Homeopathic Wellness Center - The Predictable Visit of Winter Ailments, From Cold to Depression

THE PREDICTABLE VISIT OF WINTER AILMENTS
From Colds to Depression

By Allison Maslan, RSHom(NA), CCH
Copyright © 2006

Flu's, colds, ear infections, sinusitis, sore throats…They all seem to pay a not so friendly visit at this time of year. Our bodies may have trouble adjusting to the shorter days and the damp, cooler temperatures. Some of us are more sensitive to the cold; whereas others are perfectly comfortable and even crave the brisk weather. Less activity in the winter may also accompany feelings of sluggishness and procrastination. There tends to be an increase in feelings of depression during winter holiday season. Depressive disorders, in general, affect 20 million American's each year. Grief, loneliness and nostalgia may arise concerning family or loved ones. The low moods may also be due to the decrease in exposure to the sunlight that so naturally lifts our spirits in the spring and summertime. Depression can encompass many symptoms including feelings of numbness, apathy, overwhelm, isolation, fatigue, insomnia, nervousness, restlessness, anger, resentment, guilt, shame… and the list goes on. People experience sadness in different ways. Some hold in and repress their feelings, others may wear their emotions on their sleeve with uncontrollable sobbing. Homeopathy recognizes these individual responses to depression and works to heal the source of their pain and trauma, even if it began many years ago. There are no set rules because we are all individuals with our own unique personality traits, past history and physical, emotional and mental qualities.Homeopathy truly treats your entire being because it takes all these personal characteristics 'that make you' into consideration. The homeopath will work to alleviate the winter "ka-choos", snuffles and blues by asking for very specific information concerning your condition. For instance, during the flu, are you feeling achy in your joints, muscles or bones? Are you feeling more hot or cold? What color is your nasal discharge? What side of your throat is the pain on and what does it feel like? Do you prefer company when you are ill or would you rather be alone? How is your mood? Grumpy? Weepy? All of these things are viewed as important in homeopathic treatment.If you are already feeling ill, homeopathy can shorten the duration of your illness and help to prevent it from returning. It works to strengthen your entire system. When I began practicing homeopathy, I treated many winter ailments with much success. However, what I found over the years was that as these patients began receiving constitutional care ( treatment of the whole person rather than just the acute ailment), they experienced a great improvement in their overall health and well-being. In fact, so much so that in the following years, winter passed them by without a sneeze! And if they do happen to get sick, it is usually much less severe and they are on their feet within a few days rather than a few weeks. Our physical reserves may be down this time of year due to long hours at work, financial stress or taxing family demands. Homeopathy helps us to maintain an inner equilibrium even though chaos may be brewing in our surroundings. A state of balance is regained which brings the patient a feeling of peace and relief they have not felt in years. So not only have I seen homeopathy help to beat the winter blues, it can truly transform people's lives. SIMPLE REMINDERS that are helpful and healing this time of year.The following ideas are not new. However, these small changes can have a monumental affect on your entire state of health. Occasionally, I will have a patient come to me with complaints of insomnia. And as I delve further, I find that they are drinking 10 Pepsis a day! Or that they are going to bed at 1:00am every night and don't understand why they are so exhausted. As my sixteen year-old daughter would say, HeLLOOO!!
On a physical level:
" Get plenty of rest. This is not new news, but can make all the difference in helping to boost your strength. Remember, your deepest, most effective sleep happens before midnight. *Drink enough water. This helps to flush out toxins and stimulates digestion and circulation.* Minimize your diary intake. For many individuals, diary can create mucous in the sinus passages and lungs. Those of you that suffer from chronic colds, coughs or ear infections may want to cut back on milk and cheese and see if you notice an improvement in these conditions." Exercise and get plenty of fresh air. We tend to cling to the indoors during the cold weather. Circulated heating can dry out nasal passages, throat and skin. So bundle up and get outside for a refreshing walk. This will increase your circulation and lung capacity, and as a bonus, it will release tension, clear your mind and bring a smile to your face!On an emotional level:
" If this is a difficult time for you emotionally, make sure your dust off your coping skills and reach out for lots of support from friends, family or a professional if necessary.
*Don't stuff your feelings. Suppressed sadness, grief and anger will only grow stronger and may begin to affect you on a physical level. Express your feelings to close friends. Talking helps to release the magnitude of emotion. " Express your emotions in written form. Keep a daily journal. Putting your feelings on paper helps to eliminate the clutter in our head. Do not analyze your words. Just scribble out the emotion as it comes. You will be amazed at how cleansing and enlightening this can be." Release your anger. Scream in your car, hit your pillows. Children use their entire body during a temper tantrum and then move on like nothing happened. This is an effective way for them to release all their built up frustration. Then we grow up and lose this natural outlet. Find a healthy way to let it go. This does not make you an angry person, in fact it, will help to calm the beast within. You will be surprised at how powerful and energizing this can be. ( I suggest finding some privacy. Your friends and neighbors may not know what to think!)Tap into your creative spirit. Find your solace in art, dance, song writing, cooking or anything your heart desires. Connecting with a creative passion will nurture your soul and invoke healing on a very deep level. Quiet the mind through meditation, yoga, prayer or deep breathing. These daily practices will help to clear negative thinking, calm anxious feelings and open your heart. When your head is clear, peace and insight will arise. So the visit of winter is predictable, but you can say good-bye to the unwanted symptoms and feelings that stubbornly tag along. If the choices that you have made in the past are not working, don't give in. Try something different.