When naturopathic medicine claims to look at the "whole" person, what does that mean? We will explore this question in this column over the next few months.
Last month we covered the physical part of our whole person. This is generally the place where our dis-ease manifests, so it's usually the first place we're looking - and the place we most often return to to monitor progress.
The next piece that most often comes to mind is just that - the mind. In this context, we usually think of the "mind" as our moods and emotions as opposed to our "brain" that does math and knows where we last put our car keys!
In studying the mind and the brain, we still have as many questions as answers. Some pieces seem to be fairly straightforward, and others remain a real mystery. One thing we do know is that there are parts of our mental emotions that cannot really be separated from our physical body. Different moods and emotions trigger different biochemical pathways, different hormones and neurotransmitters which have direct physical outcomes. And so in looking at the whole person in terms of their health picture, we must consider the mental- emotional state at least that much.
Of course there are some mental-emotional conditions that are more intense than our day-to-day moods. For some, these issues can impair their ability to function on a daily basis, even if they cause no apparent physical problem.
So really, it's rarely appropriate to say, 'It's all in your head,' because what's in our heads directly impacts what happens in the body. (Notice I said 'rarely.' I've learned the hard way never to say never and what if there's some merit to the joke about just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they're not out to get you?)
But in all seriousness, it's just as important to explore what makes you angry, what brings you joy and what keeps you from doing what you'd most like to do as it is to measure your blood pressure, range of motion and Achilles tendon reflex. These things help round out that picture of who that whole person is. And the fuller the picture, the better prepared we are to make changes that will best move us toward our optimal health.
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What is
The Vis?
a) Latin word for power
b) A foundation of naturopathic medicine
c) Word rhyming with bees
d) All of the above
The correct answer is d!
"The Vis" is, in naturopathic medical circles, short for the Latin, "Vis Medicatrix Naturae," which translates to the Healing Power of Nature. It is at the very core of naturopathic medicine and what sets it apart. The Vis is our body's own innate intelligence that strives every minute of every day to keep the body in a perfect balance of health and function. |
Looking Ahead
Sept 13 - Yoga Classes Begin
Sept 14 - 2nd Tuesdays
Sept 16 - Open House
Sept 25-Oct 4 - Dr. Palka out of the office, but Medicinary will be open Tuesday, Sept. 28, 9am-1pm.
October 2nd Tuesdays - Immune System MAY BE RESCHEDULED
Nov 9 - 2nd Tuesdays - Bone Health
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To Ponder....
"Vitality shows not only in the ability to persist, but in the ability to start over."
~ F. Scott Fitzgerald
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Greetings!
For many of us, September feels more like a new year than January. January's calendar tells us it's a new year, but in September, the beginning of the school year puts many things on a new schedule. Even if we don't have children in school, our whole culture seems to kick back into gear after the summer's slower pace (except, perhaps, for our wonderful farmers!) WellSpring is no exception. While the summer hasn't exactly been SLOW, September's calendar is filled with new beginnings. We hope we'll be a part of your September New Year! |
Introducing ... (drum roll!)
What a thrill to be able to share the new WellSpring Studio with you at last! The
building has long been a gathering place for people in the community,
as a barber and beauty shop and a grocery store before that. We are
happy to be the next step in the life of this special place! So, after surprises and delays and countless hours of work, we are putting on the finishing touches and will begin a Studio schedule this month. We appreciate your patience and your good wishes as we've worked along this summer - thank you! We cordially invite you to participate in the events scheduled so far this month.
- Our Celebration Open House is Thursday, September 16 from 2pm - 6pm. Please join us for a tour of the studio and the expanded Medicinary. Yoga teachers Wilma Carter and Kim Zielke will be on hand to answer questions about yoga and their class schedules. Light refreshments, special give-aways, fun and friendship await!
- Yoga Classes begin September 13. Follow this link for class descriptions and schedules - Class Schedule & Description
- Fall's first 2nd Tuesday program is September 14. See details below.
You'll want to keep an eye on this newsletter and on WellSpring's website for additions to the Studio schedule. We look forward to offering a variety of educational, healthy, uplifting and fun events for our community.
For those interested in a few details about the Studio, we've brought the building up to current code and it is equipped with full handicap access. We have a very quiet, high-efficiency heating & cooling system paired with awesome insulation that will keep us comfortable in both our hot, muggy summers and our frozen winters. The lighting and sound components were planned for maximum versatility. Our colors are fun and inviting, expressing each of our chakras. And the wood floor has been lovingly restored, preserving part of the history of this 1936 Midland building and saving a few trees from having to become a new floor!
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2nd Tuesdays Returns Sept. 14
What's Stress Got To Do With It?
We throw around the word "stress" all the time, but what IS stress? Does it really have an impact on our health? Is there anything we can really do about it?
Join us Tuesday, September 14 from 7-9pm to explore this challenging topic. You can bring your stress with you if you like, but expect to leave it at the door!
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Odds + EndsMindfulness-Based Stress Reduction - A great opportunity awaits in this 8-week class. Led by Karen Clark, MA, the session works with mindfulness meditation and its direct impact on stress and health. It can complement any current treatments you're receiving and develop skills you can use for a lifetime. It will be held at Partners in Change beginning late September. Call there for more information - 989-832-2165.
Upcoming Schedule Notes - Dr Palka will be out of the office September 24-October 4. Continuing education hours are required for her to maintain her Washington license and this time will be spent at two conferences. The Studio class schedule will continue as listed and the Medicinary will be open its regular Tuesday hours, 9am - 1pm on September 28. Additionally, please note that October's 2nd Tuesday program may have to be rescheduled to the 3rd Tuesday. This won't be known for sure until the 2nd week of September, so watch next month's Vis for the actual date.
The Flu - Amazingly, or really, perhaps not, there is already discussion about the upcoming flu pandemic again this year. As I mentioned a couple times last year, there are a number of things you can do to strengthen your immune system overall, as well as give it a boost in times of exposure or stress. One thing is to not give in to the fear about the flu that is so freely encouraged by all the media hype! Adequate rest, low-sugar, high nutrient diets and common sense lead the way in avoiding various sicknesses we may be exposed to. There are some great herbs and home remedies that support and comfort when something does afflict us. October's 2nd Tuesday program will cover some of these - stay tuned!
The Run - A naturopathic doctor from Sacramento, CA, is organizing a 2011 cross-country run to raise awareness of naturopathic medicine. If you are interested in helping, or if you know people along the run route who could drum up interest, or if you'd just like to check it out, follow this link: The Run Every little bit helps us all! |
"Of the Month"
 In honor of our newly opening Studio, let's talk a little bit about Yoga for September's Of the Month. There are many preconceptions and misconceptions about yoga. In some ways yoga has become fairly mainstream - hitting the news media when the rich and famous, the sports teams, and talk show hosts discover its range of benefits. Dozens of books and DVDs will lead you through poses and routines designed to improve your golf swing, your abs, your mood or your ability to touch the top of your head with the sole of your opposite foot while balancing on your right elbow, left hand gracefully reaching skyward and your face beaming a supernatural calmness. No wonder there is so much confusion! So what IS the deal, really, with yoga? History & Theory. First off, please understand that it will not be possible to fully explain Yoga in this small setting, but hopefully you can come away with a little clearer understanding of the depth and breadth of this ancient practice. Originating in India, the discipline of Yoga has been around for at least 5000 years. The word 'Yoga" is from the Sanskrit language and means "union." Not the Teamsters kind. Yoga looks to unite the various parts of you - the body and mind, emotions and breath and spirit, your relationship to yourself, to others, and to the world. Yoga seeks balance and harmony in all things, leading to true health, happiness and peace. Traditionally, there are eight branches of Yoga. Most of us in the U.S. are only familiar with Hatha Yoga, which is the Yoga of physical discipline. Hatha Yoga has many smaller branches of its own in the various forms of physical yoga practice that have been developed by various teachers over time. Some of these styles of hatha yoga include Ashtanga, Iyengar, Kripalu, Anusara, Viniyoga, Bikram, Kundalini, Sivananda... the list goes on. But all over the world there are people practicing in the other seven branches of Yoga. These include Bhakti (Yoga of Devotion), Guru (Yoga of dedication to a Yoga master), Jnana (Yoga of wisdom), Karma (Yoga of self-transcending action), Mantra (Yoga of sound), Raja (Royal yoga) and Tantra (Yoga of continuity). The study of the larger Yoga includes practices for all parts of life. In fact, it can be considered an entire lifestyle with guidelines for diet, movement, sleep, breath, cleansing, thinking, meditation, action and devotion. Benefits of Yoga. Most of the time when hearing claims about something being good for everything, I caution people that things that seem too good to be true, probably are. But with yoga, the potential for it to be helpful for any given situation is absolutely there. Of course, this is not the latest fad pill that's going to cure you. This is a practice that requires effort and attention on your part. If you are willing to first begin, and then continue to deepen a yoga practice, you have in your hands a vehicle for change. You may choose to simply change your ability to reach comfortably to your top cupboard shelf or to get through the day without back pain. You may choose to learn to breathe instead of curse when a stress comes your way. You may choose to cultivate different relationships with those around you. Or you might just start and be surprised about what benefits you receive. In Hatha Yoga, however, the physical practice will, indeed, improve strength, flexibility, balance and stamina. It is a great stress-buster! Learning to relax the body and mind supports the immune system, which improves overall health. Research has shown positive benefits for a number of health problems including hypertension, headaches, cardiovascular problems, diabetes, poor digestion, chronic pain, asthma, sleep problems and more. Yoga is good for whatever ails you! Who Can Do Yoga? Contraindications and Safety. In general, there are virtually no contraindications for yoga. Yoga can be modified to accommodate any physical limitation, so anyone can begin some variation of a yoga practice. Of course if you have significant physical health issues, it would be especially wise to begin with trained and experienced instructors who can assist you in these modifications. A part of any good yoga session is learning to be aware of your body and your breath, learning to work within parameters that are safe for your individual condition. Those parameters and your condition may change from day to day - so your attention is important so that you continue to practice safely. Can people be injured doing yoga? Of course - we can be injured doing any activity! But with guidance, patience, awareness, creativity and a non-competitive spirit, yoga practice is safe and can be absolutely transformative. Talk with your doctor if you have concerns before you begin a yoga practice. If you are interested in learning more about yoga, consider joining Kim or Wilma for a class at the new Studio. You can learn more on-line at one of the following links, or many other sites: Dr. Timothy McCall, Yoga Journal, Yoga Plus. There truly is a yoga for everyone - feel free to experiment and play and find a style and a teacher that works for you. Your whole self will be glad you did! |
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Happy New School Year, then, to one and all. Thanks again for continuing your journey to your best health with us!
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Be Well,
Kim Palka, ND
WellSpring Naturopathic
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The information contained in this newsletter is presented for
educational purposes. Nothing contained in it should be
construed nor is intended to be used for medical diagnosis or
treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your
physician or other qualified health care provider. Whenever you have any
health care related questions, please call or see your physician or
other qualified health care provider promptly. Always consult with your
physician or other qualified health care provider before embarking on a
new treatment, diet or fitness program. You should never disregard
medical advice or delay in seeking it because of anything you have
read in this newsletter.
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