Wild oat (Avena sativa) is far more than a common breakfast cereal or baking staple. Oats are members of special medicinal herb group called nervines. For more than 150 years, traditional medicine practitioners have used nervines, such as Wild Oat, to quell anxiety, reduce stress, support healthy sleep, enhance cognitive function, and settle digestive stress.

Wild Oat is a slow acting remedy that helps calm the nerves, bring relief to emotional instability, and restore a sense of tranquility. It has been a part of holistic treatment for Chronic Fatigue, Immune Deficiency Syndrome, PMS, panic and anxiety, hyper-reactivity, and for people who are persistently "on edge."

Commonly used in tincture form, Wild Oat extract is a gentle way to support nervous system health and restoration without the drowsiness associated with sedatives. It can also be prepared as an herbal infusion for tea. A holistic practitioner can advise you on the specific amount of tincture or infusion that is ideal for your needs. If someone is gluten sensitive or has celiac disease, Wild Oat must be derived from a gluten-free source.

Ginseng is a herbal medicine used widely throughout the world to moderate the effects of stress and support or enhance circulation, immunity, cognitive performance, and antioxidant activity. In fact, Ginseng is traditionally used in Asian countries to maintain homeostasis of the body and to enhance vital energy, or Chi. The herb has received significant research attention in Europe and the U.S, where the effects of stress play a role in quality of life and in many chronic diseases.

Recent research shows that Ginseng has anti-fatigue properties that support the health of cells by reducing oxidative stress (antioxidant activity) and help strengthen the immune system. Taken together, these properties can explain Ginseng's use as a remedy to help with recovery from fatigue and physical and mental stress.
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There are several varieties of Ginseng but it is Panax Ginseng (Asian) and Panax quinquefolius (American variety) that has received the most attention. Panax is a Greek term meaning "all heal." Another related root is Siberian Ginseng, which has different effects and benefits for the body. It's always best to obtain a Ginseng supplement from your holistic practitioner. This will ensure that you are using the proper variety and dose for your particular health concerns.

Regular aerobic activity, such as swimming, hiking, walking, and jogging, as well as group exercise classes, such as Zumba, can enhance your quality of life and promote lifelong fitness and good health.
Studies show that people who participate in daily aerobic fitness activities . . .

• decrease their risk of heart disease and chronic illness
• experience lower blood pressure and improved efficiency in the muscles used for breathing and circulation
• maintain a healthy body weight, including lean muscle, by burning fat for energy
• enhance muscle balance, coordination, and agility
• manage stress effectively and recover better from stressful events

Getting Started: Steady Progress Reaps Benefits
A 20 minute stroll after dinner or during your lunch break is a wonderful first step toward improving the health of your heart and lungs and enhancing muscle endurance. As you become comfortable with more movement, begin following The American Heart Association's recommendations for enhancing overall cardiovascular health:

• 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity at least 5 days per week;

OR

• 25 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity at least 3 days per week.

If you haven't exercised in a while, first consult with your physician.
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Choose an activity you enjoy and you'll be more likely to stick with it. You'll also be more likely to maintain an exercise routine when you work out with a partner or small group. Steady progress provides more benefit than going "all out" and suffering an injury. Be patient. Give yourself several weeks for your body and mind to adjust to your healthy behavior change.

You walk into a massage therapy office needing relief and balance. You breathe in a spirit-lifting scent and then a remarkable calm washes over you. Most likely you've just experienced one of the amazing benefits of lavender.

This richly scented, deep purple flower is native to the mountainous zones of the Mediterranean, but widely available throughout the U.S., Europe and Australia. Over 2,500 years ago the ancient Egyptians used lavender in rituals, including the mummification process. In ancient Greece and Rome, the flowers and oils were sold at premium prices for use in soaps, perfumes and natural remedies.

Today, lavender essential oil is used in aromatherapy to help balance and soothe mental and emotional stress. While, lavender initially feels "reviving" to the senses, within moments it has a calming and restorative effect. In botanical medicine, lavender is used in treatment for anxiety, insomnia, fatigue, tension headache, and mild depression. For individuals with ADHD or Autism Spectrum Disorders, lavender is safe to use as part of a relaxation routine. It's one of the few essential oils that may be applied directly to the skin undiluted or in combination with other oils for massage and bathing.
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Lavender has a wide range of "floral notes" that can be achieved depending on the intensity of the concentration. It's available as a tincture, infusion, extract and, as noted, an essential oil alone or in combination with other herbs used for relaxation. Dried lavender and its derivatives are used in bath salts, sachets, eye pillows, and potpourris. Lavender, in herb form, may also be used in herbal beverages and teas.

Recognized for its role in bone structure and proper function of nerves and muscles, Magnesium has a multi-faceted role in disease prevention and health promotion. It is necessary for almost every chemical reaction that takes place in the body!

Here are just a few things magnesium can do for you:

• Calm your body by helping blood vessels dilate, which maintains lower blood pressure and makes it easier for the heart to pump blood.
• Improve quality of sleep, a critical defense against stress.
• Help neutralize stomach acid and move stools through the intestine.
• Play a role in lowering blood sugar, a major issue in diabetes management and prevention.
• Help with prevention and treatment of osteoporosis, nerve and back pain.

Food sources of magnesium include leafy vegetables, nuts, legumes, fish, fruits and whole grains. Because food levels of magnesium are affected by the quality of soil in which the food is grown, there have been huge declines in food-based magnesium content over the last few decades. Some people may be magnesium deficient and not realize that their symptoms of illness (e.g., headaches, muscle cramps, constipation) are related to insufficient magnesium.

​There are different types of magnesium (e.g., citrate, glycinate) and various forms (pill, powder, liquid). Some forms may be better suited to different types of health issues. If you are concerned about magnesium deficiency due to dietary habits or physical symptoms, consult with your holistic practitioner to select the right type of magnesium supplement. Some forms of magnesium are poorly absorbed, so won't provide therapeutic benefit, and other forms can cause changes in bowel movements.

A plant in the mint family, Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca)  gets its name from its ancient use: helping women who had a tendency to "over-mother" and thus experienced more stress, and less joy, in their maternal role. Today, throughout Europe and in Traditional Chinese Medicine, it's used as a medicinal herb to treat emotional conditions such as anxiety and depression. It also helps ease symptoms of menstrual distress, as well as physical and emotional exhaustion.

Motherwort can be prepared as a tea, tincture, or in capsule form. Depending on the the type of preparation, it can have a rather bitter taste and an odor some may find unpleasant. However, for many users, it becomes an "acquired taste" and the benefits outweigh any bitterness.

Motherwort has the ability to calm without causing drowsiness, and it has medicinal effects on circulation and heart rate. Because it can thin the blood, this herb should be used carefully and under the guidance of a qualified herbalist or natural health practitioner.

There's no doubt about it: what we eat, and how much we eat, has a direct impact on our physical health. But did you know that those same choices also influence mood, mental alertness, memory, and emotional wellbeing? Food can act as medicine, have a neutral effect, or it can be a poison to the body and mind.
When food acts as poison, it creates inflammation, which alters the body's balance of nutrients, hormones, and neurotransmitters. This directly affects your body's ability to manage and heal from stress or illness.
While some body-mind effects are due to naturally occurring nutrient content in food, much is due to hidden additives. Below, are four common culprits. If you're experiencing symptoms that interfere with your quality of living, talk with your natural health practitioner about the role these or other foods may play in your health.

Foods that Impact Body-Mind Wellbeing:

Caffeine: The most socially accepted psychoactive substance in the world, caffeine is used to boost alertness, enhance performance, and even treat apnea in premature infants. Caffeine is frequently added to other foods, so be mindful of total consumption. Too much caffeine (500-600 mg daily) interferes with sleep quality, which affects energy, concentration, and memory. Caffeine can aggravate other health conditions, cause digestive disturbances, and worsen menstrual symptoms and anxiety.

Food Dye: Those brightly colored, processed and packaged foods come with a rainbow of health risks. Listed on ingredient labels as "Blue 2," or "Citrus Red," food dye has been documented to contain cancer-causing agents (e.g., benzidine). They're also associated with allergic reactions and hyperactivity in children. Dyes are sometimes used to enhance skin color of fruits and veggies. A number of dyes have been banned from use in foods and cosmetics around the world.

Sugars: Increased sugar consumption (as much as 30% over the last three decades for American adults), is linked to decreased intake of essential nutrients and associated with obesity, diabetes, inflammatory disease, joint pain and even schizophrenia. Too much dietary sugar can result in blood sugar fluctuations, causing mood swings, anxiety, irritability, headaches, and increased depression. Sugars that can act as poison include High Fructose Corn Syrup, table sugar, artificial and "natural" sweeteners.

MSG: Monosodium glutamate is a flavor enhancer common in packaged and prepared foods. Although the FDA considers MSG "generally safe," some individuals experience a complex of physical and mental symptoms after eating MSG-containing foods. Symptoms vary but can include headache, sweating, nausea, chest pain, heart palpitations, and overstimulation of the central nervous system which can lead to alterations in sleep, mood, and immunity.
Becoming aware of your food choices, why you make them, and how you feel mentally and physically is an important first step in understanding your personal body-mind food connection. Your practitioner may ask you to keep a mind-body food journal to provide a clear picture of how your food choices affect your health.

The father of medicine, Hippocrates, once wrote, "The natural healing force within each one of us is the greatest force in getting well." However, as the quest for proof about how the body becomes ill and heals became the focus of the medical paradigm, the study of the mind and body were split apart.

Twenty-first century medicine is nearly coming full circle, returning to a foundation that advocates the mind and body are one, and the interaction between the two has an effect on well-being and healing from illness. Consequently, a number of terms and types of healing practices have been marketed to the public.

Let's examine those healing practices, what the research says, and how to determine if a particular treatment method is right for you.

Energy Medicine (EM) or Energy Healing is based on the supposition that illness results from disturbances in the body's energy fields. To restore and maintain flow and balance of one's 'life force energy'--also known as chi or prana--practitioners utilize noninvasive techniques from ancient traditions (e.g., acupuncture, Ayurveda, yoga, Reiki, kinesiology, and qigong). Many EM techniques involve tapping, massaging, twisting, or connecting specific energy points (acu-points) on the skin or along specific energy pathways (meridians).

Because so many people are trying these methods and expressing improvements in their health --with or without their doctor's support--there has been an increase in quality research and case studies demonstrating effectiveness for some people and some health conditions.

Quantum Healing (QH), sometimes called the "new physics of health," is based upon the premise that our bodies are fields of information, intelligence, and energy. As Deepak Chopra, MD, explained in an interview:

"Quantum healing is healing the bodymind from a level which is not manifest at a sensory level [visible or tactile] … a shift takes place in the fields of energy information, so as to bring about a correction to something that is out of balance. Quantum healing involves healing one mode of consciousness, mind, to bring about changes in another mode of consciousness, body."

QH embraces the view that some 'force' or 'spirit' is involved in healing; an example of QH is spontaneous healing from terminal illness. Distance healing, prayer, bioenergetics, and spiritual healing are some of the difficult-to-study methods that fall under QH.

Mind-Body Medicine (MBM) focuses on the interactions between mind and body, and the powerful ways in which emotional, mental, social, and spiritual factors directly affect health. It is being studied at research centers across the U.S. and throughout the world. In fact, the effect of our thoughts on our immune system is so powerful that a relatively new field of study has developed called psychoneuroimmunology.

What is different about MBM is the strong emphasis on scientifically validated techniques. MBM techniques typically include meditation, guided imagery, massage therapy, biofeedback, mindful movement (including yoga, tai chi), and acupressure or acupuncture. As more techniques are studied and validated, they make their way under the MBM umbrella.

The Truth Is Still Out There

Attempts to explore these 'energetic' and MB modalities scientifically--to understand if and how they work, for whom, and for what health conditions--is of great interest to both medical doctors and scientists. Researchers are looking for ways to measure clinical and biological changes that occur during and after a healing technique is administered, or used over time. They aim to demonstrate the mechanisms that cause healing to take place.

One intriguing question some scientists are exploring involves spontaneous healing from terminal illness--situations in which no medicine or surgery has worked and death is imminent. The question often posed: Is it the modality that heals or is it the power of belief that heals?

The so-called Truth could be related to one simple fact: The majority of alternative healing techniques all promote the Relaxation Response. Simply, this means that things like massage, meditation, acupuncture, and yoga create positive chemical and emotional changes in the body (e.g., lower heart rate and blood pressure, elevated mood, changes in brain waves, and lower stress hormones in the blood). These changes create a biochemical environment ideal for good health and for healing. Add in social support and a healthy dose of positive thinking, and you have a formula for optimal well-being.

Another possibility is the power of belief. We know that not every medicine works for every person with the same health problem. We know that some people benefit from alternative treatments and others see no change in their health. Is it because one person believes more strongly than another that something will work for them? If so, then that is the power of the mind over the body--but scientists struggle to measure that phenomenon.

What Can Science Tell Us?

MB research is a burgeoning field. "The health benefits of mind-body medicine have barely touched the surface of what it offers for future health and well-being," says Jim Massey, N.D. Techniques that have received the most research attention are those that have variables we can measure easily, such as physical changes in health, changes in hormone levels, and changes in self-reports of emotional states. Tai chi, qigong, Reiki, Therapeutic Touch, meditation (various styles), acupuncture/acupressure, yoga, and biofeedback are some of the most commonly researched. But the results are mixed. Evidence shows that these techniques are beneficial for alleviating or reducing pain, anxiety, and emotional stress. But benefits depend on a wide variety of factors including age, gender, social support, and use of other interventions. It makes for complicated research!

Is It Right for You?

To decide if an EM/MB method is right for you, carefully look at information about the modality to see how it might apply to you. Does it sound too good to be true? Has it been studied in a scientific way? How reliable are the first-person accounts?
Become an informed consumer and consult with your health practitioner to best assess if any alternative healing technique could benefit you.

Types of Energy Medicine/ Mind-Body Practices

• Magnetic Therapy
• Biofeedback
• Hypnosis
• Color / Light Therapy (Chromotherapy)
• ThetaHealing™
• Therapeutic Touch, Reiki
• Aromatherapy
• Flower Essence Therapies
• Sound Healing (e.g., with Tibetan bowls)
• Chi Gung, Qigong, Yoga
• Spiritual Healing

If daily hassles, constantly chiming cell phones, and past-due deadlines have you at the boiling point, simmer down to the yoga mat and find a little peace of mind.
 
A mind-body practice, Yoga combines physical poses (postures) called asanas, simple breathing exercises and guided meditation. Anyone can practice yoga and experience the health-enhancing benefits:

• Reduce blood pressure
• Lower resting heart rate (so the heart works more efficiently)
• Promote mental alertness
• Better manage symptoms of anxiety and depression
• Improve muscle tension associated with stress and chronic health conditions

 
There are many 'styles' of Yoga for you to try. Styles vary in how many and the intensity of how the poses are performed; some styles are more intense (Bikram, Power) and others more restorative (Kundalini, Ashtanga). All yoga styles originate from Hatha Yoga, which was developed in India about 5,000 years ago. Hatha Yoga is a good choice for managing stress and chronic health concerns. It also is ideal for beginners.
 
A yoga class begins with breathing exercises and gentle movements to clear the mind and limber the body for the "active postures." Next, you'll move through a series of poses (standing, seated, and lying down). During class an instructor may use the ancient Sanskrit (Hindu) names and the English names for poses, e.g., Mountain Pose (Tadasana) or Triangle Pose (Trikanasana). A certified instructor helps participants modify poses to suit their unique needs.
 
The focus of practicing yoga is not on how long or how perfectly you perform the pose. Nor is it competitive - so no making comparisons or judgments of self and others. Yoga is all about letting go of your mental chatter by focusing on the breath and allowing it to guide your body into a calm, centered state.
 
Yoga class concludes with a guided meditation or relaxation exercise. This may help you learn to be more mindful and aware of yourself in any moment of your day, not just the time you spend on the yoga mat.

The holiday season is upon us; it’s crazy how it just sneaks up like that! So much so that it is a week before Christmas and you haven’t started your shopping, your annual family holiday cards are still in a box waiting to be signed, sealed and delivered, and don’t forget that holiday potluck or two…. what to bring?!  The little stressors of the season add up and can leave you feeling overwhelmed and ready to take a vacation after your Christmas vacation. Here are some ways to minimize the stress and help you through the holidays.

1. Deep breathes – How many of us actually sit down and take the time to breathe in and use the full capacity of our lungs? Really draw in that air until you can’t any more. Deep breathing can calm you down by activating the parasympathetic nervous system.  Here are my tips for deep breathing:
   1. Sit in a comfortable position, cross-legged or in a chair.
   2. Straighten your back for easier breathing.
   3. Close your eyes as it helps you focus on your breaths
   4. Inhale slowly through the nose
   5. Take five seconds to fill the lower part of the lungs, by expanding the ribs and pushing the abdomen out.
   6. Concentrate on filling the top of the lungs for the next five seconds. This will expand the chest and tighten the abdomen slightly.
   7. Hold the breath for 1-5 seconds.
   8. Exhale slowly through the mouth until you have emptied the lungs.
   9. Repeat 5-10 times
2. Calming teas – Who doesn’t like tea? There are so many options to choose from and they all have health benefits. When you are running around with anxiety over buying the perfect gifts, instead of grabbing this seasons festive drink filled with caffeine and sugar (which only add to anxiety) a lot of coffee shops carry herbals teas, so grab a chamomile or a peppermint tea instead. These herbs are anxiolytics meaning they decrease anxiety.
   
3.  Exercise – What a great way to let out built up anger, frustrations and other emotions that are causing you stress. Sports like kickboxing, running and lifting weights are great for this.  Other, more calming forms of exercise include yoga and Tai chi.
   
4.  Journal – Similar to exercise, journaling is a great outlet to release emotions.  It allows you to reflect on the events of the day by writing down the roller-coaster of emotions you may have experienced, and gaining insight into your daily moods and behaviours. It allows for problem solving which can reduce stress, and can enhance self-esteem, which is important for mental health. Tip: journaling doesn’t have to be perfect, just start writing, no need to edit your thoughts and feelings, just get them out.
   
5. Make time for yourself – You are running around trying to do everything and for everyone.  But you won’t be much use to anyone if you don’t take care of yourself first. Invest in yourself and don’t feel guilty for it. Stick to your hobbies, schedule a time to read, listen to music or take a bath, and the quality of everything you do afterwards will be better because of it.
6. Try acupuncture – Acupuncture stimulates the nervous system causing the release of neurochemicals that have biochemical effects on the body and mind, to better your overall well being.
7. Spend time, not money – One of the biggest stresses of the season is around money.  A lot of people would prefer spending valuable time with you instead of receiving a gift.  Spend time by going for walks in nature, or having tea together. Cities always have free events going on that you can partake in and have a lot of fun with, such as ice-skating, and music festivals.
8. Help out your host - Constricted eating habits such as food allergies or sensitivities, can weigh on your mind when you are invited for a holiday meal. Some of your thoughts include “what am I going to eat!” or “I don’t want to be a burden”, and although most hosts don’t mind accommodating, it is nice to help them out. It reduces the stress for you and them. If you have constricted eating, let them know ahead of time so that they can prepare for you, bring a dish so there will be at least one thing you can eat, and don’t arrive hungry; fill up a little before you go as it is likely you won’t be able to eat every dish that is offered.
   
9. Reduce caffeine and sugar - It is well known that these two ingredients can add to an agitated state, so try to keep these to a minimum.
   
10. Meditate – Try to be quiet and present in the moment (I know, easier said than done). Start with 5 minutes a day if you can, if not, try a minute and just work your way up. You tube is a great place to start! This short Guided Meditation will help to get you started:
    

And there you have it!  I hope you give some of these tips a try as you go through the busy holiday season.

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