SALE ALERT!

Today, Jan 20th and tomorrow, Jan 21 only - ALL items in the bath & body category at iherb are discounted 10% off  (Aubrey Organics and Avalon Organics are an extra 20% off until Jan 28th)!


 *Use coupon code MOD625 for an additional $5 off your first purchase -I receive a small percentage, no additional cost to you, when you use my code*




I have been shopping at iherb for years. Having SPD, I get allergic and strange reactions to most chemicals, preservatives, dyes, and fragrances in many products, so I have to use more natural products with little to no chemicals. iherb carries thousands of natural & organic products I can use that do not give me reactions. Not only do they sell bath & body products, but they also sell food (beans, rice, soup mix, snacks, chips, dried fruit, nuts, cocoa, sweeteners, manuka honey, seeds, coffee, tea, etc), supplements, essential oils & diffusers, Diva cups, herbs, pet products, vitamins, sport items, kid & baby products, as well as items that are now 10% off: make-up, shampoo, non toxic water based nail polish, henna hair dye kits, deodorant, toothpaste, dental floss, anti-aging serums/creams, lotion, soap, sunscreen, hairspray, cotton menstrual pads, lip balm, razors, etc.




I placed an order to take advantage of this great sale, some of the items I purchased and really like are: Sierra Bees Organic Pomegranate Beeswax Lip Balm with Vitamin E, Sweet Almond Oil, 100% Vitamin E Oil, Crystal Deodorant Stick, Organic Jojoba Oil, Kiss My Face Whenever Shampoo, Green Tea & Lime, and Calm Magnesium Supplement.




Free domestic shipping on orders over $20. Don't forget to check out the product trials section - you can select one item at a trial price, and the specials section also contains deeply discounted items. You can also sign up for rewards you earn that apply to future purchases.

What is Sensory Processing Disorder?

Product Review - MeMoves

I first heard about MeMoves via a fellow SPDer a few weeks ago. I am always curious and open to trying just about anything to help my SPD, so I visited the website Thinking Moves. While investigating MeMoves, I noticed and wondered about LifeMoves – which is geared towards adults. So I sent a message via the contact us online form inquiring what were the differences between the two?, was one more difficult?, etc. I never heard back, which was very disappointing since I wanted to know which might be better for me/SPD. After some time I decided to go ahead and order MeMoves since it has the most online reviews (nearly all positive) and per the website the DVD is slightly longer with textured cards & a CD (all arriving in an oversized DVD case) and is $10 cheaper @ $59.95. I ordered on a Sunday and received the set in a padded envelope mailer 4 days later on a Thursday via Media Mail (luckily I live in the same state as said company, Media Mail usually is very slow and can take weeks for receipt in my experience. I also noticed they overcharged for shipping by $4). Upon receipt I read all included material and set out to try the DVD. The enclosed paperwork states, "MeMoves uses a patented self regulation system designed to decrease stress and increase function. The core of the system is a multisensory interactive DVD that combines rhythm, music, patterns, and movement in a way that fully engages the user to balance their nervous system."


There are three sections on the DVD: Joy, Calm, and Focus, each with 4 or 5 segments of a few minutes. You can select & do as many as you wish, but they only play one at a time, you cannot program sequences or segments together (now that would have been cool and a better product in my opinion). I started with Joy, did one or two, then did 2 of Calm, and one of Focus. I enjoyed the music, thought the clicking would bother me, but it did not, and I liked the way it felt doing the routines. The routines consist of arm movements: up and down, Xs, squares, circles, half circle, infinity/figure 8s, Ls, etc. Each arm not always performing the same movement as the other. There are people of various ethnicities, sex, & ages in nondescript clothing doing the movements, usually smiling. There was one young boy who in two of the sections I tried moved ahead of the music/beat/clicks which was kind of cute, but I imagine after time it could be rather annoying. Another seated elderly woman was counting: 1..2..3..4 though was muted by the music. Since I can’t help but notice everything, I couldn’t not read her lips and found this to be very distracting. Luckily each person is only on screen for less than a minute. Afterwards my arms felt warm and I felt blood circulating.


The flow felt very much like Qi Gong to me = warm, soothing, calming, centering, healing. In the included MeMoves paperwork it does mention it is a moving meditation and it does feel as such. I think anyone who does MeMoves and likes it should check out Qi Gong, which is similar, but some practices in my opinion are better and more suited for adults. Per the below mentioned website, "Qi Gong switches the nervous system from the stress-related ‘fight or flight’ mode to the restorative healing mode of the parasympathetic branch. EEG shows that, in people practicing Qi Gong, the cerebral cortex enters a state of calm that few people experience, even in sleep." My favorite DVD practice is Lee Holden’s Qi Gong for Stress. It has relaxing music, nature sounds, stunning nature scenery with calming colors, and is slow and meditative. It also contains breath work or syncing your breath to the movement, similar to Vinyasa Flow Yoga, which MeMoves does not do. Holistic doctors believe SPD can be caused or worsened by blocked Qi (aka Chi = energy), so it makes sense that MeMoves helps as it is similar in a juvenile way.



This morning I visited the included MeMoves textured pattern cards. I loved the freedom of these – to do with or without music, to travel with me anywhere I go, to fit in my purse, the feel of the heavy, cool rubbery texture cards was calming and positive. I like that they instruct you to change it up and to try other patterns, change direction, cross hands to keep it challenging. I then proceed to do more of the DVD, which was once again enjoyable.



In the included booklet it is recommended you do Memoves 2-3 times a day. With the segments being so short, I can see easily fitting this in happily at my computer, TV, or thanks to the cards, anywhere I go. While I have enjoyed each of the sections, I really like the focus ones best – I always love to challenge my brain. I’d love to see them do a set that is pure focus and advanced for adults. I would buy it in a heartbeat! My husband has seen a bit of MeMoves and will be doing it with me some of the time. My mom also said she will try it out, as she suffers some sensory issues herself. I will revisit my review in a few months after using it daily to let you know my thoughts and to possibly review LifeMoves should I try it. I would absolutely recommend MeMoves to anyone with SPD a/o ASD looking for a calming tool. I think it is appropriate for all ages, though especially children.

Black Friday Online Deals

As if you didn't know, today is Black Friday. One year I dared to venture out for a few deals, and well, let's just say never again! I found a few good deals online and will be shopping from home today through Cyber Monday.

I wanted to share that the Rainbow OPTX sale is now up! They have new frames available and their discount through Monday using code BLACKFRIDAY40 is 40% off!! I just splurged and bought a few black frames in my favorites, green & purple, and the only other color I don't have, magenta. I love the ones I already have and continue to use them for SPD.




Total Fitness DVDs is also having a sale, no code needed, just click on list of all sale items on their front page to view items.


Classical Stretch, which is a combination of yoga, dance, tai chi, stretching - also good for relieving stress, anxiety, and pain associated with SPD, is having a sale of 20% off all DVDs until 12/12! Just visit their online store to receive discount.
Happy Shopping!

Color Therapy Glasses

I've purchased a full set of 8 color therapy glasses from Rainbow OPTX and am loving these! They truly do affect your sensory responses, mood, energy! I will post more about them and a full review soon - I need more time to try each in different settings. I've had them for a week now and am using multiple colors daily. My husband is also trying them out for different reasons - headaches, seizure prevention, and SAD (seasonal affective disorder).



I had expected the blue to be the most used for my SPD - having read others wear blue tinted glasses to filter artificial light, to calm, to correct visual stress, etc. But I've found for me the green and the purple/indigo work best for calming my senses. And so far the yellow is fantastic for SAD (seasonal affective disorder) & cloudy days.



The full set is on sale for $29.88 off and once on their site they give a coupon code for 20% off for new customers, which equals an additional $25.99 off the set! Noel from Rainbow OPTX let me know there will be a *holiday sale in early December*, so if interested in purchasing, that would be a good time! You can purchase the entire set or each color individually.


This was my first purchase and I am very happy with their customer service, shipping time, and product. I only recently discovered Rainbow OPTX while researching Chromotherapy. I don't mean to sound like a commercial, but I am very excited that these seem to help my moderate to severe SPD!!

Book Review

I finished reading Been There Done That Try This. As soon as I got the book I excitedly went straight to the sensory section and read the entire chapter. I am always so hopeful I will find something new that will help me. I only found common sense advice like avoid what bothers you, use ear plugs (can’t – they hurt my ears & give infections), wear sunglasses (can’t - hurt after more than 10 minutes and make me sweat under eyes, give headaches), do & eat the things you enjoy.


So I went on to read the entire book. This is probably best for someone very young who has just discovered they have ASD a/o SPD, and do not know much about ASD and how to deal with sensory and other issues or someone who wants to read how others are affected by ASD. It might be a good read for parents who wish to learn more about what their child is going through or spouses of those with ASD.


I went back and read the sensory chapter four more times just to see if maybe I missed something. Unfortunately not the case. Off to Half Price Books it went.

Henna

Today I am coloring my hair. Since SPD affects me greatly and I have allergic reactions and hives to most chemical products, I use pure Henna to color my hair. My hair is naturally a medium brunette with some greys, maybe 5% or less - but enough to be annoying and it doesn't look good on me. Henna gives my hair a slight burgundy tint and tons of shine. The first time I did it, it looked slightly orange until it oxidized, but I’ve been doing it for so many years now that it really doesn’t do much other than shine and thankfully cover greys.


If you are interested in using Henna, make sure you purchase body art quality Henna from the Middle East, as high quality as you can afford with no pesticides used and a lab guarantee on dye content. Many box mixes include carcinogens, coal tar, and other things that could make your hair turn green. There are many Henna suppliers online, so shop around and read reviews. I buy in bulk a year’s supply and freeze it to keep fresh. Because my hair is rarely longer than a few inches past my shoulders and I only use half a bag or less per time, it breaks down to about $6 every 2 months to Henna my hair - which is cheaper than most at home hair dye kits, and much less than having a professional dye your hair.


I often hear, “I didn’t know you could color your hair that way”. Yep, it is a very natural process. You take crushed Henna leaves, mix with water and an acid (eg: orange juice, ACV, pomegranate juice) to a yogurt consistency, let sit for 24 hours to let the acid break down the leaves and release dye, then apply just as you would any at home hair color, then wrap in shower cap, cling wrap, a/o a towel. The longer you keep it on your hair, the darker the color. I usually let it sit on my hair for about 2-3 hours. I have slept a full 8 hours in it and have let it sit for only one hour once. For my hair type, 3 hours seems a good time for perfect coverage. It takes 24-48 hours to oxidize after rinsing out and once set, that will be your color. The Henna penetrates the keratin, unlike chemical hair dyes which only coat the hair strand. So with Henna, it will not fade, change color in the sun, wash out. It is permanent and thickens each hair strand. Indians use it as a cure for thinning hair & baldness. It also greatly conditions the hair and leaves it very shiny.


You can add natural indigo to your mix to achieve a darker, black, or blue tint to your color. You can add pure grape powder to achieve a purple tint. There are many natural ways to color your hair and change the tint.

Pinterest

If you are on Pinterest, please be sure to follow my Sensory Processing Disorder Pinterest Board. I regularly pin SPD articles, blogs, products, studies, books, OT activities, supplements, etc. there (including the above t-shirt!).

Magnesium - Part II

The combination of drinking Calm (easily digestible magnesium supplement) and Qi Gong, has been doing wonders for me - I've been drinking Calm twice a day for about a month now. I keep waiting for the effects of Calm to stop working, but it has helped many issues so far. My husband has said for him drinking Calm has helped him sleep, stopped his restless leg syndrome, makes headaches go away, and we have read it can help prevent seizures (he has Epilepsy). For me it has done some things I never expected. For instance I have suffered on and off for years with Plantar Fasciitis - I do stretching for it daily, use massagers, get foot massages, take Ibuprophen, wear shoe insert supports, etc. and it never completely goes away and has actually got worse over the years. After taking Calm for a few days my foot pain went away completely. I remember waking up and getting out of bed and feeling like dancing since my feet felt so good and pain-free! I do get sleepy within 1/2 hour of drinking Calm, it has made headaches go away, helps me feel good and I seem to have more energy (but that could be a combo of it & the Qi Gong I've been doing), eliminated acid reflux, regulated bathroom issues from probiotic I take, lessened PMS/PMDD, and helps regulate my blood sugar. My knees have been hurting me for the past few years and I had to use the railing to go downstairs and sometimes would walk diagonal on our narrow stairs - just felt like my bad knee (hurt years ago in car accident, never had surgery I was supposed to) would go out. Since drinking Calm twice daily my knees haven't been hurting at all and I've been able to walk up & down the stairs daily normally without the rail and go straight up and down.


My husband and I have both said it is a miracle drink and can't believe all the things is has helped - I was very skeptical and still keep waiting for it to stop working/my body to adapt. I don't mean to sound like a commercial for Calm, but I am so happy with all that it has helped and enjoy drinking it more than coffee or tea. If you do a search on magnesium, it is required by the body for over 300 enzyme systems that regulate diverse biochemical reactions in the body including protein synthesis, muscle and nerve function, blood glucose control, and blood pressure regulation. Magnesium is included in saline drips at hospitals, is used to treat many ailments, and the majority of US citizens are deficient. If I recall correctly, the RDA for a man is approx. 400-450mg and 320-360mg for a woman. *Consult your doctor for more info, dosing, side effects, interactions. 


We have since purchased a larger container twice the size of the first and will continue to take it. Another (cheaper) source of magnesium, though also used as a laxative so use much lesser amounts, is Epsom Salts (magnesium sulfate), which you drink mixed with water a/o juice or you can bathe in it and your body will absorb it. You can also find magnesium in spinach, nuts, and beans naturally. There are also magnesium supplements available in pill & oil form. I've read you can apply the oil to the bottoms of your feet or anywhere on your body for absorption. I may try this also.


You can find Calm at iherb.com and use coupon code MOD625 to get $5 off your first purchase, or $10 off your first purchase over $40!

Movie Review

Perfume - The Story of a Murderer

*Warning - spoilers ahead...


I’ve wanted to see this movie for years, ever since reading about it and the main character having extreme olfactory sense. With my sense of smell being the most hypersensitive of my senses and of anyone I’ve ever known or read about, I am drawn to books & movies exploring this topic even if works of fiction. I noticed it was OOP (out of print) and I knew I could rent it via Amazon, but I really wanted a physical copy after viewing the trailer - I knew I would like it, I collect strange OOP movies, and don’t like to watch movies on my computer. I searched all of our local 2nd hand shops for a copy of the DVD for years, with no luck. It is available online used for $69+, but I wasn’t willing to pay that much for it. Unfortunately it is not out on Blu-ray -seemed like it would look amazing due to the trailer/cinematography. After finding a reasonably priced DVD, my husband purchased it as a gift for me (yay me!).


This movie resonated deeply with me on many levels – and I’m not talking about the murder part. Objectively, it was beautifully filmed, I loved the music, it was an interesting story, disturbing yet captivating. Obviously I relate to the character's extreme sense of smell. While mine is strong and I can smell things others can’t, smells hurt & burn me where as they didn’t seem to affect him as such. Even when I like a smell, which is very rare (fresh cut grass, peppermint, lemon, water, dirt), I can only tolerate it for a short period before it starts hurting me.


In the film, when he chose the longer path to Gras that took him up the mountains, the farthest away from society and discovered the cave with no smell, I actually cried. I so often wish I could find such a solace. I’ve read that in the book he stayed there for 7 years, which wasn’t thoroughly portrayed in the movie – you knew from his beard growth he’d been there awhile but I don’t believe they mentioned how long.


This movie was depressing and dark, but I still liked it very much.  The movie made me sad, because I could relate to him (not the murders), and because someone (though fictional) with my same hypersensitivity, ended their sadness by their own hand. Either way, I thought it was a good movie and I am so glad I finally got to see it and obtain a copy.

Music for the Canine Household

Earlier in the year I entered a contest via Drs Foster & Smith and won a prize package of many dog related items. We have multiple dogs, but I wrote in particular about our first who had a troubling start in life and came to us with many health & behavior issues. One of the items in the package was a music CD; Through a Dog's Ear - Music for the Canine Household. It is meant to have a soothing impact on dogs and their owners. I put it away and forgot about it. The other week in searching for relaxing music to listen to, I took it out and decided to play it for our dogs. We have high energy Min Pins and they immediately settled down and fell asleep within minutes of playing. I also found myself relaxing and enjoyed the music! If you are seeking a collection of songs that are relaxing I recommend looking into this series (there are others to calm, for travel, etc)!
Here is the complete song list: 1. (Bach) Cello Sonata in C Major, Menuet 2. (Schumann) Traumerei 3. (Massenet) Melody 4. (Saint-Saens) The Swan (Carnival of The Animals) 5. (Bach) Prelude in C WTC Bk. 1 No. 1 6. (Bach) Arioso from Cantata No. 156 7. (Dvorak) New World Symphony Theme 8. (Bach) Cello Suite in G, Sarabande 9. (Schubert) Serenade 10. (Brahms) Intermezzo in E Op. 116 No. 4 11. (Mendelssohn) Cello Sonata in D Major, Op. 58 A.s 12. (Debussy) First Arabesque 13. (Bach) Aria Lento

40 Day Sadhana

Tonight is the Autumnal Equinox, at exactly 10:29pm tonight I believe and so then begins the first day of Fall. In the past I have participated in Sadhana where you commit to a physical a/o spiritual practice, for a set amount of time. The group I belong to always did them beginning of each Solstice for 40 days. Given the stress and pain I have been feeling of late, I am starting a 40 day Autumnal Equinox Sadhana today. I am committing to 40 days of Qi Gong or Yoga every day. I'm hoping that since holistic doctors believe chi is blocked when you have SPD and Qi Gong can unblock it, my sensory issues will be lessened. If it goes well perhaps I will join my group in the Winter Solstice Sadhana too come December.

Pet Birds

We lost our Budgie (small parakeet) Saturday. It was a shock: he had no signs of illness and was happy, chirping, playing the day before. He missed his partner, who passed in January of a cyst.




Having birds as pets was a great experience. Birds are very sensitive creatures with delicate respiratory systems and cannot tolerate & get sick from many things, just like a person with SPD – smells, chemicals, smoke, toxins, etc. You cannot use Teflon, markers, paint, glue, candles, perfume, hairspray, air freshener, Febreeze, etc. around them since they are toxic to birds. They need a comfy temp – not too hot or too cold, 70 is ideal. They require quiet at times, don’t like a lot of people around, and require a lot of sleep in the dark. 

Magnesium

I've read many articles that state magnesium is another mineral that is important to every part of the body & required for the proper function of nerves. Those with SPD a/o ASD struggle to digest it properly due to poorly functioning digestive systems and a supplement is recommended by many doctors since a deficiency can cause neurological problems. So, I am going to try taking the above an hour before bed and see if it helps in any way. I've read it can help prevent panic attacks/anxiety, stop insomnia, end muscle cramps, stop headaches, give energy, stop heart palpitations, lower blood pressure, is used to treat ADHD, PMS, asthma, fibromyalgia, and end restless leg syndrome. I've also read to start slow since it can act like a laxative. So I will check back with my thoughts & experience in the future. I am hoping it helps me get better and longer sleep, since I am a super light sleeper and struggle to sleep well.
You can find Calm at iherb.com and use coupon code MOD625 to get $5 off your first purchase!

Happiness

I recently viewed a documentary on PBS titled Happy.


What a great reminder that (true) happiness comes from movement, community, flow, and Altruism.

Dentist Appointment

Dentist appointment yesterday. Blech. Hate, hate, hate going to the dentist and not because I don’t like my dentist (I actually have one I really like!) or have a fear about going. I don’t like going because it hurts horribly. For hours and days afterward. Yes, a simple cleaning can be extremely painful. I always get some anxiety before going because I know what it is going to feel like and for how long. Having SPD, I experience pain from many activities that most people do not; lights, sound, smell, touch, décor, energy, heat. It’s not necessarily that I don’t like these things, it is that they hurt me.

I went to my appointment prepared; took some L-Theanine that had me very relaxed, several ibuprophen, fidgets in hand, mantra in mind, dark glasses on, even counted screen holes in ceiling fan to distract my mind from what I was feeling. Yes, it went smoothly and I did not panic or have an anxious meltdown of any sort and on the bright side my teeth are now sparkly clean. I'm proud of myself for not cancelling my appointment (and trust me I thought about it and really wanted to). That said I left with red rashy skin, hives, sweating, headache, jaw pain, canker sores from gloved fingers/tools in my mouth, throbbing temples, dizzy, eyes hurt, itchy, nausea, exhausted, and feeling like someone beat me up, all from a typical cleaning.
Four hours after appointment I was still in pain despite taking more ibuprophen. Noises sound magnified, felt totally overwhelmed by everything afterward.
Wake up this morning to swollen face, sore jaw, sore tongue, sore teeth, headache. SPD sucks and is a total curse in times like this! Yes I went to my appointment and didn’t die from it, but I truly hurt and pills, a positive attitude, preparedness – nothing stops it. My hygienist is aware of my TMJ and SPD and they do try to give me breaks, let me close my jaw often, try to be quick, and not hurt me & I am so thankful for that.

Song That Caught My Ear

Ever hear a song that catches your ear? I was listening to Americana songs the other night and this came on. Something about it called to me. Makes me think of being in nature, sunshine, happy. Love her voice. Just thought I'd share...





Blurring days together, one sip at a time
We drove north to the woods and took a walk outside
Getting lost to free our minds
Listen to the quiet, hear the heartbeat of the pines


Let the sun kiss away the pale
Let the wind run through our hair
Tell our souls don't give in to fear
Leave no trace
Leave no trace of being here


Tension nearly drowned us, one day at a time
Filled our hands with regret, and my bed with crimes
Losing breath with every lie
Listen to the quiet, hear the heartbeat of the pines
 
Let the sun kiss away the pale
Let the wind run through our hair
Tell our souls don't give in to fear
Leave no trace


We've taken this trail as far as it can go
Turn around, take it home
Turn around, take it home


Let the sun kiss away the pale
Let the wind run through our hair
Tell our souls don't give in to fear
Leave no trace
Leave no trace of being here

Helpful Find

Saw this website, Avoid Humans, posted on Facebook. Very cool, based on your location, it lists places (bars, coffee shops, libraries, restaurants, etc.) near you with the least amount of humans. Great idea! Will be using for sure. Check it out at Avoid Humans.

Supplements

I have been, for the most part happily, enjoying my Spring /Summer by spending plenty of time outdoors with my dogs, planting & tending to flower beds, and doing home improvement projects.
One of my last posts I wrote about Methyl B12. I wanted to give it enough time to see whether or not it would truly help. I do believe it has. My husband said he noticed a difference in me and other than the first three days when I did feel very hypersensitive with all of my senses, I feel better. After doing more research a month after I started taking the Methyl B12, I added other supplements and they also seem to help. I’ve been taking 800mcgs of Megafolinic once daily, 100mgs of L-Theanine once daily, a probiotic once daily of 14 billion good bacteria, and a 1000mg Flaxseed pill for Omega 3 daily. This partnered with almost daily skin brushing and joint compressions has been helping me tremendously. I still have had some bad days or things outside my control set off my senses, but I generally feel better, more in control of my reactions, can make better decisions, stop a meltdown before it starts. I’ve been sleeping better and my digestion and tummy issues have also improved.
I have been getting more sun and fresh air and that could also have something to do with feeling good. There was a time that for 3 days in a row, I forgot to take my pills the other week and I felt horrible, depressed, super sensitive, gloomy.
All of the supplements I am taking are available at Iherb and if you use coupon code MOD625, you will receive $5 off your first order or $10 off your first order of $40 or more!
So I am still plugging away at this new journey; learning, seeking help, trying new things.