Restoring Laughter and Joy in Difficult Times by Lezlie Cebulski , ND , EFT-ADV

While laughter makes the best medicine, there are times in life when laughter does not come easily.  Reacting to a job loss, death of a loved one, divorce or bankruptcy can create emotional stress which can trigger physical illness and depression.  In fact, a study published in January, 2010 at Yale University finds that physical and emotional stress can trigger tumor formation.  In times of stress, extra care should be taken to restore vitality, joy and laughter and to prevent physical illness.  Fortunately, there are foods, nutritional supplements and other natural remedies shown to improve mood, energy, and joy.

Folic acid, Vitamin B-6 & B-12, essential fatty acids, and certain amino acids that are precursors to neurotransmitters are essential to maintain a positive mood.   Foods high in B-12 are liver, sardines, salmon, lamb, Swiss cheese and eggs.  Foods high in folic acid are brewer's yeast, alfalfa, chickpeas, oats, lentils, beans and wheat germ.  The best sources of B-6 in food are brewer's yeast, brown rice, whole wheat, royal jelly, soybeans, rye, lentils, sunflower seed and hazelnuts.  Essential fatty acid sources are salmon oil, flaxseed oil and primrose oil taken as supplements.

Foods for stress are ones which are high in protein, Vitamin A, pantothenic acid, Vitamin C and magnesium. The best protein sources are eggs, milk products, meat, fish soy, nuts and seeds.  The richest food source of vitamin A is cod liver oil, liver, dandelion greens, carrots, yams, kale, parsley and turnip greens, spinach, collard greens.  Foods highest in pantothenic acid are royal jelly, brewer's yeast, torula yeast, brown rice, sunflower seeds, soybeans, corn, lentils, egg yolk, peas.   Vitamin C sources are most concentrated in rose hips, acerola cherries, guavas, black currants, parsley, green peppers, watercress, chives, strawberries, spinach, oranges, cabbage, and grapefruit.  While undergoing stress and trying to recapture joy, it is important to exercise (if medically cleared) and have some exposure to sunlight which produces vitamin D.  Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to depressive moods.

While the food that we eat is vitally important to our health, there is a mind/body connection that is equally important.  Our thoughts and emotions have a direct impact on our health through neuropeptides.  Dr. Deepak Chopra states: "It has now been absolutely proved that the same neuro-chemicals influence the whole bodymind.  Everything is interconnected at the level of the neuro-peptide; therefore, to separate these areas is simply bad science."  The human brain changes thoughts into thousands of chemical messages every second.  So, to restore joy and laughter, we need to clear our minds of negative thoughts and emotions.  Following are alternative emotional healing modalities

Emotional Freedom Technique- An emotional meridian tapping technique which releases negative emotional energy and obsessive thoughts and emotions.  Often a skilled practitioner can intuit underlying issues and draw out deeper issues to release.

Flower Essences-  A form of energy medicine, the flower essences Bird of Paradise, Blackberry, Valerian, and Fig all help to restore the sense of humor and contentment.

Spiritual Counseling-Encouraging prayer and a deeper connection to God have been shown to help heal depression and increase happiness.  Discussion of life's issues with a spiritual perspective can be healing for many people.

Color Light Therapy-Color is actually visible energy on the electromagnetic spectrum.  Each color has its own specific wavelength of energy just as do X-rays, microwaves, radio waves, etc.  Useful in some cases, shades of yellow light can be helpful in energetically rebalancing the body and restore light heartedness.

Acupuncture, Acupressure, Reflexology & Electro-Acupuncture- All based on stimulating meridian points by pressure, needles, electrical stimulation or massage.

Massaging glandular foot reflexology points can help revitalize the body and mind.  Stimulation of meridian points by pressure, needles or electrical pulse can help release negative emotional energy and make room for joy!

Aromatherapy-Inside the limbic system of the brain is a gland called the amygdala.  In 1989 it was discovered that the amygdala plays a major role in the storing and releasing of emotional trauma.  The only way to stimulate this gland is with the sense of smell.  So now, with aromatherapy and essential oils, we are able to access the amygdala to release emotional trauma.  To restore joy apply a combination of Bergamot, Ylang Ylang, Geranium, Rosewood, Lemon, Mandarin, Jasmine, and Rose.   They are especially effective if applied to parts of the ear (auricular therapy) or meridian points on the body.

If laughing and enjoying life is difficult due to stress, take extra care and seek professional help if necessary.  There are many natural alternative treatments available to help restore vitality, energy, and joy.