drmarierodriguez.com

Allergy Alert

dr. marie rodriguez — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 22:10:38 +0000

Each year, the blooming of the cherry blossoms in the Nation’s Capital heralds the arrival of spring, and for many of us, allergy season. Allergies are quite common, about 1 in 5 Americans suffer from them. An allergy is a hypersensitivity reaction to any substance normally harmless to the human body. Common allergens are: pollen, grass, dust, and molds. Major symptoms include: itchy and watery eyes, stuffy and runny nose, post nasal drip, and even hives and wheezing.

Allergies result from a hypersensitive immune system. The allergic immune system misidentifies an otherwise innocuous substance as harmful, and then attacks the substance with an intensity far greater than is required. In a properly functioning immune system, white blood cells differentiate between threatening and non-threatening proteins - invading those deemed harmful and ignoring those deemed harmless. The allergic immune system creates an abundance of antibodies against benign substances. When triggered, these antibodies stimulate a cascade of events that ultimately results in the release of histamine. Histamine causes vasodilation, inflammation, and a host of other symptoms associated with allergies - sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, and itching.

Conventional treatments for allergies include: decongestants, anti-histamines, and allergy shots. These may offer temporary relief, but do not solve the underlying problem as the body’s immune system continues to be impaired.

Naturopathic treatments offer immediate symptom relief, and more importantly, a strategy for correcting the underlying immune system imbalance. Restoring health to our digestive system is of utmost importance in re-establishing a balanced immune system. Our digestive system is where the external environment meets our internal mileau, and where over 80% of our immune cells originate. Daily stress and suboptimal nutrition (low fiber, caffeine and alcohol consumption, processed foods and refined carbs) leads to intestinal inflammation and even a condition called “leaky gut”. Simply put, incompletely digested foods and toxins can leak into systemic circulation through an incompetent intestinal wall. Once in circulation, these food particles and toxins can trigger unnecessary immune action.

Effective allergy treatment involves identifying and eliminating/reducing exposure to allergens (including food allergens), following an anti-inflammatory diet to reduce the load on our immune system and heal the gut. Homeopathic and herbal remedies can be utilized as a complement to dietary and lifestyle changes to help offset the worst of symptoms. Now is the time for heading off allergies this spring, see below for a plan.

Allergy Relief

Follow an anti-inflammatory diet avoiding sugar, dairy, wheat and food additives - these foods are congesting and irritating to the nasal passages. A body that is less congested is less allergic. A good quality probiotic can help heal the gut and encourage the immune system to self-modulate over the long term. Stay tuned for more on probiotics.

Limit exposure. Change bed sheets and pillow cases frequently. Avoid outside activities during peak pollen hours, close the windows to your house or car during high pollen days, wear a face mask and protective goggles when mowing the lawn and gardening. Strip off your clothing and hit the shower or bath after outside activities. Not only should you wash from head to toe, but your clothes should be washed as well.

Try eating local unpasteurized honey (from a place near to where you live) starting at 1 tsp daily until you see a response (adverse response is possible) increase up to 2 tsp daily. Symptoms should improve over a 2 week period.

Nettles are a natural anti-histamine, can be taken in capsule form, or a tea can be made by steeping 1 tsp in 1 cup hot water and drinking 3 cups daily.

Use a saline rinse or Neti pot to irrigate your nasal passages and rid them of pollen.

Natural remedies available in Dr. Rodriguez’s dispensary:

Allergiplex - 1 tablet weekly for 4 weeks to help prevent symptoms prior to allergy season. Can be taken daily when symptoms arise.

Northeast Allersode - Homeopathic preparation of local pollens, grasses, weeds for desensitizing the immune system. Take 1 dropper 3x daily for prevention.

Aller-C - Contains quercitin which stabilizes mast cells and prevents the release of histamine. 2 capsules twice daily for prevention, then 3-4x daily as a therapeutic dose.

Prevent the Flu, Avoid the Flu Shot

dr. marie rodriguez — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 21:00:47 +0000

Have you been offered your annual flu shot yet? It is that time of year when the flu vaccine gets widely marketed and indiscriminately administered to the public. Even though the CDC is now recommending it for all adults (in addition to children, elderly, and the immune-compromised), there are several reasons you should think twice before taking this “preventative measure”.

First of all, the effectiveness of the vaccine itself is questionable. The flu vaccine has been found to be approximately 35% effective if it contains the correct 3 strains of the influenza virus in a given year. Viral strains are chosen by trying to match the previous year’s flu strains, and don’t account for mutations. When the strains do not match the viral strains that are infecting people, the vaccine has been found to be completely ineffective, as was the case in the 1997-1998 flu season (Edwards, Radical Medicine p 698). A recent study published in the October issue of the Lancet Infectious Diseases (http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/563393) states that the elderly may receive little to no benefit from the annual influenza vaccine. This is most likely due to their aged immune systems which have poor antibody response to the vaccine.

You might also want to consider what else is being injected, as the the vaccine itself contains more that just the viral strains used to confer immunity. It also contains: chick embryos (used to grow the viral material), thimerosol (mercury containing derivative linked with autism in children and Alzheimer’s in the elderly), formaldehyde, polyethlyene glycol, polyscorbate 80, and possible traces of the antibiotic gentamycin. There is no conclusive evidence about the long terms effects of these materials on your health.

Finally, there are also some serious possible side effects of the vaccine: fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, Guillian Barre syndrome (immune mediated muscular paralysis), arthritis, Alzheimer’s and autism.

Immunity from the flu vaccine is short-lived; antibody levels begin to decline within months. Permanent immunity is acquired only by fighting off the illness naturally. In a given winter, the influenza virus is only one of numerous viruses we are exposed to that cause contagious respiratory illnesses. Symptoms of the flu usually improve in 2-3 days in healthy individuals. Doctors typically recommend bed rest, and plenty of fluids, and will often prescribe antibiotics for this viral illness. Alternatively, there are a whole host of natural remedies that have proven effects in treating the flu, and prevention is the best medicine. See below for recommendations on how to avoid the flu this winter season without the vaccine.

Flu Prevention - Natural Strategies

Avoid sugar which dramatically suppresses the immune system

Eat immune supportive whole foods and avoid processed foods high in refined carbs

Proper rest - minimum of 8 hours and going to bed before midnight

Adequate hydration for flushing toxins

Vitamin C to bowel tolerance. Of the over the counter nutritional remedies, buffered ascorbic acid is one that you can trust.

Vitamin A - Powerful anti-viral vitamin which can be taken in large doses at first sign of infection. Consult with your naturopathic doctor about this highly effective treatment.

Drops of hydrogen peroxide in ears. The flu virus is transmitted via the auditory canal, and peroxide is a powerful anti-viral agent. Allow peroxide to remain in canal for 5 minutes and switch sides, repeat 2-3x.

Healing Retreat Reminder

**There is still space available for the Nov 9-11 healing retreat in the Shenandoah Valley.**

Take some time to unwind, get grounded and find your center before the upcoming holiday season. Join Dr. Marie Rodriguez and Liz Borodkin (www.lizborodkin.com) for a weekend healing retreat in Virginia’s beautiful Shenandoah Valley.

We will take time to rest, connect with nature, and learn how to stay balanced in the fall and winter. We will practice yoga and meditation daily and explore the healing modalities of naturopathy and craniosacral therapy. Enjoy season-appropriate, healing whole foods meals prepared by Dr. Marie herself. In addition, each participant will receive one craniosacral session as part of the retreat package.

The house has single, double, and quad accommodations. Prices are all inclusive: $350 for quad, $400 for double, $450 for single. There is a $50 discount for reservations made before 10/26.Contact marierodrigueznd@verizon.net with questions or to reserve your spot.

Invitation to Heal

dr. marie rodriguez — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 13:08:53 +0000

Take some time to unwind, get grounded and find your center before the upcoming holiday season. Join Dr. Marie Rodriguez and Liz Borodkin (yoga instructor and craniosacral therapist: www.lizborodkin.com) for a weekend healing retreat in Virginia’s beautiful Shenandoah Valley.

We will take time to rest, connect with nature, and learn how to stay balanced in the fall and winter. We will practice yoga and meditation daily and explore the healing modalities of naturoapthy and cranionsacral therapy. Enjoy season-appropriate, healing whole foods meals prepared by Dr. Marie herself. In addition, each participant will receive one craniosacral session as part of the retreat package.

See below for more information on schedule, costs, work-trade opportunity, etc. Please contact: marierodrigueznd@verizon.net with any questions you might have.

Schedule:

Friday Nov. 9th 6 pm - Sunday Nov. 11th 2pm

Activities:

Daily yoga and meditation classes

One private craniosacral treatment per participant

Lectures on the healing power of naturopathy and craniosacral therapy

Interactive discussions

Hiking and exploring the beauty of the Shenandoah Valley

Delicious healing foods

Cost:

The house has single, double, and quad accommodations. Prices are all inclusive.

$350 for quad
$400 for double
$450 for single

*there is a $50 discount for reservations made before 10/26
**there is a work study opportunity for one person to help out in the kitchen in exchange for half of the retreat cost

Questions? contact marierodrigueznd@verizon.net

To reserve your spot, mail check to:

Marie Rodriguez, ND
1325 G. St. NW
Ste 500
Washington, DC 20005

Hormones Gone Haywire?

dr. marie rodriguez — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 16:43:11 +0000

Our vitality is greatly influenced by the health of our body’s endocrine system. Hormones, our endocrine system’s chemical messengers, are critical for cellular functioning. Energy level, blood sugar stability, efficient metabolism, resistance to infection, and sleep quality are all under the direct influence of hormones. It’s no wonder we often quip about having a “hormonal imbalance” when we just don’t feel right. In fact, it has been estimated that up to 80% of women suffer from hormone imbalance. Symptoms are broad and can range in severity from PMS and menstrual cramps to depression, insomnia, infertility and susceptibility to immune disorders.

Nine times out of ten, estrogen dominance is the type of imbalance women face. An increase in estrogen relative to progesterone results from estrogen excess and/or progesterone deficiency. The most common cause of estrogen dominance is oral contraceptives. Stress and toxic exposures associated with modern living also contribute to this imbalance. Estrogen dominance has been linked to yeast overgrowth, weight gain, increased risk of breast cancer, elevated blood pressure, and mood swings.

When stressed, the body utilizes hormone reserves. For example, progesterone is a nice precursor to cortisol, one of the adrenal hormones associated with “fight or flight”. Because adrenal burnout is so common, progeterone deficiency is an equally common consequence. Progesterone deficiency can contribute to PMS, cramps, anxiety, and even miscarriages.

Xenoestrogens (foreign estrogens) are synthetic substances that have estrogen-like activity. They come from organochlorides, which are by-products of the plastics and pesticides industries. They are found in dry cleaning chemicals, non-organic dairy and meat, and plastics used in everything from baby bottles to food containers. These molecules have been linked to early onset puberty in boys and girls, the decline of male sperm counts, and even the feminization of fish. These foreign estrogens further contribute to estrogen dominance in women, and have been implicated in the rise of breast cancer rates.

In terms of hormone balance, it does seem like the odds are stacked against us. Nonetheless, there are some basic things you can do in your everyday life to help restore balance. First of all, eat a whole foods, nutrient dense diet from primarily organic foods. This will lower the toxic burden on your liver and enable it to process hormones more efficiently. Limit carbohydrates and dairy products which raise estrogen levels. Consider increasing consumption of flaxseeds, (recommend 2 tbsp daily) broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage - these fiber sources bind excess estrogen and prevent it from being recycled. Additionally, take measures to reduce stress and xenoestrogen exposure (see suggestions below).

Suggestions for reducing foreign estrogen exposure:

Avoid pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides. Wash your hands to rid pesticides.

Have a good water filter for your source of water: www.multipure.com, www.culligan.com

Use only organic whole foods

Do not microwave foods in plastic containers, and avoid the use of plastic wrap

Use organic soaps and toothpaste

Switch to more natural facial products to avoid estrogenic ingredients like parabens.

Use only naturally based perfumes. Most perfumes are petrochemically based.

Spring and Cleansing

dr. marie rodriguez — Thu, 10 May 2007 20:39:38 +0000

It happens this time every year, yet never ceases to be amazing. Sunlight shines radiantly, birds chirp melodically, and colorful blossoms enliven our surroundings. Spring is is a time of rebirth, rapid growth, and expansive movement; qualities which also typify “wood” in 5 element theory. Wood correlates to liver whose job is to maintain the smooth circulation of chi throughout our entire being. This is a challenging task that requires a delicate balance of energy building through rest and proper nutrition and efficient circulation of blood and body fluids. Toxicity, poor eating habits and stress can leave us feeling lethargic and difficult to move forward into an active summer. Lightening the load through history’s oldest healing practice - cleansing or detoxification - unburdens the liver, and has numerous health benefits.

Let’s face it, your liver has a critical job. As your body’s largest detox organ, it filters between 3 and 4 pints of blood each minute! In addition to detoxification, the liver metabolizes proteins, manufactures hormones, creates immune factors, and produces bile for fat emulsification and absorption. Poor liver function can lead to a wide variety of health issues including: fatigue, skin problems, hormone imbalances, digestive insufficiency, systemic inflammation, weight gain, and immune system disorders.

Optimal liver function is crucial to our state of health, especially this day in age when we are exposed to an alarming amount of toxins. Estimates have around 80,000 synthetic chemicals in use today, and of these, the vast majority have not been tested for their longterm effects on our health. We are regularly exposed to chemicals and metals in tap water, air pollution, additives and preservatives in processed foods, pesticides in non-organic produce, hormones and antibiotics in meat and poultry, not to mention off-gassing of carbons from construction sites, carpets, paint and dry-cleaned clothes. Chemicals persist in our environment and accumulate in our fatty tissue for decades - disrupting our hormone balance, and our nervous and immune systems’ function. The CDC estimates that we carry a burden of at least 148 chemicals!

Cleansing is like a tune-up. It allows your body to rest, re-equilibrate, and catch up on old work (ie processing all of our stored toxins). Some benefits of cleansing include: improved energy levels and mental clarity, more efficient digestion and assimilation of nutrients, weight loss, reduced allergy symptoms, better immune function. Believe it or not, cleansing can be quite simple, feel free to contact Dr. Rodriguez on how to get started on this effective healing practice, or check out her upcoming detox workshop at MINT - details below.

Detox & Yoga Workshop at MINT

Detox is an ancient healing practice that can help us maintain our health and vitality even as we age. Come learn about this therapeutic practice and why it should be a cornerstone of wellbeing in a health talk by Dr. Rodriguez in collaboration with MINT (www.mintfitness.com)

1-3 pm on Sunday June 10th at MINT, dress comfortably for an hour long yoga practice focusing on asanas that facilitate detox. You will be given detox guide with recipes and ideas to get you started on some internal spring cleaning.

Is the HPV Vaccine Really Necessary?

dr. marie rodriguez — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 19:50:10 +0000

An estimated 80% of the population carries the HPV virus, and approximately 20% of the carriers experience symptoms. There are over 100 strains of the virus, and 4 have been implicated in causing cervical cancer. But, according to the US National Cancer Institutes, there is no actual proof that HPV directly causes cervical cancer, and it is possible to have cervical cancer without being infected with HPV.

Thanks to the invention of the Pap smear, cervical cancer has become an easily detected (and prevented) form of cancer. Yearly paps prevent cervical cancer by detecting dysplasia - the aberrant cell growth that precedes cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is a very rare form of cancer that is easily treated. Last year in the US, 10,000 cases resulted in 3,700 deaths from this disease.

Now a bit about the Gardasil vaccine being marketed to prevent cervical cancer:

At $380, it is the most expensive vaccine ever developed

It doesn’t treat HPV, so those who are already infected get no benefit from receiving the vaccine

1 out of 3 women who receive the vaccine will receive no benefit whatsoever as the 4 viral strains present in the vaccine only account for 70% of cervical cancer cases

During testing, adverse reactions to the vaccine occurred in 90% of test subjects within 15 days

It caused serious side effects in the trial group: pelvic inflammatory disease, appendicitis, asthma, and arthritis

Gardasil contains aluminum, a known neurotoxin that can cross the blood brain barrier and lead to longterm inflammation, chronic fatigue, and chronic pain in the joints and muscles

So, given all of this, why did they even make a vaccine for HPV? Good question. Well the “they” is Merck, and perhaps they are trying to recover some of the billions that were lost when Vioxx was taken off the market after killing or seriously injuring tens of thousands of people.

For more information about this, please see:

http://www.corpwatch.org/article.php?id=14401

http://www.ahrp.org/cms/content/view/263/28

http://www.rense.com/general75/SXSE.HTM

Craniosacral Therapy Healing the Mind Through the Body

dr. marie rodriguez — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 22:40:11 +0000

In her discovery of neuropeptides, brain biochemist Dr. Candace Pert proved the existence of the mind body connection, something ancient healing traditions have known about for hundreds of years. Neuropeptides have been called ‘molecules of emotion’ because they are released from various organ systems in response to thoughts and feelings. Neuropeptides bind to cellular receptors throughout the body and influence chemical changes that affect heart rate, blood sugar levels, and even white blood cell counts.

Thought patterns and emotions influence our physiologic functioning. The molecules transmitting this information (neuropeptides) don’t even have to originate from the brain. It might take a leap of faith, but what this means is that our entire body thinks and feels. We don’t have to work on the brain to access the mind. This is why craniosacral therapy, a gentle form of body work, is such an excellent modality for healing all sorts of trauma from physical to emotional.

Craniosacral therapy was developed it the 1930’s by osteopath, William Sutherland. Through various experiments, Dr. Sutherland discovered that the bones of the skull were designed for motion and not ‘fused’ - as held by popular medical belief. He recognized that the bones of the skull had some ‘give’ in order to accommodate the movement created by the production and circulation of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the brain down and around the spinal cord, a movement he called ‘the breath of life’. This motion is essential to all physiologic functions, and can become congested or inert as the result of stress or any type of trauma - physical or emotional.

Craniosacral therapy uses gentle touch to restore optimal health to the body by restoring this vital circulation. Optimal circulation of the CSF is achieved by releasing restrictions held in the fascia layer - a collagenous tissue that is like “shrinkwrap” enveloping our entire musculoskeletal system, nerves and all. In its restrictions, or patterns of holding, the fascia layer stores memories of various traumas - traumas that shape and influence our current experience of life. Working on different areas of the fascia can result in different experiences at any given time. Please read what others have to say about their experience with craniosacral therapy:

After seven treatments, I am still not sure how Marie does what she does — all I know is that it works. I’ve seen her after injuries and when I am feeling “normal”, and each time I leave feeling extraordinarily better physically and emotionally. It is hard to describe, but my body feels alive and tingling, as if energy is flowing through me like a thousand rivers. My mind is relaxed and my thoughts are light — gone are the concepts of worry and doubt.
~F.H.

My yoga instructor told me about craniosacral therapy and recommended Marie — I was getting migraines at least once a month or more, and nothing helped. I started going to Marie and my migraines have all but disappeared. Additionally, I have found that I hold stress in my body less, get sick less often, and sleep better with craniosacral. My body and mind feel so much more at peace.
~H.M.

In the midst of an extremely difficult time in my life, I came across Marie’s information about craniosacral therapy. I was in the process of grieving the loss of my father and aunt, and this in turn stirred up a lot of physical pain from an old car accident. I was participating in talk therapy and exercising regularly, but I still felt “stuck”. I decided to give craniosacral therapy a try. From the first treatment I felt a difference; a subtle shift in my emotions and physical state. I was not exactly sure how to articulate the result, but I knew I felt better. I continued to see Marie, and after each treatment I feel as if I am walking straighter and have a sense of calmness. I sleep better as well. With time, this therapy has helped me to be able to let go of a lot of my grief and sadness. This therapy has also helped to relieve pain and numbness I experience as the result of a pinched nerve. Craniosacral therapy has truly made a difference in my quality of life.
~R.R.

My weekly craniosacral sessions with Dr. Rodriguez have been a life-changing experience! She is capable of bringing my body into deep states of relaxation, previously unimaginable, where profound physical, emotional, and energetic healing take place. Because of this therapy, I am now able to live from a more centered and grounded place.
~M.D.

Quality sleep has been a lifelong problem for me. Marie helped me to come to the realization the some of my other health concerns and general symptoms were related to the fact the my sleep wasn’t restorative. A month or so after beginning craniosacral treatments, I began to notice that I was staying asleep for longer periods of time, so even if I wasn’t in bed for a long time, me sleep was more efficient. I find that receiving treatments twice a month seems to have an incredible positive effect on my nervous system, leading to a balanced sleep schedule and more energy.
~T.D.

Adrenals - Our Stress Coping Organs

dr. marie rodriguez — Wed, 13 Dec 2006 21:02:09 +0000

Do you ever wonder why some people seem to have boundless energy and are able to handle a greater amount of stress? The reason for the difference in our energy levels and stress coping capacities is due in large part to the functioning of our body’s adrenals. These are the two walnut-sized glands that sit like little hats on top of both kidneys. Our energy, stamina, immunity and even sex drive depends upon the proper functioning of our adrenal glands.

In Chinese medicine, the adrenals are called “The Root of Life”. They function as batteries which store our life energy and are also responsible for our immunological resilience. When undisturbed by stress, the adrenal glands secrete minute, yet precise and balanced quantities of cortisol in response to every day changes in our circuitry. Cortisol affects all the major physiological processes in our bodies - the utilization of carbohydrates and fats, regulation of blood sugar levels, maintenance of blood pressure, and the production of sex hormones. In general, how well we feel really depends on how well these glands are functioning.

Any number of factors can interfere with the finely tuned balance of adrenal hormone production and can lead to an increased output of adrenal hormones, or adrenal fatigue. It’s estimated the up to 80% of adult Americans suffer some level of adrenal fatigue at some time during their life; yet, it continues to remain one of the most under-diagnosed conditions.

Adrenal fatigue is caused by everyday stress in all forms - whether it is physical, mental, emotional, or even environmental. Stresses such as illness, poor diet, environmental toxicity, financial stress, relationship issues, and work-related pressure have a cumulative effect on adrenal gland function. The body responds to all of these stressful events in the same manner - by secreting adrenal hormones. The repetitive cycle of stress causing adrenal hormone secretion eventually leads to depletion of our adrenals. We begin to suffer from reduced output and fatigue.

Adrenal fatigue is a collection of symptoms, some of which include: low energy, a general sense of feeling unwell, reduced libido, ringing in the ears, increased premenstrual symptoms, subfertility, decreased immunity, and insomnia. People with poor functioning adrenal glands may not have obvious signs of illness, yet live feeling unwell, often using coffee and other stimulants to get through the day.

Poor adrenal function can lay the foundation of other more serious illnesses such as: fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, type II diabetes, and auto-immune disorders. Adrenal fatigue can be difficult to recognize, because a lot of times our bodies don’t “tell” us we are under stress. We have an incredible capacity to rise to the occasion without even realizing what pressure we are putting ourselves under.

Anyone is susceptible to stress, but some primary components leading to adrenal fatigue are: lack of sleep, increased stress of any type, poor foods choices, using foods and drinks as stimulants when tired, lack of rest and rejuvenating activities. Poor adrenal function can even begin at birth - children born to mothers already suffering from adrenal fatigue or who experience stress in the womb typically have lower adrenal function.

If you think you are suffering form adrenal fatigue, there are several things you can do to support adrenal gland function:
1-Limiting stress. Recognize and make every effort to reduce stressful situations and people who create stress in your life. These are very depleting forces which will make it hard for you to recover optimal adrenal gland function no matter how good you treat yourself.
2-Rhythm. Getting minimum of 8 hours of sleep at night, getting to bed as early as possible, and retiring and waking at approximately the same time daily (give or take 30-60 min). This helps to establish a more optimal circadian rhythm, and supports the pineal gland’s production of melatonin, both of which are essential for optimal functioning of our endocrine system. The pineal gland produces twice as much melatonin before midnight so sleep is that much more restful and restorative at this time.
3-Quit caffeine and other stimulants (including sugar). Caffeine causes a surge of cortisol 200x that of normal levels and as a result puts a strain on our adrenal glands.
4-Adequate protein intake throughout the day to stabilize blood sugar. A diet high in refined carbs and sugar causes wide sugar fluctuations which our adrenal glands have to compensate for.
5-Exercise. Regularly participating in an enjoyable form of exercise will not only increase energy level, but will help to improve cellular function by accelerating exchange of nutrients and oxygen and will normalizes level of various hormones including cortisol, insulin, glucose and thyroid levels.

Winter Wellness

dr. marie rodriguez — Fri, 08 Dec 2006 18:08:18 +0000

Winter should be a time of slowing down and going inward. All life forms slow down this time of year - plants sink their energy into their roots and animals tend to either sleep and eat or hibernate. In Chinese medicine, this time of year corresponds to the water element. This period of quiet represents life in its most primal state - beneath a still surface there is activity, before seeds germinate, they require a cold spell of hibernation.

The water of winter follows autumn’s metal element which signifies contraction and a need to shed or cleanse toxins, habits or attitudes that no longer contribute to our wellness. To be able to “contract” or hunker down into a reflective winter, it is necessary to lighten the load physically, mentally, and emotionally.

We humans tend to be the only life forms that don’t slow down this time of year. Holiday stress combined with climate chage quite commonly leads to imbalance. If we don’t take the time to slow down or do a cleanse, our various organ systems can become overburdened. The resulting imbalance not only leaves us feeling stressed and anxious, it challenges our immunity and sets us up for colds and the flu.

The following are some naturopathic recommendations to help you maintain balance and strengthen immunity during the winter months:

Cut out the sugar and refined carbohydrates. Sugar has been shown to suppress the immune system by lowering white blood cell counts and binding to the same receptors as vitamin C.

Adequate hydration - 1/2 body weight in ounces of filtered water (including non-caffeinated herbal teas) to flush the system ans support optimal kidney function.

Exercise - Try for 30 min 3-5x/week to improve circulation, boost energy and immunity, and encourage toxin elimination through sweating.

Optimal rest - Be sure to get 8 hours of sleep and try getting to bed by 10 pm each night. This establishes an optimal circadian rhythm, balances the nervous system, strengthens the adrenals (our stress-coping glands) and fortifies immunity.

Hydrotherapy treatments for home:

Contrast shower - Take a shower warm enought to cause skin flushing and end with a cold spray to mid-back (kidney region) and upper chest (heart, lungs, thymus gland). This technique improves blood return to our body’s vital organs.

Warming socks - This treatment boosts immunity and greatly reduces congestion of the ears, eyes, sinuses, throat and lungs. First warm your feet if they are cold. Take a pair of cotton socks and wet them with cold water adn wring out thoroughly. (You may also place in the freezer for 3-5 min). Place the cold we socks on your feet and cover with thick wool socks. Go to bed with warm clothing and covers. You will sleep very deeply and wake feeling clear-headed and with dry socks.

Winter Balancing Worshop

In collaboration with Mint Fitness, Dr. Rodriguez will be providing tips for maintaining optimal wellness during winter. The workshop will be held Sat. Dec. 9th from 2-4:30 at Mint fitness: 1724 Claifornia St., NW. The cost of the event is $55 for members and $70 for non-members. The workshop also includes: a 45 minute yoga session, winter hebal tea blend with take home sachets, therapeutic informational handouts from the perspectives of naturopathic medicine, herbalism, and nutrition, a winter elixir (seasonal juice from Mint’s juice bar), and 25% off seasonal spa services. For more information, contact Mint: www.mintfitness.com, 202.328.6468

Transition to Fall

dr. marie rodriguez — Fri, 22 Sep 2006 21:53:05 +0000

Fall is a time of transition - the temperature drops, sunlight wanes, and we start to eat heavier and denser foods. Fall should be a natural time for us to slow down and go inward; yet, we are the only species on the planet that remains as active as we are in the warmer months. Consequently, we may begin to feel out of balance - increased anxiety, poor sleep, digestive distress and congestion are all common complaints.

Such health issues can easily be prevented by observing the change of seasons with dietary and lifestyle modifications. These practices are inherent to the Five Element Theory of Chinese Medicine which maintains a strong connection with nature - adjusting foods, physical activities and healing practices with the seasons. In this healing tradition, each season correlates to a specific element.

In fall, we transition into the less active, more receptive “yin” state and to the element of metal. The metal element is contractive in nature - drawing inward to prepare and store for winter. As trees begin shedding their leaves, we too expel toxins and rid ourselves of patterns that may be holding us back. This makes us more sensitive to our environment which taxes our immune system, and we may experience a reocurrence of past symptoms.
The metal element is associated with the lungs and large intestine, and when it is out of balance, respiratory ailments, excess congestion, digestive issues, constipation, and immune system weakness may result. Some may even experience a metallic taste in the mouth.

The best way to get back into balance this time of the year is to take the time to slow down and adjust our diets. By eating warm meals made with aromatic herbs and spices we nourish and enhance our digestive fires. The ayurvedic recipe for ‘kitcheri’ is excellent for doing such (see below). This meal can also be used as a staple during a fall cleanse.

Embarking upon a cleanse this time of year helps to shed the toxins that overburden our bodies and make us vulnerable to weather change, stress and microbial exposure. It is a measure that will prevent seaonal bouts of flu and allergies.

Kitcheri

Kitcheri provides nourishment for the body and also benefits digestion. Kitcheri is a food of choice for times of stress on the body, such as during a change of seasons, periods of overwork and during illness. It is a particularly good choice of food for a mono-diet during an internal cleansing regime. The recipe below is a basic and easy one to start with, and it is balancing to all three ayurvedic doshas (Vata, Pitta and Kapha). Serves six.
Ingredients:
• 2-3 TBS ghee (can be purchased at most health food stores or made by skimming the milk solids off butter as you heat it)
• ½ cup split yellow mung dal, or red lentils
• 1 cup white basmati rice, rinsed well and drained.
• 6 cups filtered water
• 4-5 thin slices of fresh ginger root
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 4½ cups water with a pressure cooker or six cups with a regular pot
• ½ tsp black mustard seeds
• 1 small pinch of asafoetida (“hing”)powder
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
Heat ghee on medium heat. Ghee burns easily so be careful. Sauté the mustard seeds in the ghee until the seeds pop. Then add the drained mung dal or red lentils, asafoetida powder, turmeric and salt. Stir until the mix starts to stick to the bottom of the pan. Then add the rice, water, ginger and remaining spices, stirring well.
Cover and bring it to a boil on high heat. Then turn the heat down and let it simmer until the consistency is soft. You may have to experiment with how much water you use to find a consistency that you like. The more water - the thinner the consistency. A thinner consistency is preferable if digestion is weak. You will notice that kitcheri will thicken when it cools and you may need more water than you originally thought.

Upcoming Health Talks:

Preventing Seasonal Ailments Naturally

In light of the change of seasons and the potential for fall allergies and the flu, Dr. Marie Rodriguez (www.drmarierodriguez.com) will be presenting some natural approaches for immune system strengthening at the Wise Woman FestivALL
-12 noon Sunday Oct. 22nd at UDC 4200 Connecticut Ave NW.-
Come with questions and ready to learn!

Restoring Balance - Anti-Anxiety workshop
In the fall, cooler and windier days tend to stir up “vata”, one of Ayurveda’s 3 doshas (or constitutional types) whose element is air/ether based. During this change of season, we can begin to feel ungrounded, edgy and nervous. Even those not normally prone to anxiety may begin to feel emotionally unsettled.Anxiety has both emotional and physiological causes. Relieving anxiety involves restoring physiologic balance through dietary and lifestyle modifications, quality nutritional supplements, and therapeutic practices such as yoga. This workshop will focus on a natural approach to calming anxiety and balancing the vata dosha. We will perform a restorative yoga practice to nourish yin which will calm vata and our nerves. 1 pm Nov. 18th at boundless yoga (www.boundlessyoga.com)