Erasing Panic

The Barrier Theory presents the cause and progression of Morgellons Disease as internal biochemistry changing inorganic species of mercury to organic species (and thus allowing passage beyond the Blood/Brain Barrier). I presented this on Pam Crane’s blog talk radio show and then had it formally published in the medical journal Explore! (vol. 20.5 (2011)). In addition to the theory I suggest Morgellons occurs on a spectrum of less spectacular symptoms to more severe. Heavy metals, such as mercury, block neurotransmissions and cause depression and panic attacks. I guess this paragraph is meant to introduce the topic of panic with the suggestion of one solution.

Not to sound too random, but I once witnessed acupuncture used to treat a lame horse. Within fifteen minutes of treatment, the lame horse was prancing around the pasture. I guess it has always been my best example of- acupuncture isn’t hocus-pocus; it really works!

My neighbor and good friend Linda is an acupuncturist and expert on Chinese medicine. She mentioned treating panic attacks with wrist bands. “They’re used for motion sickness, but they work for panic too,” she said. Of course I was intrigued. I went to the local health food store yesterday and purchased some (called Sea-Band and cost around $10). The bands have little plastic numbs which you align with the acupressure point on your wrist between the central tendons and down 1 1/2 thumb widths from the wrist crease(the company suggest using two, but Linda tells me you only need one). Twenty minutes of wearing them seems to take edge off any panic (I had some confrontations yesterday and think they may have helped), though I suppose you could wear them all the time.

Stress and panic make your internal environment more acidic. I drink a big glass of water with lemon in it first thing in the morning (followed by a glass of water with bentonite clay) to make my insides less acidic (funny how lemons and lime, which seem to be entirely acidic, act in the opposite way when our stomachs are empty). Meditation and pray ease the mind and spirit. The more we do to take care of ourselves, the more we open doors to our health and well-being.

The final form of my novel Beul Nam Beinn is in the capable hands of my editor. I hope to see it out in print form by the end of January (and I hope you are pleased with the dedication). Happy holidays and let us all move into a New Year full of health and happiness! Joe

Two Weeks of Cat Sitting or Health in the City

Two weeks ago I was staying with my sister and her family (I'm feeling like a nomad these days). I'd assisted with some painting projects, baby sitting, and moving the heaviest desk I've ever encountered (I still hurt). My friend Liz invited me to the Big Apple to cat sit while she went on a trip; I found a ride on craigslist and considered it my destiny. I've made a few health related discoveries while in New York and felt they were worth a mention.

First I need to mention a pattern I've noticed. There are a lot of very physically active people living city lives. I don't think it was the same when I was a kid. Growing up in the country, it seemed visiting the city (Buffalo being the only one I was ever taken to) meant seeing a lot of inactive people. I may be wrong, but it seems somehow to have flipped. Many of the heavier, less active people I encounter now seem to be country dwellers. I'm not certain how or why this might be the case. Anyhow, seeing all of the runners, bikers, walkers and such in NYC made me think about this.

The last I visited Liz's, I went to a free yoga session at a center big on combining yoga and Thai Chi; I returned this visit and was disappointed at the way I was received. I could participate in yoga for $25 per hour session. I purchased a book from them, Meridian Exercises for Self-Healing by: Ilchi Lee, but decided I'd do yoga somewhere else. Once again craigslist came to the rescue; for 6 hours of cleaning and assisting in setting up a studio, I would be able to participate in 10 yoga sessions (thank you very much Loretta of Area Yoga Brooklyn). I've been able to participate in two fairly challenging beginner's sessions and may go for one or two more (it's just over a one hour walk to the studio and going eats into my writing time).

Another great health related find was a place called Start Point located in the Hispanic part of Brooklyn at 5th ave. and 53rd street. I stopped in to ask about their herbs and was invited to get a kind of acupressure massage on a infrared heated bed; I slept so well the night after this first session, I decided to return daily. It's a neat set up...friendly and inviting. They do a 15 minute talk in Spanish before every session on the beds, which I've been considering a free language lesson (mucho gusta!).

I also purchased a copy of The Tao of Detox by: Daniel Reid and, having read the first couple of chapters, am giving it my highest recommendation for Morgellons sufferers. Really it is great! Get a copy if you can or I'll loan you mine once I'm done.

I had hoped to connect with a Wilson's Temperature Syndrome specialist, but she emailed to let me know she is moving to Arizona. Sure, I was disappointed. I also have to say I'm surprised the Chinatown I was familiar with here some 15 years ago has changed greatly; it is mostly for tourist. So, some health related disappointments...but the good outweighs the bad.