As a chiropractor, I am always looking for ways to help my clients find relief from their pain and discomfort. Over the years, I have found that traditional chiropractic techniques are not always enough to address the root cause of my patients’ physical symptoms. That’s why I have turned to the Hakomi method, which offers a unique approach to healing that focuses on the mind-body connection.

Hakomi is a form of somatic psychotherapy that was developed in the 1970s by Ron Kurtz, a psychologist and student of mindfulness meditation. The word “Hakomi” comes from a Hopi Indian word that means “Who are you?” This is the central question that guides the Hakomi method, which is designed to help people explore and understand the unconscious beliefs and emotions that shape their lives.

At its core, Hakomi is based on the idea that the body and mind are intimately connected. Our physical sensations and movements are closely tied to our emotions, thoughts, and beliefs. By paying attention to the body, we can gain valuable insights into our mental and emotional states.

Hakomi sessions typically begin with a conversation between the therapist and client to establish a sense of trust and safety. The therapist will then guide the client through a series of gentle exercises and body-awareness techniques designed to bring attention to the physical sensations that underlie their emotional and mental experiences.

One of the unique features of Hakomi is its focus on “mindfulness,” or the practice of being fully present and aware in the moment. By cultivating mindfulness, we can become more attuned to our bodies and more conscious of our thoughts and emotions. This can help us recognize when we are experiencing limiting beliefs or negative thought patterns that may be contributing to our physical symptoms.

For example, a person who holds the belief that they are not worthy of love may unconsciously contract their chest muscles, leading to chronic tension and pain in that area. By bringing awareness to this tension and exploring the underlying belief, the person may be able to release the physical tension and work towards changing the limiting belief.

In my experience as a chiropractor, many of my clients’ physical symptoms are rooted in these types of unconscious beliefs and emotions. By incorporating Hakomi techniques into my practice, I am able to help my clients explore and understand these underlying issues, leading to more profound and lasting healing.

Some of the benefits that my clients have experienced through Hakomi include increased self-awareness, a greater sense of inner peace, and relief from chronic pain and tension. Hakomi can also help improve relationships and reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.

If you are interested in trying Hakomi, it is important to find a qualified and experienced practitioner. Look for someone who has completed a Hakomi training program and who has a background in psychology or other related fields. The best way to experience it would be to attend an event. There’s a big network of Hakomi practitioners around the world and it will not be difficult to find one near you. You can start by exploring this list of Hakomi events here.

It is also important to keep in mind that Hakomi is not a quick fix or a one-size-fits-all solution. Each person’s journey will be unique, and the process can be challenging at times. However, with patience, dedication, and the guidance of a skilled practitioner, Hakomi can be an incredibly powerful tool for self-discovery and healing.

In conclusion, as a chiropractor, I have found that incorporating Hakomi techniques into my practice has been incredibly beneficial for my clients. By recognizing the mind-body connection and helping my clients explore their unconscious beliefs and emotions, I have been able to provide a deeper level of healing that addresses the root cause of their physical symptoms. If you are struggling with chronic pain, tension, or other physical symptoms, I encourage you to consider trying Hakomi and exploring the profound benefits of this unique and powerful healing modality. Here’s a book that I would recommend on the topic: The Practice of Loving Presence: A Mindful Guide To Open-Hearted Relating.

As a chiropractor, my patients often come to me with physical complaints, ranging from headaches to back pain. While these symptoms may have a physical origin, I have come to understand that in some cases, the root cause of these issues is actually psychosomatic in nature. This means that the pain is caused by psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, or depression, rather than a physical injury or illness.

As healthcare professionals, we are trained to diagnose and treat physical ailments, but it is equally important to pay attention to the mental health of our patients. By understanding the connection between physical symptoms and mental health, we can provide better care for our patients and improve their overall wellbeing.

Psychosomatic pain can present in a variety of ways, and it can be difficult to diagnose. Patients may describe their pain as a dull ache, burning sensation, or throbbing discomfort. They may also have difficulty pinpointing the exact location of the pain or find that it moves around their body. These symptoms can make it challenging to identify the root cause of the pain, but there are a few signs that can help indicate that psychosomatic pain may be at play.

First, if a patient has been experiencing pain for an extended period of time and there is no identifiable physical cause, it may be time to consider the possibility of psychosomatic pain. Additionally, if a patient reports experiencing emotional distress, such as anxiety or depression, alongside their physical symptoms, this can be another indicator.

One tool that I often recommend to my patients is keeping a pain journal. By tracking their pain levels and noting any emotional or environmental triggers that may be exacerbating their symptoms, patients can start to identify patterns and potential psychosomatic causes. Encouraging patients to practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques can also be helpful in managing psychosomatic pain.

As chiropractors, we can play a vital role in addressing the mental health needs of our patients. Incorporating techniques such as mindfulness meditation and deep breathing exercises into our treatment plans can help patients manage their stress and anxiety, which can in turn alleviate their physical symptoms.

Another approach is to consider a multidisciplinary approach to care. Working with mental health professionals, such as therapists or counselors, can help patients address the root causes of their psychosomatic pain and develop coping strategies to manage their symptoms. Additionally, incorporating practices such as yoga or massage therapy into treatment plans can help patients connect with their bodies and alleviate stress and tension.

At the end of the day, it is important for chiropractors to recognize that the mind and body are intimately connected. By acknowledging and addressing the mental health needs of our patients, we can provide more comprehensive care that addresses the root causes of their pain and helps them achieve optimal health and wellbeing. By encouraging patients to take an active role in their own care and to be open to exploring the connection between their mental and physical health, we can help them achieve lasting relief from their pain and a better overall quality of life.

While bumps and bruises are very normal daily risks, there may still be times when your child experiences a more severe injury which may involve an equally alarming result of bleeding. Though adults can wing an injury that may involve loss of blood up to 500ml, the same could not be expected of children. Hence, it is very important for us to know what we can do when injuries do happen.

When an injury to your chilled o severe also causes bleeding be sure to act quickly in seeking medical help since the magnitude of your child’s injury may not be manifest.
Also, make him or her lie down facing up, raise his or her legs by placing pillows under them. This is to prevent from the blood from not flowing to the brain that may cause the child to faint.
However, should there be signs of fracture, avoid moving him or her as much.
If what is injured is a limb, do try to rest that part of the body as much as possible by raising it or elevating it.
Loosen his clothing and remove the belt, if there is any.
Do not apply heat to the wound. What you can do instead is to cover him or her with a blanket.
In removing foreign matter or dirt from the wound or the injury be extremely careful, but don’t even try to remove something that is deeply imbedded in the skin for doing so might cause more harm than good.
When applying direct pressure to the wound to stop bleeding, be sure to use a clean cloth, place it on top of the wound, and with firmness press down. If blood soaks through the cloth, do not remove it. Instead, cover it with another layer of cloth.
If it is apparent that something is imbedded in the wound, do not apply direct pressure over the wound. This would of course simply push the matter deeper than it already is.
If, despite applying direct pressure, the bleeding is not reduced, redirect pressure to the artery that is supplying the blood to that limb by pressing the artery close to the bone under it. In applying pressure, it is best to do so in pressure points closest to the wound which are usually found in the upper arm or upper leg.
Consistently apply pressure until bleeding is gone or is reduced, after which place a clean dressing that has been soaked in antiseptic over the wound. If it gets soaked with blood, do not remove it merely instead add another layer.
Do not give the child something to drink or eat. If he or she is thirsty, apply water only to his lips.

If the injury is so severe and all these efforts fail at stopping the bleeding, use a tourniquet. Be sure to bind above the bleeding area. Remember that tourniquet is only to be used when all other efforts fail and not as a primary remedy. Also, when you apply the tourniquet, be sure to let the doctor know about it.

Once the bleeding has stopped, immobilize the injured area and don’t remove the bandages.

Part of the pain and difficulty of being diagnosed with cancer is breaking the news to your family, especially to your children. Most probably, they will not understand the situation at first. But telling them about it is necessary; to prepare them for whatever will happen in the future.

Talk to your children in simple language, one that they would understand clearly. They would not, of course, be able to grasp medical terms, so, instead, use words that they can relate to. Avoid overloading them with too much information. Talking about cancer should be a continuing process, so you may provide them with small amounts of information at a time.

Tell your children what to expect. Surprises may not work in situations like this, so it is better to preempt them of what may happen in the future. For example, discuss with them the side effects of the treatment, such as hair loss or body weakness, so that they may not at all be surprised when they actually see the situation.

Make sure your children know that your illness is not anyone’s fault. Experts say that children tend to claim responsibility over things that they do not understand. Your children might think that you became ill because of what they did or what they did not do. So, explain to that that it is actually no one’s fault and that they can, in fact, help you to feel better.

Do not block your children out of the process. Research shows that it is good to have them visiting you in the hospital. That way, they will know what is happening and will not be left in the dark to imagine worse scenarios.

Maintain a normal life as you possibly can. Do not let your illness hamper you from spending quality time with your children. Even at the hospital, you can continue what you do at home such as checking their homework, or talking to them about school, or watching their favorite shows together. Of course, there are a few changes since you have to be careful about your health, but that does not mean you have to stop being with your children altogether.

It is widely accepted that a vegetarian diet, if properly planned, is healthier and more nutritious than a non-vegetarian diet. Studies also show that people who adopted vegetarian diets are less prone to illness and serious disease compared to people whose diets are largely based on meat products. Below are some benefits associated with vegetarian diets.

Food comprising vegetarian diets generally contains lower levels of saturated fat, cholesterol, calories and animal protein. Thus, they also have lower risks of contracting diseases associated with high levels of cholesterol, calories, saturated fat, and animal protein. Also, they tend to live longer and healthier.

Vegetarian diets usually have higher levels of fiber, carbohydrates, potassium, magnesium, folate, and antioxidants including vitamins C, vitamin E, and phytochemicals.

People with vegetarian diet tend to have lower or normal body mass index. Whereas meat eaters tend to be more obese, vegetarians tend to be leaner and healthier.

Vegetarians tend to have lower tendency to have cardiovascular diseases. This may attributed to the fact that vegetarians have lower blood cholesterol levels and consumes less saturated fat animal protein. In addition to this, plant food is considerably rich in fiber. Also vegetarian diets have higher levels of antioxidants intake, including vitamins C and E, reducing oxidation of LDL cholesterol and isoflavones that are usually found in soy foods, and other phytochemicals.

Vegetarian diet is also associated with lower blood pressure and lower rates of hypertension. Experts suggest that lower rates of hypertension might be caused by the difference in blood glucose-insulin response due to lower glycemic index of vegetarian diets or by beneficial compounds from plant foods.

Vegetarian diet also reduces the risk for diabetes caused by body mass index of vegetarians and higher fiber intake, which improve insulin sensitivity.

Another benefit is lower incidence of cancer including breast, colon, prostate, colorectal cancer, Vegetarian diets have been found to be similar to the dietary guidelines issued by the National Cancer Institute particularly as regards fat and fiber intakes. Vegetarians also have lower concentration of potentially carcinogenic bile acids and fewer intestinal bacteria.

Osteoporosis is also rarer in vegetarians. There is however no general agreement on why incidence of osteoporosis is lower on vegetarians.

Surprisingly, there are available statistics showing that there are lower rates of dementia among vegetarians. High level of antioxidants in vegetarian diets has been found to protect cognitive function.

Vegetarians are also less likely to develop gallstones irrespective of obesity, gender, and aging.

Vegetarians are also less prone to macular degeneration of the retina, which may lead to blindness.

However, all this benefits does not automatically translate to saying that a vegetarian diet is automatically the healthiest way to eat. Vegetarian diets are prone to deficiencies in vital nutrients if improperly practiced. Thus, vegetarian diets of whatever formed needs to be carefully planned, taking into consideration the general rules of a nutritionally-balanced diet.

For thousands of years, Chinese herbs and medicines have been resorted to in curing maladies. Today, they are making their ranks and even competing against manufactured pills and tablets from Europe and the United States. An advantage of these herbal medicines over pharmaceutical drugs is their minimal risk of side effects.

The philosophy behind this traditional treatment is the perception that the body is one big system. When one part fails, the rest is affected. Thus in looking for a cure, the medicine must not be confined in treating only a part but the whole body. This comes from the underlying belief that health is a balance of yin and yang or the bipolar forces of nature. Interesting to know that vegetarians think of the health and world in general the same way.

Below are the most popular Chinese herbal supplements that many alternative medicine believers today take advantage of.

Ginseng

Ginseng is the most famous of the Chinese herbs. It has been used as medicine for over 5, 000 years. In ancient China, it was considered to be even more precious than gold. This can be taken every day for energy and vitality or even as an immune system tonic. It is the roots of the ginseng which is utilized as supplement. They contain carbohydrate compounds, nitrogenous compounds, fat-soluble compounds, vitamins and minerals. Asian and American ginsengs are recognized as the more curative of the species of ginseng.

Yohimbe

Yohimbe, originally from South Africa, is most commonly used as an aphrodisiac although it can also be taken to fight depression and heart attack. In addition, it improves moods and help in muscle building. To enhance its effects, it usually combined with ginseng and saw palmetto. It is important though to take this herb only in its recommended dosage because it is a hallucinogen and increases blood pressure if taken in excess.

Gingko Biloba

Gingko biloba is said to be the oldest tree on earth and the most documented herbal supplement. It treats asthma, acute inflammations, colds, and cough. It also helps protect the lungs and heart against diseases.

Deer Antler Velvet

Deer antler velvet is a health tonic. It is also used as cure for erectile dysfunction and other sterility problems.

Saw Palmetto

The berries of the saw palmetto are prized as both supplement and medicine. It can be drunk as tea or taken in capsule form. It stimulates appetite, balances the metabolism, helps gain weight, cures asthma, coughs, bronchitis, dysmenorrhea, it is used as sedative and is also an aphrodisiac.

A steady supply of blood in hospitals is very important because emergencies like vehicular accidents, miscarriage, and others regularly happen. These emergencies require the immediate transfusion of blood. The widespread prevalence of some seasonal and blood-related diseases like dengue also entails large amounts of blood to be available. In addition, medical conditions that require blood transfusion include cancer and iron deficiency among pregnant women and preschool-age children.

Although there are blood banks where blood can be bought and sold, hospital and civic organizations like the Red Cross collect, freeze and put in cold storage the blood donated by volunteers. This will ensure a steady supply of blood.

According to doctors, they prefer voluntary donors over professional donors. This is because voluntary donors give blood in order to help people. It is a matter of compassion and civic duty. Paid donors on the other hand donate blood for money and thus may not always give truthful personal information.

The screening for donors is very strict. A donor must be 18 to 65 years old, weighing at least 110 pounds. Donors below 18 need the consent of their parents. Also, potential donors must have a pulse rate of 40 to 100 beats per minute and a body temperature not exceeding 37° C. Donors must also have a blood pressure of 90 to 160 mm Hg (systolic)/ 60 to 100 mm Hg (diastolic).

After passing the initial screening, a donor will be asked to fill up a registration form. A sample blood will be taken and tested for sexually transmitted infections, malarial parasites, blood type and hemoglobin level. The whole process will take 30 minutes. A donor can give 300 mL to 450 mL of blood.

Before donating your blood, follow these precautions:

Do not drink any alcohol for about 24 hours prior to donating blood.
Get adequate rest and sleep.
Don’t eat a heavy meal.
Drink lots of water and fruit juices.

And after the blood donation, these are the steps to take:

Drink lots of water and fruit juices.
Do not stoop right after donating blood.
Don’t eat a heavy meal.
If the arm is bleeding, elevate it and apply pressure to the puncture site.
If you notice a swelling or discoloration on the puncture site, apply cold compress for the first 24 hours and follow with a hot compress for the next 24 hours.
Avoid physically taxing activities.
If you feel dizzy, lie down and elevate your feet and get enough fluid intake.

Blood donation not only helps other people, but has health benefits for the donor as well. It stimulates the production of new blood cells. It lets you know your blood type and hemoglobin level for free. Also, it provides the donor with a regular screening for various blood-borne infectious diseases.

In treating your hair and scalp, either as a means of curing of deficiencies or preventing them, do try to avail yourself also of the traditional remedies that nature has in store for you. Some of these remedies are even in your very homes just simply waiting for you to use avail of their beneficial health potential.

Here are some traditional and household hair and scalp treatments that you may be able to use.

To prevent dandruff, you may want to use a mixture of one part sulfur powder, one part almond oil, two parts surgical spirit and four parts rose water or distilled water to be massaged on your scalp.

As another option you can also boil for ten minutes a solution of the combination of 4-5 dried thyme and two cups of water. Upon the cooling of the solution, massage it on your scalp and leave it for thirty minutes before washing.

If these two doesn’t appeal to you, you can also soak in water for overnight ground fenugreek seeds and massage the paste on your head, leaving it for a few minutes before washing it off with a mild shampoo.
Also, effective in warding off dandruff is the several application of the combination of one tablespoon lemon juice and one hundred grams witch hazel in 200 ml of water on washed hair.

You may also want to use warm apple cider vinegar on your scalp for thirty to forty minutes and rinse it with water in order that you may control your dandruff.

Another remedy is the use of the combination of olive and almond oil. Massage this mixture on to your scalp and leave it for five minutes or until you feel the burning sensation. Be sure to wash your hair and scalp thoroughly and properly.

Amazingly, the pain killer aspirin is also an effective anti-dandruff tool that you can use, just crush two aspirin tablets and add it to your shampoo, leave it on your scalp for two minutes and rinse thoroughly.
To remove excess dandruff you can apply aloe vera gel directly on your scalp for ten to fifteen minutes before washing your hair. Regular use of the aloe vera gel will deter the growth of your dandruff.

These remedies may have varied effects for each and every individual, hence it is important that you observe your body’s reaction to each of these remedies so as to determine the type that would suit you and would address your needs best.

Not all remedies for your dandruff and hair problems are to be found in the stores and markets. In fact, the most effective treatment for such problems are such that could be found in your very own household.

Amazingly, apple cider vinegar and lemon juice are good treatment bases for treating dandruff.

Traditional and natural medicine offers numerous ways of curing, preventing and controlling dandruff and hair loss, that though some of them may be a bit cumbersome to follow, it is still best to know that there are natural options available for treating these types of disorders. Read my other article to know more on home treatment.

As a natural shampoo, an extract from the ripened fruit of the soap nut can be obtained by soaking it for ten to fifteen minutes in hot water and by subsequently crushing it in the same water. This extract can be used daily as a shampoo absent detrimental side effects.

The thoroughly grounded powder of the Blackgram can also be used as a natural shampoo and is also an amazing soap for the body. In applying it to your hair it should be in a viscid paste and is to be gently massaged on to the scalp and thoroughly washed after. Both the soap nut juice and the blackgram paste are also anti-dandruff

Before taking a head bath one could also massage the scalp with a mixture of crushed fenugreek seeds and sour curd. Leave the mixture on your scalp for fifteen to twenty minutes before washing it with the natural shampoos discussed above.

For people who are not comfortable with applying oil in the mornings they may want to apply pure coconut oil before sleeping and then rinsing it with a natural shampoo in the morning. This will restore the much needed oil in your scalp that will avoid clumping of scales.

To bring out the luster of your hair, prevent dandruff and strengthen your hair you may also want to use the Powder of Indian Gooseberry which is an amazing and effective hair rejuvenator.

In order that you may control the degree of your dandruff, you may want to apply a mixture of vinegar and water on your scalp before sleeping. In this solution, you will combine two teaspoons of vinegar with six teaspoons of water. Wrap a towel around your head and keep the solution on your head for the rest of the night to be rinsed with vinegar water again in the morning.

Similarly, you may opt to use a lemon and vinegar solution with one teaspoon of lemon juice and two teaspoons of vinegar. Massage this mixture on your scalp and shampoo with egg.

There’s nothing like a warm drink to relax that tied-up-in-knots feeling and soothe away dis¬comforts. If you suffer from any digestive problem, make it a cup of herbal tea.

Peppermint

Remember the candy canes and melt-in-your-mouth soft peppermints from childhood? That same cooling scent may be the herald of sweet relief.

By far the most effective herbal therapy for adults, this mint can relax the smooth muscles lin¬ing your intestines – a big help when it comes to an irritable bowel. Peppermint may also help stomach pain, stomach growling, gas, and bloating. To make a weak tea, pour one cup of boiling water over a heaping tablespoon of peppermint tea leaves, and steep for five minutes.

Drink a cup between meals, but no more than four cups a day. To make a stronger tea, pour two-thirds of a cup of boiling water over two tablespoons of freshly dried peppermint leaves. Let it steep for about five to six minutes and strain.

If you suspect peppermint may be the guilty party behind heartburn, you can take enteric coated capsules half an hour before eating. Don’t try peppermint remedies on small children since the strong scent can make them gag.

Chamomile

Like peppermint, chamomile tea soothes muscle spasms. Drink freshly brewed tea three to four times a day for fast relief. Use dried flower heads or buy extracts from reputable companies for best results. If you have allergies to ragweed or daisies, try peppermint instead.

Chamomile not only makes great tea, its natural healing properties have been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments. The ancient Egyptians used it to treat everything from anxiety and insomnia to dizziness, laryngitis, and skin conditions.

Today, this safe, wonder herb is best known for relieving nausea, stomach cramps, and gas. The high flavonoid content of chamomile makes it an important cancer fighter. Some research suggests this remarkable little flower even helps slow the growth of cancer cells. With more and more health experts getting wise to the benefits of herbal medicine, chamomile may soon prove to be the cure-all of the century.

Ginger

Ginger has been known as a star digestive remedy for hundreds of years. The ancient Greeks welcomed the arrival of ginger and quickly put it to good use as a digestive aid. Ginger relieves the uncomfortable feeling caused by overeating by increasing the speed that the stomach empties. To lighten the load a big meal placed on the digestive system, the Greeks would end an evening of fabulous feasting by eating some ginger wrapped in bread. Eventually, this practice evolved into the world’s first cookie – gingerbread.

To help treat cramping and indigestion, add fresh ginger to your diet. You can eat it raw, candied, or make a tea – just steep two teaspoons of grated root in boiling water for about 10 minutes. Strain and sip slowly.

Ginger is also famous for quieting queasiness. In fact, this herbal superstar has such a good reputation that a pound of this warming spice was once worth the price of a sheep.

There’s a whole another world of herbal supplements and you can find more information on them in my article Common Herbal Supplements.