Article: Balance The Body To Clear Your Mind

Each of us seeks balance in our lives. In fact, the body’s chief objective, and key to staying alive, is to maintain balance or homeostasis. Homeostasis is defined in Wikipedia as “the property or function in either an opened or closed system, especially a living organism that regulates its internal environment, so as to maintain a stable, constant condition.”

Simply put, our body-mind system is a dynamic system that is constantly, every moment, adapting and changing according to internal and external stimuli. These changes or adaptations have one goal in mind: to maintain harmony, stability, and balance.

We are very lucky to have these regulations and mechanisms in place to aid us in balance. This balance is so important that even a slight change for prolonged periods can have drastic effects. For instance, our pH, also called our acid/alkaline balance, needs to be within a window of 7.35 to 7.55. If we remain in this window, then chances are all is well. If we move outside of this window, for prolonged periods, then disease, decay and even death may occur. Much of our lives are devoted to unconsciously disturbing this crucial balance. Poor diet, stress, and a sedentary lifestyle all contribute to this self-destructive mode.

When out of balance, or out of sync, the first place we feel the effects is in our mind. The mind goes into a sort of brain fog or clattering noise. When we are in this muddled state, it’s a challenge to get anything done, and what we do manage to accomplish usually lacks quality and care. It’s as if we are just going through the motions.

There are many programs out there that offer ways to strengthen or invigorate the mind. They usually address the mental fatigue from a symptomatic point of view. Because of this, most of these programs give temporary results. Since the mind is really part of the body, the core of the problem lies primarily with the body. Therefore, by addressing the mind, at best, is only a partial solution.

Another way some people try to break through the fog is by using stimulants, such as caffeine. Though, caffeinated products such as coffee, teas, acia, and Herba Mate do temporary invigorate the mind, in the long run, they lead to more imbalance in the body by ravaging the kidneys and adrenals.

The key to invigorating the mind is to restore balance to the body and its systems, and then the mind will follow. If you’ve ever exercised regularly, then you’ve felt the effect such activity has on the mind. Usually after a good workout, there is a feeling of wellbeing whereby the mind is open, clear, and alert. So, with this in mind we can see that by addressing the body we can affect the mind.

Unfortunately, exercise is not enough.

Thanks to Mother Nature, we have other things that can be of a great help besides exercise. They are known as adaptogenic herbs. These herbs are known for there dual directive ability. That is they normalize the body’s functions, neither over stimulating nor inhibiting. They help the body to maintain homeostasis.  Once the body is in homeostasis the mind feels refreshed and open, and the natural result is a peaceful easy feeling and a flow of inspirational ideas.

Many adaptogens are being used today for such things as stress reduction, wound healing, energy, stamina, and to strengthen the immune system. But, very few people realize the ability to boost mental power with these plants! In fact, one of the famous adaptogens, Gotu Kola, is known for its powerful effect on the mind. It is even called “brain food!” Some other powerful mind adaptogens are Licorice Root, Ginseng Root, Eleuthero Root, Reishi Mushroom, Astragalus, and Royal Jelly. Each of these has a unique effect of the body’s systems, but the one thing they all have in common is their power for adaptation – that is they bring about balance in the body’s systems so that the mind is clear, calm, and alive!

Here are some suggestions for those of you who are interested in taking adaptogens for a clear, calm mind: Some of the more common adaptogen herbs are Gotu Kola, Licorice Root, American Ginseng, Eleuthero Root, Cordyceps, Shitake Mushroom, Maitake Mushroom and Astragalus. They can be found in single herbs formulas or multi-herb formulas. I prefer the multiple herbal formulas. When taking them, make sure the form in which they come can be assimilated easily. Many of the products today have denatured the healing properties through the manufacturing process! I suggest taking them in the form of an extract or powder. Take the time to research the manufacturing process of the supplier.