Marlenea La Shomb – N.D. & LMT

Finding What Switches on Your Happy Hormones

Marlenea La Shomb, N.D., LMT, P.Tr.
March – April 2023 • Vol 4, No 3

Dear Dr. Ma,

I remember being silly, curious, creative, and adventurous. But now I find myself tired, moody, worrying, and dragging through my day. What is my problem?

— Donna

Dear Donna,

If you find yourself in an arm-wrestling match with your hormones, who do you think is going to win? Your hormones, of course! As sunlight-activated chemical, hormonal, and energetic beings, it’s well known, through research and scientific studies, that every impulse, message, thought, feeling, and action throughout our bodies is sent out, regulated, monitored, and activated by a specific chemical hormone carrier—at the speed of LIGHT.

Everything, from the rhythmic beating of our heart and the peristaltic action of our digestive tract, to eyesight and whether you are seeing blue versus black, to whether you are tasting sweet or sour, to mood swings and hot flashes, is governed by hormones. Yet—and this is key—you, and only you, are in charge of that switch that turns those happy hormones on or not.

Why is that different for everyone? Because we all have different memories and experiences that activate chemicals and hormones. For example, turn the dial on the radio from Bach to Country Western and feel what kind of energy uplifts you. If I put a polka on, my mom, in her late eighties, turns into a different person instantaneously—lighthearted and dancing around the house! For others, it could be Christmas music, or oldies, or a waltz. So, number one, music moves your energy either up or down. You could sing, hum, or whistle while you work—it’s your choice. You are in control of that switch.

Number two is your sense of smell. With food, it’s the aroma of fresh-baked bread, or mama’s home-made apple pie. For others it’s the smell of pizza that gets them drooling. You name it—Italian, Chinese, Mexican, or a hamburger and fries. (By the way, pound for pound, DATES activate more happy hormones than chocolate, but without the calories, and they’re low on the glycemic index.)

Number three is—everything else! What flips MY switch into happy hormones? It’s horses and babies, flowers and colors, sunrise and the warmth of sunshine. It’s a breath of fresh air. And seeing seedlings sprouting in my garden sends my happy hormones through the roof… The list is endless.

So, find what switches on your happy hormones and love your happy life. Let Spring be the beginning of your new year. Get off to a great start; make it count.

—Dr. Ma

Send your questions to Dr. Ma La Shomb, N.D., LMT, P.Tr., by text only, along with your name and phone number, to (406) 224-5425. Email to jumpstartyourhealth@gmail.com. Marlenea passionately works as a health coach and writer for all who are ready to find harmony and balance in body, mind, and soul through natural therapies and education.

Overcoming Your Food Addiction

Marlenea La Shomb, N.D., LMT
July – August 2022 • Vol 3, No 122

Dear Dr. Ma,
Please help me! I will eat, but I know I’m not hungry, yet I still crave more food. It’s become a problem. My friends tell me I’m a food addict. What can I do?
— Betty

Dear Betty,

You are not alone! 90% of the American public eat for every reason you can think of, but not out of actual, real hunger. We eat for an end-of-the-workday reward, social pressures, time with our friends and family, for holidays and celebrations, when it’s an overcast and depressing day, missing a loved one, childhood seasonal memories, tension and stress, anger or happiness, I’m lonely, at the movies, on a date, stuffing my emotions, or for no reason at all. You name it—we eat for it.

Is there a way off this roller coaster ride? The answer is yes! As you said, it’s become a problem, more than likely affecting your health, which in turn, affects your whole life, from work to play, relationships, and most importantly, how you feel about yourself. Your friends have told you that you’re a food addict. Let’s look at the flip side of this coin.

Read full article »

Giving Liberates the Soul of the Giver!

Marlenea La Shomb, N.D., LMT
Nov – Dec 2021 • Vol 3, No 118

Maya Angelou once said, “I have found that, among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver.” How true! This season, liberate your soul and nurture the souls of others by giving them healing aromas!

Essential oils can be added to any Christmas craft, from homemade candles to home-baked goods. Imagine the feeling your friends and family will get as they smell the aromas that escape when they open their gift boxes. Here are a few ideas:

POTPOURRI—
Gather dried leaves and flower petals. Place in a large glass jar. Add a couple of drops of your favorite oils. Close the lid and shake. Store overnight. Sew little fabric pillows out of a sheer fabric. Fill them with the potpourri. Seal and trim with ribbons and bows.

Not sure which oils to add? Look for essential-oil blends, too, as they work well, and have been specially formulated to evoke a special mood or feeling (usually expressed in the blend name). Here is a short list of popular and common oils that can be used, along with the feelings they invoke:

Cinnamon—Invigoration
Geranium—Emotional support
Lavender—Relaxation
Lemon—Happiness
Orange—Joy
Peppermint—Clarity
Pine—Peace
Vanilla—Comfort

Read full article »