Dr. Alexina Mehta works with adults, kids, teens, seniors and families. Virtually all acute conditions and chronic conditions may benefit from Naturopathic Medicine. Please read on for a list of conditions that Dr. Mehta treats. |
Anxiety and Depression...and what you can do about it! Naturopathic Medicine Provides Options!
When I ask my
patients, "How do you want to feel,?" most of the time the answer
is the same: Happy. Strong. Joyful. Peaceful. Calm. Inspired.
Hopeful.
At Ease.
Sound familiar?
First of all, there are varying degrees of both of anxiety and depression. It's important to understand the degree to which this impacts one's life as well as family history, a person's coping mechanisms and their intentions for feeling better.
Second of all, there are many possible solutions. When I am working with my patient, the first thing I want to understand is when did the mood change, and what was going on in life at that time. This can give me a sense of the circumstances surrounding the situation and the degree of stress associated with it.
Then there is the physical side of things that is important to know. By understanding what nutrients might be low , what the food sensitivities are, where one's hormone levels are at and which systems in the body are effected, I can customize a program to address the root cause of the anxiety or depression.
For example, in a condition like hypothyroidism, one of the symptoms can be depression. However, unless someone has their thyroid hormones tested, and thus addresses this via the appropriate solution, one is not addressing the root cause of the depression.
In addition, some people are taking medications, and side effects might include mood changes. However, one must ask the right questions in order to find this out.
Also, if you are sensitive to wheat and are consuming it several times a day, that can lead to a lot of extra stress on the immune system. Extra stress in any form often translates to the mood dipping down or more anxiety.
If a person has low iron or B12 levels, this can also lead lead to mood changes and fatigue. Lets face it, when one is fatigued, mood often changes too.
Some solutions include homeopathic remedies, herbal tinctures and teas, acupressure and acupuncture, craniosacral therapy, biofeedback, lifestyle counselling, exercise therapy, hydrotherapy, dietary recommendations, and supplement recommendations. After speaking with my patient, I determine which solutions make the most sense.
In these cases, I often recommend keeping a thought diary. Many people have kept a food diary, however, a thought diary is powerful in terms of getting to know the automatic thoughts that come and go. Did you know that according to the Chopra Center, humans have 60,000- 80,000 thoughts per day? I am not asking you to write all these down, just the themes of your thoughts. Keep a thought diary for 3 days. Then look over the themes and patterns coming up for you.
My intention is to create infinite health for all those who I come in contact with. I've been in challenging places with my own health several years ago and can really relate to those who are having a tough time. Know that there are many solutions, and creativity goes a long way on the healing journey.
Yours In Infinite Health,
Dr. Alexina Mehta
www.dralexinamehta.com
Kitsilano: 604-731-7789
West Vancouver: 604-925-2225
At Ease.
Sound familiar?
First of all, there are varying degrees of both of anxiety and depression. It's important to understand the degree to which this impacts one's life as well as family history, a person's coping mechanisms and their intentions for feeling better.
Second of all, there are many possible solutions. When I am working with my patient, the first thing I want to understand is when did the mood change, and what was going on in life at that time. This can give me a sense of the circumstances surrounding the situation and the degree of stress associated with it.
Then there is the physical side of things that is important to know. By understanding what nutrients might be low , what the food sensitivities are, where one's hormone levels are at and which systems in the body are effected, I can customize a program to address the root cause of the anxiety or depression.
For example, in a condition like hypothyroidism, one of the symptoms can be depression. However, unless someone has their thyroid hormones tested, and thus addresses this via the appropriate solution, one is not addressing the root cause of the depression.
In addition, some people are taking medications, and side effects might include mood changes. However, one must ask the right questions in order to find this out.
Also, if you are sensitive to wheat and are consuming it several times a day, that can lead to a lot of extra stress on the immune system. Extra stress in any form often translates to the mood dipping down or more anxiety.
If a person has low iron or B12 levels, this can also lead lead to mood changes and fatigue. Lets face it, when one is fatigued, mood often changes too.
Some solutions include homeopathic remedies, herbal tinctures and teas, acupressure and acupuncture, craniosacral therapy, biofeedback, lifestyle counselling, exercise therapy, hydrotherapy, dietary recommendations, and supplement recommendations. After speaking with my patient, I determine which solutions make the most sense.
In these cases, I often recommend keeping a thought diary. Many people have kept a food diary, however, a thought diary is powerful in terms of getting to know the automatic thoughts that come and go. Did you know that according to the Chopra Center, humans have 60,000- 80,000 thoughts per day? I am not asking you to write all these down, just the themes of your thoughts. Keep a thought diary for 3 days. Then look over the themes and patterns coming up for you.
My intention is to create infinite health for all those who I come in contact with. I've been in challenging places with my own health several years ago and can really relate to those who are having a tough time. Know that there are many solutions, and creativity goes a long way on the healing journey.
Yours In Infinite Health,
Dr. Alexina Mehta
www.dralexinamehta.com
Kitsilano: 604-731-7789
West Vancouver: 604-925-2225
Hot Commodities In the Healing Process: Inspiration and Trust
Trust is
something that most people want. You want to trust yourself, trust
your health will improve and trust that everything is truly ok.
And yet, at the same time, we need to ask Why is there anxiety around trying to trust?
One thing I have discovered in my own life is that trust often comes from inspiration. Along with it, a sense of confidence that is deeper then "just confidence." It's a knowing that is pure, free of anything clouding it over or taking away from it's great light.
In my practice as a Naturopathic Physician, trust is something that I remind people each day. However, words are generally not sufficient. Trust is a feeling that must be felt, and so my mission is to inspire you to new heights within yourself.
One thing I seek to offer each patient is inspiration. Inspiration to be courageous, inspiration to trust. Inspiration is an energy that comes from connecting to something beyond comprehension. It lights you up, fuels you to move forward. it revives you, gives you courage and strength. It comes from the heart and is uniquely yours.
What inspires you? What leaves you in a state of gratitude? What humbles you? What makes you want to be the best you can be? Search for that which elevates your heart and mind to a place where you are feeling strong and enthusiastic about living life and healing yourself.
Not too long ago I was sitting with one of my friends over a cup of tea and the topic of "trusting in the universe came up." She said that most people are disconnected from trust, faith and hope, and that the degree of these qualities that can exist within a person is incredible.
When working with my patients, I remind each one of the big picture. Symptom management is important, and dealing with that using the most reasonable and effective means is required. However, one is wise to consider the root cause so as to prevent the discomfort from happening again. It's about becoming smarter and wiser.
My friend went on to say that the symbol for trust, faith and hope is an anchor. That image is with me still today. I invite you to look for symbols in your life that represent trust and inspiration and please leave a comment below so I can learn what these are for you! :)
Until next time,
Dr. Alexina Mehta
www.dralexinamehta.com
And yet, at the same time, we need to ask Why is there anxiety around trying to trust?
One thing I have discovered in my own life is that trust often comes from inspiration. Along with it, a sense of confidence that is deeper then "just confidence." It's a knowing that is pure, free of anything clouding it over or taking away from it's great light.
In my practice as a Naturopathic Physician, trust is something that I remind people each day. However, words are generally not sufficient. Trust is a feeling that must be felt, and so my mission is to inspire you to new heights within yourself.
One thing I seek to offer each patient is inspiration. Inspiration to be courageous, inspiration to trust. Inspiration is an energy that comes from connecting to something beyond comprehension. It lights you up, fuels you to move forward. it revives you, gives you courage and strength. It comes from the heart and is uniquely yours.
What inspires you? What leaves you in a state of gratitude? What humbles you? What makes you want to be the best you can be? Search for that which elevates your heart and mind to a place where you are feeling strong and enthusiastic about living life and healing yourself.
Not too long ago I was sitting with one of my friends over a cup of tea and the topic of "trusting in the universe came up." She said that most people are disconnected from trust, faith and hope, and that the degree of these qualities that can exist within a person is incredible.
When working with my patients, I remind each one of the big picture. Symptom management is important, and dealing with that using the most reasonable and effective means is required. However, one is wise to consider the root cause so as to prevent the discomfort from happening again. It's about becoming smarter and wiser.
My friend went on to say that the symbol for trust, faith and hope is an anchor. That image is with me still today. I invite you to look for symbols in your life that represent trust and inspiration and please leave a comment below so I can learn what these are for you! :)
Until next time,
Dr. Alexina Mehta
www.dralexinamehta.com
How Do I Know Which Eating Plan is Ideal for me?
Yes,
the confusing question- how do I know what to eat? If you are like
most people who start researching ways of eating for better health,
you get somewhat confused.
Anti-inflammatory
diet, Blood type diet, Chinese constitutional diet,
Ayurvedic Dosha diet, your family of origin diet, diet based on
food sensitivities and then there is gluten-free, dairy free, wheat
free...
How can
you get clear on what way of eating works for your body?
How do
you figure out what is ideal for you?
After
studying many different eating plans , trying several out myself
and guiding hundreds of patients in various dietary programs and
cleanses, I have developed a system that is more focused on
solutions rather than what you can't eat.
I like
to start out with an assessment. When I do an initial consultation
with my patients, I go through a comprehensive health history, as
well as their goals, for example "I want more energy when I wake up
in the morning" or "I want to be more spiritually aware" or "I want
to get fit enough to hike up Machu Picchu."
I
understand their current symptoms, and which systems and organs
need support. For example, someone might come in with seasonal
allergies and we may work on strengthening their digestive and
immune systems. They might have high stress levels and are
experiencing some eye twitching or anxiety, in which case we may
also work with the nervous system. Some organs we then may
focus on are the colon, liver and brain. I then determine
what foods, vitamins, minerals, herbs , visualization techniques
and other remedies will best address their concerns.
Many
patients also get food sensitivity testing done, or try an
elimination diet. Understanding which foods the body is rejecting
is important in minimizing stress on the immune system and
digestive system.
Understanding
what your goals are comes next- Do you want to lose weight?
Detoxify? Build muscle mass? Become Vegetarian or Vegan in a
healthy way?
I also
want to know what you ate as a child- ie. What are your comfort
foods? What did your mother or father prepare regularly? Are you
used to a Mediterranean diet/Indian diet/Japanese diet etc?
If
someone is experiencing an inflammatory condition, such as
rheumatoid arthritis, then an anti-inflammatory diet is often
recommended as it has shown good results in decreasing pain and
inflammation with a number of patients I have worked with.
Certain diets give better results for certain kinds of
concerns.
So to
sum things up:
1.
Having your particular health concerns assessed is the key to
knowing which eating plan is ideal for you.
2. One
diet alone normally does not address all your needs and can be hit
and miss.
3. Get
clear on what your goals are as this can help in customizing a
program suitable just for you!
I'd
love to hear your thoughts on this topic of diets and eating plans,
so please leave a comment below. To get come support in this
department, give us a call at 604-731-7789 in Vancouver or
604-925-2225 in West Vancouver, or email
dralexinamehta@gmail.com.
Infinite
health,
Dr.
Alexina Mehta :)
What India Taught me About Healing: Blog #3 India Turning Things Upside Down
When I shared
with friends and colleagues that I was headed to India, often the
reaction was exceptionally positive. Looks of enthusiasm and
vibrancy, followed by people sharing"I love India." One dear friend
make a poignant comment "India has a plan for you and when you get
there, you just have to let go and see where she takes you."
I felt fine with this. Most of my travels to far off lands
have been adventurous ones, so I felt a sense of ease with her
comment...little did I know her comment was foreshadowing upcoming
events!
I knew why I was going to India. It was following a deep inner call. There is something special about engaging in a journey that feels like it is answering a call of the soul that is beyond anything that you can describe. That is what going to India felt like for me. Epic to say the least, and I was prepared to rise to the occasion and fully step into her teachings.
I believe in the path of ease, grace and non-suffering. Of course life sometimes has other plans for you, but I am clear internally in what I am aligning myself with. So fortunately, our sideways India fiasco ended with a cherry on top! :)
Once we arrived at the monastery, we were greeted with a welcoming like no other. The monks took us in like family and were delighted to have us.
The locals were super friendly.
I was blessed to be sharing a room with 2 amazing women, Dr. Devon Christie and Michelle Staples. We made a dynamic trio. We were looking forward to our first day at the teachings with 25,000 monks and His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama. A dream come true for each of us.
When travelling to a Tibetan colony in India, one needs a PAP (Protected Area Permit). We were informed that this rule was somewhat flexible in previous years as the Indian government seemed to have many applications to process and little time...so we thought our PAP application confirmation was sufficient temporarily. It seemed a bit up in the air about how strict this was, so we went to the teachings on our first day carrying the paperwork in case we would be asked for it by Indian security. The folks at the monastery told us to carry our applications with us until we received our PAPs. In the morning of the first teachings, we were informed that the office was working on getting us our permits but no one seemed to know when they would arrive.
As a result, we were unable to sit in the monastery where the teachings were taking place, but rather sat outside in the courtyard and could hear the teachings via FM radio from there. There was a little more determination to get out permits as we all really wanted to get inside the monastery. The first day was profound- monks chanting, and listening to important transmissions by His Holiness. We felt blessed to be at this place learning about the nature of enlightenment.
After a rich and full day, we enjoyed a vegetarian dinner and started to get more settled into our home for the next week.
The Dining Hall is the picture above.
After dinner we headed back to our room to unwind and shortly after got a tense knock at the door. "We have an important meeting for all foreigners right now. You must attend." Myself, Devon and Michelle were somewhat surprised by the intensity of the fellow named Norbu, but I was intent on understanding what was going on, so I hustled myself to the meeting.
Norbu clarified one major point: Unless you have your PAP, you must leave the monastery by 7am tomorrow morning as the Indian police will raid the monastery of any tourists who do not have a PAP.
Well, it was clear. Time to go and do some serious inner work...
We went back to our room and felt unnerved...all kinds of thoughts running through the mind, and the most important one: "What are we being asked to learn here?"...Michelle, Devon and I began packing our bags and brainstormed what was going on. Each of us being intuitive had a similar read on the situation. We skyped some of our most trusted advisors back home and got a similar read on the situation. Hang in there, this is a test. You will be back.
So the adventure really begins...monks were pacing up and down the halls of the monastery all night as there was an intense seriousness in the air. At about midnight we heard a bus pull up, and found out that the tourists from Spain were leaving right there and then.
Morning came around, and as we split our group into 3 vans driven by the monks themselves, we were on a mad dash out of Mundgod. Once we finally got out, there was a sigh of relief. And then off to Hubli where we would figure out a plan of action.
The photo above is our group gathering to get ready to go..the adventure really begins!
Find out what we did and how things unfolded in the next blog!
What India Taught me About Healing:
1. Be prepared.
2. Go with the flow.
3. Live in the moment and enjoy the fruits that are present.
www.dralexinamehta.com and www.celebratingthegoddess.com
I knew why I was going to India. It was following a deep inner call. There is something special about engaging in a journey that feels like it is answering a call of the soul that is beyond anything that you can describe. That is what going to India felt like for me. Epic to say the least, and I was prepared to rise to the occasion and fully step into her teachings.
I believe in the path of ease, grace and non-suffering. Of course life sometimes has other plans for you, but I am clear internally in what I am aligning myself with. So fortunately, our sideways India fiasco ended with a cherry on top! :)
Once we arrived at the monastery, we were greeted with a welcoming like no other. The monks took us in like family and were delighted to have us.
The locals were super friendly.
I was blessed to be sharing a room with 2 amazing women, Dr. Devon Christie and Michelle Staples. We made a dynamic trio. We were looking forward to our first day at the teachings with 25,000 monks and His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama. A dream come true for each of us.
When travelling to a Tibetan colony in India, one needs a PAP (Protected Area Permit). We were informed that this rule was somewhat flexible in previous years as the Indian government seemed to have many applications to process and little time...so we thought our PAP application confirmation was sufficient temporarily. It seemed a bit up in the air about how strict this was, so we went to the teachings on our first day carrying the paperwork in case we would be asked for it by Indian security. The folks at the monastery told us to carry our applications with us until we received our PAPs. In the morning of the first teachings, we were informed that the office was working on getting us our permits but no one seemed to know when they would arrive.
As a result, we were unable to sit in the monastery where the teachings were taking place, but rather sat outside in the courtyard and could hear the teachings via FM radio from there. There was a little more determination to get out permits as we all really wanted to get inside the monastery. The first day was profound- monks chanting, and listening to important transmissions by His Holiness. We felt blessed to be at this place learning about the nature of enlightenment.
After a rich and full day, we enjoyed a vegetarian dinner and started to get more settled into our home for the next week.
After dinner we headed back to our room to unwind and shortly after got a tense knock at the door. "We have an important meeting for all foreigners right now. You must attend." Myself, Devon and Michelle were somewhat surprised by the intensity of the fellow named Norbu, but I was intent on understanding what was going on, so I hustled myself to the meeting.
Norbu clarified one major point: Unless you have your PAP, you must leave the monastery by 7am tomorrow morning as the Indian police will raid the monastery of any tourists who do not have a PAP.
Well, it was clear. Time to go and do some serious inner work...
We went back to our room and felt unnerved...all kinds of thoughts running through the mind, and the most important one: "What are we being asked to learn here?"...Michelle, Devon and I began packing our bags and brainstormed what was going on. Each of us being intuitive had a similar read on the situation. We skyped some of our most trusted advisors back home and got a similar read on the situation. Hang in there, this is a test. You will be back.
So the adventure really begins...monks were pacing up and down the halls of the monastery all night as there was an intense seriousness in the air. At about midnight we heard a bus pull up, and found out that the tourists from Spain were leaving right there and then.
Morning came around, and as we split our group into 3 vans driven by the monks themselves, we were on a mad dash out of Mundgod. Once we finally got out, there was a sigh of relief. And then off to Hubli where we would figure out a plan of action.
The photo above is our group gathering to get ready to go..the adventure really begins!
Find out what we did and how things unfolded in the next blog!
What India Taught me About Healing:
1. Be prepared.
2. Go with the flow.
3. Live in the moment and enjoy the fruits that are present.
www.dralexinamehta.com and www.celebratingthegoddess.com