Volume 4 Issue 1
Spring 2009 Outdoors & Communing with Nature
Now that spring weather is finally here, I urge everyone to spend more time outdoors exercising and communing with nature. Exercise (the vigorous aerobic kind that gets your heart rate up) has been shown to be as effective for alleviating mild to moderate depression as medication. The brilliant green of new growth and the rainbow colors of the Central Valley’s wildflower displays are sure to take your mind off the latest bad news about the economy.
At this time of year, I advise a detoxification program. Clean up your diet and get rid of old or unhealthy foods from your refrigerator and pantry. Go on a one to three day juice fast. If you have accumulated clutter in your home or work space, organize it and discard unneeded items. Spend an hour or two in quiet reflection examining your current beliefs and behaviors. Is there something that no longer serves you, which causes distress in your life? If so, resolve to adopt a new thought or behavior. How about your exposure to TV, movies, books, newspapers and the Internet? Toxic media (that which is full of violence, negativity, hatred, etc.) is harmful to our mental and emotional health. Seek out media sources that are oriented to the positive aspects of life so you can nurture yourself.
The alienation and isolation of modern life are contributing to the epidemic of depression and anxiety this country is experiencing. I encourage you to make a commitment to expand and strengthen your connections to your family, friends and loved ones. One good way is to actually write a handwritten note expressing your feelings to someone who you have not seen in a while. I have noticed that everyone seems too busy to get together with friends. I plan to have a gathering at my home for my wife’s and my friends this spring. This is an excellent way to foster a sense of connection, renew friendship and have a good time. This a better approach than looking for the newest supplement or antidepressant medication. Celebrate life! Feel it rising up from the ground in all the new growth. Laugh, dance and make music.
I will now discuss a concept recently expressed by Mark Hyman MD. He calls it peeling the onion of chronic disease. First, identify the five main causes of chronic illness. They are infection, allergies, toxins, stress and poor diet. Second, look at the seven ingredients of optimal biologic function. They are real food, healthy environment, deep relaxation, rhythm (especially sleep!), movement (physical and psychological), hormones, and a sense of purpose, connection and love.
The order in which to start physical healing is 1) eating a whole, unprocessed and mostly plant based diet 2) remove food allergens 3) address digestive problems 4) replace nutrient deficiencies 5) balance hormones 6) support energy metabolism 7) enhance detoxification. Lifestyle changes can help to create a nurturing environment, relaxation, exercise, awareness and insight and a renewed sense of purpose and connection.
On a Personal Note
I recently attended a 4 day seminar in San Francisco on Matrix Reflex Testing which I found to be stimulating mentally and emotionally uplifting. I was able to connect with other healers whose enthusiasm and knowledge were inspirational. I intend to incorporate this new way of accessing information directly from the person’s body into my practice. I will also be incorporating the new treatment modalities of gemmotherapy (plant stem cell therapy) and cold laser treatment.
I am excited about the upcoming college graduation of my daughter and wedding of my son. These kinds of events remind us of the optimism of youth and the willingness to venture into the unknown.
Daniel Blodgett MD