In part one I discussed complementary and alternative medications and treatments. What this means, as well as taking your health, including mental health into your own hands to a degree. Having patience and diligence to do your own research to find out what is best for you. Read part one here: http://hypnobreakthrough.com/index.php/2020/11/22/complementary-and-alternative-medications-and-treatments-aka-cams-part-one/

In this (part two) I will give a very brief description of some of these types of therapies and treatments. 

These will include, but not limited to; Acupuncture, Art therapy, Ayurveda, CBD and Cannabis, Diet/nutrition, Herbal supplements, Meditation, Reiki, Sensory deprivation, Sound therapy.  Please know the list of alternative, complementary and holistic modalities is almost endless, and can be convoluted. I’m writing here just a basic list to help you get an idea of some of what’s available as an introduction. This is by no means a completed list. I’ve included links within this article to help you on your own search.

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)  technique that uses very thin needles just in the surface of your skin, which is said to stimulate specific points around the body. Acupuncturists are nationally certified and in some states must be licensed. Acupressure is using these same points however using pressure rather than needles.

Art Therapy somewhat self explanatory, using any art form whether as part of other therapy or on its own as a form of releasing emotions, expressing thoughts and feelings through art. I have used art to help me with balance and creative expression in my own life. As with writing this can be very revealing and surprising what actually comes out.

Ayurveda is said to be one of the oldest holistic forms of medicines and treatments. It is all inclusive. Integrating other forms of alternative medicine and treatments. Ayurveda has its roots in India and translates to  “The Science (or knowledge) of Life” In Sanskrit. The concepts of universal interconnectedness, the body’s constitution (prakriti), and life forces (doshas) are the primary basis of ayurvedic medicine.

CBD and Cannabis, comes from the marijuana plant. Which is  known more for recreational use in the past decades, now becoming more widely recognized for its medicinal properties. This comes in many forms from oils, creams, tinctures, or the leaves right from the plant can be dried and smoked like tobacco. CBD is is formed without the THC which has less side effects and is legal everywhere. Other forms of the marijuana plant which has the THC is not legal everywhere. A lot of changes have recently been made and studies for medicinal use.

Diet and nutrition is based on eating fresh, natural whole food to get your essential nutrients. Many healing properties have been found in our foods, herbs and spices. There are some diseases that are almost completely reversible by diet alone. You can do your own research, however there are nutritionists and even holistic nutritionists that are certified and licensed. 

Hypnotherapy uses hypnosis in a therapeutic model. Relaxing the body with a tone of voice and soothing repeated words, while addressing the subconscious mind to aid in healing. A trained hypnotherapist will have at least 200 hours of practice and classroom time to become certified.

Unfortunately there are some quick day workshops that will give a certificate of completion for hypnotherapy. You can find more information here on training, approved schools and the exam process here: https://hypnotistexaminers.org/ (Please know not all that claim to be Certified hypnotherapists are create equal) More information can be found in one of my first articles “What is hypnotherapy”  that gives a basic overview here: http://hypnobreakthrough.com/index.php/2020/06/20/what-is-hypnotherapy/

Meditation (and prayer) Connecting with your inner self, or your higher self or your higher power can be very helpful in your own healing. Many types of meditations: guided, focused, chanting, walking, group or a still quiet meditation going deep within on your own. Something I do daily. Whatever is right and true for you in your personal beliefs will guide you on how you can use prayer in your overall health and wellbeing. See my article on finding your own spiritual  truth here: http://hypnobreakthrough.com/index.php/2020/08/28/finding-your-own-spiritual-truth/ 

Reiki is an very old Japanese energy healing modality using universal life force energy to be a channel for healing and overall well being. The Reiki practitioner goes through classes from a Reiki master, and practices on others before receiving attunements from the reiki master. In person it is a laying on of hands or just above the body, while channeling universal energy. With distance Reiki the idea is that energy knows no space or time and the recipient only need be open to receiving and the practitioner goes through a ritual to send the energy to anyone, anywhere. I have obtained my level one and will be receiving my attunement late December 2020. 

Sensory deprivation is the idea that by removing all senses in a float tank with Epsom salts and skin temperature water you have a meditative experience,  and quiet the mind. This is also healing on the physical body with the Epsom salt soak and deep relaxation that helps to reduce anxiety, stress and pain. I personally love this, and have visited True Rest (truerest.com) many times. 

Sound therapy. Sound is a vibration and can have an effect on our own vibrations and energy field, as well as brain waves. There are many types of sound therapy from just basically changing your mood with your favorite song. Crystal bowls, copper bowls, drumming, different levels of hertz (Hz) frequencies. 

Even with two parts I know this is long. Thank you for reading. I tried to keep it brief, just as a basic list for anyone beginning their journey in taking a more natural, holistic, approach to their healing. Much more information can be found on  the National Center for Complementary and integrative health website https://www.nccih.nih.gov/

I have taken holistic health classes for basic overview and introduction to many forms of CAMs, natural and holistic health at South West Institute of Healing Arts. I was introduced to Hypnotherapy during those classes, and started focusing there. My hope and dream is to offer many of these modalities for and with my own clients and open a breakthrough mental health center.

Thank you so much, once again for being here and reading. Please feel free to reach out anytime using the contact form on the home page or email directly at Pamela@HypnoBreakthrough.com

What are CAMs, and can they help you? 

Complementary is by definition “Combining in such a way as to enhance or emphasize the qualities of each other or another”  While Alternative is defined as “ Available as another possibility.” Complementary and alternative medications and treatments are usually put in the category of esoteric, energy, new age or in more slang lingo, “Woo-woo” type of therapies. 

Truth is, western medicine is newer on the scene of healing than the more holistic, natural and old world treatments. Many of us are aware of the issues surrounding western medicines and the modern health care system, especially in the US. These issues have led many to seek out another way.

How do you know which is right for you, how do you know what is safe and effective or which may be more harmful than helpful? Your traditional medical doctor will not have this knowledge, without extra education or training than their medical training. However, there are Naturopathic and homeopathic practitioners and Doctors which will have this knowledge and training.

There are many paths to healing. Nothing that is going to be the best for all. We have to take our own health, including mental health, into our own hands, to an extent. However you don’t have to go it alone. You will need to have patience, and diligence if you’re serious about finding what’s best for you. You will have to do some research to find out what is best for you. This may include making an appointment just to interview a few of the practitioners that appeal to you. This includes soul searching. Checking in with yourself, through hypnotherapy, meditation or prayer. A walk or hike, yoga … many different ways to check in with yourself. 

Write it out. Writing out what you need and want to get out of your health care, including mental health care. Write down what you like and don’t like about your current or past providers or treatments, medications or modalities. Writing something out is more powerful than it may seem. We think, “Oh I know how I feel, I don’t need to write it out” but you may be surprised at what actually ends up on the paper. I had a client share with me some amazing creative writing, journaling and art after a hypnotherapy session. I love when my clients share with me!

I’m writing this here to share some basic information on complementary and alternative treatments. I may have veered off a bit onto the physical health side, however I fully believe the mind body connection is strong and powerful. A huge part of why I am so passionate about hypnotherapy! We need to start thinking of our mental health care the same as we think of our physical health care. Don’t wait until you have a complete break down or find yourself in a mental health crisis. Physical health and mental health is very much connected, its an ongoing maintenance. Balance is key.

 “As within so without, as above so below.” The origin of this saying goes back to ancient times.

I am a nurse as well as hypnotherapist. While I do not practice my nursing, diagnose, or treat as a nurse within my hypnotherapy practice, I cannot help but to let that part of me out once in a while. Please see my article about why I left nursing : http://hypnobreakthrough.com/index.php/2020/10/24/why-i-left-nursing/

In part two I will discuss a little more specifically about a few of the many complementary and alternative medicines, treatments, therapies, and modalities. These will include, but not limited to; Acupuncture, Art therapy, Ayurveda, CBD and Cannabis, Diet/nutrition, Herbal supplements, Meditation, Reiki, Sensory deprivation, Sound therapy. 

Please always feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. With anything you would like me to discuss here, or what you thought about this or other articles. I love hearing from you. There is a contact form on the home page, you may send a message through my social media accounts if you’re on there (links also on the home page) or email me directly at Pamela@HypnoBreakthrough.com 

Thank you all so very much for being here.

Pamela Topjian CHt

Ancestral Reverence, honoring our ancestors; at this time of year, the day of the dead, all saints or all souls day, Samhain or any other celebrations, holidays around this time of year as “the veil thins” Halloween in the US, which is what I grew up “celebrating” I decided to write about showing respect and honoring our ancestors. I have written an article on Ancestral healing previously, mostly about healing lines of pain, forgiveness and letting go.

This is something different here;

When we think of our ancestors we may think of our recently deceased, the grandparents and great grandparents. Those we may have photos and names for. Do you ever consider the one whose names may have been forgotten? The ones whose names and photos may be lost or packed away somewhere? Who are they, who were they? Does it matter? 

Even if we do not feel close to our family, or we are adopted, or there is abuse in our family history, we can still honor those that came before us. We are, after all,  of their bones, and DNA, our cells are from their cells. By honoring those that came before us we are making connections, we are healing deep rooted pain not only for us, but for those ancestors and our future generations as well. We are all connected. I firmly believe we are all connected not only to each other, but across our ancestral lineage, behind and ahead of us. Our intentions, our actions and our lives matter. You matter, as much as any ancestor or future generation. You cannot help but to send the ripples of waves from your life in all directions.

If you know of no abuse or pain from those that came before you in your family line, if you wish to make a connection to show reverence and honor them on this day, this the time of year that many believe the veil thins, there are many ways in which to do this. 

If you look through history you will find many rituals through many cultures and beliefs when it comes to honoring the dead, the ancestors and when is the best time of year or even day to do this. Do you practice any rituals, or celebrate this time of year in any way? 

~ * ~

I am launching a new Hypnotherapy program within the next few days for ancestral connections – whether there is healing to be done, or you want to feel more connected, receive or send messages, this is all possible through hypnotherapy.  Gives another meaning to “Breakthrough Hypnotherapy” doesn’t it?

Consultations are always free of charge, all are conducted by phone or zoom at this time. I always have evening and weekend appointments available for your convenience. 

Please feel free to reach out anytime with any questions or concerns. I love to hear from you all. Thank you for reading, thank you for being here. Please check out some of the other articles. Go back to June or July in the archives to read more about hypnotherapy and what to expect in a session with me. Check the testimonials page as well. If you have had any sessions with me and your testimonial isn’t already there, feel free to send me one through the contact form on the home page, or email. 

Thank you once again. Please take care, inside and out .

Pamela CHt

Pamela@HypnoBreakthrough.com

HypnoBreakthrough.com