Art of Wellness

So thanks to Fran, I was able to go to my first appointment at the Art of Wellness yesterday.  Fran bought me a gift card for my birthday because 1. she really enjoyed her own appointment, and 2. because my body has been extremely out of WACK lately. 

For those of you that know me well, and I guess those that don't, I have been experiencing a tremendous amount of anxiety in the past four-five months.  I've tried to blame it on just about anything and everything, and have spent countless hours trying to figure out my triggers.  The craziest thing is that I should be the happiest I have ever been in my life, but for some reason at times I feel exactly everything but that.  It is a constant battle for me. 

Since I have been a child I have always been a worrier.   And in turn, have always felt sick.  I go through rough periods of these feelings, which are far worse than others, but ultimately I never exactly feel okay.  I go through mixtures of remedies and techniques to battle this anxiety but somehow it always finds it way back to me.  Happy or sad, somehow it always creeps back in.  I treat my anxiety like a really super annoying friend.  Someone who shows up just a the most inappropriate moment begging for attention.  And who just will not go away. 

I listen to friends, family, co-workers, doctors, gurus, strangers, anyone who will give me advice to fight this craphole of a friend.  Sometimes suggestions work, sometimes they don't, but somehow, like I said it all comes back to me at some point.  There's periods where I feel like giving up on learning to live with this shit, and other times where I am determined to find the best ways to fight back hard against it. 

Recurring Cycle.

But anyway, back to the point.  I went to this Allergy Testing appointment.  I really did not know exactly what to expect nor if I really believed this testing would even feel accurate or justifiable to me.  I mean really, how can a metal stick and energy waves tell you what your body can and can't handle.  And how in the world was that going to help my anxiety?  I barely eat anything that is not good for my body.  If I cut anything else out you could basically categorize me as a bunny (which I am fine with).  And again, what the hell does this have to do with my aches, and pains, and most importantly my mental status? 

Welllll...let me tell you this test was fantastic.  And I left with soooo much insight and so much hope for a life without this annoying friend.  I learned that I in fact am not crazy, and surprisingly my brain is functioning rather well.  Rather, I have one of those "chemical imbalances" they talk about.  Talk chemicals or science for that matter to me and I check right the fuck out.  Not listening, don't understand.  Just tell me what I can do to fix it.  And don't shove Zoloft and Xanax down my throat, even though, they sometimes may be rather enjoyable.  But not for me ultimately. 

So let's do this the homeopathic way...I am in.  I understand NOW that my body is not producing enough serotonin, and without this it makes it difficult for me to fight these bouts of anxiety.   I know that because I lack serotonin my body has a hard time escaping that fight or flight mode, and in turn my heart palpitations and inability to deal with stressful situations are inevitable.  It finally makes sense.  I get it now.  And now I can work on fixing it through acupuncture and serotonin doses. 

That's it?  Really?  But yea...

I have so much hope.  And I am more than thankful I had the opportunity to be introduced to the wellness center.  I am confident this is the way, and I hope my experience through this will help others to see that prescription depression/anxiety medications are not the only way to go. 

I mean, anyone can do this really.  It's a matter of making it happen actually.  Which I am glad I finally did.  I got home and told Steve all about it.  He says, at the end of my rant, "give me a hug, come here." What?  Why? What did I do?  "I'm proud of you" he says.  And you know what?  He's right, I should be proud of me.  I really kinda am.  I've been talking about it (and now writing) all damn day.

OHhhh and on a complete side note: I also found out I am allergic to gluten.  Which sucks far worse than I could ever imagine.  But I will deal with that on its own.  I mean we live in a Gluten Free World these days.  And I am determined to get my body to learn how to break it down, so one day I can eat all the pasta I could ever want.  I am only on day one about 6 hrs into my gluten detox, so I am sure we will revisit this in about 24 hours when my longing for bagels and skinny sticks meets its max.

If anyone in the Philadelphia area would like to go to one of these appts I highly suggest checking out Cheryl at www.theartofwellnesscenter.com. 

And if you need some guidance on how to deal with anxiety, I am sure I have just about every suggestion for you.  Just give me a call.  I'll be sure to talk you through the worst of the worst kind of panic attacks.

With love.
Your chemically unbalanced gluten allergenic freak.