Natural Remedies and Energy Medicine for Dopamine Related Disorders
Dopamine is a brain chemical (neurotransmitter). Did you know that there can be some types of depression that is related to low levels of dopamine? Usually we think of the neurotransmitter serotonin for mood, but understanding your specific brain chemistry can make a big difference in the success of therapies.
Serotonin deficient depression presents more with:
-sadness, crying
-poor emotional regulation
-mood swings
-fatigue
Dopamine deficient depression presents more with:
-lack of motivation
-apathy
-loss of joy in activities that were fun
-feeling helpless
Low levels of dopamine associated with:
-Depression
-Lack of motivation
-Lack of pleasure
-Parkinson’s disease
High levels of dopamine associated with:
-addiction
-schizophrenia
-hallucinations
-mania
-nausea/vomiting
-restless leg syndrome
There are 5 receptors for dopamine. D1, D2, D3, D4 and D5. They function differently. D1 and D5. D1 and D5 dopamine receptors are linked to G proteins that activate adenylate cyclase. D2, D3, D4 are linked to G proteins that inhibit adenylate cyclase. Different receptors are associated with different functions or conditions if function is out of balance.
Studies show D2 receptor activity is important for a process called apoptosis and important to keep certain neurological tumors at bay. Some people have developed anti-bodies against D2 receptors in dopaminergic neurons in the brain, and this can lead to the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease.
Depending on the condition, it is important to understand if you have high or low levels of dopamine. There is a test that we can run for this. It may also be helpful to know if certain receptors or under or over active. And lastly it may be helpful to know if the immune system is creating any auto-immunity against certain dopamine receptors or dopaminergic neurons. Certain supplements may be helpful in addressing early imbalances with the above.
Energy work such as Pranic healing has also been extremely effective for neurological issues. For example in Parkinson’s disease the basic chakra and the body is very depleted because the spine is clogged with diseased energy and cannot transmit energy and nerve conductivity properly. The ajna and back head chakras are overactivated and depleted at the same time to compensate for lack of energy from the basic chakra moving up to nourish the rest of the body and head. Malfunction in the back head chakra leads to degeneration of certain nerve cells that produce dopamine. In early stages, Pranic healing can be very helpful for this condition.
Another example: We address the basic chakra in depression. When someone does not have the will to live, or is suicidal, their basic chakra is extremely depleted. Cleansing and energizing the basic chakra is key to both physically caused depression as well as more emotionally caused depression. For depression that is more of a physical issue, addressing the navel, solar plexus and spleen chakras are important.
For depression that is more due to psychological factors, addressing the upper chakras help cleanse negative thoughts and provide energy to integrate positive truths. Some patients who have gone to therapy often know, “I should let go” “This doesn’t need to stress me out” etc. But physically they still feel the anxiety or feel uneasy. It’s not that easy to “think” it away. Pranic healing can help integrate the nervous system so the new truths feel real. It’s like the brain getting married to the heart.
Usually both physical and emotional factors need to be addressed in depression. Utilizing both natural supplements and proper energy healing can be very beneficial for these patients to feel functional, happy and themselves again.