The Holistic Wisdom Journal  

July 15, 2001 ~ Articles In This Issue...


~ Holistic Tips On Children & Hyperactivity

~ Feng Shui~ Yin & Yang

Holistic Tips On Hyperactivity In Children
By Lisa S. Lawless, Ph.D.
Holistic Wisdom C.E.O.

Hyperactivity is a behavioral disorder that seems to be becoming more common among children. With more outbreaks of diagnoses like ADD and ADHD and the use of Ritalin and other strong drugs... there is cause for concern. Let's start with defining what is involved behaviorally with a hyperactive child- there are often prolonged and regular tantrums and fidgeting. Intelligence is common among hyperactive children, but due to short attention spans, children are often unable to focus in school. Here are some other important facts to note~

Up to three percent of all children manifest significant symptoms
     of ADHD, with boys greatly out numbering girls.

A low frustration threshold predisposes such children to
    uncontrollable tantrums.

There are many causes of ADHD, only some are known. In
     addition to genetic influences, various factors affecting pregnant
     mothers have been implicated, including the use of prescription,
     illicit drugs, and the use of alcohol and nicotine.

There is mounting evidence that overprocessing foods, including
    artificial colorings, flavorings, preservatives, and other additives-
    may be a factor. This coupled with the depletion of various vitamins
    and minerals from the processed foods.

Allergies to foods such as milk, wheat and corn are also found to
    produce ADHD in children.

Pollutants such as lead, mercury, cadmium, insecticides, and
    herbicides may also be a cause.

It is highly recommended that you have your child first evaluated by their pediatrician to rule out any possible medical ailment that may be attributing to the hyperactivity.

If you find that you are struggling with a child who is hyperactive, you may want look into getting counseling to work through your own emotions in dealing with it. Whether you get counseling with us or somewhere else, it may be just what you have needed to deal with the emotional stressors in your life.

In my opinion, the best place to start is diet. Children pumped up on caffeine, sugar, and all the additives that go into over processed foods, not to mention the pesticides in them... are bound to be negatively impacting them. Also remember that schools get money from soda companies to host their vending machines. Kids may not be loading up on soda, and unhealthy snacks at home, but may very well be getting them from school. Offer your children healthy, and tasty treats and drinks to take to school and let them know that they should not be drinking soda or loading up on sugary snacks. Not only is hyperactivity an issue, but weight problems, and other serious medical issues.

Here are some herbal remedies that may be helpful-

Herbalism:

~ Black root and fringe tree may be helpful herbs if
    poor digestion is present.
~ Oats act as a tonic to the nervous system.
~ Chamomile, limeflowers and skullcap can be
    used for tense and anxious children.
~ Borage and licorice will work to address an
   overworked adrenal gland.

Aromatherapy:
Use in bath, or in massage.

~ Regular massages may assist in calming
    hyperactive children.
~ Lavender, Roman Chamomile, Neroli, Rose,
    and Sandlewood oils have a calming effect to
    the nervous system.

Flower Essences:

~ Vervain for an over enthusiastic child.
~ Impatiens for a talkative and impatient child.
~ Cherry Plum for loss of control.

Vitamins & Minerals:
Please note, these must be eaten with food or
the proper enzymes to digest the vitamins will
not be available. It is best to get these vitamins
and minerals in the food provided to the child.

~ B-complex
~ Vitamin C
~ Zinc
~ Essential Fatty Acids

Feng Shui~ Yin & Yang

By Lisa S. Lawless, Ph.D.
Holistic Wisdom C.E.O.

When learning about Feng Shui (the art arranging one's environment to create a healthy and positive atmosphere), the terms Yin & Yang are often used. Yin and Yang are the feminine and masculine phases of cyclic flow of energy (chi). While Yang is active which puts for energy, Yin is restful, and receives energy. Often people are confused that Yin = a woman, and Yang = a man. This is false. Every woman and man hold both Yin and Yang energy. They simply represent different phases of a cycle. They are opposites and they are inseparable. Simply saying one implies the other. You can not have light without darkness, and thus you can not have Yin without Yang.

Let's explore Yin and Yang in regard to the art of Feng Shui. Yin is the energy in an environment which expands, and produces lightness, cold, diffusion and quiescence. The Yin personalities is gentle, tranquil, and magnetic. Yang energy contracts, produces density, gravity, heat, and activity. The Yang personalities is active, commanding, concentrated, and fiery.

The following are simplified terms to assist you in determining if you have a balance of Yin-Yang energy in your life, and which on you may lean toward more~

Your Environment~

~ Your environment should thus reflect Yin and Yang in a way that will assist you in
   balancing the Yin Yang energy within you.

~ If your physical makeup and your occupation is yang than your environment should be
   predominantly yin with a special area that is yang.

~ If your physical makeup is yang and your occupation is yin, then your space should be
   predominately yin.

~ If your physical makeup and your occupation is yin than your environment should be
   predominantly yang with a special area that is yin.

~ If your physical makeup is yin and your occupation is yang, than your space should be
   predominately yang.

A Yang Environment~

This environment is warm, with bright colors and lighting. It is very stimulating and is ideally located high up or on a street corner.

A Yin Environment~

This environment is cool with restful colors and lighting. It is very restful and calming, and is ideally low down or in the middle of a block.

If you live with other people. Their energetic tendencies should also be included in the assessment of the Yin Yang energy in your home. This is just one of the many areas to explore when creating an energetically balanced home.

Thank You For Reading The Articles Contained In The Holistic Wisdom Journal

...Namaste
(I honor Spirit within you,
as you honor Spirit within me)