The Chemistry of Joy by Henry Emmons M.D

Author:Henry Emmons, M.D.
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Simon & Schuster

THE BENEFITS OF BALANCE

Although Jeff and I were able to get his Zoloft down to a much smaller dose, he began to notice the lack of serotonin. We boosted his biochemical levels by giving him a twice-daily dose of B-complex vitamins, along with 100 mg of 5-HTP. Jeff’s mood rebounded right away. Then we waited until spring to reduce his dosage further, trying to take advantage of the natural rise in mood that occurs for most people in springtime.

Jeff did really well with all the changes he had made, and by springtime, he was able to go off Zoloft entirely. Should he face an especially rocky time in the future, he can always support his mood temporarily with serotonin-boosting supplements or even a low dose of a medication. Meanwhile, though, he’d broken his physiological and psychological dependence on medication.

Jeff’s temperament and constitution may make it hard for him to find and maintain balance. After all, it is the very nature of vata, or Air types, to be constantly changing. “Balance” then becomes a moving target. But Jeff found it very helpful to understand and accept his nature, and then to find ways to work with it, learning through observation what threw him off balance so that he could be prepared to cope. As his mind and body calmed down, Jeff also found the time and inner freedom to pursue a more engaged spiritual life, following the mindfulness practices described in Chapter 15. With these, he found more peace than he thought possible, even in the midst of the never-ending stream of stress in which he lived.

Healing for Air Type

Foods:

Overview: regular mealtimes, some protein with each meal, plenty of complex carbohydrates, sweets in moderation.

Recommended Foods:

Dairy: milk and cheese

Meats: turkey, chicken, seafood

Beans and legumes: soy, lentils, chickpeas

Nuts and seeds: walnuts, almonds and almond butter, sesame seeds and tahini, flaxseeds

Grains: whole-grain breads, hot cereals; cooked grains: rice, wheat, or oats

Vegetables: root vegetables: carrots, onions, beets, radishes, turnips, sweet potatoes

Cooked vegetables: asparagus, green beans, okra, garlic

Fruits: sweet, ripe fruits: grapes, melons, oranges, mangoes, berries, cherries, dates, figs, pineapples, plums, nectarines, bananas

Emphasize: warm soups and stews, “comfort foods”

Spices:

anise basil

cardamom

cinnamon

fennel

ginger

licorice

nutmeg

thyme

Activities:

• seek calm and regularity of schedule

• warmth and moisture

• warm baths, steams, or showers

• drink warm fluids throughout the day

• plenty of sleep, brief naps (if sleeping well at night)

• walks in nature

• seek sunlight

• inspirational or humorous reading

• soft or classical music

• light movies, comedies

• massage

• yoga or qigong

• prayer or meditation

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