The Valley of the Shadow
Dr. Kyle D. Christensen, DC, ND, MH
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; - Psalms 23:4
People
talk. That's just what we do. When something is bad or when something
is good, we talk about it. We like to share ideas, experiences, goals,
dreams and visions. In my work, we talk. Sometimes a lot. I have learned
to also listen. In this age of information overload, I rely on my
patients to do their homework. Which often can mean figuring out what is
going on with their own health so that we can, together, figure out a
course of action.
The internet is a marvelous tool. Simply enter in your problems and begin sifting through what others have discovered.
Discovery
is just the beginning. Once information has been gathered, I often urge
people to listen to that inner voice of the spirit for a confirmation
of the course of action that should be taken. None of us are exactly
alike and so what is right for one, may not work for another. However,
we are all human (at least I think most of us are) and general trends,
patterns and recommendations often hold true for the vast majority of
us.
One
concern that has been growing in the lives of many is that of
depression. The overwhelming approach offered by the medical profession
is that of pharmaceuticals. These can often lead to unwelcome side
affects and really only manages the problem rather than fix it. There
may be times when health concerns can only be managed, but if there is a
way to fix it, that clearly should be the direction pursued.
I
was recommended by a friend to look in to Dr. Neil Nedley's work with
depression, and I believe he has really come upon a well balanced
approach that can truly heal the body, mind and spirit from the
affliction of depression.
Depression Recovery Program
Exercise
- 6 days a week, you must be moving you body doing something that would
be considered exercise. Walk, swim, cycle, you've got to do something.
Log how many minutes each day. Set some goals. Remember: A goal not written, is only a wish.
Sleep
- we've been taught from childhood that we need eight hours each night.
Understand that hours of sleep BEFORE midnight are more beneficial than
those after. Schedule bedtime so that you get at least 8 hours. You may
need more or less, but plan on eight. Figure what you really need.
Deep Breathing
- Oxygen is vitally important for good brain function. Take time to
breath deeply each day. Think of it as clearly out the cobwebs in the
lungs, circulation and brain. You may want to try Dr. Andrew Weils
programs.
Avoid Negative Thinking
- Stinkin Thinkin! Are you stuck there? Certainly, you must live in
this world of grief, sorrow and gloom, and we are not promoting naivete,
but as you focus on the positive, your brain will begin to change in
good way. Goal: I went a whole day without saying anything negative.
Water - This eight 8 oz glasses of water
per day should be pure, filtered water. Drink from glass containers. Avoid plastic.
Diet
- This is what has gotten so many in trouble as far as depression is
concerned. You cannot expect to be healthy if your body is taking in
harmful chemicals, preservatives, food additives and the plethora of
unnatural foods. Eat whole natural foods! Enjoy a plant-based loaded
with fruits, nuts, seeds and vegetables diet. At our home, we are
vegetarians that cheat.
Spiritual Activity
- Truly, this is a key to overcoming depression. Develop a spiritual
pattern of daily prayer/meditation/contemplation and scripture study.
Avoid reading so many chapters or pages, rather spend 20 to 30 minutes
each day. It is okay to spend all of your time on just a verse or two.
Ponder and reflect on what scripture means in your daily life. Memorize
favorite verses.
Classical Music
- Music can fill your soul with light or darkness. Relaxation or
tension. Classical music, harp music and lovely melodies really can
soothe the soul. Download or purchase music that will lift your soul.
Listen to it. Really listen.
Sunlight
- We all need light. Consciously get in the sunlight every day. It is
healing, it will increase your vitamin D. Most depressed people are
vitamin D deficient and taking a supplement is not as good as the
Vitamin D created by sunlight touching your skin. Depending on the
fairness of your skin, you will be able to tolerate more or less direct
sunlight. Remember, you do not want to get sunburned.
If depression is an issue for you or someone you care about, I would recommend that you look in to this program.
I would add to Dr. Nedley's program a detoxification program that may include FIR (far infrared) sauna and a few other
detox related things.
Is
this program all inclusive for everyone? Of course not! But this a very
good place to start. What I have found is that nearly all of my
patients who suffer from depression have major issues with most
of
these recommendation. These recommendations are a good place to start
and should stand as a gentle reminder of what all of us should be doing.
I
believe each of us are called upon to walk through this valley of the
shadow of death, which can also be translated as darkest depression.
Recovery and maintaining our sanity must be a very conscious and
concerted effort. I urge each of us to make the necessary adjustments to
our lives to create balance and happiness.
Blessings,
Dr. Kyle Christensen
July 15, 2014
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