Natural HealthFest March 23, 8:30-5:00 Plano, Center–17 lectures, 100 exhibits.
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Healthy by Nature radio show this week: I’m excited to talk with Deborah Z. Bain, M.D., FAAP. Her clinic in Frisco, TX is called Healthy Kids Pediatrics. I’m sure we will talk about her integrative treatment of children, but first I’ll ask about her book, How The Chiropractor Saved My Life: My Journey To Wellness and Beyond. Dr. Bain is exhibiting at Natural HealthFest. I will talk with another guest/exhibitor, Barbara Jones, briefly about a special pillow that she manufactures (I love mine) and Andy Hopkins will talk with Troy Ottwell (another exhibitor) about the laser toothbrush he imports that helps gums and tooth sensitivity. (I love mine). Call the live show with questions at 1-800-281-8255. Click here to find podcasts, show archives and how to listen nationwide.
 
Knocking some sense into my head?
Recently my friend, Hyla Cass, MD, devoted her newsletter to discussion of a tool that I had all but forgotten about. If the general idea of this method is new to you, then your first reaction might be that Im kidding (or nuts). Im NOT (at least about the kidding part). In fact, not only is one nationally-known medical doctor talking about this technique, so are a lot of other experts that I respect (like Dr. Mark Hyman, Dr. Mercola, Dr. Wayne Dyer, etc.). Even medical research is now taking it seriously and is beginning to document its power. For example, a recent study shows a variation reduces stress hormone levels better than talk therapy.

About 25 years ago I saw the “temporal tap” demonstrated. Although the procedure intended  to change attitudes and habits seemed totally implausible, it really did seem to help people with issues such as fear of heights and other phobias. Since it was quick, simple, painless and free, I had nothing to lose by trying it. Much to my surprise it helped me a great deal. The technician asked me to think of a fear Id like to get rid of. My parents were aging but at the time not in fragile health. For some reason I had become unreasonably worried about losing them but after just one session of “tapping” I relaxed and start maximizing our visits in a more joyful way.

The temporal tap or other tapping systems are derived from ancient techniques that involve using a physical tap on acupressure points to change thought patterns. (Acupressure points are the same as acupuncture points). The simple system I learned was to repeat a positive statement while using four fingertips of each hand to tap both sides of my head with moderate pressure along a line from my temples to behind my ears. Then I was to repeat the process a few times.

How could that simple action possible do anything? What I told myself was that phobias or bad habits are just emotional reactions that are routinely generated because incoming information is filtered and manipulated into patterns of action by preconceived notions stored in our subconscious. Without intervention, we hang onto these limiting beliefs but this technique helps us get out of our own way and improve relationships, health and even finances.

Here is an example. Perhaps you sabotage yourself during a weight loss attempt because your subconscious holds onto a memory of your grandmother saying that you looked too skinny at a time when you were fit.  I figured that the tapping might just be jiggling a new beneficial message into my head to replace an unhelpful one. Some say that there is energy stored in those destructive thought patterns and that it is released by the tapping. Whatever the mechanism, it does seem to be more effective than just the power of positive thinking alone.

Now there are quite a number of variations with names like Emotional Freedom Technique, WHEE, Tapas Acupressure Technique, MTT and TFT. By searching the internet and YouTube you will see the wide variety discussed and demonstrated. My guess is that there may not be a wrong way to do it, just varying degrees of sophistication in getting results. With really tough challenges, it might be advisable to seek professional help.

Now, if you will excuse me, I have some work to do. “I love to exercise.” “I always remember take my vitamins.” “I avoid sugary foods.” “I take fiber every day.” “I breathe deeply and relax.” “I always walk the dog.” “I love tocook healthful meals even when Im tired.” “I drink 8 glasses of water a day.”…..
 
Last Week
LINK to Archive. We got to pick the brain of a renowned integrative physician who is also an expert in weight loss. He wrote The Hamptons Diet among other books and Fred Pescatore, MDs Manhattan office is frequented by the rich and famous. I asked questions about the effect of fructose, food sensitivities, yeast and intestinal bacteria on weight gain and a caller asked about coconut oil.

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My first book : Natural Alternatives to Nexium, Maalox, Tagamet, Prilosec & Other Acid Blockers. Subtitle: What to Use to Relieve Acid Reflux, Heartburn, and Gastric Ailments.

My latest book: Aloe Vera-Modern Science Sheds Light on an Ancient Herbal Remedy

The information contained in this newsletter has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The contents are for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice.

Copyright 2013 Martie Whittekin, CCN