​Those who deal with chronic pain issues need a bit more guidance than your average Joe.  For those sufferers, friends and family members often leave an unintentional deaf ear when needed the most.  It is not that these individuals intend to leave us astray, but rather they can't fully comprehend the daily tasks of trials and tribulations that leave us drained and anxiety ridden. 

It is at these times that prayer is most needed.  By allowing your life's path to be by guided by God takes the onus of control off your back.  As you well know, life offers no control.  If we have control for the moment, it is often fleeting, leaving us without a moment's notice.  After all, there are times in life we must go with the flow, drift on the river of intent, and hope it leads us to peaceful grounds.  By questioning and admonishing what is happening to us only leaves us with a life of regret.  And, as you well know, stress causes more pain, and that you can do without.  Put your pain in someone's arms, allow your life to be guided, ask God to come in, and pray each moment you need him most.  You will be amazed at how often your prayers are answered and peace is blessed upon you.

If you need some spiritual inspiration, God's Message Today offers a Monday's Blessing Blog.  I write this blog, too, as an outlet to aid my own spirituality.  I realized at the onset of this illness I needed a higher power to get through life's daily nuances prayer has amazing attributes and can help you battle that fire in our souls.

Dr. Mehmet Oz offers this advice, "Regardless of what motivates people to pray, there's no denying that a lot of people do it. One study shows that 36 percent of people use complementary and alternative medicine, but that number almost doubles when prayer is included in the definition. Those respondents say they use prayer for their own health and to help others. Even more telling: Of those people who said they prayed for
health reasons, 70 percent said that prayer was helpful. Why? Seems like it may work through several different mechanisms:- It relaxes: A form of meditation (no matter what your religious preferences), prayer helps to slow breathing and brain activity, and reduces heart rate and blood pressure. All relaxing, all good.
- It's positive: Let's face it. When you pray, you typically don't finish feeling like you want to rap somebody's ankles with a wooden spoon. You leave being filled with peace, joy, and other emotions that are worthy of being printed on holiday cocktail napkins. There's some evidence that these emotions lead to positive physiological responses throughout the entire body. Our stress hormone levels prepare for a peaceful existence. Perhaps more importantly, our immune system becomes less agitated so chemicals like proinflammatory cytokines, which act like kerosene on a fire, are not driving our joints and arteries to overreact to every biologic stress inside us. The result: A less inflamed, more beautiful place to live.- It's better than nothing (i.e. the placebo effect): I'd be remiss in my reporting if I didn't say that some of the benefits derived from prayer can simply be accounted for because the person feels like it's helping, whether it's physiologically helping or not. Placebo effects have been shown to account for 70 percent of the benefit
in some procedures. My stance here is that thinking you're doing something to help yourself is a big part of prayer anyway." He recommends reading You Being Beautiful.

Change is inevitable on your trek with this new syndrome.  The signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia are diverse.  It is odd the way they can appear and fluctuate in severity depending on numerous factors, such as weather conditions, stress, level of physical activity, poor nutrition, hormone fluctuations, and even the time of the day.  These and other components, when combined with the many different symptoms can affect the complexity of the syndrome. 

Fibromyalgia is a complex syndrome, and its symptoms are complex as well.  Knowing what causes this would certainly make our journey easier.  But, advent research is on the horizon, and will soon develop more effective and sophisticated treatment plans.  Until then, there are many options to explore as seen here on this website that will make your life much easier. 

The good news is, by following many guidelines here, you may find improvement in your condition.  More importantly, it has been noted, that according to individuals who combine natural and appropriate medicinal support, you can actually find yourself in remission!  Take a moment and jot down which of the following symptoms you experience so that as you peruse this site you can find aded relief.

Fibromyalgia Symptoms:

Persistent muscle pain
Fatigue
Joint Pain
Sleep disturbances
Headache
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Fibro Fog
Confusion, impaired attention
Hypersensitivity to chemicals, allergens
Hypersensitivity to alcohol, medications
Mood swings, depression
Anxiety
Numbness or tingling sensations
Painful menstrual periods
Shortness of breath
Vision problems
Carpal tunnel syndrome like pains
Vision problems
Sensitivity to temperature changes
Chest pain like symptoms
Heart palpitations
Frequent infections
Weight changes - gain or loss

So what are you waiting for?  Dig into this site and regain your health!

Sugar is definitely a no-no when speaking to anyone who has implemented Paleo into their diet.  This recipe will also appeases vegan counterparts who are interested in investing in a healthy lifestyle.

Why are dates good for you?

• They may help lower cholesterol. Dates are loaded with soluble fiber, which may help to lower the total cholesterol in your blood.
• They’re good for bone health. Dates contain minerals like selenium, magnesium, manganese and copper, which are thought to keep bones healthy and help to prevent osteoporosis.
• They’re good for constipation. Dates are known for helping to relieve constipation, most likely due to their soluble fiber and magnesium content.
• They’re rich in iron. Dates are a plant-based source of iron, which may help to prevent anemia. (I ate a bunch of them during my second pregnancy, and I managed to avoid anemia like I had during my first pregnancy.)
• They’re good for your skin. Dates contain vitamins C and D, which are thought to help with skin elasticity.

1 pound  dates , pitted (about 4 cups tightly packed)
1 1/2 cups water

In the bowl of a large food processor fitted with an "S" blade, combine the pitted dates and water.

Process until very smooth, scraping down the bowl to make sure all of the dates are incorporated.
​
Store the date paste in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks, and use it in your favorite healthy recipes.

If you're gluten free, here's an alternative crust that will definitely be added to your favorite files.  This cornmeal crust is crispy, crunchy can light.  It's a great pizza crust, and it makes a delicious base for chili as well.  To ensure it is completely gluten-free, use gluten-free flour.

3/4 cup plant milk
2 Tbs. fresh lime juice
 1 cup oat flour
3/4 cup fine cornmeal, more for dusting
1/3 cup almond flour
1 tab. ground flaxseed
1 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. cumin
1/2 tsp. sea salt

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. 

In a bowl place all dry ingredients.

Add milk and lime juice. Knead lightly with your hands so that the dough is stringy but not sticky.

Spread a large piece of parchment paper on a clean work surface.  Sprinkle some cornmeal on it.  Roll out to 1/4 inch thick.  Use your hands to lightly push dough around perimeter and build up a slight edge. Slide parchment paper with crust unto pizza pan sheet.  Top with your favorite toppings and bake 15-18 minutes. 

​A kidnapping, broadcast live on social media, turns into the trial of a judge who presided over a botched criminal case. This time, however, the audience gets to play judge and jury, deciding if the judge himself gets to live or die.

​Conceived as a marrow donor for her gravely ill sister, Anna Fitzgerald (Abigail Breslin) has undergone countless surgeries and medical procedures in her short life. Though their older daughter's life has no doubt been prolonged, the unorthodox decision of Anna's parents has cracked the entire family's foundation. When Anna sues her parents for emancipation, it sets off a court case that threatens to destroy the family for good.

​Trying to reconnect with his son Danny, big shot Wall Street broker Will takes his family on a hunting trip to the cabin where he grew up. The trip takes a deadly turn when they go hunting and stumble upon several robbers and witness the murder of one of the criminals. After becoming entangled in a bank heist gone bad, which results in the kidnapping of Danny, Will is forced to help the kidnappers evade the police chief and recover the stolen loot in exchange for his son's life.

​Susannah Cahalan, an up-and-coming journalist at the New York Post becomes plagued by voices in her head and seizures. As weeks progress and Susannah quickly moves deeper into insanity, her behaviors shift from violence to catatonia. After a series of tantrums, misdiagnoses, and a lengthy hospital stay, a doctor's last-minute intervention enables him to give her a diagnosis and a chance to rebuild her life.

I have been waiting weeks since my initial purchase of the acupressure mat my son purchased for my birthday to share any news with you.  As you have noted from previous blog entries I had been experiencing terrible pain in my lower back area.  

Last year this incredible dilemma kept me bedridden for four days. So, naturally, I'm looking for an alternative to aid me in such discomfort.  Hence on the scene comes the acupressure mat.  My son had found it on the internet using key words such as: fibromyalgia, back pain, acupuncture.  

"Hey, Mom, your birthday is coming up.  What do you think about this?" he asked.

"Ah, I don't know.  Up close and personal it looks painful," I replied.

"Well, do you want to try it or not?  I can always send it back," he answered.

"Sure, why not? I can't keep handling this constant pain," I stated.

Well, it came.  And I touched it.  And it hurt.  Yep, it hurt my fingertips because my body is an electrical grid of painful impulses.  It had a nice black bag that laid comfortably on my bed. I left it there for over a week.

"Have you tried it yet?" my son questioned.

"Nope, looks painful.  Working on it though!"

"Well, I did, and yea it hurts, but after I was done my back felt different.  I didn't feel the side pain anymore.  Why not try it for a minute at a time?" he added.

I did.  I tried it for 30 seconds and got off.  OUCH! I thought.  But when the pain subsided, my back was invigorated and there was no pain.  Hmmmmm........ this is interesting.

So I laid on it the first week for 45 seconds.  The next week 1 minute.  The next week 2 minutes.  I'm up to 4 minutes now, and my goodness there is a difference!  I have not had back pain for 6 weeks! Someone has something helpful here finally.  I'm sold.  When I stop using the mat, my right side back pain begins again.  I can't live without it! And, best of all you DO BEGIN to get used to the initial discomfort.

Acupressure is an ancient Chinese therapy that is practiced by health professionals around the world. However plenty choose to enjoy the treatment in their own home!

Chronic pain statistics have shown many are trying alternative therapies to cope with daily pain. See below 23 proven health benefits of using an acupressure mat:

​1: NATURAL PAIN RELIEF

One of the key benefits of an acupressure mat is that it’s a natural form of pain relief.

With 191 million opioid prescriptions dispensed in 2017, and the US government declaring it a public health emergency, anything that can help manage pain in a natural way is sure to be desirable.

A major systematic review in 2014 looked at all the research surrounding acupressure and pain.

Findings were overwhelmingly positive and showed that acupressure was effective for a variety of different types of pain.

The study concluded that health professionals should consider the use of acupressure as a complementary therapy for managing the pain associated with many conditions.

2: PRODUCES ENDORPHINS

Many heath professionals recommend acupressure as the process is found to release endorphins.

Endorphins work in a similar way to opioids. Often referred to as ‘the body’s natural painkillers’, they help to reduce pain and produce a feeling of euphoria.

Research published in 2017 showed that acupressure can stimulate the production of endorphins which helps to block the pain signals reaching the brain.

3: LOWERS HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

Clinical trials conducted in Taiwan looked at the impact of acupressure on patients with hypertension.

During the trial it was found that blood pressure was lowered for a period of at least 30 minutes.

More research is needed to see the extent to which acupressure can reduce blood pressure on a long term basis, however the project proved it to be effective as a short term solution.

What’s the difference between acupuncture and acupressure?

• Acupuncture and acupressure both stimulate acupoints. Acupuncture is with needles that pierce the skin, acupressure is non-invasive with manual pressure used to massage the acupoints.

4: EFFECTIVE FOR MANY SERIOUS CONDITIONS

Using an acupressure mat has also been shown to provide relief from a number of serious conditions.

A study conducted in Germany in 2012 looked specifically at the impact of acupressure mats on those suffering from chronic neck and lower back pain.

It showed that pain was relieved in both areas. The results also demonstrated the impact that the mat can have on the way the body processes pain.

Acupressure has also been shown to have a positive impact on patients coping with myocardial infarction.
An interesting project conducted in 2018 looked to see the impact acupressure had on heart rate and blood pressure.

Initially acupressure appeared to have little impact. However roughly 30 minutes after finishing treatment blood pressure and heart rate were found to be significantly lower.

5: AIDS WITH SPORTS INJURIES

For those suffering from sports injuries, results of a study conducted at the University of Otago revealed promising findings.

Acupressure decreased the reported pain scores in athletes with acute injuries but not anxiety levels.
The conclusion of the study was that acupressure could be effective in a sports setting, especially if there is limited access to medical care.

6: IMPROVES SLEEP

The number of people suffering from sleep problems is rising at a rapid rate. Research shows that acupressure can help.

A study in 2015 looked at the sleep of menopausal women and found that sleep was improved significantly following acupressure treatments.

A further more recent study focussed particularly on self-administered acupressure for symptoms of insomnia.

Respondents in the study were taught how to administer acupressure then monitored and asked to keep a diary to record the quality of their sleep.

It found that if individuals were shown how to apply the treatment correctly this could be used as a tool for treating the symptoms of insomnia.

7: MUSCLE RELAXATION

Those suffering from neck and back pain in particular reported that their muscles felt relaxed after session

8: INCREASES ENERGY LEVELS

Acupressure has been shown to help with fatigue and to increase energy levels.

An experimental study at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taiwan focused on patients suffering from hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common type of liver cancer.

Findings proved that acupressure can improve fatigue, and it was recommended that educational guides should be created to help patients take advantage of the therapy.

9: IMPROVES MENTAL HEALTH

Through a major study in 2015 it was found that depression, anxiety and stress can be positively impacted by acupressure.

Subjects were given treatment three times a week for four weeks and the results were positive.
It was found to significantly reduce depression, stress and anxiety, in this case for patients with end stage renal disease on hemodialysis.

10: BETTER DIGESTION

It might seem like an unlikely benefit, but acupressure has been shown to improve the quality of life for those suffering from digestion problems.

A 2015 research project looked at perineal self-acupressure which aided in the movement of bowel function and generally was found to improve the wellbeing and quality of life of those suffering from constipation.

11: HEALTHIER COMPLEXION

Many manufacturers promote the fact that acupressure therapy, when applied directly to the face, can have a positive impact on your complexion.

Michael Reed Gach, PhD, an expert on acupressure therapy does suggest that the technique brings more oxygen to the skin which in turn improves the appearance.

However currently there is little evidence to substantiate the claims.

12: WEIGHT LOSS

A research project in 2010 found that acupressure, specifically ear acupressure, had a positive impact on weight loss.

In fact it showed that over the course of eight weeks BMI was significantly reduced.

There is little other evidence to prove or disprove the claim, however many manufacturers (like Bed of Nails) highlight it as a feature of the mat.
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON 
13: POSITIVE IMPACT ON HEADACHES AND MIGRAINES

Acupressure has been shown to have a positive impact on chronic headaches.

Research conducted in Taiwan in 2010 compared acupressure with muscle relaxant therapy, and found that acupressure was much more effective.

Six months after just one month of treatment the effects still remained.

Consumer reviews of the Nayoya Acupressure Mat and Pillow back up this finding, with many mentioning how wonderful the mat can be for reducing both the frequency and intensity of migraines.

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON Did You Know?

Acupressure mats originated from beds of nails, which were used in the early 1900s as a form of entertainment! There is now an acupressure mat brand named after the practice.

14: MANAGE YOUR OWN TREATMENT

The ability to manage your own treatment is a big selling point of the acupressure mat.

You can carry it with you wherever you go and use it as much or as little as needed to help you get a handle on your daily pain.

15: LITTLE OR NO SIDE EFFECTS

Use of an acupressure mat is found to have little or no side effects.

Research that looked at pain severity in female nurses with chronic back pain, determined that acupressure was effective in reducing pain but also that it was an easy therapy with no side effects.

However there are a number of people who should avoid acupressure including those with fractures for example.

16: LONG TERM USE

Research published about acupressure always highlights the fact that it’s a safe treatment option that can be used on a long term basis.

17: LOW COST

Compared to other therapy options for pain, acupressure mats are a relatively affordable choice.
They range in price from approximately $20 to $70 depending on the size and quality of mat that you’re looking for.

18: NON-INVASIVE

When you want treatment for a serious condition you might have been given a number of invasive options.
However acupressure is non-invasive so can be tried without the element of risk.

19: COMPACT

Acupressure mats roll up just like a yoga mat, so they’re compact. Ideal for carrying with you or storing away at home for whenever you need it.

20: PORTABLE

Many acupressure mats, like this VIVA natural linen organic mat, come with a bag, allowing you to take it wherever you want.

 It might be something you could keep at work for difficult days or use at the gym.

21: USE AT HOME

Acupressure is carried out by physical therapists in many clinics, however the benefit of an acupressure mat is that you can use it in your own home!

It’s ideal if you have pain that strikes without warning, as you have a pain relief option that you can roll out whenever you need it.

22: PURCHASED OVER THE COUNTER (OTC)

You don’t need a prescription to purchase an acupressure mat, they can be easily purchased from many different outlets.

23: ENHANCE YOUR YOGA AND MEDITATION PRACTICE

Regular users of acupressure mats appear to be reunited in how much their acupressure mat aids them in their yoga practice. Many users speak of another level of relaxation and how the mat adds a new dimension to their practice.

Others spoke of using it in meditation and how it can be used as part of a relaxation routine. - High points share from The Good Body.
​

I include vegan recipes in this blog along with Paleo picks.  That is because each body type is different with its own set of nutritional needs.

You may go to your physician, and depending on his needs and goals, he will infer his diet protocol on you. Unfortunately, most doctors are not well-certified in nutrition.  This is where the ball falls in your lap. 

Picking the right plan for you is easy.  Try several first of all.  Take note on what reduces pain, alleviates swelling, helps you lose weight, and brings you a sense of well-being. Then stick to that plan.


2 medium Yukon Gold Potatoes 
1 1/2 cups plant milk
1/2 cup Nutritional yeast 
Sea Salt
Freshly ground pepper

• Wash and scrub both potatoes and carrots, peel if desired and chop into uniform pieces and boil for 10 minutes.    OR.....
  INSTANT POT: Simply add them to your Instant Pot with 1 cup of water. Set to MANUAL and cook for 12 minutes. Allow to naturally release for 10 minutes before opening lid. 

Let rest for 5 minutes, place in blender

Add remaining ingredients and blend until smooth and creamy, adding more water as necessary.

More and more research is being completed on the effects of diet and fibromyalgia symptoms.  I am certain you've already noticed the effects of certain dietary foods and your pain from inflammation.  Eating healthy is the key to starve off the pains of the daily grind.  

Make a conscious effort to eat well every day.  That includes taking time to cook effectively.  

1 15 oz. can chickpeas (Garbanzo beans)
1/4 cup sesame seeds
3 cloves of garlic
2 tablespoons lime juice
1/4 cup olive oil (plus extra to top with)
1/2 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
A pinch of cumin
A pinch of paprika
Salt


Place the sesame seeds in a small pan and toss them until lightly coloured and toasted, about 1 minute. Reserve 1 tsp for garnish, and toss the rest into a blender. Pour over olive oil and sesame oil and blend until smooth.

Add the chickpeas, garlic, lime juice, and salt to the sesame paste and blend until smooth. Add water to loosen out the hummus to get your desired consistency.

To serve, decant the hummus into a bowl. Pour over a generous glug of olive oil, and sprinkle with cumin, paprika and reserved sesame seeds.
​
FREEZING INSTRUCTIONS: Hummus freezes very well; spoon into air-tight containers or zip-lock bags. To thaw, let it sit in the refrigerator for a few hours.

So, I've been on my Headspace quest now for four weeks.  There has been a notable change in my mood and temperament.  In fact, I look forward now to coming home and continuing with one of the meditative exercises each day.  

I have to admit, after two weeks I did buy into the program.  The benefits are numerous, and I noticed the effect immediately.  Thinking calmly and at peace had been something of the past.  Now it is in the present and future again.  

Meditation is a practice that can change your life so much so for the better, than when you read about it, or rather the benefits of it, it can be easy to dismiss it as being too good to be true. It helps with stress, can improve your sleep, give you better focus and creativity, and gives you better perspective day-to-day. When you start doing it, you start to think -– why on earth did I not do this before?

There are added videos to mentor and direct you throughout the process.  I've included a few short ones below so you can test them.  

She will destroy her enemies once and for all...

The explosive conclusion to the Jane Hawk saga, from No. 1 New York Times bestseller Dean Koontz.

‘It’s over, and so is she.’

Rogue FBI agent Jane Hawk is living in a world of danger. Her battle to expose a global conspiracy risks her own life and that of her five-year-old son, whom she has sent into hiding.

Jane is meticulously gathering evidence to bring a terrifying organization to justice – one that threatens humanity with technologically imposed slavery.
​
Now she has no choice but to expose the unimaginable truth, even if it changes her life – and the lives of everybody around the world – forever...