The Integrationist

Complementary/alternative and conventional approaches to mind-body healing

Got Cramps? Self-Acupressure Can Help Ease Menstrual Pain

Roughly 80% of women have painful periods, and medication provides insufficient relief. In a new study, app-guided acupressure eased pain.

The Risks and Allure of Being a “Tireless Caregiver”

Are you a "Tireless Caregiver," taking care of everyone but you? It can feel great to be everyone's go-to person—but it comes at a steep price.

In Pain? Five Simple, Effective Things You Can Do Right Now

Struggling with chronic pain? It's linked to increased levels of anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Here are five simple, low-cost therapies can help you start feeling better.

Psychopaths, Sadists, and the Lure of Internet Aggression

Internet trolls create chaos on Facebook, Twitter, and other social media sites. Read on to learn who they are, what motivates them, and why you should stop feeding them.

What's Gut Got to Do With It? Bacteria, Weight, & Health

Your collective 40 trillion gut bacteria account for much of what makes you you. Overweight, depressed, or having trouble thinking clearly? Here's what you can do about it.

You CAN Stay Strong, Sane & Centered in Times of Stress

These 7 tips can help you become more emotionally resilient in general and maintain perspective during times of strife

Narcissist or Sociopath? Similarities, Differences and Signs

Narcissists and sociopaths are often confused for one another, can be tough to spot, and can wreak havoc on your life. Here are 7 reasons why that's so and how to see them coming.

Socially Anxious? Eating Probiotic-Rich Foods Can Help

Does going to parties, public speaking, eating in front of others, or using public bathrooms make you sweat? Probiotics and fermented foods (like kimchi, yogurt, or miso) can help.

20 Things to Do When You're Snowed In

Whether you want to get organized or simply relax, make time for romance, earn extra cash, or learn something new, here are 20 ways to feel good about being snowed in.

10 Tips for Creating Your Healthiest Self This Year

Tired of making resolutions but not sticking with them? 10 easy, simple, and seriously effective steps for creating and maintaining good health.

The "Grinch in Elf's Clothing" & Other Covert Villains

Is the Grinch in your life creating holiday chaos? When it's not all "merry and bright," how to spot covert villains, set healthy limits, and enjoy the season.

ADHD Medication May Enhance Hypnotizability

Hypnosis, an enhanced state of inner focus, can be an effective tool for improving a range of symptoms, including those related to mood and learning. The ADHD drug methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin) has been shown to increase hypnotizability in a sample of patients with ADHD and thus may enable patients to benefit from adding hypnosis to their treatment regimens.

Successful Weight Loss Using Hypnosis

Your unconscious may believe it has “good reasons” for keeping you overweight. Hypnosis can help you address these beliefs and make the changes you need to look and feel great and get healthy.

A Genetic Mutation That Can Affect Mental & Physical Health

The MTHFR mutation is associated with increased risk of depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, autism, heart disease, miscarriage, migraines, certain cancers, and more. What it is, how it affects you, and the good news: what you can do about it.

Dealing With Everyday Sadists and Other "Dark Personalities"

How to spot and protect yourself from "everyday sadists" and other members of the "Dark Tetrad"

Woman with vitamins via Horst Petzold, Dreamstime.com

Dietary Supplements in Mental Health Care

Despite the recent controversy, judiciously used dietary supplements can play a valuable role in managing mood and more.

5 Essential Questions and 10 Tips to Create Positive Change

Want to quit smoking, run farther, or make some other positive change? These tips and tools can help you to let go of outdated habits and create the life you want. (Really!)

"Weight Labeling" Is Harmful and Linked to Later Obesity

"Fat Shaming" and weight labeling do harm, not good.

Waiting Room Etiquette 101

Just because Tony Soprano did it doesn't mean you should....

"Winter Rage," Mindfulness, and the Gift of the Present

It's okay to shake your fist at Old Man Winter. But in addition to the ice, snow, and clunky boots, winter provides us with many opportunities to be in the present moment—whatever it is. If we can get out of our heads and into the now, we may be pleasantly surprised by what we find.

8 Tips for Surviving the “Most Wonderful Time Of the Year"

(Somewhat) irreverent but very effective ways to help you survive the holiday season

Denial, Distortion, and Justifying the Government Shutdown

The 5 primitive defenses that enabled Congress to justify the shutdown

Are We Really What We (& Our Moms) Eat?

Healthy Diet Happy Baby? Why Prenatal and Early Childhood Diet Matters for Your Child's Mental Health.

Depression Won't Go Away? Folate Could Be The Answer

Find out if you may be at risk for a folate deficiency, why you need to know this, and what you can do about it.

Building Healthy Self-Esteem

Nearly everyone has something they'd like to change about themselves. When our insecurities interfere with our ability to accept who we are, however, it’s time to address the issues head on. Understanding what you truly value, and living in accordance with those values, can help put things in perspective and provide a healthier barometer for self worth.

7 Tips for Creating Positive Mental Imagery

We can all create "scary" images of undesirable outcomes for ourselves. Guided imagery can help us to leave behind outdated ideas about ourselves and what we can do, and harness the mind's ability to create positive change.

9 Tools for (Finally!) Kicking Procrastination to the Curb

I, too, was once a world-class procrastinator. Here are my 9 favorite, time-tested tools for conquering procrastination, remaining focused, and getting things done!

Kicking the Procrastination "Habit"

For me, procrastination was like a sub-par anti-anxiety drug that provided minimal, brief respite before leaving me with a horrific hangover. And yet, it took me a while to kick the habit.

Are You Hypnotizable?

Hypnosis is a state of enhanced inner focus and can be a valuable tool for modulating pain, nausea, and other physical symptoms, decreasing anxiety, and breaking bad habits, among other things. But what makes some people more hypnotizable than others?

Managing the "Bad Neighbor" That is Chronic Pain

Chronic pain affects 100 million Americans emotionally, physically, and across numerous other domains. Because pain is a brain-body-mind phenomenon, however, there's a lot you can do to manage pain and improve your life. In fact, the solution is "in your head."