Central sensitization syndrome and microglial activation are very extensive topics that would take writing a book to fully discuss. But here’s a very simple overview.

Pain is the body’s way of saying that something needs attention. Think of it as the oil light on a car’s dashboard. When that need is not being addressed (chronic pain, I suspect from almost any cause), the body can then amplify the alert (pain). It does this in the form of amplifying the pain both through signals in the spine and in the brain. Basically, the pain is trying to get your attention. Just as if the oil light got brighter and more annoying as a car’s oil level dropped.

In the brain, this occurs when brain cells called microglial cells become activated. Think of the cells as the usually mild-mannered gardeners in the brain that tend to and nourish the brain cells. There are many things that can then make these “mellow gardeners” become very aggressive. For example, if the gardeners see bugs in the garden (think infections), something injuring their plants (think traumatic brain injury), or perceives another threat or need (think chronic pain).

Then the now manic gardeners start weeding frantically, over-stimulating the brain and the pain.

Although a gross oversimplification, I think you get the point.

So how do you get these gardeners to become mellow again and settle the microglial activation?

1. — address any infections (viral or antibiotic sensitive).
2. — get rid of the pain triggers in the periphery. In fibromyalgia, this is mostly muscle pain from chronic shortening initially, followed by secondary nerve pain (including small fiber neuropathy). Our SHINE Protocol www.vitality101.com/shine can be very effective for eliminating these pains, while optimizing energy and brain function.
3. — you can use any number of medications or supplements to settle down central sensitization as well. Here are just a few of them: A — low dose naltrexone
   B — doxycycline or minocycline
   C — Hemp Oil (I recommend the one by Terry Naturally) helps numerous components of the pain cycle
   D — Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) 350 mg 4 times daily for 2–4 weeks, then twice a day (or 3 x daily if more helpful)
   E — Metformin
   F — Lyrica, Cymbalta, Savella and Neurontin

Now you may have noticed that most of what you’ve heard about fibromyalgia pain is central sensitization, although this is just one of seven key types of fibromyalgia pain. And what you have heard about for treating it is Lyrica, Savella and Cymbalta.

Why? Because the companies making these three medications have spent about $210 million/year on advertising, compared to just a few million dollars a year that the NIH has for fibromyalgia. This does not mean these medications are not helpful. It just means that they are a very small part of the healthcare toolkit for treating fibromyalgia.

By treating the entire process with the SHINE Protocol www.vitality101.com/shine, our research shows an average 90 percent improvement in quality of life. This generally settles down central sensitization as well.

Hope this is helpful.

Many people face the problem of having severe sensitivities to most everything. Today we are going to talk about how to address this. Much of this information comes from my dear friend and colleague, Dr. Neil Nathan, author of the book “Toxic.”

In addition to treating the biochemistry of many chronic illnesses and fibromyalgia with the SHINE Protocol, it is critical to understand that our brain and minds direct our immune system. So many of us have felt that we are under both physical attacks (e.g.—infections) along with being in a very unsafe physical and emotional environment. The latter is especially a concern in PTSD. Then our immune system ends up lashing out wildly and ineffectually at everything. This can trigger a host of autoimmune illnesses, fibromyalgia, and environmental sensitivities. So what to do?

For the PTSD, begin with the EFT and perhaps DNR below. To release the muscle memory, read a book called, “Waking the Tiger” by Dr. Peter Levine. This will teach you a very effective “Trembling Technique” for releasing the PTSD, from the muscles, while the EFT clears it from the feelings. But the other information below from an upcoming newsletter of mine will also be helpful.

We can take a simple clue from our computers and electronics. When you call tech support, the first thing they tell you to do is, “turn the device off so the system can reboot.” Most of the time, we are amazed at how wonderfully this works.

While we can’t turn off our body, we can “reboot” our limbic system and vagus nerve (parasympathetic nervous system). And the effects can be equally dramatic, usually taking about two months to start working.

Here’s how…
Our immune system and minds that are over-reactive to everything have been coined the “Cell Danger Response.” Once you are addressing the underlying problems with the SHINE Protocol, and even before addressing these, if the sensitivities are limiting you, a major part of healing is having your immune system recognize that the environment is now safe.

As Dr. Nathan says, “an inflamed nervous system is a distracted nervous system.” The compounded medication LDN or low dose naltrexone (3–4.5 mg at bedtime—takes two months to start working) along with the supplement PEA or Palmitoylethanolamide (more on this in an upcoming article) can help decrease nerve pain, central sensitization, and sensitivities after one to two months—while improving overall function.

If there is a severe Herxheimer/die-off reaction to antivirals, he feels it is important to address underlying mycotoxins as well.

The techniques below can dramatically help this without the side effects of taking any pills and are synergistic with the LDN and PEA. You can pick just one or two of them to begin (such as DNR and the Brain Tap technique, both of which can be done at home). Or even combine them all. I recommend going to the websites and browsing them. See which ones intuitively feel good to you. And start there!

A—Balance Limbic System with DNR (Dynamic Neural Retraining by Annie Hopper) Begin with the DVDs. One hour each day is recommended, but even 15–20 minutes a day as able can be very helpful. You’ll start to see results by about eight weeks. Then some people will find a coach to help them and then do the workshops.

B—Vagal nerve stem (with Frequency Specific Microcurrent noted below or other tools).

1. Read the book “Accessing the Healing Power of the Vagus Nerve,” by the renowned Craniosacral Therapist Stanley Rosenberg.
2. Use Frequency Specific Microcurrent. This technique developed by Carol McMackin, DC can be very helpful for pain in general. It also can be very helpful for. (If you find a practitioner in your area on the website, ask them to use the frequencies 109 for the Vagus Nerve Plus 40 or 81). I will discuss other equipment you can get on your own and use at home in upcoming articles as well. Vagal nerve stimulation can help your body end the adrenaline overdrive. So you can finally rest and heal.

C—Brain Tap technique by Pat Porter. You can call the company to determine which bundles are best for you (they are by monthly subscription) for $10 per month. They also have a sleep package. These systems can help reboot your limbic and vagal nerve systems in as little as 20 minutes, three times a week. D—The Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) can also be very helpful for rebalancing both the vagus nerve (parasympathetic nervous system, so you don’t feel like you are on adrenaline overdrive), as well as to release emotional traumas. This can be powerfully effective.

You can see EFT videos with Brad Yates to get an idea. Search for a practitioner in your area online. After you have done this for several treatments with a practitioner, you will often be able to do it on your own.

Ready to “reboot” your brain and immune system? The techniques above can do this for you: powerfully and gently.

In upcoming articles, we will offer more tools that can be dramatically helpful in healing your mind/immune system response. And even your soul!

Dear Readers,

Welcome to the December 2017 issue of TotalHealth Magazine Online.

Ann Louise Gittleman, PhD, CNS, in "Exposing Big Fat Lies," gives readers a reality check on "Eat Fat Lose Weight, How Smart Fat Cells Reset Fat Cells To Slim." From the expert, read on.

Dallas Clouatre's, PhD, article, "Benefits Of The "Mushroom Vitamin," discusses the Ergothioneine, an amino acid that is relatively abundant in certain mushrooms, currently is being proposed by a number of scientists as the latest new vitamin.

This is part one of a two-part series on coenzyme Q10, "Coenzyme Q10: The Miracle Nutrient," by Ross Pelton, RPh, PhD, CCN and William V. Judy, PhD. The authors give the history of its discovery, how important the discovery for heart health, blood pressure, its relation to statins, and more. It is a must read for everyone. Next month the authors cover CoQ10 use with cancer and additional illness and as an anti-aging nutrient.

"The (Piano) Keys To Fibromyalgia Pain Relief," Jacob Teitelbaum, MD, explains the benefit of music for fibromyalgia sufferers and has one artist's CD that he recommends.

Elson Haas, MD, in this month's article, "The Health Continuum," emphasizes Lifestyle Medicine. "I want to teach and support people to go beyond recovering from whatever problem they came to see me about, as well as learn something relevant about not repeating their illness. I want them to progress along what I call the Health Continuum towards their own Optimal Health."

Gene Bruno, MS, MHS, RH(AHG), introduction to "Blueberry Leaf & Weight Loss," states "there are many dietary supplement strategies that can be used to support and promote your weight loss efforts in the gym and while you're dieting. Rarely can you find a dietary supplement ingredient that approaches the issue of weight loss from an entirely new angle."

Gloria Gilbère's, "Christmas & New Year's Culinary Traditions...South American Style," includes a bird's eye view of the holiday customs with four recipes which incorporate the culinary traditions of the area in Cotacachi, Ecuador, S.A.

Shawn Messonnier, DVM, consults this month on, "Kava Kava For Epilepsy In Pets." Reminding us to always consult with our veterinarian before supplementing our pets' diet.

In "The Ancient Wisdom of Ayurveda," Jonathan Glass, MAc, CAT, explains the history and how it is used today to support body, mind and soul, protect health, prevent disease, restore lost health, and increase awareness. These intentions are pursued within the context of fulfilling our dharma, or essential life purpose.

Sherrill Sellman, ND, discusses the worldwide addiction to all things WIFI in "Solutions to Protect You From Our WIFI World" . Learn about the dangers to our health and things you can do to protect yourself and your family from EMFs.

Best in health,

TWIP The Wellness Imperative People

Click here to read the full December issue.

• Exposing Big Fat Lies
  Ann Louise Gittleman, PhD, CNS
• Benefits Of The "Mushroom Vitamin"
  Dallas Clouatre, PhD
• Coenzyme Q10: The Miracle Nutrient
  Ross Pelton, RPh, CCN and William V. Judy, PhD
• The (Piano) Keys to Fibromyalgia Pain Relief
  Jacob Teitelbaum MD
• The Health Continuum
  Elson Haas, MD
• Blueberry Leaf And Weight Loss
  Gene Bruno, MS, MHS
• Christmas And New Year’s Culinary Traditions— South American Style
  Gloria Gilbère, CDP, DAHom, PhD
• The Ancient Wisdom Of Ayurveda
  Jonathan Glass, MAc, CAT
• Solutions To Protect You From Our WIFI World
  Sherrill Sellman
• Kava Kava For Use In Pets With Epilepsy
  Shawn Messonnier, DVM

Click here to read the full December issue.

Mast Cell Activation Syndrome

Many people with fibromyalgia are incredibly sensitive to any treatments. Especially to medications, but sometimes also to herbals, nutrients, their environment, and even electromagnetic fields (EMFs) such as radiation from cell phones. This makes it very tricky to take anything to recover.

But the good news is that you can overcome this problem. In this article series, I’m going to discuss some of the major triggers that can cause you to have severe sensitivities to your environment and to your treatment options, and show you how to effectively deal with this. The seven-part series includes:

1. Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS)
2. Food Sensitivities
3. Neurologic Triggers
4. A Primer on Molds
5. Treatment for Mold Exposure
6. Doing Your Own Research on Molds
7. Bartonella

In this first part, I begin with the topic of Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS). This is a good starter as it’s easy and inexpensive to deal with, and the treatment is often highly effective.

Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS)
Mast cells are part of your immune system. They act as your body’s “first responders” to protect you from anything you come into contact with from the outside world that it finds potentially harmful. When this happens, they react by releasing over 200 chemicals into your body in order to produce an inflammation, which helps your body heal. The most prominent of these chemicals is histamine, which is one reason why antihistamines are a mainstay of treating allergies.

Just as fibromyalgia can put your immune system in a continuous state of overdrive, some people have mast cells in continuous overdrive. These guardians then develop itchy trigger fingers, causing them to react to your environment seemingly at random.

Random is the key word here, as this characteristic helps distinguish mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) from normal allergies and sensitivities. One day you have no reaction to being exposed to a particular element in your environmental, and the next day you react excessively to the very same thing. So, no problem eating an ear of corn on Monday. But bite into another corncob on Tuesday and you might feel flushed and nauseous, with diarrhea, sweating and palpitations.

Interestingly, most of the brain’s histamine is located in the hypothalamus, which is connected by blood vessels to the pituitary gland. Mast cells are also found in the pituitary gland. Because of this relationship, Dr. Theoharis Theoharides MD PhD — one of the main researchers on MCAS — theorizes that elevated histamine and MCAS may be triggers for many people with CFS and fibromyalgia. These mast cells may also be a major trigger for microglial cells pouring out inflammatory factors (central sensitization), even in response to only minimal stress.

Testing for MCAS
MCAS is difficult to diagnose through testing. And since roughly half of those with fibromyalgia who are also experiencing unusual sensitivities likely have the condition, and because treatment is simple, it’s better to simply diagnose based on the symptoms and response to treatment. Below are treatments I recommend trying.

Treatment I usually suggest trying these treatments in the following order:

1. Quercetin. This bioflavonoid is a cousin to vitamin C. It helps stabilize the mast cells, kind of like calming down and soothing a crying baby. Start with 500 mg a day. If your main sensitivities are to foods, take it about 30 minutes before major meals so it can be in place when you eat. This simple supplement can often be very, very helpful, and is low-cost. You can find it in any health food store. After a few days, you can increase to 500 mg (or even 1,000 mg) 2–4 times daily.
2. Montelukast (Singulair) 10 mg at bedtime. This prescription asthma medication is only $0.30 a day if you use the remarkable smartphone app from GoodRx (a free app that gives you discounts on prescription medications), and most physicians will be comfortable letting you try it.
3. Loratadine (Claritin) 10 mg in the morning. If this over-the-counter medication makes you drowsy, you can use it at bedtime or try cetirizine (Zyrtec). If you have any other side effects to these medications, it’s likely caused by the binders or fillers rather than the medication itself. In that case, try a different brand or have it made by a compounding pharmacy without the fillers. If this medication helps, consider diphenhydramine (Benadryl) 12.5–50 mg at bedtime.
4. Some people will get additional benefits by adding ranitidine (Zantac) 150 mg twice a day, famotidine (Pepcid) 20 mg twice a day or even cimetidine (Tagamet) 150–300 mg twice daily. These acid blocking medications are actually also antihistamines.
   Caution: Do not use the other acid blocking medications (called PPIs). They will not help here and are quite toxic long term. Tagamet, Pepcid, and Zantac have the additional benefit of modifying immune function quite dramatically in ways that can be beneficial. Especially against Epstein-Barr virus. In fact, I have seen Tagamet knock out acute cases of Epstein-Barr (mono) in less than 24 hours. This was a tip taught to me by Dr. Jay Goldstein. The downside is that they turn off stomach acid production as well, and your body needs stomach acid to digest food. The cimetidine can be the best choice of these three for long-term use in this regard. But try them and see which one works best for you.
   These medications can work within days, though CFS/ FMS expert Dr. Neil Nathan finds that it may take up to two months to see the full effect.
5. The supplement DAO (Umbrellex) taken 15–30 minutes before eating can be helpful. Unfortunately, it costs about a dollar per capsule. But it’s worth a try. DAO contains the enzyme diamine oxidase, which helps break down histamine. Starting with one capsule taken thirty minutes before a meal, the dosage can be increased to two to three capsules before each meal.
6. Cromolyn (Rx—gastrocom) ampules (100 mg in 5 mL). One taken before each meal can be quite effective for histamine reactions to food. It’s relatively expensive and often not covered by insurance. But using the GoodRx app can usually reduce the price to about a $1.60 per ampule.
7. In persistent severe cases, consider a low histamine diet (these can be found online). Though this is quite a nuisance and I rarely recommend it.

Dr. Theoharides is now exploring the possibility that intranasal curcumin and luteolin (a bioflavonoid related to quercetin) may also be especially helpful for controlling MCAS. The highly absorbed form of curcumin found in Curamin® (by Terry Naturally) may have similar benefits as the intranasal.

When problems persist, that’s the time to consider looking for and treating mycotoxins (mold toxins) and the Lyme co-infection Bartonella. If you are considering these, I strongly recommend reading the book Toxic by my friend Dr. Neil Nathan. He is one of the most gifted and experienced fibromyalgia physicians for addressing this area. I will also be discussing these topics in upcoming articles in this seven-part series.

Dear Readers,

Welcome to the July 2020 issue of TotalHealth Magazine.

Ann Louise Gittleman, PhD, CNS, in Effective Natural Remedies talks about three of her favorite natural remedies. After decades of proven effectiveness for diabetic neuropathy, breaking down scar tissue, and atherosclerosis, why haven’t we heard about them? Read on to see how these natural solutions could change your life.

Jacob Teitelbaum, MD brings us news from the, New Fibromyalgia Study – WOW! Sixty percent of people improved using this protocol. And all this from a single nutrient. Read his findings and share them with anyone you know who is suffering from fibromyalgia.

Gloria Gilbère, CDP, DAHom, PhD, treats us to No-bake Avocado Mousse Pie. Before you say no-thank-you because you’ve been disappointed by the “unusual” taste of other desserts using avocados…check out the way Dr. Gloria brings sweetness and good taste to her recipe.

L-Carnosine & Zinc For Ulcers, is presented by Prof. Gene Bruno, MS, MHS, RH(AHG). He educates us on a strategy for maintaining a healthy gastrointestinal lining. By using a carnosine-zinc combination, you could gain relief from the discomfort of ulcers, or other stomach issues.

This month Shawn Messonnier, DVM, begins a new series, Vitamin B For Your Pet. Vitamin B is actually a complex of many B vitamins. This month he discusses the importance of B1 (Thiamin) as your pet’s body uses it to process fats, carbs, and proteins.

Charles K. Bens, PhD, talks in-depth this month about, Why Detoxification Is Important. He debunks those who say toxin removal is unnecessary. He’ll explain the role of our own detox system and how it can fail us. He also provides you with a metabolic screening quiz to test how toxic your body is.

Thank you to our authors, readers, and advertisers for making TotalHealth possible.

The Wellness Imperative People

Click here to read the full July 2020 issue.

• Effective Natural Remedies Ann Louise Gittleman, PhD, CNS
  Ann Louise Gittleman, PhD, CNS
• New Fibromyalgia Study–WOW!
  Jacob Teitelbaum, MD
• L-Carnosine And Zinc for Ulcers
  Prof. Gene Bruno, MS, MHS, RH(AHG)
• No Bake Avocado Chocolate Mousse Pie
  Gloria Gilbère, ND, PhD, DSC
• Part 1 Vitamin B And Vitamin B1
  Shawn Messonnier, DVM
• Why Detoxification Is Important
  Charles K. Bens, PhD

Click here to read the full July 2020 issue.

Dear Readers,

Welcome the June 2020 issue of TotalHealth Magazine.

Ken Redcross, MD, discusses, Vitamin D And At-Risk Populations for COVID-19. The virus has affected certain populations more than others; The aged, Blacks/African-Americans, Hispanics. Studies have found a common denominator in these populations is low-levels of vitamin D. Dr. Redcross gives us access to an easy at-home test for our vitamin D level. Now is the time to test, so we can begin the proper amount of supplementation and build our immune systems before the next flu and virus season.

In Optimizing Our Immune System, Charles K. Bens, PhD, provides us with information on three of the most discussed natural strategies for preventing and treating COVID-19. Dr. Bens shows us that vitamin C, vitamin D3, and colloidal silver, all have good scientific studies to support there use; and he challenges all of us to question why the conventional medicine community doesn’t want us to believe these can prevent and treat viral infections.

In Got Fibro & Sensitive to Everything, Jacob Teitelbaum, MD, brings us part 4 of his series on CFS, Fibromyalgia and Mold. In this article he talks about the different prescriptions, and binders that are available to treat mold toxins in your body. It can be a long process to return to health, so if you think you’ve been exposed to mold, get tested today.

Christine Horner, MD, provides us more proof on the importance of taking these essential nutrients in, Nutrients For Immune System During COVID-19. With so many media outlets preaching doom and gloom, it is critical we educate ourselves there are natural ways that can help us to avoid the worst symptoms of this virus.

Ann Louise Gittleman, PhD, CNS, shows us how to, Lose The “Quarantine 15” In Two Weeks. Try her Smoothie Shakedown approach to getting rid of the snacks many of us consumed over the past couple months. Her key to losing weight is eating protein, and never skipping breakfast. Check out her advice and the link on the TotalHealth site for her recipes.

Gloria Gilbere, CDP, DAHom, PhD, offers two decadent recipes that could forever change how you serve deviled eggs. In Fried and Almost-Fried Deviled Eggs—EggstraOrdinary Recipe, Dr. Gloria provides us with a healthy way to enjoy fried food. Take these to your next picnic to receive rave reviews from your guests.

Rudrani Banik, MD, brings us, Protecting Against Blue Light Increase During COVID-19. Our increased use of digital devices has brought with it the increased problems of exposing our eyes to this damaging light. Dr. Banik shows us three nutrients we can use to protect against the adverse effects of blue light.

This month Shawn Messonnier, DVM, discusses the uses for Magnetic Therapy for Pets. This treatment has proven effective for dogs with fractures, by using a magnetic bed. The magnets are especially useful for fractures that haven’t healed using normal methods. Compared to other treatments it is relatively inexpensive and safe.

IronCatch First Iron-Free Supplement For Iron Deficiency, by Victoria Rabi, MD, confirms to those who are iron deficient but can’t tolerate iron, there is now a safe supplement. One that will let you to be free of the side-effects of iron, and allow you to adhere to the needed treatment. For those interested in the details of the studies on both iron and IronCatch, Dr. Rabi has provided a detailed reference list for your use.

Thank you to our authors, readers, and advertisers for making TotalHealth possible.

Wishing you a healthy summer.

The Wellness Imperative People

Click here to read the full June 2020 issue.

• Vitamin D and At-Risk Populations For COVID-19
  Ken Redcross, MD
• Optimizing Our Immune System
  Charles K. Bens, PhD
• Got Fibro & Sensitive To Everything? Part 4: Treating For Mold Toxins
  Jacob Teitelbaum, MD
• Nutrients For Immune System During COVID-19
  Christine Horner, MD)
• Lose The “Quarantine 15” In Two Weeks
  Ann Louise Gittleman, PhD, CNS
• Fried and Almost-Fried Deviled Eggs—EggstraOrdinary Recipe
  Gloria Gilbère, ND, PhD, DSC
• Protecting Against Blue Light Increase During COVID-19
  Rudrani Banik, MD
• IronCatch First Iron-Free Supplement For Iron Deficiency
  Victoria Rabi, MD
• Magnetic Therapy for Pets
  Shawn Messonnier, DVM

Click here to read the full June 2020 issue.

A Powerful New Tool !

One-third of Americans suffer from pain—needlessly. This is compounded by 15,000 overdose deaths a year from prescribed narcotics, and 30,000 – 50,000 avoidable US deaths per year from arthritis medications (like ibuprofen). Meanwhile, having fought a failed and very poorly handled war on pain, the government has now declared a War on People in Pain. This is horrible and abusive, adds social stigma to people’s suffering, and causes much more toxicity than benefit. Attacking people in pain, and denying them the treatment they need, is inexcusable!

Fortunately, we have a powerful new natural tool for pain relief. And you don’t have to wait for your physician to catch up to the research.

Although I hesitate to jump into this political quagmire, we have had such incredible feedback from people getting relief from CBD oil and marijuana, that I am feeling the need to add my opinion.

The bottom line? These are powerful and very helpful tools. Fortunately, with hemp oil now being available, you don’t have to get high, or take the risk of getting arrested, to use them! Let me state this simply and clearly. Pain Is More Toxic Than the Pain Medications. Yet many are given a “Sophie’s Choice:”

A. Be in pain or
B. Be dead from the pain medication

This is a stupid choice to give people. And all too many doctors only give option one.

Choose “Door # 3” instead.

Treat The Root Causes Of Pain
Although it feels like it, pain is not the enemy. Rather, it is like the oil light on your body’s dashboard telling you that something needs attention. Instead of the medical approach to put a Band-Aid over the oil light, or cut it out, there is another choice. Simply put oil in the car. Just like the oil light goes out by putting oil in the car, when you give your body what is asking for, the pain often goes away.

Treating Pains Root Causes—The Fibromyalgia Model

In our study using the SHINE Protocol, 91 percent improved with an average 90 percent increase in quality of life. This protocol gives your body what it needs.

Fibromyalgia is a good model as it includes most kinds of pain.

Key Biochemical Components Of Pain

A. Inadequate energy in muscles and nerves
B. Inflammation
C. Nerve pain from other causes
D. Central sensitization or “Brain Pain”
E. Neurotransmitters — e.g., NMDA

All of these can be successfully addressed—naturally—using cannabinoids such as hemp oil and CBD.

Contributing Pain Comorbidities

A. Insomnia
B. Anxiety and depression
C.Adrenal fatigue
D.Low testosterone

Hemp Oil, A New Addition To My Favorite Herbal Pain Tools Toolkit

Marijuana and hemp oil both contain a number of active components. These include:

1. THC(not in the hemp oil, just in marijuana) This is the most talked about component in marijuana. It is what causes the psychoactive high.

It can be helpful, but comes with significant side effects, for example:

1. Poor functioning
2. Jail

North American forms of marijuana are also low in CBD. Despite the above, it is still safer than arthritis medications and narcotics.

Following (Number 4) are excerpts from a number of studies and reviews on the benefits of hemp oil. The science speaks for itself:

2. Other Important Cannabinoids

A.CBD has been the most actively researched
B. Other components of the herb, as usual, significantly add to the synergy

3. CBD

A.Anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotection effects
B. Reduces joint swelling—even helpful in rheumatoid arthritis
C. Studies show no tolerance (i.e.—it maintains its effectiveness over time)
D. Shown to decrease “aversive conditioned memory” (Fear and suffering)
E. CBD potently reduces anxiety or fear

4. CBD And THC (study excerpts)

A.“Cannabis use improved symptoms such as spasticity, pain, tremor, and depression in more than 90 percent of patients. In eight different clinical studies, MS patients have also reported the benefits of THC.”

B. “Arevalo-Martin et al. demonstrated that cannabinoid agonists...inhibited the activation of microglial cells.” Translation? It helps central sensitization or brain pain from chronic pain. This is a powerful benefit.

C. CBD, in animal studies, show “anti-inflammatory properties...In rheumatoid arthritis.”

D. A mix of THC and CBD (about 2 ½ mg of each per dose), “was approved in Canada in 2005 for treatment of central neuropathic pain in multiple sclerosis, and in 2007 for intractable cancer pain. Numerous randomized clinical trials have demonstrated safety and efficacy for...central and peripheral neuropathic pain, rheumatoid arthritis, and cancer pain.”

E.“Active in nociceptive spinal areas including mechanisms of wind-up and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. It was recently demonstrated that cannabinoid agonists suppress...allodynia. [This helps] neuropathic pain...migraine and fibromyalgia via NMDA mechanisms...[producing a] 30–40 percent reduction in NMDA responses.”

B.A recent JAMA study showed a 15.6 percent drop in opioid deaths in medical marijuana states after marijuana was legalized, after decades of opioid overdose deaths accelerating.

Cannabinoids And Inflammation
“THC has twenty times the anti-inflammatory potency of aspirin and twice that of hydrocortisone, but in contrast to all nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), demonstrates no cyclo-oxygenase (COX) inhibition at physiological concentrations.”

Other Important Cannabinoids
A. Cannabichromene (CBC) is the third most prevalent cannabinoid in cannabis, and is also anti-inflammatory and analgesic.

B.“Cannabigerol (CBG) exhibits GABA uptake inhibition to a greater extent than THC or CBD, suggesting possible utilization as a muscle relaxant in spasticity. Furthermore, CBG has more potent analgesic...activity than THC.”

C. Hemp terpenoids are also important.

1. “Myrcene is analgesic, and such activity, in contrast to cannabinoids, is blocked by naloxone, suggesting an opioidlike mechanism. It also blocks inflammation via PGE-2.”
2. “The cannabis sesquiterpenoid â-caryophyllene is anti-inflammatory...but simultaneously acts as a gastric cytoprotective.”
3. “α-Pinene also inhibits PGE-1, while linalool displays local anesthetic effects.”

D. “Flavonoids in whole...extracts may also contribute useful activity. Apigenin inhibits TNF-á, a mechanism germane to multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. Cannflavin A... inhibits PGE-2 thirty times more potently than aspirin.”

E. “Finally, β-sitosterol, a phytosterol found in cannabis, reduced topical inflammation 65 percent and chronic edema 41 percent in skin models.”

The Benefits Of Whole Hemp Oil

Using the synergy that comes from the multiple components of hemp oil helps all of the components of pain.

Instead of side effects from medications, it offers “Side Benefits.” These include:

A. Calming
B. Anti-inflammatory
C. Decreases nausea
D. Decreases depression
E.Anticancer—studies show the components of hemp oil tell cancer cells to self-destruct

Another Key Side Benefits Of Hemp Oil—Sleep

“Highly statistically significant improvements have been observed in sleep parameters in virtually all RCTs performed with [hemp oil components]¡Kin chronic pain conditions leading to reduced 'symptomatic insomnia' due to symptom reduction rather than sedative effects."

Sleep is critical for pain relief, triggering growth hormone release and tissue healing.

Cannabinoids are also suggested to decrease sleep apnea.

Summary
The components of Hemp Oil have been shown to help almost all of the components and types of pain, including:

A. Muscle tightness
B. Nerve pain
C. Inflammation
D. Neurotransmitters including NMDA, GABA, and serotonin
E. Central sensitization
F. Arthritis
G. Cancer pain

It can be combined with other pain medications, and the dose adjusted as works best for you.

Getting The Right Type Of Hemp Oil
This is important. Without experience, it is hard to tell how much of the active components are present in many products. Many of them have labels, which are dramatically misrepresented. For example, it may say CBD in bold type on the label, say 100 mg, and have less than 3 mg per dose.

A good form comes from Concentrated European Hemp (Cannabis sativa) Stalk and Seed Oil. These can be found in 50 mg capsules containing 20 percent CBD (i.e.—10 mg of CBD per capsule). The one that I recommend is called Hemp Oil by Terry Naturally. The optimal dose is three tablets three times a day, though lower doses can also often be quite effective. The nighttime dose can be increased to five counts for sleep as well.

Ignore The politics And Go With The Science. You Can Get Pain-Free—NOW

A few review articles and study references:

1. Safety https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5569602/
2. CBD for anxiety https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4604171/3
3. Inflammation and cancer https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2828614/4
4. Cannabinoids and pain https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2503660/and5
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3820295/

Dear Readers,

Welcome the May 2020 issue of TotalHealth Magazine.

Jacob Teitelbaum, MD, presents, part three in his series on Fibromyalgia. This month he discusses neurologic triggers. The biggest offender is mold. Molds are like a weapon. They expel toxins into the air to keep other types of mold away. High levels must be addressed, but can be quite expensive to test for and to mediate. Therefore, if you are in the market for a new house or apartment, it is wise to spend the money to test for mold. It could save you tens of thousands of dollars in the long run.

Essential Fatty Acids, is the topic this month for Professor Gene Bruno, MS, MHS. He explains the different types of fatty acids and why we need them. As their name states, they are essential. Even the so-called nonessential acids have a benefit to our health.

Ann Louise Gittleman, PhD, CNS, brings us the final segment of Smart Recipes. This month she gives us recipes for dressings and sweets. So many dressings and desserts have unhealthy ingredients; these are a wonderful healthful alternative.

Gloria Gilbere, CDP, DAHom, PhD, brings us, 24-Carrot Greens Pesto Recipe. Most of us only use the orange root of the carrot, and toss the greens in the compost bin. Even though the greens are somewhat bitter, Dr. Gloria shows us ways to mix the greens with sweeter foods so we can reap the healthy benefits.

This month Shawn Messonnier, DVM, discusses the “Y” Herbs For Pets. Yarrow, Yellow dock and Yucca all have properties that may help your pet with arthritis and inflammation. They provide a safer alternative than longterm use of corticosteroids.

Thank you to our authors, readers, and advertisers for making TotalHealth possible.

Wishing you a safe spring as the country emerges from stay-at-home orders. Remember, this doesn’t mean the pandemic is over, and we all have a responsibility to do our part to keep our fellow humans across the globe from the ravages of this virus.

Best in health.

TWIP—The Wellness Imperative People

Click here to read the full May 2020 issue.

• Media Review:
  The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
  TotalHealth Editors
• Got Fibromyalgia And Sensitive To Everything? Part 3: Neurologic Triggers, and Molds
  Jacob Teitelbaum, MD
• Essential And Nonessential Fatty Acids
  Gene Bruno, MS, MHS, RH(AHG)
• 24-Carrot Greens Pesto Recipe
  Gloria Gilbère, CDP, DAHom, PhD
• Smart Dressing And Sweets
  Ann Louise Gittleman, PhD, CNS
• “Y” Herbs - For Pets
  Shawn Messonnier, DVM

Click here to read the full May 2020 issue.

Dear Readers,

Welcome to the November 2018 issue of TotalHealth Magazine.

Charles K. Bens, PhD, "How Do Genes Influence Our Health?" Bens shares with us information on how we don't inheirt diseases like cancer and others—we inheirt a genetic predisposition. Many environmental factors are controllable, such as what we eat and drink, and other lifestyle factors, such as alcohol or tobacco consumption. Bens includes a list that illustrates most of the factors that can influence genetic expression.

"The 5 Radical Rules For Healthy Weight Loss," by Ann Louise Gittleman, PhD, CNS. Long-time weight loss, detox, and anti-aging expert continues to write on the nutritional landscape. If you have an over 40 sluggish metabolism or a thyroid issue, then follow these 5 Radical Rules to lose weight and feel great! In new book "Radical Metabolism," Ann Louise shares with readers how to be successful on this plan.

Gene Bruno, MS, MHS, "Premenstrual Syndrome: Nutraceutical Relief." Twenty to 50 percent of all women are believed to experience at least one symptom of PMS regularly; only five percent of these women are estimated to have symptoms severe enough to interfere with normal activity. Whether a woman is in the 50 percent or the five percent Bruno gives us a number of nutraceuticals which have been found to be helpful.

Jacob Teitelbaum, MD, "Recovering From Fibromyalgia—Am I Crazy?" Having worked with thousands of severely ill patients over the last thirty-five years, I have found there are three steps that will leave you feeling happy, no matter how ill you are: 1. Be authentic with your feelings. 2. Make life a "no-fault" system. 3. Learn to keep your attention on what feels good. Read on for a detailed explanation of the three steps and more information on CFS and Fibromyalgia.

Sherrill Sellman, ND reports "How To Choose The Most Effective CBD Hemp Extracts." Sellman says "I am always searching for the very best products to recommend to my patients. For the past year, I have been researching all aspects of the Hemp Extract story." Sellman includes information on the health conditions this product may be helpful in treating, how it is grown and harvested.

Gloria Gilbère, CDP, DAHom, PhD, presents "Colorful Holiday Beet Salad Recipe Extraordinaire!" This Beet and Red Grape salad recipe is sure to be a winner during the holidays and beyond. Be sure to read the options, this salad is so versatile you can make it with your own signature. The extensive list of the health benefits of beets is included.

Shawn Messonnier, DVM, this month brings us Part 2 of "Arthritis In Pets." The focus is on Glucosamine and Chondroitin constitute the major GAGs in the joint cartilage: glycosaminoglycans serve as major components of articular cartilage. If your pet is showing signs of arthritis you'll find this series helpful.

Thanks to all the authors who make TotalHealth possible.

Best in health,

TWIP—The Wellness Imperative People

Click here to read the full November 2018 issue.

• How Do Genes Influence Our Health?
  Charles Bens, PhD
• The 5 Radical Rules For Healthy Weight Loss
  Anne Louise Gittleman, PhD, CNS
• Premenstrual Syndrome: Nutraceutical Relief
  Gene Bruno, MS, MHS
• Recovering From Fibromyalgia—Am I Crazy?
  Jacob Teitelbaum, MD
• How To Choose The Most Effective CBD Hemp Extracts
  Sherrill Sellman, ND
• Colorful Holiday Beet Salad Recipe Extraordinaire!
  Gloria Gilbère, CDP, DAHom, PhD
• Arthritis In Pets
  Shawn Messonnier, DVM

Click here to read the full November 2018 issue.

Ever wonder where the energy from all those old traumas you suffered went to? For all too many of us, we are still carrying them around. Feel all of those tight muscles? Much of that is from going into "freeze" mode when we suffered traumas where we couldn't fight or run. For example, seeing a truck about to hit you in your rearview mirror, or an alcoholic parent about to do the same when you are a child.

They also go into our nervous system, leaving people stuck in a mode of chronic adrenaline release and exhaustion. In more severe cases, the person gets emotionally shut down.

So how do you release these old energies, so you can be free of them?

There are several techniques that can be quite powerful. I will discuss a few of these in an upcoming article. But I want to start with a critical area. Forgiveness.

You may think I am speaking about forgiving others. That's part of it. But sometimes even harder and more important is forgiving ourselves. This can be much easier than you ever imagined.

I am honored to have a guest join me in this article in how to do this easily; my dear friend Jon Lovgren, author of the new book "The Magic Words." (Caution: there are several books with similar titles, so be sure you get the one by him.)

His book even has an article written by his daughter and how it made her fibromyalgia go away.

This book may be the best $3.50 you ever spend!

Ever been in Hawaii and noted the Aloha spirit? This stems in part from ancient Hawaiian tradition. Using four simple sentences, repeated to yourself during periods of discomfort, can be magic for so many things that trouble people.

Quite remarkable. And free. You can easily do the technique on your own.

You will be surprised at how effective it is!

The ancient Hawai'ian practice of ho'oponopono helps heal Fibromyalgia!

By Jon Lovgren

What is ho'oponopono? It is an ancient Hawai'ian practice of forgiveness. It teaches us that we are 100 percent responsible for everything in our lives-always have been, and always will be. This does not mean that it is our fault, or that we should blame ourselves. It simply means we have the ability to change our situation. So simply, in your mind, say to yourself:

I love you

I am sorry

Please forgive me

Thank you

That is it! That is all there is to it. Just say those four statements to yourself repeatedly; the order does not matter. Repeat them until they become second nature, automatic. The more you continue to say ho'oponopono, the more you will see your life change.

"Wait! You are telling me that saying those four statements over and over can heal fibromyalgia? How is that possible?"

Yes. Practicing ho'oponopono at the deepest levels, we work through our memories to find the cause of our ailments-in this case, the cause of fibromyalgia-and once we clean and clear those memories, the ailment, heals. Ho'oponopono works with the cause, not the symptom; the symptom helps guide us to the cause.

The process of practicing ho'oponopono at the deepest levels begins with two key questions:

How did I create this for myself?

And why?

Ho'oponopono is always, and only, about and to self-never about anyone or anything else. And since we are each 100 percent responsible for everything in our lives, we had a part in creating our pain, our discomfort, and/or our dis-ease.

When we accept that we created it for ourselves (whatever "it" is), then we can love ourselves, apologize for creating it, forgive ourselves, and find gratitude in the lessons learned. This is when we begin the healing process. Sometimes the healing is instantaneous, however, some ailments like fibromyalgia, have so many components that it can take time to get to the cause.

Unexpressed feelings settle in the body in various places. For example, fear tends to settle in the stomach and anger tends to settle in the liver. As they accumulate, they start to spread out and create energy blocks in the body.

Often, there are numerous other ailments that accompany fibromyalgia, for example: agoraphobia (fear of places or situations that might cause panic or embarrassment), anxiety/panic disorder, etc. Rather than attempt to heal fibromyalgia in one fell-swoop, it is better to heal each of the contributing factors. We begin with agoraphobia.

How do we heal agoraphobia using ho'oponopono? We focus on the reasons for the fears. When we do so, we realize that it is usually about the future; it is what I call "future-trippin'" and it just makes the fear worse. Ho'oponopono brings us back to the present moment. In Carissa's case, as soon as she began to think about the idea of having a panic attack, she said ho'oponopono over and over, like a mantra:

I love you

I am sorry

Please forgive me

Thank you

When we find ourselves thinking about the past or the future, we need to realize that it is just our imagination, yet we have 100 percent control over it. When we catch ourselves starting to spiral down a rabbit hole, simply say ho'oponopono and it will bring us to the present. Remember that it is only our imagination, and we can begin to think about something that brings us happiness and joy.

My experience with ho'oponopono over the past decade has shown me that physical ailments have an emotional component, usually forgotten in our conscious minds, but still alive and well in our unconscious minds. In every case, when we healed the emotional memory of the cause of the physical pain, the physical pain went away completely, usually immediately, but may take longer in cases like fibromyalgia.

When people contract fibromyalgia, it means that the unreleased or blocked energy does not accumulate in one area, but it is widespread and has elements that attach to different parts of the body. It is as if people with fibromyalgia have an emotional colander, and the unexpressed feelings are broken up into smaller parts and settle throughout the body.

So instead of all the anger going to the liver, some of it gets blocked and presents as pain in the joints and muscles, and the fascia becomes saturated and inflamed. It is the same with sadness, disappointment, and frustration. Any of the lower vibrational feelings will find the closest place to settle within the body. It is often a significant trauma in life that causes these blockages to start.

When we find ourselves suddenly in a major life change, we can be so busy figuring out what to do and how to go from there, especially if we have to do it alone, that we are pushed into circumstances that do not allow us to take the time to grieve the losses. The feelings settle in the body in various locations. Then, once we get some modicum of getting settled into our new lives, we notice the pain and the lethargy, and we chalk them up to being tired and sore.

Once we learn to practice ho'oponopono diligently and consistently, we come to a point where we no longer cringe to escape the pain, but instead, we dive into it to find out what caused it in the first place. We know that when we heal that, we will no longer feel the discomfort.

To get started on your healing now. Simply repeat ho'oponopono as often as you can, especially when you are feeling pain or discomfort. You do not have to believe it or feel it, you simply have to say it and it starts working.

I love you

I am sorry

Please forgive me

Thank you

For a deeper understanding of ho'oponopono and detailed explanations as to how and why it works, as well as case studies for various chronic ailments, please check out my book: The Magic Words, by Jon Lovgren

Stay tuned for upcoming books, workshops and blog entries at http://themagicwords.net

Available at Amazon.com

A recent study, Effects of music on pain in patients with fibromyalgia¹, presents a novel therapy, and gives us a critical key to easing fibromyalgia pain.

In looking at physiology, pain has two key components. The first is that a signal gets generated and sent to the brain. This electrical signal is no different than the signal the brain receives for heat, softness, cold, or countless other sensations. For pain though, it is what the brain does with the signal after it is received that makes all the difference. This is the component that is called suffering.

The brain is receiving far more information every second than it can possibly process. It simply has the ability to tune out most of it.

So instead of the sensations being unpleasant, research has shown that the brain can be distracted to simply ignore many of the signals. Including pain. And numerous studies have shown that the volume of pain signals go way down by using the right kinds of music as a distraction.

This recent controlled research study looks at fibromyalgia pain, and the effect of listening to the right kinds of music. For most new pain medications, if they can get the pain level to drop by 30 percent in just a third of the study population, it is hailed as a great breakthrough. The drug companies have a big party, and then charge $5000–$7500 a year for the medication (e.g., Savella and Lyrica). And then the commercials will show pretty butterflies while they list the side effects. Sedation, weight gain, dizziness, nausea, etc, etc.

On the other hand, this study using music showed that for $11.99, you can get more effective pain relief then you can with $7500 a year of medications. And instead of dizziness and weight gain, the only side effect is, perhaps, finding a big smile on your face.

This research group had people with fibromyalgia listen to music each day. They found that after 14 days, pain levels went down an average of 40 percent! If the pharmaceutical industry had a drug that could do that, they would be ecstatic. Interestingly, pain levels continued to drop further day after day, and it is likely that beyond the 14 days in the study, pain relief increased beyond the 40 percent drop. The music simply distracts your brain so it is starts to ignore the pain signal. Multiple studies show that this works for many kinds of pain, including cancer pain.

This doesn't mean that listening to jarring music is the way to go. You want something that will carry your mind off, away from the pain. My recommendation? Multiple Grammy award nominated pianist Peter Kater's new CD, Dancing on Water. In addition to being brilliant and beautiful, Peter Kater has an innate knack for understanding the role of sound in healing, and you will feel this as his music vibrates through your body. Listen to his CD once a day, and let it carry you away to a comfortable place of peace, ease, and bliss.

Peter Kater's newest CD, Dancing on Water, is now available for purchase on Amazon for $11.99

References:

1. Alparslan, G.B., Babadag, B., Özkaraman, A. et al. Effects of music on pain in patients with fibromyalgia. Clin Rheumatol (2016) 35: 1317. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10067-015-3046-3