The onset of winter will see most of us feeling a little blue. The reduction in day light hours can make us all feel less active and tired, and many of us will have a tendency to eat more. For some, however, this natural loss of energy and enthusiasm with the change of season is far too strong. When this happens you may be suffering from Seasonal Affected Disorder (S.A.D) or the winter blues.

S.A.D is a recognised form of depression that develops in the winter months and usually disappears in the spring and summer, but some scientists disagree. It is a condition that may display similar symptoms to depression. If you experience a noticeable alteration in your mood, behaviour and sleep with the change from summer to autumn that you may be suffering from S.A.D.

Some people suffering from S.A.D. cut themselves off from family and friends, feel irritable and experience a loss of libido. Generally life becomes a task and for some unbearable with feelings of low self- esteem and sometimes guilt. If you are experiencing these feelings then it is important that you should consult your general practitioner for advice.

Because many S.A.D. sufferers have been helped by light therapy it is suggested that the primary reason for S.A.D. symptoms is the lack of adequate light in the dark winter months. You should try to get outside for between one and two hours every day and avoid using sunglasses.

Seeking psychological support during the darker months can also be very helpful as can light therapy and some of the complementary therapies available such as acupuncture, homeopathy, herbal remedies, massage, reflexology, yoga, mindfulness, CBT and natural restoration of gut bacteria can be complementary.

Usual symptoms of S.A.D. :
Lack of initiative, lack of concentration, weight gain, sudden mood swings, loss of libido, intense fatigue, feeling guilty and worthless, disrupted eating habits, lack of adequate sleep and early morning wakening.

It is essential to consult your doctor before you embark on any self treatment. The contents of this article are for information purposes only and are not intended to prevent, diagnose or cure any medical conditions.

Dr. Bhatti has been treating winter blues for more than 25 years.

To discuss conditions treated and therapies offered at our clinic, contact Dr. Bhatti at (087) 1915051 or email health@drbhatti.ie.   During your first office visit, Dr. Bhatti may ask you at length about your health-condition, lifestyle and behaviour.  Please consult your GP before starting new treatment. 

Note: We have special packages tailor-made to suit you and your finances. Please ask for our special offers.

Disclaimer.
Always consult your G.P. for Medical advice and before starting any new regime or self treatment. The contents of this article are for informational purposes only and are not intended to prevent, diagnose or cure any medical conditions. The publisher of this article or any information provided on this site including text, graphics, images, cannot be held responsible for any errors or any consequences arising from the use of the information contained in this article or this site or its pages. In case of an emergency always contact your Doctor and the emergency services immediately. The information provided on these pages, site and our clinic does not constitute as a medical advice.

We acknowledge the contribution of all authors and researchers.

Cognitive behavioural therapy is a type of talk therapy which can work nearly as well as medication and sometimes even better in some people with mild Depression and Anxiety. It works well if you combine it with medication in moderate to severe cases such as using anxiolytics and antidepressants.
A therapist can help you identify the negative thoughts and try and replace them with positive thoughts. The therapist can also help you overcome your guilt and low self esteem. The techniques you learn with your therapist will last you for a lifetime and you can apply them in your everyday life, home and work.
It is very important for people who are taking medication for depression, anxiety or anything else never to stop unless advised by your doctor. It is important to tell you doctor if you are starting any new therapy or treatment including diets or supplements etc.

Read more about Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Disclaimer: Always consult your G.P. before starting any new regime or self treatment. The contents of this article are for informational purposes only and are not intended to prevent, diagnose or cure any medical conditions. The publisher of this article or any information provided on this site including text, graphics, images, cannot be held responsible for any errors or any consequences arising from the use of the information contained in this article or this site or it's pages. In case of an emergency always contact your Doctor and the emergency services immediately.
We acknowledge the contribution of all authors and researchers.

By Dr Bhatti M.B.B.S.D.C.H.R.C.P.S.I.
More women than men suffer from this condition it could be as high as 90% and scientist do not know why that is the case. Usually there is a genetic element to this painful condition and sometimes can only come to light after a traumatic event which could be from an accident, surgery, infection, breakdown in a relationship or PTSD. Other medical conditions such as IBS, Lupus, and Rheumatoid arthritis may trigger the symptoms of this disease.

In most of the cases this disease is characterised by tender points on the back, neck and other parts of the body. Recent research links this disease to non restorative sleep disorder (when after a full night’s sleep you still wake up tired) and which can trigger wide spread pain in the body. Research suggests that low serotonin levels may be responsible for this condition and as our gut health plays a prominent role in the production of serotonin and other brain enzymes it is very important that the condition of our gut health is considered when treating fibromyalgia.

Common symptoms of this condition differ from person to person but pain in the muscles with stiffness can be the most prominent symptom along with tiredness, exhaustion, insomnia, headaches, tummy pains, concentration and memory loss giving rise to a condition which is known as fibro fog. Patients suffering from this condition may always have some degree of anxiety and depression and could wake up from sleep with severe headaches, stiffness of muscles, tingling and numbness in arms and legs.

Causes: There seems to be no single cause but scientists link several factors such as genetic, family history, food sensitivities, allergies, hormonal imbalance, candida overgrowth, leaky gut and stress.

Treatments: Usually your doctor might prescribe anti inflammatory medication, anti depressants or may send you to a specialist. Complementary and natural therapies include gut health restoration shows promising results as does acupuncture, mindfulness, CBT and yoga.

A combination of therapies such as mentioned above along with lifestyle changes such as mild exercise daily, swimming and a good night’s sleep could help relieve pain, anxiety and stiffness.

Always consult your G.P. before starting any new regime or self treatment. The contents of the article are for informational purposes only and are not intended to prevent, diagnose or cure any medical conditions. We acknowledge the contribution of all authors and researchers.
Holistic Health & Stress Clinic, Suite 16, Ross House, Merchants Road.Galway Ireland

By Dr. Bhatti, M.B.B.S.D.C.H.R.C.P.S.I

Hay fever (acute seasonal allergic rhinitis) is the most common type of allergy. Symptoms include itchy red eyes also known as allergic conjunctivitis, watery discharge from the nose and eyes, sneezing, fatigue, headache and nervous irritability. Symptoms of common cold affects 30% of the population worldwide mimic post nasal drip of mucus can lead to a cough, nose bleed in severe cases. Tree and grass pollen is the cause of hay fever in spring and summer-time but perennial allergic rhinitis can be caused by some or all of the following: animal hair; dust, feathers, fungus spores and moulds, the symptoms of which can stay with you in any part of the year. Some of us are born to be allergic from birth it occurs in both males and females and anywhere in the world, hay fever is not contagious.

More than half of hay fever suffers complain of being tired, run down, irritable and find it hard to stay focused which is turn can sometimes lead to sick days and time of work. The sale of antihistamines goes considerably higher in this season.
The best defence is to avoid contact with the allergen; however this is not always possible. The use of dust mite covers on your mattress, pillows and duvet can help. Avoid cigarette smoke and using perfumed cosmetics and sprays. You can make your body better able to cope with the allergen, by removing the substances in your diet that are putting your immune system under strain. Some of the substances best avoided include: alcohol, coffee, food additives, colourings and preservatives, junk food, white flour and its products such as cakes, pastries, biscuits and buns.

Eat a well-balanced whole food diet rich in fruit and vegetables, whole grains such as brown rice and raw nuts and seeds. Foods that are rich in magnesium are thought to help prevent and reduce symptoms of hay fever. These include; bananas, kidney beans, soy beans, lima beans, almonds, whole-wheat flour, brown rice, molasses and peas. Medical needle free acupuncture and laser acupuncture can work well for allergies. We also use a combination of therapies such as mindfulness, homeopathy, CBT techniques among other therapies to help stress, anxiety and irritability.

Dr Bhatti is a medically qualified doctor who has worked in psychiatry for more than three years and was in charge of the alcoholism and addiction unit. He has also done postgraduate studies and research. He also holds a Practitioner Certificate in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with special interest in stress and stress related disorder and a diploma in child health from the Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons.

Always consult your G.P. before starting any new regime or self treatment. The contents of the article are for informational purposes only and are not intended to prevent, diagnose or cure any medical conditions. We acknowledge the contribution of all authors and researchers.

Book an appointment
To meet with Dr Bhatti to discuss this condition and the therapies on offer at our clinic, call (087) 1915051 or email health@drbhatti.ie.  During your first clinic  visit, Dr. Bhatti may ask you at length about your health-conditions and lifestyle. Please consult your GP before starting new treatment.

Note: Your first consultation is  free. We have special packages tailor-made to suit you and your finances. Please ask for our special offers.

By Dr Bhatti, M.B.B.S.D.C.H.R.C.P.S

Everyone gets cold hands and cold feet once in a while, but if your hands and feet are constantly cold especially with a change in skin colour, then there may be a medical condition associated with it. You should contact your family doctor and get it investigated and treated.

There are many diseases which can cause cold extremities such as:
1. Anaemia
2. Thyroid disease
3. Diabetes
4. Reynaud’s disease
5. Burgess disease
6. Cardiovascular disease causing poor circulation
7. Some nervous system diseases
8. Scleroderma
9. Autoimmune disease such as Lupus
10. Cold weather and frostbite to name but a few
11. This condition can also run in some families.

Lots of people suffer from cold sweats if they suffer from stress / anxiety and panic attacks or if you get a fright. If you suffer from high cholesterol you may get hardening of the blood vessel wall, the same thing can happen to smokers and the elderly. Some medications such as beta blockers can also affect the temperature of your hands and feet. If your doctors have ruled a serious medical condition complementary therapies such as Medical Needle Free Acupuncture, Laser Acupuncture, Nutritional therapy, Lifestyle medicine, Gut health & Microbiome Restoration , Mindfulness, CBT for Stress and Anxiety can help alleviate your symptoms.

Dr Bhatti is a qualified medical doctor who has worked in Psychiatry for about three years; he has a post graduate diploma from The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons in Ireland. He has a special interest in Naturopathy and a Practitioners certificate in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy also a Professional Certificate in Mindfulness.

Always consult your G.P. before starting any new regime or self treatment. The contents of the article are for informational purposes only and are not intended to prevent, diagnose or cure any medical conditions. We acknowledge the contribution of all authors and researchers.

Book an appointment
To meet with Dr Bhatti to discuss this condition and the therapies on offer at our clinic, call (087) 1915051 or email health@drbhatti.ie.  During your first clinic  visit, Dr. Bhatti may ask you at length about your health-conditions and lifestyle. Please consult your GP before starting new treatment.

Note: Your first consultation is  free. We have special packages tailor-made to suit you and your finances. Please ask for our special offers.

After many years of research and practice, Dr Bhatti has combined a range of highly effective techniques into a specific program for reducing pain and improving general health and well-being. The treatment, currently on offer at his clinic, has been extremely successful with a number of conditions including muscular tension; hip, shoulder, neck, and back pain; osteo-arthritis and rheumatism; sinus problems; soft tissue injuries; correcting posture; chronic or repetitive strain injury; sports injuries; and it can even improve some clients' balance and co-ordination.

Emotional Pain
The therapy works on the whole body, not just the area of complaint, and many clients who have been through the full program have experienced a general feeling of wellness throughout their whole body. The Natural Pain Relief Program has had very good results with clients suffering from stress related disorders such as headaches, fatigue, mild exhaustive depression/melancholy, panic attacks, adrenal exhaustion, and pre-menstrual tension.

The natural pain relief program uses a range of techniques such as mindfulness and CBT in conjunction with a program of lifestyle changes, gut health restoration, nutritional supplementation, and any pain associated with stress, anxiety, and depression can be relieved. Other symptoms such as fatigue, lethargy, and lack of concentration can also be helped. The techniques have the potential to improve lymphatic drainage, circulation, nutritional absorption and assimilation. The program includes a full case history where dietary considerations are addressed along with gut health evaluation, stress reduction techniques suggested, and a course of no-needle acupuncture and medical trigger point therapy is recommended.

Laser acupuncture and trigger point therapy are extremely popular bodywork therapies for relieving tension in the muscles, reducing muscle irritability, and improving nutritional absorption, especially to the muscle, soft tissue, tendons, and ligaments. These techniques are central elements of the natural pain relief program because they have tremendous potential to increase mobility of joints and reduce stiffness and pain.

Book an appointment
To meet with Dr Bhatti to discuss our Natural Pain Relief Program, and other therapies on offer at our clinic, contact us on (087) 1915051.  During your first clinic visit, Dr.Bhatti may ask you at length about your health-conditions and lifestyle.

Always consult your G.P. before starting any new regime or self treatment. The contents of the article are for informational purposes only and are not intended to prevent, diagnose or cure any medical conditions. We acknowledge the contribution of all authors and researchers

Note: Your first consultation is free.

By Dr Bhatti, M.B.B.S.D.C.H.R.C.P.S
Symptoms of depression in the elderly are different and can be easily missed. Older people suffer from some type of physical illness or disability and with some degree of discomfort and pain. If any of these people are also suffering from symptoms of depression then the whole picture can get confused.

Depression in the elderly is quite common but it can be often be missed and not treated, especially if they are on multiple medications with side effects from multiple diseases, the whole situation can become very muddled hence they might not receive the appropriate help and care.

Studies have shown that untreated depression in the elderly can result in early death from other physical illnesses. It is also known that the suicide rate is higher in elderly people. Other factors also play a big role in the causes of depression as you age.

Symptoms of depression can vary from irritability, loss of interest in everyday life, tiredness, lack of appetite, insomnia, guilt, loss of libido, feeling unworthy and sometimes suicidal ideation. Causes of increase of depression:

1. If you have lost your spouse of partner.
   
2. If you are single
   
3. Living in isolation without local support of friends and family
   
4. Women suffer more than men
   
5. If you are suffering from other physical illness such as Arthritis, Alzheimer’s or Dementia, if you have had a stroke or vascular disease
   
6. Cancer
   
7. Alcohol or Drug dependency etc
   
8. If they are suffering from a chronic painful condition or an inflammatory bowel disease it can lead to malabsorption or malnutrition.
   

If you feel you or a loved one is suffering from symptoms of depression, you should always consult your doctor first who might refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist and have it diagnosed and treated. Conventionally the first line of therapy can be anti depressants or a combination of medication and psychotherapy and counselling which can give good results. In severe cases Electroconvulsive therapy is used.

Complementary therapies can play a very supportive role especially in cases of mild depression. In our clinic we use Laser Medical Acupuncture, Natural Restoration for Gut Health and Microbiome Therapy. We also use Nutritional therapy especially in the elderly it can play a role by improving their overall health. We also use a combination of Mindfulness and CBT Techniques among other therapies to help stress, anxiety and irritability.

Dr Bhatti is a qualified medical doctor who has worked in Psychiatry for about three years; he has a post graduate diploma from The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons in Ireland. He has a special interest in Naturopathy and a Practitioners certificate in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy also a Professional Certificate in Mindfulness.

Our Clinic in unique in that we use a combination of Complementary therapies to treat mild cases of depression, stress or stress related illness.

Always consult your G.P. before starting any new regime or self treatment. The contents of the article are for informational purposes only and are not intended to prevent, diagnose or cure any medical conditions. We acknowledge the contribution of all authors and researchers and the recent article on depression in Medicine.net

Book an appointment
To meet with Dr Bhatti to discuss this condition and the therapies on offer at our clinic, call (087) 1915051 or email health@drbhatti.ie.  During your first clinic  visit, Dr. Bhatti may ask you at length about your health-conditions and lifestyle. Please consult your GP before starting new treatment.

Note: Your first consultation is  free. We have special packages tailor-made to suit you and your finances. Please ask for our special offers.

By Dr Bhatti, M.B.B.S.D.C.H.R.C.P.S.I

This is an inflammatory bowel disease which can affect any part of the gastrointestinal system or other parts of the body from mouth, oesophagus, stomach, intestines and colon. It usually affects the lower end of the small intestine and the start of the colon area. It is also known as ileitis, regional enteritis and colitis, resulting in ulceration bleeding and scar tissue.

Symptoms:

1. Diarrhoea which can be bloody at times leading to iron deficiency anaemia.
2. Abdominal pain
3. Bloating especially after meals.
4. Patients are afraid to eat which can lead to loss of weight and sometimes malnutrition.

Causes:

• The cause of this disease is unknown but scientists think it starts with inflammation which can affect the immune system and is caused by the bacteria in the intestine.
• This disease can run in families.

This is the disease of young people usually between 20-30 years old but can also affect kids in turn can affect their growth and can cause stress and depression leading sometimes to social isolation and other emotional issues.

It usually starts with inflammation causing ulcerations which can spread leading to scars and narrowing of the bowel ,which can lead to an intestinal obstruction if left untreated. This disease can also lead to another complication known as a fistula which can sometimes be helped by surgical intervention.

If you think you are suffering from crohn’s you should see your doctor who might refer you to a gastroenterologist for investigations, diagnosis and treatment to avoid sometimes very serious complications.

There are other inflammatory bowel diseases which have to be ruled out especially ulcerative colitis in which the inflammation is mostly superficial and uninterrupted in the colonic area while inflammation of crohn’s is deeper, patchy and interrupted and can begin anywhere in the body such as the joints causing arthritis, osteoporosis, it can affect the eye sight, invades skin causing a condition called Erythema Nodosum,also gall bladder causing gallstones.

Treatment depends on it's severity:

1. Steroids, Aminosalicylates and Antibiotics
   
2. Immunosuppressant’s
   
3. Biological Medicines.
   
4. There are new biological medicines being developed showing promising results.
   

In severe cases when medication fails to work, surgical intervention might be the only answer. As this disease can be associated with nutritional deficiencies, psychological stress and emotional issues, complementary therapies can offer some help such as Laser medical acupuncture, Natural gut and microbiome restoration therapy, Nutritional therapy, Cognitive behavioural therapy, Mindful nutrition, mindful eating and other new therapies offered in our clinic.

Always consult your G.P. before starting any new regime or self treatment. The contents of the article are for informational purposes only and are not intended to prevent, diagnose or cure any medical conditions. We acknowledge the contribution of all authors and researchers.

White Coat Hypertension - blood pressure goes up when you visit your doctor - can become a serious health issue if you ignore it.

By Dr Bhatti, M.B.B.S.D.C.H.R.C.P.S.I

A large study published in The New England Journal of Medicine last week shows if you are a person who measures your blood pressure at home daily it might save your life, as measuring B.P at home is a better indicator of heart disease and a better predictor of good health.

White coat hypertension is a condition in which a person’s blood pressure rises when it is measured in a doctor’s office. It is possible that up to 30% of Americans suffer from this condition and it was thought to be associated with the temporary stress of visiting your doctor but now this study indicates that risk of death is twice as high for the patients with this condition as compared with patients who have normal blood pressure when they visit their doctor or at home as reported by NBCnews.com and Telegragh.co.uk.

According to The American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology guidelines there are three stages of hypertension:

• Stage 1    If blood pressure reading is higher than 120/80
• Stage 2.   If blood pressure reading is higher 140/90
• Stage 3   If your blood pressure reaches 180/120 or higher it is considered as a hypertensive crisis and needs immediate medical attention or hospitalization.

People with white coat hypertension have 80% higher fatalities compared to people with normal blood pressure when they visit their doctor or check their blood pressure at home. Stress and Stressors play a huge role in the condition, along with lifestyle and other risk factors. It is very important not to ignore stress and especially stress related illnesses.

Doctors and scientists are encouraging people to check their blood pressure at home on a regular basis. It is proven that stress and our lifestyle have a direct effect on our blood pressure which can lead to a heart attack, stroke and death.  Any stressor could trigger the spike in blood pressure that is why stress should be managed. If your B.P spikes due to stressors and we have lots of those due to work, home, school, college and lifestyle then ask your doctor to give you a 24hr B.P monitor which checks your blood pressure throughout the day, whatever the results it should be followed up in 2-3mths and treated if necessary whether its stress, lifestyle, genetic or any other causes.

High blood pressure should always be investigated and managed, risks and causes tackled before it damages your blood vessels.

In my opinion there is potential of saving thousands of lives and it also shows how important it is to treat stress which can have an effect on your blood pressure and the rest of the cardiovascular system and can cause other stress related illnesses.

In our Holistic Health & Stress Clinic we have a unique approach in treating stress and stress related disorders by using a multidisciplinary approach, combining Medical needle free acupuncture, Mindfulness, CBT techniques, Nutritional therapy, Gut and microbiome restoration therapy and Lifestyle medicine. You can find more information on stress related conditions on our website www.drbhatti.ie/stress.

Dr Bhatti is a medically qualified Doctor with 3 plus years in psychiatry and was in charge of the alcoholism and addiction unit in S.B.H. He has a post graduate Diploma in child health from the Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons and a Practitioners Certificate in CBT and a Professional Certificate in Mindfulness.  We are located in Ross House, Merchants Road, Galway Ireland.

To discuss this or other conditions and the therapies offered at our clinic, contact Dr. Bhatti at (087) 1915051 or email health@drbhatti.ie.   During your first office visit, Dr. Bhatti may ask you at length about your health-condition, lifestyle and behaviour.  Please consult your GP before starting new treatment. 

Note: Your first consultation is  free.   We have special packages tailor-made to suit you and your finances. Please ask for our  special offers.
 
Read more:

• Relationship between Clinic and Ambulatory Blood-Pressure Measurements and Mortality. The New England Journal of Medicine. April 19 2018
• 'White coat hypertension' may be sign of a real problem, study finds. NBC. News.  April 18, 2018.
• 'White coat syndrome’ could be more than doctor stress. NBC News. April 18, 2018 (video)
• Diagnosing patients with high blood pressure could raise their levels. The Telegraph.  April 16, 2018.

Very soon you will be able to record your dreams - this could happen in 1-2 years.  Japanese scientists are using functional magnetic resonance imaging to reconstruct images from a working person's mind.

by Dr. Bhatti, M.B.B.S.D.C.H.R.C.P.S

Dream therapy is now being provided in the Holistic Health & Stress Clinic.  New research shows that everyone dreams, even the people who claim they don't. People who suffer from depression have longer periods of R.E.M sleep, linked directly to unconscious emotional processing. So, it is possible that the symbols in dreams can sometimes give a therapist some understanding and may be the solution to a person's depression.  We dream 4-6 times a night and we forget 90% of our dreams.

Sigmund Freud believed that if an analyst interpreted the dream for an anxious patient that could lead to the resolution of the psychological problem.  While Carl Jung disagreed with Freud's theory and argued that dreams serve a compensatory function.  Example if outlook is one-sided in our conscious stage towards an issue, our dreams can warn us about it so we can modify our behavior, looks like both Freud and Jung were correct in their own ways.

While today mental health professionals work with evidence based theories and have objective approach to it. New research also confirms that we watch our dreams similar to the way we receive things visually while we are awake.

Dream therapy, when combined with other therapies, can give good results in people suffering from anxiety, depression and other stress-related illnesses.  Research also indicates that humans are not the only species to dream. Animals have similar stages of dreams as us.

Dr Bhatti has a special interest in Dream Therapy.  In our clinic we combine dream therapy with CBT techniques and mindfulness, nutritional therapy, natural gut health restoration and medical laser acupuncture to help these conditions.

If you think you are suffering from depression you should always consult your G.P. first.  

Late night snacks, some medications such as some antidepressants, blood pressure tablets, sleeping pills and traumatic events in your life can cause bad dreams or nightmares which can lead to exhaustion and affect your mood. Certain conditions like restless legs syndrome and sleep deprivation can also lead to recurring nightmares.

Always consult your G.P. before starting any new regime or self treatment. The contents of the article are for informational purposes only and are not intended to prevent, diagnose or cure any medical conditions. We acknowledge the contribution of all authors and researchers.