Keeping on the path

So much going on, and not enough time to stop and write!

I've learned that Motherwort, Lemon Balm and Bugleweed tinctures are all excellent for healing hyperthyroidism. Robert McCandless MH, CHT
Master Herbalist at Gaia Gardens on Broadway in Vancouver http://www.gaiagarden.com/company/ was wonderful about taking time to talk with me about my symptoms and recommended the above herbal tinctures to help.

What I have also learned is that healing naturally requires some significant life changes. I have been in contact with two women who have healed themselves of Hyperthyroidism, and they both made some big changes in their lives to support themselves.

One of the major suggestions I have come across is the avoidance of stimulating substances and foods. In other words, no caffeine, chocolate, sugar, alcohol, etc... Another woman mentioned incredible success when she "gave up sugar, wheat, dairy, caffeine and eggs".

While changing one's diet is huge, it seems that reducing/avoiding stress is another important part of healing. I've read over and over again that stress is often the trigger for hyperthyroidism. Having a safe way to deal with stress is always a good thing... meditation, yoga, Tai Chi, Chi Gung, walking... personally I love TaeKwonDo!! All that yelling and punching and kicking!! VERY therapeutic! Bear in mind that I have also read suggestions that it is a good idea to avoid exercise that is too intense... that working an over-active heart is hard on the heart/body. I suspect that has something to do with your level of fitness. I certainly wouldn't start something strenuous now, but working up to greater fitness, all while listening and respecting your body just makes sense. The more you move your body, the more toxins get moved out, and the better you feel. Your body becomes stronger and more efficient... a good way to be no matter what you are up against.

Rest!! This is also very important!! Being gentle with yourself! Again, listening to your body and respecting it's limits. Tricky to do in a culture that seems not to support being still.

Kerry Sonnenberg is one of the women I mentioned above. She has written a book about what enabled her to heal from Hyperthyroidism. It's so wonderful to realize that there are people out there who have done it! Especially when you are faced with a doctor who is telling you that radiation is the only way to go. You can contact her @ kfsmile48@yahoo.ca and order her book.

Dr. Ryan Drumm (PhD, AHG) specializes in Seaweed Therapies, Thyroid issues, and Men's Health. He has several wonderful articles about thyroid health on his site: http://www.ryandrum.com/ , ha also sells seaweed, recommended especially for those with a hypothyroid diagnosis.

So, I continue to learn, and to empower myself to better health naturally. I am fortunate to be working with a wonderful Doctor of Traditional Chinese medecine, Catherine Shaw. I am eager to be one of those women I told you about, one who has healed her own way, the way of honouring and respecting the wisdom of my body.

Hyperthyroidism

While preparing for my belt test, I started experiencing difficulty getting enough breath when training. I also noticed that my heart-rate was high. I persevered and acheived my black-stripe belt, but it was my greatest belt challenge yet.

My sister-in-law (a medical doctor) recommended blood-work after hearing of my symptoms (shaking hands, resting heart-rate of 100 beats per minute, shortness of breath). Sure enough, the diagnosis came back that I am hyperthyroid. Now what?

Not being particularly fond of Western medecine and it's pharmaceutical solutions, I have turned to my DTCM (Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medecine), a wonderful woman who practices here on the Island. She is looking at my symptoms and working to treat the root causes through acupuncture and herbs. In addition to this, I am making dietary changes to alleviate the strain on my thyroid/body: no caffeine (coffee, tea), chocolate or alcohol, and I am also reducing my intake of sugar.

I have read that the brassica family, soya, peaches, turnip and pears all inhibit the thyroid, so I am incorporating more of those into my diet. Bugleweed (Lycopus Europaeus) is also known to treat hyperthyroidism, so I plan to talk to my DTCM to see if that is included in the formula she is giving me.

In addition to the Chinese Medicine, I am having sessions with Maureen Mason-Edwardson who does Inner Resonance, an energy healing modality which enables the release and "reprogramming" of the body on a celular level. This week I have an energy reading and transformational session with Gini Grey. I'm also contemplating doing some work with Clinton, the shaman.

All in all, I am feeling quite well. The endocrynologist I met with last week wanted me to do a nuclear uptake test to see if I have Graves disease, but I have decided to wait and see how my alternative treatments go. I intend to fall back on the endocrynologist and her proposed treatment if my healing is not happening.