Everything You Need to Know About Holistic Medicine

Everything You Need to Know About Holistic Medicine

Medicine has come a long way. This isn’t really surprising as medicine is constantly evolving to meet the needs of the times. One of the most important iterations of medicine nowadays is holistic medicine.  Indeed, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that it has completely redefined how we approach wellness in the modern age. In fact, a third of Americans use alternative medicine to help boost their overall health and wellbeing. Considering how popular it is, it’s rather surprising how much people actually know about what holistic medicine is and what it entails. 

This is why we thought it would be useful to break down important details about this unique approach to healing. If you’ve always wanted to learn more about holistic medicine, then this is just what you need. Read on as we discuss everything that you need to know about holistic medicine!

What is Holistic Medicine?

Before we talk about anything else, it’s important that we define what holistic medicine actually is. As its name implies, it is an approach to health and wellness that actively involves a person’s physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional health.

To put it simply, this form of medicine is all about treatment and prevention. Instead of just treating the symptoms, holistic medicine seeks to address the underlying causes of sicknesses and diseases in hopes of preventing them from reoccurring. It does this by taking into account every aspect of a person’s life that could be affecting their health. This can range from but is not limited to their diet, stress levels, and lifestyle.

What Are the Responsibilities of a Holistic Medicine Doctor?

Contrary to popular belief, there are holistic medicine doctors that have medical degrees. This is because having experience as a medical professional can be extremely beneficial when it comes to improving the overall treatment. With that being said, there are practitioners that are not physicians. With any type of health treatment, it is always important to make sure to inquire about the type of training the practitioner has undergone. It is not always necessary to be a medical doctor, but you want to make sure you are being treated by those you have professional training in their field.

However, what makes these doctors different from traditional western medicine doctors is that they are focused on prevention and root cause of dis-ease. If a patient comes in with a stomach ache, it is the doctor’s responsibility to help the patient address the source of pain and to address the underlying reasons why the stomach ache happened in the first place. 

How Does Holistic Medicine Work?

To understand how holistic medicine works, we have to take a look at the core idea behind it. At its most basic level, this form of treatment focuses on the mind-body connection. This means that how a person is feeling emotionally, mentally, and spiritually has an effect on their physical well-being. A doctor that practices this form of treatment takes this into consideration when providing aid.

Now, this doesn’t mean that they’ll be completely ignoring the science behind the medicinal practice. Instead, holistic medicine is geared towards supplementing the scientific approach to medicine in order to provide the best treatment possible.

Conclusion

While all of this can be rather intimidating in the beginning, a little research goes a long way. We hope this information has helped shed some light on holistic medicine. As you can see, this approach to medicine can be incredibly beneficial. This is especially true if you are struggling with recurring illnesses.

Ketamine therapy can be a component of a holistic health plan, supporting healing of mental and psychological challenges and aid in integrating the mind and body. If you think ketamine therapy may be right for you then, get in touch with us today.

Triggers of Depression

Depression is a mental disorder that can cause various symptoms, including sadness, loss of interest in activities, change in appetite, sleep problems, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. Depression is more than just feeling blue; it can significantly impact a person’s quality of life.

While it is normal to experience some of these symptoms occasionally, they become a problem when they interfere with a person’s ability to work, study, sleep, eat, and enjoy activities that were once pleasurable. Depression is a real medical condition that can be treated. It is not a sign of weakness or something that can be “snapped out of.”

What Situations Can Trigger Depression?

Depression is a mental disorder that a variety of different situations can trigger. Some of the most common situations that can trigger depression include:

1. Loss of a Loved One

The death of a friend or family member can lead to feelings of sadness, loneliness, and grief. While it is normal to feel these emotions after a loss, they can sometimes become so overwhelming that they lead to depression.

2. Divorce

Going through a divorce can be a very difficult and stressful experience. Ending a marriage can often lead to feelings of sadness, anger, and guilt. These emotions can sometimes become so intense that they result in depression.

3. Job Loss

Losing your job could make you feel negative emotions, especially if it is unexpected. This is especially true for those who love their jobs, or it was their only source of income to provide for themselves or their family. A job loss may seem like something we all go through, but others cannot process their emotions well and handle the news, resulting in extreme depression.

4. Financial Problems

If you’re going through financial difficulties, it can cause a lot of stress and anxiety. This may happen if you’re struggling to pay your bills, have lost your job, or have faced foreclosure. Financial problems can be very overwhelming, and they could trigger an episode of depression, especially if it feels like the situation is helpless.

5. Chronic Illness

Illnesses can trigger depression in two ways. First, it could be that a person may feel hopeless from their illness, and they may grow tired, anxious, and stressed from what they are dealing with, especially if they feel like they are not getting better.

Chronic illness can also result in a more physical manifestation of depression. Some people may feel pain from their illness, while others may have their brains and hormones affected, and their emotions are harder to regulate.

6. Relationship Problems

Whether it is a romantic relationship, a friendship, or a relationship with a family member, relationship problems can trigger depression. This is especially true if the relationship was a major source of support and happiness.

7. Isolation

Whenever you are isolated, physically or emotionally, loneliness may take over. You may think that nobody understands or cares for you, which could lead to depression.

Conclusion

Depression is a serious mental illness that affects millions of people around the world. It is important to seek help if you or someone you know is struggling with depression. Many resources are available to help people manage their depression and live happy, healthy lives.

Dr. Stephanie Lyn Coleman offers mental health treatment in a less traditional manner. With us, you can achieve holistic growth and healing through ketamine therapy. Get in touch with us to learn more about our services.

Ketamine and Depression

Depression is an intense mental illness that can have a profound negative impact on a person’s life. It can provoke a person to feel hopeless, lose interest in activities they once enjoyed, and have difficulty functioning daily.

While many different treatments are available for depression, some people do not respond well to traditional therapies. For these people, ketamine may be an effective treatment option.

This blog will discuss ketamine and how it can help with severe depression.

What is Ketamine?

Ketamine is a treatment initially used as an anesthetic for humans and animals. It is also sometimes used as a party drug due to its psychedelic effects.

Ketamine is a Schedule III controlled substance in the United States, which means by the scheduling criteria means it can have potential for abuse and dependence. However, ketamine is considered safe and effective when used in controlled doses for medical purposes.

How Does Ketamine Work?

Ketamine functions by blocking the NMDA receptor, which is a different receptor that most antidepressants work on. This is important because it allows people to stay on their antidepressants while undergoing ketamine therapy without the risk of serotonin syndrome. The actions of ketamine in the brain are fully understood, but research has shown it to be involved in repair certain neurons and in building new connections between cells in the brain. This action helps to improve communication between brain cells and can lead to an increase in neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine. This neuroplasticity is thought to be responsible for the antidepressant effects of ketamine.

What is Ketamine Therapy?

Ketamine therapy can be administered a number of different ways. The most common include: intravenous, intramuscular, intranasally, and orally. Depending on the route of administration, the bioavailability of the drug (the amount of the drug that can be used by the brain) varies. There are different reasons one may decide to get treated with a certain route of administration.

A common treatment plan can include one or multiple treatment sessions a week for a few weeks, depending on the way it is administered, the dose used, and if integration/therapy is combined with the ketamine.

Maintenance sessions are often needed at variable intervals to support people as they are learning to do things differently in life.

What Are the Benefits of Ketamine Therapy?

Ketamine therapy is an adequate treatment for severe depression that has not responded to other treatments. In some cases, ketamine therapy can relieve depression symptoms within hours or days.

Ketamine therapy is also a safe and well-tolerated treatment option. The most common side effects of ketamine therapy are dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. These symptoms are mostly mild and go away quickly without needing major medical intervention.

Ketamine therapy is also a promising treatment option for other mental health conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and chronic pain.

How Does Ketamine Work for Depression?

Ketamine therapy is a medication that has been used for decades as an anesthetic. In recent years, however, ketamine has also been an effective treatment, particularly, for depression.

Depression is a serious mental illness that can cause a person to feel hopeless, lose enthusiasm in activities they once enjoyed, and have difficulty functioning in everyday life. While many different medications and therapies are available to treat depression, ketamine has emerged as a promising option, particularly for people who have not responded well to other treatments.

Ketamine works by blocking NMDA receptors in the brain. These receptors are involved in the formation of memories and learning and are also thought to play a role in depression. In addition, ketamine is thought to increase glutamate levels, a neurotransmitter involved in the brain’s stress response. This increase in glutamate may help break the cycle of negative thinking often seen in people with depression.

The effects of ketamine treatment can be quick rapid for some people with improvement in symptoms within hours. For some people, ketamine may provide relief from long-lasting depression, while others may need to receive periodic infusions to maintain the benefits.

Conclusion

Ketamine appears to be a very promising treatment option for severe depression, with a rapid onset of action, and lower side effects than traditional antidepressant medications. Continued research is being done around long term effects and its efficacy with other disorders besides depression and treatment resistent depression.

If you are considering ketamine treatment for depression, it is vital to work with a mental health professional who is experienced in administering the medication. Ketamine is a powerful medication, and it is important o make sure that it is used safely and appropriately. You should feel comfortable and safe with the team that you are working with for your treatment.

Finding the right solution for you is a great way to manage your mental health problems. If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, contact us today to learn more about this treatment option. Let us help you with ketamine therapy in Los Angeles.

Becoming “Too Exhausted” and Why This Is a Health Problem

As we get older, we realize that we are not as energetic as we once were. This is normal! However, aging has a major disadvantage: We lose our youthful stamina and energy both physically and mentally. As such, experiencing fatigue in its many forms could very well be an inevitable part of the aging process. 

Read on to find out how becoming “too exhausted” could be a major health problem.

Understanding “Normal” Fatigue 

Aging, as previously stated, is a common cause of decreased energy. However, there are other common causes. 

The most common is a lack of sleep. If you don't get enough sleep, expect to feel tired and exhausted. Excessive exertion, such as working or playing too hard without adequate rest, is another. This is a common fatigue symptom. Inactivity (the couch potato syndrome), contrary to popular belief, also causes fatigue. 

Caffeine use during the day causes sleep deprivation and fatigue. Meanwhile, too much alcohol causes drowsiness and exhaustion in the next 24 hours or so. 

Finally, many medications cause drowsiness, which is comparable to fatigue. Antihistamines, pain relievers, beta-blockers for heart disease, sleeping pills, and some antidepressants are among the medications that cause fatigue. 

Normal Fatigue: The Treatment 

You don't have to be a doctor to understand that addressing the underlying cause should resolve the problem. Make an effort to get enough sleep if you are sleep-deprived by keeping a consistent bedtime and wake-up time. Creating a sleep routine can help improve sleep hygiene. If are inactive and spending too much time being sedentary leading to more fatigue, trying starting a moderate exercise program with the goal to just remain consistent. 

If your fatigue is caused by medications, consult with your doctor about possible alternatives that do not cause fatigue. There are numerous effective medications available today to treat medical problems, with varying degrees of side effects, the most common of which is drowsiness. 

Understanding Chronic Fatigue 

Fatigue that lasts two to four weeks and is out of the ordinary for you could indicate a medical problem. Fatigue is a common symptom of many different diseases. It is commonly used in cancer treatment as well as major surgical procedures. It could, however, be a sign of underlying medical issues. 

There are a lot of things on the list, and fatigue isn't a disease. A number of factors contribute to fatigue. To name a few, anemia, cancer, chronic heart and kidney disease, obesity, sleep apnea, diabetes, and hypothyroidism. If you're too tired to do the things you used to do and have ruled out normal fatigue, see your doctor rule out one of the many diseases associated with chronic fatigue. Fatigue is a symptom of almost every disease. 

Chronic fatigue is frequently caused by psychological factors such as stress. Depression is the most common and serious type of mental illness. This can be treated, but only by a doctor. There are numerous effective antidepressant medications available; therefore, do not simply tolerate it. Chronic fatigue is a symptom of anxiety that necessitates assessment and treatment. While both grief and stress heal with time, they both contribute to chronic fatigue, which can be treated with counseling. 

Understanding Urgent Fatigue

A medical emergency is defined as a sudden and profound loss of ability to perform previously performed tasks. If your fatigue is accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, an irregular heartbeat, or a sense of impending death, seek medical attention right away. These symptoms could be a sign of a serious heart or vascular problem. If this type of fatigue is accompanied by suicidal or homicidal thoughts, seek medical attention right away. 

Conclusion

Keep in mind that feeling tired is normal, especially when we feel drained from daily tasks, heavy workouts, or stressful situations. However, fatigue that is prolonged and is caused by other factors could be a sign of a more serious health issue. The most important step we can do for ourselves is to listen to our bodies and seek medical attention when needed.

Depending on the underlying cause of the fatigue, ketamine treatment may help support improved sleep, increased energy, and improved clarity. Often when we alleviate symptoms of mental health and sources of inflammation in the body, sleep also improves. If you are curious whether ketamine treatment may help you and your overall health and wellbeing schedule a consult with Dr. Stephanie Lyn Coleman today!

The Different Steps in Having a Successful Stress Detox

The Different Steps in Having a Successful Stress Detox

Stress can bring the worst out of people in the same way that it can bring out the different health problems that may harm them. The thing is, no one ever wants to experience stress, but most of the time, it is very unavoidable. That being said, everyone aspires to cleanse themselves from it so that they may live a harmonious life.

If you happen to be one of them, there is no need to worry. We have listed a couple of steps that may help you have a successful stress detox.

1. Learn About Stress

If you want to start off with a successful stress detox, it would be best to educate yourself about the kind of stress you are experiencing. To do that, you should learn about the things that trigger it. Once you have identified them, you can think of ways on how you can manage them.

You can search the internet for information concerning stress. You may also visit a nearby bookshop and ask the staff to recommend a book that you may find helpful. If you’re into yoga, you can also ask a yoga instructor to tell you about the techniques and poses that may help you have a successful detox.

2. Find a Stress Reliever

Stress can be very exhausting, so you must find something to help you relax at the end of the day. If you find that you can’t do yoga at home, then you can always go to a yoga studio to learn more about it.

You can also start by taking a nice, warm bath and then right after that, use a face mask to help you relax and then read a book or listen to music.

3. Find Peace of Mind

People who have experienced stress know that it can make them go crazy. You should find peace of mind to keep you sane when you are in this state. You can do that by going to a peaceful place when you find that you have some free time, or you can go out of your way to visit a beautiful place with your friends or family.

4. Eat Healthily

When your body is depleted of nutrients, your body will be more susceptible to stress. That being said, it is not surprising that most of the people who experience it tend to eat unhealthy food. To prevent yourself from going through that, you should start eating more vegetables and fruits that are rich in nutrients.

5. Make Time for Yourself

The best way to manage stress is by giving yourself some “me time.” You can accomplish that by doing the things you love or taking a break from work by going to a nearby cafe or hotel.

If you know that there are certain things that trigger your stress and you can’t avoid them, it is best to brace yourself and prepare for them emotionally and mentally. For example, if there are people at your workplace who stress you out, you may allot a certain amount of time each day to strategize a way to interact with them without getting in an argument.

Conclusion

All of us want to live a life that is free from stress. However, since there are many things that stress us out, it is not easy for us to achieve that. That being said, it is also essential that we know how to manage it so that we can be at our best.

To have a successful stress detox, we recommend that you follow these steps: learn about stress, find a stress reliever, find peace of mind, and eat healthily. You can also do yoga and make time for yourself. Follow all that, and see the difference that they make.

If you are looking for support with stress and burnout, schedule a consult today with Dr. Stephanie Lyn Coleman.