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Natural Remedies for Insomnia Caused By Addiction

March 18, 2015

Use of Chamomile, HOPS, Passion Flower, Valerian Roots, Californian Poppy for Insomnia Caused By Addiction

According to National Sleep Foundation, insomnia is difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, even when a person has the chance to do so. People with insomnia can feel dissatisfied with their sleep and usually experience the symptoms of poor sleep that may deter them from enjoying healthy lifestyles. This disease can affect people of all ages but adults are the major victims.

This foundation further stresses that, sleep is essential for a person’s health and wellbeing. But still there are millions of people who do not get enough sleep and many suffer from lack of sleep. NSF conducted survey between 1999-2004 that revealed that at least 40 million Americans suffer from over 70 different sleep disorders and 60 percent of adults report having sleep problems a few nights a week or more. Most of those with these problems go undiagnosed and untreated. In addition, more than 40 percent of adults experience daytime sleepiness severe enough to interfere with their daily activities at least a few days each month – with 20 percent reporting problem sleepiness a few days a week or more. Furthermore, 69 percent of children experience one or more sleep problems a few nights or more during a week.

insomnia

However insomnia can also be caused by addiction. And so far it is one of the serious symptoms of addiction. Drugs of abuse for example alcohol has been shown to interfere with normal sleep patterns since they disrupt particular neurotransmitters in the brain which control or regulate sleep. When these neurotransmitters are disrupted, disturbances can result. Small amounts of alcohol can cause early sedation or sleepiness, and is often used as a sedative. However, the use of alcohol as an effective sedative can be extremely misleading because the side effects that can result are usually even more harmful and detrimental to the natural sleep cycle. For instance, due to the natural elimination of alcohol from the body, arousal and sleep fragmentation can occur and the second half of the sleep period can be drastically interrupted. This is due to the fact that, although alcohol will cause sedation, it will also decrease rapid eye movement sleep in the first half of the night resulting in the rebound of rapid eye movement sleep later in the night.  Here are some of the natural ways through which addiction induced insomnia can be treated.

Passion flower

Passion flower is a good remedy for sleep disorders that had been previously got approved in the U.S as an over the counter sedative and sleep aid. However by this time its safety and effectiveness had not been approved and it was consequentially taken off market. This product can be used alone or in combination with other herbs to help cure insomnia that is induced by drug addiction. Some researchers opined that when passion flower tea is taken an hour before going to bed it may help to improve the quality of sleep. However there is still need for evidence to show it does all these effectively.

California poppy- also known as Eschscholzia californica, California poppy is a good remedy for sleep disorders. It works as a sedative and is known to promote sleep. Currently it can be found in different herbal remedies sold in the U.S for cure of insomnia, as relaxants and therapies for anxiety. Owing to its mild sedative and analgesic properties, it can be given safely to children. Clinical and laboratory work on California poppy has clearly demonstrated the plant’s sedative and anti-anxiety properties.  It has also been shown to improve both sleep latency and quality. You can use it solely or in combination with other herbs to help cure insomnia.

Hops – scientifically its known as Humulus lupulus

insomniaThe use of Hops dates back to early 1900s when Eclectic physicians used it as a sedative specifically for insomnia due to worry or nerve. This herb that is used as a major flavoring component of beer has been used for a long time to cure insomnia, nervousness, and restlessness. Hops pillows are sometimes used for mild insomnia. Having been used successfully in the past, trying it won’t hurt you.

Chamomile:  is scientifically known as Anthemis nobilis. This herb has been used as sedative for a long time and can be safely used with children as well as adults. In South America, Europe and Mexico chamomile tea is a common beverage that is honored for its effectiveness in curing such conditions as irritability, restlessness and insomnia both in children and adults. What’s more? Its oil can also be used in bathing waters to help soothe nerves. Its oil can also be used for massage. Chamomile is still one of the sought after sedatives with proven effectiveness.

 

Valerian: is scientifically known as Valeriana officinalis.  This is a common herb in the U.S where it is used widely for cure of insomnia restlessness and nervousness. This herb can reduce the time people take before falling asleep and is known to shorten sleep latency. When used it reduces chances of a person waking up in the night. As a herbal sedative, valerian has many benefits yet no known side effects that synthetic sedatives are loathed for. It can be used in combination with Hops, California poppy and chamomile among others.

These herbs are an excellent way to help you fight insomnia naturally. We at AWAREmed health and wellness center are dedicated to finding the best natural solutions to health problems. You can visit us at Myrtle Beach South Carolina where you will be attended to by Dr. Dalal Akoury (MD) who has vast experience in integrative medicine for lifestyle diseases.

Use of Chamomile, HOPS, Passion Flower, Valerian Roots, Californian Poppy for Insomnia Caused By Addiction

 

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Auriculotherapy and Treatment Interventions for Addiction

March 7, 2015

Role of Auriculotherapy as a Treatment Intervention for Addiction

Acupuncture has been used for a long time especially in the Chinese traditional medicine as treatment of many diseases. Acupuncture typically works on specific points of the body known as meridians. The essence of acupuncture is to increase flow of energy and achieve the yin/yang balance. When there is interference with the flow of energy an imbalance is created which results in pain. Therefore acupuncture is used to stop the blockage of energy in the acupuncture meridian channels. Auriculotherapy is one of the types of acupuncture that is used today to heal variety of diseases. It’s done on the left ear (auricle). It involves the stimulation of the auricle of the external ear for the diagnosis and treatment of health conditions in other parts of the body.

It is also known as ear acupuncture or auricular acupuncture when the stimulation is achieved by the insertion of acupuncture needles, whereas the term auriculotherapy often refers to electrical stimulation of the surface of ear reflex points. On the ear there are specific pints to be stimulated by manual pressure, referred to as auricular acupressure or ear reflexology. Acupuncture points on the ear can also be stimulated with lasers, magnets, and ear pellets. All this is aimed at restoring flow of energy in the rest of the body to heal pain open blockages of energy flow that may be caused by prolonged drug use.

Auriculotherapy

How auriculotherapy affect drug users

Some drugs are known to block the effects of opiate drugs. Researchers have revealed that these drugs that block the effects of opiate drugs also block the pain relieving effects of Auricular therapy. Scientists have opined that the pain relief from auriculotherapy is drawn from the release of endorphins into the blood.  As common knowledge, endorphins are your body’s natural pain relieving chemicals. These endorphins are created by the brain and are similar in chemistry to opiate drugs such as morphine. When these opiates are used or other drugs with similar chemistry to the endorphins they will mimic the activities of the endorphins and the brain responds by suppressing the production of its own endorphins leading to dependence on the drugs. With the auriculotherapy, the balancing of energy throughout the body is achieved. Stimulation of the auricular acupuncture microsystem can lead to a homeostatic state whereby any form of stress or pain is lessened, this is possible as auriculotherapy facilitates a balancing of energy throughout the body macrosystems or by correcting pathological reflex centers in the brain.

The ability and effectiveness of auriculotherapy in reducing drug abuse is explained in both the western neurological conceptualization and traditional medicine view. The first evidence of the power of auriculotherapy in reducing the substance cravings of drug addicts came from H.L. Wen of Hong Kong in the 1970’s. These evidences were further expanded upon by Dr. Michel Smith, a physician who practices Oriental Medicine in New York City. The Lung point on the ear used to relieve addiction disorders is said to affect the energy of the Lung meridian, which affects not only respiratory disorders but problems with detoxification. A Western neurological explanation of drug detoxification with auriculotherapy is based on the observation that the concha area of the ear which is used to treat addiction problems represents the control of the autonomic nervous system through the vagus nerve and through the hypothalamus of the brain. When a specific reflex point is stimulated on the ear, it corresponds to a specific area of the body an action which leads to either a reduction of excess stimulation or an enhancement of diminished under activity of the affected region. The overall effect of auriculotherapy is to create a more balanced condition throughout the body, it is with this balance that the adverse effects of drugs of abuse on the addict are fought and the normal function of the body restored.

Despite its effectiveness in treating variety of diseases there is no direct nerve connection between the ear and the rest of the body. Auriculotherapy owes its effectiveness to the fact that the nerves from the ear connect to reflex centers in the brain. These nerves send neurological reflex messages to the spinal cord and then to nerves connecting to the corresponding part of the body hence facilitating healing of affected parts of the body.

The ear works as the map of the entire body. It links the rest of the body to the nervous system. With Auriculotherapy doctors can energetically treat a number of painful conditions through the brain by reaching out to the affected areas through the ears. Today the modern science has proved what most cultures believed to be true while some people discarded as mere beliefs; acupuncture works. Technology such as Function MRI (fMRI) proves that ear acupuncture indeed triggers an effect in areas of the brain, specific to the corresponding zone on the ear.

Auriculotherapy

How Auriculotherapy is performed

There are several ways through which auriculotherapy can be administered. Sometimes some special needles can be used but mostly auriculotherapy is done needle-free. some of the needle free methods include; use of electrical or laser stimulation, specialized pressure pellets made from gold, silver, steel or herbal seeds, as well as magnets, and manual pressure.  Most doctors who use this therapy will have all this methods of administration but will choose the best method in relation to each case.

Finally, you may need help in battling addiction, We at AWAREmed health and wellness center are dedicated to finding the best natural solutions to addiction problems. You can visit us at Myrtle Beach South Carolina where you will be attended to by Dr. Dalal Akoury (MD) who has vast experience in integrative medicine for lifestyle diseases.

Role of Auriculotherapy as a Treatment Intervention for Addiction

 

 

 

 

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Restoring Dopamine and Serotonin Levels after Opioid Abuse

January 19, 2015

How to Naturally Increase Dopamine and Serotonin Depleted By Opioid Abuse

SerotoninOpiates are fancied for their euphoric feelings; they affect the normal production of brain chemicals. At the beginning they may induce a sudden hike in the production of feel good brain chemicals, however when you have used the drugs for some time they will lead to depletion in the levels of the brain chemicals such as serotonin and dopamine. In the brain the production of neurotransmitter happens naturally without intervention of any other drug. These basic neurotransmitters include; dopamine, serotonin, GABA, acetylcholine. The body also produces other chemicals known as endorphins which work as the body’s own opiates functioning to fight pain naturally.

These neurotransmitters have specific functions that they accomplish in the body. Each function is important and works in conjunction with the functions of the other neurotransmitters to make life what it ought to be. These functions are; Serotonin regulates sleep and appetite, Acetylcholine for processing information and memory, GABA acts as your calming neurotransmitter while dopamine is the feel good chemical, plays an important role in mood, energy, attitude, motivation.

When you use these drugs of pleasure thy hike the levels of dopamine in the brain beyond the accepted levels. This will force the brain to find a means by which to suppress the production of the neurotransmitter that has been hiked by drug use. naturally, the production of dopamine will be reduced by the brain after sensing that the hike in the levels of dopamine is caused by factors out of the body, therefore when a person who has been using drugs stops using them, the levels of dopamine and serotonin will be too low below the normal levels and this beckons such feelings of depression, anxiety, nervousness and lack of interest in everything.

Some natural ways to increase dopamine after opiates use

Healthy Eating– good nutrition goes a long way in increasing the levels of serotonin and dopamine. you can eat the following foods to help you in this noble cause; foods rich in carbohydrates, vegetables, whole grains, whole grain pasta, rice, broccoli, spinach, lettuce among other healthy foods. Eating fat processed foods will do the opposite. You may also eat sweet foods like chocolate, only a couple squares of good quality chocolate with a high percentage of Cocoa in it can raise these chemicals. Serotonin is naturally occurring in foods like pineapples, bananas, nuts and plums. You can also get an adequate supply of B vitamins, folic acid and vitamin C because these vitamins play a role in transmitting brain chemicals. Spicy foods like chili peppers and jalapenos. The heat triggers the release of endorphins, so the spicier the better. You may get help from a nutritionist who may give you a list of foods that may be of benefit.

Meditation- through meditation the fatigue in the nervous system is mitigated and so their performance is enhanced. Doing meditation right helps in production of serotonin and endorphins at required levels. At AWAREmed Dr. Dalal Akoury will help you achieve this.

Herbal supplements – Some herbs like St John’s Wort, 5-HTP and L Tyrosine can all increase serotonin and dopamine in the brain, thus easing withdrawal symptoms and shortening withdrawal duration after use of opiates.

Exercise – The benefits of exercise has been echoed by many doctors. It has been applauded as one of the best natural ways to produce serotonin, dopamine and endorphins. However, vigorous exercise is recommended over light exercise that most people seem to enjoy. This is because the stronger the physical demand you place on your body, the greater the release of endorphins. You should try weight training and high and low intensity exercises. Hit the gym and reap big.

Music – Music is good for emotional relief and energy. A person who is suffering from opiate withdrawal symptoms is more sensitive to touch and sound. Listening to good music can help his body to get the brain chemicals work again and boost his moods. Even with different tastes music therapy offers a natural relief from opiate withdrawal.

Sex – sex is helps in boosting the endorphins. A long session can dramatically increase endorphins. When you’re in withdrawal sex can be a very nice escape.

Acupuncture – acupuncture increases circulation and stimulates the release of endorphins. If you haven’t looked into acupuncture while in withdrawal you might want to try it out, it can be very helpful during healing.

Massage – During a massage the release of endorphins get stimulated. Massaging your own scalp and shower massager’s can provide an affordable alternative to expensive treatments. Massage therapy has been used for centuries to help heal certain diseases and its application here may really help you.

SerotoninLaughter – Laughter is a good way to release endorphins naturally. By Watching a good comedy movie or have a laugh with friends you will stimulate the release endorphins which are helpful in the long run.

Sunlight – bright light increases the production of Serotonin in the body. Basking in the sunlight can absolutely improve your mood and also soothe muscle aches. In case there is no sunshine you may use tanning beds which may also help greatly.

There might be other ways of improving the production of these crucial neurotransmitters in the body. But these natural ways above are simple and inexpensive and so can apply to anyone. The bottom line is that by boosting the production of these neurotransmitters you will make it easier for yourself to recover from opiate addiction. However, these problems need to be treated effectively through integrative medicine. Dr. Dalal Akoury (MD) is an expert at this. Call her on (843) 213-1480 for help.

How to Naturally Increase Dopamine and Serotonin Depleted By Opioid Abuse

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Herbs Associated With Relaxing and Strengthening the Nervous System

November 19, 2014

Herbs Associated With Relaxing and Strengthening the Nervous System

Herbs Associated With Relaxing and Strengthening the Nervous SystemComposed of the all the nerve tissues in the body the nervous system plays very critical roles in the body. They are composed of the nerve tissues that receive stimuli and transmit stimuli to the nervous systems and to initiate responses. The central nervous system consists of the brain and the spinal cord and functions as the points of collection of all the nerve impulses. This is how the nervous system works; the sensory nervous system receives the stimuli, the central nervous system interprets them while the motor nervous system initiates responses.

The nervous system are very vital in the body and so they ought to be performing at optimum always, however due to some of the substances that a person may use such as drugs and alcohol the communication between these nerve tissues may be tampered with leading to rise of some complications in a person . Therefore there is need for the entire nervous system to replenished, relaxed and strengthened and nothing does that better than the nervines. The nervines are herbs that are specifically for the nervous system. They correct all the defects in the nervous system as well as strengthening the nervous system.

Here are some herbs that can be used to replenish, relax and strengthen the nervous system

Kava– This herb is very potent. It is very effective for intense anxiety, stage fright.  Inability to cope. It is also good for toothache, pain from cystitis, muscle relaxant, insomnia.  Due to its extreme potency it can only be used once in a while

Lavender– this herb is uplifting hence good for low moods. It is good for mild anxiety and improves sleep quality.  For persistent depression use lavender with holy basil and damiana.

Prickly Ash– it is good for depleted nerves.  Prickly ash stimulates nervous system, circulation, and disperses herbs.

Rhodiola– Rhodiola is a powerful antidepressant.  It works to restore inner reserves. It also cures fatigue from heartache.

Lemon Balm– calming and uplifting.  For mild depression and SAD. It can be used with St. John’s wort, vitamin D and fish oils. It also elevates mood.

 

Linden Blossom– It can be used for mild hypertension and heart palpitations. It can be used with motherwort and hawthorn.

Motherwort– good for hormonal or menopausal anxiety.  It settles chronic anxiety with racing heart.  It can be used with oats and vervain.

Mullein root and leaf – protects myelin sheath- holds moisture around the nerve endings. It can be used with St. John’s Wort.

 

Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora herb). Skullcap is a broad spectrum Nervine tonic. This herb has been used successfully in cases of depression, anxiety, insomnia, and headaches. Skullcap is considered one of the preferred herbs to help ease withdrawal symptoms during recovery. During the first 72 hours of withdrawal, it may be taken every couple of hours. Skullcap contains large amounts of flavonoids which act as natural anti-inflammatory agents.

Valerian (Valeriana officinale root). Valerian is another strong nervine. Extracts of Valerian have been used for centuries in Europe to resolve cases of insomnia, nervous disorders, anxiety, and depression. It is known to be beneficial for individuals who have a history of cocaine and/or alcohol use and also suffer from nervous disorders.

Passion Flower (Passiflora incarnata blossom). Passion Flower is another great nervine. Milder than Valerian, it is excellent for relieving tension and for insomnia. Rich in flavonoids, Passion Flower is probably most effective when combined with Valerian and other nervines.

Herbs Associated With Relaxing and Strengthening the Nervous System

Chamomile (Matricaria recutita blossom). Chamomile is known as a mild relaxant as well as a stomachic used for improving digestion. It contains the two compounds azulene and guaiazulene, which have been shown to stimulate growth of liver tissue in rats. Chamomile may also be helpful when prepared as a homeopathic remedy.

Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba leaf). Ginkgo is an outstanding herb which has been shown to improve cellular glucose uptake, scavenge free radicals, encourage peripheral circulation, improve short term memory, and enhance energy. For the recovering addict who feels that his memory and circulation have been compromised, Ginkgo is a good place to begin.

Thunbergia laurifolia– This herb is commonly used in Thailand for detoxification. This herb is potent enough to cleanse the body of harmful; effects of the long-term use of drugs and alcohol. It also works well in reducing fevers. In a recovering addict it may help in clearing all the debris of alcohol and drugs.

Dandelion– This herb is widely used in Europe as an excellent liver detoxifier and mild diuretic. It increases the flow of bile and encourages both the transformation and transportation of nutrients. It has been used historically to treat liver disorders, arthritis and gout. In the addict it will ease the transportation of nutrients in the body and restore energy in the cells.

Oats (Avena sativa) – Oats is one of the best remedies for “feeding” the nervous system, especially when under stress. It is specific in cases of nervous debility and exhaustion, especially when associated with depression. Also for shingles and other herpes infections and even degenerative wasting conditions such as multiple sclerosis. Oats may be taken as porridge. Tincture: Extracts of “milky” seed, 2-3 ml up to 4 times daily.

St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) – St. John’s wort has a sedative, restorative and pain-reducing effect. Thus it can be used for the treatment of neuralgia, anxiety and tension. Its tonic action on the entire nervous system makes it useful for nervous debility and stress. Useful for irritability and anxiety due to menopause. Not recommended when there is severe depression.

Finally, Here at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center we are committed to availing help to addicts by availing some of the most integrative approaches to healing an addict. We advocate for natural healing to all kinds of addiction. In case you are struggling with addiction just call on Dr. Dalal Akoury (MD) at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for help.

Herbs Associated With Relaxing and Strengthening the Nervous System

 

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Herbal Remedies to Fight Addiction

August 13, 2014

Embracing Herbal Remedies For Addiction

What Is Herbal Remedy?

It is also known as herbal medication. It is a medication system based on the plants or extracts from plants. These plants or extracts have been used for many years by different cultures and they are still in use. The herbal medicine has been preferred by many due to the fact that it has little or no residual effects and they have flexibility in the mode in which they are administered.

Why is herbal medicine considered helpful in addiction recovery?

When a person becomes addicted, he/she may be left with decreased immunity, sometimes a shot nervous system and even a badly damaged spirit. The herbal medicine seeks to address the problem of addictions by using herbs which can:

  • Be able to address the mind/body system damages or alterations
  • Perform the task of Detoxifying the body from the addictive substance (in this case using blood-cleansing herb)
  • Effectively neutralize the stress response as well as strengthening the adrenal glands
  • Effectively Promote feelings of relaxation and keep you from tense moods.
  • Reduce the levels of anxiety `
  • Be able to promote good digestion and absorption

Which herbal medication is helpful in addiction recovery?

The process of recovering from addiction is complex. The understanding of the addiction causation is vital for the process to be successful. This knowledge helps when one wants to assess the damage which may have been caused by the addiction and hence be able to address it.

In this article, we are looking at the various herbs which can help you in the process of recovering, by combating the symptoms of the addiction and cooling down the craving for the addictive substance. The following are some herbs which have proven effective in the whole process or some point of the recovery process.

  • Passiflora or passion flower: passion flower is a perennial vine which has been used for medicinal value for many years. It is particularly very useful in the recovery from addiction. It works by increasing the activity of the GABA system in the brain. It works similarly to another compound known as benzodiazepines, but unlike it, passion flower medicine doesn’t cause addiction. This medication is commonly used to treat the opiate drugs withdrawal effects since it has capacity to calm the jittery and agitated nervous system. Additionally, this medication can be used for treatment of anxiety, insomnia, asthma, the menopause related symptoms, ADHD, Pains, high blood pressure, seizure, just to mention a few. Passion Flower is considered most effective when administered combined with Valerian and other nerviness.

Herbal Remedies

  • Scullcap This is a broad spectrum nervine tonic. The herb has been successfully used the treatment in the cases of depression, anxiety, insomnia, and headaches. Scullcap is one of the preferred herbs used in the easing of withdrawal symptoms during the recovery period. Scullcap naturally contains large amounts of flavonoids which act as anti-inflammatory agents. This is a property which is useful in the recovery period.
  • Rhodiola: This fabulous herb is important in the process of addiction recovery, due to its ability to stimulate serotonin and dopamine production. These chemicals are very important in our bodies and they should be maintained in the correct levels. Rhodiola herbs maintain the levels of these chemical at the right levels.
  • St John’s Wort : St John’s wort is a very special herb used for drug detoxification. When used in the recovery process, it serves two useful purposes: the first purpose is that it stimulates serotonin production helping depression and insomnia and then secondly it’s a powerful detoxifier of drugs from the liver hence preventing liver damage.
  • Valerian : this is yet another strong nervine. The extracts from this herb have been used for centuries especially in Europe to resolve cases of insomnia, nervous disorders, anxiety and depression. For patients who have a history of cocaine and/or alcohol, this is a useful herb when it comes to recovery. It can also be used to treat people with nervous disorders.
  • Chamomile: This herb is commonly used for mild relaxation as well as in improving the digestion. It is made up from two compounds, azulene and guaiazulene. These two compounds have shown to stimulate growth of liver tissue in rats during experimentations. This herb may be very helpful when prepared as a homeopathic remedy.
  • Milk Thistle. This herb is very useful when the addiction had caused severe damage on the liver. The herb has depicted remarkable healing properties for the liver. A recent research done in Europe has shown that it is effective in treating diseases such as cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis, and alcohol induced fatty liver. The extracts of Milk Thistle have hepato-protective properties, which is the property helpful in protecting the liver cells from damage by environmental and internal toxins. This herb can be administered in variety of form, either as a liquid extract, tablet, or capsule.

Herbal Remedies

  • Dandelion : This herb is very common in Europe and it is known to be an excellent liver detoxifier and mild diuretic. It improves the liver’s health by increasing the flow of bile and encouraging both the transformation and transportation of nutrients. It has been used in many areas of the world historically to treat liver disorders, arthritis and gout.

These are not the only herbs which can be used in the recovery process, there are a more good number of herbs being used to facilitate addiction recovery. The appropriate herbs for your recovery will be prescribed to you by a professional. The worldwide site which has proven professionals who can help you recover from any addiction is the awaremednetwork.com. If you need help on recovery you just need to call or visit awaremed wellness and resource center.

Embracing Herbal Remedies For Addiction

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