My Journey Back to Optimum Health!
Elisabeth Hines, C.N.C., C.B.P.
Holistic Wellness Practitioner
Certified Nutritional Consultant
BodyFeedback™ Practitioner
The quest for well-being, which includes good health, is a “life long journey” not a destination. To improve your health is it important to learn as much as you can about well-being and the factors that affect your body, your health and well-being. With this valuable information you can learn more about how to become proactive on your well-being journey, “stacking the odds” in your favour in terms of your well-being.
Many years ago my immune system crashed on the day that we moved into our new home. We had worked on our home for several months, installing insulation, drywall, painting, trimming and laying ceramic tile. Then on the last day before we moved in, the carpeting installer, who had been delayed, installed the carpeting. The next day my ten year nightmare of compromised health began. I fell into a terrifying deep hole of depression, which I had never experienced before. I suffered from severe stomach pains , doubling in pain after eating anything and in one month I lost over 30 pounds. I had a reaction to almost everything that I ate or was exposed to. I was sure that I would die in the very near future.
After consultation with the conventional medical system, I was put on antacids and a variety of antidepressants which did nothing to lift the depression. I had countless tests to determine the cause of my debilitating stomach pains and weight loss which revealed no answers. I soon realized that some foods caused me more difficulties than others and I started to research food allergies. Conventional medicine was not helping me so I decided I had to find the answers to my health issues myself.
After a great deal of research I decided to have a sophisticated blood test that would determine if I had food allergies and how allergic I was. The tests were Allergen Specific Human IgE and IgA tests. The tests detect antibodies. Antibodies are a type of protein produced by the immune system in response to foreign substances that may be a threat to the body -- such as chemicals, virus particles, spores, or bacterial toxins. These foreign substances are called antigens. Sometimes the immune system does not function properly and considers foods as a foreign substance and produces antibodies in response to ingesting these foods. Each type of antibody is unique and defends the body against one specific type of antigen. My tests results revealed numerous food allergies (over 80), some that produced an immediate reaction and others that produced a delayed reaction. Once I had this information, I was able to avoid the items on the list that caused reactions and thus quickly eliminate many of my painful digestive symptoms. Just as a prescription addresses a symptom, I was addressing symptoms by avoiding these allergens. I needed more answers. I needed to get to the root cause.
I had further investigation of my throat and vocal chords by and Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist due to the speech difficulties that I had also been experiencing. There were times that I was barely able to force a word out. It was so embarrassing when people would ask me if I was alright. They assumed that I was going to cry. The spasms made the vocal cords wobble like they do when a person is emotionally upset. A laryngoscope examination indicated that I had spasmodic dysphonia. Cause was not even mentioned. The treatment option that I was offered was botox injections into my vocal cords every few months. I would be speechless after each treatment for a period of time and would have to continue treatments, probably for ever. I declined the treatment. There had to be another way.
The depression was my constant companion. I continued to research and read every book and internet article that I could find that talked about depression and allergies. My research led me to N.A.E.T. the Nambudaprad Allergy Elimination Technique. I decided to try the N.A.E.T. system of allergy elimination and after many N.A.E.T. treatments I started to feel somewhat better, but depression was still a problem. I had to travel to the east end ofToronto for each treatment. Usually only one or possibly three allergens were treated in one session. I discontinued the N.A.E.T. treatments at that time due to the cost.
I continued to research all of my symptoms and took a nutritional consultant course in alternative therapies to gain a better understanding of what might be happening in my body and how I might be able to regain optimum health. Because of my limited diet due to avoiding foods that caused reactions I was suffering from malnutrition. In the course I learned about vitamins, herbs, homeopathy, Bach flower remedies and Schuessler Homeopathic Tissue Salts, as well as digestion, food combining, detoxification and meal planning for optimum nutrition.
My energy levels were still a major concern as were my depression and speech problems. There were times in the first three years when all that I could do was crawl, I didn't have the energy to stand up. After a break of two years from N.A.E.T. treatments, my husband suggested that I go back and continue the treatments, especially for the environmental allergies, which had not yet been addressed and were still a major problem for me. I only felt safe in my own home, fearing that exposure to environmental factors outside my world would make me sick. I was not able to go into many stores and office building without experiencing major symptoms. My vocal chords would spasm after various chemical exposures making speaking difficult.
I found a N.A.E.T. practitioner who was a Naturopathic Doctor that had a practice only an hour away, as opposed to the two hours trip to the first N.A.E.T. practitioner. The second practitioner treated me for neurotransmitters which helped eliminate my depression and also for environmental allergens, including formaldehyde. Through muscle feedback the naturopath determined which allergens were a priority and also that formaldehyde, from the gassing off of the newly installed carpeting, was the initial toxin which sent my immune system into a downward spiral, resulting in my depression and multiple allergies and chemical sensitivities. It was the straw that broke the camel's back.
"One out of five individuals are sensitive to formaldehyde, and it is often a factor in the onset of chemical hypersensitivity. There is no safety level yet the Canadian government has set a level at 0.1ppm; this is the same level at which the smell is detectable; it is a carcinogen. Formaldehyde is found in building materials, latex paints, enamels, fabric treatments, foam, deodorizers, preservative and coagulant of rubber latex, toxoids and vaccines, newsprint, inks, nail polish, nail hardeners, wavesets, dyes, personal care products, make up, feminine hygiene items, facial tissue and dry cleaning. They evaporate slowly and remain active for months/years. In fabrics the process is even slower." Visit http://www.cancer.gov/templates/doc.aspx?viewid=687F2693-82B5-4EC7-9C6F-E4E917D6EE53 for more information on the risks of formaldehyde exposure. National Cancer Institute, www.cancer.gov
When I was near the end of my N.A.E.T. treatments I found information about other systems which also permanently addressed allergies and used neuromuscular biofeedback to determine health priorities. I have since become certified in providing these treatments.
After years of research and struggling to regain optimum health, using a variety of therapies, treatments and remedies, and many wrong turns, I feel good. I have regained much of my health naturally! I am allergy free! I am depression free! My energy levels are good. My speech has improved dramatically and most days sounds fairly normal (from what others tell me). For now, synthetic chemicals in some scented products like perfume, still send my vocal cords into spasms. I am like a canary in the coal mine, the first to let you know if you have an air quality problem and health concern. Past damage from synthetic chemicals can leave you with a heightened sense of smell and chemical vigilence, an early warning system. My body pollution which had built up over the years has been eliminated using detoxifying herbal baths, nutritional therapies, energy therapies and visualization. These therapies have also helped my body to repair the damage caused by the toxins (formaldehyde, house "gassing off", pesticides) including volatile organic compounds). http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/indoorair/voc/index.htm
For those of you who have suffered for so long with allergies, intolerances, chemical sensitivities, immune disorders and other health problems, I want to tell you not to lose hope, the body has an amazing ability to heal itself. Sometimes, due to the body being overwhelmed by the stresses of everyday life and the toxins in the environment, it needs help. A holistic approach using energy therapies, detoxification and nutritional therapies does just that. Neuromuscular biofeedback, as described by my clients, is a method of interviewing the body to identify health concerns and eliminate the symptoms.
You can be allergy and chemical sensitivity free! I am still extremely aware of synthetic chemicals, scents and some vocs; that comes from a heightened awareness which my body uses to protect me from further harm. I now have an early warning system when it comes to synthetic chemicals. Not a bad thing. Since they can hurt everyone without knowing. I am like the canary in the coal mine that warned the coal miners they have an air quality problem so they can get out.
You can be depression free! I am!
You can have optimum physical, mental and emotional health! It is available for everyone!
Well-being is a journey that you take one day at a time. Every day is a new opportunity to get back onto the path to improved well-being.
The first step is to believe in your body's amazing abilities.
Scripture provides many reminders of the importance of belief.
"Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you. Mark 11 11:24
You are not alone!
Who is responsible for your health or wellbeing?
The power to be well is yours. You have the power to choose to accept a diagnosis or prognosis as a “done deal” or not. You have the power to choose to believe that your body can heal. Every day is a new opportunity for you to get back onto “the path to well-being” in your life long journey of well-being, one step at a time!
Health is in part dependent on the quality of the health care you choose to receive from the healthcare practitioners that you choose to consult. Health and wellbeing are ultimately your responsibility. On a daily basis your wellbeing depends on you to make the choices and take the steps required to assess and preserve your health to promote your well-being. It requires you to monitor the status of your body on a daily basis and be in tune to its needs by listening to the subtle messages that it gives you. Only you have the power to choose your well-being plan. Other than the factors that are beyond your control, only you have the power to control the factors that will affect your well-being. Your well-being is your choice and responsibility!
I am now a Holistic Wellness Practitioner, Certified Nutritional Consultant and BodyFeedback™ Practitioner. I have developed a holistic protocol using neuromuscular biofeedback, energy therapies, detoxification therapies, herb therapies, nutritional therapies, and visualization therapies in combination with touch and prayer. I use these therapies on myself, my family members and my clients. Consider using a holistic approach in your quest for optimum health.
I have combined my research and the therapies that worked to help me, on my well-being journey in 'Health by Design', a Seven Step Plan to Improved Well-being. For more information on the workbook and video visit Health by Design.
If you think that your symptoms may be the result of environmental factors fill out the Ontario College of Family Physicians Exposure History and take it to your regular healthcare provider whatever country you live in and ask to be investigated by a practitioner qualified in environmental health issues. The download is available at www.ocfp.on.ca/local/files/EHC/Exposure%20Hx%20Forms%2010Feb2004.pdf
You can also send your completed questionnaire to me. Consultations are available in person, via email or telephone. For more information see the contact information.
Restoring your body to a better, former or new state is a process that will require many resources, conventional as well as non-conventional. “Bringing in the cavalry”, so to speak, may mean setting aside a present way of thinking and stepping back to consider other options. Since you are all biologically, uniquely individual, the methods that help your body to rejuvenate will also be varied. What works for one person, may have little or no benefit for another. The pursuit for “supports” that do rejuvenate the body, can be overwhelming, and like looking for a needle in a haystack. There are many claims being made as to the benefits of supplements, foods, products and therapies. How do you know which is the right choice for you? How do you know if it will work for you? How many things should you try at one time? Where do you go for answers?
There was a time, not too long ago, when many people were taking Vitamin E because it was reported to be a necessary supplement. Recently, the public has been cautioned about taking Vitamin E supplements. Are there other supplements that you are taking or considering that will be found to be harmful or unnecessary? There is no exact science in determining what you should take and in what amount. There are Recommended Daily Allowances (RDA) for vitamins and minerals.
The best source for nutrients is in their natural state in foods. Eating a regular diet healthy in a wide variety of foods and including vegetables, fruits, grain, nuts, seeds, and fats will provide you with the nutrients that you need. Additional supplementation may be necessary at times during periods of growth, illness and recovery. Supplements should be taken under the direction of a qualified practitioner. preferably one that uses neuromuscular biofeedback assessment to determine need, dosage and duration. Finding one that does not have a “vested interest” in whether or not you take the prescribed supplement (does not sell what he/she recommends) is an important consideration.
Choose a practitioner that incorporates a combination of therapies. The results will not necessarily be immediate so give each therapy a fair amount of time. Combining therapies can be beneficial at times and yet sometimes it may be contraindicated.
As a result of neuromuscular biofeedback results, detoxification in some degree, has been indicated in most of the clients that I see with various conditions. Visit my homepage for more information on general detoxification. I have developed herbal detoxifying baths as the result of biofeedback results on clients with various conditions. These are available on my main page. Please follow all of the instructions carefully.
All information provided on this site is for information purposes only. Clients are advised to check with their regular health care professional before booking an appointment or using any of the information provided.
Wishing you optimum health and well-being! It is within your reach!
Elizabeth Hines, C.N.C., C.B.P.
Holistic Wellness Practitioner
Certified Nutritional Consultant
Certified Body Talk Practitioner
lhines@mybodycanhealitself.ca