Category Archives: Sleep

Hypnotherapy and Health

Hypnotherapy and Health

 

What do you think of when you hear the word “hypnotherapy?”  Excitement? Enthusiasm? Relaxation? Concern?  Well, some people areHypnotherapy and Health afraid that hypnotherapy or guided imagery will make you lose control.  That you will be under the influence of someone or something else.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  We have heard that there are a few individuals in religious circles who warn that is it somehow “evil” —  well there is absolutely no basis for labeling it in that way.  Read further to see why.

 

Granted, extreme applications (of understanding how the mind can work) are used to manipulate others by cults and in harsh interrogation methods by the CIA, FBI, police, Mossad, M-1, KGB, and elsewhere.  But that is a vastly different situation.  For health improvement and stress reduction, hypnotherapy and guided imagery are extremely benevolent and non-directive.  It is a matter merely of offering suggestions — giving your higher powers an opportunity to choose another way that can be helpful.

 

Hypnotherapy and Positive Reinforcement

 

This aspect of healing and health maintenance can be a very positive addition to your “medicine cabinet.”  In fact, ALL TOP OLYMPIC ATHLETES and successful CEOs routinely use this for peak performance.  Essentially it is positive self-talk.  And can you deny that you speak to yourself, inside your head, many times a day?  It is a normal aspect of your brain function, and making sure that the words are supportive and positive is key. (Of course, if there are many voices in your head telling you to murder and kill, that could be a sign of serious mental illness.  This is NOT what we are talking about here.)

 

Patients’ Experience of Hypnotherapy at The Redwood Clinic

 

Are we just talking theory here?  Is there any proof of this?  Well, at The Redwood Clinic we have been using this in conjunction with acupuncture and other approaches for the past 25 years or more.  This is because it is safe, quick, and effective.  Our patients, by in large, love it and look forward to it at their visits.  Of course, some people don’t choose to do it and that is fine too.  But of those who do utilize this adjunctive tool, 100% are excited about it and find that it is really a positive influence in their health.

 

Hypnotheray and Kaiser Health Care

 

Kaiser Foundation Health Care is a conservative organization.  They require some solid evidence before they will pay for or use some method.  Well, they encourage the use of hypnotherapy and guided imagery, as do Harvard, Stanford, the Mayo Clinic, and almost all of the major medical schools and centers in the U.S.  Why? Because it is safe and effective.

 

What does Kaiser specifically say about it?   “Your mind and body are connected. Guided imagery programs engage your mind, body, and spirit to help you:

  • reduce stress
  • focus on healthy changes
  • promote healing”

 

Kaiser has a specific place that  “produces our gentle, but powerful, guided imagery programs. Kaiser Permanente doesn’t provide transcripts for these programs because the reading voice — its softness and pace — is key to their success.”  That organization is called Healthy Journeys.

 

Areas that Kaiser Promotes Hypnotherapy

 

What hypnotherapy/guided imagery audios do they provide direct access to all Kaiser members?

 

  1. Related to “Health Conditions and concerns”: allergies, coping with cancer, cancer chemotherapy, cancer radiation therapy, fibromyalgia and fatigue, headaches, healthy heart, immune system health, menopause, pain, pregnancy and childbirth, and surgery.
  2. Related to “Emotional Wellness:” anger and forgiveness, grief, panic attacks and anxiety, self-confidence, and stress.
  3. Related to “Living Healthily:” relaxation and wellness, sleep, stop smoking, and weight loss.

 

Kaiser has been providing these self-access resources since at least 2012.  At The Redwood Clinic we have been using these since at least 1990.  Always on the cutting edge of what we can do to help you wholistically.

 

We will also have some podcasts on this subject on our podcast channel: http://www.NaturalSolutionsWithDrJay.com

NSDJ5 Interview with Shirley McElhattan

Interview of Shirley McElhattan by Dr. Jay Sordean related to her services and experiences in the senior placement consultation industry. Shirley has been working in that capacity for 20+ years in the San Francisco Bay Area. She also has personal experience helping to care for a family member with Alzheimer’s.  Http://www.NaturalSolutionsWithDrJay.com

Contact Shirley at  http://www.stpaulstowers-esc.org

Dr. Jay interviewed Shirley for background for his two bestselling books. To order either of the bestselling books by Dr. Jay Sordean, go to:http://www.OutsmartingDementia.com and  http://www.SuperBrain-TheBook.com
For information about brain evaluation and treatments, go tohttp://www.TheRedwoodClinic.com/chapel
To learn more about Alzheimer’s, dementia, and how to boost your brain power, go to http://www.theredwoodclinic.com/alzheimers-dementia-prevention/

Go to Natural Solutions with Dr. Jay and sign up for the podcast.

Or go directly to the interview by Clicking here.

http://www.naturalsolutionswithdrjay.com/?powerpress_pinw=47-podcast

Acupuncture and Sedona Method – Great Combination

Acupuncture and Sedona Method – Great Combination

At The Redwood Clinic we combine the best of natural medicine approaches to create a synergistic effect.  This enables faster and deeper results for patients.  This also addresses the physical, emotional, and spiritual levels of a person’s health concerns.

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine are a multifaceted system including energy work, OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAmassage, exercise, diet, stress-reduction, herbal formulas and even martial arts.  As comprehensive as allergythis may be, there are still other approaches to healing and health that work very well with acupuncture and Chinese medicine.

Thus, we like to combine the best of all worlds when possible.  Of course, if you are coming in with an insurance plan, that plan has restrictions on what it will pay for and not pay for.  Usually that is very limited.  So to really get the full benefit of our years of clinical experience you may have out of pocket expenses. But believe me, that is worth it.

11-10-08-speeding-mediumYour car insurance won’t pay for a tune-up — only crashes.  But you don’t refuse to get the tune-ups just because your insurance won’t pay for it.  The same thing should apply to your health.

When people are resting during an acupuncture session we often encourage them to listen to a guided imagery process to work on different aspects of their body’s healing powers.  And to reduce stress responses.  One of the many processes we offer selectively to patients, based on their individual needs and circumstances, might be the Sedona Method.Sleep

Please watch and listen to another recent positive experience using this unique integrative approach only found at The Redwood Clinic.

 

Sodium – Hair Mineral Analysis Element

Sodium – Hair Mineral Analysis Element and Body Functioning

Sodium is an important element and mineral test in the hair mineral analysis testing.  Sodium plays a significant role in your body and cells, often paired up with Potassium.  If you have high blood pressure your doctor will tell you to cut down on your Sodium. Doctors also look at the amount of Sodium in your blood during the comprehensive blood testing.  This hair deposition of Sodium gives additional and significant information about your body that the blood Sodium levels do not.

Diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure, cardiovascular illness, obesity, cognitive decline — are just a few of the many conditions, malfunctions, or diseases that do not develop symptoms often until they are progressed quite a long time and Sodium may play a key role.  Functioning has to drop to around 40% for symptoms to be obvious — up until a drop of function by 60% we know about dysfunction by things other than symptoms.   Hair Mineral Analysis focuses on particular minerals –macro, micro, trace and heavy metals found stored in your hair.  Understanding the relationships among the different minerals found can tell us a lot about how your body is functioning.  Not only your body, but your emotions and hormones.

After watching this, if you want to get a hair mineral analysis with explanation please contact The Redwood Clinic at +1-510-849-1176.

Hair mineral Analysis You tube videos

Sodium: https://youtu.be/WLiNaQqTHTM

 

Calcium – Hair Mineral Analysis Element

Calcium – Hair Mineral Analysis and Body Functioning

Calcium is an important element and mineral test in the hair mineral analysis testing.  Calcium plays a significant role in your body and cells, often paired up with Magnesium.  It is stored in the bones and used everywhere, muscles, nerves, and cell membranes.  Doctors  look at the amounts of Calcium in your blood during the comprehensive blood testing.  This hair deposition of Calcium gives additional and significant information about your body that the blood Calcium levels do not.

Diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure, cardiovascular illness, obesity, cognitive decline — are just a few of the many conditions, malfunctions, or diseases that do not develop symptoms often until they are progressed quite a long time and Calcium may play a key role.  Functioning has to drop to around 40% for symptoms to be obvious — up until a drop of function by 60% we know about dysfunction by things other than symptoms.   Hair Mineral Analysis focuses on particular minerals –macro, micro, trace and heavy metals found stored in your hair.  Understanding the relationships among the different minerals found can tell us a lot about how your body is functioning.  Not only your body, but your emotions and hormones.

After watching this, if you want to get a hair mineral analysis with explanation please contact The Redwood Clinic at +1-510-849-1176.

Hair mineral Analysis You tube videos

Calcium: https://youtu.be/YecrOenJTZE

 

Heavy Metal Toxicity | Heavy Metal Test | Heavy Metal Detoxification Capacity

Removing Toxicity – Heavy Metal Toxicity and Chemicals in General

Heavy metals in your body can damage the nervous system and other tissues and cellular components. This is called heavy metal toxicity.   Lead, mercury, and aluminum are 3 examples of commonly found heavy metals in the body.  Even in the bodies of infants.

You know that lead is not good for human development.  It causes heavy metal toxicity.  It

Sculpture called Liquid Mercury

Sculpture called Liquid Mercury

was removed from paints and gasoline as a result. Mercury is not to be played with in a bare hand or other parts of the skin.  Mercury thermometers are rarely found anymore and were replaced by alcohol and digital thermometers because of the toxic potential of mercury.

How well does your body clear out the heavy metals that got into your body?  There are several methods to test not only the presence of heavy metals but how well your body is clearing them out.  This video explains one of the several methods we use because of their efficacy, accuracy, simplicity, and cost.  https://youtu.be/WrDpB0t4Eno

MERCURY as an Example of Heavy Metal Toxicity

Mercury is the only metal that is liquid at room temperature. In its pure form (often called metallic or elemental), mercury is a shiny, silver-white, odorless liquid.

mercury

Liquid Mercury

According to Medscape, Mercury in any form is poisonous, with mercury toxicity most commonly affecting the neurologic, gastrointestinal (GI) and renal organ systems. Poisoning can result from mercury vapor inhalation, mercury ingestion, mercury injection, and absorption of mercury through the skin.

Pouring Mercury

Pouring Mercury

Mercury has 3 forms: (1) elemental mercury, (2) inorganic salts, and (3) organic compounds. Perhaps the most deadly form of mercury is methylmercury. Only 2-10% of the ingested mercury is absorbed from the gut, and ingested elemental mercury is not absorbed at all; however, 90% of any methylmercury ingested is absorbed into the bloodstream from the GI tract. (http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1175560-overview)

Water Purification

Avoiding the ingestion of damaging chemicals and heavy metals is as important as removing them from inside the body.  Using a water purification for water that you drink, cook with, and even shower with is an important part of a healthy life-style nowadays.  Given that there are 100,000 new chemicals in the environment that your body was never exposed to before, keeping them out of the body (unless you specifically want to ingest them) avoids having to clean them out later.  Cleaning them out later takes energy and resources that could be used for more important things, like enjoying time with family, chatting, and relaxing in your favorite hobby. I suggest the Multipure filter as a good choice to at least start out with.  Don’t use something that only claims to make the water taste better.  It will taste better but not remove the toxins that will damage you and your family’s and children’s health.

To learn more about how to protect your brain from chemicals, please sign up for my video series as well.  And read “Super Brain: Maximize Your Brain Health for a Better Life.”

 

 

 

 

Are You Having Difficulty Sleeping?

SleepYou’ve settled into a warm and comfortable bed, you close your eyes and nothing!! You just can’t fall off to sleep. Hours and hours go by and you are still awake. The next day you’re tired, grouchy, and unable to focus. Does this sound all too familiar?

A sleepless night can happen to almost anyone, but ongoing insomnia can indicate a deeper issue and could lead to further more serious health concerns. Unfortunately, the most common approach to treating insomnia includes prescription sleeping medications, which often cause side effects or even addiction. That’s one of the many reasons to consider a natural approach to addressing your sleep problems.

Acupuncture and Tradition Chinese Medicine can be very effective at improving your sleep quality without side effects.

Easy Ways for Improving Your Sleep

  • Stick to a regular schedule.
  • Plan to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.
  • Stay active. Exercise regularly, but not within a few hours of bedtime.
  • Don’t eat large meals before bed.
  • Try not to nap. If you really need to nap, try to keep it short, less than 45 minutes.
  • Limit caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine. All of these can add to sleep problems.
  • Relax. Try taking a warm bath, meditating, or reading to wind down before going to sleep.

Just One Bad Night…Or Is It Becoming the Normal?

Occasional insomnia is a very common problem, affecting about 25% of Americans. It can happen to anyone, but is more common in older adults. Its symptoms include:

  • Difficulty falling asleep
  • Waking up during the night
  • Waking up too early
  • Daytime fatigue and irritability
  • Frustration and moodiness

Insomnia can be very frustrating, but it’s more than an annoyance. When insomnia becomes ongoing, or chronic, your body is unable to get the rest and renewal it needs so that you can feel your best. In fact, a lack of quality sleep can cause problems such as difficulty concentrating, diminished energy, low mood, and trouble performing everyday tasks. Since sleep strengthens the immune system, insomnia can leave you susceptible to many other health concerns. Luckily, you don’t have to just “put up with” chronic insomnia.

Balance for Tranquility

According to the theories of acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), conditions such as insomnia are a sign of an imbalance in Qi (pronounced “chee”), the vital energy that animates the body and protects it from illness.

Here are a few questions your practitioner may ask. They help to refine your specific diagnosis.

  • Do you have difficulty falling asleep?
  • Do you have difficulty staying asleep?
  • Is your sleep filled with vivid dreams?
  • Is it difficult to calm your mind at night?
  • Is it difficult to sleep on your back? This can relate to a excess condition of the Lungs or Heart meridians.
  • Do you only sleep on your back with outstretched arms? This can reflect a pattern of excess heat.
  • Do you prefer to sleep on your stomach or side? This could indicate a deficient condition.

This imbalance can stem from a number of causes such as stress, anxiety, medications, depression, and chronic pain. To determine the underlying causes of your insomnia, your acupuncturist will take into account many factors, including your lifestyle and emotional and mental well-being. They will then work to restore the balance and flow of Qi by inserting fine, sterile needles at specific points along the body.

Your acupuncturist may also suggest aromatherapy, yoga, meditation, or other additional therapies. You may find that you sleep better after your very first session, though you will most likely receive the most benefit from a series of treatments.

Your acupuncturist can get to the root of your sleep issues by taking into account all of the factors that may be contributing to your sleep disturbance. With this ancient form of health care, you can treat your symptoms, improve your overall health and well-being, and start looking forward to a great night’s sleep, every night.

Dr. Jay Sordean and The Redwood Clinic in Berkeley, California can help you improve your sleep. Call us at today (510) 849-1176 to set up a consultation.