[From the “Fatigue” Chapter]
AROMATHERAPY
Place a drop each of rosemary (or geranium) and basil essential oils on a tissue and inhale whenever you need a quick energy boost, suggests Fair Oaks, California, aromatherapist Victoria Edwards.
AYURVEDA
To battle the fatigue that comes with or after illness, drink a mixture of almond milk and herbs once or twice a day, says Vasant Lad, B.A.M.S., M.A.Sc., director of the Ayurvedic Institute in Albuquerque, New Mexico. To make the mixture, soak ten almonds overnight in enough water to cover them. In the morning, peel off their skins, then put them in a blender with a cup of hot skim milk, a pinch each of ginger powder and cardamom and one teaspoon of date sugar (available in most health food stores). Blend and drink.
HYDROTHERAPY
The cold mitten friction rub is a classic hydrotherapy remedy for fatigue, lethargy or general weakness, according to Agatha Thrash, M.D., a medical pathologist and co-founder and co-director of Uchee Pines Institute, a natural healing center in Seale, Alabama. Dip a small towel or washcloth into 50° to 60°F water), curl one hand into a fist and wrap the towel or washcloth around it. Use your fist to rub your other arm in vigorous circular motion, beginning with the fingers and finishing at the shoulder. Dip the cloth in cold water again and repeat the step. Your skin should be pink. Dry your arm with a towel using the same vigorous circular movement, then repeat the process on your other arm and on your legs, feet, chest, and abdomen. Dr. Thrash says to perform this rub once or twice every day until you’re free of fatigue, then use as needed.
IMAGERY
Imagine an energy machine suspended over your head. Give the machine any shape and color that suits you. This machine has a strong, thick wire that connects to the top of your head. You’ll find an on/off switch on the wire just before it enters your head. When you feel comfortable, turn on the switch and feel the energy flow into your head and down through your body, says Dennis Gersten, M.D., a San Diego psychiatrist and publisher of Atlantis, a bi-monthly imagery newsletter. He suggests practicing this imagery for five minutes twice a day.
