Monday, January 28, 2013

Only Allow Good


Adrenal glands are perched on top of your kidneys and primarily regulate stress: physical, emotional, and psychological. Basically, your adrenal glands manage your fight or flight response, which is something that all humans deal with all day, everyday in various intensities. You don't have to be a superhero or be running from the mafia to have your adrenal gland throw in the towel. Millions of people suffer from an overworked adrenal gland. Conventional medicine doesn't recognize this as a problem since the symptoms are rarely life threatening. I can, however, promise this issue is dreadfully serious.

My acupuncturist nailed it. She asks (about a year ago), do you have an excess of any of the following:

Alcohol
Caffeine
Sleep deprivation
Cold hands and feet
Prolonged, traumatic emotional stress
Seasonal allergies

Um, yes, check, check, and check. Now, I can't say that Texas is responsible for ALL those things. I had excesses of alcohol, caffeine, cold paws, and nightowlism long before moving here. I guess the addition of the final few culprits finally did my poor hormone machine in. The sad thing needed a break, big time. I was a nervous mess; sleepless, tormented, blotchy skinned, puffy eyed, chubby, unable to concentrate, near my wit's end.

I had to turn this around and fast. How, do you ask, does one accomplish such a thing, especially in the midst of mean people, low financial backing, and Mopac traffic? This is Texas after all...people don't help you unless all you need is to borrow a truck. I'll tell you.

Step 1: Only allow good. (May require a rather rigorous housecleaning)
Step 2: Cope with repercussions of step 1.
Step 3: Survive and begin to notice happiness fill the spots left empty by the removal of toxic stuff.
Step 4: Repeat with fine-tuned modifications.

One year in, I'm on step 4 and I haven't felt this good in ages. I've eliminated all of the major offenders except alcohol. Through a random recipe of holistic medicine and soul searching, I've managed this without a prescription, lottery winnings, or even much inconvenience. I don't even have allergies anymore! It must be a miracle because last January I was very near cedar death. I daresay I may even survive without coffee. I never thought it possible.

Why does it matter? It doesn't, really. But, if you feel like crud all the time, have a chat with your adrenal glands. They might be warning you your life sucks. They aren't going to kill you like if you mistreat your heart or lungs or brain. But they will fuck your shit up. Keep in mind they may be the only thing between you and a state correctional facility...I suggest you take them seriously and give em a break. Also, a healthy adrenal gland makes your skin glow and your sex better. Just sayin'.