Emotional and Mental Well-Being

Alpha-Stim in the Treatment of Depression, and Addiction

An Introduction to Alpha-Stim Therapy Recently while attending the Integrative Addiction Conference in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, I was introduced to the medical device alpha-stim as an effective tool in the treatment of anxiety, depression and addiction. Alpha-stim has been an intriguing and exciting addition to my existing practice; because I treat many patients who suffer from many of these conditions. Alpha-stim is a small electronic device that offers small electrical pulses to the brain. This type of therapy is known as Cranio-Electrotherapy Stimulation (CES) and it has been used, and studied, for the treatment of a…

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Prescribing Meditation for Depressed Patients

Prescribing Meditation for Depressed Patients

I Often Prescribe Meditation to My Patients I often prescribe meditation to my patients, and I also meditate myself to improve my health. Before beginning my day, I usually take a few moments to meditate and prepare myself for the work I am about to do, before seeing a patient in my offices. This simple ritual helps me to feel that I am fully present when my patients come to see me,  and that they have my undivided attention. I also take time to meditate before prescribing a naturopathic treatment plan. I believe these small acts help…

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The Difference Between Treating a Disease Versus Curing it

The Difference Between Treating a Disease Versus Curing it

The Difference Between Treating Versus Curing a Disease Recently, while on my way to the office, I had a very interesting conversation with an UBER driver. He wanted to know what I felt was the main difference between prescribing drugs to treat disease and the use of naturopathic medicine. And I found myself in an interesting conversation that involved clarifying the difference between truly being cured ,verses simply being palliated.  To palliate denotes a state whereby your disease symptoms may be temporarily abated due to  medical intervention.  But, once the treatment wears off, the disease returns. As…

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Having Fun is Serious Business

Having Fun is Serious Business

Having Fun is Good for Your Health When it comes to health, having fun can be serious business. That's because having fun is associated with longevity, improved cognition, better brain function,improved heart health, and general well-being. To be happy, to play, to have fun, to engage in activities that bring you true joy will decrease blood pressure, improve sleep, aid memory, improve digestion, as well as your over-all outlook on life and lengthen your life span. Working with Nathan for You Recently, I participated in a rather entertaining experiment regarding the science of fun with the MTV…

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Want to Stay Clean and Sober? Learn Something

Want to Stay Clean and Sober? Learn Something

Learning Something New Every Day is Associated with Greater Success in Maintaining Sobriety Have you ever dreamed of playing a musical instrument well? Or perhaps you always wanted to be fluent in an exotic language. Decades of research into brain placidity, has shown that; people who make a conscious effort to learn something new everyday, can change their brains and their over-all outlook on life.  Furthermore, the act of learning may also help people who struggle with alcoholism and addiction stay sober. The act of dedicating ones life to mastering a skill—that is intellectually challenging—can reverse much…

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Before Everything Else, Take Care of Yourself

The Healing Starts With You Sometimes when we find ourselves in the middle of a crises the right thing to do seems counter intuitive. Instead of directing our thoughts and energy to people and things outside ourselves; it may be best to turn inward, and focus on self-care instead. Or as my friend, who is a professional therapist, likes to say, “before everything else, take care of yourself.” Recently, I went through a very long emotional conflict with someone I cared for very deeply. I spent a great deal of time worrying and focusing on all the…

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