Stress Junkies

Are you a Stress Junkie? Do you have too much going on, or put pressure on yourself to get everything done? Being a Stress Junkie is kind of like those who are addicted (and/or co-dependent) to adrenaline highs, only to stress instead.

Recently, while working with some clients, and discussing this with my collegues, we realized this is seriously on the rise.

We all know what too much stress does; however many people aren't aware they're actually becoming so dependent on a stressful way of life, that they can't imagine, or live any other way. And before you know it, we've actually piled on more things, thinking or saying "It's okay, I can handle it..."

In fact, many of us can't, as is obvious by the rise in depression and the all time highs for diabetes, blood pressure and heart problems, and cancers. It's also a medical/scientific fact that cortisol (the 'death hormone') rises dramatically when we're under stress, especially from chronic/ongoing stress of any kind. Cortisol literally kills other (including healthy) cells, producing inflammation, free radicals, and toxins; which can, and does, produce a whole host of health problems.

Too much stress doesn't have to be physical, such as with an athlete or prolonged sitting; it can also be mental, emotional, spiritual, and energetic. All of which can, and do, produce a wide variety of related, and more importantly, non-related symptoms. So when you don't tell your massage therapist or energy worker, nutritionist, or doctor all your symptoms, it makes it that much more difficult to appropriately treat the cause and you, as a person.

Example: Get stressed and the body responds with high alert. Afterwards, our energy is decreased. We feel depleted and our senses and mind can't focus properly. We over-ride this by eating or drinking something, taking over the counter or prescription meds, or recreational substances. Or worse yet, we start a radically new diet or exercise program, or week-end activity to 'de-compress'. All the while thinking/saying it's to help with stress. Then we take on or volunteer for something else, because that new thing is going to lower our stress; so, sure - we can do a little bit more.

After our energy/alertness is drained again, we repeat this. I'm not saying any of these things are bad/wrong, just that if we address the source (the reason we have or need so much stress and/or the types of stress), many people would actually have more control in their lives - and less stress. Those who are beginning to kick the habit report feeling better on all levels - mentally, physically, emotionally, energetically, and spiritually.

We've all heard the many non-medical things we can do to alleviate stress, such as relax (easier said than done many times); get therapy of some kind (massage or energy work, counseling); take a hot shower or bath, meds and/or vitamins; and generally chill out (again, sometimes easier said than done).

And by now, you're probably asking what does this have to do with "In Your Cupboard, Good For You". A lot! (Nice lead-in, huh?)

One of the first things is Vanilla. Yes, real Vanilla Flavoring or Vanilla Essential Oil. Vanilla is a known relaxant and mood leveler. A small amount used in cooking, boiled in a small pot of water, dropped into the bath/footbath, or sprayed into the shower can really help. (I never recommend synthetic Vanilla or Vanillin, as synthetic scents/flavorings have exactly the opposite effect. While they may initially smell or taste okay, they can give even non-sensitive children/people headaches, sinus congestion, and/or produce sneezing or allergic reactions.)

Milk - any kind, animal, vegetarian, powdered, etc., can be very soothing. One to two cups per bath/footsoak helps relax the body, plus soften the skin. (Milks contain naturally occuring Tryptophan, an essential amino acid that helps relax the mind and body, and it's slight acidity smoothes the skin.)


Epsom salt: Epsom salt is actually Magnesium Sulfate, rather than sodium, and Magnesium naturally relaxes and helps detoxify the body.


Computer, smart phone, or phone book - to look up massage therapists, aromatherapy, health food stores, and doctors, if needed.

The following sources (both companies and people) are ones I suggest/recommend for these two important reason: quality and affordable prices. (I only make personal recommendations when I've actually received body or energy work from the person, and/or used their products on my own, and not by affiliation or payment.)

Wal-Mart - Yes, I know how some people feel about Wal-Mart, however their Spring Valley supplements are good quality for lower price.

Dollar Tree (or other Dollar type stores) - These stores carry a wide variety of products that can be used to help one relax, including cds of soothing music.

Super Supplements - both brick and mortar stores and on-line. While their on-line shipping can be a bit high, the very low prices of their products make up for it, plus they carry numerous brands, all related to health and well being.

Samara Botane - http://www.wingedseed.com (1-800-782-4532) Snohomish, Washington, owner Marcia Elston. This company offers the best certified Essential Oil and Aromatherapy products, plus they give an online and professional discount. I've been using this company's products for many years, and highly recommend them.

The Assembly of CEH - http://www.reikiranch.blogspot.com (1-360-748-4426) Non profit, in Chehalis, Washington, ran by Taylore Vance and her husband Roi Halse, (Reiki Masters and entrepreneurs) that teach Reiki classes and sell products, including related books, Magnesium Oil (for health and relaxation), and Silver Water (detoxifier, etc.) Their Mg Oil and Silver Water are two of my favorites.

Heart of Massage - Owned by Karen Donald, Licensed Massage Practitioner. Located in the Queen Anne part of Seattle, Washington, Karen is one of Seattle's best therapists. The name of her practice says it all. And I say this, not only because Karen's one of my best friends, I've also received body work from her. http://www.facebook.com/Karen-Donald

Carlson Method - Developed and owned by former massage instructor & student clinic supervisor, Scott Carlson, who's one of the best in person and at distant energy workers I know. Besides being a long time friend, Scott is one of my first and personal go-to people for energy work. Scott is on Facebook, with the Black Knight on war horse as his current profile photo.

Three Tree Wellness Center - Owned and operated by Shari Courtier and her partner Scott Carpenter, in Burien, Washington. They offer a variety of services at very reasonable prices, and I highly recommend them. I've had the privilege of receiving work from Shari, including Reiki, and she's really good! http://www.threetreewellness.com (1-206-257-4765)

And me, Pam Taylor, of course. I've been practicing, teaching, and writing about body/energy work, and health and well being for a long time. Besides my blog here, you can also find "how to" photos demonstrating Reiki, and other fun and interesting Reiki things on my web site. Plus I'm on Facebook, and Twitter.
http://www.uberreiki.com
http://www.facebook.com/uberreikigirl
http://www.twitter.com/uberreikigirl

NOTE: An essential amino acid, (such as Tryptophan) is one of the building blocks of protein. Humans can't make it in their own body, and have to get it daily from an outside food or supplement source.

This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, prescribe, treat, or cure any known or unknown disease.

All rights reserved. All blogs and photos on this site are copyrighted, and may not be stored, retrieved, copied, or sold in any form without express permission.


The information contained on this site is not intended to diagnose, prescribe, treat, or cure. Nor is it intended to replace the advice of your primary care provider. No liability is assumed by the owner of this site, the author, or editor for the use or misuse of the information contained herein.

Vaccines - Part 5 - What You Can Do

The following self help suggestions can be used as preventative, short term support, or long term follow up. They're also very simple and easy to do.

First, and most important, be reasonably healthy all the time. This consists of drinking plenty of water, eating balanced meals, moderate exercise, and rest.

Second, get a copy of the vaccine handout*. Discuss it, and your medical history, with your primary care provider. The small co-pay is very inexpensive for peace of mind. Or call the local public health office, or look it up on the web.

Third, pay close attention to what your body is telling you after a vaccination. (From when you get the vaccine to as long as six weeks.)

Water - be hydrated. Tea, coffee, juice, pop, and alcohol is "food" to the body, due to the trace nutrients/substances in them. One 8 oz. glass of water (per other beverage) and 50 - 75% water in juices helps neutralize them. Better yet, put one or more bite sized pieces of frozen fruit in a glass of water. They're healthy "colorful ice cubes".

PH - acid/alkaline. Being acidic allows undesirable reactions to occur. Balance acidic foods with alkaline ones. Public libraries, nutrition books, & the web all have lists of these.

Exercise - walking works the whole body & naturally moves the blood and lymph. If you do heavy work outs, steam/sauna/pool, or deep massages/detoxing spa treatments - back off/lighten up. It's also not recommended to do a cleanse. These normally healthy things can push a vaccine through the body too fast, & produce unintentional and/or serious consequences.

Rest - if your body/mind/emotions needs a break, honor this. 99.9% of the world's population has a stressed immune system, & a vaccine makes it work even harder. Sleep, cat naps, meditation, & relaxing baths/showers all help. (Showers/baths not too hot, or over 20 minutes,- any longer can actually irritate the nervous system/body.)

Sulfur foods - broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, & etc. These support the immune system, liver & spleen, help build healthy cell walls, and rid the body of heavy metals.

Fiber - pears, apples, veggies, legumes (especially split peas) and whole grains. Bran, fiber supplements**, or apple pectin tablets can be used, too. Wheat bran does not contain wheat protein & is the only bran known to stimulate healthy bacteria growth in the gut. Apple pectin helps rid the body of toxins, especially heavy metals. The lignins in split peas also do the same.

Vitamins - A to Z, whether a daily multiple or individual nutrients. Tablets are denser & contain higher nutrient content than capsules. If a tablet (either regular or time released) snaps in half easily, it's easier to digest. (Hard to break ones don't & vinegar tests are inaccurate, as our stomach acid/gut enzymes are both acidic/alkaline.) Suggested amounts vary, per person/age/state of health.

VITAMIN C supports the immune system, detoxes the body, builds blood cells, & protects capillaries. ESTER C is the most recommended. It's water soluble, non acidic, can be taken by anyone, and/or in high amounts without producing diarrhea. Suggested amounts are 500 - 2,000 mgs per day. (It can even be found in Wal-Mart.)

Minerals - all, especially Magnesium. Mg works to produce light in our cells, relaxes the body, regulates calcium, & does about 300 enzyme functions. Recommended amounts vary from 400 - 800 mgs per day. Babies usually get what they need from mother's milk (if the mother has proper dietary amounts) & food. Children, depending on age, can require from 300 to 800 mgs per day.

Magnesium oxide (most common type) in large amounts, can produce diarrhea. (Try chelated, orotate, etc.) Mg works the best when taken with dinner/before bedtime. Known fact: over 80% of the world's population (especially women) are Mg deficient, and some people/children are even Mg depleted. This can, and does, produce mental, emotional, and physical instability.

Zinc - recommended daily amounts vary between 15 - 30 mgs. During an illness requirements can go as high as 60 mgs per day, however, too much can produce undesired effects. (Zinc can store/build up in the body.) Zinc supports the immune system, our sense of smell, taste, balance, & hearing, and allows us to perspire/sweat properly.

Bioflavinoids - come from the white inner peel of citrus fruit and buckwheat. (Buckwheat is related to rhubarb, & is not wheat.) Bioflavs are co-factors to Vit C, helping C work better, especially for immune support, blood cells, & capillaries. Recommended amount is 500 - 1500 mgs per day. Better yet, take a Vit C (Ester C) that has Bioflavs added.

Antioxidants - combination of different vitamins, minerals, trace nutrients, and/or herbs. Antios are valuable, but make sure they don't counteract or increase the effects of the vaccine ingredients.

L- Histadine - an essential (we need it daily) amino acid, that prevents cells from exploding. (Cells exploding is also known as an allergic reaction.) Histadine is already in many vaccines to help offset reactions. Suggested daily amounts vary from 500 - 5,000 mgs. Again, even though L-H is essential, consult your care provider or nutritionist before taking extra/large amounts.

Pre/probiotics - healthy bacteria (that help make enzymes, support the immune system, & detox the body) can be found in mother's milk, dairy products, & supplements. Be cautious if you have a dairy allergy, or haven't taken probiotics before. If the body is already stressed, or too much is used too quickly, it can produce gas, constipation, and/or diarrhea. Back off, and/or drink extra water.

Herbs - not recommended for at least several weeks. Herbs are great, because (1) they're a "food" and (2) a natural "medicine". However, they do have the highest risk of producing unintentional interactions/reactions with pharmaceuticals. Be safe/wise & wait the short while before using them again.

Seek immediate medical care for: swelling (injections site, neck, armpits, groin, fingers, toes, or joints), rash, loss of breath or ability to swallow (internal swelling/hives can be life threatening), & inability to focus or stay awake.

Other things to watch for are headaches (including sudden/lingering sensitivity to light or sound) lasting longer than an hour, sudden/sustained fevers or chills, strange/sharp unexplained aches/pains, and constipation or diarrhea that suddenly comes on or doesn't go away within an hour. (Babies, children, people with allergies/pre-existing health problems, & elders need to be closely monitored.)

Other support - Reiki, or other energy work, in short sessions. Support your body, so it can deal with the vaccine, rather than stressing it & going into overwhelm. Be educated, use common sense, & don't second guess about getting medical attention. These simple things can, and do, lessen reactions, prevent long term side effects, and save lives.

* every doctor, nurse, or public health care worker that gives vaccines must provide free vaccine handouts/brochures to the public

** fiber supplements must be taken with sufficient water to prevent choking, digestive disturbances, constipation, or diarrhea

Sources: www.wikipedia.org, www.webmd.com, and www.cdc.gov

All rights reserved. All blogs and photos on this site are copyrighted, and may not be stored, retrieved, copied, or sold in any form without express permission.


The information contained on this site is not intended to diagnose, prescribe, treat, or cure. Nor is it intended to replace the advice of your primary care provider. No liability is assumed by the owner of this site, the author, or editor, related to use or misuse of any information contained herein.