Liberation Lunes
July 22nd, 2024
In our series exploring the influence of the five senses on mental health, we turn our focus to the sense of touch. Touch is a fundamental aspect of human experience and plays a crucial role in our physical and emotional well-being. Beyond the simple pleasure of tactile sensations, the sense of touch encompasses a range of practices that can significantly impact mental health, from massage therapy to the careful selection of products we apply to our skin. Let’s delve into the science and the personal journey that highlights the transformative power of touch.
The Skin: Our Largest Organ
The skin, our body's largest organ, serves not only as a protective barrier but also as a sensory interface with the world. Many people are unaware that the products we apply to our skin can have significant impacts on our overall health. Numerous cosmetics and personal care items contain endocrine disruptors—chemicals that can interfere with hormonal balance. These disruptions can contribute to a range of issues, including anxiety and depression.
The Hidden Culprits: Endocrine Disruptors
Endocrine disruptors are substances found in everyday items like skincare products, plastics, and pesticides. These chemicals can mimic or interfere with the body's hormones, leading to imbalances that may trigger mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Research has shown that exposure to these disruptors can profoundly affect our mental well-being.
I vividly recall a time when my own health was compromised by these invisible threats. I experienced severe anxiety attacks, but standard blood tests revealed nothing abnormal. It wasn't until an emergency ultrasound detected a goiter on my thyroid that the root cause of my symptoms was identified. Initially, the doctor recommended surgery or radioactive iodine treatment, but I opted for a holistic approach instead. Under the guidance of Dr. Bernstein from the Advanced Wellness Center, I followed a strict regimen of diet, supplements, and natural therapies. This experience not only healed my thyroid but also solidified my belief in holistic practices.
Apps to Check Ingredients for Skin Health
To help you be more mindful of what you put on your skin, here are some apps that can assist in checking the ingredients of cosmetics and personal care products:
Think Dirty: This app analyzes the chemical effects of ingredients in cosmetics and personal care products, assessing their potential long-term health impacts. It can scan barcodes for over 2 million products from the US and Canada, rating them as "clean," "dirty," or somewhere in between. It's recommended to use the app daily to check toxin levels. Think Dirty
Yuka: Yuka scans cosmetics to check for allergens, irritants, and endocrine disruptors. The app rates ingredients on a scale from low-risk to hazardous, with a score over 50 considered "good." However, some critics note that the app might not provide enough context when rating products. Yuka
EWG’s Healthy Living: This app rates products on a scale of 1–10, with 1–2 indicating low hazard, 3–6 indicating moderate hazard, and 7–10 indicating high hazard. It scores each ingredient individually and evaluates the product in comparison to others in its database. EWG’s Healthy Living
Why Awareness Matters
Being aware of the ingredients in the products we use is crucial because these substances can significantly affect our mental health. Endocrine disruptors and other harmful chemicals can contribute to anxiety and depression, which is why I am a firm believer in and practitioner of identifying root causes. In my practice, anxiety and depression are seen as symptoms to be alleviated, not just diagnoses to be managed. By addressing these underlying issues, we can work towards long-term mental health and well-being.
By taking proactive steps to understand and control what we put on our bodies, we can protect our mental health and enhance our overall quality of life. This is a vital aspect of my holistic approach to mental health, emphasizing the importance of treating the root causes of symptoms rather than merely masking them.
The Healing Power of Touch
Touch-based therapies offer powerful modalities that utilize the sense of touch to promote mental health. Let’s explore four key practices: massage therapy, chiropractic care, acupuncture, and cupping. I have done them all and this is part of my healthcare routine. All have been shown to reduce stress, alleviate anxiety, and improve overall well-being.
Massage Therapy:
Massage therapy is not just a luxury; it is a necessity for many seeking relief from mental and physical stress. Research indicates that massage can lower cortisol levels, the body's primary stress hormone, while increasing serotonin and dopamine, which are neurotransmitters that promote happiness and relaxation. Regular massage therapy can also enhance the function of the lymphatic system, aiding in the removal of toxins and improving immune function.
Chiropractic Care:
Chiropractic care focuses on the relationship between the spine and the nervous system. Misalignments in the spine, known as subluxations, can impede the flow of nerve signals and contribute to physical and mental stress. By correcting these misalignments, chiropractic adjustments can reduce pain, improve mobility, and enhance mental clarity. Studies have shown that chiropractic care can also reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, providing a non-pharmaceutical approach to mental health management.
Acupuncture:
Acupuncture, an ancient practice rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to balance the flow of energy, or Qi. Scientific studies have shown that acupuncture can stimulate the release of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers, and increase blood flow. This can result in reduced stress, anxiety, and depression. Acupuncture is particularly effective for those seeking a holistic approach to managing their mental health.
Cupping Therapy:
Cupping therapy involves placing cups on the skin to create suction, which helps increase blood flow and promote healing. This practice can reduce muscle tension, improve circulation, and encourage tissue repair. The increase in blood flow can also help reduce anxiety and depression by promoting relaxation and enhancing the body's natural healing processes. Cupping has been used for centuries to treat various ailments and is gaining recognition for its benefits in mental health care.
The Importance of Hugs and Connection
Hugs play a crucial role in fostering emotional connection and mental well-being, especially for individuals whose primary love language is physical touch like me. Research has shown that hugging can release oxytocin, often referred to as the "love hormone," which promotes feelings of bonding and reduces stress and anxiety. Studies on orphans who were deprived of touch further highlight the importance of physical touch; these children often experienced significant developmental and emotional challenges. This underscores the profound need for touch in human development and well-being.
However, it's essential to recognize that not everyone is comfortable with hugs. For some, physical touch might be their least preferred love language due to past trauma, sensory issues, or personal preferences. For these individuals, any form of touch can be overwhelming or even repulsive. It’s crucial to be intuitive and respectful of these boundaries, becoming your own advocate and understanding your unique needs and preferences.
Biblical Support for the Healing Power of Touch
The Bible provides numerous examples of the healing power of touch, emphasizing its importance in our physical and spiritual lives. Here are a few verses that highlight this:
Matthew 9:20-22 (NIV): "Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak. She said to herself, 'If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed.' Jesus turned and saw her. 'Take heart, daughter,' he said, 'your faith has healed you.' And the woman was healed at that moment."
Mark 6:56 (NIV): "And wherever he went—into villages, towns, or countryside—they placed the sick in the marketplaces. They begged him to let them touch even the edge of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed."
Luke 6:19 (NIV): "And the people all tried to touch him, because power was coming from him and healing them all."
These verses demonstrate the transformative power of touch when combined with faith and the divine presence of Jesus.
My Journey to Holistic Health
My journey towards understanding the profound impact of touch on mental health began with a personal health crisis that led me to explore alternative therapies. Through rigorous self-advocacy and a holistic approach, I discovered the deep interconnectedness of our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. This journey illuminated the importance of mindfulness in how we treat our bodies and what we apply to them.
Rewiring my brain, eliminating unhealthy habits, and embracing a holistic lifestyle was challenging but rewarding. I have witnessed many of my clients undergo similar transformations, emerging stronger and more in tune with their bodies. Healing trauma leads to wisdom, and it is this wisdom that I now pass on to my clients. We all have our struggles, but with the right tools and dedication, we can navigate them more effectively.
Above all, I realized the transformative power of prayer, meditation, and stillness in God's presence. Surrendering all outcomes to Him, rather than trying to control everything or living in fear, was the catalyst for my true healing. Acknowledging His ultimate power—beyond any practitioner or even ourselves—was essential.
Understanding the balance within oneself is crucial. We often neglect our five senses, focusing too much on what others have or dwelling on the past with "what ifs," which leads to depression. Likewise, worrying about the future breeds anxiety. By learning to live in the present, doing one thing at a time, and surrendering regardless of how we feel, we can become more empathetic and knowledgeable. This unique insight sets me apart as a practitioner.
Today, as a Christian Integrative Therapist, I emphasize the importance of touch in my practice. I encourage my clients to incorporate massage, chiropractic care, acupuncture, and cupping into their mental health regimen as well as other practices. While these therapies may seem costly, I firmly believe that investing in preventive care is far more beneficial than dealing with the consequences of neglect.
By embracing this holistic approach, you too can experience profound healing and balance in your life. Reach out to me to begin your journey towards a healthier, more integrated self.
A Prayer for Healing and Wellness
Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus, we come before You with grateful hearts, acknowledging the healing power You have placed within our reach. We thank You for the gift of touch and the many ways it can bring comfort and healing to our bodies and minds. We ask for Your guidance as we seek holistic approaches to health, and we pray for wisdom and discernment in all our choices. Bless our efforts to care for our bodies, which are temples of Your Holy Spirit. May we find peace, restoration, and joy in the practices that honor You and promote our well-being. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Additional Resources
To further explore the topics discussed in this blog, here are some valuable resources:
Books:
The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk - A comprehensive look at how trauma affects the body and mind and how touch-based therapies can aid in healing.
Touch: The Science of Hand, Heart, and Mind by David J. Linden - An exploration of the science behind the sense of touch and its importance in our lives.
The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman - Understanding how different forms of love, including physical touch, can enhance relationships.
Podcasts:
Holistic Life Navigation - A podcast that explores holistic approaches to mental health and wellness, including the power of touch.
The Holistic Counselor Podcast - Hosted by me, discussing various holistic mental health practices.
The Healing Touch Podcast - Focusing on the benefits of massage therapy, chiropractic care, and other touch-based therapies.
YouTube Channels:
Dr. Eric Berg DC - Videos on holistic health and chiropractic care.
Advanced Wellness - Insights on natural healing methods, including touch-based therapies.
Acupuncture is My Life - Information and discussions about acupuncture and its benefits for mental health.
Apps:
Calm - Offers guided meditations and relaxation techniques that can complement touch-based therapies.
Headspace - Provides mindfulness and meditation exercises to support mental health.
Insight Timer - Features a variety of guided meditations and talks on holistic health and well-being.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the sense of touch offers powerful opportunities for healing and mental health improvement. From being cautious about the products we use on our skin to embracing the therapeutic benefits of massage, chiropractic care, acupuncture, and cupping, touch can be a transformative force. By being proactive and mindful, we can enhance our mental health and overall well-being, paving the way for a healthier, more balanced life.
In Service, Faith Hope and Love,
Diana
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Disclaimer: The content provided on "Liberation Lunes" is for entertainment and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or mental condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this blog. The views expressed on this blog are my personal opinions and do not represent the views of any professional organizations with which I am affiliated. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, 911, or 988 immediately. "Liberation Lunes" does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on the blog. Reliance on any information provided by "Liberation Lunes," others appearing on the blog at the invitation of "Liberation Lunes," or other visitors to the blog is solely at your own risk.
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