multi_kitchen

Cannabidiol - CBD - August 2020

lopa@shroffdesigns.com (Lopa ) — Thu, 10 Sep 2020 19:27:23 GMT

What is CBD?

The cannabis plant contains over 60 unique chemical compounds known as cannabinoids. Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a naturally occurring cannabinoid component of cannabis and has become widely used for its therapeutic effects. While delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the major active ingredient of the cannabis plant, cannabidiol (CBD) can make up about 40% of cannabis extracts depending on the plant. CBD does not cause intoxication or euphoria (the “high”) that comes from tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). It is THC (and not CBD) that is the primary psychoactive component of marijuana.

Benefits of CBD

Clinical studies have shown that CBD could be beneficial for many health conditions including anxiety, chronic pain, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, sleep disorders, PTSD and epilepsy- to name just a few!

How CBD Works on Receptor Sites in the Body

Serotonin receptor sites: At high concentrations, CBD directly activates the serotonin receptor, thereby conferring an anti-anxiety effect which may help with anxiety, addiction, appetite, sleep, pain perception, nausea and vomiting.

Transient Receptor Potential Cation Channel Subfamily (TRPV) ion channels: CBD binds to TRPV1 which can influence pain perception, inflammation and body temperature.

GPR55-Orphan receptor: Some studies indicate that CBD functions as an antagonist that blocks, or deactivates, another G protein-coupled receptor known as GPR55. GPR55 is widely expressed in the brain, especially in the cerebellum. It is involved in modulating blood pressure and bone density, among other physiological processes. GPR55 promotes osteoclast cell function, which facilitates bone reabsorption. Overactive GPR55 receptor signaling is associated with osteoporosis.

Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptors (PPAR): Activation of PPAR-Gamma has an anti-proliferative effect, which may induce tumor regression in human lung cancer cell lines. PPAR-gamma activation degrades amyloid-beta plaque, a key molecule linked to the development of Alzheimer’s disease. This is one of the reasons why cannabidiol, a PPAR-gamma agonist, may be a useful remedy for Alzheimer’s patients. PPAR receptors also regulate genes that are involved in energy homeostasis, lipid uptake, insulin sensitivity, and other metabolic functions. Diabetics, accordingly, may benefit from a CBD-rich treatment regimen.

Is CBD right for you?

Above, we have discussed a few of the benefits of CBD, and some of the ways in which CBD works on the human body. If you are considering a trial of CBD products to help with any health concerns, it is recommended you have a full evaluation with your medical provider to discuss benefits, or potential risks, in regards to the use of CBD.

Julie Cunningham, PMHNP, MBA

The brain gut connection - July 2020

lopa@shroffdesigns.com (Lopa ) — Thu, 10 Sep 2020 17:56:05 GMT

The Brain- Gut Connection

As far back as the third century B.C.E, Hippocrates stated “All disease begins in the gut”. Since then, with many scientific advances, it is now able to be proven that Hippocrates’ statement is the truth.

The human body is colonized by a multitude of organisms, called microbes, which cover your insides and outsides, thriving in your mouth, nose, ears, intestines, and every inch of your skin. These microbes are known as the microbiome, they are fundamental to life, and the majority are living within the digestive tract.

These intestinal organisms participate in a wide variety of physiologic actions, including immune system functioning, detoxification, inflammation, neurotransmitter and vitamin production, nutrient absorption, signaling being hungry or full, and utilizing carbohydrates and fat. All of these processes factor heavily into whether or not we experience allergies, asthma, ADHD, cancer, diabetes, or dementia. The microbiome affects our mood, libido, metabolism, immunity, and even our perception of the world and the clarity of our thoughts. It helps determine whether or not we are fat or thin, energetic or lethargic. In other words, everything about our health- how we feel both emotionally and physically- hinges on the state of our microbiome.

Even without extreme health challenges, a dysfunctional microbiome could be at the root of your headaches, anxiety, inability to concentrate, or negative outlook on life. Transforming your gut health will, in turn, transform your cognitive health so you can add many more vibrant years to your life. Many people have different risk factors, history and medical conditions to deal with, however the key to feeling better is to minimize inflammation and keep a healthy microbiome! Some ways to do this include getting a good night sleep, decrease sugar and gluten intake, avoiding processed foods, avoiding environmental chemicals and pesticides, choose foods rich in probiotics, ingest low carb and high quality fats and drink filtered water.

If you have concerns about your diet, gut health or the way you feel overall, make sure to consult with your medical provider, dietician or specialist for a full evaluation, prior to making changes to your regular routine.

Julie Cunningham, PMHNP, MBA

Reiki - June 2020

lopa@shroffdesigns.com (Lopa ) — Mon, 22 Jun 2020 17:00:11 GMT

What is Reiki

Reiki is a form of hands on healing, with its origins in India and the East dating back many thousands of years to the time before Christ and Buddha. The original name, disciplines and techniques of Reiki were lost due to the traditional method of passing knowledge from generation to generation by word of mouth. Exactly when this ancient art of healing disappeared is difficult to determine. However, we do know that it was rediscovered by a Japanese Scholar and monk name Dr. Mikao Usui. It was in fact Dr. Usui who fashioned the name REIKI.

Reiki is a two syllable Japanese word meaning universal life force. Although the proper Japanese pronunciation is RYE-KEY, it has been westernized to RAY-KEY. Rei means universal, omnipresent – present everywhere at the same time. Esoterically Rei means spiritual consciousness, the omniscient wisdom from God or the higher self. Ki is the non-physical vitality that gives life to all living things. Many cultures understand and recognize the importance of Ki energy and how it impacts our lives and well-being. Ki energy can be activated for the purpose of healing. When you feel healthy and full of enthusiasm, the flow of Ki energy in your body is high and unencumbered. Life seems easier to deal with and you have a higher resistance to illness and disease. However, when your Ki energy is low from stress, unhappiness or tiredness, you will be more susceptible to disease and sickness. Your attitude will be generally negative and you will find it difficult to deal with life’s challenges. Ki is the very essence of the soul; it leaves the body when a person dies.

Reiki is holistic and works on the body, mind and spirit by stimulating a person’s own natural healing abilities. The blocked emotional and physical elements that lead to illness and disease are cleared. Reiki is neither positive nor negative; it is in fact the highest and most profound vibration of life. Divine in origin, it allows us all to become one with all things alive in our world. Reiki is pure, unconditional love and joy, bringing all who experience and embrace its principles together in harmony. The skills and techniques associated with Reiki are simple and easy to learn. Small children and adults can equally comprehend and incorporate this ancient form of healing into their lives. Regular contact with Reiki will bring the recipients mind, body and spirit into balance.

How Reiki Works

The human body is made up of over 50 trillion cells. Each cell contains omniscient wisdom and is connected to the universe and every living thing within it. A good analogy is to think of the universe as a huge ocean of water. Every living thing within that ocean is like a tiny droplet. Together these droplets make up, and are part of, Reiki- The Universal Life Force. Reiki is part of our genetic structure. An in-built intelligence that energizes the mind, body and spirit. Reiki stimulates growth, health, life and healing.

Unfortunately, bad habits and poor choices result in the flow of Reiki being stifled. It is important to note that Reiki cannot be destroyed. It is said, even when we die and the life force leaves our body, it continues to exist as part of the universe. Through neglect and ignorance, we abuse this vital component of life. When the mind, body and spirit are in harmony the biological intelligence that governs the body’s resources and allows it to heal itself and function correctly are intensified. Reiki is the key that unlocks the body’s optimum capabilities. There are seven main energy centers in the body that control the flow of the universal life force. They are called the Chakras. Each chakra is responsible for supplying energy to specific parts of the body. When they are blocked or clogged the body becomes sick and the flow of energy is diluted. A full Reiki treatment reopens the chakras and re-balances the flow of the universal life force around the body. This will stimulate the body’s immune system and natural healing abilities. Normally, the body will begin by cleansing itself of toxins. As the poisons are removed, the body becomes re-balanced and the healing process can begin. Many cultures have developed techniques and disciplines that stimulate the flow of KI energy around the body. However, Reiki is the easiest to learn and administer. The techniques are simple to master. The results may be profound.

At Holistic Psychiatric Health, we offer Reiki sessions, as well as Reiki Level 1, 2 and Master Teacher certification classes. During a certification class you will learn about the Chakra system, as well as the history of Reiki, reasons for use and specific Reiki symbols and techniques. You will leave with a Reiki certification and will be able to practice using Reiki on others as well as yourself.

If you want to learn more about Reiki, would like a Reiki session or are interested in becoming Reiki certified feel free to give us a call.

Julie Cunningham, PMHNP, MBA

Hypnosis - May 2020

lopa@shroffdesigns.com (Lopa ) — Wed, 27 May 2020 21:20:14 GMT

Hypnosis

Hypnosis has been researched for over a century and a lot has been learned about what hypnosis is and how it works. Hypnosis may be useful in treating a variety of issues such as anxiety, depression, weight loss, quitting smoking, phobias, public speaking, low self-esteem, surgical recovery, attention and focus, and pain. You might be asking yourself, “But what exactly is hypnosis and how does it work?”

Per the American Psychological Society, the definition of hypnosis is “A state of consciousness involving focused attention and reduced peripheral awareness characterized by an enhanced capacity for response to suggestion.” (APA, 2014) There have been multiple famous people who have used hypnosis to improve their lives, including Samuel Jackson, Ben Affleck, Sean Connery, Whoopi Goldberg, Julia Roberts, Martha Stewart, Mel Gibson, Bruce Willis, Daryl Hannah, Jessica Alba, Kelly Rippa and many more. While in a state of hypnosis, attention is affected and will be focused on the suggestions the hypnotist offers rather than other things that may be going on around us. Also, suggestions given by the hypnotist are received more strongly and effortlessly, and are phrased in a positive connotation.

A hypnosis session would start with an induction- an invitation for someone to enter hypnosis- and will typically involve instructions and suggestions for relaxation to help someone to become hypnotized. With practice, a hypnotic state becomes easier and may be achieved more quickly.

The term hypnotizability describes an individual’s ability to become hypnotized. For some it is relatively easy to become hypnotized while for others there is more resistance. A persons’ readiness for hypnosis is one factor that may determine ones hypnotizability. Once in a hypnotic state, the subconscious level of the mind is in a state of hyper-suggestibility and deep relaxation, where the patient becomes highly responsive to suggestions. At this time, the hypnotist will offer suggestions in order to help reach your goals for the visit. For example, if someone with a painful leg is hypnotized they may feel focused and relaxed. It is not until they are given a suggestion such as "your leg is beginning to feel numb and insensitive" that they start to experience pain relief. The same is true for other types of suggestions too. Suggestions can be direct, as in the previous example, or they can be indirect such as "you might begin to notice changes in how your leg is feeling". Once the hypnotist has completed giving the suggestions, they will gently bring you out of hypnosis through verbal instruction.

The study below further explains hypnosis, its uses and effectiveness, as well as brain changes that occur during hypnosis.

A Study:

Dr. David Spiegel at the Stanford University School of Medicine has been studying hypnosis since 1972 and has made vast contributions to the science of hypnosis through his research. David Spiegel, M.D., is professor and associate chair of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford University. He has extensive study and research related to the effects of hypnosis related to cancer pain and found that self-hypnosis exercises as part of a group therapy experience had a direct effect in altering the patient’s perception of pain. In addition to his work with cancer, Spiegel has studied how hypnosis can be used in other applications including: 1) How hypnotic visual illusion alters color processing in the brain 2) How hypnosis can help with the modulation of gastric acid secretion 3) How hypnosis can reduce stress during an invasive medical procedure.

Through research, Dr. Spiegel wanted to uncover that since hypnosis was a change of state, there must also be some type of change in the brain, and there must be a way of seeing this change. In 2016, he gathered a team of researchers and conducted a study to prove their suspicion. The study was called “Brain Activity and Functional Connectivity Associated with Hypnosis”. The purpose of the study was to try to identify changes in brain activity during the hypnotic state. From a group of 547 people, Spiegel and his colleagues chose 57 subjects – 36 with high hypnotizability and 21 with low hypnotizability. Both groups were subjected to a series of fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) scans under the same 4 conditions: 1) while resting 2) when recalling a memory, 3&4) during two different hypnosis experiences guided by pre-recorded instructions.

Results:

Researchers noticed there were brain changes happening to the first set of highly-hypnotizable people, which were: 1) A drop in activity in the dorsal anterior cingulate (the part of the brain that’s stimulated when you’re worried) 2) An increase in connectivity between certain areas of the brain, specifically the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex or DLPFC (a part of the brain responsible for planning and organization) and the insula (a part of the brain designed to help regulate body functions) 3) A decrease in connectivity between certain areas of the brain, this time between the DLPCF and part of the brain concerned with self-reflection. This explains why people are less inhibited while in a hypnotic trance, and how it is possible to increase someone’s self-esteem using only the power of suggestion.

Conclusion:

Dr. Spiegel believes that what we’re seeing is a kind of rewiring of the brain. That makes sense when you consider his findings. For example, if highly-hypnotizable people are indeed more relaxed and worry-free, then that might explain why hypnosis is such a powerful tool in the relief of stress and anxiety. If there is indeed a stronger connection between the brain and the body during hypnosis, then that might explain how it is possible to control or even eliminate pain using only hypnosis to fight it off. If highly-hypnotizable people become less inhibited while in a hypnotic trance, that might explain how it is possible to increase someone’s self-esteem using only the power of suggestion.

According to Spiegel, it’s likely that people who are highly-hypnotizable will have had some kind of traumatic experience early in their life. These experiences naturally create a certain amount of stress, and the way a person deals with that stress could lead to a rewiring of the brain as a result of some connections being strengthened, while others are weakened. He also believes that people who were read stories by their parents, and have made good use of their imagination in other ways while growing up, appear to be more hypnotizable as adults. Of course, this one study is not enough to nail things down one way or the other. There needs to be a lot more research done that duplicates Spiegel’s findings. What his work does mean is that we’re finally beginning to understand what’s happening inside the brain during hypnosis.

You may find more information on this study at the following link: Click here

If you are interested in the many benefits of hypnosis feel free to contact me for a consult.

Julie Cunningham, PMHNP, MBA

The Trauma Brain - April 2020

lopa@shroffdesigns.com (Lopa ) — Wed, 29 Apr 2020 19:13:15 GMT

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is what happens to some people after having experienced a life-threatening event, or series of events, such as combat, natural disaster, terrorism, serious accidents, or violent personal assaults. Rescuers and witnesses can get PTSD too. After experiencing a traumatic event, the brain is reset to a perpetually more active state and biological changes have been created. PTSD sufferers tend to relive the events through flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, and nightmares, with resulting behaviors such as avoidance of activities or places associated with the trauma, emotional numbness, chronic insomnia, sleep disorders, panic attacks, feeling that the future is shortened, are easily startled, have constant anxiety or fear of future bad events, and violent outbursts. PTSD can be acute or chronic and can occur right after a terrible event or even appear years after the fact. It can also be chronic after years of abuse or growing up in an unpredictable and stressful home, such as with an alcoholic or drug abusing parent. A key to treatment of PTSD is early identification of these symptoms.

Brain Activity

PTSD sufferers also evidence atypical brain wave activity, reduction in the size of the hippocampus, overactivation of the amygdala, excessive arousal of the sympathetic nervous system (the stress response), production of higher than average levels of bodily opiates (endorphins), increased limbic, basal ganglia, and anterior cingulate gyrus activity. They may be likely to suffer from other disorders such as depression, alcohol or drug use, phobias or conduct disorders.

Chemicals

Those at higher risk include people with childhood abuse, family dysfunction and preexisting psychological disorders. PTSD sufferers may have lower base levels of cortisol than normal thus allowing adrenaline to roam free during the trauma. Adrenaline serves to help imprint strong emotional events. Cortisol levels tend to keep adrenaline levels in check. Therefore, a person with lower cortisol levels would be that much more likely to form a strong memory of the trauma.

Brain Scans

Brain scans of people who have suffered from severe trauma or abuse have shown some developed PTSD and some have not. Studies showed, people with PTSD recalled their experience visually while those without PTSD recalled similar experiences verbally. The conclusion was that verbal memory is protective and visual memory is raw and non-protective. The type of memories a patient has may help indicate the appropriate course of treatment. PTSD sufferers who underwent brain scans, prior and post treatment with EMDR, showed significant improvement and a calming of the hyperactive areas in the brain.

Treatments

Psychotherapies with the strongest evidence of improvement in PTSD symptoms include Trauma Focused Psychotherapies such as Prolonged Exposure (PE), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Medications may also be helpful as an integrated part of a patient’s treatment. Other goals of treatment may include: A patient becoming involved in things that may help to pursue a purpose in life; Believing in one’s personal control and power and believing that one can grow and learn from negative events; Seeing one-self, in essence, in a more positive light than others might; Having a social support network in order to express optimism and to engage in laughter.

If you need help managing PTSD or have further questions feel free to contact me.

Julie Cunningham, PMHNP, MBA

Anxiety - March 2020

lopa@shroffdesigns.com (Lopa ) — Fri, 27 Mar 2020 20:39:01 GMT

Anxiety

Anxiety is a normal, natural and healthy emotion that protects from danger and identifies threats. However, if anxiety levels raise to a point that seems intolerable it becomes a form of emotional resistance, characterized by symptoms such as feelings of tension, worry, fear and intrusive thoughts. When this occurs, dealing with the anxiety becomes the focus rather than dealing with the core emotion that triggered the anxiety in the first place.

Brain Response

The part of the brain in which anxiety is generated is called the amygdala. The amygdala is the emotional center of the brain and identifies the threat, triggering the release of adrenalin and activating the fight or flight response. The prefrontal cortex is the logical part of the brain. When the prefrontal cortex is unable to reign in the amygdala response, anxiety can build into a full-blown crisis or panic attack.

Categories and Types of Anxiety Disorders

When anxiety starts to get in the way of daily life you may have an anxiety disorder. A panic attack is an intense form of anxiety which may include symptoms such as a warm, flushed sensation, sweating, mind and heart racing, tingling, tightness in the chest, shortness of breath, vision disturbances such as being out of focus, blurry or narrowing. Other categories and types of anxiety disorders include the following:

Catastrophic: Belief that something bad is going to happen. Types of catastrophic anxiety disorders include separation anxiety, arachnophobia-fear of spiders, glossophobia- fear of public speaking, ophidiophobia- fear of snakes.

Evaluation: Fear relating to being evaluated. Types of evaluation anxiety disorders include social anxiety- fear of being watched and judged consistently, and selective mutism- the inability to speak in certain situations.

Losing Control: Fear of the loss of control over self and situations. Types of lost control anxiety disorders include panic disorder- fearing the loss of control during a panic attack, and agoraphobia- avoiding public places that may trigger an anxiety attack.

Uncertainty: Not knowing what is going to happen. Types of uncertain anxiety disorders include general anxiety- excessive and exaggerated worry about everyday life events with no obvious reasons for worry, and obsessive compulsive- A fixation on impulses and thoughts, and using rituals to help manage these thoughts, such as repeatedly counting objects, checking locks or clenching hands a specific number of times. These rituals are driven by fear that something bad will happen if you don’t do the ritual.

Where Does Anxiety Come From

Sometimes genetics play a role, and anxiety may be partially inherited by parents. Studies have shown women are two times more likely to have an anxiety disorder than men. Anxiety may also be related to a lack of chemicals in the brain, such as low serotonin levels. Other neurotransmitters that may be implicated in a lack of balance include norepinephrine, dopamine and GABA. Anxiety could also be the result of living through or witnessing traumatic events. A traumatic event might include any number of situations that caused fear or a feeling of loss of control. Social media may also lead to social anxiety, as people look to social media to hold their attention and then focus too closely on the facade of the “perfect life” others are posting about. Studies have shown, people with more hours of social media screen time daily have an increase in anxiety diagnosis’ and isolation habits, which can also worsen anxiety.

Anxiety Treatments

Many treatments are available to help prevent anxiety from affecting daily life such as, daily exercise, meditation, therapy, a variety of relaxation modalities, hypnosis, medication, and more. The most popular types of therapy to manage anxiety include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, and Exposure Therapy. CBT is used to alter negative thoughts and behavior patterns. Exposure Therapy shows you that you can overcome anxiety by creating scenarios that activate the fears until you reach a point that you can manage these thoughts until those associations start to break down. These techniques help to learn how to experience anxiety, not how to get rid of it, but keeping it logical and learning how to get through it.

If you need help managing anxiety or have further questions feel free to contact me.

Julie Cunningham, PMHNP, MBA

Meditation - Feb. 2020

lopa@shroffdesigns.com (Lopa ) — Tue, 04 Feb 2020 20:29:21 GMT

Why Meditation

Many times, the experience of life leads some to feel empty, exhausted, stressed, burned out, unfulfilled and wondering if they are on the right path, asking themselves, “Is this what life is meant to be?” This is because we have a conditioned self, that we have programmed over our lifetime to be living in this way. We are inadvertently in a fight or flight state of being more often than we would like. Actually, life is meant to be quite the opposite. Life is meant to be happy, joyful, satisfying, abundant and full of love. We are born with imagination, creativity, and an openness to our heart and soul. Through the years, we may experience stress, hardship, health issues, trauma and difficult situations that pull us away from our magical childhood selves. While we can’t always control things that happen in life, we can manage how we perceive and react to these events.

At some point, we have to get to know ourselves again and minimize stress, hardship and things we have created in this life, which we don’t seem to be enjoying. We need to turn this around, love life the way it was meant to be, take back control and create an environment of happiness, forgiveness, peace, love and joy. One way to do this is by choosing to exercise and utilize the power of our mind, and become involved in a daily meditation practice.

You do not have to travel far and wide, or meet a special guru, or pay a lot of money to learn meditation. It is rather a simple practice that anyone can do, in a comfortable setting of their choice. It could take hours or minutes, can be done day or night, in public or alone. It is all about you! Going inward to find your internal and eternal Divine self. The answers to our questions reside inside of us; beneath the ego, intellect, emotions and physical body. We are the guru! We all have the ability to slow our minds and disconnect from activity and go deep within to find our unconditioned self, through stillness and present moment awareness.

Meditation has been scientifically proven to have multiple benefits and positive outcomes on many levels including mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually. Meditation can reduce stress, decrease anxiety, improve emotional health, enhance self-awareness, improve attention span and memory, improve sleep, assist in pain control, may decrease blood pressure and provide a sense of overall well-being and peacefulness.

I strongly encourage all to partake in a daily meditation practice, even if it is just 5 minutes a day to start, and progress at your own pace. There are many online resources available to learn more about the different types of meditation and the wonderful benefits.

For more information feel free to contact me.

Julie Cunningham, PMHNP, MBA