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Emotional causes of pain
An interesting phenomenon happens when you treat a lot of people: The types of complaints seem to come in waves. Winter brought me TMJ patients, and Spring found me busy with the back muscles. Summer is presenting me with varied symptoms, but many seem to have the same root cause… an emotional one.
Like that drug ad says, “Depression hurts.” Our bodies remember trauma, both physical and mental. Sometimes a lingering injury can be traced back to an event or issue. This can range from a fear of another accident to unresolved social dynamics. Hmm…. Maybe all those TMJ cases were really people who had something they needed to say!
Doctors used to blow off psychosomatic illnesses as “all in your head” and not worth treating. The medical community now has a better understanding of the interplay between the mind and body. It’s a two-way road, and they affect each other profoundly. Chronic pain will screw up your neurotransmitters (chemicals in your brain) and temporarily change your personality. Likewise, an overthinking, worried mind can trigger digestive troubles like IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome).
If you have a chronic injury that isn’t healing, it’s worth reflecting for a few minutes. Is there anything your body is trying to tell you? If so, consider talking it out with a therapist or a good friend. Acupuncture can help balance your emotional life, but there may be some work needed on your part, too. Of course you’re welcome to discuss anything in our sessions, and your confidentiality is always assured.
Beating the Heat
It’s crazy hot outside, but sitting inside all day is no fun. Go ahead, enjoy your picnics, roadtrips, sports, and general adventuring… just be smart about it.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat and stick to the shade.
- Sunscreen will keep your skin youthful and your tattoos bright, while protecting you from cancer. Remember to apply it before you’re out in the rays, and re-apply if you’re out all day. I like 30SPF.
- Don’t forget your eyes: Use high-quality UV sunglasses to shield your retinas.
- Replace fluids! Remember that alcohol and caffeinated drinks are diuretics. If you indulge, drink even more water.
- Choose cooling foods like salads and fruit. In Chinese medicine, watermelon is considered so cooling that the seeds and rind are used in herbal formulas to clear heat! Mint is also cooling, so try some minty iced tea. Spices, including ginger, generate heat, so skip the hot wings and Thai food for now.
- Remember those old western movies where the cowboys would dip their handkerchief in a stream, then tie it around their necks? Keeping the carotid arteries cool reduces your blood temperature and makes a big difference in your comfort. Those squirty fan gizmos are pretty awesome, too.
- Do an all-over check for ticks when you come back from the woods. The ones that carry Lyme’s Disease are very small, so look closely!
Smoking Cessation
In case you haven’t heard, I’m serious about putting Big Tobacco out of business. Auricular (ear) acupuncture speeds up the detox part of withdrawal and makes quitting easier. This protocol has been used with terrific success to treat drug addicts and alcoholics, and will help your body rid itself of nicotine. There are also two wrist points that help specifically with smoking.
Even if you’ve already tried to quit before, it’s worth coming back. Most people need a few attempts before they are clean for good. I will happily treat anyone for smoking cessation for free, no matter how long it takes – spread the word!
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