I go to an acupuncturist/colorpuncturist every other month. I have no idea if it helps with my condition (I am basically sympton free), but I feel GREAT afterwards...centered, balanced, and refreshed. I KNOW it works on my anxiety!

I had just got done writing this long, in-depth post about all these modalities when the internet kicked me off. GRR! My other post was much more eloquent but here's my much shorter version -

Reiki is my favorite modality. I am a Reiki Master and I love to hear the postive feedback from my clients. It leaves you feeling energetic, like you've achieved a natural high. It helps balance out mind, body and spirit. It can clear away negative energy that is impeding your healing process. There is so much that Reiki can do I would encourage you to treat yourself to a treatment!

I'm a BIG believer in meditation and creative visualization. It's a great creative outlet and there are no rules or directions to memorize. It re-establishes a connection to yourself, balances you, grounds you, helps you to reconnect to a higher power. It most definatly gives you a pro-active stance, it's relaxing and you can learn a lot about yourself while doing it. Not to mention, it's fun and easy to do!

I like the deep, cleansing breathing that yoga offers. I like how gentle it is while at the same time builds strength. I like how it physically opens up organs to better blood flow and releases toxins. It also aids in balance, both physically and spiritually.

Just remember, meditation, creative visualization and yoga take practice. I don't want you to get discouraged if it seems hard at first. Like with anything, practice makes it easier!

Hope this helps!
Robyn

Hey guys thanks for your replies! I know it must differ based on location but generally is acupuncture or reiki expensive? Yoga in my neighborhood is about $15 for an 1 1/2 hour class.

I can get a Reiki treatment from 50-60 dollars, depending on who's doing it.

:),
Robyn

Oh okay. I am so stressed and suffering from being sick of this disease and the added stress of being in grad school and unemployed and living far from home and missing home so much..I just need help on a great level than the doctor can prescribe..ya know? I live in nyc and I HATE it here!! I used to love it but the more fatigued I got the more of a task this city made everything....I just want to move back to the suburbs and have nature!

Lavender,

I'm so sorry to hear your so stressed. It's hard living somewhere you don't like, not to mention having your suppot system living miles away.

Here's a quick thing you can do to help yourself: Take a bubble bath. Light candles and concentrate on BREATHING. Slow and steady breaths like your "over exaggerating". With each breath you take in, picture the color white (or maybe your favorite color) with each exhale, picture all the crap leaving your body. All the stress, loneliness, frustration, fatigue, anger, whatever emotions (or situations) that you feel have been a hinderance, push them out. Little by little replace the "crap" with the beautiful color you have chosen until you are overflowing.

Hope this helps,
robyn

Thank you Robyn!! I will definitely try that!! Sounds peaceful! I do love bubble baths but I do not do them right haha...I end up reading school stuff while relaxing in the bubbles. haha.

Your welcome! I hope you can find time to enjoy a little pampering time! We do for everyone else but always forget to do for ourselves!

Robyn

Hi, LavenderLove and RoFayah,

I agree that we need time to pamper ourselves. I am also very busy with what I do for others and when I do make time for myself, it is because at that point, I already feel ill myself. So, Yes, we do need to pamper ourselves and find time to relax -- not try to relax and get work done, just relax, and I speak for myself, too. I hope you both have a wonderful day!

Hi, Lavender. I haven't tried Reiki, but I have done Yoga. I bought a $10 beginners DVD from Wal-Mart. I tried a class, but didn't like it because I couldn't work at my own pace. My hubby and I both do it at home and it really helps with my illness. It strengthens your muscles and tendons, increases blood flow, and helps you lose weight. I always feel more relaxed afterwards too. It can be difficult at first, and it will make you very sore the first week, but please don't be discouraged. Yoga is GREAT.

Thanks LoudLizzard! After reading your reply I went to Amazon.com and bought a yoga dvd! I cant wait to get it and try it out! The one I got had great reviews!
Thanks again!

I love acupuncture! I agree- you feel so amazing after, it is unbelievable!!

My practitioner also makes herbs, and whatever she has given me has always helped.

An interesting fact, while I am thinking about it, is that she gave me licorice capsules which are amazing for anxiety, and great for digestion BTW!

Take care, Lavender!

Hugs,

Jen

I recently went out and bought a DVD for Hatha yoga, a book going more in depth on the poses and some props. I haven't been able to do it as much as I would like, but afterwards I was soooooo relaxed I could have slept. I haven't felt that relaxed in ages. It's good for the high stress job I have and also for feeling a little more centered in an out of control body. ;)

I am trying to get back into Yoga after being a bit random with it before Thyroid Hell arrived.

If you or your kids have a Wii console, I recommend getting a Wii fit as the balance board and yoga exercises are a great help to get your postures right and means its better than a DVD where you don't have anything/anyone checking you're doing it right, but not as daunting as a class.