We are on vacation this week in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. It’s beautiful here. Every entrance to the beach has a sign cautioning people about riptides. They are nasty currents that pull you away from shore and lead to many deaths each year from drowning. The most important thing to remember when caught in a riptide is “Don’t Panic”. The same holds true for our health. When chronic conditions appear don’t panic.
Panic Kills
In the case of riptides, panic kills for a simple reason. The current doesn’t kill you. It’s a forceful but steady pull away from shore. It doesn’t pull you under the water. But people get scared when they cannot control the current. So they try to swim to shore. The current is too strong at that moment, and they quickly tire. It’s the fatigue that causes them to drown. The trick with riptides is not to fight the current. Instead, wait it out until the current eases. Then swim back to shore.
It’s similar with chronic conditions. Let’s say you’ve just been to the doctor and get the bad news. You have a chronic health condition. It could be an autoimmune disease like lupus, chronic Lyme, Hashimoto’s, Graves or Crohn’s. You may have Type II diabetes, high blood pressure or IBS. Your first reaction may be to panic. That’s understandable, but fear will not serve you in the long run. When chronic conditions appear don’t panic. Panic leads to stress, which only aggravates your condition, making it worse. Panic also leads to brain fog, where you may end up making a bad decision.
Don’t Panic, Make A Plan
The plan for riptides is to let the current take you away from shore without resisting. When you feel the current ease, swim back to the beach. Similarly, you need a plan to address your chronic condition. Remember, when chronic conditions appear don’t panic. Some conditions have medications to treat the symptoms. Others have dietary changes, therapies and pain relievers.
High blood pressure and diabetes medications are important to take, as they manage your health over time. They are not a cure, but are important. However, you have important things to do as well. For hypertension, reduce your salt intake, and gradually increase your aerobic activity to strengthen your heart (under doctor’s supervision). For diabetes, reduce your sugar consumption, lose weight and learn how sugars affect your body throughout the day.
For other conditions, like autoimmune diseases, you also have to educate yourself. Hashimoto’s may require taking thyroid medicine. Make sure to learn the best type to take. Crohn’s offers medication. Know whether you really need it before you start taking it. Many medications have severe side effects. Information is your best friend in this situation. Always ask your doctor, “Do I need this medication?”, “What exactly will it do for me?”, “What will happen if I don’t take it now?”. Then do the research yourself as well.
Will Alternative Medicine Help?
In most situations acupuncture and Chinese herbs will help you manage these chronic condition, and in some cases resolve them. All of the cases listed above can be improved with acupuncture. Some, like IBS, can be resolved for good. And acupuncture has no negative side effects.
Other alternative therapies may also be helpful. Do your research. Literally, read the research. Google is amazing at providing this information. Our website has dozens of research study summaries, as well as case studies from patients we’ve treated over the years. RESEARCH STUDIES CASE STUDIES
When Chronic Conditions Appear Don’t Panic
Panic leads to stress, which makes every health condition worse. Riptides are scary. Chronic health conditions are even more scary. Be prepared for when a chronic health condition comes your way. Take the time to educate yourself. Know your options and take action. Be proactive, get the right treatment, and never give up. If one therapy does not work, keep at it and try another one. Don’t stop until you’ve found help for your condition.
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Chronic Disease Despair? No Way!
When chronic conditions appear don’t panic. You can be frustrated – at first. Then you need to make a plan. Roll up your sleeves for the fight ahead. Stay calm, clear and focused. Get information. Data is the sword for your battle. Get the support you need. Good support is the shield you bring to the battle field. Now march forward. You are called to fight this battle. And it will be our privilege to march along side of you!
What our Clients are Saying
I still am forever in your debt for helping me through the Lymes recovery. My body pain and fatigue were overwhelming before getting acupuncture. I still tell everyone today that I am 100% positive that my recovery was a direct result of your expert care. Truly. I have very little residual effects from the disease that I can easily live with. So again,thank you not only for your amazing skills, but for the compassion and kindness that you showed me during that time.
