"Massage and movement stimulates circulation. Life is in the blood. The body repairs itself when it is functioning optimally. Increased circulation enhances youthfulness and vitality. Everyone needs massage and movement on a regular consistent basis to be optimally healthy. " author unknown

I wanted to share this quote with you because there is so much truth in it. There are as many types of massage as there are massage therapists.Individual and unique yet with common threads running throughout the modality called therapeutic massage.  It simply is one of the best ways to support your precious body in true wellness.

Let’s look at some information about the benefits of massage and movement….
Physical and mental oxygenation through movement and massage can increase  your energy and focus, can raise your metabolic rate, can improve your blood circulation and can activate your lymphatic system’s detoxification.

The mind moves into alertness and mental focus. Your natural chi or life force energy, can be stimulated and enhanced. It can help eliminate stress.

The brain can also move into an Alpha state which thereby creates a peaceful, meditative state of calmness, mind/body healing and wellness. Often after massage or meditative movement we can find ourselves in an altered state.

•  Reduction in muscle soreness, tension, stiffness, body aches and pains.
• Improved flexibility of muscles and joints, more limber – spinal alignment.
•  Improved function and regulation of internal organs and body systems.
•  Improved circulation of the blood – activated lymph drainage and detoxification.
•  Alleviation of stress related conditions – headaches, anxiety, depression.
•  The brain shifts into a relaxed Alpha brainwave state – mental focus.
  
• Steady weight loss correction if under or over weight, or menopausal (plus diet adjustment).
  
• Sound, restful sleep – increased energy, a wonderful sense of well-being.

These are just a few of the benefits one can receive from consistent movement and massage.

If you have never received a massage or do not have gentle movement built into your daily life, please consider exploring this wonderful modality.

©2012 Self-Health Essentials LLC

Nutritional Solutions for Mood Disorders and Depression Part I

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Did you know that it is our brain that makes us distinctly human? It is the basis of our emotions, memories, behaviors and moods. Because of our brain, we can read, write, compose and appreciate music, communicate with others and plan for the future. A balanced brain is the foundation for a life that is happier, more satisfying and one that can sustain healthy aging.  In this article we are looking at the importance of balancing lifestyle with nutrition to support each of us in a healthful approach to mood disorders.

Researchers believe most mood disorders are caused by complex chemical imbalances in the brain. The body responds to all sorts of factors both internally and externally from the thoughts we think to the kinds of foods we put into our body. In the field of nutritional science, we are looking for the most natural ways to support and balance those conditions using diet, supplementation, mind-body exercises and creative relaxation techniques.

Each year, almost 44 million Americans experience a mood disorder. 7-14% of children will experience an episode of major depression before the age of 15. While 20-30% of adult bipolar patients report their first episode during their 20s. Almost everybody will be challenged by depression at some point in their life. Research is showing that children are even more impacted by mood disorders than ever before. Statistics are showing pre-schoolers are the fastest-growing market for antidepressants. At least four percent of preschoolers — over a million children– are considered clinically depressed.

There are two primary classifications for mood disorders. They are bi-polar (also known as manic-depression) and depression alone.

Symptoms of Depression can include:                                                              

The second classification is Bi-Polar. It includes all of what is listed above with these following signs added:

What Can I do?

1. Create a plan, which works on changing your depression that includes: nutrition and dietary supplements, exercise and learning more about how to reduce stress and cortisol levels by more rest.
2. It’s important to realize that rest does not need to mean deep sleep. Listening to relaxing tapes or watching fish in a bowl can be restful. People with active mood disorders may need more rest because of the exhaustion from the emotions.
3. Breathing exercises are also very effective in bringing down anxiety or lowering tension and stress.
4. As a dietary strategy, one can use the Ziquin products as part of a nutritional plan for people who are challenged by mood swings and stress. The Mind and Body Tonic, EFA Complete and All Xymatic are foundational to finding balance between mind and body health. They can be useful in balancing the blood sugar, which helps people to stabilize cravings for sugar, feelings of irritability and loss of confidence.  It is important to keep nourishing the body since most people who suffer from depression will stop eating or eat too much of the wrong foods. Eating too many carbohydrates, sweets, caffeine drinks, drugs or alcohol can imbalance the brain. In the Mind and Body Tonic the vitamin B and D help to produce serotonin and melatonin which support the body to rest and relieve distress. 
   

© Self-Health Essentials LLC 2012

Nutritional Solutions for Depression and Mood Disorders Part II

Depression and mood disorders are characterized by extreme feelings. These feelings can include feelings of dejection, sadness, and emptiness. Symptoms can include poor appetite accompanied by inadequate diet and weight loss, or increased appetite with weight gain: insomnia or excess sleep; changes in usual activities; loss of interest; fatigue; loss of concentration and feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt.

In certain cases depression is indeed appropriate to a life event. To be diagnosed as depression, the depressed state must  be experienced for at least one month and should be defined as inappropriate to one’s life’s events. The causes of depression are categorized as psychological, sociological, biochemical or physiological. Specifically, they can include an overreaction to one’s life’s events or to stress, lack of sunlight during the winter months (Seasonal Affective Disorder), poor diet, nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, allergies, environmental and microbial factors or any serious physical disorder.

Good nutrition is a vital part to appropriate psychiatric care. Studies have shown that nutrients can profoundly influence biochemistry and brain activity. Among nutritionally oriented doctors, it is believed that diet is often the cause of depression and that our Western diet –which emphasizes junk food, snacking, processed foods and poor eating styles- is the primary contributor to mood disorders.

Some Nutritional Lifestyle Suggestions

vAvoid Caffeine and sugar. Research is showing many individuals experience a wonderful lift emotionally after eliminating caffeine and sugar from their diets.

vIncrease your consumption of tryptophan-rich foods. L-tryptophan is an amino acid that essentially is responsible for the production of serotonin, which is the part of our brain chemistry that can elevate mood and assist in normal sleep. Research has shown that in depressed individuals, the transportation of tryptophan maybe inhibited. A complex carbohydrate rich meal has been shown to facilitate the body’s ability to absorb tryptophan. Some tryptophan rich foods include turkey,raw  milk, bananas, figs, and dates.

vAvoid over processed and rancid fats. Bad fats can inhibit the synthesis of neurotransmitters in the brain,and can cause the blood cells to clump together resulting in poor circulation to the brain. On the other hand, healthy fats, like organic extra virgin olive oil, organic virgin coconut oil, raw organic butter and avocados ensure vascular flexibility and improved circulation.

v  Eating quality proteins that contain essential fatty acids can increase alertness. Some foods that contain essential fatty acids are wild caught salmon, sardines, organic almonds and sunflower seeds. Please make these organic whenever possible.

vIncrease your exercise. We keep hearing that gentle exercise done 3-4 times a week will make a great deal of difference in one’s ability to balance a mood disorder. Studies show a decrease in depression with an increase in movement and exercise.

vStudies have also shown the benefits of appropriate supplementation with whole food vitamins, systemic enzymes, Essential Fatty Acids and minerals. Why Ziquin

We at Self-Health Essentials support you in making these simple action steps in gaining balance and peace of mind. Please know this information is not intended as a substitute for consulting with your health care provider.These are suggestions to begin as you gather your many resources.