them on fire. And they need a book or a therapist to help them rediscover who they are.

I have a sign in my office which reads, “It is better to build children than repair adults.”

We need to pay attention to the child who needs to drum on the desk, the one who memorizes better when shooting baskets, the one who is interested in rocks. We need to stop labeling children as dysfunctional and start labeling the positives: keeps excellent rhythm, very coordinated, a whiz at the computer, great rapport with animals, natural comedian! Children who grow up learning about their own talents and styles become confident adults who achieve dreams and are enthusiastic about lifelong learning.

Remember the old saying, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”? We can give children the right start by respecting each one’s unique learning needs. For those of us who are already grown up, see you at the book store!

© 1998-2010 by Mariaemma Pelullo-Willis

 
AIM-Awareness-Integration-Movement

Awareness Integration Movement technique presented at Day of Renewal

Jeni Winterburn AIMChristine Cutbush and Jeni Winterburn will be presenting the Aim technique a the Day of Renewal on June 5th.  Aim was designed to blend the gentle but profound awareness created in the Feldenkrais method with the ancient tradition of Yoga. Using Feldenkrais and Yoga strategies Jeni and Christine show students and Yoga teachers alike how to unlock habitual patterns of movement and reawaken the body’s natural alignment.

This extraordinary work is the culmination of decades of study and teaching both in Feldenkrais and Yoga therapies. The perspective is unique and thought provoking, supplying participants with tools for growth in their lives and in their yoga practice.

Movement beyond the mat.

Inspiring the body to open and creating an environment for change has been a theme that has woven itself through the teaching careers of both Jeni and Christine. These two senior teachers bring a wealth of knowledge to the mat, using self-discovery, humor and reflection they deeply deconstruct asana making this workshop suitable for all levels of students.

Destructive physiological habits form quickly and rob us of choice, this practice gives us back the ability to choose how we move, using a minimum of effort for maximum reward. Strategies shared in this AIM workshop go beyond the mat to support you in everyday life. Join us and experience Awareness, Integration and Movement in a workshop setting. 

Because of their background and experience, Christine and Jeni are qualified to offer Yoga Alliance CEU’s towards RYT 200 renewal, any Yoga teachers that are interested in this work can earn up to 3 CEU units per 3 hour workshop.

Christine’s Bio

Christine Cutbush, a Guild Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner®, yoga instructor, Bones For Life® teacher and a reflexologist brings a wealth of knowledge from over 20 years of experience helping people of all ages and abilities move more efficiently. She trained in many styles of yoga and has completed several yoga teacher training programs including John Friend’s first Anusara training and 3 years of Iyengar teacher training.

Christine has studied closely with international teacher Donna Farhi whose work is based on developmental patterns of human movement. Christine has combined the Feldenkrais Method® with yoga and teaches people how to safely deepen their yoga practice. She enjoys helping people enrich their lives by developing enhanced awareness

Jeni’s Bio                                                                                                                     

Jeni has been teaching people how to move for 27 years she is a registered teacher at the E-T- RYT500-hour level with Yoga Alliance and also holds a 200-hour teacher training credential with Kriya Yoga, Chicago. She is currently running two Yoga teacher training programs from her own Yoga studio in Simi Valley, California (Yoga Nook) educating teachers to RYT200 and RYT 500.

Her yoga background includes trainings with many well know teachers including Angela Farmer, John friend and Judith Lasater. Jeni felt a strong connection with Judith Lasater’s work and in 2009 worked very closely with Judith assisting and supporting her teaching in California, England, Ohio and at the Yoga Journal conference in Colorado.   

Through her many years of experience Jeni has developed and teaches her own style of Yoga that she calls “Deconstruction” an eclectic mix of Hatha forms. She is excited and eager to bring A.I.M. into the yoga realm.

 


 
Anti-Aging with Dr. Bunny Vreeland

By Dr. Bunny Vreeland

Dr. Bunny VreelandLatest scientific research shows that we can lower blood cholesterol, lower blood pressure, lower cortisol levels, and reduce risks of cancer, heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes and live longer. How, you ask? Simply by making a few lifestyle changes. Hypnosis can help make those changes easier.

Since it is your intention to grow younger and live longer, the most important thing you can do is to think younger.


Your mind controls your body … Your body mirrors your thoughts … it has no choice … Your mind, a field a thoughts and ideas … are the sole influence over the energy molecules in your body … and therefore a young mind will help you to transform your body into a younger

looking body …


In my ANTI-AGING Hypnotherapy sessions, I’m going to show you some very advanced tools you can use to slow down the rate at which you age. The more slowly you age, the more youthful you remain. This cannot only extend your life but also save you from suffering from “old age” disease and disability. It will also help you look and feel years younger.


When I talk on Anti-aging, I have learned to clarify one thing first. Anti-aging is not the same thing as life extension. Aging is the process by which you gradually weaken and lose function. Anti-aging seeks to understand this process and intervene to preserve youthful characteristics.


Welcome to my Eight Life Changing, Anti Aging Sessions:


1.The Dream of a Long Life
2. Mindfulness Meditation
3. Strengthen Your Immune System
4. Youthful Body
5. Think Younger
6. Self Love
7. Face Lift
8. Energize Your Body

To find out more or to set up an appointment for the eight sessions, email me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it '; document.write( '' ); document.write( addy_text89644 ); document.write( '<\/a>' ); //-->\n This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call me at 805-984-1237.
 
Low Cholesterol Increases Health Risks


By Dr. Sharon Norling
Originally published in Your Health Connection Magazine

While we hear a lot about low cholesterol levels being desirable, recent research shows that very low cholesterol levels (<160 mg.) may be just as unhealthy as very high cholesterol levels. Unfortunately, the dangers of abnormally low cholesterol (hypocholesterolemia) have been less well publicized. What we don't often hear is the important fact that cholesterol is vital to human life.

Abnormally low levels of cholesterol may indicate:
  • Hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid gland
  • Liver disease
  • Inadequate absorption of nutrients from the intestines
  • Malnutrition
  • Poor metabolism
  • Compromised health
Similarly, patients with environmental illness often have low cholesterol, including those with sensitivity to foods, chemicals or frequencies like Wi-Fi. Infertility has been linked to low cholesterol.

What is Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like compound belonging to a class of molecules called steroids. It's found in many foods, in your bloodstream and in all your body cells. If you had a handful of cholesterol, it might feel like a soft, melted candle. Cholesterol is essential for:
  • Formation and maintenance of cell membranes (essential for life).
  • Formation of sex hormones (progesterone, testosterone, estradiol and cortisol).
  • Production of bile salts, which help to digest food.
  • Conversion into vitamin D in the skin when exposed to sunlight.
Cholesterol is made primarily in your liver (about 1,000 milligrams a day), but it is also created by cells lining the small intestine and by individual cells in the body. Very low cholesterol may mean your body is “shutting down.”

Low cholesterol is not healthy. In 1990, an NIH conference concluded from a meta-analysis of 19 studies that men and, to a lesser extent, women with a total serum cholesterol level below 160 mg. exhibited a 10 percent to 20 percent excess total mortality compared to those with cholesterol levels between 160 and 199 mg., as cited in the journal Circulation (Meilahn, E., 1995).

In 19 large studies of more than 68,000 deaths, reviewed by Professor David R. Jacobs and his coworkers from the Division of Epidemiology at the University of Minnesota, low cholesterol predicted an increased risk of dying from gastrointestinal and respiratory disease. Professor Jacobs and Dr. Iribarren followed more than 100,000 healthy individuals in the San Francisco area for 15 years. At the end of the study, those who had low cholesterol at the start of the study had been admitted to the hospital more often because of an infection.

In Circulation, Iribarren et al. (1995) go beyond the usual classification of "low cholesterol" based on a single measure. Instead, they examined future disease risk according to whether cholesterol level was stable during a six-year period or whether low cholesterol resulted from falling blood cholesterol levels. Among nearly 6,000 healthy Japanese-American men enrolled in the Honolulu Heart Study, total serum cholesterol was measured at two time points, with mortality follow-up extending for up to 16 years. Results showed the expected association of elevated cholesterol with coronary disease. In addition, falling levels of cholesterol were linked to an excess risk of liver disease and cancer in particular.


According to Lewington, research into the causes of low cholesterol is relatively limited, but some studies suggest a link with depression, cancer and cerebral hemorrhage (Lewington, S., et al., Lancet [December 2007]) 1829).

A new study published in the American Heart Journal Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, January, 2009 found that nearly two-thirds of patients admitted to hospitals for heart attacks and cardiovascular events had low LDL-cholesterol levels, indicating they were not at high risk for heart problems. Yet — in another extraordinary example of ad-hoc reasoning — the authors concluded that since most heart attacks occur in people with low cholesterol levels, this provided support for lowering the LDL-cholesterol goals even further! It is well known that 50 percent of patients who have a heart attack have normal cholesterol. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is caused by inflammation. Therefore, it is a much better practice to eliminate inflammation than to lower cholesterol to an abnormally low range and increase health risks.

Cholesterol, contrary to current dogma, is an extremely important cell wall membrane fat. Not only is cholesterol a vital cellular molecule, it is a large part of us, as it occupies 30 percent to 40 percent of our cell wall membrane. The cell membrane is the structural skin surrounding the cell and the organelles in it. It is far more than an outside protective layer ― it is literally the essence of life! It is the lining of every nerve cell. It manages the production of energy as well as all of our senses. The liver alone has approximately 300,000 square feet of membrane (more than four football fields — 4.63 to be exact).

Cholesterol makes vital hormones such as the adrenal, our fight or flight hormones and our sex hormones, estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. It is important for the metabolism of fat-soluble vitamins, A, D, E and K, and is the precursor for bile acids which manages our fatty acid intake. Cholesterol supports a strong membrane structure which equates to a strong overall metabolism.

Most individuals with high cholesterol have a strong metabolism — and they know it. Airborne disturbances such as pollen with its potential for allergy have less impact on individuals with high cholesterol. In the American Journal of Medicine, Tierney et al. (2006) demonstrated low cholesterol was associated with mental capabilities from borderline intellectual functioning to profound mental retardation.

“Women who are having a difficult time with unexplained infertility often will have low cholesterol. As the diet is expanded to include essential fatty acids and Phosphatidylcholine (prominent in the cell wall) the hormones derived from cholesterol normalize and pregnancy rates have been shown to increase,” said Patricia Kane, PhD.

It may surprise you to know that our bodies make all the cholesterol we need. When your doctor takes a blood test to measure your cholesterol level, he or she is actually measuring the amount of circulating cholesterol in your blood (your blood cholesterol level). About 85 percent of your blood cholesterol level is produced by your body. The other 15 percent comes from an external source — your diet. Your dietary cholesterol originates from meat, poultry, fish, seafood, and dairy products. It's possible for some people to eat foods high in cholesterol and still have low blood cholesterol levels. Likewise, it's possible to eat foods low in cholesterol and have a high blood cholesterol level.

So, what do you do?
  1. Have a comprehensive lipid panel which includes cholesterol, LDL (buoyant and dense), HDL (HDL 2B), C-Reactive Protein, VLDL, homocysteine, and insulin.
  2. Test your red blood cell fatty acids. The Kennedy Krieger Institute — Johns Hopkins University is the premier fatty acid testing laboratory in the world.

Eat your way to health.
  • Consume a diet of pure fats and oils. Support the health of your cell membrane with pure, unprocessed, organic oils in your diet. Liberal use of seeds, nuts, cold pressed fats, and oils is highly recommended with reduction of carbohydrate intake. Organic butter, cream, meat fats, and eggs contain essential fats and should be included in your diet. To cook foods at high temperatures such as when stir-frying or sautéing food, use coconut butter, avocado, or olive oil.
  • Eliminate all chemically processed oils/fats. Partially hydrogenated or trans fats are toxic to the liver and brain, cause high cholesterol (LDL) and contribute to such difficulties such as fatigue, toxicity, neurodegenerative disorders, aging, hyperactivity, learning disabilities, mood disorders, immune abnormalities and cardiovascular disease. Essential fats found in pure, unprocessed fats and oils are crucial to all cellular function. Processed fats and oils must be completely avoided ― margarine, vegetable oil, canola oil, peanut butter, Crisco, commercial mayonnaise (Hellman’s, Miracle whip) and salad dressing.
  • Eat certified organically-grown foods. At this time in history, we are under the greatest of pressures. Literally thousands of harmful chemicals are in the food, air, and water. Pesticides, herbicides, endocrine disruptors, dyes, chemicals, antibiotics, heavy metals, and hormone residues contaminate the food supply. Avoidance is the best way to protect yourself and your family from harmful toxins.
  • Eat whole foods. Processed foods are manipulated and changed in a way to extend the shelf life of the food. They are less nutritious as many vitamins and nutrients are lost in the process. Stay as close to nature as possible in eating. If the bugs won’t eat it, we shouldn’t either.
  • Eat pasture-raised meats, free range poultry/eggs and wild ocean fish. www.eatwild.com and www.themeatrix.com are good resources. Avoid farm-raised fish which are fed an unnatural diet of corn, soy, dog food and wastes and do not have the essential fats found in ocean fish. Fish to be consumed include wild Alaskan salmon and small body fish such as sardines. Obtain salmon, halibut, and tuna that are safe to consume from www.vitalchoice.com.
Since cholesterol comprises 30 percent to 40 percent of our cell wall “mem-Brain” which protects and manages critical metabolic functions, including mental acuity, sex, and reproduction, why would we want to dispose of so much of it? Life, health, and cholesterol are all about balance.

My thanks to Dr. Patricia Kane, a world expert on fatty acid metabolism and neurological disorders, for her contributions to this article.

Dr. Sharon Norling is the only physician in the U.S. nationally board certified in integrative medicine and medical acupuncture in her field. While teaching at the University of Minnesota Medical School, Dr. Norling had the opportunity to testify before the White House Commission on Complementary Alternative Medicine and co-author a textbook, Integrative Medicine. She offers specialized testing and advanced medicine approaches. Located at the Landing, 32123 Lindero Canyon Road, Suite 210 in Westlake Village, she can be reached at 818.707.9355.
 
Being Single and Loving It

by  Sherry Gaba 

You may be a single woman by choice, a single parent, a single woman who has just been dumped or has done the dumping, or just someone that enjoys being a singleton. Whatever your circumstances are, being single is a time to celebrate and honor who you right at this very moment. It is a time to honor all of the opportunities that await you such as finding who your authentic self is. That’s right, take the mask off and enter the place of the un-known without being in fear. Only the un-known offers us infinite possibilities for future love if that’s what you want or maybe a trip to India, or perhaps taking that yoga class you keep putting off. Anything and everything is possible when you are single. Here are the 10 reasons why being single can be satisfying.

 

1.      It is a time to be true to yourself and find out what really fulfills you. What is it that you really value and want out of your life?

 

2.      It is a time to find out why you are here and what is your life purpose? What are you here to do on this planet and what is it that is meaningful to you?

 

3.      It is a time where you have control over what you do and how you do it. There is no one looking over your shoulder telling you how to spend your money or where to take a vacation. You are on your own, and you can go anywhere your heart desires.

 

4.      It is a time to develop yourself spiritually and take a look at your unique spiritual nature. You get to ask those existential questions such as what is a higher power. Is there something outside and separate from myself that is a silent witness to my life as it unfolds?

 

5.      It is a time to figure out what it is I really want out of an intimate relationship? What is it I contribute to relationship? What is the nature and quality of the relationship I desire? What are the deal breakers in what is acceptable and unacceptable in a partner? You get to do the choosing rather than always waiting to be chosen.

 

6.      It is a time to build your community and support. Invite someone for coffee, dinner, a walk, or a talk. Having a network of friends can be one of the most nurturing things you can do for yourself?

 

7.      You get to dine wherever and whenever you want? You don’t have to cook for anyone or eat some strange type of delicacy just to please your partner. 

 

8.      You get to say NO NO NO and set clear boundaries for yourself. When you establish healthy boundaries, your self esteem sky rockets and you develop safety and trust in yourself and others because no one can overstep the boundaries you have created for yourself.

 

9.      You learn how to be present in the moment without judging yourself or others harshly. You become consciously aware of the preciousness of each moment enjoying your sacred alones with complete joy and freedom.

 

10.   You are accountable to no one but yourself. Once you learn to count on you, the possibilities are endless.

 

Being single is about reframing and redefining what being alone means. You no longer have to play victim to your singleness. If you are looking for true love, it magically comes to you without any effort because you radiate confidence, self assurance without neediness or desperation. This can be the time of your life if you believe it is…..re-discover the joyous space between what you   were, what you are now, and what you are becoming.

 
The Truth About Soy

To Soy or Not to Soy?

By Alyssa Leland originally published in YHC magazine

soybeansIT’S HARD TO IMAGINE THAT THE TINY SOYBEAN COULD CAUSE SUCH A CONTROVERSY. IS SOY LOWERING OUR CHOLESTEROL AND REDUCING THE SYMPTOMS OF MENOPAUSE? OR IS IT PRODUCING ESTROGEN-LIKE EFFECTS IN MEN, AND PROHIBITING OUR BODIES FROM ABSORBING VITAL NUTRIENTS?

SOY, ONCE CONSIDERED AN INDUSTRIAL WASTE PRODUCT, is now being transformed into products we consume every day, so we eat soy whether we intend to or not. Soybean oil is found in almost all butters, margarines, salad dressings, processed foods and more. Even oils marketed as vegetable oil are most likely soybean oil. Since our consumption rates of soy are virtually out of our control, as consumers we have the right to know what effect this product is having on our bodies.

Mineral Absorption
Dr. Troy Williams of Moorpark Women’s Health warns, “Soy contains some components that may actually be harmful to our bodies.” The toxins found in soy have the ability to bind to certain metal ions such as calcium, iron, manganese and zinc. Because the toxins found in soy, mainly the phytic acid, bind to these metals, there are fewer metals available for the body.

“Women who prefer a vegetarian diet have to take into account that soy may affect their iron and zinc daily requirements because of a component called phytic acid,” says Dr. Williams. Phytic acid not only affects your absorption of crucial metals, it also “keeps your body from absorbing minerals,” according to Dr. Sharon Norling of the Mind Body Spirit Center.

Phytic acid is reduced when it is fermented, such as in traditional soy foods like miso and tempeh. “If you prepare your own soy dishes, whether boiled or roasted soybeans or soy milk, ensure that they are heated to an appropriate temperature,” advises Dr. Williams.

Also understand that there is no legislation to protect consumers from soy toxins in raw soy products and there is little control to safeguard us from poorly treated soy products. “Raw or partially-processed soy products like soy flour or soy protein concentrate should be avoided,” suggests Dr. Norling.


Soy and Hormones
Soy contains phytoestrogens, similar in structure to naturally-produced estrogen hormones. Bonnie Tromello, nurse practitioner of Crossroads in Health states, “The phytoestrogens in soy can help to reduce menopausal symptoms.” Tromello also explains, “There are more harmful phytoestrogens found in the environment than the phytoestrogens found in soy. Because the phytoestrogens mimic estrogen, they bind to the same receptor site, preventing the more harmful phytoestrogens from binding to that site.” In her own practice, Tromello finds that women who consume moderate amounts of soy have less breast tissue change and a reduction of breast density. A lower breast density enables doctors to read mammograms and detect tumors more clearly.

According to Dr. Williams, “Ingesting large amounts of soy may affect testosterone levels in men. The lowering of testosterone levels may have many affects on their bodies. Some possibilities are weight gain, lower sperm count, lack of sex drive, and erectile dysfunction.” To maintain healthy testosterone levels it is recommended that men avoid consuming large amounts of soy, especially after the age of 30 when testosterone levels in men lower naturally.

“Birth Control Pills for Babies” is the subtitle Sally Fallon and Mary Eing, PhD, authors of Tragedy and Hype, chose to explain the effects of soy formula on infants. The title is shocking and the facts backing it may appear equally so. “In 1998, investigators reported that the daily exposure of infants to isoflavones (which are phytoestrogens) in soy infant formula is six to 11 times higher on a body weight basis than the dose resulting in hormonal effects in adults consuming soy foods. … An infant exclusively fed soy formula receives the estrogenic equivalent of at least five birth control pills per day,” (Fallon and Eing, 2000).

When choosing infant formula for your little tyke, understand that numerous studies suggest babies given breast milk have significant health advantages compared to those given any type of formula. “There is absolutely no question that breastfeeding is more beneficial,” says Tromello. If your infant is allergic to dairy and breastfeeding is not an option, Dr. Williams recommends to “investigate whether or not the soy component of the formula was fermented or not.”



soybeans in water Cholesterol

Regarding the relationship between soy protein and lower LDL-cholesterol levels, the FDA states there are “significant reductions of total LDL-cholesterol levels in controlled trials that used at least 25 grams of soy protein per day,” as stated on the FDA’s website, www.FDA.gov.

The FDA also suggests in addition to the 25 grams of soy protein, a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease. However, the friendly relationship the FDA has with the soy industry is no secret. While the high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids found in soy contribute to lowering cholesterol, it is still important to weigh all the pros and cons. There are other natural ways to lower cholesterol such as increasing fruit and vegetable, fiber and whole grain intake.

The Bottom Line
More money is being invested in marketing soy. Soy farmers are being encouraged to take part in The National Soybean Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Act and Order. The Act states, “The program’s goal is to strengthen the position of soybeans in the marketplace and to maintain and expand domestic and foreign markets and uses for soybeans and soybean products,” according to the website www.soycheckoff.com. Funded by a mandatory assessment of 0.5 of 1 percent of the net market price of soybeans, the total funds for 2008 exceeded $140 million.

The program defines research in section 1967 of the act as “any type of study to advance the image, desirability, marketability, production, product development, quality, or functional or nutritional value of soybeans or soybean products.” However, in their definition there is no mention of clinical research.

Just like everything else we decide to put into our bodies, it is important to know the facts to determine the best option for ourselves. In Tromello’s opinion, “Soy is fine in moderation. It is better to choose whole soy foods and to avoid processed soy foods. And as always, when you can, buy organic.”

For soy alternatives and more information, visit www.eatingwithfoodallergies.com and www.allergyfreeshop.com

 

 
Could Stress Be Making You Sick?

Only recently has Western medicine begun to realize the role that emotions play in health.  In the past, the belief was that the immune system regulates itself, responsive only to the battle between antigens and immune cells.  Research has now established that anger, anxiety, grief, fear, depression and other psychological processes directly influence the body’s immune system.  All of these emotions work together to create what is arguably the primary cause of immune deficiency in the modern world  STRESS. 

Everyone experiences stress.  The human body is equipped to deal with stressors that require a fight or flight response, where heart rate accelerates, blood flow to muscle increases and production of adrenaline and other powerful hormones rise.  When the stressful situation is over, the body naturally recovers its energy and endocrine balance.  On a short-term basis, this type of stress is often considered a good thing, affecting the body as much as exercise does.  In today’s society, however, stress has become a chronic issue – it never seems to go away.  The body is not well equipped to handle stress on a continuous basis, and the immune system suffers as a result. 

Many factors contribute to chronic stress, including frustration with career, being overworked on underworked, marital strife, financial problems, bad news on television, peer pressures, issues with children or the hazards of modern life.  The list could go on and on.  These are not isolated experiences, and they are working together continuously.  The accepted response to stress is for a person to repress rage, fear, frustration and other negative emotions provoked by stressful situations.  One is thereby failing to utilize the powerful hormones and aneurochemicals released into the blood. 

These potent biochemicals quickly break down into various toxic byproducts that poison the system, suppress immunity and impede other vital functions.  Under sustained stress, the body never has a chance to excrete these toxins thoroughly and restore proper balance to the body.  Sleep is often disrupted which further compromises the system.  Drugs, whether in the form of painkillers, sleep aids, anti-depressants, alcohol or illegal drugs, are sometimes taken to alleviate stress.  These also contribute to the decline of immune system function.  Now the body is even less able to handle the invasion of yeast, viruses, bacteria and parasites that come our way, due to the inability of the body’s defense system to ward off these antigens.  Chronic or serious health problems result, which then contribute to an increase in the stress level.  A vicious cycle has developed. 

For more information on anti-stress body treatments and programs contact The Body Sanctuary at 805.230.0010.

 
DISEASE AND A WEAKENED IMMUNE SYSTEM

In a healthy body this system of checks and balances works very well to maintain health and ward off invaders.  However, when the immune system is weakened over time, it becomes unable to destroy the viruses, bacteria and toxic chemicals that invade the body,  Infections become more frequent, and there is a greater likelihood of health problems ranging from minor illness to cancer.  The body’s protection has become inadequate. 

 

The conditions causing a weakened immune system are cumulative.  Although health often seems to deteriorate quickly, disease doesn’t happen overnight due to the “sudden attack” of a bacteria or virus.  There may be some predisposing factors beyond the control of a person, but in most cases, it is the collective effects of a person’s lifestyle that bring about illness.  Health-destroying conditions are allowed to go on for prolonged periods of time, either by the choices that we make or the choices that we allow others to make for us.  This long-term abuse comes in the form of the foods we eat, the drugs we take, and other emotional and environmental factors that are a part of our lives.  These abuses all work in combination to compromise the immune system, resulting in illness and disease. In order to start to get well, the first step is to cleanse the body through Detoxification. 

This is accomplished through a total body cleansing program, which cleans the liver, bowels, kidneys, and the blood supply.  It helps restore the peristaltic action of the colon, and helps to rid the body of mucus, toxins and waste materials that are trapped in the colon (and may have been there for years).  The cleanse is achieved through a three-day program that will replace the normal diet and clean the body systems.  This is the way to treat degenerative symptoms without drugs or chemicals and begin walking on the path to health. 

For more information on Detoxification and Wellness Programs contact The Body Sanctuary at 805.230.0010   850 Hampshire Rd Suite P, Westlake Village

 
Body Psychotherapy: What the body knows, the mind forgets

Sherry Gaba, Licensed Psychotherapist and Life Coach

Sherry Gaba

A male client tells his psychotherapist he is having difficulty turning his neck from side to side without experiencing excruciating pain.  Another female client reacts to a new relationship, which on the surface looks and feels good, but when her partner speaks in a certain tone to her; she feels a sense of dread in her gut.  Another client comes in carrying a baby blanket to help her feel safe from a flood of emotions too painful to ignore, but too difficult to express.  What all these clients seem to be exhibiting is a history of un-resolved trauma and emotional pain that is so debilitating, it can only be felt in their bodies, but cannot be expressed verbally.  In these types of cases, psychotherapy that accesses the bodies felt senses may be the best treatment to un-earth these chronic symptoms that many suffer from in the aftermath of intense trauma and emotional pain.  Some of these treatments include Somatic Experiencing, Whole Body Consciousness, or Psychodrama.

 

The different types of trauma can come from a host of past experiences such as childhood neglect or abandonment, physical, sexual, or verbal abuse, an auto accident, a divorce, a sudden death of a loved one, or even a natural disaster such as an earthquake.  Although these clients may not be able to verbalize their pain, their bodies speak for themselves.  There is a knowing that something doesn’t feel quite right.  Some of these symptoms show up later as an increased heart rate, sweating, trouble breathing, muscular tension, chronic fatigue, digestive problems, depression, or anxiety.   Some of the ways people deal with these traumatic pasts are to numb out, freeze, disassociate, or even go into denial.  This is the body’s way of protecting itself from traumatic experiences that were too severe to have been endured at the time they happened.  For example, many sexually abused individuals report an “out of body” experience when perpetuated by the abuser.  It is as if their body is there, but their mind disappears so as not to have to feel the emotional pain of the abuse.  If these body messages are not dealt with, many trauma victims turn to other ways to self soothe or self-medicate such as addictions to food, sex, drugs, alcohol, spending,  self-mutilation, and other self defeating behaviors.

 Other symptoms of un-resolved trauma can stay underground for years and suddenly a major stressor erupts, and a person develops panic attacks or a feeling of being detached or dead inside. 

 

When a person is threatened, the body stores energy to help defend against the danger, however, when the energy is not discharged properly at the time of the event, it becomes blocked in the body only to show up later when there is a life altering event in a person’s life. This is when it usually shows up as anxiety, panic attacks, or even phobias such as fear of flying or fear of driving on freeways.

  

Other examples of symptoms that occur when un-resolved emotional pain is not dealt with might be denial where a person acts as if an intolerable event never occurred or he or she might be drawn to situations that replicate the original childhood trauma.  For example, a person chooses a partner that is an alcoholic similar to an alcoholic parent from his or her family of origin. This type of behavior is a person’s way of unconsciously re-doing the past to get it right.  In other words, it is a coping mechanism people use to deal with un-resolved emotional pain that has not been processed. 

 

When unresolved trauma is not worked through, individuals have difficulty setting boundaries.  When a person goes through a major traumatic event, he or she becomes disconnected from his or her body.  Therefore, he or she doesn’t know where boundaries begin or where they end.  They might let others take advantage of them because they do not know how to say “no” or become extremely co-dependent in their relationships.

The goal of body psychotherapy is to be able to begin to correlate thoughts with body sensations.  By being able to make the connection, a person learns not to respond in the usual habitual ways.  For instance, when you are triggered by a boss or a loved one, you become aware of the body sensations that are being effected and can respond appropriately versus impulsively.

 

There are various therapeutic methods to track the felt senses in the body.  One way to heal trapped energy or past emotional pain is to become present to your bodies sensations by noticing the subtle changes that occur when you are upset or when you feel joy.

 

“In somatic experiencing you initiate your own healing by re-integrating lost or fragmented positions of your essential self.” (Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma, Peter A. Levine, 1997).  This is a method by which the psychotherapist helps the client access the felt senses in the body when he shares both difficult material from the past, as well as experiences that are pleasant.

 

As we develop, we learn to disconnect from our body awareness through the socialization processes.  We learn to role model from parents, teachers, and other authority figures that teach us what is right and wrong.  When we begin to explore the world around us, we are told to “sit down” or “be still” when what we should be doing is exploring our environments with a sense of curiosity and excitement.  These messages encourage us to shut down losing touch with the energy force that lies within us.

 

“The gap between body and mind stems from programming that encourages us to be quiet and repress our feelings in the interest of being stoic and well behaved.” (What’s your body telling you? Listening to your body’s signals to stop anxiety, erase self-doubt, and achieve true wellness, Steve Sisgold, 2009).

Some examples of whole body consciousness are learning how to deep breathe, scanning the whole body for changes and witnessing the sensation as they move, meditation, or learning how to alter body positions. 

 

When you expand your chest, you are more likely to access uplifting and positive thoughts versus shrinking your shoulders which represents a negative thought process.  In meditation, you learn to be a curious observer of your thoughts instead of trying to control them. You learn how to regulate your reactions towards yourself, others, and situations instead of acting out inappropriately.  Suddenly your relationships improve because you are no longer a victim of un-processed trauma where energy has been stagnated, but rather the energy now flows more freely and smoothly and your reactions come from a more balanced and mindful place.  You begin to be able to cope with un-comfortable situations in a more peaceful fashion making decisions from a grounded position versus not thinking things through.

 

Another type of body psychotherapy is psychodrama which is a type of role play that allows individuals to rework relationships with others and with themselves.  It is a way to correct distorted views of how they might have seen others.  This is done through role reversal by putting themselves in another person’s position. It allows them to feel re-empowered and restore a sense of safety where they might have felt helpless in the past.  It allows individuals to see how others might be viewing them by receiving feedback so they can change self-destructive behavior patterns.  

 

Finally, when you learn to access your body’s innate wisdom and investigate emotions that have been repressed, you get the opportunity to un-leash un-tapped energy so that you can move more freely and easily.  By releasing deep seated pain and old wounds, you begin to feel empowered and nothing or no one will be able to hold you back from being the creative, resourceful, and brilliant person you are meant to be. 

 

Sherry Gaba, LCSW, is a Licensed Psychotherapist and Life Coach in Agoura.  She specializes in addictions, trauma, divorce, single parenting, mindfulness skills, and somatic experiencing.  She is the Psychotherapist on Celebrity Rehab 2 and 3 with Dr. Drew Pinsky on VH1, as well as a contributing author to the “Conscious Entrepreneur” and “Chicken Soup for the Soul: Tough Times, Tough People.”  She can be reached at 818-756-3338 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , www.sgabatherapy.com.   

 

 
Changing Your Mind About Food
By Bunny Vreeland, PhD Originally printed in YHC Magazine

WATCH YOUR THOUGHTS; THEY BECOME WORDS.
WATCH YOUR WORDS; THEY BECOME ACTIONS.
WATCH YOUR ACTIONS; THEY BECOME HABITS.
WATCH YOUR HABITS; THEY BECOME CHARACTER.
WATCH YOUR CHARACTER; IT BECOMES YOUR DESTINY.

--Frank Outlaw

FOOD IS FUEL
This doesn't sound like a revelation, does it? I mean, we all know food is fuel; it's what keeps us going through the day, builds muscles and powers our brains.

But think again. Food is fuel. If that's all food is, why do we obsess about it? Why do we eat too much of it? Why do we add types of fuel that our body neither wants nor needs?

Imagine if you did this to your car — can you picture yourself at the gas station, filling up, and then when the tank is full, you just keep on pumping, so the gas flows out all over the ground? People would think you were crazy.

Or imagine taking your nice, shiny car out to a farm and filling it up with thick, sludgy farm diesel — it would ruin the engine. Yet that is what we do to our bodies when we overeat, when we cram in junk food with no nutritional value.

During the past 100 years our attitude toward food has profoundly changed, mostly due to the advertising industry. It is estimated that the average American is bombarded with up to 1,500 food-related ads per day — each one dedicated to the message that food is so much more than fuel.

Food is now a lifestyle choice, a status symbol, a reward, a pleasure, a comfort, a celebration — and it is, above and beyond anything else — an emotional experience.

So what happens if instead, you go back to believing that food is fuel? Two consequences result from that. The first is that you naturally stop overeating. The second is that the quality of the food you choose will naturally improve. We'll look at each of these in turn.

Overeating is a learned behavior. We learned it because long ago we forgot food was fuel — and just like your car's gas tank, we need to stop before we overfill it.

So we learned to clear our plate, regardless of how we felt. We learned to eat our school lunch quickly, because we were in a hurry. We learned to sit and stuff our faces while watching TV, because that's what everyone else does.

But when you realize that food is primarily fuel for your body, you start to ask different questions — such as, “What are the best foods that are going to fuel my body and give me energy?” and, “How much of them should I eat?”

Do the foods you eat give you the energy you deserve? Are they giving you the energy you need to live the life that you want to lead?

When you view food in this light, you will begin to make very different decisions about the food you eat. It's not about what you have to give up or do without; it's about what you choose to eat to be the person you want to be.

And when you begin thinking about food as fuel, it's not about beating yourself up over the things you have to stop eating; it's about making new decisions about how good you want to feel. How much energy you want to experience? How alive do you want to be?

When this happens, you'll find yourself naturally eating more fruits and vegetables or drinking more water, because that's what you want to do in order to live the life you want to live.


Diets
Guess what? Diets don’t work!

Absolutely NO diet sodas or diet food will help you accomplish your goal. Diet sodas have been called the “new crack” because they appear to be so physically addicting. They actually make you fat.

The reason diet sodas are promoted so heavily is because people become physically addicted to them and they are cheaper to make than regular sodas. I did an interesting experiment with people who drank diet sodas regularly. For two weeks they replaced their diet soda with regular high-calorie, sugar-sweetened soda. Amazingly, no one gained any weight. Even more shocking was that 80 percent of the people actually lost weight. One person lost seven pounds!

This was stunning to me. Diet foods fall into the same category. Do not eat anything that is presented as a diet food. They are loaded with ingredients that actually make you fatter, and make you physically addicted.

I believe we are all addicted to something and that most of us are addicted to sugar. Recommended reading: Sugar Blues by William Duffy.

Portion Control and Bite Size
Have you ever heard this saying? “Eat breakfast like a king, eat lunch like a prince and dinner like a pauper.” In other words, eat your large meals early in the day and a light meal at night. (Our society has it backwards.)

Think of your stomach as the size of a large baked potato — because it is. The more you put in, the more you will stretch the size of the stomach. The more it stretches, the more you will have to put into it to feel satisfied and the hungrier you will be. It is a vicious cycle.

Here’s a trick: put your fork DOWN between bites. That’s right. Lay it on the table or your plate while chewing your food. Here is another saying you might be interested in. “It takes 20 minutes for your stomach to let your brain know it is full.” You can do a lot of damage in those 20 minutes if you keep shoveling food into your mouth. Think about it. How much food do you think you can eat in 20 minutes?

It depends, doesn’t it? If you eat s-l-o-w-l-y, you will eat much less than if you eat fast. Take small portions, put your fork down while you are chewing, and chew your food completely. That means until it is the consistency of liquid. Digestion begins in the mouth, and skipping this step leads to digestive problems.

Eating Tips
  • Avoid eating in front of the TV or while busy with other activities.
  • Pay attention to what you are eating and fully enjoy the smell and taste of your foods.
  • Eat slowly so your brain can get the message that your stomach is full.
  • Take seconds of vegetables or salads instead of meats or desserts.
  • Try to eat three sensible meals at regular times throughout the day.
  • Skipping meals may lead you to eat larger portions at your next meal.
Dr. Bunny Vreeland provides high-quality, safe and affordable hypnotherapy services to clients in Ventura, Santa Barbara and Los Angeles counties. Contact her at 800.755.4083, 805.984.1237 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Learn more at www.bunnyvreeland.com. You can also listen to The Dr. Bunny Show, “Here’s the Thing,” Monday through Friday from 12 to 1 p.m. on AM 1400 KKZZ and on the web at www.kkzzam1400.com. Register for her weight management seminar at www.lightenupwithdrbunny.com.
 
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