Hello, I’m Dr. Shiroko Sokitch, and as the owner of Heart to Heart Medical Center in Santa Rosa, California, and author of Healing When It Seems Impossible, I have seen firsthand the devastating effects of natural disasters. Currently, Southern California is battling massive fires, and my heart goes out to those who are affected—whether you’ve been evacuated, lost your home, or are dealing with the emotional fallout.
Seven years ago, my own community in Santa Rosa experienced a similar crisis when devastating fires ravaged our area in October 2017. Over 10,000 homes were destroyed, and many of my patients and neighbors were left homeless. The fires came within a mile of my office. I know what it feels like to live in the shadow of such destruction, and I want to offer my deepest condolences to anyone enduring this painful experience.
This post is my way of offering help and hope. If you are struggling right now, I want you to know that you are not alone. We are all in this together.
The Emotional Impact: Finding Peace Amid Chaos
Coping with Emotional Trauma
The emotional weight of experiencing a disaster is overwhelming. You may be dealing with anxiety, fear, sleep disturbances, and feelings of helplessness. It’s crucial to acknowledge these emotions and take steps to care for your mental well-being. Here are a few practices that can help:
- Deep Breathing and Quiet Contemplation
In moments of stress, calming your nervous system is essential. A simple but powerful technique is focused breathing. Close your eyes, take slow, deep breaths, and allow yourself to quiet your mind. Even just five minutes of deep breathing can help you feel more centered and in control. - Self-Acupressure: The Jumper Cable Technique
One technique I’ve learned through a Jin Shin practitioner is a self-acupressure method called the “jumper cable” technique. By gently squeezing each finger while breathing deeply, you activate key meridians in your body that help calm your nervous system. You can teach this technique to your children, too, helping them feel more grounded and centered during stressful times. - Crossing Your Hands Over Your Chest
Another simple technique is to cross your hands over your chest and take deep, slow breaths. This movement calms your nervous system and can help you regain a sense of balance when you feel overwhelmed.
Supporting Your Body: Physical Care in Times of Crisis
Detoxifying Your Body in the Aftermath of Fire
During a disaster, your body faces physical stress, especially with the smoke and toxins in the air. It’s important to support your body’s detoxification processes and ensure that it can recover from the environmental impact. Here are a few key strategies:
- Glutathione: The Antioxidant You Need Right Now
One of the most recommended supplements during a disaster like this is glutathione, a powerful antioxidant. It supports your liver in detoxifying harmful substances, which is critical when there are heavy metals and toxins in the air from burned plastics and other materials. Glutathione also helps support your lungs and respiratory function, making it easier to breathe in poor air quality. If you take one supplement during this crisis, make it glutathione. - Holy Basil: A Natural Stress Reliever
In times of emotional and physical stress, holy basil is an herb I strongly recommend. It helps support your adrenal glands, calming your body’s stress response. Holy basil also balances blood sugar levels and assists with liver detoxification, which is crucial during times of environmental stress. It’s safe for both adults and children. - Aconite: Healing from Trauma
For emotional trauma, consider aconite (Aconitum napellus), a homeopathic remedy known for its ability to help restore balance after a traumatic event. Aconite is often used in situations where people feel detached or “knocked out of their bodies” after an intense shock. It helps ground you and re-aligns your mind and body, enabling you to focus on the tasks at hand. You can purchase aconite in a 30C dilution at health food stores and use it throughout the day to help manage the trauma.
Tips for Parents: Helping Your Children Heal
Children can also experience the emotional toll of a disaster, and it’s important to offer them comfort and support during this time. Here are a few things you can do to help them:
- Teach Them Calming Techniques
Just like adults, children can benefit from practices like deep breathing and the “jumper cable” acupressure technique. Teaching your children these simple tools can empower them to calm themselves and reduce anxiety. - Consider Low-Dose Glutathione
For younger children, consider giving them a low-dose glutathione supplement. This can help support their detoxification and respiratory systems, which is especially important when smoke and toxins are in the air. - Offer Emotional Support and Comfort
Be there to listen. Let your children express their fears and emotions, and provide reassurance. It’s normal for kids to feel scared or unsettled during times like these, and having a supportive adult to lean on can make a big difference.
How You Can Get More Support
If you’d like more detailed guidance on how to care for your physical and emotional health during this time, I’ve created a live video with health tips specifically for disaster recovery. You can download it by clicking the link below:
Watch it here: Environmental Disaster Recovery | Dr. Shiroko Sokitch
I’ve also created a free booklet filled with disaster recovery and self-care tips to help you during challenging times.
📥 Download it here: Disaster Recovery Booklet
If you need additional guidance or resources, I’m here for you. You can reach me via email at drshiroko@htmc.com, and I will do my best to provide support during this difficult time. Whether you have questions about supplements, emotional recovery, or other health concerns, I am available to help.
Final Thoughts: Healing Takes Time
Recovering from a disaster—whether it’s physical, emotional, or both—takes time. Don’t rush your healing process. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed, and it’s okay to take it one step at a time. Remember that you are not alone in this. Reach out for help when you need it, and take care of yourself as best as you can.
I wish you all the strength, healing, and support you need during this challenging time. You have my deepest compassion and my prayers for your recovery.
Ask me anything!
Let me know if you have any questions that I can help you with. I’m here for you during these unpredictable times and have set up a telemedicine service to get you the help you most need. Call my office at: 707.524.9640
You can also head over to my YouTube, Instagram, or Facebook and leave a comment or message me about your questions or concerns! I love hearing from you.
With all my love,
Shiroko Sokitch
