*IF YOU ARE AN HSP

You have a NORMALtrait – NOT a disorder.

  • You are among almost a one-third of the population (equal numbers of males and females represented).
  • Your high sensitivity is INNATE. Biologists have also found this trait in over one hundred species including fruit flies, birds, fish, dogs, cats, horses and primates. A heightened awareness of self and its responses to the environment – an ability to move from scanning our external environment to observing our inner response (introspection) – is well-developed in highly sensitive beings. The presence of highly sensitive animals in balance with the majority ‘less sensitive’ population is essential for species survival.
  • You notice morein your environment because you process information more deeply. If you notice more, you are more easily overwhelmed.
  • You may have been called shy, inhibited, fearful, too sensitive – or worse, neurotic – but these restricting behaviours are learned, NOT INNATE – and not the real you!
  • Your sensitivity is valued differently in different cultures and countries.

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    An HSP’s response to Naturopathy

    We see many HSPs in private practice – they make up roughly 60% of our clients (25-30% in the general population). In his book, Embracing the Gift of High Sensitivity, Mark Wells describes some of the reasons why HSPs, especially, might seek out alternative and complementary therapies:
    1. “HSPs often experience strong responses to clinical doses of medications, including experiencing more numerous and more intense physiological side-effects. Many of my clients have shared with me that they respond better to ‘subclinical’ doses of medications. Less has been better for them (always consult your doctor first though). This can also apply to natural remedies. For instance, lower doses of Vitamin B (e.g. 5–10 mg) work best for calming my nervous system, whereas the commonly recommended larger doses (50–100mg) can overstimulate me. I also find that HSPs are often more receptive to my natural medicines because they are more subtle and less intrusive (for example, homeopathy and flower essences).
    2. Many HSPs experience subjective symptoms that are not a ‘good fit’ with Western Medical Diagnoses. Idiosyncratic signs and symptoms may not be easily assigned to a specific medical condition or disorder, may be misunderstood and wrongly assigned, or worse, just dismissed as unimportant and of no value.
    3. Frequently the ‘atmosphere’ of a medical clinical setting is not an ideal space for an HSP to calmly and clearly articulate their health concerns — rising anxiety levels can quickly lead to overwhelm. In many medical practices, large patient numbers create time constraints which means there is a greater sense of urgency and exclusive focus on detecting potentially life-threatening and serious health signs and symptoms. It is no wonder that HSPs often tell me they don’t feel ‘heard’ or understood in medical environments. Most of the time it is no reflection on the medical doctor’s competence or willingness to help — it is the mismatch of this clinical environment with sensitivity that is the problem. HSPs are more likely to feel heard and understood when their intuition and self-awareness can be used to clearly articulate their concerns. This is made easier when appreciated by a therapist who can take advantage of this valuable information.”