Doctor’s Blog

Healing from Trauma without Trauma

By Team Members Of Yore, Tue Aug 16, 2016

We are all affected by trauma at various points in our life.  Whether that trauma be physical or emotional, it can affect every part of us: how we relate to others, how we carry our bodies, how we view ourselves, how we process pain, etc.

Whatever the trauma is, however, and whatever the symptoms are, we want healing.  We want healing soon.  And because of this desire for healing, we often turn to aggressive approaches that can be, in and of themselves, traumatic.

Here is an important lesson, however, that I have learned over and over through my experience helping those from trauma: Trauma only heals in the absence of trauma.

In other words, the safer your environment, the more trustworthy your people, the more loving you are to yourself, and the more peace that your body feels, the more likely healing will be.

Groundbreaking work done by Dr. Karyn Purvis shows the efficacy of fostering safety and connection in children from the worst backgrounds.  It is not hard to see how these techniques can apply to adults as well.

This is what we are about at Clear Point Wellness. We create a peaceful space, a safe place, and only non-traumatic approaches for healing.  If that is what you are looking for, come check us out.

Trauma, Stress, and Nutrition

By Team Members Of Yore, Mon Jun 20, 2016

Trauma, or even prolonged stress, wreaks havoc on our bodies in so many ways.  However, there are some easy, feel-good tips that can help support our bodies during these hard times.

During chronic stress our bodies have trouble regulating the stress hormone, cortisol.   Because cortisol has a large influence on blood sugar, we lose the ability to appropriately regulate blood sugar as well.

For some, this can result in a spike of blood sugar, and therefore a boost of energy, which is then followed by an extreme low.  For others, blood sugar is extremely low in the morning, which results in fatigue and depression.  In the evening, however, they feel more energetic and cannot easily fall asleep.

If this is you, it is so important to see a healthcare provider who can help get to the root cause of the problem.

That being said, here are some tips for home care that you can do as well.

1. Eat breakfast.  Get a boost of blood sugar in the morning to help reverse the grogginess.
2. Limit sugar, substitute protein.  Sugar gives a boost of blood sugar, but one that is too high, often followed by an extreme low.  A protein snack, on the other hand, like a handful of nuts, can help give your blood sugar a boost in a moderate amount, that lasts longer.
3. Eat small snacks spread throughout your day.  This is something that can be especially helpful with kids who are stressed and may be having meltdowns that seem unexplained.  A common cause for these fits is extremely low blood sugar.  A good rule of thumb is to eat, and have your kids eat, every two hours.
4. Try not to eat after dinner.  Allow your body to digest, and your blood sugar to slowly decrease until bedtime.

Grounding and Inflammation

By Team Members Of Yore, Wed Jun 1, 2016

“Grounding” or “Earthing” is a term which simply means connecting to the surface of the earth.  We do this when we walk barefoot in our backyards, or when we lay in the grass or on the beach.  It is an activity that humans have done throughout history, but which we have become largely disconnected from.  How often do you have actual physical contact with the earth?  For many of us, it is not very often.

As it turns out, this simple connection may be more important than we ever thought.  Recent research suggests that grounding can help prevent inflammation, improve rest, thin the blood, even improve wound healing.

How does it work?  It is still not known for sure, but the most common theory is that our bodies actually use the negative charge present on the surface of the earth.  This charge can activate certain body functions, as well as help quench free radicals.

So get out there and connect with the earth!  Lay in the grass, walk barefoot, pick flowers, go to the beach!

Or, if you need more connection, you can get a grounding pad that connects to the earth, conducting this negative charge wherever it is needed.