Mind Body Connection - TMS

The Mind-Body Connection

Dr Kyle Christensen, 2019

Many are aware and in agreement that emotional stress and tension can literally make you sick. A tension headache or tight muscles across the shoulders are commonly considered the result of stress in our lives. We learn from scripture that God creates everything spiritual first before things are manifest physically. "And God said .... , then there was....". This pattern is also true in our lives. Things are created mentally, emotionally and spiritually before they are manifest physically. So much emphasis is placed on the correct diagnosis, yet the reality of the mind-body connection is seldom considered. I have found in my practice, particularly with many of the chronic conditions that there is almost always a degree of emotional stress intertwined with what is going on.

 

Tension Myositis Syndrome

Tension Myositis Syndrome (TMS), also known as Tension Myoneural Syndrome or Mind-Body Syndrome is a name given by Dr John E. Sarno (former head of Rehabilitation at New York University). TMS is the result of stress in your life that results in pain (muscle, nerve and tendon) that can be anywhere in the body. TMS can also cause dysfunction in the immune and hormonal systems leading to autoimmune disease. While TMS is considered psychologic in its origins, the pain and physical symptoms are very real and do have a physiologic basis.   

  

The mechanism of TMS is as follows:

Stress, anxiety or tension caused by emotional distress causes the muscles to tighten or tense up. This tension in the muscles squeezes off the blood supply to the muscle itself but also to the nerves, tendons and ligaments in specific areas of the body. These areas are often sites of previous compromise, injury or areas that may correspond to specific emotions. The decrease blood flow results in a diminished amount of oxygen to these tissues. Often only 4-5% decrease of oxygen. The result is pain. Think in terms of a muscle cramp. The pain associated with a muscle cramp is the muscle literally screaming for oxygen. The pain associated with TMS does not cause permanent or physical damage, although the pain is very real and can be debilitating. However, prolonged tension and muscle tightness can result in adhesion or scar tissue formation within the muscles that may need to be resolved.

 

Symptoms associated with TMS

TMS symptoms include pain, stiffness, weakness, tingling, numbness, muscle contractures, cramps and other negative sensations. Often these symptoms will come and go or move around for no apparent reason. You will have good days and bad days. Often the pain is worse at night.

 

TMS symptoms can occur in the back, neck, knee, arms, wrists, shoulders, and other parts of the body. The symptoms have a tendency to move to other parts of the body. The fact that symptoms often move or switch to other parts of the body is an important indicator that the pain is from TMS. This is frequently described with the diagnosis of fibromyalgia.

 

Proper Diagnosis is the Key - How do you know if you have TMS

Lack of known physical cause:  A physical examination, blood tests and imaging studies may be needed to rule out a more serious conditions, such as tumors, fractures or infections. Surprisingly, MRI's or x-rays which show spinal disc herniations or bulges and stenosis are generally found to be harmless and not the direct cause of the pain. Often the symptom location does not even correlate to the herniation location. If your condition seemed to have begun without an event that you can put your finger on - for example, "I just woke up with this" "I think I must have slept wrong", then TMS should be high on the suspicion list.

You may have Tender points or Trigger Points: 99% of those with TMS have tender points in the muscles. While the diagnosis of Fibromyalgia uses 18 points to confirm the diagnosis (at least 11 are tender for this diagnosis), 6 specific points are used to determine the diagnosis of TMS. The six main tender points to diagnose TMS are two tender points in the upper trapezius muscles (across the shoulders), two in the lower back muscles (just to the side of the spine) and two in the lateral upper buttocks.  Often people will say regarding these tender points: "That's where I hold my stress".

You may have or had other psychosomatic disorders:  A prior history of other psychosomatic disorders is an indication that the patient may have TMS. These may include: Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Multiple Sclerosis, Tension Headaches, Panic and Anxiety Disorders, Gastric Ulcers, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Plantar Fasciitis, Crohn's Disease, Chronic Fatigue, Hypothyroidism (Hashimoto's disease) and the list goes on and on.

Remember: Serious disorders, such as fractures, tumors and infections should be checked for and ruled out.

 

Treatment protocol

The treatment protocol for TMS includes education, writing about emotional issues and resumption of a normal lifestyle. For patients who do not recover quickly, the protocol may also includes support groups and/or psychotherapy. Many experience relief from their pain within days or a couple of weeks. Some take 6 months or so for complete or near complete resolution of their pain.

 

1 - Education

I have long found in my practice that the better the patient understands what is going on, the more sure the recovery. It is vital that you understand thoroughly that while your pain has mental and emotional origins, the pain (due to lack of oxygen to the tissue) is very real and has been scientifically observed and documented. I strongly recommend reading one of Dr Sarno's books. All of which describe the Mind Body Connection and the painful condition of TMS. Each of us must thoroughly understand the psychological and physiological aspects of TMS. As you grasp these concepts you will learn that your physical condition is not permanent and that any disability you have is a function of pain-related fear and repressed emotions. 

Understand, we are not attempting to marginalize your pain and brush you off saying it is all in your head. What we are saying is that, like the rest of us, past emotionally traumatic experiences where you did not have the support, experience, or ability to deal with at the time are stuffed down into the subconscious as a self protective and survival measurement. Feelings buried or repressed don't go away but can fester and build. In an effort to keep these emotions away from bubbling up into the conscious memory, the subconscious can create a diversion or distraction to draw your attention away from dealing with painful and uncomfortable memories and emotions. That diversion can be muscle or nerve pain, digestion issues, autoimmune problems, etc. 

And the honest truth is that we all are so damaged. It is not just soldiers or the victims of abuse suffering from PTSD.  It is each and every one of us to some degree. And so what if you actually do have a significant injury - meaning you know when, where and how you got hurt. It is quite probable and even very likely that you can have a physical injury that is accompanied with the psychological overlays of TMS. Just because you have a real injury does not mean that you are immune to the stress, tension and consequences that may have caused or is associated with your problem. If your injury doesn't heal right up in a very timely manner, then TMS can come into play. At any rate, dealing with underlying emotions can be extremely helpful in resolving much of the pain you are experiencing.

 

I recommend that each day you read in one of Dr Sarno's books the chapter on The Psychology of TMS or the Physiology of TMS. Highlight the important concepts in these chapters and become VERY familiar with them. Study and understand TMS - really know it inside and out. When the knowledge is anchored in your heart and soul, the changes (no more pain) that you desire will begin to unfold - often within two weeks. Daily repetition of the psychological process over time defeats the repression through conscious awareness.

 

2 - Writing about emotional issues

Understand, our objective is not to simply make the pain go away, but to heal your life - Body, Mind and Spirit. Writing and journaling can be transformative in achieving this healing. Each person should set aside time daily to think and write about issues that could have led to the repressed emotions. Many will purchase an inexpensive notebook - you don't need anything fancy.

 

We recommend the following four writing tasks to consider:  

1) Writing a list of issues.  Each of us should try to list out all issues that might contribute to the repressed emotions. Look to the following areas:

(a) Childhood experiences, such as abuse or lack of love

(b) Personality traits such as perfectionism, conscientiousness and a strong need to be liked, approved or validated by everyone - The need to be seen by others as good (not a sinner - or at least look how good or righteous I am now) is a big one among the church goers.

(c) Current life stresses and pressures - marriage, children, job, whatever is going on in your life

(d) Aging and mortality - your health, weight, physical appearance, genetic issues, etc.

(e) Situations in which the person experiences conscious but unexpressed anger

 

2) Writing essays.  Write an essay for each item on the above list. The longer the essays the more you will be forced to examine the emotional issues in depth. An important purpose of writing an essay is that you will be able to discover or have revealed to you the meaning behind the suffering. Suffering shapes and forms who we are. For example: The one who is abused often becomes more compassionate and empathetic towards others. By writing you can more effectively get it all out. We recommend writing longhand rather than typing on the computer. There is something deeply more therapeutic writing by hand.

  

3) Morning Pages - as taught by Julia Cameron in her book The Artist's Way

Morning Pages are three pages of longhand, stream of consciousness writing, ideally done first thing in the morning. There is no wrong way to do Morning Pages - it is not beautifully constructed prose or poetry. These pages aren't even "writing." They are about anything and everything that crosses your mind- and they are for your eyes only. Morning Pages provoke, clarify, comfort, cajole, prioritize and synchronize the day at hand. Do not over-think Morning Pages: just put three pages of anything on the page...and then do three more pages tomorrow.

  

4) Cast your Burdens to the Lord - Read and follow the instructions in Dr Christensen's handout Casting Your Burdens to the Lord. You must follow the instructions in the exercise closely. You've got to physically write down all the issues, people and problems in your life that you are stressed, fearful or anxious about. You've got to say the prayer outlined in the handout - either out loud or whispered. AND you've got to destroy the paper - burn it, blend it up, whatever feels right. The physicality of this exercise is important!

 

The ancient philosopher Socrates stated: "The Unexamined Life is not worth living" - now this may seem harsh, but the truth is that we need to look at our lives. Deep introspection and self discovery is important. Past traumas can reveal that it really is not your fault. The adversity we experience will ultimately shape you into the person God wants you to become. Wounded hearts can be healed. Past experiences no matter the depth of difficulty can sanctify and purify your soul. Emotional burdens and baggage that are the cause of pain can be lifted. We are all injured, wounded and burdened. Begin where you are. Do the work. Gain the understanding.

3 - Resumption of a normal lifestyle

It is important that you return to a normal lifestyle. The underlying cause of TMS is psychological, not physical. This means that you are not going to hurt yourself further by living your life in a normal fashion. This will be a tremendous leap of faith for many, however, it is important to gradually resume normal activities. As you begin to feel better you can take courage and hope and become more and more physically active. Gradually be more active, until you are back to a normal life. In addition, we encourage you "to discontinue the safety behaviours aimed at protecting their 'damaged' backs."

 

If you are engaged in ongoing treatments for your pain, consider discontinuing them, especially if you are not experiencing steady progress and improvement. Ongoing treatments can reinforce the idea that your pain and problem is structural. Emphasis of treatments should be to let go of repressed emotions and traumatic difficulties.

 

Daily Reminders - An Overview

• The pain is due to Tension Myositis Syndrome (TMS), not to a structural abnormality
• The direct reason for the pain is mild oxygen deprivation
• TMS is a harmless condition, caused by repressed emotions, the principle emotion is usually anger or rage
• TMS exists only to distract my attention from the emotions
• Since my back, neck, shoulder, etc. are basically normal, there is nothing to fear further injury
• Therefore, physical activity is not dangerous and I can resume normal physical activities
• I will not be concerned or intimidated by the pain
• I will shift my attention from the pain to emotional issues. Experiencing the pain will be my reminder to focus on the emotions. This can be as easy as acknowledging the pain as a cover up to the emotions. Talk to the pain - "I know you! You're just trying to cover up my emotions.
• I intend to be in control - not my subconscious mind. Repetitive acknowledgement of the emotional roots causing the pain will slowly bring the emotions to the conscious mind so that the cover up of pain will no longer be necessary.
• I must think psychological at all times, not physical

 

Support

Support meetings may be important for those who do not make a prompt recovery. Occasionally, one-on-one counselling may be necessary

 

Conclusion

Our goal is not simply the resolution of our pain, but to be healed body, mind and spirit. This article is an introduction into the mental, emotional and physical aspects of pain syndromes. We will discuss later the spiritual implications in pain syndromes. Complete healing cannot be achieved with the cleansing and renewal of the spirit. Ferreting out the darkness and opening to the light. The Gospel of Christ invites us not to simply be better people, but to be transformed - to become new creatures. We need our souls and lives ignited. For those with the courage and determination to uncover painful emotional and spiritual stones and stare them in the eye - this conscious effort will be healing and transformative. The best, strongest and most capable of us suffer as well as the broken down weakened and abused. As you put these practices into play, you can heal. You can forgive (let go) and change. Of course, it isn't easy. Of course, you will need support. But you can do it.

 

God bless us all in our efforts to heal and to come more fully unto Him.

 

Dr Kyle Christensen 2019

Lies & Deceptions

Lies & Deceptions

  

Kyle D. Christensen, DC October 2019

We see it in politics, medicine, science, dieting, marketing, advertising, and even in religion, to the point now that it is difficult to believe anything anyone says.

Often when the truth comes out, those who are perpetuating the misdeeds vehemently deny it or attempt to cover it up. We saw this with the tobacco industry. We are currently seeing it with Monsanto with the current chemical and GMO allegations and we see it in the political arena ad nauseam. Are we no longer able to sit down and have a rational respectful discussion without one or both parties having a hissy fit and start name calling or chanting some manufactured slogan. (which is by the way, akin to the childish act of putting your fingers in your ears and crying out nah, nah, nah, nah - I'm not listening.)

 

It seems that the most complicit villain in all of this is the media. Honest journalism is a rare commodity that is usually shouted down and stereotyped as racist, intolerant or bigoted without even an examination. In the United States, which does not feel very united these days, the media sides with those with the deepest pockets - namely the biggest business' filled with board rooms of evil and conspiring men and women set on wealth, control and power over our lives.

 

My field of study and expertise is in the realm of healthcare. Everyday I strive to help my patients understand the path to optimal health - of course, as I understand it. I don't have all of the answers. I wish I had more. Health, as many of you have discovered, is tricky and often elusive. However most of us know when something doesn't sound or feel right.

 

One of my frustrations comes when I read the medical - scientific research which uncovers information repeatedly and it is disregarded or shouted down by the prescribing medical community. One of the hallmarks of valid research is that it is repeatable. It is not just one persons or organizations opinion - especially when that opinion has a dollar to make. In-house research should always be suspect. But in-house research can and should spur others to either validate or disprove those conclusions.

 

As follows is an example of an issue some of you should be aware of:

  

The Blood Thinner Warfarin is now linked to calcification in the heart and blood vessels. (The American Journal of Medicine (2016) 129, 635.e1-635.e4)

 

In 2016 Warfarin (Coumadin) was the #1 prescribed blood thinning drug in the USA with over 19 million using it. Coumadin/Warfarin now clearly shows that it causes calcium deposits in the aortic heart valve resulting in a narrowing or malfunctioning valve (aortic stenosis). The medical community suggest that the only treatment is heart valve replacement. (Journal of the American College of Cardiology .Vol 66 No. 5 2015)

 

No discussion of what is causing this growing problem is considered. Some have suggested that cholesterol lowering statin drugs could solve this problem, but three separate independent randomized controlled trials of patients with aortic stenosis showed that statin drugs utterly failed in stopping the progression or reversing of aortic stenosis. Some of these studies even indicated that statin drugs accelerate the progression of calcium deposits in the blood vessels and heart valves.

 

 

 

PLUMBERS TO THE RESCUE

Plumbers have long known the cure for calcium deposits in pipes. It is interesting to note that calcium builds up as temperature rises. This is why calcium deposits in the hot water inlet of your washing machine and not the cold. The temperature of circulating blood in your body is 100.4˚F - the perfect range for calcium deposits.

 

It turns out that phosphorus in the form of phosphoric acid works not only for the plumber but also for the human body. Phosphorus binds on to calcium in the aortic valve and carries it away. Could it be that what plumbers have long known can also be the answer to heart conditions responsible for the death of thousands? The New England Journal of Medicine seems to think so. And without any adverse effects. (The New England Journal of Medicine Volume 274 January 6, 1966

Inorganic Phosphate treatment of Hypercalcemia of Diverse Etiologies)

 

 

It is noted that calcium build up in the heart valves resulting in stenosis or narrowing of the blood flow passageway was demonstrating what is known as phosphorus starvation or a severe lack of phosphorus. Treatment with Phosphorus resulted in the phosphorus binding on to the calcium in the aortic and mitral valves and carrying the calcium build up away. Because the phosphorus was tightly bound to the calcium there was no build up of calcium in the blood or to other parts of the body. As the calcium deposits in the heart were resolved, heart and valve function returned to a healthy normal without any adverse or negative effects.

 

In the September 2010 Journal of Clinical Cardiology it reveals that only one-third of new doctors were able to identify important cardiac sounds. It goes on to state that phonocardiography (listening to and recording heart sounds) is the GOLD STANDARD for detecting heart sounds and the problems that can be revealed by listening to the heart. Why is it that the gold standard for evaluating the heart is no longer demanded of medical professionals?! To me it is crazy that such a valuable tool such as expertise in listening to the heart is no longer required of physicians or for all heart professionals for that matter. We are thrilled that with the technology of Heart Sound Recordings, we are able to witness the sounds consistent with calcification and stenosis and many other conditions revealed by listening to the heart.

 

What is even more exciting is witnessing and being able to document the resolution of these abnormal findings in as short as one month after taking our extremely potent and safe and effective Standard Process supplements. We are so blessed to have natural wholefood supplements from Standard Process can help you not only feel better but be better. By analyzing the Heart Sound Recordings we are able to recommend specific products that can turn around and correct the problem.

 

More people die of heart failure than any other condition. Much of it is the result of poor diet and lifestyle choices. However, our bodies have an amazing ability to recover when given the proper tools and support.

High tech tools to gather this information is available today. Heck, we've got it right here in our office. We've got the Gold Standard. We invite you to come in for a Heart Sound Recording and get your heart back on track. Receive a print out of your heart sounds, the rate, rhythm, the ups, downs and see for yourself what is going on.

 

 

Blessings,

 

Dr Kyle Christensen

October 2019

AutoImmunity & Osteoarthritis

Autoimmunity & Osteoarthritis

Kyle D Christensen, DC     November 2019

 

Ever wonder why a dog is old at 12 years, when at 12 years old us humans are just getting started. The old notion was the old bones suffer from wear and tear and can only last so long. When I look at my face in the mirror, I am puzzled by the fact that my skin cells are completely replaced every 27 days. That means every month, I get a new face! So why then are my dying old cells replaced with cells that look like 60 years old and not those nice 22 year-old looking cells I used to have.

 

It turns out that our immune systems are integrally involved in both the aging and degenerative processes. The body actually produces antibodies (think the immune system's attack force) against the bones and other organs, tissues and glands that results in the effects of aging and degeneration. The normal aging process is controlled or regulated through the immune system. When the immune system is overly stressed, organs, glands and tissues can be targeted by creating antibodies against our own tissues!

 

Here are a few articles from the scientific literature that discusses this:

Autoantibodies to osteopontin in patients with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis

The Journal of Rheumatology 2001 Jul:28(7):1492-5.

 

Screening of an autoantibody signature of early knee osteoarthritis: data from the osteoarthritis initiative     Annuals of the Rheumatic Diseases Friday, 15 June 2018

 

Immunopathogenesis of osteoarthritis

Journal of Clinical Immunology (2013) 146, 185-196

 

If wear and tear were the cause of arthritis, then anyone and everyone who worked hard would have it. And the more active people would have more wear and tear. Yet we see, especially in the longevity studies, many people well advanced in age, who have labored physically their whole lives have minimal degenerative changes or arthritis.

 

Here's another piece of evidence that is commonly seen or experienced. Grandma has left hip pain. The right one is fine, but the left is disabling. She has x-rays and MRI and it is determined that her left hip is bone to bone - No more cartilage- no wonder you can hardly walk. The right side is fine. She is schedule for hip replacement, which is successfully performed and she feels so much better. Then something interesting happens. Within 3 to 6 months the right hip begins to hurt and within a year the right hip is just as bad as the left one was and requires replacement surgery. This second joint that rapidly degenerated was not the result of wear and tear as many assume, but rather it was the immune system attacking the other joint.

 

You see, antibodies for the hip joint had been created which actually caused the destruction of both joints. The immune systems focus was initially on the left hip because that is where all of the action was. The immune system is designed to eliminate anything that is determined to be harmful or unnecessary. Usually a virus or bacteria or some other pathogen but also dead or dying (necrotic) tissues. However, with stress, injury, disease or repeated trauma, the lymphatic system (which is designed to carry away waste or damaged tissue) can become overwhelmed. The excess cells needing to be removed from an area can flood into the bloodstream where they don't belong.  Necrotic or damaged bone or cartilage cells that get pushed into the bloodstream sets off the immunological alarm resulting in the immune system creating an antibody (in essence putting a flag on the misplaced cells in the bloodstream signaling the immune system to attack and eliminate this!).

  

As a result, the immune system has now been programmed to attack damaged bone or cartilage cells of the hip variety. If the initial issue with the bone or cartilage is not fixed and these damaged cells continue to leak into the bloodstream the immune system will follow the breadcrumb trail of dead cells to the source.  It finds bone and cartilage cells at the hip and the fight begins there. The destruction of the hip joint, which may have started out with a fairly minor injury, is now under full attack and can be compromised or degenerate fairly quickly. Once the damage hip is replaced with an artificial one, the immune system doesn't stop. The antibodies looking for damaged hip cells continues and with even a minor injury or stress to the remaining hip, the immune system can kick back into gear - cleaning up bad or damaged hip cells. The same scenario is true for knees, lungs, the brain, skin, or any other organ as well.

 

This all suggests that perhaps the key to slowing the aging process and the breakdown of the body is fostering a healthy immune system. The integrity of the immune system is moderated by many factors: genetics, diet, sleep, relationships, physical activity, and stress management are among some of the key factors.

 

For this article, lets consider osteoarthritis, which is often thought of as the joints simply wearing out. If what the research describes is true, then the key to relief is not simply taking pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs, but rather deal with the immunological factors. Namely, the stopping or controlling of the immune system response that is attacking the joints.

 

A special type of supplement known as a protomorphogen has proven to not only give symptomatic relief of osteo or degenerative arthritis but also has the ability to stop its progression and even reverse it. The specific supplement for the bones and joints is Ostrophin PMG by Standard Process.

 

A protomorphogens (pro-toe-more-fo-gen) or PMG supplements manufactured by Standard Process will help your organ/gland or tissue that may be having a problem as result of autoimmunity. Protomorphogens are the protein from the DNA of the cells. Protomorphogens act as decoys, tying up the autoantibodies and calling off the immune attack of the organ, gland or tissue. PMGs buys time for the body to heal by diverting the antibodies away from the tissue so it can heal. PMGs calms down the autoimmune response to that tissue. PMGs are made from and are for specific organs, glands or tissues.

 

Four Functions of Protomorphogens (PMG)

1. Acts as a Decoy: The immune system Antibodies attacks the PMG in the digestive tract instead of the organ or gland

2. Oral Tolerance/desensitization/tolerization: Consuming an antigen (the PMG) orally makes the immune system less aggressive against itself.

3. A Rich source of mirco-RNA, which help regulate gene expression in all cells while helping to rebuild healthy DNA.

4. Nutrition: protein & trace minerals in the PMG provide nutritional building block to restore and rebuild damaged or compromised organs, glands and tissues.

 

https://www.standardprocess.com/Products/Literature/Protomorphoge-Extracts

 

The following is a suggested treatment protocol for Osteoarthritis:

• Ostrophin PMG - 3 tablets morning and 3 tablets evening on an empty stomach (30 minutes before or 2 hours after eating)
• Cataplex C - 6 per day - to form collagen in the body
• Calcifood Wafers 6 to 9 per day - to provide calcium that is extremely bioavailable
• Cataplex D - 4 per day - to pull calcium from the digestive tract into the bloodstream
• Cataplex F - 6 per day (or Cod Liver oil 2-6 capsules daily) - to pull calcium from the bloodstream into the muscles, tissues, and bones.  

Bone regenerates slower than other tissues so expect to stay on this protocol for 12 months or longer.

 

Want to simplify and save a little money? - use Standard Process' Bone Health Daily Fundamentals. Conveniently packaged in packets that can be carried in purse or pocket.

  

For Immediate Symptomatic pain relief many are finding great success with our 3 KINGS herbal formula. Called 3 KINGS because it contains Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh. The gold of this formula are the herbs: turmeric and fenugreek. The classic herbs in this inspired formula carry with them healing power to body, mind and spirit. Turmeric was referred to as the golden spice and was considered more valuable than the precious metal gold during the time of Christ. It is thought that the Spice Traders, known as the Magi or 3 Kings, presented to the Christ child Gold (Turmeric), Frankincense and Myrrh as gifts of healing as well as wealth. I don't know if the turmeric part of this story is true but it works nicely for the purposes of this herbal formula, doesn't it.

 

We now combine the rich tradition of Gold/Turmeric, Frankincense and Myrhh for your benefit to reduce pain and inflammation. These herbs have been document to assist in the recovery of Arthritis, Autoimmune disease, Neurologic Diseases, Type II Diabetes, Lung conditions, Alzheimers Disease as well as Cardiovasular Disease. Fenugreek has been added to this formula because of the great enhancing effect when combined with turmeric. Fenugreek has repeatedly been shown to increase the bioavailability (the bodies ability to use) of turmeric by 24.8 to 45.6 times! Wow! We just couldn't leave it out.

 

We sell this formula in a kit allowing you to save significantly by encapsulating these powdered herbs yourself. Make over 1,000 - 500mg capsules for under $100.

 

Don't want to capsule them yourself? No problem! We also carry Medi-Herb's Turmeric Forte tablets, which also contains the essential Turmeric-Fenugreek combination.

 

Now back to our beloved aging dog. Yes, these bone restorative supplements can also be used for them.

Standard Process' Veterinary supplement: Musculoskeletal Support combined with Calcifood (either wafer or powdered) will bring mans best friend back into romping activity.

 

Blessings,

 

Dr Kyle Christensen

November 2019

What is your Default Emotion?

What is your Default Emotion?

 

Kyle D Christensen DC 2019

Ever notice the guy or gal who always seems to have a smile on their face? Even when things are rough, they don't stay down long but before you know it are smiling and cheerful again. How about you? What is your default emotion - frustration, irritation, melancholy or JOY!

 

Children, by nature, fail time and again in their attempts to walk, talk, feed themselves and just about every other new pursuit. They never quit trying AND are never discouraged for very long. Why, because it is in their nature. They do not base their attitude or emotions on their past experience but rather on becoming like their parents. They see mom and dad, brothers and sisters, walking and talking and just know they will someday do the same. They accept correction, not as criticism but as encouragement and teaching. 

 

Those on the Christian path unfortunately fail to realize that we too are striving to become like our heavenly parents. We are taught to look forward with faith. Faith is visionary. Faith looks to the future through the eyes of our imagination. Far too many of us see ourselves through the lens of our past, our weakness, our troubles and failings. Our lives are fraught with anxiety, stress and depression because we fear our future may be more of the same. However, the gospel path teaches us that we are to become new creatures in Jesus Christ. We, like the growing child, are in the process of becoming. Failings and fallings are all part of the process. Too many look to the objective of "be ye therefore perfect" that they cannot experience the joy and the victories of the process of becoming. Just as good parents do not critically judge the tumbling toddler, so too Heavenly Parents do not condemn the faltering fledgling wannabe disciple who stumbles. 

 

We are taught that it is through our mind that a total transformation of who we are can occur. (Romans 12:2) The mind is made up of two parts; The conscious mind (what is readily accessible to our awareness) and the subconscious mind (the part that controls everything behind the scenes such as the beating of the heart, our breathing and our emotions).  The conscious mind is trained by learning, observing and experiencing. This is what we have direct control over. I choose to read the book, watch the movie, think about baseball, etc. The subconscious mind learns or is directed by practice and repetition. This is why the athlete or musician practices, repeating again and again until the performance becomes a reflex or a subconscious response. Once something becomes ingrained into the subconscious, it does not become dislodged or replaced easily.

  

Developing the Subconscious Mind

The great American Philosopher, Henry David Thoreau said "As a single footstep will not make a path on the earth, so a single thought will not make a pathway in the mind. To make a deep physical path, we walk again and again. To make a deep mental path, we must think over and over the kind of thoughts we wish to dominate our lives."

 

Giving attention to and focusing on an event that causes strong emotions (fear, shame, anger or love, joy and deep satisfaction) will build strong neurologic pathways in the brain. Persist in your chosen line of thinking and these neurologic pathways can grow into neurologic super highways, which can become the theme and tone of your emotional state. The more you focus on and experience the emotions as a result of your thoughts, the greater the neural pathway will be developed in your brain. In training or re-training our brains, we must allow our minds to dwell on the positive joyful thoughts long enough for positive emotions to arise. It is vitally important that emotion is achieved. Repetitive affirmations without emotional intensity will not our desired result especially if there is an undercurrent of disbelief. For example: I repeat the affirmation "Good things happen to me" - but the subconscious mind says "Who are you kidding - don't you remember what happened last time you tried this."

 

Neural pathways are built through rehearsing and re-imagining. Unless you rehearse the joy of success, you lose the impact for it to help develop your identity. Remember, it is the emotionally charged memories and thoughts that most effectively create neural pathways! 

 

The Secret to Lasting Joy and Happiness

Herein lies the secret to lasting joy and happiness. If you wish to be happy you MUST rehearse in your mind again and again thoughts of joy and happiness with emotion. If in your mind you repetitively repeat past traumas, disappointments, injustices or sorrows your subconscious mind will appropriately generate the fruits of these thoughts, which are fear, anxiety, worry and stress. Duh! If on the other hand, our mind looks forward with the eye of imaginative faith to blessings promised by God, then we will reap joy, peace and hope. You must see yourself living in the future described for those who fully accept what is scripturally promised. The fruits of joy, peace and hope that all will be as it should be in the end can be yours. Mind you, we are in training and often training can be rigorous and difficult.

 

Hope, joy, and peace are meant to be the natural state of being for born-again Christians. If we want to have those emotions as our default or natural state, then our beliefs must be based on God's Word - who He says we are. Most peoples identities of themselves are based on their past experience, performance and what they are told by others.   

 

How do we develop faith in Gods promises? The key is to allow the Holy Spirit to lead us instead of allowing our emotions to lead us. We are not who our emotions say we are. In reality, we are not battling who we are, but what we believe. Your actions and your past does not create your identity, your Heavenly Father does. You are who God says you are, not who the world says you are. The goal is to develop into your eternal identity.

 

The Role of Your Imagination

What would happen if you submitted your imagination to God? If you made it your course of study to ferret out who God says you really are, particularly in view of your Christian beliefs, then ponder or let your imagination run with it.

 

Too often we try to make changes in our lives based on willpower. What I have discovered is that willpower or working on yourself doesn't work. What does work however, is imagination, visualization and faith. It is only when we can vividly imagine or see our future through the eye of faith that we almost effortlessly gravitate into that reality. When the will and the imagination are in opposition, the imagination always wins. Our will has great difficulty trying to change something that our mind cannot imagine changed. Sheer willpower is hard work and is difficult to obtain and maintain.

 

Imagination is the womb of faith. Faith is visionary and needs the imagination.

Most people tend to mostly rehearse past negative events; therefore, their subconscious can only imagine a negative future. It is time to dwell on and rehearse a future with freedom and joy. This will bring about a renewed mind!

 

 

Leading the Charge vs Defending your ground

The solution is not fighting off the negative, but emphasizing the positive. Instead of defensively trying to stop believing negatively about ourselves, our focus should be on the truth that we are who God says we are. Strive to fill your mind with so much good (positive) that there is no room for the bad (negative). Stop fighting against something and begin fighting FOR something. 

 

Why You are so Tired

The number one source of energy loss for people is negative emotions. When we change what we believe (that you really are a child of God and that all things will work together for your good), we not only stop the energy drain, we also become energized by what we do. It is worth the effort to work to establish the belief that God still has a future and a hope for you.  The goal is to challenge our experiences with the Word of God, not challenge the Word of God with our experiences. (Read that sentence again and wrap your mind around it!) You will know that you have the right perspective and mindset when your fears and worries melt away and you feel like you can handle anything with God!

 

So spend some time in self-assessment. What is your default emotion? If you are really brave, ask someone who knows you well. If you are not where you'd like to be, I invite you to get to work. Remember, the subconscious mind does not change or shift quickly. This will be a process and take some time. But keep at it. I promise, it will be worth it and truly transformative. 

 

Here are a few Strategies to Begin with

1. Remember a time in your life when you experienced joy. The joyful pinnacles of your life (to date).  Re-imagine and re-experience with all the emotion and detail you can. Spend 10 minutes each day with the emotions of the experience. Re-live this event for at least 10 consecutive days.
2. Spend 10 minutes each day dreaming with God. Imagine in your minds eye your bright and joyful future. Create (through the help of God and the Spirit) what your life could and will be as your God-led life unfolds. Do this for 30 days. 
3. Write down 5 things you are thankful for. Spend at least one minute reimagining one thing on the list and bask in the emotion of gratefulness.

 

Recommended Study:      

Victorious Emotions: Creating a Framework for a Happier You by Wendy Backlund

Victorious Emotions Journal: A 30-day Journey to Rewire Your Brain by Wendy Backlund

 

Blessings,

 

 

 

 

Dr Kyle Christensen  2019

Who You Are in Christ

Who You Are in Christ

The best way to renew your mind and experience inner transformation is by knowing, thinking and speaking out loud Who You Are In Christ

You are not just an ordinary person; You are a child of the living God. You are an heir of God and a joint-heir with Jesus Christ. You are not just a sinner; You are a NEW creation in Jesus. You are part of a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation. YOU are one of God’s CHOSEN people.

Please feel free to print and copy and duplicate this list! Repeat it and rehearse it and remember it. THIS is who you are in Christ! Use these references as a jumping point to your scripture journal study. Speak out on this daily until your mind is renewed and you develop a healthy self-image.  The following compilation of scripture is to get you started and is not a religious ritual. 

 “I am a precious woman (or man) of great value and worth because Jesus, the King of kings, died and paid a great price for me. I am a royal daughter (or son) for I have a crown of glory and honor on my head, and I am wearing Jesus’ royal robes of righteousness. (Isaiah 61:10; Psalm 8:5). God accepts and approves of me. I am fearfully and wonderfully made. (Psalm 139). There is no condemnation against those who are joined in  Christ. (Romans 8:1). Therefore I accept myself, and love who I am and the way I am made. 

Father, I am who You say I am: I am called by God, not because of any good that I have done, but by his divine pleasure and marvelous grace. (2 Timothy 1:9). I was chosen by God before the foundations of the world to be set apart for Him. (Jeremiah 1:5). (Ephesians 1:4; 1 Peter 2:9; 1 Thessalonians 1:4; John 15:16). I am God’s child. (Romans 8:15 -16). I am born again of the Incorruptible seed of the living Word of God that endures forever. (1 Peter 1:23). I am forgiven of all my sins and the blood of Jesus has washed away my guilt and shame. (Ephesians 1:4 & 7; 1 John 2:12; 1 John 1:9; Colossians 1:14). I am a new creation in Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:17). I am holy and blameless in God’s sight, even above reproach, before Him in love. (Ephesians 1:4). I am the righteousness of God, which means that I am approved, acceptable and in right relationship with Him.(Romans 3:21). I have full access to the Father. (Ephesians 2:18) and can fearlessly, confidently and boldly draw near to His throne. (Hebrews 4:16). I am blessed and I am God’s favorite. (Galatians 3:9). I am the apple of God’s eye and my name is inscribed on the palm of His hand. (Zechariah 2:8; Psalm 17:8; Isaiah 49:16). I am stamped with the seal of the Holy Spirit. (Ephesians 1:13). I am established to the end. (1 Corinthians 1:8). I am being changed into His image and He Who began this good work in me will bring it to completion. (2 Corinthians 3:18; Philippians 1:6) I am God’s workmanship, recreated in Christ for good works. (Ephesians 2:10). I am an ambassador for Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:20). I am complete in Him. (Colossians 2:10). I am the temple of the Holy Spirit. (1 Corinthians 6:19). I have the mind of Christ. (1 Corinthians 2:16; Philippians 2:5).

I am a joint heir with Christ and He has qualified me to share in His inheritance. (Romans 8:17; Colossians 1:12; Ephesians 1:11). I am redeemed from the curse of the law and Abraham’s blessings are mine. (Galatians 3:13). I am redeemed from the futile way of life inherited from the tradition of my forefathers and am purchased with the precious blood of Christ. (1 Peter 1:18-19). I have been delivered from the control and dominion of the devil and have been translated into God’s kingdom of love. (Colossians 1:13). I am set free. (John 8:36; Galatians 5:1; John 8:31 – 34). I am dead to sin and alive with Christ. (Romans 6:11; Ephesians 2:5). I am raised up with Christ and am seated with Him in heavenly places. (Ephesians 2:6).    

Because I am born of God the evil one cannot touch me. (1 John 5:18). I have been given all things that pertain to life and godliness and I am a partaker of His divine nature. (2 Peter 1:3-4). I am blessed with every spiritual blessing that heaven has to offer. (Ephesians 1:3). I am firmly rooted, built up and established in my faith (Colossians 2:7) and I have faith that can move mountains. (Mathew 16:20). 

Father, I can do what You say I can do: I am a victorious over-comer (1 John 5:4; Revelations 2:11), a mighty woman (or man) of valor, a champion overcoming warrior, who possesses dignity and honor. (Judges 6:12). I am more than a conqueror. (Romans 8:35). All circumstances are under my feet. (Psalm 8:6). In all things I gain a surpassing victory (Rom 8:37) and in all things God leads me to triumph in Christ. (2 Corinthians 2:14). Through my union with God, I am strong in the Lord and the power of His might. (Ephesians 6:10). I have strength for all things in Christ who empowers me. I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency. (Philippians 4:13). Everything I put my hand to prospers. (Psalm 1:1 – 3). I am the head and not the tail, above only and not beneath. (Deuteronomy 28:13). Greater is He that lives in me than he that is in the world. (1 John 4:4). Because I believe in, lean on, trust and rely on God, I do the things that Jesus did, and greater things will I do, for His Spirit within me knows no limit. (John 14:12 – 14). Therefore I believe that all things are possible and limit not the Holy One within me. (Philippians 4:13). I received power when the Holy Spirit came upon me, so every place I go and all I do, I do in the power of the Spirit: I have power to lay hands on the sick and see them recover (each and every one), and at my command, in the Name of Jesus all demonic powers are cast out and all people are set free; I have authority over all the power of the enemy and nothing shall by any means hurt me. (Mark 16:17–18). As Jesus is, so am I in this world (1 John 4:17) and the immeasurable, unlimited and surpassing power of God is on the inside of me! (Ephesians 1:19). The same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in me! (Ephesians  1:20)

Who You Are in God’s Eyes

The best way to renew your mind and experience inner transformation is by knowing, thinking and speaking aloud Who You Are in Gods Eyes. (This may seem similar to who you are in Christ, but spend the extra time and do both of these exercises)

Reaffirm who you are in God’s eyes.  Write an affirmation that applies specifically to you.  Read it every day.  Tweak it, adjust it, re-write it, learn it, believe it and internalize it.  Get a spiritual witness from God through the Holy Spirit of its truthfulness.  If you just read words but don’t feel of their truthfulness then you aren’t getting it.  Drive the truth of your life and your purpose from God deep into your soul.  A testimony is in your head, but conversion is in your heart. You may also want to draw on the help of someone who knows you very well. Through the spirit of prophecy, insight can be revealed by an inspired friend or family member who can help you understand who you are in God’s eyes. Incorporate inspired revealed knowledge into your written affirmation.

Here is an example to get you started.

God has a plan, not simply a grand scale plan, but a plan for me individually. My Heavenly Father loves me. That love never changes. It is not influenced by my appearance, my possessions, or by the amount of money I have. It is not changed by my talents or abilities. Just as a parent continues to love a misbehaving or struggling child, God loves me because I am his daughter, or his son. He loves me and will be patient with me. He will work with me and never give up on me, because I am His. I have within me the eternal spark of the divine.

In my pre-earth life existence (Jeremiah 1:5) I exhibited “exceeding faith and good works.” I fought with my faith and testimony to defend the plan that was presented by God. I knew the plan was good, and I knew that the Savior would do what He said He would do—because I knew Him! I stood with Him, and I was eager for my opportunity to come to earth. I knew what was going to be required of me. I knew it would be difficult, and yet I was confident not only that I could accomplish my divine mission but that I could make a difference. And as Jesus touches hearts and lives, one by one, so too can I make a difference to the one.