DEPRESSION, HEALTH AND SPIRITUALITY

"I have a number of physical symptoms including regular headaches and itchy skin. I do my best to stay on a spiritual path and am confused why my health is not better," explains a reader to Dr. Eric Mein, M.D.

Dr. Mein answers: "Our bodies are three dimensional, a physical body, a mental body and a spiritual body - reflecting the three-dimensional world in which we find ourselves. Each is separate from the other and needs to be evaluated and worked with in its own realm. One aspect can clearly impact another, there is always a correlation between a physical symptom and a specific spiritual issue. Negative emotions adversely affect the body, and one aspect clearly impacts another, there is always a correlation between a physical symptom and a specific spiritual issue, according to my studies including the Edgar Cayce material. Headaches and skin disorders are often linked with problems in the gastrointestional system which could include chronic constipation, food allergies or sensitivities and "leaky-gut" syndrome. At the level of the mental body, responses to stress can aggravate physical incoordinations and worsen the type of symptoms. Check in on your ideal and possible need to balance priorities with the spiritual body.

One of the causes of depression; researchers have implicated a variety of psychological, psychosocial and biological factors. Medication side-effects disturb circulation patterns to the brain, spinal lesions and genetic predisposition. Excessive concern for self or selfishness can create patterns of depression. With the chronicity of your symptoms, it is best to approach this holistically at multiple levels. Fit daily exercise into your schedule, especially when it can be done out of doors. Work in some massages when possible. Take time to visualize optimal health at all levels of your being. Finally, find someone who is having more problems than you and reach out to help them. You may want to check on David McMillin's book, 'The Treatment of Depression,' to get more detailed information, adds Dr. Mein. Other questions may be directed to Eric Mein, M.D., 215 67th Street, Virginia Beach, Va. 23451