Tag Archives: emotions

Brain Fortitude:  Utilizing your brain to shut down unwanted thoughts and actions

Brain Fortitude:  Utilizing your brain to shut down unwanted thoughts and actions

Happy Monday Warriors!

It’s 2020!! I can’t believe it!  I was laughing with a patient this past week about not thinking we would make it to 2020 haha.  But, we definitely have arrived, and in full swing!

Thanks for all who came a couple weeks ago to our mobility workshop!  I hope you learned some tips to keep your body moving.  If you are sad you missed it, we WILL be holding another next month so make sure you let us know!

This year is gong to be a big year for my practice I can feel it.  I’m continuing to write my  book, and in fact alot of this blog is coming directly from that.  I’m also wanting to start a podcast very soon.  If someone is very familiar with running podcasts or would love to donate time, ect. let me know!  There’s so many things I’d like to do, but time!!! Right?  Finding that balance.

Also!  If you are a patient of mine, I have created a private account on MeWe.  Its a social media platform similar to Facebook.  I wanted to create a community for my patients to talk about various health topics, and not be censored like facebook does.  I also wanted a place for you guys to share maybe about things that you do and offer!  A real community!  It can feel isolated especially for some of my families that don’t vaccinate, to find like minded communities. So, if you don’t have an account GET ONE!  Add me Dr Rachel Hamel, then I will add you to the group!

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Alright enough house keeping. BUT ONE MORE.. If you are a patient and have not written a google review, would you mind taking a couple moments?  They really really help my practice and inspire others!
Thank you!

https://www.google.com/search?q=dr+rachel+hamel&oq=dr+rachel+hamel&aqs=chrome..69i57j69i60l4.2349j0j8&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#lrd=0x80dc03fcb1653753:0x18259cad4a17cc08,3,,,

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The Brain!
Brain Fortitude.  The ability to utilize the brain to shut down unwanted thoughts and actions.

What do you mean doc?

Well, we know that the Brain controls every function in our body.  But what if it fails to turn on or shut off certain systems?
What is happening here.?  Usually, there is some malfunction in the frontal lobe in our brain.  The frontal lobe is the executive functioning, reasoning, rationale, impulse control, allows us to start and finish tasks and provides short term memory. This is a huge driver for us as adults and children.  You want to be able to access this part of your brain effectively and entirely. So how do we do that?

Well, the brain in general when you are able to utilize it, is better at inhibiting unwanted thoughts, actions and movements.
If not working right, it cannot put the brakes on the limbic system, emotional center.  You can get stuck in this emotional paradigm where all rationality goes out the window.  This is not where you want to be.

The frontal lobe is the most compromised when there is any injury to the head, brain or cervical spine. Children, are very sensitive when this section of the brain is compromised.  This can be from trauma during the birth process, or any falls or injuries during childhood.

Neuro-expression is how the nervous system expresses itself, and it gives us a window into how the nervous system is working.  For instance, a child’s behavior can be an outward expression of the integrity of the nervous system.  If a child can’t sit for a long period of time, maybe are running around or kicking the desk of a child in front of them at school, chances are they have dysfunction going on in their vestibular system.  If they are forceful, they could be lacking appropriate proprioceptive input and are trying to regulate their brain through this action. Many children may seem “defiant”, and although can be perceived this way, often times don’t want to do things that make their brain uncomfortable. Sometimes defiance is yes defiance, other times it’s a protective mechanism to avoid discomfort we cannot see.

What individuals react to will determine which part of their brain isn’t “online”.
What’s important to note here is that when children, and adults for that matter get into this state in their frontal lobe, cognitive or rational types of treatment doesn’t work effectively because they don’t understand. Methods like cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness and meditation won’t really be helpful here until the frontal lobe is on board. Their frontal lobe isn’t online and so rationality is out the window.  When you regulate the sensory modulation and work with the frontal lobe, then you can do this other more rationale work and it be more successful!

The short story of this is that the brain ALWAYS has a reason to what it’s doing.  Sometimes controlling emotions and other functions in our body is difficult when certain areas of the brain aren’t really working.

If you or someone you know has difficulty regulating their emotions, or difficulty controlling certain body systems, you might look to the brain for the answer.  EVERYTHING in the body works better, when the brain is online…

So how do we make sure it is?
Work with the sensory nerves! Craniopathy and chiropractic manipulations with proper sensory/motor looping is where you’ll get the most success.  I often see many children who have gone through so many different types of therapy prior to finding my clinic. Behavior therapy, speech therapy ect.  Although some of these cognitive methods can provide some help, I find that many children aren’t even properly doing them because their frontal lobe isn’t online.  Once we start working with those sensory deficiencies, most children can then go to different therapies and get much greater results.  You can’t train something when the connection isn’t online!

This is not only for children, but for all of us.  Many patients say that movement for instance is so much easier now that their brain is working better.  Digestion is better, falling asleep is easier, and they aren’t reacting to stress as dramatic.

I hope you enjoyed this little snippet this week.

Despite all the negative things going on in our health system, I think 2020 is going to be a great year!

That is all for now.
Wishing you a happy and healthy week!
Dr. Hamel
OIL OF THE WEEK

On the spotlight this week is DoTerra’s Juniper Berry.
Juniper Berry is a great oil to help balance the nervous system.    It actually helps the NS to get into more of a parasympathetic tone, which we ALL need right?!

Extracted from the berries of a coniferous tree, Juniper Berry essential oil is recognized for its versatile uses and benefits. The scent of Juniper Berry oil is woody, spicy, and clean. When used for its aroma, Juniper Berry essential oil has a calming and grounding effect and can also be diffused to help cleanse and purify the air. Juniper Berry oil can be used internally as a powerful cleansing and detoxifying agent and to support urinary tract and healthy kidney function.* Applied topically, Juniper Berry essential oil acts as a natural skin toner and reduces the appearance of skin blemishes.

Juniper Berry Oil Uses and Benefits

  1. Juniper Berry essential oil is known for its ability to act as a natural skin toner and reduce the appearance of skin blemishes. To promote a clear and healthy complexion, apply one drop of Juniper Berry essential oil to your skin. You will love the refreshing look this oil brings to your skin!
  2. Your body is constantly working. Even when it is considered resting, the organs and functions of your body are continually in motion, working hard to provide for your needs. Show your body some love and give it an extra boost of support by taking Juniper Berry oil internally. Taken internally, Juniper Berry essential oil will help support healthy kidney and urinary tract function.*
  3. Fill your home with the refreshing scents of Juniper Berry and Bergamot essential oils with this incredible diffuser blend. For an optimal aroma, diffuse three drops of Juniper Berry and four drops of Bergamot for a light, fresh scent. Juniper Berry oil is ideal for diffusing due to its calming and grounding effects and its ability to cleanse the air. Bergamot is one of the best essential oil pairings for Juniper Berry, and will enhance the benefits of this aromatic fusion by providing a calming and uplifting effect. Together, this blend will enhance positive feelings and create a calming atmosphere.
  4. Time to invite your closest friends over for a doTERRA facemask party! Make a facemask all your friends will love by adding one to two drops of Juniper Berry to a Bentonite clay mask. Juniper Berry is valued for its ability to help reduce the appearance of skin blemishes and act as a natural skin toner. With Juniper Berry’s many facial enhancing properties, you won’t want to miss out on this rejuvenating face mask.
  5. Enrich your skin with the best of essential oils, while enjoying a relaxing massage. For a wonderful massage blend, combine Juniper Berry essential oil with doTERRA Fractionated Coconut Oil for a soothing, cleansing massage. Juniper Berry oil contains powerful topical cleansing benefits that will help to cleanse the skin. The aroma of Juniper Berry oil will help provide a calming, grounding effect that is ideal for any massage.
  6. Try something new and turn an average meal into delectable meal by adding Juniper Berry essential oil. Juniper Berry oil goes great with French-inspired sauces and desserts and will give an unexpected boost to a variety of meals. For best results, use Juniper Berry essential oil sparingly.
  7. Natural cleanses are popular for a good reason. They help to remove toxic chemicals from body cells, support natural functions of the body, and promote overall well-being. If you are trying a natural cleanse, add one to two drops of Juniper Berry essential oil to water or citrus drinks as a part of your natural cleansing regimen.* Juniper Berry oil is excellent for cleanses due to its natural ability to cleanse and detoxify as well as support healthy kidney and urinary tract function.*
  8. There is no knowing what kinds of twists and turns may occur while traveling. For a positive traveling experience, always pack Juniper Berry essential oil in your getaway pack. Juniper Berry oil has a myriad of uses and benefits that can help ease emotional and physical problems that may arise when traveling.
  9. So much to do and so little time? When life has you feeling overwhelmed, put one to two drops of Juniper Berry essential oil into the palm of your hand and lightly rub your hands together. Cup your hands over your nose and inhale to help combat stressful feelings. Juniper Berry oil has incredible aromatic benefits that provide a grounding, calming effect—perfect for any busy day.
  10. Create your own freshening spray. Simply combine a couple of drops of Juniper Berry essential oil with water in a spray bottle and use to cleanse any area that needs it. This spray can be used to freshen a linen closet, mattress, car, or the air. Juniper Berry oil has natural cleansing benefits that make it a great essential oil for purifying and freshening.

Fun Fact
It was said that if you dreamed of gathering juniper berries in winter, you would prosper. It is also noted that the berries of a common juniper signified honor or the birth of a boy.1

Plant Description
The common juniper, Juniperus communis, is an evergreen conifer tree that can grow up to 10 meters high and can live for as long as 200 years. The tree’s bark is grey-brown while the twigs of the tree are reddish brown. The leaves of the common juniper are needle-like with prickly points and are green in color. The tree also produces male and female flowers. The male flowers are small and yellow and grow near the tip of the twigs whereas the female flowers are green and eventually evolve into the purple fruit of the tree. The fruit is a berry-like cone that is fleshy and aromatic.2 doTERRA Juniper Berry essential oil is extracted from the berry of the common juniper plant.

Chemistry of Juniper Berry Oil 
Main Chemical Components: α-pinene, sabinene

One of the main chemical constituents found in Juniper Berry essential oil is alpha-pinene. Alpha-pinene is a monoterpene which, due to its chemical properties, can help uplift and renew when used aromatically. Another main chemical component in Juniper Berry oil is sabinene. For more information about the chemical constituents found in Juniper Berry oil or other essential oils, visit the doTERRA Science Blog.

Emotional Detoxing…. Subconscious Mind Games.  

Happy Monday everyone!  I hope you all had a wonderful weekend, as we are wrapping up the month of January already (time flies), which means we are wrapping up our topics around detoxing.

Have you enjoyed this month?
Are there topics you’ve been dying for more info on?  Please Give me feedback, as topics are ALWAYS welcome!

To Recap:
This month we have gone over detoxing the brain through cranial based care, key nutrients that are needed for effective detoxing and weight loss and detoxing.  If you missed them, make sure to head on over to drrachelhamel.com and click “blog”, to catch them again!

For many of us, thinking about detoxing with food and exercise is easy to conceptualize, but when it comes to detoxing the mind, that seems foreign. 

Just as a physical cleanse can help you digest your food better, and emotional detox can help you cleanse our emotional experiences.

I can also attest to my faith being a huge part in what I call mindset reset, but this “realm” so to speak can get really clouded in many different forms of emotional healing.  My profession and my speciality, I do not really go further that to just reseting mindset and self sabotage patterns that are inhibiting healing.  

Because of my faith, I don’t want to cross into any other paths because I feel that is not my place or lane.  

The idea of emotional detoxing for some I believe seems foreign because we know about stress, and we know the effects of stress.  However, unhealthy patterns in emotional health is not always something we are conscious of.

However, we DO know that Emotions can CAUSE physical symptoms.  And being that 99% of our thoughts are subconscious, it’s safe to say that it can play tricks on us.  

Emotions, if held in the body can be toxic, and act like a toxin, just like any other chemical.  We must then discuss the concept of emotional detoxing as a means to truly and fully detox the body.  What does this mean?

Examples can be things like : letting go of the past, letting go of fear, guilt, anger, resentment, anxiety to name a few.  

Additionally, we know that for emotional wellness, we need to be in community, and not alone.  For instance, 

In 1971, Dr. Moriymam, Dr Krueger and Dr Stamler, published a study of the correlation between marriage and mortality.  The study found that even when controlling for all other factors, annual mortality of single people is 3 to 5 times higher than that of their married counterparts!  

Yet another source in Air, War and Emotional Stress, described the positive impact of military camaraderies on the medical outcomes of wounded soldiers.  A soldier’s willingness and ability to endure severe stress of combat was primarily dependent on how close a soldier feels to the rest of his unit.  

So we know that we need community, but we also know that emotionally we need to detox or let go of the things in that community that aren’t serving us or harm us.  This is hard to know, and sometimes our subconscious takes over because of repetitive patterns it’s used to.  For instance,

Our current emotional health is usually set by things that have happened in our childhood.  When we are young the brain is still developing, so things that happen the body remembers, it gets stored and the epigenetic changes sets us up for triggers later on in our life.

In the 1990s, the CDC and kaiser permante did a study looking over 17,500 adults.  60% of the adults in the study had at least 1 of the 10 triggers for adverse childhood experiences(ACE).

ACE= childhood trauma, unresolved emotions, divorce, bullying, abuse, neglect, ect.  These manifest into an illness and can be intergenerational.  
80% had more than 1.  If the person had 4 or more ACE they had an increase in cancer, pulmonary problems, suicidal, alzheimers, ect.

These ACE’s set us up for subconscious sabotage.  So, they need to be detoxed out. WHy?  Because they will inhibit your healing, or may even be the SOLE source of your pain.

This can be done many ways, and in my practice I focus on a few.

1. Prayer.  Whatever your belief, prayer is a great way to help mindset reset and just tune into your own thoughts.  Asking for things to be cleared or forgiven are great ways to release emotional toxins.

2. NET.  Neuro Emotional Technique.  Often times we know what we need to detox out (say bad influences, friends or family), and other times we have no idea what is holding us back., or just how much it really is affecting us. The beautiful thing about this technique is that we can tap into that subconscious to really figure out one or the other, and just allow your body to be on board with what you really want to be true.  This is a great way to focus on #1 as well, is to intentionally have that quiet time after knowing what is holding you back.

3.  Essential Oils .  EO are wonderful tools we have in the plant form to also help heal emotional wounds that aren’t allowing us to detox.  They have a unique ability to work at the cellular level and normalize certain chemical reaction for this purpose.  Different ones work different for different emotions.

4. Homeopathic.  Similar to EO, certain homeopathies can help detox negative emotions as well.  With EO and homeopathy however, they are an ADJUNCT to NET.  I feel you need to know first what is holding you back then use the remedies to help further detox it out.
5. Microcurrent Neurofeeback.  (I don’t have this, but refer).  This is a great way to detox your emotional system as it helps rewire and calm the brain.

6 . Goal Setting and Journaling.  Finding out what you need and who you truly want to be is sometimes not really known until you take the time to really reflect.  A great way is writing things down, maybe things you need to let go of that are holding you back, and either tossing them, burning them, or keeping them as a remembrance of where you’ve come from.  LET IT OUT!  holding in emotions is far worse I can assure you.  So cry, yell, journal, just get it out.

7. Connections.  We know from reading above that connection is huge for emotional health.  So surround yourself with people, books, pets that connect you to you!

IN order to move one, we cannot live in the past.  In order to progress we must move forward.  In order to heal, we must detox our emotions that aren’t serving us.

I get it, sometimes you can’t escape a toxic environment, whether it’s home, work or otherwise.  But what you CAN do is change the way you look/react to it.  The more you focus on your vision, and your calling to more you will feel worth it to detox things that aren’t leading you to it. 
This may mean letting go of toxic people which can be hard, but again we cannot move forward unless we leave the past in the past.

Many of my patients have experienced this technique in combination with their cranial care.  It is VITAL in my practice, because ANY chronic condition has an emotional attachment that we need to detox out.  I see it everyday.  This is typically why patients get well so quickly is because we are attaching all levels of healing.  But if you think just doing body work all the time and leaving this section out is ok, then you will miss a huge portion of healing for yourself.

 

 

Oil of the WEEK.

On the spotlight this week is DoTerra’s Bergamot. This oil helps you let go of anger, anxiety, loneliness, insecurity, and fear. (This is my favorite oil by far to use).

From the coast of Reggio di Calabria in Italy, Bergamot is one of the most unique citrus oils. For years, Italians have used Bergamot for many purposes—to rejuvenate the skin, reduce feelings of stress, and more. There are many unique attributes of Bergamot that set it apart from other citrus oils, including the exclusivity of where it is grown, the fact that it is a bitter fruit that produces sweet oil, and its ability to create an uplifting and calming environment, just to name a few. Commonly used for soothing skin, in massage, and to purify and uplift, Bergamot essential oil is a versatile go-to favorite at doTERRA.

Where to Buy Bergamot Oil
Ask Dr. Hamel

Bergamot Oil Uses and Benefits

  1. Like other citrus oils, Bergamot essential oil makes the perfect addition to any glass of water. If you want to give new life to a plain drink of water, consider adding a drop of Bergamot oil along with some cut up pieces of fruit.
  2. While the aromas of many citrus oils are known to be stimulating or invigorating, Bergamot oil has unique calming capabilities that can help when tension or stress levels are high. One of the best ways to glean the calming benefits of Bergamot essential oil is to diffuse the oil. The next time you feel stress levels or tension getting high, consider diffusing Bergamot oil in the classroom, at work, or at home for a calming effect.
  3. The calming benefits of Bergamot essential oil’s aroma are not only present during aromatic diffusion, but also during topical application. These calming properties make Bergamot essential oil a popular choice for massage therapy. Not only does the oil promote a calm, serene atmosphere, but it is also purifying for the skin, which is why many massage professionals use Bergamot oil. If you want to use Bergamot oil for massage at home, use a carrier oil or dilute with doTERRA Fractionated Coconut Oil for best results.
  4. Want to enjoy the purifying benefits of Bergamot oil for your skin? Make your own Bergamot oil foot mask! Using organic ingredients like raw honey, Greek yogurt, and celery, this mask will help your feet feel soft and luxurious. Applying this smooth mask to your feet allows the rest of your body to absorb the moisturizing, restorative properties that the concoction holds. The purifying power of Bergamot essential oil will soothe and cool dry or distressed feet—rejuvenating your skin from heel to toe.
  5. Do you enjoy adding essential oils to your tea? When you have Bergamot oil on hand, you can enjoy a cup of Earl Grey whenever you want. With a pure, citrus and spice flavor, Bergamot oil is the perfect companion to your daily tea break—quickly changing a regular cup of tea to Earl Grey with a few simple drops. Remember, when adding essential oils to food or drink, less is more. Start out with a small drop and work your way up from there. If the oil is particularly strong, dip a toothpick in the oil and add it to your water, tea, or dish. This keeps the oil flavor from being too overwhelming. Watch this video to learn more about using Bergamot oil for tea.
  6. If you are ready to unwind and refresh your skin after a taxing day, Bergamot oil offers a simple solution for relaxation. At the end of a long day, you can enjoy the calming and skin-purifying benefits of Bergamot oil at the same time by applying it to your skin while showering. While in the shower, apply Bergamot oil to your skin and inhale deeply to experience the calming aroma while enjoying the purifying skin benefits of this versatile oil.
  7. No matter what mood you are in, Bergamot oil can help promote uplifting, relaxing, and confident feelings—particularly when diffused. When diffusing on its own, use three to four drops of Bergamot oil in the diffuser of your choice. Diffusing this oil can help promote a sense of self confidence when you feel frazzled, or a sense of inner peace when feelings of stress abound. Looking for a good diffuser blend that uses the uplifting aroma of Bergamot? Try three drops of Bergamot and three drops of doTERRA Balance® for a relaxing and energizing diffuser blend that lets you escape a mundane or exasperating day.
  8. Not only will the calming aromatic benefits of Bergamot essential oil relieve feelings of stress or tension throughout the day, this oil can also help you prepare for a peaceful night of rest. Apply Bergamot oil to your feet before bedtime and enjoy a sense of calm and harmony as you drift off to dreamland—leaving the cares of your day behind.

 

 

 

A great superfood for cleaning and detoxifying the emotions are chlorella!

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 cups cashew nuts, soaked
  • 1 cup unsalted pistachios
  • 1 cup rice malt syrup
  • ½ cup coconut oil
  • ½ tablespoon Organic Burst Chlorella
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract

METHOD

  1. Soak the cashews for at least 8 hours in 2 cups of water, ideally overnight.
  2. Place the pistachios in a food processor or blender and pulse until finely chopped, almost to a powder.
  3. Drain the water and place the cashews into the blender or food processor.
  4. Add the coconut oil, rice malt syrup, almond extract and Organic Burst Chlorella and blend until smooth and well combined.
  5. Pour the ice-cream into a loaf pan.
  6. Place in the freezer to set for 2 hours.

 

 

That is all for now.

 

Have a happy and healthy week!

 

Dr. Hamel