Positive Psychology Validates Generative Function Model

This TED video presentation anchors what I have been describing on my other internet sites, and will build a better foundation to enjoy your own life as well as to understand other people in a deeper way. At NIHA this can be applied to treating Chronic Pain as well as boosting the overall positive experience of your life.

Dr. Martin Seligman is a psychologist who popularized the concept of Positive Psychology [Positive Psychology: An Introduction]. In this talk he starts by giving credit to the early scientific study of the mind such that psychology could make "miserable people" less miserable. He then talked about the need for scientifically studying what it is to be happy and how to move forward in life to go beyond "the absence of misery." He founded the Positive Psychology Center of the University of Pennsylvania which makes available these free online questionnaires [AuthenticHappiness.org] about Emotions (including Depression symptoms and Current Happiness, etc.), Life Satisfaction, Meaning, Engagement.



Now that you have viewed that lively presentation you may wonder, how can I be enthusiastic about his work when I am so dedicated to promoting the "Energy Medicine" model of health and wellness?

Both of my main sites -- My Teaching Site and My Clinical Site -- emphasize the need for honest scientific inquiry into life and health. The factor that Dr. Seligman has not added to his research is the underlying flow of energies through the body that can be seen as part of the acupuncture meridian system, for example. When you add this, his work makes good sense and gives a solid scientific background to see the need for studying the energy aspect of health. The autonomic nervous system is the central focus of a research project that I am planning to set up, using the AcuGraph digital meridian imaging technology.

In several places on my sites, especially in the Homeopathy Science section, I describe the discovery made by Samuel Hahnemann, M.D., of the existence of two aspects to the "Vital Power" that energizes our physical body. One is the "Sustentive" and the other aspect is the "Generative". The Sustentive is concerned with reducing the misery in life (maintaining the status quo, homeostasis, repair of damage, etc). The Generative aspect is what I think Dr. Seligman is declaring to be the next frontier of study (without intending to be a practitioner of "Energy Medicine").

Hahnemann's Generative aspect is the engine of creativity that makes us human. This also is related to the Triune Autonomic Nervous System model that is gaining interest now that Dr. Stephen Porges began describing it in his Polyvagal Theory.

With the new focus on "Neuroplasticity" (see earlier blog postings) we now can see how important it is to realize that we have an innate "hardwiring" of our physiology and our emotions to want to have positive things in our lives. The more we can respect that in ourselves and in others, the more effective we can be in creating a meaningful life that supports the process of healing from the shocks and traumas that are part of life. At NIHA one of the programs that this can be very important for is in the treatment of Chronic Pain.

You can read more essays -- Craniosacral therapy; NES ProVision body-field scan; Integrative Homeopathy; and more -- on my Practitioner Profile page on the NIHA website.

I wish you the full experience of positive feelings and a meaningful life. -- Dr. Wilson

The community that is YOU: Parasites and Epigenetics

[Magazine cover image added October 2010.] My study of what other health care practitioners, therapists, and researchers are doing to help people improve their lives gives me many uplifting experiences. Below is a video of an especially enthusiastic presentation that will give you a glimpse into the complex collection of clues that I consider when I am asked to help someone with a puzzling health situation. At NIHA we offer Rejuvenation & Detoxification, Integrative Physical Health, and Integrative Medicine/Holistic Primary Care to help you be in charge of your "internal community."

Those of you who are familiar with what is being called "Functional Medicine" will recognize the term -- Epigenetics. The word "Epigenetics" introduces the new field of study that scientists discovered when they found out that just because we now can list the "Gene Sequence" of the DNA that is found in living cells, we can't tell how it controls Life.

In fact, scientists found out that we can't completely control Life by learning the DNA sequence of things. They found out that the most important factor in "gene expression" is the surrounding environment which influences which portion of the DNA is available for "transcription" into various cellular products. This surrounding environment could also be called the "Matrix" of all the influences that affect DNA activity.

If you read this after you have watched that short video by molecular biologist Bonnie Bassler, you will be ready to understand why I am so enthusiastic about the benefits of Natural Medicine when it comes to the puzzle of how to keep ourselves healthy and free of raging infections from various microbes (this includes bacteria, and parasites and likely viruses as well as far as I understand the concept of the Matrix). You can read more online in citations about her work with "Quorum Sensing" at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute by clicking on this Google search.

If you have not yet read about The Living Matrix and viewed the movie titled "The Living Matrix", I encourage you to click on the words above, The Living Matrix.

Now you will see why what Dr. Bassler describes is so very important to keeping ourselves healthy.

A caution: Because she is researching methods of creating new antibiotics Dr. Bassler's conclusions will likely be to recommend new (and expensive) medications. Her new drugs may be very helpful. However, as a Natural Medicine practitioner I will also point out that we might achieve similar results if we took action to change the matrix or the environment inside of us such as by using garlic to reduce the activity of the microbes within us.

We might also choose to improve the speed of our gastrointestinal system. Natural health practitioners often refer to "bowel health", and some even declare on the Internet that, "death begins in the colon," which is a dramatic but often sadly true statement.

[Update note about various types of "Parasites" that can live inside of our bodies: check out the article in the August 2000 Discover Magazine. The original cover art is now posted at the top of this page. The article is titled "Do Parasites Rule the World?"]

The community that is YOU:
Now that you have seen her video and learned also about The Living Matrix, I want to point out one of the biggest factors of all in keeping yourself and your loved ones healthy:

The people around you, and the world around you too (including air, water, chemicals, etc.) all have effects on how you feel and how your cells function. Usually these effects are not visible and most people never spend time thinking about how they might change their surroundings so that they could improve their health. However, these may make the difference between living a vibrant life or suffering a continuing struggle to cope.

This factor of "matrix epigenetics" is included in my earlier posting about "Neuroplasticity" [link] and the way that our brain and nerve cells are affected by what is around them. "Cells that fire together wire together," is a phrase that neuroscientists sometimes use. One way to benefit from that idea is that you are affected by the thoughts that you allow to circulate in your brain. This is where the benefits of "Mindfulness" come to the front.

In my studies of what other practitioners are doing I have developed a respect for the value of being aware of what our brains are thinking, which is the basic contribution of people who provide "Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy."

With my patients I encourage an appreciation of the "Mindfulness" approach, but I also add that they need to understand the factors that affect the mind's function such as poor nutrition, stressful electro-magnetic radiation, and "toxic relationships."

After you learn about the expanded options that come from Natural Medicine and Mental Health [link], you can focus your own study about the factors that affect your health. You can take increasing control over the influences on your health, and increase your options for choosing approaches and practitioners to help you achieve and protect vibrant health.

You can do it.

Brain Science: "Neuroplasticity." Yes you can change your brain.

Recently I attended a powerful teleseminar hosted by the National Institute for the Clinical Application of Behavioral Medicine [link], featuring the work of psychiatrist Jeffrey Schwartz, M.D. [link]



Dr. Schwartz is a researcher and clinician at the UCLA School of Medicine who has written a landmark book on Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): "Brain Lock: Free Yourself from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder." His research has documented changes in brain function after the patient has learned how to separate out their "thinking about their thoughts." Once a person understands that they have a brain that experiences thoughts then they can look at the thoughts and decide whether to act on them or not. Eventually, the brain becomes able to judge and ignore thoughts such as "I need to wash my hands" (after the hands are in fact clean).

Brain imaging techniques have shown that the brain electrical activity patterns actually change after a period (sometimes several days, and often after some weeks or months). Dr. Schwartz spoke enthusiastically about the potential benefits that will occur when the western medical scientific community can see that the brain can be changed by mentally processing thoughts. His website has many articles, books referenced, and audio discussions of different topics about brain change, or "Neuroplasticity."

A very important factor that I have observed in the mental health field over the past decades is the deep concern that many therapists, and patients too, have about the philosophy behind the treatments that are being delivered. Dr. Schwartz spoke emphatically and with detail about the need to use scientific methods to show that the person's thinking can change the function of the brain. He also talked about the ways that Christians and Jewish people have become enthusiastic about improving the function of the brain when they understand that they have a Higher Power helping them take control of their own thoughts and their brain will benefit.

After that teleconference the moderator invited the therapists who were listening to visit the website Comment Board. I did this and added my comments to the others who represented a diversity of scientific training and a diversity of Christian, Jewish, Agnostic, Atheist viewpoints. My comments are below this section.* Religious beliefs and worldview are perhaps the most important aspect of a human being's mental life and it is an area that therapists are deeply aware of and treat with respect.

The topic of brain Neuroplasticity is one of the most important discoveries in recent years in the mental health field. I invite you all to consider the benefits of mental focus on the function of the brain and the resulting changes in emotions that can develop.

We are in a very encouraging time in human healthcare history when science is helping us to explore the rich inheritance that is ours as our human birthright. I am very glad to be here.

Wishing you full awareness of your vibrant health. -- Dr. Wilson [Clinical Site]
--------------------------
*Text from my comments [see Comment Board]

Dr. Schwartz's presentation was excellent; he spoke with knowledge and experience on some of the key issues relevant to Behavioral Medicine today. I began studies years ago to become a medical doctor at the University of Michigan School and took a leave of absence and explored alternative medicine, including study at Bastyr University for my doctorate in naturopathic medicine and MS Acupuncture.

I have a deep appreciation for the powerful impact of religious affiliation in individual mental/physical health. Listening to Dr. Schwartz brought almost a physical feeling of soothing cleansing as he described his experience learning how to describe the focus technique to Christian and Jewish people. He helped me feel much less uncomfortable about the possible stress that Christians and others might feel when being told about "Mindfulness", which has deep ties to Buddhist philosophy.

These are important days for physical/mental medicine because of the work being done with the Autonomic Nervous System and its expansion into the Triune ANS (the newest being the Social Engagement system, as setting us apart from animals) as Stephen Porges, Ph.D., [link] describes.

I have been preparing to do some research on the ANS using the AcuGraph digital meridian imaging which has correlations to emotions related to organ system status. I have links to the information of that company on my website: [AcuGraph digital meridian imaging]. It is my fervent hope that the acupuncture meridian energy changes that have been seen to change and follow emotional states can be tracked by AcuGraph and correlated with the clinical reports of therapists counsling the clients tested.

I appreciated Dr. Schwartz's caveat about the weakness of the claim, "it is quantum physics"; I will remember that when I deal with various treatments (for physical as well as mental conditions) that have been described as being based on "quantum physics." We need to gather as much scientifically plausible information as possible, and I am looking forward to reading his website and other writings of Dr. Schwartz.

Thanks so much for introducing him to us; he gave us a lot to think about and re-think about. In the end, your NICABM community of dynamic individuals around the globe is evidence that there is something much greater than ourselves that engenders the creative lives we are living. Such a marvelous diversity.

It was beyond words how rich his presentation was. Thank you once again.

Play Boosts Intelligence. Serious Health Support.

You might enjoy reading about the National Institute for Play [National Institute for Play]. The research by Stuart Brown, M.D., clearly reveals the benefits of a playful attitude and shows that it is much more than a child's activity.



In my trainings with Dietrich Klinghardt, M.D., Ph.D. we were regularly reminded that when patients are experiencing the deep psychological work that he calls Applied Psycho-Neurobiology, we practitioners should be "playfully inquisitive." That describes a kind of "play" in which the practitioner is flowing with what is important to the client rather than attempting to push events into an expected outcome.

Dr. Brown presents his material in a video that is available at the link above about his National Institute for Play. He says that play is something that adults need to do, and that it is a very intellectually stimulating activity that allows the person to move beyond the confines of rigid expectations.

This has important implications for those who are exploring the benefits of Mindfulness as described so well by our team member Charles Gant, M.D. When combined with a mindful observation of one's actions during a time of playfulness, a person can benefit from a "snapshot" of how their inner processes are working.

Sometimes the results of such a "Mindfulness snapshot" are reaffirming of our grounded and self-confident approach to life. But sometimes a person may be able to observe how they are not as flexible or creative as they would like to be. The First Aid for this is to be mindful and not allow room for disrespecting one's self. The "Cure" is to explore more deeply for hidden effects of things such as "toxic memories" and other disturbing factors that limit our autonomic nervous system's self-correcting mechanisms.

Dr. Klinghardt's Applied Psycho-Neurobiology and other techniques that are offered at NIHA by Scott Richards and Maureane O'Shaugnessy can be very powerful ways to remove "toxic memories" from childhood or traumas later in life.

The NES ProVision technology that I often use is another way of checking the functional strength of the "human bodyfield" including factors that can affect mental health. This is sometimes called a NES biophysics scan because it is based on a quantum physics approach to understanding the deeper functions of human health. The NES scan includes assessment of the bodyfield information patterns that affect emotions and mental health. This can sometimes provide major clues to the puzzle of "why can't I play?"

So, if you don't happen to feel like being playful after you have read this, check out the information linked above and consider seeing me or one our integrative medicine team. We can help you to remove the blockages to self healing and smooth out distortions in the unconscious information stored inside you.

And, speaking as a doctor of natural medicine, remember that this is the Winter season and that gradually the new energies of the Springtime will be adding their uplifting effect to your life.

Enjoy your Journey. Come visit me if you need some help doing that.

---Dr. Wilson

Natural Medicine and Mental Health

Natural Medicine is a term that introduces a large field of approaches to helping people live their lives according to the natural laws of interactions between everything on the earth and the energies that affect the conduct of life.

When you come to me and the other practitioners at the clinic, you will be receiving the benefits of a broader perspective about health than is currently the standard in western medicine.

The approaches that I use lead to insights that allow expanded options for helping people who have been given a variety of labels used in western medicine psychiatry and psychology.

Here are some of the labels that have been created to describe various conditions of the human mind and accompanying physiological conditions:

Depression: Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Dysthymia, Major Depression, PostPartum, Grief.

Bipolar Disorders: Mood Disorder, Hypomania, Mania, Cyclothymia.

Schizophrenia: Described by McKenzie as a PTSD-engendered condition [Dr. Wilson added this to list]

Addictions: Alcohol, Drugs, Co-Dependency, Sex Addiction, Internet Addiction, Shopping & Spending Addiction, Gambling.

Stress and Anxiety: Phobias, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Social Anxiety, Panic Disorders, Generalized Anxiety Disorder.

Eating Disorders: Bulimia, Anorexia.

Kids’ Mental Health: Depression, Anxiety, Attention Deficit Disorder, Conduct Disorders, Autism, Asperger’s, Tourette’s and Hyperkinetic Disorders, Eating Disorders.

Trauma: PTSD, Rape & Sexual Assault, Childhood Abuse: Mental, Physical, Sexual; Cult Trauma; Military and Veteran Issues; Spiritual Abuse; Domestic Violence.

Relationship Issues: Relationship Health and Conflict.

[This listing is from MentalHealthPros.com]

Each of the above labels was created to describe human conditions that develop from a variety of causes. When natural medicine practitioners carefully examine each of these labels -- including the knowledge that has been gained from the fields of Acupuncture, Homeopathy, Ayurvedic natural medicine, Biofeedback, and other approaches -- many factors that are not even considered by western medicine often become major starting points that can lead to treatments that bring the person to a place where the label is no longer appropriate.

I describe these factors in essays on my teaching website: [visit the site].

There are excellent essays in the NIHA Library: [visit the site].

If you or someone you love is seeking help for any condition that has been given a label such as the ones above, please consider the services that I and my associates can provide. Most of our therapies can be provided as part of an Integrative Medicine program. Many patients will continue using the treatments that their primary physician provides. We offer to work with you so that you can get "the best of both worlds."

I wish you good health and wisdom in making your choices --

Dr. Ralph Wilson Washington DC

Science and Heart: Sharing using Twitter

The Twitter service is a user-friendly way to briefly share updates on important matters. Visitors to sites that have Twitter updates can sign up easily, and take a break at any time from receiving updates. It is free and they respect your privacy.

My first "tweets" were based on my hopes for the deep healing that can happen when people share their knowledge and their creativity with each other.

You can check out the Twitter phenomenon by clicking here: http://twitter.com/bionaturedoc

Wishing you healing and Aloha from Washington DC.

Ralph W. Wilson, Naturopathic Physician

Autonomic Self-Regulation: The Power of Life

At NIHA we offer a variety of assessments and treatments that are called Regulation Therapies. These are so important that I cannot give enough emphasis to the fact that -- without autonomic self-regulation, we die.

The good news is that when we increase our control over the functions of our body, we feel better and gain a sense of accomplishment no matter how challenging the health care concerns may be. To me, that is a very hopeful fact.

The coordinated flow of autonomic nervous system signalling and the control of those signals are at the core of the testing and treatments that many practitioners at NIHA provide.

For discussion and references see my Internet site: Autonomic Science.

For in-depth information about the practitioners and programs at National Integrated Health Associates: [click here].

I am enthusiastic about the choices at our center for restoring autonomic self-regulation.

Allergy Elimination Treatment, Mental Field Therapy with "tapping exercises", Erchonia laser, and Heart Rate Variability testing are some of what is offered by Scott Richards or Maureane O'Shaugnessy at NIHA.

Our new multi-talented practitioner, Debbie McCabe, has some very interesting tools for measuring and supporting autonomic nervous system function. See the clinic site: [click here].

The Regulation Therapy aspect of my practice at NIHA includes AET, MFT, HRV, some laser work, and also the body psychotherapy technique called Craniosacral Therapy with Somato-Emotional Release, breathing and focus training, Acugraph digital meridian imaging, BioDynamic Counseling, biofeedback, hypnotherapy, and Iridology, with the neuro-emotional typology assessment of the Rayid iris analysis system.

Thermographic imaging (usually done for female breast health assessment, but also useful for other assessments in both men and women) provides direct observation of the autonomic nervous system's function. For detailed information, see Dr. Rind's Internet site.

In a very direct way I can also include in Regulation Therapies the services of the Detoxification team at NIHA. Especially the colon hydrotherapy service helps to retrain the intestinal autonomic nervous system so that it is more active and more integrated with the rest of the physiology of the body.

Whenever you treat yourself to massage or body therapies, structural manipulation, or the FlexAware education and exercises of our newest associate, Steven Shafarman -- who started the Integrative Physical Health Initiative at NIHA -- you will be giving a direct message to your body and your autonomic nervous system that they are important to you (meaning you as the brain that is making major decisions).

Also, whenever you make choices that reduce the toxins in your life (whether pesticides, or electromagnetic toxins, or even "toxic relationships") you are making it easier for your autonomic nervous system to have a greater "Tolerance" for the shocks and traumas of life.

My wish for you is that you learn more and more about the unique person that you are. I want people to appreciate their strengths as well as to understand what needs to be nurtured more carefully. Life is a gift, it can also be described as a journey. I often close my remarks by saying, "Enjoy the Journey." -- Dr. Wilson [Teaching Site]