Posts Tagged ‘Stress’

Meditation Brain

March 4, 2010 Written by JP

One of the most valuable tools we all have at our disposal is perspective. But this vision needs to fine tuned in order to support our efforts rather than sabotage them. We’ve all heard variations of the maxim – “Obtaining anything of value requires some effort”. That’s great as far as it goes. However, there’s more to the following equation: good values + hard work = a rewarding life. Read more »


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Posted in Alternative Therapies, Memory, Mental Health | 28 Comments & Updates

Earthing and Grounding

January 21, 2010 Written by JP

A reader recently inquired about an holistic practice commonly referred to as “earthing” or “grounding”. The question was a like a portal to my past. I was first exposed to the concepts behind this therapy when I studied holistic medicine in Arizona many years ago. In essence, grounding is, supposedly, a therapeutic process by which you connect with the earth. A popular theory behind its reputed healing power is that electrons present in the earth’s surface can be passed on to physical bodies when a person walks barefoot or sleeps on the natural ground. An expert in the field of earthing, Dr. James L. Oschman, describes the exchange in this way, “The most reasonable hypothesis to explain the beneficial effects of earthing is that a direct earth connection enables both diurnal (daily) electrical rhythms and free electrons to flow from the earth to the body”. Hypothesis and proposed mechanisms are helpful as far as they go. But the real question in my mind is whether there’s any serious science that supports these assertions and the many claims made by purveyors of grounding products. Read more »


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Posted in Alternative Therapies, Heart Health, Mental Health | 37 Comments & Updates

Bone Brain Connection

October 29, 2009 Written by JP

The connection between mental health and the condition of the physical body is often neglected in modern medicine. One example is the way conventional doctors generally treat bone loss, otherwise known as osteopenia (minor loss of bone density) and osteoporosis (significant loss of bone mineralization). The typical advice given is to take the “recommended daily allowance (RDA)” of supplemental calcium and Vitamin D, hormone replacement therapy and a select group of medications that attempt to “harden” the bones. But one suggestion that I’ve never heard from an allopathic physician is to practice stress management as a way of protecting the skeletal system. Read more »


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Posted in Alternative Therapies, Bone and Joint Health, Mental Health | 8 Comments & Updates

Meditation and Cancer

October 15, 2009 Written by JP

There are few things in life that are more devastating than being diagnosed with a malignancy. Over 12 million new cancer cases were recorded worldwide in 2008. According to the World Health Organization, those numbers appear to be growing. In 1975, nearly 6 million people were diagnosed with cancer. In 2000, that number grew to 10 million. By the year 2030, it is estimated that more than 20,000,000 people will have to deal with this reality. On this site, I regularly report on natural therapies that will hopefully offer protection from this unwelcome fate. But it’s also important to have resources available if cancer becomes a personal issue for ourselves or someone we love. (1) Read more »


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Posted in Alternative Therapies, Mental Health | 11 Comments & Updates

Arctic Root Energy

October 6, 2009 Written by JP

The world is currently suffering from an energy crisis. I’m not talking about the lack of oil reserves or alternative energy sources, but rather the number of coffee shops that have sprouted up everywhere. Don’t get me wrong, I have nothing against a good cup of coffee. In fact, drinking coffee is often a healthful practice. But utilizing a natural stimulant, such as caffeine, isn’t always appropriate or advisable. So what can you do if you frequently find yourself feeling “wiped out”? One option is to consider using an adaptogen. Read more »


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Posted in Exercise, Mental Health, Nutritional Supplements | 16 Comments & Updates

Mindfulness Insomnia Remedy

July 16, 2009 Written by JP

Nothing can replace the blissful feeling we get after a good nights sleep. On the other hand, tossing and turning for hours or simply being unable to relax enough to fall asleep makes the following day quite a struggle. Sleeping pills can be helpful for the occasional restless night, but shouldn’t be used on a regular basis. It turns out that the solution to this disturbingly common problem may very well reside inside our heads. A group of scientists from Duke University suggest that simply being mindful of your thoughts and quieting your mental chatter may be enough to induce some much need slumber.
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Posted in Alternative Therapies, General Health, Mental Health | 11 Comments & Updates

Male Fertility and Natural Medicine

June 16, 2009 Written by JP

It is estimated that approximately 1/3 of all cases of infertility are due to issues relating to the male reproductive process. In recent months, several important developments have been reported in scientific literature that may help improve male fertility. As is often the case, both body and mind play a role. But best of all, these proposed remedies are all natural and relatively inexpensive. Read more »


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Posted in Alternative Therapies, Men's Health, Women's Health | 3 Comments & Updates

Chewing Gum for Stress Relief

May 22, 2009 Written by JP

Chew on this: When you’re stressed out or feeling less than mentally focused, you may just want to pop a piece of gum into your mouth. Over the past few years several scientific studies have all pointed to a very real psychological benefit derived from simply masticating repeatedly. Read more »


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Posted in Alternative Therapies, Dental Health, Mental Health | 11 Comments & Updates

Laughter and Heart Disease

April 17, 2009 Written by JP

May 3rd, 2009 is World Laughter Day. Normally I wouldn’t go out of my way to mention something like that. But I feel it’s especially relevant to do just that today. You see laughter is no longer simply the domain of clowns and stand up comedians. These days, scientists want in on the hilarity as well, and are focusing on the very serious side of humor in promoting heart health.
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Posted in Alternative Therapies, Heart Health, Mental Health | 9 Comments & Updates

The Science of Kissing and Love

February 14, 2009 Written by JP

Happy Valentine’s Day to you all! Since today is a time to reflect on all things romantic, I thought I’d lighten the usual tone of my blog and focus on a few decidedly non-medical topics: Kissing and Love! Today’s research is from the sector of academia that I refer to as “happy science”. It provides us with accurate information that we love to hear. Read more »


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Posted in Men's Health, Mental Health, Women's Health | 1 Comment

Guided Imagery

December 16, 2008 Written by JP

Tune In and Get Healthy

“The mind is its own place and in itself, can make a Heaven of Hell, a Hell of Heaven.” John Milton, Paradise Lost

Our mind plays a role in every healing journey or every healing crisis that we face. It all depends on how you look at it. Read more »


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Posted in Alternative Therapies, Mental Health | 1 Comment