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healthy Tag

April 5, 2018

Learning to Love – Power to the Seeds

Early Sunday morning, January 7th 2018, 3 poems kept me awake in their persistence to be born. Meditate on this one, if you please, as we all must continually remember – & choose, to be Learning to Love…

Posted on Facebook page: Core Star Matrix Healing & other books – by Ellen Farrell

 

POWER TO THE SEEDS

Words flow at me –
so many options,
like exotic concoctions,
some fully cocked, some half–
or is it half-baked?
Isn’t this all a crock?

Who decided what is a weed?
Or what’s a good breed,
and who’s a bad seed?

Why can’t I grow on my land,
what I hold in my hand?
Who owns the trees – the bees?
For millennia, we farmed Nature’s seeds.
Who said you monsters of greed
can do as you please – but not we?

I just want peace,
to be free, to breathe;
to stand with the flowers,
lemon yellows, pinks, and greens.
In the sunshine – to swim in sweet waters,
and deep blue streams.

I dance in my dreams with my beloveds,
from ancestors to those yet to be.

Arm in arm are we…
and all I feel is this endless love,
which is the seed
they planted in me.

By Ellen Farrell, New York, NY, Copyright 2018

www.ellenfarrell.com

 

By ellen
October 27, 2016

Dealing with LIFE… Stress, GMO’s & Relationships

By Ellen Farrell, MA, NCC, LPC, EEM-AP                                                  2018

 

A key part of the work of becoming aware includes consciousness, not only of our own energies, history, triggers, emotional splinters – but also of the environment in which we live. Back in 1983 I’d graduated from Rutgers with a BFA, was living in NYC, & was doing great. Unfortunately within a year, I got into what became a dreadfully manipulative, abusive relationship. I ended that relationship, & I decided to never settle again. I did not know much about nutrition then, nor what was happening to our food supply. However, by ’86, when I met my true love & we married, HFCS had replaced cane sugar. Bromine, an endocrine disruptor, had replaced the essential nutrient iodine, in flour (which also may have been bleached with chlorine), which directly & negatively affects hormones.

Whether from the environment, emotional stress, past triggers or even ancestral patterns, all stressors are cumulative. We do eventually get hit in the immune system, &/or in the organs of the body. We get digestion issues, Liver has too many toxins to process (skin tries to pick up the slack), Kidney/Bladder gets over-taxed, & Lung may get overloaded. Everything is interconnected – & everyone responds differently to stress. Anyway, these changes in foods were the final straw for me, & it affected me greatly.

Maybe it was because I felt so safe with my husband that I was able to relax enough to notice healing was needed. Sometimes we can only allow ourselves to FEEL our problems only when we are NOT in survival mode. Having a supportive community (even if it is of just ONE) can make all the difference. I started to get sick – no traditional Dr.’s knew how to help me. I searched for knowledge! Books were minimal. I had conflicting information. I became more curious, & worked in the Nutrition / Health Food Industry (for 10+ years). I came to understand I had Leaky Gut & Chronic Fatigue (CFS), resulting in infertility. This was in the late-80’s. We’d cut out dairy, became vegan, learned about the burgeoning organic everything. We wanted a family, but fertility treatments did not work. We tried for a couple of years. Then following our plan (we thought we’d have a couple of kids by then), we moved to LA – I found Holistic Dr.’s who helped me clean out toxins, & rebuild the microbiome …or gut, as we used to call it. This gave me enough of an immune system boost to get pregnant. I’d been doing Reiki on myself (since my training in ’87), & this was powerfully healing too… finally, I got well!

We had our firstborn in 1991; our 2nd in 1993, in California. After a Spirit induced prescription we left LA before the big quake in ‘94 to Chicago, transferring from the recently purchased Mrs. Gooches Market to Whole Foods… I became a Team Leader in the Nutrition dept., but realized the part I liked best was the working with the customers, not the budget, or employee drama.

Fast forward to ’96… what the heck are GMO’s? After our daughter was born in Taos, NM, we decided to move near the grandparents, in Savannah, GA. We had no idea that our food supply was being made VERY toxic that very year! GM (Genetically Modified) meant seeds dipped with toxins (Neonics); or corn that makes its own chemicals (BtToxins); or foods that are sprayed with toxins, but DO NOT die (or they are used for harvesting non-GMO grains such as: wheat, oats, cotton, beans, lentils, sunflower, etc.).

We were now blessed with 3 young kids, & things got very busy! By ’98 I’d entered a Masters degree Psychology program… a dream I had for 8 years! However, while we were busy with LIFE, they didn’t tell us that GMO/ Roundup & other toxic chemical use was growing.

It was being used in factory farms… & in even higher doses in animal feed. This affects the quality of cow milk, & dairy as well as meat. Factory farmed animals are not healthy. Each year, the chemicals were becoming a stronger presence. I finished my MA degree – & began Licensure supervision plus full time work at an Arts College in Savannah. Eventually I got fried with being on call. I wanted to explore more healing energy work, & integrate intuitive with clinical approaches. While still in Savannah, ’06-’14, I began a private practice: Ellen Farrell Holistic Psychotherapy. Since then, I trained with Brian Weiss, for Past Life therapy; Equine therapy; Eden Energy 4-year advanced Energy Medicine training. My focus now is on the Energy & working in more of a Spiritual / Life coaching context. Working with the energy systems as Ellen Farrell Holistic Therapy.

While I loved my work / family life, it took years for us to realize that our food supply was becoming ever more toxic in the USA. I began to notice that it was making a LOT of people/my clients, sick. There continue to be increases in allowable toxin levels, & the amount of chemicals in the environment (& in us) keeps increasing. Many water systems & Rx meds contain flouride, which binds with magnesium to make it un-absorbed. So many of us were already mag deficient, even before Roundup chemicals… see Dr. Dean’s video: on the Importance of Magnesium. This is important to know – GMOs/Roundup (glyphosates) block uptake of amino acids like L-tryptophan (needed for sleep), all minerals, & it kills good bugs in our micro-biome (gut bacteria), causing toxic bacteria to flourish! The “bad” bacteria are working to remove the toxins, but by doing so, it increases their #’s. Depressed, & don’t know why? Check your D3 levels. Anxious, tense? Check Magnesium!

Our air, water, butterflies, birds, and bees are all suffering similar fates… disappearing at alarming rates. BigAg, BigPharma/Chemical companies’ profits have become more important than the health of the people. If we keep it up we will not have food, let alone flowers. We need our pollinators to stay alive.

By 2014, I’d had a few years of high STRESS: menopause, job changes, empty nest, pet deaths, eldest son graduated from college, 3 years of a sick parent, followed by the death of that parent. Finally, moving from Savannah (where we lived for 16 years), back to NYC. This was coming full circle to where I met my husband, & where I was born (Brooklyn). I was not busy enough (haha), so just prior to moving, I began & completed an Indiegogo writing project as Spirit was hounding me for a few years, to write about what I was seeing / experiencing. Moving to a more toxic city, plus realizing that mold in our 1st apartment had a profound effect. You can’t always smell or see it! If it reappears in your bathroom grout, or in a window, beware! It caused me to later understand how the toxic restaurant food had been the “final straw”…even though, while navigating kids’ college issues, visits, & writing like a hermit, we kept to all organic food at home, but in NYC I “cheated” too – who doesn’t love NY pizza?

I was having sentimental memories of my time in the early 80’s & before, yet back then, there was no bromine in the flour. Nor were the crust, sauces & cheese filled with toxins from glyphosated crops, feed, & animals from factory farms. I had GMO soy tofu in local/regular Chinese restaurants, & got a massive, painful skin rash in the fall of 2016. Trust me, if the food is organic, it will say so on the menu. I realize now when I asked if it was organic, non-GMO soy/tofu, the uninformed waiter likely had no idea what I was talking about. It was totally WISHFUL thinking on my part. My body was informing me, but I was slow on the uptake/denial (not just a river in Egypt). Oops. No more.

What do you eat? What are your stressors? What do you do that brings you JOY? What are your stress/health management rituals to stay in the flow?

Acknowledge what phase or transitions are you/your family are in… we are always moving through something! Now in the gut, we have what is called a “biofilm” (this means really big absorption problems), because glyphosates accumulate, & are sprayed on non-GMO wheat & other grains – even on cane sugar & sunflowers to bring the crop to harvest. Understand that overwhelm with no practice of being mindful/mindful breathing or self-calming skills – also makes us more vulnerable to illness and immune system insults.

Do not swallow the chaos. Do clear your FIELD after ANY non-loving interchanges (see the 3 new energy exercises in my FREE Webinar on the Home page!)! Stress can lead to decreases in D3, B & C vitamins, & – as with pesticide/herbicides like NeoNics/ glyphosates (depletes aromatic amino acids such as tryptophan, which is needed for serotonin, & SLEEP!, & blocks uptake of minerals like magnesium, zinc/copper, selenium (removes mercury), etc.). Stress + GMO/Roundup, etc., can increase gut, mood, hormone, energy & weight imbalances. It is a downward spiral that may lead to… more mood, gut/immune system challenges… & more stress! Can you relate?

Please pace yourself, & be strong with your vision for your healthy life! Learn how to stay grounded, centered, & clear – tend to your Soul, & be mindful of the needs of your body. Don’t over-extend your self! Checkout my ‘Links’ in the drop down menu to find out the most chemically sprayed foods to avoid at all costs, such as corn, canola, alfalfa, apples, berries, celery, squash, ALL animal products… & purchase local, fresh, whole, organic foods. Most of all begin to identify where you can create more joy & balance in YOU.

Remember it is better to spend a little bit more now than to have poor quality of life/ massive debt due to medical bills or the distress of chronic illness. Consider that we need new skills to detox, heal, replenish… to transcend the fear-enhancing/toxin-laden world, & to maintain health.

I learned to regain my equilibrium again, & you can too. This is a quality & quantity of life choice. You can die younger, with a growing amount of dis”ease” each year, or you can be pro-active. I encourage you to get active, & get informed. Stay healthy friends!

www.ellenfarrell.com

    See these links to help BEES & BUTTERFLIES!

#GrowFoodNotLawns   #PollinatorFriendlyYards   #EatOrganic

AVOID glyphosates or Roundup* in yards or parks (contains 2-4D/Agent Orange, Dicamba, & other toxins = a chemical formula, untested as a group).

Try NON-TOXIC OPTIONS: vinegar, epsom salt… etc., for weeds – & Compost organic! *Buy local, organic, NATIVE, heirloom seeds & plants, please!

 

By ellen
October 23, 2016

Healthy Eating

By Ellen Farrell, MA, NCC, LPC, EEM-AP

 

I want to feel healthy, but I don’t know where to start – help!

There are some basic components to feeling healthy. It’s is a mind-body-spirit deal! What is your stress management practice? Have you healed past traumas/explored connecting spiritually? do you watch how you breathe; meditate? What kind of movement/exercise do you practice? Let’s start with healthy eating. Researchers agree that the bottom line is whole grains and a variety of fresh fruits and especially, vegetables. Eat foods from a variety of protein sources to meet activity levels and personal needs. So what does all that mean?

First of all, know that fiber is essential to health… & meat and dairy products have no fiber!

Our bodies run on carbohydrates – but processed foods, white flour, excessive caffeine, and sugars are extremely detrimental, and cause a multitude of imbalances and dis”ease”. Read drmcdougall.com for more info on differences in need for whole grains based on digestion issues. However some people need more lean protein, and some need less. See Dr. Mercola @ mercola.com. He has a good self test to see what body type works best for you. There is significant research on different brain types needing different foods to keep the neurotransmitter in balance (see Dr. Joel Robertson; robertsonbrainhealth.com). For instance someone who has been exposed to molds, or had too much stress may develop systemic issues such as a compromised digestive system may do better with white rice and cooked veggies, or juicing fresh organic – always check with your medical professional and consider your specific needs when deciding on dietary choices. Some options to start your day with are: a good level of fiber cereal (5 to 9 grams), a fruit, pea, hemp, or other organic protein shake (throw in a banana, kefir – dairy or non-dairy, and okay if organic; nut butter, or berries!). Or start with a vegetarian, pasture-raised egg and organic, sourdough whole grain toast. There are also tofu substitutes for eggs – tofu scrambler, my favorite (tho, we use our own herbs/spices, and may add potato, peppers, tomatoes, garlic, sweet or red onion, etc.). Though some folks like to avoid processed soy, other soy options include organic grilled soy, or smoked tempeh. In moderation this is safe for most folks, though soy can affect estrgen levels, so moderation is important.

A great substitute: for cheese is Nutritional yeast, flakes or powder; or for cow milk is Coconut milk. This works for baking; and for stews, curries, etc., coconut cream or manna (butter) are both delicious and highly nutritious. Add to lentils and rice, with Himalayan salt and pepper, and curry spices like tumeric with healing garlic and veggies – YUM! Additionally, many butter substitutes and cheeses are now available not made from cow milk – though if you use butter or cheese, I recommend organic from grass fed cows ONLY. You can even use plain organic, coldpressed Coconut oil in place of butter… whatever you do, avoid margarine, or any form of hydrogenated fats. I have found that many times people cannot tolerate a food, but when we energy test the organic variety, or lower the amount, they test strong! Keep experimenting  and learning to find what works for you.

Consider protein options such as lentils (green, pink, yellow, French) or legumes (beans are high in fiber), or wild-caught salmon and other cold water fishes (check oceans alive or seafood choices alliance sites for more info.).

Dr. Andrew Weil states that his “nutritional research convinced me of the health benefits of fish”. He goes on to say “…fish provides high-quality protein without the saturated fat present in meat and poultry. And some kinds of fish – specifically, fatty fish from cold northern waters – also provide omega-3 fatty acids, the special, unsaturated fats our bodies need for optimum health. Wild salmon, mackerel, herring, sardines and bluefish are rich in them, as is – to a lesser extent – albacore tuna.” Dr. Mercola is a big proponent of krill. https://www.mercola.com/infographics/fish-oil-vs-krill-oil.htm

Omega-3 sources other than fish are few, but they do exist in: walnuts, flax seeds, hemp seeds, etc. Be sure that the oils extracted from them are fresh: not heated/made rancid, or moldy as many nuts are. They can be soaked in lemon and purified water for an hour and then baked in the over for 20 minutes to minimize negative effects. It is possible to get everything you need from non-animal sources. Research amino acids such as Taurine, Threonine, Theanine, or B-12 supplementation if this is a concern.

Consider eating vegetarian, organic/free range eggs! Of course, all animal “meat” is best if organic as well. The old way of minimal animal meat as a food source, and hunting animals in the wild, being mindful of the needs of the herd, not killing young or mothers for example, was a far superior approach. Getting closer to this is a more balanced way of living. When you are eating animal products, you are taking in the chemicals that are sprayed on the food they eat (corn, soy). You also want to avoid all the antibiotics and bovine growth hormones that factory farms use. They cause inflated stress hormones and inflammation in the animals who live in such stressful and unnatural settings. Unless you eat only food you grew or hunted, or only buy organic, then you’re eating the same poor quality foods that are found in major chains or fast food restaurants. Go to see what they have at your local farmer’s market, whenever you are able!

Eat right, exercise… do something daily that brings you joy; meditate on, and spend time in Nature. Go sit by a beautiful tree or listen to ocean sounds! Connect with your inner and higher wisdom, and cultivate a connection of trust within, and you will be on the best path to feeling healthy. As with creating balance in your life, this is an ongoing journey. Having/cultivating a network of friends who are on the same path is great support. Stay present, pay attention, and keep choosing to be healthy!

 

This article was updated in 2016. Originally printed in the SCAD Chronicle 2006, under the heading, HEALTH GURU it was written by Wellness counselor, Ellen Farrell who coordinated wellness and lifestyle management services in the department of student recreation and fitness.

 

www.ellenfarrell.com

By ellen
October 23, 2016

What is a Healthy Relationship?

By Ellen Farrell, MA, NCC, LPC, EEM-AP 

Explore your relationship status level of health!

In her book In Love and in Danger, (c) 1998, author Barrie Levy outlines warning signs of unhealthy, or even abusive relationships.
One must identify whether these issues are generated from within / past/ fears – or from others in current situations: partner, friend, or family members. She states,

“Many victims don’t recognize that they are being abused. They don’t realize how they have gradually changed because of the abuse. Are you a victim of dating  <or other> violence? If you answer yes to two or more of the below questions, your relationship is, or is likely to become abusive…

  •  Are you frightened of your boyfriend or girlfriend’s temper/afraid to disagree with him or her?
  • Do you find yourself apologizing to self /others for your partner’s behavior when you’re treated badly?
  • Have you been frightened by his/her violence – been hit, kicked, shoved, or had things thrown at you?
  • Do you not see friends or family because of his/her jealousy?
  • Have you been: forced to have sex/afraid to say no to sex?
  • Are you forced to justify every: thing you do/place you go/person you see to avoid his/her temper?
  • Have you been wrongly and repeatedly accused of flirting/having sex with others?
  • Are you unable to go out, get a job or go to school without his/her permission?”

Gavin de Becker, author of The Gift of Fear, drawing on his extensive expertise “explodes the myth that most violent acts are random and unpredictable… he shows that they usually have discernable motives and are preceded by clear warning signs.”

De Becker details pre-incident indicators (PIN’s), which can determine if someone poses a danger.

“One can learn how to: Recognize the survival signals that warn us about risk; Rely on their intuition; Separate real from imagined danger; Predict Dangerous Behavior; Evaluate whether someone will use violence; and Move beyond denial <to let> intuition work”.

Remain aware of thoughts/feelings and others’ actions – they provide important information. This can help prevent one from becoming embroiled in a situation or relationship that could be destructive and abusive – ask

“Am I respecting/honoring myself?” and “How do my relationships with others reflect a healthy and honoring way of being?”

The Domestic Violence & Incest Resource Centre (DVIRC.org), puts respect as the foundation of a healthy relationship – signs of “healthy” are stated as being when you:

  • Have fun together and both feel like you can be yourself;
  • Trust each other, listen to each other, and can have different opinions and interests;
  • Can both compromise, say sorry, and talk arguments out;
  • Don’t have to spend all of you spare time together – can spend time on your own, or with your own friends/family.

Stay aware, respect yourself, and listen to your intuition.

Work on correcting patterns that are unhealthy – but remember, it takes both of you contributing and sharing this goal to make it work.

Remember to talk with trusted friends/family who are loving and respectful – and ask for help and support when needed!

 

This article was originally printed in the SCAD Chronicle, where Ellen Farrell was a counselor, 2000-2006. Updated 2016.

 

www.ellenfarrell.com

By ellen
October 23, 2016

What Is Complementary Medicine?

By Ellen Farrell, MA, NCC, LPC, EEM-AP

 

We have all heard the terms – complementary, alternative, holistic, preventive, stress management, lifestyle management, and on and on! Complementary Medicine is seen as a more appropriate term than alternative, because while at times, we still may need the diagnostic skills and more aggressive interventions of the medical model, these other approaches still complement. It doesn’t have to be an either-or situation, even though it’s often considered an adjunct to typical medical care. So it’s not always a replacement, but with its more holistic, lifestyle, and preventive approach, it is often less invasive. That translates to such things as a mind/body/spirit perspective – using a good maintenance approach with acupuncture, aromatherapy, chiropractic, homeopathy, as well as other systems of healing from around the globe! Elements of many of these approaches are being mainstreamed more and more, yet for the most part, these methodologies differ from our current AMA understanding of healing and how to be whole and healthy.

From these ‘new’ approaches such as the aforementioned homeopathy (only 200 or so years old!), to ancient healing modalities such as Ayurvedic Medicine, for which Deepak Chopra is so well known for bringing to popularity – as well as Chinese Herbs/Medicine, Native American Herbs (and East-West blends made by Master Herbologists like Michael Tierra) continue to become more accepted. Practitioners may use Vitamin/ Mineral supplementation, Aromatherapy, Bodywork (i.e., Reiki, Massage, Rolfing…), Energy Medicine, Breath-work, Acupuncture, Psychotherapy, Hypnotherapy, Meditation, Prayer, etc. to support or regain health. Often more than one of these approaches is desirable in addition to holistic exercises such as T’ai Chi, Qi Gong, and Yoga –these are practiced in order to promote flexibility, range of motion, and circulation, and to avoid a state stagnation or dis-“ease”. Overall, these exercises are a great addition to any other exercises or sports you may practice, as they support  being more mindful, and having good energy flow. They are time tested as a wonderful way to maintain a state of balance and health.

Ever since the advent of managed care with its often time-limited sessions, and more corrective and reactive than preventive approach, we have experienced a revolution in patient awareness and involvement. Natural, holistic medicine has existed for centuries, however in the United States, especially since the 1950’s, science has ruled – largely to the exclusion of wisdom from ancient cultures, new healing modalities, or mind, body, and spirit integration. Yet, despite a lack of regard for the validity of such information by many in the field of medicine, there continues to be interest in these approaches. Now the wallets of the disenfranchised are speaking for them – in fact, some insurance companies are recognizing the benefits and savings to themselves as well as to the consumer.

Several medical schools and hospitals now include a broader approach in their training of healing modalities, such as Dr. Andrew Weil’s school, in Arizona. In fact as Dr.’s Dean Ornish, Larry Dossey, Joan Borysenko, Christiane Northrup, Norm Shealy, Caroline Myss, and others have documented, written about at length, and more than proven, that a holistic approach to health and healing is the most effective. Watch The Truth About Cancer series which provides a great background of how traditional medicine evolved, and effective complementary options.

Allopathic care is effective and important, but it is only one piece of the staying healthy puzzle, while many other approaches may be supportive and effective in preventing illness and maintaining health. With all the information available about complementary care, it is now easy to increase one’s awareness about how to create health. By staying informed and choosing to heal on all levels with a holistic approach, we may achieve a greater capacity to cope with multiple stressors – and to improve our   quality of life, every single day.

 

Updated in 2016. Original version was printed in The (SCAD) Campus Chronicle, V.2, No. 22, April 26, 2002

 

www.ellenfarrell.com

By ellen
October 23, 2016

Creating Inner Calm Despite Outer Chaos

By Ellen Farrell, MA, NCC, LPC, EEM-AP

 

Is it possible for one to feel calm even when it seems that the world is falling apart? Dealing with busy lives, day-to-day hassles, and often-complex schedules can cause anxiety! In addition, one may have personal issues that take up precious energy such as concerns about: a family member, friend, pet, personal health, love life, professional development or work-related stress, spiritual issues, etc. We may be focusing energy on things that COULD happen (in the future), or stressing and depressing about things that have happened in the past. Imbalances may also be experienced due to improper diet, lack of sleep, inflammation, poor time management, self-sabotaging habits, or substance overuse. When loved ones are exposed to external conflicts, potentially dangerous situations, major transitions, losses, or other challenges, one may feel responsible to ‘fix’ their problems. Especially when global/ environmental/ political issues are layered on top of personal issues, one may feel overwhelmed, which can feel like the proverbial “straw” that broke the camel’s back. How can a person who is leading a chaotic feeling life, still find peace?

As the Tao Te Ching states, “… stay at the center of the circle, and let all things take their course.”

Despite the fact that there may be many circumstances which are chaotic, and even despite the fact that these circumstances may at times feel overwhelming, people DO NOT need to identify with those problems.

Eckhart Tolle shares in his book, The Power of Now,
“Forget about your life situation for a while and pay attention to your life. … Focus your attention on the Now and tell me what problem you have at this moment.

… it is impossible to have a problem when your attention is fully in the Now – a situation that needs to be either dealt with or accepted – yes.

The mind unconsciously loves problems because they give you an identity of sorts. You become so overwhelmed by your life situation that you lose your sense of life, of Being.

Or you are carrying in your mind the insane burden of a hundred things that you will or may have to do in the future instead of focusing your attention on the one thing that you can do now. When you create a problem, you create pain.”

Choosing to live in the present moment can be the beginning of a new, healthier experience – and a richer and more meaningful life. Making fundamental choices, as recommended by author Robert Fritz, and outlined in his book, The Path of Least Resistance supports creating that in your life. These include the fundamental choices, to be:

healthy, free, true to yourself, and the predominant creator in your life –

all of these are to be made in alignment with the highest good.

Another insightful author, Don Miguel Ruiz, in his well-known book The Four Agreements encourages one to commit to four different choices which complement those proposed by Fritz. They are:

  •      always do your best,
  •      don’t take anything personally,
  •      don’t make assumptions, and
  •      be impeccable with your word.

To choose to live a more balanced life (and be able to access inner peace), be prepared to listen, to follow your intuition and to act on it. Begin by taking a nice slow breath –and decide what you want do NOW.

Originally printed in Personal Space, The SCAD Campus Chronicle, Vol. 3, No. 30, July 18 and 25, 2003

 

www.ellenfarrell.com

By ellen
October 23, 2003

Coping With Stress – Let the Love Flow

By Ellen Farrell, MA, NCC, LPC, EEM-AP

 

Coping with stress is best approached from a holistic perspective, with a focus on prevention. The holistic approach is an excellent complement to allopathic medicine, which holds an important place in the treatment of disease. Research shows that many positive effects result from a holistic approach (i.e., proper nutrition, exercise, spiritual connection, and finding meaning – through volunteerism, work, art, etc.) in dealing with the many stressors one may experience in life.

There is also increasing evidence that love and intimacy are “among the most powerful factors in health and illness.” According to research as compiled in Dr. Dean Ornish’ s book (1998), Love and Survival, The Scientific Basis for the Healing Power of Intimacy, intimacy is:

“at the root of what makes us sick and what makes us well, what causes sadness and what brings happiness, what makes us suffer and what leads to healing.” In fact, he states,

“I am not aware of any other factor in medicine – not diet, not smoking, not exercise, not stress, not genetics, not drugs, not surgery – that has a greater impact on our quality of life, incidence of illness, and premature death from all causes.”

Dr. Ornish states that the first step needed is “awareness, to be followed by meditation, compassion, altruism, group support, commitment, communication skills, psychotherapy/and forgiveness.” These are all “pathways to learning to open our hearts.”

Heart health involves more than monitoring cholesterol – it also reflects OUR EMOTIONAL AND SPIRITUAL HEART HEALTH.

We find meaning in life through our heart connection.

Although our facility for intimacy is paramount, diet and exercise are still key components of holistic health. One must be wary of research when it doesn’t support the relationship between health and the consumption of a high fiber, low fat diet – even when published in highly regarded journals such as the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM). For instance, a study done in April of 2000, found that a high fiber, low fat diet did not protect against colon cancer.

As Dr. Ornish points out the participants’ fat intake was measured only by self-report, supposedly dropping from 36 to 24 percent – yet they lost, on average only one pound over four years, and their cholesterol levels “barely budged”. Reliable research tells us that a big drop in fat intake would result in a similar reduction of weight and cholesterol.  Dr. Ornish states that since the reports were not verified it is doubtful, considering the outcome, that the self-reported information was valid. In general, a healthy diet means low fat (this is in my mind, what Dr. Ornish saw with his heart diseased patients – perhaps it could also have been the Type A over-work syndrome, and otherwise unhealthy eating habits that were the issue). Of course, eating a high fiber diet with complex carbs, and a variety of fruits and vegetables is always good – the less processed, the better! I also want to point out that sugar levels were not measured!

Current research differentiates between good and bad fats. Bad are hydrogenated, or otherwise rancid, or degraded in production. Best is organic EEVO or coconut oil, for example. We need fats, such as from nuts, seeds, avocadoes, etc. – just not from junk food. No one needs excess fried foods (oil may be rancid/ not changed daily in some chain restaurants), or chemically processed and sprayed vegetable oils, like corn, canola, cottonseed, or soy.

There are some differences in defining specific food choices that ultimately define “healthy” for the individual – ethical/environmental food choices, body type/dosha, yin/yang balance, age, physiological and genetic variables – we are each unique! Of course, as we age and enter our 30’s and 40’s, and beyond, our metabolism slows. According to Dr. Pamela Peeke, “Women over the age of forty do not require (as much) dense complex carbohydrates (pasta, bread, potatoes, oats, rice, etc.) after 5 p.m. <evening meal>” This does not mean to go to an extreme of cutting all carbs!! We especially need those good whole grain carbohydrates at breakfast – so don’t skip it (or at least, check with your medical provider), but consider adding non-GMO, and especially organic, as many carbs are heavily sprayed at harvest with toxic chemicals! Did you know that cortisol, the stress hormone is activated when we stress ourselves by starving our bodies, as in skipping breakfast, or going more than 2-5 hours without eating?

Dr. Peeke has many good tips on her website, and the article quoted above is from “10 Toxic Weight Prevention Tips Every Woman Needs to Know“.

An intention to be healthy also manifests through exercise, which:

  • makes our bodies stronger by increasing blood supply to the brain – as we age, working out improves cognitive abilities;
  • exercise can reverse the negative characteristics of aging;
  • psychological benefits of exercise: “improved self-esteem, body concept, family relations, memory, concentration, more energy, better sleep.”
  • increases of nor-epinephrine from regular exercise overcome depression;
  • in fact, it was found that a 15-minute walk provided more relaxation than a standard mild tranquilizer!

Research shows that three factors of a good exercise program usually include:

the time (best in AM, prior to eating);

Supplementation;

Type of exercise (20 minutes cardio/weights–preceded by a 20–30 minute meditative walk).

A balanced life includes a balanced diet, exercise, and individual stress management/group support. Making this a priority allows space for that all-important love and intimacy, known as the foundation of lasting heart health – and overall health!

 

This article was originally printed in the SCAD Campus Chronicle, where Ellen was a counselor from 2000-2006. It was updated in 2016.

 

www.ellenfarrell.com

By ellen