Expert: Dr. Kristina Conner - 5/9/2010

Question
Hi,
I have experienced continual high stress for the last ten years. Meditation has been helping with management, more so than any medications a physician has prescribed. Major early symptoms were numbness and pain throughout entire left side of body and confusion. Originally diagnosed as seizure disorder but all symptoms are stress related.
I have used reiki and hypnosis(positive thoughts/affirmation) in the past with excellent results. The reiki has never completely resolved the issues but has concentrated the discomfort and inability to feel to the left hand and fingers.
However, affordability has an impact on my ability to continue treatment. Is there another, more affordable form of treatment...nutritional etc. that could help?

Answer
Hello Lyssa,
If Reiki has been helpful you might consider getting an attunement yourself so you can do the therapy on yourself or be able to do trades with others.  Same goes for many other types of energy therapies, and of course meditation, self hypnosis, and similar interventions are free once you are comfortable doing this on your own.  These are the most effective tools for decreasing the effects of stress, and there are some low intervention tools that may be additionally helpful.  The first would be to ensure good lifestyle habits like sleep, exercise, hydration, and diet.  Diet would ideally be low in stimulants, artificial colors, sweeteners, and flavors, processed foods, and any foods one is personally sensitive to; while increasing whole fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, omega 3 and 9 fats as these are supportive for nervous system function.  In addition, specific nutrients for stress management can be emphasized in food or supplements, such as vitamin C, B vitamins especially B5, magnesium, and essential fatty acids (omega 3s like fish oil).  Another inexpensive therapy you might want to consider is homeopathy.  Homeopathic remedies are very effective for stress-related conditions and non-invasive; they are best prescribed by a homeopathic practitioner but you may be able to self prescribe with some research on websites like www.abchomeopathy.com.  
If these interventions are not enough to make a large difference, I would suggest you seek out a naturopathic doctor in your area for more individualized advice and assessment.  you can find an ND in canada at www.cand.ca.  
In health,
Dr Conner