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 Make Peace With Your Critical Self and Heal Nervous, Habitual, Obsessive, Compulsive Skin Picking
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Outside Help

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'Traditional’

Med Community
Allopath
Dermatologists
Internal Organs
Mental Health
Psychotherapists
Surgical Procedures

External Creams

Peeling Agents
Topical Drying
Topical Antibiotics
Hydrocortisone

Drug Therapies

Oral Antibiotics
Hormones, etc.

Mood Alteration


'Non Traditional'

‘Alternative’?

The Leg Bone’s

Massage
Acupressurist
Reflexologist
Colonics
Hypnotherapist
Naturopath (N.D.)
Homeopath
Chiropractor
O.M.D.
Ayurved
Orthomolecular
Nutritionist

Nutrition

Skin Superfoods

Vitamins
Supplements:
Glandular Therapy
Herbs and Teas
Amino Acids
Specific Systems

Exercise

Mood Alteration

Detoxification

Deleting Dairy
Water

Miracle Cures

Non-Comedogenic
Cleansers
Scrubs
Astringents
Moisturizer
Masks
Raw Egg Yolk
Night Masks
AHAs
Treatments
Make-up

Long Names

Bases
Emollients
Texturers
Mr. Bubble!
Colorants
Antibacterials
Sunscreens
Preservatives
Vitamins
Botanicals
Other Additives
What Else?

3 Easy Steps (Interactive) 120x240
   

OUTSIDE HELP: 'NON TRADITIONAL' HEALING

How Can a 3000 Year Old Care Be ‘Alternative’?

The only absolute is the absolute of change. This must mean YOU can change, in fact you MUST change. It means you can heal - it is nature’s will. It is natural that you will not always be afflicted with the same conditions. Alternative care usually tends to work with Nature’s will to heal.

Most doctors will tell you that a well balanced diet and is the key to health, but then they are usually unwilling to say that a lack of good food or the wrongs foods contribute to poor health.

So we see doctors and they prescribe some very official sounding cure-all which most often they don’t even understand fully. Unfortunately drug manufacturers have strong controlling interest over the medical community. They support the medical schools and give free samples and incentives to doctors to prescribe their products. Doctors give out pills to cover up and erase problems. Alternative care practitioners usually look for causes of problems and look to control or eradicate them by going to the source.

One of my biggest gripes about the 20th Century medical climate is how easily we pop pills without thinking about the consequences. Every time you eat an apple it affects your body chemistry in many subtle ways. And every time you take any medication whether prescribed or over-the-counter it also affects your body chemistry, though often in ways beyond your original intention.

It becomes up to the lay person to go out and find any information on alternative modes of healing. And sometimes there are unscrupulous manufacturers of products who put people’s health at risk and even well-meaning people who want to heal, but just don’t have enough correct information to do a thorough job. And one bad apple can give the whole bunch a bad name.

OUTSIDE HELP: 'NON TRADITIONAL' HEALING

The Leg Bone’s Connected to the Thigh Bone…

The human body is a whole organic unit and the skin is intricately connected to the operation of every one of the 12 systems in the body: skeletal, muscular, respiratory, endocrine, digestive, reproductive, integumentary (skin, hair nails, oil and sweat glands), lymphatic, excretory, urinary, circulatory, and nervous systems. Imbalance in almost any one of these systems can cause skin eruptions. And often the administration of drugs by Western medicine without a thorough understanding of its causes can lead to an eventual aggravation of the problem. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, skin lesions such as acne, boils, or abscesses, are caused by an internal systemic imbalance and the use of antibiotics only furthers this imbalance.

As with traditional medicine however, different caretakers take different approaches to healing. Below is a list of some types of the non-traditional healers:

OUTSIDE HELP: 'NON TRADITIONAL' HEALING

Types of Healers: Bodyworkers - Massage Therapist

A therapeutic massage therapist usually locates specific parts of your body where tension is held and relieves it by applying pressure with their hands. Massage promotes circulation and stimulates the lymphatic system which are both important for healthy functioning skin.

OUTSIDE HELP: 'NON TRADITIONAL' HEALING

Types of Healers: Bodyworkers - Acupressurist/Accupuncturist

Acupressure is based on a 5000 year old Chinese tradition which believes that there is a flow of energy throughout the body called chi and any interruption of this flow results in disease. The body is broken into ‘energy channels’ which relate to specific body functions. In order to stimulate the flow of energy through channels that are blocked, pressure, heat, or needle points are set on the corresponding points.

OUTSIDE HELP: 'NON TRADITIONAL' HEALING

Types of Healers: Bodyworkers - Reflexologist

Similar to accupressure in that specific points on the body are applied with pressure in order to stimulate healing. The points are based on ‘relfex’ areas on the hands and feet that affect other body systems.

OUTSIDE HELP: 'NON TRADITIONAL' HEALING

Types of Healers: Bodyworkers - Colonics Operator

Colon hydrotherapy is a common treatment in the alternative medical world. Many health authorities believe that most disease is the result of an unhealthy and clogged colon. A Colonics Operator should be certified and will use safe pre-sterilized, disposable hoses and speculums.

OUTSIDE HELP: 'NON TRADITIONAL' HEALING

Types of Healers: Bodyworkers - Hypnotherapist

Hypnotherapy can be especially helpful in controlling habitual behavior. A hypnotist helps to narrow the focus of the patient through visualizations other stimulus to induce a trance-like state. During this trance state the subconscious is more open to suggestion. A common myth about hypnosis is that it involves mind control or brainwashing. It is neither of these. It simply involves being relaxed and comfortable enough so that you are willing to let the hypnotists lead to your own natural healing inclinations. Self hypnosis is also possible by inducing this same relaxed state where self improvement can begin.

OUTSIDE HELP: 'NON TRADITIONAL' HEALING

Types of Healers: Bodyworkers - Naturopath (N.D.)

A naturopath uses the standard diagnostic medical tools, x-ray, blood tests, etc., but also relies on the medical information of other cultures such as Ayurvedic (Indian), Acupuncture (Chinese), Native American and Hippocratic (Greek). Recommended treatment is usually alternative such as homeopathy, nutrition, acupuncture, massage, counseling, or lifestyle changes. Naturopathy is based on 6 key principles: nature has the power to heal; treat the cause, not the effect; do not harm; treat the whole person; physician is teacher; prevention is the best cure.

OUTSIDE HELP: 'NON TRADITIONAL' HEALING

Types of Healers: Bodyworkers - Homeopath

Homeopathy is based on the Law of Similars or the concept that ‘like cures like’. The idea is that the same substance that causes the disease in the first place can cure the disease if administered in a very minute amount. A homeopath may also use conventional diagnostic methods, but also includes extensive background history on patients in order to assess the proper remedies.

OUTSIDE HELP: 'NON TRADITIONAL' HEALING

Types of Healers: Bodyworkers - Chiropractor (D.C.)

The art of chiropratic treatment is based on the concept that central nervous system is directly effected by the spinal column and the entire musculoskeleton structure. When the spinal column or any other part of the musculoskeleton structure is out of alignment in any way it can throw off the health of the entire body or of specific portions of it. The chiropractor adjusts the spine and various joints to stimulate the body’s natural defense mechanisms. Chiropractors use hot and cold packs, massage, ultrasound and x-rays to facilitate healing.

OUTSIDE HELP: 'NON TRADITIONAL' HEALING

Types of Healers: Bodyworkers - Oriental Medicine Doctor (O.M.D.)

An OMD practices the art of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a 3000 year old healing system. An OMD looks at the whole patient and tries to identify unharmonious patterns which cause disease. This is done by examining the eyes, ears, tongue, skin color, posture, body odor and other personal factors. Treatment may consist of acupuncture, herbs, diet changes, massage and exercise.

OUTSIDE HELP: 'NON TRADITIONAL' HEALING

Types of Healers: Bodyworkers - Ayurved (ayurvedic)

Ayurveda is an ancient healing art from India. It is based on the concept that there are basic metabolic body types or ‘doshas’. These types are Vata (thin), Pitta(med), and Kapha(large). Each type has certain constitutional characteristics such as coloring, mood or emotional outlook, and eating and sleeping patterns. Treatment is based on your body type and may include dietary adjustments, exercise, yoga, meditation, massage, and various herbal preparations. Imbalances are identified through the tongue, pulse points, and blood composition.

OUTSIDE HELP: 'NON TRADITIONAL' HEALING

Types of Healers: Bodyworkers - Orthomolecular Physician

An Orthomolecular Physician is just like a regular MD except that treatment is primarily centered around dietary imbalance and deficiencies. They will prescribe vitamins, minerals, amino acids and other nutrients to promote healing.

OUTSIDE HELP: 'NON TRADITIONAL' HEALING

Types of Healers: Bodyworkers - Nutritionist

Nutritionists obviously focus on what you eat and how you eat it. The patient keeps a diet diary and the nutritionists makes recommendations to help further health.

OUTSIDE HELP: 'NON TRADITIONAL' HEALING

Nutrition

Remember how we talked about the skin’s pH and the acid mantle? Any doctor who says that food does not affect the skin needs to go back to school and take a course in nutrition. Although there is no direct ‘cause and effect’ relationship, i.e. you will get one pimple for every piece of Godiva chocolate you chow down, your skin is directly linked to every other body system - this includes your digestive and excretory system. The food you eat does effect you body’s pH. Why do you think they tell you to quit drinking coffee and sodas when you have an ulcer? Because they are have a pH balance which your body will not react to favorably.

Discover how the fuel you put into your body effects how it runs. The nutrients you gain from food and water are directly effecting not only your physical performance, but your mental and emotional well being as well. All of the systems are interdependent on each other.

One of the big problems with Over-the-Counter drugs and self medication is that it is easy to go overboard and try all of the remedies you can get your hands on, only to be disappointed by the results. This is especially true with habitual picking - you are always looking for a cure outside of yourself and feel the ultimate frustration when your expectations are failed.

Now, just as I would not recommend you run out to the store and buy some ‘Erythromycin’ or your antibiotic of choice and down the whole bottle, I do not recommend you go to the store and stock-up on all of these supplements and take them in abundance. If you chose to take a dietary approach to your healing, it is best to get under the care of a good nutritionist, naturopath, or qualified health expert who can guide you sensibly along a path to optimum health.

Use this next section as more information in your arsenal against your critical self. Do not start any nutritional program without consulting or being under the supervision of a trained professional.

OUTSIDE HELP: 'NON TRADITIONAL' HEALING

Nutrition - Skin Superfoods

Your diet is the quickest way to make effective improvements with your skin. Skin tissues need a rich, high oxygen blood supply. And healthy skin thrives on a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables. Plants offer the best way for you to get your nutrients (better than supplements). Heal your body from within and eliminate the source of irritating wastes and toxins that show u in skin inflammation.
  • Sesame seeds: Offer support to the skeletal, endocrine and reproductive systems
  • Apples: You know what they say, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Well they support muscles, integumentary, lymphatic, and urinary systems
  • Celery: Supports nervous, skeletal lymphatic, digestive systems
  • Alfalfa sprouts: Support excretory, circulatory, muscular, integumentary systems
  • Green leafy vegetables: Support urinary, respiratory, lymphatic systems
  • Celery and cucumber: Support kidneys, liver and large intestine.
  • Cabbage juice: Women in the army during World War II demanded they be supplied with fresh cabbage or sauerkraut juice because of it’s highly beneficial effect on healthy skin.
  • Green Superfood Drinks: Are good for the skin, but beware when they are added to really sweet sugary juices. Green powders can be mixed into your own juice and water.

    OUTSIDE HELP: 'NON TRADITIONAL' HEALING

    Nutrition - Vitamin and Mineral Skin Supplements

  • Vitamin A emulsion: Alters sebum production, balances hormones and is essential for forming healthy skin and a good source is fish liver oil.
  • Beta carotene: Alters sebum production and balance hormones
  • Zinc and Zinc gluconate: Alters sebum production and balance hormones and can be found in soybeans, whole grain, sunflower seed and raw nuts.
  • Vitamin C" Fights infections, plays a role in producing collagen, strong collagen may ward off bacterial infection. It also prevents wrinkles due to hardening of collagen

    Both vitamin A and zinc are known for their positive effects on the skin and they both help to build immune function. Stress depletes immune function.

  • B vitamins: lecithin, pantothenic acid, folic acid are all good for skin
  • Niacinimide or niacin: Increases circulation, oxygenates the skin, brings blood supply to infections.
  • B6: Reduces facial oil alter sebum production, balance hormones
  • Vitamin D: Is essential for skin to function and can be attained by exposure to early morning sunlight.
  • Silica, Sulpher, Calcium Lactate and Magnesium Oxide: Are good for your skin and help fight skin stress.
  • Colloidial Silver: Known to help prevent and heal wounds and infections. But it is also linked to a dangerous condition called Argyria.

    Additional skin supplements include: B12, RNA,

    OUTSIDE HELP: 'NON TRADITIONAL' HEALING

    Nutrition - Other Nutritional Skin Supplements:

  • Linoleic acid: An essential fat needed for cellular growth and is obtained through such foods as corn oil and soybean oil
  • Sulpher: Actually controls fungus and bacteria
  • Potassium: Enhances adrenal function

    Some additional supplements that have been known to have a positive effect on the skin include: chlorophyll, primrose oil, cod liver oil, hci - hydrocloric acid with digestive enzymes, proteolytic enzymes, kelp, unsaturated fatty acids: sesame, flaxseed and linseed oils.

    OUTSIDE HELP: 'NON TRADITIONAL' HEALING

    Nutrition - Glandular Therapy

    Because I am a vegetarian, I am not a fan of this type of therapy, but it should be listed as one that is currently used and advised by several health practitioners.

    Thymus and lymph - raw glandulars promote elimination of toxins. Raw dermis or epithelial tissue supports skin integrity to help prevent scarring.

    OUTSIDE HELP: 'NON TRADITIONAL' HEALING

    Nutrition - Herbs and Teas That Affect Skin

  • Milk Thistle and Burdock Root teas" Help the liver purify toxins from the system.
  • Pau D’Arco: Known to provide support for the skin.
  • Chamomile: Healing agent used as far back as the Ancient Egyptians. 17th Century herbalists used it to treat stomach upset. And even more recently it has been externally to heal wounds due to its antibacterial and antifungal tendencies. It is a common ingredient in many modern lotions, toners, and moisturizers.

    OUTSIDE HELP: 'NON TRADITIONAL' HEALING

    Nutrition - Amino Acids for Skin

  • L-Cysteine promotes healing, protects against free radical damage to skin and cells and helps the body detoxify itself of heavy metals.
  • L-methionine aids in liver function.

    Some amino acids are directly linked to not just your physical well being, but your emotional as well.

  • L-glutamine: Affects the neurotransmitter GABA (Gamma-amino-butyric acid) and deficiency can result in anxiety, insecurity, sleep disorders and can lead to panic attacks. Drugs which add to this problem include valium, alcohol, marijuana and tobacco.
  • L-tyrosine and L-phenylalanine: These amino acids directly support the neurotransmitter, norepinephrine, and deficiency can result in depression as well as lack of energy or drive. Drugs which add to this problem include not only cocaine, speed, marijuana, tobacco and alcohol, but also caffeine.
  • dL-phenylalanine: Affects the endorphins. We have all heard about ‘getting your endorphins running’ or a ‘runner’s high’, and the chemical reaction induced by love and chocolate! Deficiency of dLphenylalanine will not let you have any of these and result in depression, too. Drugs which add to the problem include tobacco, alcohol, heroin, AND sugar.
  • L-Tryptophan: Is a de-stress amino acid.

    OUTSIDE HELP: 'NON TRADITIONAL' HEALING

    Nutrition - Specific Systems and Supplements

  • Liver function: ascorbic acid, niacin, L-methionine, Inositol, Celandine, B-12 Biotin, Choline bitrate, vitamin A.
  • Lymphatic system support: goldenseal, burdock root, red clover, grape root
  • Digestive System: Include more high-fiber foods: beans, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Use different types of food to get this fiber, don’t eat just one kind. i.e. only cereal or beans. Use psylium husks to clean out intestinal system. Drink burdock root, milk thistle, red clover teas.

    OUTSIDE HELP: 'NON TRADITIONAL' HEALING

    Exercise

    Nutritional supplements are all well and good and can make you feel like you are contributing to your complexion solution, but no amount of supplements, vitamins or herbs will make up for a lack of whole balanced foods in your diet, small doses of sunlight and fresh air, and regular exercise.

    I am the last one to talk about regular exercise. During my worst picking days, I rarely moved. I really am an energetic person with a quick metabolism, but my job and lazy attitude dictated that I sit in a chair for long periods of time. I now see that the severe state of depression (over my skin and other life issues) I was in caused me to be so inactive.

    Exercise will improve capillary circulation and lymphatic drainage leading to clearing skin. And plus you'll just feel better all around. So don't forget bodywork for you skin. In addition to dietary nutrients, daily exercise keeps your circulation flowing and helps heal and keep your skin healthy.

    OUTSIDE HELP: 'NON TRADITIONAL' HEALING

    Exercise - Mood Alteration

    Exercise is a major force in mood alteration as is diet.

    As was mentioned in the previous chapter, seratonin has been linked to depression and obsession. Nutrition can and does effect the chemical balance in your body.

    L-Tryptophan is one of the essential amino acids. You may be familiar with its effects on Thanksgiving day as a natural relaxant and sleep aid. That is because turkey is high in tryptophan. This amino acid was pulled as a supplement back in 1989 due to reports of negative side effects. Although these reports was traced back to one particular factory’s batch of the product, tryptophan still suffers from FDA regulation.

    Tryptophan appears to have a positive effect on seratonin and has been used to treat depression and anxiety disorders.

    And if you didn't already know it, guess what? Chocolate has also been linked to improving your serotonin levels!

    OUTSIDE HELP: 'NON TRADITIONAL' HEALING

    General Detoxification of the Body

  • Start a high fiber diet with plenty of organic food which reduces exposure to pesticides, hormones and herbicide residues.
  • Increase fresh unprocessed foods and reduce over processed fatty foods: hydrogenated fats, refined sugar, refined flour, cream, cheese, eggs, fried foods, meat, butter, margarine.
  • Limit salt intake which can mess with your body’s pH and set off breakouts.
  • Include regular protein-rich foods better sources being nuts, seeds, peas, legumes, beans, lentils, sprouted beans and grains.
  • Take a Multivitamin and mineral supplement.
  • Consider cold-pressed flaxseed oil daily – which is an emollient anti inflammatory and a good source of GLA.

    OUTSIDE HELP: 'NON TRADITIONAL' HEALING

    General Detoxification of the Body - Deleting Dairy

    Refined and concentrated sugars, hydrogenated oils, fried foods, white-flour products, alcohol and dairy products can all have adverse effects on your skin. So keep an eye for them. Dairy products in particular have been known to be a cause of excess mucus in the body. As a result, dairy has been linked to sinus problems, allergies, lung problems and specifically skin problems.

    Another thing to consider if you don't want to delete dairy entirely from your diet is to at least buy organic milk products. The FDA now allows cows to be injected with RBGH (Recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone). It makes the cows produce more white blood cells and as a result more pus in their milk. Milk is processed in batches, so if you are not drinking organic milk, butter, yogurt or cheese, odds are there is RBGH milk mixed in what you're eating.

    OUTSIDE HELP: 'NON TRADITIONAL' HEALING

    General Detoxification of the Body - Water - the Source of Life and Health

    Water is the largest component of the human body. An average guy is approximately 50-65% water (roughly 45 quarts). Woman are generally a bit lower because their larger proportion of fatty tissues which don't hold water as well. Infants are over 70% water!

    Water regulates body temperature, carries nutrients and oxygen through the bloodstream and cushions bones, muscles, joints and organs.

    One of the best things that you can do for your complexion is to drink water. You've heard it before, how you're supposed to drink 8 glasses of water daily. But really think about it… If you were drinking that much water, your bloodstream would be cleaner and able to spread oxygen more readily and the oily substances that come through your skin would be more shall we say… filtered. That's because water keeps your tissues flushed so that waste and toxins won't be dumped out through the skin. Water enables your body to get rid of impurities more easily. It releases the body of toxins that could make acne worse.

    Drinking the right kind of water is your best offense against life's impurities. Fluoridated tap water may leach Vitamin E out of your body. Bottled water is better. But the best kind of water you can drink for your skin is 100% steam distilled water. Your body needs organic minerals. But water is not the best place to get them. All the minerals you need can be found abundantly in a healthy diet. Distilled water is free from chemicals and minerals and is the best water for your skin.

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