Dr. Connie often muses at Pacific Naturopathic Retreat in Hawaii

"You can't connect the dots looking forward you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something: your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. Because believing that the dots will connect down the road will give you the confidence to follow your heart, even when it leads you off the well worn path."

                --Steve Jobs, Stanford Commencement Address, 2005

* * * * *

Interesting how lessons cycle repeatedly through our lives, often with higher and higher stakes. It was just a year ago that Pacific Naturopathic was presented with the unexpected immediate need to relocate our office. Impossible as it seemed, angels appeared to pave our way, and within weeks we were in a lovely space that served us far better than our old space .

Those of you are astrologically versed may be aware that we are currently in a 3 week long Mercury Retrograde period which heavily impacts communications of all sorts. Yet, in this past week, we found ourselves precipitously adding on to our office space, updating and centralizing our office information systems, and contracting to complete the final permitting process that will ensure Pacific Naturopathic Retreat Center's status as a healing retreat center in perpetuity. Computers have crashed and come back, phone and internet lines have been severed and re-established. A contractor has been fired and a new contractor hired.

In the midst of all of this, and with a multitude of pressing personal and family circumstances, I (Dr. Connie) was offered the chance to participate in a retreat to be held at the end of August and beginning of September on the Island of Gigha in the Inner Hebrides.

In this time of political chaos and economic uncertainty, there is the understandable tendency to hunker down, pull back, wait and see, contract.

I refer back to what I wrote in this newsletter last year: There are moments in each of our lives which demand that we rise upwards, expand outwards, enlarge our vision of who we are, what we can offer, how we can be. And I turn once again to the powerful mantra given by Paramahansa Yogananda :

"I go forth in perfect faith in the power of infinite good to bring me what I need at the time that I need it." 

I go forth in perfect faith in the power of infinite good to bring me what I need at the time that I need it. --Paramahansa Yogananda

The graciousness and can do attitude of the Rees Building administration has once again made otherwise improbable spatial transformations possible. The generosity of Ted Rose with his computer skills and Mare Pulido with her social networking skills has allowed us to take leaps forward. Cheryl Green, our new contractor at Pacific Naturopathic Retreat Center has visioned with us possible doable solutions for extensive and expensive Hawaii County requirements. And Don Dennis of Living Tree Orchid Essences has generously held the space for Dr. Connie to join with him in the Gigha seminar.

 Needless to say, we are thrilled, and full of gratitude. The outward expansion has opened our hearts to the goodness and abundance available to each one of us, and the ever present opportunity to stretch beyond the confines of our fears and self definitions, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, and to reach for that which will truly serve us and serve others as well.

Find out more about Dr. Connie's consulting services at  
www.naturopathichealthconsultations.com   

 Moving Forward Through

Motion Sickness 

Connie Hernandez, N.D.

Theories of motion sickness tell us that the cause is a sensory conflict in the brain between visual input and movement sensed by the inner ear. Science understands this phenomenon in terms of gastric dysrhythmias and elevation of plasma vasopressin. Sufferers simply suffer and search for preventive medicine and cures. I am one of those folks who, when suffering, would cheerfully submit to being ejected from a small airplane, dropped off a boat, or being left by the wayside on a windy road. Facing all of these modes of transportation this month, I thought I would research and share prevention and treatment options.

Conventional Approaches to Motion Sickness

In the conventional world, most over the counter remedies utilize one of two active constituents. Dramamine contains dimenhydrinate, which is an antihistamine similar to, but not the same as the diphenhydramine in Benadryl, Tylenol PM, and other common medications.  Non drowsy Dramamine, Antivert and Bonine contain Meclizine Hydrocholoride, an anti emetic. These drugs must be taken before travel to be effective, and efficacy as well as reactions to them vary from individual to individual. Dramamine may work well for a person for whom the non drowsy Dramamine does not work at all. Common side effects are drowsiness, dizziness and dry mouth. Doctor prescribed scopolamine patches share these side effects and may also cause blurred vision, allergic reactions, and other more severe side effects such as confusion or mood or mental changes.

Alternative Approaches to Motion Sickness

Moving from the conventional to the complementary world, we find more user friendly approaches, though the efficacy is not predictable. When they work, they're marvelous, and when they don't, well, they just don't.

A novel approach to preventing motion sickness is offered in this you tube video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2GdBasmZ_E&feature=related 

Called Puma, this approach involves head and neck exercises which train your body's perceptive awareness.

Acupressure bracelets work by stimulating the P6 acupressure point on the wrist. This point can be used to block the nausea associated with motion sickness. Many of the bracelets are stretchy bands with buttons worn over the acupressure point. The downside is that small wristed adults will find these bands too loose and thus not even potentially effective. Child sizes are available on some websites, as are small, uncomfortable looking plastic bracelets. A better bet are the adjustable bands. Of those, Magna Bands have a magnetic button which MAY be more effective than other buttons.

The SEA Products website 

http://www.seaproductsonline.com/index70.html 

offers Magna Bands in travel packages with other herbal and homeopathic remedies. Motion Ease and Quease Ease rely on essential oils to relieve motion sickness. Quease Ease is an aromatic inhaler, and Motion Ease is applied behind the ears. These remedies have varying helpful ingredients to make them pleasant and palatable, but rely heavily on the well researched oil of ginger. Other high potency ginger products include Queasy Pops (ginger lollypops) and ginger capsules. Many websites offer Sea-Band ginger chewing gum, each piece of gum equivalent to 8 grams of fresh ginger root.

Homeopathics are another avenue for preventing and alleviating motion sickness. Sea Sik, also on the SEA Products website, is a low potency combination homeopathic oral spray. At Pacific Naturopathic, we carry one of the ingredients, Cocculus, in homeopathic tablets that we have found to be effective for motion sickness, morning sickness, and the nausea and vomiting accompanying various chemotherapeutic regimes.

Integrating sensory perceptions by addressing underlying energetic issues is another thought. Don Dennis of the Living Tree Orchid essences suggests these orchid enhancers: Angelic Canopy, Settling with a Smile, and Walking to the Earth's Rhythm. I've created a blend, and will give it a try during my upcoming travels to Montreal and Scotland.

Other underlying conditions potentially contributing to susceptibility to motion sickness include problems with vision or balance, sleep deprivation, allergy, dehydration, hormonal imbalance and pre-existing gastric upset. Addressing these issues may be helpful in prevention.

Readers are invited to share their own success or failure with these and other prevention and treatment options.

Find out more about Dr. Connie's consulting services at:  

 Moving Forward Emotionally:

Don't Worry, Be Happy!

Recognize the title of this article? Did you ever watch the Disney movie, "The Lion King? In the movie, one of the character's favorite expressions is hakuna matata, a phrase that is literally translated from Swahili as "there are no worries," or, "don't worry, be happy." We all know that a healthy, positive state of mind contributes to a healthier body, right? Even as I write this, I think, "easier said than done." I don't know anyone who lives a stress-free life.  

We all have "good" days and "bad" days. Some days we just seem to wake up on the wrong side of the bed, like our biorhythm has dipped like a recession stock market. Some days we handle the stresses with ease and grace, and other days even the smallest challenge to our aplomb leaves us rattled.

The connection between our mental and physical health has been pondered for centuries. Through the 1700s and1800s, most people recognized the relationship between emotions and physical ailments and if they could afford it, patients were advised to visit hydrotherapy spas or seaside resorts when they were ill. Over time, researchers discovered the roles of bacteria, viruses, molds and environmental toxins in the disease process and new treatments like antibiotics emerged that cured illness after illness. Slowly, the emotional component of physical illness was overshadowed by the glitz of science.

Now, a couple of hundred years later, we are slowly returning to our ancestral roots, recognizing that there is a powerful mind-body connection through which emotional, mental, social, spiritual, and behavioral factors have a dramatic impact on our overall health.

How Our Emotions Affect Our Bodies

Our primary physical responses to emotional stress may include back pain, changes in appetite, chest pain, constipation or diarrhea, dry mouth, fatigue, muscular aches and pains, headaches, high blood pressure, insomnia, lightheadedness, heart palpitations, low libido, shortness of breath, stiff neck, sweating, upset stomach, and other symptoms. Over the long term, if the emotional stress is not moderated in some way, a host of chronic illnesses like heart disease, stomach ulcers, and even cancer may develop.

Poor emotional health can weaken your body's immune system, making you more likely to get colds and other infections during emotionally difficult times. Also, when you are feeling stressed, anxious or upset, you may not take care of your health as well as you should. You may not feel like exercising, eating nutritious foods or taking medicine that your doctor prescribes. Abuse of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs may also be a sign of poor emotional health.

How can I improve my emotional health?

First, try to recognize your thoughts, feelings and behaviors and understand why you are having them. Knowledge of a problem is the first step towards solving it.

Learn to express your feelings in appropriate ways. Keeping your feelings bottled-up can make you feel worse. In a gentle way, let your loved ones know when something is bothering you. Recognize that you may need a professional perspective to help you understand and come to grips with your situation.

Live a balanced life. Avoid continuously obsessing about your emotional challenges. This doesn't mean you have to pretend to be happy when you are not. While dealing with challenges, try to focus on the positive things in your life as well. Researchers have found that having a positive outlook can improve your quality of life and give your health a boost. Make time for things you enjoy.

Develop emotional strength. People with inner strength have the ability to recognize when they are stressed and cope with their feelings in positive ways. Accepting the fact that life is ever changing is a crucial part of stress adaptation.

Seek activities that calm your body, mind and spirit. Some example include exercise, hypnosis, visual imagery, meditation, yoga, biofeedback, hobbies and activities that promote relaxation.

Take care of yourself, especially when working through challenges. Good emotional health is promoted by eating regular healthy meals, getting enough sleep and exercising to relieve pent-up tension. Avoid overeating and especially avoid seeking stress relief through the use of drugs or alcohol.

Find out more about Dr. Marcel's work with men at:

Elijah Free, MH, CMI, CMT  

Elijah Free's approach to helping his patients deal with physical pain has been described as bordering on miraculous.  Elijah is also a Master Herbalist who designs and produces all of his own herbal products for his healing practice. He is an herbal product designer for Ridgecrest Herb Co. Elijah also holds a patent for his herbal fibromyalgia formula.   

To contact Elijah, please either call the clinic at 650-917-1121 or e-mail at [email protected].

See our websites for more details. Phone 808-775-1505 for reservations, or email    

[email protected]

www.hawaiipeacegardenvacationhouses.com   

www.naturopathicretreatcenter.com

Click HERE to Visit Our Hawaii Retreat on  

Eat Well to Live Well

Nutrition Education and  

Health Counseling

with

Sarah Rose

Sarah Flanagan

Do you feel like you have run out of healthy meal ideas?

Would you like to have more energy and vitality in your life?

Have you ever wanted something in your life, but felt like you couldn't achieve it on your own?

As a Nutrition Educator and Health Counselor, I can help you with all this and more!

Health Counselors are trained, knowledgeable advisors who provide ongoing support and guidance as you set goals and make sustainable changes that improve your health and happiness. As your Health Counselor, I will listen carefully and help you to navigate the world of contradictory nutrition advice to determine what changes are necessary for you.

Your personalized program will radically improve your health and happiness. Together, we will explore concerns specific to you and your body and discover the tools you need for a lifetime of balance.

As a client of my health coaching program, you will...

* set and accomplish goals in a way that is empowering and exciting

* work to achieve and maintain your ideal weight

* understand and reduce your cravings

* increase your energy levels

* feel great in your body

* learn about new foods and how you can easily incorporate them

* improve your personal relationships

* discover the confidence to create the life you want

To decide if health coaching is right for you, I invite you to schedule a free initial consultation with me. During this session, we will discuss your health and lifestyle to determine how I can best support you in achieving your goals.

To schedule an appointment with Sarah contact Pacific Naturopathic at 650-917-1121.

To Men Over Fifty:  

Your Answers to These Questions Can Save Your Life

Do you have:

1) need to urinate often at night

2) frequent or urgent need to urinate

3) difficulty in starting or stopping the urine flow

4) inability to urinate

5) weak, decreased or interrupted urine stream

6) dribbling at the end of urination

7) straining while urinating

8) a sense of incompletely emptying the bladder

9) burning or pain during urination

10) blood in the urine or semen

11) painful ejaculation

12) bone pain (especially in the back, hips, thighs or neck)

13) weight loss

14) fatigue

15) low red blood cell count (anemia)

If you answered "yes" to more than two of these questions, you need to be further evaluated by a doctor.  Questions 1 through 11 may fit a variety of conditions, mostly involving the prostate.  If you answered yes to any question between 12 and 15 as well, it is even more imperative that you find out as soon as you can what is going on. Dr. Marcel is available for consultation either by telephone or in the Pacific Naturopathic offices.  Please dial 650-917-1121 for an appointment. 

About Dr. Marcel's work:

Because we would like to make this newsletter responsive to you and your needs, you are invited to send health questions you would like to see addressed to us at

[email protected]     

We would also like to invite you to share with other readers your experiences of health remedies that have worked surprisingly well for you.