Social Anxiety and the Mind/Body Connection

Social Anxiety, like all the various forms of anxiety, is not just "all in your imagination." There are very real, physical changes in the brain and, therefore, the rest of your body. The newest technology and research studies show clearly the mind/body connection. Things happen in our lives, we react, a change happens in the brain and triggers physiological effects. The reverse is also true. There are changes in the brain, triggering physiological effects, but those brain changes also change how we view what is happening in our lives and, therefore, our reactions. The mind/body connection is a two-way street. This is why the old adage, "fake it 'til you make it," is popular. It holds true in many ways. By creating a consistent pattern of behaviors, we can help our brain to create new pathways, creating new ways of thinking, feeling and responding to the world around us.

Those with Social Anxiety or any other anxiety condition, may need medication at times. However, many with anxiety find they can obtain quite a bit of relief, if not complete reduction of their symptoms, through various non-medical means, such as hypnosis, visualization, EFT, mind-mapping, energy work, homeopathy, vibrational essences and healing work.

If you have any questions about anxiety issues or any other issue, or want to know how holistic techniques can help you or your loved ones, feel free to ask here, or through a private message.

An Introduction...

January 20, 2013 (original post date) - Welcome to my blog, InfoMusings. Why that title? I am always learning and thinking and...musing on what I learn and think about. My favorite things to muse about are topics dealing with wholeness, health, and our connections with each other. This encompasses a tremendous range of information and I love to sift through it all and think. 

I am Paula Popper, the owner of Inner Peaceworks. I am a coach, hypnotherapist and holistic health practitioner. I specialize in the mind/body management of chronic pain, fear and stress, and coach people through many situations on their paths to wholeness and wellness. 

I began my relationship with chronic pain when I was 10 or so. I began developing pain in my feet and legs, which was primarily written off as "growing pains." Except it did not stop, even when I stopped growing. Over time I developed additional pain in my back, was diagnosed with scoliosis, started developing headaches and dizziness (attributed to an inner ear imbalance) and, eventually, after a car accident, was told about this new illness that was sometimes called Epstein-Barr virus, chronic fatigue or fibrositis. These later came together under an umbrella called fibromyalgia. 

My health went downhill during my 20s until I had very little energy and used a handicap parking permit. I started researching nutrition and herbs. Over time, I researched, tried out, and studied a wide range of things including health and medical issues, aromatherapy, herbal therapies of all sorts, nutritional therapies, massage therapies, acupuncture and acupressure, flower essences, energy work (including Reiki and others), craniosacral therapy, Orthobionomy, Feldenkrais, chiropractic (did you know there were a few different styles?) and many other therapies. At first, these investigations were for my own health. Eventually, the vast field fascinated me and I continued to study, ultimately becoming a clinical hypnotherapist. 

I find value in both medical and non-medical approaches to wellness and pain management. I never advocate stopping any medication, unless supervised by a doctor or your own health care provider. However, I have found by carefully selecting and using a range of mind/body techniques many people can reduce their need for medical interventions. 

I look forward to sharing with you my musings on health, wellness, and wholeness.