pjo
02-16-2003, 11:23 AM
I am currently taking BuSpar for anxiety and Clonidine for high blood pressure. I would like to quit taking the Buspar and try using supplements instead. Does anyone have any suggestions on where to begin? Thanks.
Sponsor
kat721
02-17-2003, 01:30 PM
There are a number of alternative ways to approach the regulation of blood pressure and anxiety.
However, you need to look beyond the symptoms and look for the cause of your imbalance.
If your BP is high because you are anxious, then some relaxation techniques such as biofeed back or hypnosis might be helpful.
If your BP is mild then an adjustment in your diet with a good cardiovascular exercise program would be to your advantage.
Massage, within the guidelines for a hypertensive patient, and acupuncture for helping the energy flow more efficiently, is also a good choice.
However, if your BP is caused by an underlying organic problem or genetic predisposition, then medication can't be ruled out and your health and wellness depends on taking the right medication regularly with the addition of all of the above mentioned modalities done with respect to staying on your medication as per Doctors orders.
With anxiety being an attendant problem you have to understand what causes that anxiety.
Is it fear and unresolved life issues? Or might it be a tachycardic heart revving up your cardiovascular system and making your heart pump too fast mimicking an anxiety attack. You have to work with your doctor to differentiate a heart rhythm problem from an anxiety attack.
Also, ones blood sugar plays an important role in these problems and the occurance of blood sugar spikes or drops might be an undiagnosed problem.
I have had numerous blood sugar tests done and my blood sugar levels always come out perfect on a morning fast.
However, during a specific glucose tolerance test it's a whole different story of a very dangerous nature.
My blood sugar falls dangerously low on the Glucose Tolerance Test. I now take an anti diabetic medication to keep my self from going into a sugar low coma. However, until there was one Doctor who was wise enough to run an exact and specific test, everyone thought I was having chronic anxiety and I was put on Xanax for the problem.
Well, now I have specific medication to address my heart rhythm problem and my low blood sugar problem and Xanax is a non issuse. My heart is no longer pounding out of my chest and I am no longer crankey and irritable and shakey and disoriented.
So, get a good total medical assessment and stay on the meds you need for any real medical condition that warrents medication care and incorporate a wellness plan with exercise and diet modification to allow your health and wellness to be their best.
With both anxiety and HBP exercise will be your best and most holistic friend anyway.
How we care for our HBP/Anxiety conditions depends more on our physical activity and diet than any suppliment anyway.
Kat
However, you need to look beyond the symptoms and look for the cause of your imbalance.
If your BP is high because you are anxious, then some relaxation techniques such as biofeed back or hypnosis might be helpful.
If your BP is mild then an adjustment in your diet with a good cardiovascular exercise program would be to your advantage.
Massage, within the guidelines for a hypertensive patient, and acupuncture for helping the energy flow more efficiently, is also a good choice.
However, if your BP is caused by an underlying organic problem or genetic predisposition, then medication can't be ruled out and your health and wellness depends on taking the right medication regularly with the addition of all of the above mentioned modalities done with respect to staying on your medication as per Doctors orders.
With anxiety being an attendant problem you have to understand what causes that anxiety.
Is it fear and unresolved life issues? Or might it be a tachycardic heart revving up your cardiovascular system and making your heart pump too fast mimicking an anxiety attack. You have to work with your doctor to differentiate a heart rhythm problem from an anxiety attack.
Also, ones blood sugar plays an important role in these problems and the occurance of blood sugar spikes or drops might be an undiagnosed problem.
I have had numerous blood sugar tests done and my blood sugar levels always come out perfect on a morning fast.
However, during a specific glucose tolerance test it's a whole different story of a very dangerous nature.
My blood sugar falls dangerously low on the Glucose Tolerance Test. I now take an anti diabetic medication to keep my self from going into a sugar low coma. However, until there was one Doctor who was wise enough to run an exact and specific test, everyone thought I was having chronic anxiety and I was put on Xanax for the problem.
Well, now I have specific medication to address my heart rhythm problem and my low blood sugar problem and Xanax is a non issuse. My heart is no longer pounding out of my chest and I am no longer crankey and irritable and shakey and disoriented.
So, get a good total medical assessment and stay on the meds you need for any real medical condition that warrents medication care and incorporate a wellness plan with exercise and diet modification to allow your health and wellness to be their best.
With both anxiety and HBP exercise will be your best and most holistic friend anyway.
How we care for our HBP/Anxiety conditions depends more on our physical activity and diet than any suppliment anyway.
Kat
Sarah68
02-19-2003, 11:16 AM
As well as acupuncture, I would like to suggest homeopathy. Homeopathy can deal with inherited predispositions to disease and you may not have to take meds for high blood pressure. You can reduce your meds effectively whilst taking the homeopathic remedy and may be able to come off them altogether.
kat721
02-19-2003, 08:11 PM
Homeopathic treatments would be contraindicated if the HBP medicine were a substance that negates the homeopatic treatment.
The problem with Homeopathy is that you absolutely have to adhere to a strict and controled set of dietary and supplimental controls.
And, as we all know, one ill thought peppermint after dinner and poof there goes the homeopathic attempt at wellness.
The remedy then has a backwards spiral and a lot of people will experience a health crisis as symptoms cascade.
If one were to choose a Homeopathic treatment it would be better done with a medical Doctor who has a specialty in homeopathic treatment closely monitoring the remedy.
There are a number of Acupuncture Doctors who have a specialty in Homeopathic treatment and second to a traditional MD that kind of professional would be a good choice too.
With homeopathy and critical life imbalances such as High Blood Pressure and Diabetes etc. it's best to take the HOME out of Homeopathy and get good and sound medical guidence.
Ones Blood Pressure is a serious condition that could have many hidden problems.
Unless one is taking their BP at least a couple of times a day, it would be impossible for someone with substantial hypertension to even know if they are sick or not if they don't tend to manifest symptoms.
While some people are sensitive to the rise and fall of BP and it's body reactions, there are a huge number of people who never manifest symptom one.
That's why hypertension is called the silent killer.
Because it literally does kill silently with no signs until the critical coronary or the massive brain explosion.
Cardiovascular disease is the NUMBER ONE killer of women(in particular) in the United States. NUMBER ONE!
That's a pretty high statistic out performing even Cancer in the death department.
Since hypertension is such a big and important problem in ones general health, it would make wise and actually Holistic sense to not gamble with ones life with out proper medical guidance.
Additionally, Hypertension and cardiovascular problems can also be warning signals for other systemic problems like those existing with the Endocrine system and metabolism.
Unless one would specifically know if they are dealing with a cardio problem or an endocrine problem, then it would again be difficult to pinoint the homeopathic remedy for the proper regulation and care of a systemic dysfunction.
The real key in the application of alternative therapies with any degree of reasonable sucess, depends on the flexibility of practitioners to blend and merge with traditional medicine.
Alternative should really be thought of as complimentary because to exclude traditional medicine would then be going to the extreme of the other end of the spectrum and Holistic practices would then be subject to the same limitations of traditional medicine in excluding vital pieces that work together to make a whole.
So take your meds if you need them.
Do not be ashamed if medication is a necessity for the well being of your body.
Alternative modalities are not the be all cure all for every human disease, but they can be powerful partners in helping us make the best of our situations and the quality of vibrant life we experience on a daliy basis.
Choose your healing wisely.
Kat
The problem with Homeopathy is that you absolutely have to adhere to a strict and controled set of dietary and supplimental controls.
And, as we all know, one ill thought peppermint after dinner and poof there goes the homeopathic attempt at wellness.
The remedy then has a backwards spiral and a lot of people will experience a health crisis as symptoms cascade.
If one were to choose a Homeopathic treatment it would be better done with a medical Doctor who has a specialty in homeopathic treatment closely monitoring the remedy.
There are a number of Acupuncture Doctors who have a specialty in Homeopathic treatment and second to a traditional MD that kind of professional would be a good choice too.
With homeopathy and critical life imbalances such as High Blood Pressure and Diabetes etc. it's best to take the HOME out of Homeopathy and get good and sound medical guidence.
Ones Blood Pressure is a serious condition that could have many hidden problems.
Unless one is taking their BP at least a couple of times a day, it would be impossible for someone with substantial hypertension to even know if they are sick or not if they don't tend to manifest symptoms.
While some people are sensitive to the rise and fall of BP and it's body reactions, there are a huge number of people who never manifest symptom one.
That's why hypertension is called the silent killer.
Because it literally does kill silently with no signs until the critical coronary or the massive brain explosion.
Cardiovascular disease is the NUMBER ONE killer of women(in particular) in the United States. NUMBER ONE!
That's a pretty high statistic out performing even Cancer in the death department.
Since hypertension is such a big and important problem in ones general health, it would make wise and actually Holistic sense to not gamble with ones life with out proper medical guidance.
Additionally, Hypertension and cardiovascular problems can also be warning signals for other systemic problems like those existing with the Endocrine system and metabolism.
Unless one would specifically know if they are dealing with a cardio problem or an endocrine problem, then it would again be difficult to pinoint the homeopathic remedy for the proper regulation and care of a systemic dysfunction.
The real key in the application of alternative therapies with any degree of reasonable sucess, depends on the flexibility of practitioners to blend and merge with traditional medicine.
Alternative should really be thought of as complimentary because to exclude traditional medicine would then be going to the extreme of the other end of the spectrum and Holistic practices would then be subject to the same limitations of traditional medicine in excluding vital pieces that work together to make a whole.
So take your meds if you need them.
Do not be ashamed if medication is a necessity for the well being of your body.
Alternative modalities are not the be all cure all for every human disease, but they can be powerful partners in helping us make the best of our situations and the quality of vibrant life we experience on a daliy basis.
Choose your healing wisely.
Kat
rhody
02-20-2003, 01:24 AM
Under doctor's care and recommendations, I would try to change to a healthy diet and exercise. First start any exercise program slowly. It's a lifestyle change. Exercise does a great job of reducing stress and making a person relax. It's a "wonder drug".
There are herbs that help with anxiety and well-being, but I would start with a sound diet and exercise program first. Again, I would suggest this under doctor's care, particularly with anyone that has high blood pressure or other health concerns.
Years ago, I found that weight training made me so sleepy that I slept so deeply. I was really surprised. I figured that only a cardio-vascular workout would only do that. But lifting weights can really make one so relaxed. I must caution again, although, people with high blood pressure have to be very careful with lifting weights. This should be accomplished very slowly as the body is returning to health.
For people that don't normally exercise, a walking program, is a nice step in the right direction.... :)
There are herbs that help with anxiety and well-being, but I would start with a sound diet and exercise program first. Again, I would suggest this under doctor's care, particularly with anyone that has high blood pressure or other health concerns.
Years ago, I found that weight training made me so sleepy that I slept so deeply. I was really surprised. I figured that only a cardio-vascular workout would only do that. But lifting weights can really make one so relaxed. I must caution again, although, people with high blood pressure have to be very careful with lifting weights. This should be accomplished very slowly as the body is returning to health.
For people that don't normally exercise, a walking program, is a nice step in the right direction.... :)
Sarah68
02-20-2003, 04:44 AM
Kat,
When I recommended homeopathy, I never meant people to fiddle around with this by themselves, but to go and see a qualified practitioner. I would also suggest that they see an ND rather than an MD, as homeopathic doctors do tend to practice in a very targeted and systemic way, which is definitely not how homeopathy was designed to be used.
Anyway, just to let you know that I did originally train as a nurse, so am very well aware of the medical implications of hypertension. I worked with renal patients so know full well what it can do.
I have also spent four long years training in homeopathy too, so also know what I am talking about here. I have to say one thing that you stated that I disagree with and that was a remedy needs to be targeted at a particular system. That is incorrect and homeopathy should be used for the whole person or the totality, which is why any practitioner should spend at least an hour and ideally an hour and a half in taking a very good case from a patient to identify all these areas.
Also, I would disagree that one mint will undo the work of a homeopathic remedy. Homeopathic remedies work on a dynamic level, so you need something else that is dynamic to stop a remedy from working. Something which is working on a purely physical level cannot undo something on a dynamic level.
I agree also that it should be complementary medicine, but as I said before, if you select the correct remedy in the right potency it can do a lot and I have seen patients significantly reduce doses of conventional meds whilst taking a remedy and it can definitely help with inherited patterns of disease.
I would always tell people to seek treatment from either a fully qualified homeopath or an ND who practices homeopathy.
When I recommended homeopathy, I never meant people to fiddle around with this by themselves, but to go and see a qualified practitioner. I would also suggest that they see an ND rather than an MD, as homeopathic doctors do tend to practice in a very targeted and systemic way, which is definitely not how homeopathy was designed to be used.
Anyway, just to let you know that I did originally train as a nurse, so am very well aware of the medical implications of hypertension. I worked with renal patients so know full well what it can do.
I have also spent four long years training in homeopathy too, so also know what I am talking about here. I have to say one thing that you stated that I disagree with and that was a remedy needs to be targeted at a particular system. That is incorrect and homeopathy should be used for the whole person or the totality, which is why any practitioner should spend at least an hour and ideally an hour and a half in taking a very good case from a patient to identify all these areas.
Also, I would disagree that one mint will undo the work of a homeopathic remedy. Homeopathic remedies work on a dynamic level, so you need something else that is dynamic to stop a remedy from working. Something which is working on a purely physical level cannot undo something on a dynamic level.
I agree also that it should be complementary medicine, but as I said before, if you select the correct remedy in the right potency it can do a lot and I have seen patients significantly reduce doses of conventional meds whilst taking a remedy and it can definitely help with inherited patterns of disease.
I would always tell people to seek treatment from either a fully qualified homeopath or an ND who practices homeopathy.
kat721
02-20-2003, 07:41 PM
Sarah, We all have our realities. And ones point of view is only as colored as their personal experiences.
Otherwise we would not have such diversity in belief and practice and that goes for the Holistic/Wholistic
approach as well as the traditional medicine approach.
I totally agree with the idea of diet and exercise as the first directive for Hypertension. I was first diagnosed with hypertnsion in my early 30's.
I've had the problem for 15 years.
For me, my condition has changed and fluctuated as I changed and fluctuated in my own body.
There have been years I have experienced great control.
And other years when my body went through so much that the BP suffered.
So it's all dependant on so many things.
Especially for women with their changing hormones.
For me riding horses and Scuba Diving were once my best physical controls.
My BP, with medication was at one point so well controled that I was able to Scuba Dive.
Diving was great for my HBP. I did a constant 110/70 with two Dives a month.
If one chooses a sport that requires a balance of good health for participation then it is essential that you work closely with your doctor.
When you cross the barrier from exercise into the more complex area of sports, maintaining the most even vitals you can manage becomes essential for your health and well being.
Unfortunately I am not in a peak year this year.
I had a hysterectomy with colon complications.
No more horses or diving for a while and who knows if I'll be able to get back to some of my favorite things to do.
During the process of an emergency surgery to address a colon shut down my heart went tilt and didn't get better for a long time.
I was recently started on a Beta Blocker to keep my heart out of Tachycardia.
I told my cardiologist that my biggest goal is to get back into the water.
He just looked at me and said "we'll see"
But he has already made the stipulation that I am to do no more than 30 feet easy environmental circumstances and No Caves. As for the horses, well, I sold my favorite boy in the summer because of unresolved pelvic adhesions and pain.
It just didn't make sense to not let the horse do what he loves best just because I can't ride.
So right now I'm working out on a cardio bike and trying to get my time a bit better than 3 minutes.
I had a 3rd surgery at the beginning of January
to remove my one remaining ovary and the adhesions that grew back after the original hysterectomy.
I have been a profesional Holistic practitioner for over 20 years.
I have had access to the best and most caring holistic health opportunities that one could hope for.
When the event of my much needed hysterectomy became an issue I was blessed to have the support and help of other women who have spent a life time living the work they practice.
The wisest healer is the one who knows the virtue of any modality, medicine or poison if need be.
Kat
P.S. And by the way, WALKING is one of the most perfect exercises for anyone who can manage to walk.
Walking has been my saving grace with the colon problems and during the times I was too weak to do anything else.
Also, for those who don't have treadmills or if the weather is not suited for walking, the mall makes a great place to get the walk time in.
After the hysterectomy I have not been able to tolerate the weather as well as I used to so walking the mall has been the best resource for for me to regain my strength.
[This message has been edited by kat721 (edited 02-20-2003).]
Otherwise we would not have such diversity in belief and practice and that goes for the Holistic/Wholistic
approach as well as the traditional medicine approach.
I totally agree with the idea of diet and exercise as the first directive for Hypertension. I was first diagnosed with hypertnsion in my early 30's.
I've had the problem for 15 years.
For me, my condition has changed and fluctuated as I changed and fluctuated in my own body.
There have been years I have experienced great control.
And other years when my body went through so much that the BP suffered.
So it's all dependant on so many things.
Especially for women with their changing hormones.
For me riding horses and Scuba Diving were once my best physical controls.
My BP, with medication was at one point so well controled that I was able to Scuba Dive.
Diving was great for my HBP. I did a constant 110/70 with two Dives a month.
If one chooses a sport that requires a balance of good health for participation then it is essential that you work closely with your doctor.
When you cross the barrier from exercise into the more complex area of sports, maintaining the most even vitals you can manage becomes essential for your health and well being.
Unfortunately I am not in a peak year this year.
I had a hysterectomy with colon complications.
No more horses or diving for a while and who knows if I'll be able to get back to some of my favorite things to do.
During the process of an emergency surgery to address a colon shut down my heart went tilt and didn't get better for a long time.
I was recently started on a Beta Blocker to keep my heart out of Tachycardia.
I told my cardiologist that my biggest goal is to get back into the water.
He just looked at me and said "we'll see"
But he has already made the stipulation that I am to do no more than 30 feet easy environmental circumstances and No Caves. As for the horses, well, I sold my favorite boy in the summer because of unresolved pelvic adhesions and pain.
It just didn't make sense to not let the horse do what he loves best just because I can't ride.
So right now I'm working out on a cardio bike and trying to get my time a bit better than 3 minutes.
I had a 3rd surgery at the beginning of January
to remove my one remaining ovary and the adhesions that grew back after the original hysterectomy.
I have been a profesional Holistic practitioner for over 20 years.
I have had access to the best and most caring holistic health opportunities that one could hope for.
When the event of my much needed hysterectomy became an issue I was blessed to have the support and help of other women who have spent a life time living the work they practice.
The wisest healer is the one who knows the virtue of any modality, medicine or poison if need be.
Kat
P.S. And by the way, WALKING is one of the most perfect exercises for anyone who can manage to walk.
Walking has been my saving grace with the colon problems and during the times I was too weak to do anything else.
Also, for those who don't have treadmills or if the weather is not suited for walking, the mall makes a great place to get the walk time in.
After the hysterectomy I have not been able to tolerate the weather as well as I used to so walking the mall has been the best resource for for me to regain my strength.
[This message has been edited by kat721 (edited 02-20-2003).]