Positive Emotions Open the Mind

Our perspective on life, regardless of our circumstances is what allows us to see the bigger picture. Perspective enables you to feel those moments of joy and laughter and connection with others. I really believe this. I’ve met too many ‘happy’ people (in the real sense of the word), who have challenges where many would have buckled at the knees. I noticed in these people, a brief buckle of maybe a year and then a sense of purpose for their life and a knowing of the value of having a life.

In my experience, looking inward is necessary…..looking at the science about it shows us that self awareness is precisely 20% useful….but looking outward with an enlightened perspective is where people flourish. Nobody sails through life without challenges in different guises. The learning we can gain can catapult us with purpose.

This is the type of work do. I engage with people, from all walks of life, in small groups and one to one where we briefly look in. Then we open up horizons and relationships and get focused for a life (personal/professional) filled with purpose that is fulfilling.

This is a great short video, of Barbara Fredrickson PhD, sharing the findings of research in a language that makes sense to all of us. I hope you enjoy it.

The Only thing holding you back is thinking too hard...

If thinking was the solution, do you not think….excuse the pun! you would have thought yourself out of everything you don’t like to think about…

What Is my Online Mental Fitness Program about...

The amount of anxiety, that has been created, on a worldwide scale needs rebalanceing. As humans, our ability to recalibrate in challenging circumstances is always available to us. That very much includes you.

I use a system called Positive Intelligence for myself and with clients. I work with groups of 5, for now, as it makes it very affordable for people. Anxiety makes pain worse. It increases underlying anxieties that you already have. It causes or worsens insomnia. It drains you of whatever energy level you started from. Lets turn that around. Anxiety is very manageable. It just takes a little work.

My program WAS called Life Is Short #FeelFreeNow. EDIT 10TH APRIL. I DECIDED TO GET RID OF THE ‘CATCHY!!’ TITLE. MENTAL FITNESS DOEOSN’T NEED IT.

That name comes, as a result of my quest, with life threatening health challenges, to life life to it’s fullest. Your circumstances should not dictate your quality of life. Once you fully realise that, you will have such freedom from everything going on in your life. You will value every moment.

Does this sound like you…It’s that blooming’ virus….It’s my hormones….It’s my mother….It’s my kids….It’s my job…It’s my partner…..It’s because I am single…..It’s my body…..It’s my poor health…If that was ok, your life would be perfect right!! You are human, as am I, so no judgement here.

I want to provide you with an option to change that record. Your circumstances are your circumstances. Everyone has them to a greater or lesser degree. You are actually doing great. Once you become aware of why you think the way you do, it opens up your world. When you have awareness you have choices. You can live differently. I know some of you don’t agree with me, which is perfectly fine. Change after all is scary. I would love you to prove me wrong over the space of 6 weeks.

What does it involve?

The Feel Free Now 6 Week Program is combined with an app, that you use daily, with approx 2 minute exercises. You get a reminder for these 4 times a day. It gets phenomenal results for people. The researchers shared their stats. Once a week, I lead the group, where I expand on the theme for that week. Then you you get your opportunity to talk, about how you are getting on, any challenges you might be having with the exercises. I should state this is not therapy. It is not necessary to bear your soul. The group can be people you know or don’t know.

The impact on everyones health, working together, in a non judgemental space, is a privilege to be part of. We are all human. Working as part of a group, establishes accountability. In layman’s terms, the science shows a 500% increase in completing what you start, when you do it as part of a group. As a result, your own self worth and confidence grows, in every area of your life.

A commitment of 15 mins daily and 1 hour coaching a week for 6 weeks can significantly improve your life. How does living with ease and flow sound and feel to you?

When I originally did the 6 weeks, I was so skeptical. Yes I was open to trying it and seeing if made a difference for me, but I didn’t anticipate it being that significant. For me it has made a big difference.

If you are prepared to invest a small amount in yourself, in order to change your quality of your life, and commit to putting the effort in…I am prepared to refund the full cost of the Program €300, if you believe it has not helped you. Positive Intelligence is currently charging $997.

Let me clarify. You have to do the daily exercises for 6 weeks, to show up for the 1 hour weekly group sessions for 6 weeks and fully participate. I want participants who want more from life and who are ready for change. If your energy levels are low, all this requires is a willingness to give it a go. Don’t let that stop you. I have 5 seats available if you would like to apply.

Email me sineadd@onthepulse.clinic

End date for application group 3 Fri 15th Jan 2121 for Start date Mon 18th Jan 2021

Do you use alcohol for your anxiety...

During lockdown the consumption of alcohol increased significantly. The WhatApp jokes were flying around, and the normalisation, that alcohol is an acceptable way to self sooth or self medicate was an inviting option. The repercussions for many relationships and womens health in the form of increased anxiety and depression, were not quite as funny as the WhatsApp messages, which quite frankly became less jovial. This was not your solution and you know it.

Because work is such a huge part of our lives, and a lot of our colleagues are people we socialise with, there was suddenly a big gap of human connection, which is essential for us as functioning human beings. We are social creatures, even those of you that are introverts. You may not talk as much but it doesn't make you any less part of a group.

Isolation, loneliness and the unknowing of when will this all be over can create huge anxiety for people. Alcohol can block that out briefly.

For some of you the second lockdown, you reassessed and quite simply stopped. For others it has not been so easy.

here is a fine line between chronic overindulgence and an addiction to alcohol. I help women who need support for anxiety and low mood without the need for alcohol.

#wellbeing #anxiety #selfcare #sleep #lowenergy #health

No More Sleepless Nights For You

I'd love to help you sleep soundly again

Have you spent years being the person that gets up during the night to look after your kids? or finish a work project or 10 for your employer or customer? You really can sleep well again. It is a myth to believe that it is not possible for you get good quality sleep back into your life.

Getting good quality sleep is so beneficial to your overall health. You know that already, right? Improved energy levels are a given when you sleep. It significantly improves motivation and ensures you fully participate in life. Sleeping really does mean life feels easier and less stressful. So many studies to choose from but his one .https://doi.org/10.5665/sleep/32.1.55 clearly demonstrates my next point. Your concentration levels significantly improve and this means you are a lot more productive in your work, so you get an incredible amount done so much faster!

Sleeping leaves more time for the fun stuff! With quality sleep you have a more balanced life and clarity on the direction you are heading in. If you want to get in touch with the younger you, enthastic about life, good quality sleep is essential. Your body thrives on restful sleep.

There is a short term place for medications, of course, but most people don’t like the side effects. That foggy brain is no better than your lack of sleep. If you have been self medicating, and losing yourself with a glass or 2 or bottle of wine…. you are moving further and further away from what you truly want in your life.

Lets not forget better sleep, means you look healthier because you are healthier. There is nothing more charismatic than a calm confident version of you. We all want to know how that person is that fabulous, or more precisely how they achieved it.

Life is short & getting good quality restful sleep is absolutely essential to life.

If you would like information on improving your health including sleep please click on the subscribe don the bottom of the page. I will send you my free handout with useful pracical simple steps you can follow.

"Acupuncture at Anytime of your Cycle is Effective for PMS" Review

Pre Menstrual Syndrome is one of the most common gynaecological issues for women.

In this blog I am going to talk about pre menstrual syndrome, discuss a review of many studies (RCT) and talk a little about what you can expect during a visit to a good Acupuncturist.

In this review a total of 15 studies, comprising of 1103 cases, were included. This review showed that acupuncture at anytime of the month is effective for PMS. I have found this to be true in my practice also. I am specifically referring to pre menstrual syndrome. If you have symptoms like bloating, nausea, headaches, moodiness, tearfulness, cramps, headaches, breast tenderness, water retention and back pain. It can be one of a combination of those. If you are putting up with PMS every month, you really don’t have to.

The review tells us that, there are lots of different recommended protocols (treatment strategies) for Pre Menstrual Syndrome but no one single agreed protocol. In layman’s terms, that means a specific placement of a combination of needles. However, it’s important to note, that all Acupuncturists will all use some of the same acupuncture points. There will be commonalities.

This is not necessarily a bad thing. It allows for flexibility in treatment.

Once you are going to an Acupuncturist that is qualified and a member of one of the professional organisations, Acupuncture Council of Ireland or the Acupuncture Foundation Professional Association they can do a correct Traditional Chinese Medicine Diagnosis, and you will get results.

Of course, it is always beneficial that the Acupuncturist has a very good understanding of any health issue from a Western Medicine perspective, because firstly that is the language we are more familiar with in the West. It is easier for you to understand what is being explained to you about your issue. This is important. Secondly, it’s important when going for any treatment that the Acupuncturist has a good understanding of your overall health, and history previous to you current problem. Finally, it allows for better communication with your health care provider, your doctor or nurse

Traditional Chinese Medicine Theory has inbuilt flexibility, so approaches can be tailored to the person in front of the Acupuncturist. One of the major differences between Chinese and Western Medicine is that the same disease in Traditional Chinese Medicine e.g. Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Migraine or PMS can have 5 or 6 different patterns. A pattern simply is the combination of signs in the body that you are asked about when you first meet your acupuncturist. In other words your complete medical history. This is combined with tongue and/or pulse diagnosis. Sometimes palpation, is used, where gentle to firm pressure is applied. with your consent and sometimes the ear is observed. Usually it’s a combination unless your practitioner specialises in specific type os diagnosis. I specialise in using pulse diagnosis, as I have found t to be most accurate. Some of the questions you are asked during a first consultation may seem unusual, but only because you won’t have been asked those by your GP.

Two examples:

What is the quality of your sleep like when you attend for a pain in your knee.

Questions about your menstrual cycle when you come for headaches that are not necessarily associated from your GPs perspective. .

For other gynaecological issues , timing can be very relevant. Make an appointment and the Acupuncturist will discuss a plan of action, dependant on your problem.

The review found that

“overall, acupuncture significantly increased the effective rate of PMS compared with medicine and sham acupuncture. Subgroup analyses showed no significant difference among different intervention time to start acupuncture treatment.” 

FACT Acupuncture Improves Balance and Posture in Fibromyalgia.

Acupuncture is as good as physiotherapy for improving balance and posture for women with fibromyalgia. A study that lasted 13 weeks, which is a reasonable time, for any of us to think, it’s an option worth trying. The physio group worked on core strength. That’s a good thing. We all know that it is beneficial to have a strong core.

The acupuncture group was 2 sessions a week for a total of 10 sessions. Thats 5 weeks of treatment. Just a little over a month. Only 3 needles were deemed essential and anatomical (your body) locations chosen.

The conclusion of the published study I am referring to here was, no significant differences were found between the acupuncture group and the physiotherapy group.

On a side note… You do realise that an acupuncture needle is only as thick as a hair on your head, right?

I would definitely add in a few auricular needles (tiny needles that are used for the ear so smaller). Possibly scalp, needles that glide in, almost flat on the scalp. This gives so much more value to my clients, in terms of how they feel on an emotional level. It also helps with sleep, anxiety and lifts that feeling of the weight of the world on your shoulders. When I am working with people who have fibromyalgia, or any chronic health issue (lasting 3 months or more). I give as much support as I can. I know exactly what it feels like to have ongoing health challenges. I also know people are unique and my experience and yours will be unique too. It always depends on the person in front of me, where you are at and what your needs are clinically, in other words, in my professional opinion.

There are always choices we can make for our own health.

Priority Lists and Health

We all have service providers we go to on a regular basis. In the area of health, we have our GP, our Practice Nurse, our Consultant, our Dentist and very very valuable and perhaps somewhat not considered a priority our Hygienist. Ah yes most likely this the women reading here.

The men, and forgive me if I appear sexist here, but in my experience men are of the belief if it ain't broke don't fix it. We all get cracks along the way gents. You may not worry about the aesthetics but statically you die younger, so read on please. Attending your annual health check is perhaps reassuring for some, but are you living la vida loca until you fail it...

Ladies we are not off the hook either, how many unused yoga mats, meditation apps, oil burners, inspirational books and gym memberships have been used once and sometimes never. Or is that just me? We are specialists in the well intentioned.

It is our human nature to show up when we need something 'fixed'. In our heads it happened suddenly or overnight! Often people are are a loss as to why now. And shock terror it will cost how much to fix me and/or it will take how long to sort out! You can't just fix it now?

Our most valuable asset is our health. I went to my hygienist today. Perhaps this will inspire you to see yours.

I Want To Get Back On The Horse

Connection - it's always about connection to the parts of your life that you truly value. Your values are part of you.

Not a single person has ever said more money, more beauty, MORE!!

I ask people when I start to work with them, tell me 5 things you want back in your life or things you want to achieve by the end of this program.

When you have lost hope you stop dreaming. I want people to dream again.

There was so much emotion wrapped up in this. For the previous 2 years, she couldn't even touch her horse. She couldn't smell his presence. She couldn't hear his breathing. She couldn't say his name.

The first day she walked to see him she put her face on his and breathed with him. It took a little longer than the initial reconnection to get back on.

Damn right she got back on that horse. That is why I love my job

This lady had a diagnosed with an autoimmune disease. I am very careful in expressing what I have to offer to my clients. I did not make any false promises to this lady. We started with 3 sessions of acupuncture. We had lots of discussion. Lot’s of opportunity for her to discuss this with her doctors, before she made her decision to work with my in my capacity as a Chinese Herbalist. I also used Acupuncture and of course Nutrition. She was as committed as I was. 110%.

Chinese Medicine Rocked My World

If I didn’t walk into an acupuncturists clinic, 24 years ago, and experience first hand the effects of Acupuncture, I never would have had the tools, to support my years of hospital visits and stays. Serendipity I think.

It was too late, in many ways, to reverse some of the physical damage that had already happened. Sometimes, it is just too late. However, a seed was planted on that day. I wasn’t prepared to envisage a lifetime of complications. I started to realise there are other options out there. Not once ever, did a nurse or doctor or healthcare professional recommend I could benefit from anything, other than the medicine they provided. We know Western Medicine has many limits. For some, because they had no knowledge of anything else. For others, because they flatly refuse to recognise anything, other than what they fundamentally believe as the solution.

I’ve had many conversations with people I both trained and worked with, trying to figure out, why they were and are not open to recommending or trying alternatives for themselves or others. From every angle, in my opinion, it all comes down to fear. Fear of losing a licence to practice, fear of the unknown, fear of being perceived as different to their colleagues, fear of admitting to themselves or others they don’t have all the answers. It is so completely crazy to be so rigid, when working with people who are all so unique., We are so diverse, culturally, environmentally, monetarily, societally, our diets, activity levels, belief systems etc etc…

In my role as Practice Nurse, I met people everyday of the week that I knew could have benefited from complementary or alternative approaches to their health and wellness. Not only from Chinese Medicine, because no one system of medicine has all the answers. I believe there are options for everyone. I am not stupid. I am not fundamental in my beliefs. If I break my leg I want an orthopaedic surgeon not an acupuncture needle! For chronic health issues, I want ;an awful lot more.

I didn’t have the confidence back then to shout it from the rooftops. ‘Look for something that works for you.’ Now I do.. I felt, at that time, I didn’t know enough about other options. I do now. Knowing that there had to be other options for the people I was meeting and for myself, I went in pursuit of answers. And there began my second career.