Sleeping Pill Exit Strategy

Nov 21, 2011 by admin

The term comes from a recent CNN piece on women and health.

Here are some statistics:

80 million Americans suffer from some form of insomnia or sleeplessness.

60% of American women suffer from some form of sleeplessness, which would suggest this first 80 million figure might be a bit low.

The CNN contributors seemed to suggest that many women use sleeping aids of some kind. Using these aids for the long term may cause dependency and ultimately cause unwanted problems.

What causes insomnia?

In a word, stress. Our reticular activitating system (RAS) in the brain can get overstimulated due to continuously high demand periods and ongoing emergencies. Like a switch that gets stuck in the ‘on’ position, this continuously high demand flight or flight part of our brain continues to be stimulated 24/7, making if difficult to transition to a restful, recuperative sleep which helps repair the stress and strain of the day.

Sleeping pills and the like may work for a while, but typically their effect is lessened over time, not to mention other side effects they may introduce. As a bonus, this ongoing overstimulation of our nervous system may lead to or encourage the creation of long-term inflammatory processes which may hasten the aging process. Take a look at my blogs on my Geriatric classes and Anti Aging suggestions for more input on this.

A solution:

CranioSacral Therapy (CST) creates balance in our autonomic nervous system, bringing more balance and synergy between our sympathetic (more active) nervous system and parasympathetic nervous system. A regular addition and application of CranioSacral Therapy can help retrain and ‘reset’ our reticular activitating system and turn off the stress switch which interferes with the normal sleep cycle, and lessen our dependence on sleeping pills and other artificial aids.

Hence, a Sleeping Pill Exit Strategy.

Summary of our Alzheimer’s and Dementia Reseach

Nov 14, 2011 by admin

I’d had a number of requests for a summary of our Alzheimer’s and Dementia, which I’ve outlined below:

Summary of our research

Published in the Journal of Gerontological Nursing in 2008

Title of the Study: Craniosacral Still Point Technique:
Exploring its Effects in Individuals with Dementia

Study Design

A pilot group of individuals with moderate to severe Dementia and Alzheimer’s were administered the Craniosacral Still Point Technique at the same time every day for 5-10 minutes.

Individuals in rest homes in Iowa and Minneapolis were the study candidates.

One of the key variables that were studied was agitation-a key behavior in patients with this condition. An improvement in just this one behavior would be seen as a positive by administration and staff.

Therapists trained by the Upledger Institute were utilized in this study.

Premise of the study:

It was felt that the Craniosacral Still Point-an easily administered and learned technique-would increase the
volume and production of Cerebral Spinal Fluid (CSF) in the brain. It has been documented that a normal adult
produces about 800ml a day of CSF, and over time, as aging occurs the production drops to half of that, or 400ml a day. In individuals with senile dementia or Alzheimer’s, the production could be as low as 200ml a day, or 75% less than that of normal adult production.

The suspected consequences of this decreased CSF flow this that there is a decrease in the ability of the brain to chelate, or wash away, heavy metals in the brain. Secondarily, immune system factors which prevent inflammation from occurring in the brain are diminished. Regular application of the Craniosacral still point on a daily basis is thought to increase the flow of CSF and aid in the removal of metabolic waste and toxicity in the brain.

Results of the study:
There were both clinical and statistical results that were of significance.

1. A decrease in agitation-both during and after the study. After the intervention stopped, the patients still experienced a decrease in agitation which was monitored before, during and after the project.

2. It was reported that clients were more interactive and could remember names of caregivers and children previously forgotten, as well as displaying increased cooperation with staff.

3. At about week 3 of the intervention, it was noticed that these results and changes in behavior begin to be exhibited.

4. It was generally concluded that ‘further investigation is warranted’ into this technique.

A proposal for a more expanded study is now in process.

For more information or a copy of the original study contact me at michaelm@bodyenergy.net

How to Stay Young Part 2

Nov 7, 2011 by admin

Last week we talked about 7 ways to stay young. Click here to read those ways. Here are more resources to assist in the ‘reversal of the aging process’.

8. Omega 3-6-9 oil

Omega 3-6-9 oil has been long recognized as a valuable nutritional supplement. Contact Janice Webber at jwps@eastlink.ca or JoAnn Cuddigan at joann@sunstarorganics.com.

9. Arthritis and Diabetes

Arthritis and Diabetes are two inflammatory based diseases that can accompany the aging process. A nice preventative practice that has been developed over the last few years is tai chi for arthritis and tai chi for diabetes, incorporating elements of chi gong (another ancient practice). This is a graceful way to stay young and healthy. Contact Janice Weber at jwps@eastlink.ca for a referral to local instructors in your area.

10. Transformational Coaching

One of the best coaches for transformational work, incorporating inner bonding, spiritual awareness and the ability to change the patterns of our thinking, which can manifest as disease, is my friend and associate Nancy Swisher. Nancy is an internationally recognized transformational coach who advises clients around the world. For more information, visit her website at www.choosingselflove.com

11. Rolfing/Structural Integration

Rolfing from the right resource helps counteract the inevitable influence of gravity on our bodies. For more information, go to www.rolf.org

12. Grounding and healthy boundaries

Being grounded and ‘in’ the body is complimentary to feeling welcome to our stay on the planet. Suzanne Scurlock-Durana is a master at feeling grounded, present aware and at peace in the body. For more information, go to www.healingfromthecore.com

13. Still point inducer

Lest I forget, one useful device for CranioSacral Therapy self-treatment is the Upledger Institute still point inducer. Used 5-10 minutes a day, a still point inducer is like having your own therapist at home. For more information, go to www.bodyenergy/products or www.upledger.com

14. Soul Retrieval

There are many paths that lead to completion. A very ancient technique that has been practiced by Shamanic practioners for thousands of years is called soul retrieval. Soul retrieval allows one to resolve spiritual, emotional, and traumatic issues. This traditional way of completing often includes individual, family, multi-generational, and community concerns. For more information, go to www.bodyenergy.net/otherresoruces/shamanicpractioner

15. Blue Zones

Last but not least, I’ve recently found out that my adopted Iowa is initiating a program called Blue Zones, which is based on a book by Dan Buettner, a National Geographic explorer who did a survey of places in the world where people live the longest and fullest lives.

Dan’s website is www.BlueZones.com and it’s about the practices that create community wide well being and longevity. You should also visit www.bluezones.com/2011/08/iowa-launches-blue-zones-project to find out how the state of Iowa is launching a project to become the #1 state in the US in health and longevity in the next 5 years.

Michael