Empowered Health

Oh my! I forget to post here! I promise I am doing better!

✨ Doing small circles when you rub your hands for a while, you activate your energy (the Chi), place them in the place you want to heal, you will feel heat, tickling, different sensations, leave them until that area relieves.
🙌🏼 BLESSED ARE THE HANDS 🙌🏼
🙌🏼 Blessed are the hands that heal, the ones that love, the ones that embrace.
🙌🏼 Blessed are the hands that heal, that thread, that cook, that caress, that embroider, that paint, that spoil, that love.
🙌🏼 Blessed are outstretched hands, warm hands, brothers, full of love, kindness and compassion.
🙌🏼 Blessed are soft and generous hands, those that hold fast, those that care and protect.
🙌🏼Blessed are the hands that are able to express art, and blessed are the hearts that are open, to receive and enjoy it.
Bless your hands .
Author unknown
Love and Light,
Michelle Price

Ice Baths For Depression?! The Only Brain Zap This Holistic Psychiatrist Wholeheartedly Recommends
Can ice baths be used as an alternative treatment for depression? Can a brain zap ever be therapeutic (and not just a horrendous side effect of SSRIs?)

As a holistic psychiatrist on a mission to understand alternative avenues of healing, I prefer to immerse myself first-hand in potential treatments before recommending them to my patients.

With this in mind, I recently took the plunge into an ice bath–and I can definitively say the experience was one of the most meaningful of my life.

I cried. I screamed. I endured. I was reborn.

It was exceptionally challenging, profoundly spiritual, and unquantifiably empowering.



Sitting in a tub full of ice at the Music and Sky Festival, I experienced what can best be described as a “dark night of the soul”.

Before you get in, you look down at the frigid 45-degree water–and it seems impossible.

You take a deep breath and step in any way–and the world suddenly illuminates in stark clarity.

A surge of adrenaline rips through your body, awakening every fiber of your being.

The sharp, biting pain of the cold grips your skin and muscles, yet serves as an invigorating reminder of the raw vitality and resilience harbored within.

Each sensation invokes a fierce dance between the physical and the spiritual–with an accompanying high of transformative healing.

Your thoughts race in a chaotic symphony:

“I have to get out, I can’t endure this.”

“Wow, I guess I’m still holding on.”

“Can I really do this?”

“Yes, keep going!”

“You are so much more powerful than you give yourself credit for.”



Since the moment I got out of the ice, I have been pondering the obvious similarities between my journey and the journey most face when coming off psych meds.

When you stop a psychiatric medication, your body is forced to adapt fiercely as your mind strives tirelessly to make sense of the shifting internal, painful landscape.

And, just like the ice bath, with every step is the question of “Can I really do this?”

Stopping psychiatric medication can too be a transformative, spiritual awakening. It forces you to dig deeper than you think you can, to summon unprecedented resilience and courage, to walk through the fire, and to emerge reborn.



But could ice baths serve as an alternative treatment for depression?

Depression is caused, in part, by chronic inflammation. On a physical level, ice is an effective anti-inflammatory treatment.

The cold water also kicks the parasympathetic nervous system into gear–our “rest and digest” mode that allows our bodies to soothe and recover.

The release of dopamine triggered by the plunge has the potential to counter deficiencies.

And the plunge most certainly increases neuroplasticity in the brain–new connections, new possibilities, new beginnings.

But even more potent than the ice baths’ biochemical effects, is the fact that it serves as a potent catalyst. It empowers you to reclaim agency over your own narrative, confront fears with a heart emboldened, and carve out paths in places once deemed impassable.



Whether the journey is an ice bath, ceasing psychiatric medication, giving birth, overcoming loss and grief, or any other challenge, I ask you:

You’ve triumphed once; what’s stopping you from summoning that strength again?



About the Author: Kendra Campbell, MD

Dr. Campbell is a holistic psychiatrist and founder of Free Range Psychiatry. She is passionate about bringing awareness to the harms caused by medicating the human experience.

I was talking to a client the other day and we were exploring the concept of self-care.

We were chatting about what it actually means to take care of yourself and exploring the how.

With that being said, I’d love to walk you through a little practice. Would you be open to that?

If it feels safe and comfortable, maybe close your eyes.
Take a deep breath in and a long breath out.
Grounding and centering yourself in this very moment.
Only for a few moments.

Now, I’d invite you to bring your attention to the concept of self-care.
When you hear that phrase, what comes to your mind?
What do you think of it?
What feels like self-care to you?
Just take a few moments to think about this.
Maybe take notice of what happens in your body as you think about this.
Take a few deep breathes in and out.
Now softly blink your eyes open and lets explore this concept a bit more.

First, what did you come up with? Did your mind go to bubble baths, massages, or spa days, or maybe you pictured yourself in a dark room, alone, just being?

Now, self-care can be all of those things. Especially if it feels restorative to you. However, I want to invite in a new way of thinking about self-care. Because, let’s be honest, we don’t always have the time or money to get away for a full spa day or even a massage.

I’d like to introduce you to the concept of “subtle self-care.”

This is not a clinical term or anything rooted in research. More so, a concept that has been rooted in my own work and my work with clients. I think we sometimes get swept up in this idea of self-care and what it means and how it should look when in reality, if we invite in a more subtle approach then we may actually feel more connected to the practice.

Now, what do I mean when I say “subtle self-care?”

”Subtle self-care” practices are intentional decisions that work in support of your nervous system, your mind and your physical body. Moments and practices that offer relief and reprieve, even if it is for only a few moments. “Subtle self-care” is more accessible and more integrated into your day-to-day life. It is more of a lifestyle shift then something you should do for yourself.

You might be asking, okay so what are some examples Dr. Kelly?

Before I give you a list of ideas to explore, please know the most important aspect of “subtle self-care” is for YOU to define what that means to you.
What feels restorative to you?
What feels helpful?
What allows a sense of ease and release?

Whatever that is, do more of that!

But to get you started, here are a few ideas to explore:

Brain release: Take a few moments to stop what you are doing and take in the world around you. Maybe you look away from your computer for 5 minutes and stare out the window. Maybe you lay down on the ground and feel the earth beneath you. Anything that allows the brain to take a break from processing, thinking, planning, and doing.

Hydration: I know you know this is important. Our bodies are composed primarily of water, making it crucial to prioritize hydration in our daily lives. Proper hydration helps regulate body functions, boost physical performance, enhance cognitive function, support emotional well-being, and promote overall health. Maybe you buy a fun water bottle to help keep you connected to this practice.

Pausing the chaos: The buzzing of notifications, social media, regular media, the needs of our family and just general demands of life are constant. It is often critical to take a pause from the chaos around us. Now we can do this in a lot of different ways, such as: escaping to a yoga class, exercise or intentional movement, or time with friends and family. But, what if you start to subtly integrate more intention into your daily life? We might do this by shutting off our phone for brief periods of time (or longer), silencing notifications, removing social media apps, closing our eyes for a few moments and just breathing, or dropping into a guided meditation. Allowing yourself to step outside of chaos moving all around you.

Again, I encourage you to find what works for you. My intention is to really encourage you to think about self-care in a more bite size way. It may start to feel a bit more manageable when we shift our mindset.

Thanks for being here,
Dr. Kelly Vincent

TRUTH or LIE

Psychiatric medications cause tortuous side effects

✅ True

The side effects of psych meds are very serious, and your concerns are valid.

Psych meds often make people feel WORSE.

Common side effects of psych meds include nausea, headaches, weight gain, and decreased sexual interest. Psych meds can also cause insomnia, memory issues, drowsiness, dizziness, and dissociation.

Psych meds can even cause the very things they are prescribed to treat–depression, anxiety, psychosis, and suicidal thoughts.

Some psych meds can ruin your thyroid, interfere with your kidneys, and give you diabetes.

And, unfortunately, the list goes on!

Traditional psychiatry ignores the root causes of suffering

✅ True

Throwing toxic medications at people who are suffering is like throwing wet paper towels on the floor to solve leaky pipes. The paper towels may or may not mask the leak momentarily, but they will never address the source of the problem.

Psych meds do not address the underlying reasons people suffer. They do not account for how nutrition, lifestyle, environment, and trauma contribute to depression, anxiety, and all other psychiatric labels.

There is no evidence holistic psychiatry works

🚫 Lie

There is tremendous evidence that holistic psychiatry is not only effective, but is actually MORE effective than traditional psychiatry and the Medication Merry-Go-Round.

Holistic psychiatrists look beyond psychiatric labels. They do not mask symptoms. They consider diet, exercise, sleep, stress, and many other factors that indisputably affect the mind, body, and spirit.

You deserve a holistic psychiatrist.
You are loved!

Schedule regular breaks to unplug from the internet.

These breaks will give you an opportunity to reset and save yourself from information overload.

Make a list of things you’ll do on your break. This way you're less likely to feel bored or tempted to browse the internet.

Having some time away from the internet is good for your overall wellbeing.

You can fix your sleeping patterns, clear your mind, become more mindful of your surroundings and spend more quality time with your friends and family.

Use internet breaks to work towards letting go of your fear of missing out. Practice stillness and focus on what's truly important.

How do I become happier?
What makes me happy?
How do I achieve lasting happiness?

I feel like these questions are so relevant to the work I do. After all, people come to therapy to heal, be seen, heard, validated, and most likely feel happier.

When people say "happiness is an inside job," they are suggesting that true happiness comes from within oneself rather than external circumstances or material possessions. It means that happiness is not something that can be obtained solely through external factors, such as money, success, or relationships. Instead, it is a state of mind and a choice to focus on the positive aspects of life. By cultivating a positive mindset, practicing gratitude, and finding joy in the present moment, one can achieve true and lasting happiness.

I know in tough times this can be very, very hard. Remind yourself that you are human and navigating as best you can given whatever circumstances you are enduring. Know you can come back to this mindset whenever the capacity is there.

So, how do we do it? Let’s explore a few starting points to help you cultivate more happiness in your life:

1. Ask yourself what I value (e.g. “I value connection”)? It might be best to do this exercise in a journal or on a piece of paper so you can visually see what values align with you.

2. How can I live through those values (e.g. If I value connection then planning quality time with close friends may be nourishing")? This is about tying the value to an action!

3. Regulate your precious nervous system! When we regulate our nervous system, we are telling our mind and body we are safe. We are allowed to drop into positive emotions and a sense of ease (e.g. if you haven’t yet explored my Nourishing Your Nervous System guide this can be a good place to start).

4. Meet your basic needs daily (e.g. maintain hydration during the day, implement healthy sleep routines, move your body, balanced nutrition). I know this is an obvious one, but it is SO impactful

5. Cultivate an attitude of gratitude (e.g. “I feel grateful for a hot shower”). The key to practicing gratitude is to allow the emotions associated to come alive.

6. Find ways to become still (e.g. gentle nature walk, gentle yoga, meditation, etc). This helps the mind rest, recalibrate and rejuvenate.

Just to add a little research to the mix, here are a few more ideas…

According to a recent research study conducted by Lyubomirsky, King, and Diener (2005), happiness can be achieved through intentional activities such as practicing kindness, and setting achievable goals. The study found that individuals who engaged in these activities consistently experienced higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction.

It is important to note that happiness is not a one-size-fits-all concept and may vary depending on individual circumstances and values. However, incorporating intentional activities into daily routines can lead to a more fulfilling and satisfying life.

If I may promise you one thing, I will promise you that all of the work your putting in now toward healing will be worth it in the end. you will wake up one day and feel it all. and you'll be so happy that you did it. although healing is never a linear process, you're doing incredible and with time, you will feel it and know

8 reasons why you may be fatigued..
Let’s explore 8 reasons why you may be so tired. 😴

⭐️1. Chronically dysregulated nervous system - This may lead you to be “” stuck on”” or even “” stuck off.”” The constant flood of stress hormones keeps the body’s natural system out of balance leading to exhaustion.

⭐️2. Nutrient deficiencies - When your body is lacking essential vitamins and minerals, it can struggle to produce the energy it needs to keep you going throughout the day.

⭐️3. Overstimulation - Overstimulation can lead to fatigue because it can cause your brain to work overtime in processing information.

⭐️4. Sedentary lifestyle - A sedentary lifestyle can make you feel tired because your body isn’t moving enough to get the blood flowing and oxygen circulating properly, as your muscles become less active, and your metabolism slows down.

⭐️5. Mental health conditions - When you struggle with anxiety and depression, you most likely also experience a dysregulated nervous system (either stuck on or stuck off). As we know, the flood of stress hormones can be taxing on the body and mind.

⭐️6. Poor sleep quality or lack of sleep - Not getting enough sleep or poor-quality sleep can leave you feeling fatigued.

⭐️7. Medication - Certain medications can cause the body to feel fatigued, as it is a side effect.

⭐️8. Medical Conditions - Conditions such as anemia, hypothyroidism, and chronic fatigue syndrome can cause exhaustion and lack of energy.

Of course, these aren’t the ONLY reasons someone may be tired💤, so please consult your healthcare provider to receive individualized care if the problem interferes with daily functioning.

Mother Teresa once said, "Be happy in the moment; that's enough. Each moment is all we need, not more."

It isn't always easy to live that way though. Our minds often lurch here and there, and sometimes they don't feel like our friends.

If left unchecked, my own inner critic can turn on me. Does that ever happen to you?

Yet there are times when the beauty of a sunset stops me in my tracks or simply looking at someone I love fills my heart with a gratitude that just leaves me speechless. In those moments, my higher self sits at the helm and the stories in my mind stop mattering whatsoever.

This is the essence of mindfulness.

Mahatma Gandhi once said,

"A man is a product of his thoughts. What he thinks, he becomes."

Science backs this up. According to a recent study by Massachusetts General Hospital, consistent mindfulness literally changes the neurons in your brain.

So if you practice mindfulness in moments of anxiety or depression - and you take positive actions such as listing 5 great things you have going for you - your brain will transform your experience on a chemical level.

Then you become the author of your own life story.

But it takes practice to be mindful. And it takes a willingness to set aside our little stories and quibbles with life - no small thing!

This nondenominational Serenity Prayer (which is usually attributed to American theologian Reinhold Niebuhr) is a wonderful touchstone for exactly this purpose:

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change

The courage to change the things I can..

And the wisdom to know the difference

We are souls in physical bodies, stuck in linear time - so we cannot change the past. But the future is your oyster, and it's up to you to walk in the direction of your highest self...

Stay curious,

Nick Polizzi

So important to read!!

It's time to stop the pharmaceuticals!!!!!!

Trust Your Gut:
Break Free From Pharmaceutical Dependency

Dear Subscriber,

You’re being drugged.

“ ... over the past 30 years, approved drugs have caused an epidemic of harmful side effects, even when properly prescribed. Every week, about 53,000 excess hospitalizations and about 2,400 excess deaths occur in the United States among people taking properly prescribed drugs to be healthier. One in every five drugs approved ends up causing serious harm, while one in ten provide substantial benefit compared to existing, established drugs.”

That statement is from a 2012 article in the Journal of Law, Medicine & Ethics. If we read that and don’t feel compelled to trash the contents of our medicine cabinets, it’s because the FDA and Big Pharmaceutical companies are dominating the dialogue.

Drug companies are not intent on providing harmful drugs. But they are intent on providing approved drugs.

They make money by getting “new” drugs passed through the FDA as quickly as possible, even if it means they undergo insufficient evaluation. And guess what: The FDA makes money too. Why? Because new drugs can be patented.

The FDA requires user fees of more than $2 million for every New Drug Application. As long as there can be a patent, there can be a stream of revenue flowing into these drug manufacturers’ pockets. So the drug makers willingly submit to a rather costly process of FDA legitimization.

There is probably some merit to those obligatory user fees — a monetary barrier-to-entry keeping drug companies from pushing through complete junk. But let’s not forget the FDA is a government agency that collaborates with the pharmaceutical industry and politicians to determine “safety” standards and application policies. Last year, more than $220 million was spent by pharmaceutical companies on lobbying policymakers.

And that just doesn't seem to be in your best interest. Like the Journal of Law, Medicine & Ethics wrote, many of the drugs you're prescribed are harming you.

But if you just listened to your gut, you could be dodging those effects …
Your Gut Knows What's Wrong

Natural health solutions require an understanding and appreciation for the automatic healing powers of the human body. Our bodies’ systems are carefully intertwined to provide unsurpassed performance. But certain inputs are needed.

Fuel is one of those inputs. And the primary entry point for the fuel we consume is through our gut — the gateway for essential nutrients and the barrier to harmful proteins.

Without a properly functioning gut, we face numerous health risks, including cholesterol imbalances, bacterial infections, gastrointestinal issues, immune system stress and an unregulated metabolism. These conditions can generate a host of diseases such as diabetes, obesity, rheumatoid arthritis and chronic fatigue.

Proper gut function is imperative. But how many of us have ever once considered our gut when we get sick? Very few, I’m sure.

That’s because we’ve accepted an alternative, albeit mostly careless, solution ...
There’s a Drug for That

With a whopping $6.5 billion in sales last year, the best-selling drug in the U.S. was Abilify. It’s another of a long list of antipsychotics and antidepressants believed to affect neurotransmitters in the brain, including dopamine and serotonin, which control mood and emotion. And while this has been shown to help certain people, it's also being used in cases where (in my opinion) it may not be necessary — and that's where the negatives outweigh the positives because …

Abilify’s litany of potential serious side effects includes increased suicidal thoughts, increased risk of stroke and anaphylaxis (aka choking).

Crazy, right?

Now consider the most-prescribed drug last year: Synthroid, an artificial hormone used to replace a natural hormone called thyroxine when the thyroid is not producing enough of it. Basically, when people take Synthroid, it can help with symptoms ranging from weight gain, fatigue and changes in cholesterol to "slower thinking" and muscle or joint pain.

Is it me, or are those symptoms rather common?

Unfortunately, hypothyroid drugs are meant to be taken for life. The odds of developing unwelcomed, if not devastating, side effects from being tethered to a drug for multiple decades are unreasonably high.

Why risk it?
We’ve Been Duped Into a Vicious Drug Cycle

Why exactly would your thyroid not produce its natural hormone?

It could be your immune system attacking your thyroid. Or it could be previous exposure to radiation. Or it could even be (shocker!) medications used to treat conditions like psychiatric disorders and cancer.

The irony would be funny if the reality weren’t so tragic: We need medicine to treat us for what’s been caused by the medicine given to treat us.

And this interconnectedness of treatment plays right into the hands of major pharmaceutical companies who prosper from patents and lenient FDA approval.

Americans spend about $350 billion per year on prescription drugs. The Mayo Clinic researchers say nearly 70% of Americans are taking at least one prescription drug and more than 50% take two! So the pharmaceutical industry is willing to spend about $1 billion to $5 billion on research and development for a single drug. And in 2012, roughly $25 billion was spent on marketing to physicians and $3 billion advertising to consumers.

All this despite the fact that these high-tech, multi-billion dollar medications can never fix the problem.

Truth is: they merely treat the symptoms, at best. And perpetual treatment is tolerated because patients have no choice.

Perhaps Frédéric Bastiat, a forerunner of Austrian economics and libertarian philosophy, said it best when discussing what is seen and what is not seen: “Whence it follows that the bad economist pursues a small present good that will be followed by a great evil to come, while the good economist pursues a great good to come, at the risk of a small present evil.”
Pursue the Great Good to Come

The great good in this case is healing.

Our bodies are capable of healing themselves from a multitude of ailments. In order for that to happen, we must do things to facilitate physiological balance.

The bottom line is that we're kidding ourselves if we pump ourselves with pharmaceuticals and expect to be healed.

Instead, we should be changing our diets and our habits.

I see natural health and diet as the single best way to win the battle against an oppressive system thriving at our expense.

But I know others who have overcome a personal battle for their health by discarding conventional medicine.

Many years ago, my wife’s aunt was suffering constant flu-like symptoms and exhaustion. After much attention from physicians, she was diagnosed with full-body Candida, a fungal infection. Her doctor recommended conventional treatments including antibiotics aimed at killing bacteria present in her body.

Before that, she had a shoulder injury misdiagnosed by a different doctor as Fibromyalgia and was unnecessarily prescribed antidepressants. Seeing that history, her doctors again recommended antidepressants — this time to treat her Candida. She said “No.”

Her husband brought home a book one day. One such condition discussed in the book matched all her symptoms. They sought out the author, a holistic doctor specializing in natural therapy for those with autoimmune diseases. His solution for her: adopt a very strict diet eliminating sugar and products containing wheat.

After only three months, she was demonstrably better. And after only six months on this new diet her symptoms had completely vanished. She has come to realize and appreciate the interconnectedness of systems in the human body.

Let that be a lesson to us all.

If you’re looking for natural things you can do to heal your body before resorting to treatments ridden with harmful side-effects, look first at your gut.
Take a Bite of the Apple

Restoring gut function could help erase a host of the very same symptoms that can allegedly be treated with the three most-prescribed drugs (Synthroid, Crestor and Nexium) as well as the three highest-grossing drugs (Abilify, Nexium and Humira).

There are many ways to restore the natural, essential functioning of your gut, whether you’re looking to revitalize beneficial bacteria or fortify your intestinal permeability. Herbs, bone broth and probiotics supplements are all useful.

But the single best place to start is at the food you eat.

Certain foods promote poor levels of stomach acid and bacterial overgrowth. Caffeine, sodas, chocolate, wheat, citrus fruits and juices, tomatoes, and high-fat foods are among them.

At the same time, other foods contain nutrients vital to gut restoration. Most fruits and vegetables are good. Apples, kale and onions are particularly high in a flavonoid called quercetin known for anti-allergy properties and anti-cancer effects. Quercetin prevents the release of histamines, which can permeate your gut barrier as well as present symptoms associated with allergies.

And if you’re looking for an excuse, red wine also contains quercetin. Cheers to your health!

I encourage you to stay on top of your health. We’re here to help you be your own advocate. It’s our mission to bring you useful ideas each week to keep you free from the burdens of constant treatment and dependency on a warped system. You can expect that from us.

Thanks for reading.

Regards,

JR Crooks

I hope today is a good day for you :).

Depression can be one of the most demotivating, soul-sucking, strength-sapping battles you face in your day.

It can make you feel trapped, bound to your bed, and too weak to get up. You’re left exhausted, with no will to move from wherever you’ve collapsed.

Sound familiar?

The truth is that depression (and other mental health issues) is far more common than most people realize.

A staggering number of people struggle with depression on a daily basis.

It can threaten to derail their lives and stop them from living happy, healthy existences.

Click here to read our blog post and find out what are 5 ways to fight depression when it is dragging you down...

And remember, having something beautiful to focus on may be just the thing to pull you out of your depression.

Have a perfect rest of the day!

THE BENEFITS OF LEMON PARSLEY DRINK

Promotes good cardiovascular health
Obesity accounts for over 20% of cardiovascular disease cases worldwide. When you are overweight, the body uses more energy than it expends. The excess energy is then in the form of fat in the blood.
Blood circulation is not smooth and therefore the heart is not well nourished. The parsley and lemon drink helps to eliminate excess fat and therefore allows good blood circulation in the body. The toxins will be better eliminated.

Purify the blood
The blood that circulates in our veins is mostly filled with wastes that the body produces.
To allow the body to filter the blood, the body has its own filters, which are the kidneys, intestines, liver and skin. But sometimes these organs do not function properly.
To purify the blood, you don't need any other medicine. Two to three leaves of parsley and half a lemon that you will infuse are enough.

Reduction in gas production
Belly gas comes from a poor diet and is a source of abdominal pain, infections, poor digestion and bloated bellies.
These gases generally come from the food we eat, poor chewing of food, certain food intolerances ... To overcome this, an infusion of parsley and lemon will eliminate the gas and reduce the size of your belly.

Immune system stimulant
An infusion of parsley and lemon will provide you with vitamin C and other nutrients that will help strengthen your immune system.
Especially during attacks from bacteria and viruses, the body will then have the strength to fight and protect you. Your kidneys will then be in good shape to eliminate all the toxins.
This infusion also helps promote good digestion, regulate glucose levels, prevent water retention in the body, reduce cholesterol levels, fight bad breath.
Recipes
Lemon parsley herbal tea:
You will need the parsley, the whole lemon, and the mineral water. Boil your water Wash and throw your parsley in the boiling water. Leave to infuse for about twenty minutes. Filter the drink and add your collected lemon juice to it. The effect of hot water will release the properties of parsley and lemon more quickly.

Lemon parsley smoothie
½ bunch of parsley beforehand, 1 whole lemon, 10 Cl of mineral water or a glass of water.
In your mixer, put the parsley and the lemon juice collected, Mix everything.
Add the mixture to the water. You can take less water or more depending on your taste.