Naturopathic Physician
Our next Full Moon Guided Journey is Saturday, Feb 27th at 7:30 pm EST. Here is a link to sign up for the call. When you enter your information, you’ll receive the Zoom link right away. Friends and family are always welcome!
This event is funded by donations from our community. (It’s a $25 suggest donation.)
Do you have a hard time drinking enough water?
The benchmark for optimal hydration is half your body weight of water in ounces. For example, if you weigh 200 pounds, drink 100 ounces of water daily. Then add an additional cup for every cup of coffee or glass of wine you consume. To make things more difficult, we actually lose our thirst when we become dehydrated!
We are made of 70% water so it behooves us to hydrate optimally. Optimal hydration supports:
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I’ve had the hardest time hydrating myself. It sounds crazy, but I just don’t like the taste of water, and I know I’m not the only one out there! This week I stumbled upon a super easy way to up my hydration game – check out this video!
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Feel free to invite your friends and donations are welcome!
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| As I reflect on 2020 events and witness the current political crisis – it’s hard for me to comprehend the long term impact all this collective mental and emotional stress could be having on us. At the same time, I am continually amazed at our resilience and our ability to support each other in uncertain times. All of us have made sudden and massive shifts in our home/work lives, a very large sector of our population is weathering prolonged financial stress, there are those with compromised immunity who are fatigued from extended vigilance, and lastly, those of us who are typically nourished by travel, connection, and creative pursuits – we’re feeling lackluster and even depressed from the extended isolation. I am appreciative of the eternal optimists and those who can hold onto a brighter ‘big picture’ for the future- this has been something I’ve been finding challenging lately. |
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| I personally started to notice symptoms of my first Winter Blues/S.A.D. (Seasonal Affective Disorder): mood swings, apathy, loneliness, lack of concentration, and a more pessimistic attitude. I had the foresight to get a light box early in December, and it has been rather helpful for improved concentration and better quality sleep. I am also noticing that the more I commit to time outside and more vigorous exercise, the more positive my outlook becomes.I wanted to share my experience as I feel symptoms like these could become MUCH more commonplace this winter. Here are some symptoms of S.A.D. to be aware of:DepressionLack of focusDecreased motivationMore pessimismFatigueSocial withdrawalLonelinessGeneral discontentExcessive sleep or insomniaFatigueAppetite changesWeight gainWinter is usually a time that I recommend people do less, slow down and allow their nervous systems and adrenals to rest and repair. Winter typically isn’t the time to start complex new projects that require burning the candle at both ends. I typically love winter because it’s the perfect season to cozy up with a blanket, warm beverage and good watch/read. This winter, after all of the isolation, I’m looking at things differently. I believe it’s very important to strike a balance. We do want to be resourced for the more extroverted Spring time; however, we have been so cooped up – that exercise, creative pursuits, and plenty of outside time are all in order now. We need to restore and build resilience without getting further stuck. Some tips to support your happiness this winter:Exercise regularly – especially getting heart rate elevated to support the release of the feel good neurotransmitters endorphins and serotonin. Consider dancing to tap into your creativity – dancing has been shown to improve memory and develop new neural connectionsLight Box – Great way to replace the light we miss during the winter. Light exposure is critical for serotonin production and also for regulating the circadian rhythm. I am using the verilux full size as I check my email in the morning.Time outside- for a minimum of 15 minutes of real daylight every day.Seek out more connection with others for support- however that may look now – outside time together, virtual connection, or maybe you have a group of family/friends you feel safe spending time together in person with. Self care to better manage and release stress: meditation, breathing, yoga, and even knowing clearly when you need to say ‘no’. Creative pursuits to inspire and uplift. Everyone is creative! Even doodles or shading in a coloring book for adults will engage the creative side of the brain and get you out of ‘default mode’. |
Last week we dove into the importance of supporting our body’s most important stress coping organs, our adrenal glands. Adrenal fatigue is rampant – it’s estimated that up to 80 percent of adults experience adrenal fatigue during their lifetimes, yet it remains one of the most under-diagnosed conditions in the US.
Anyone is susceptible to stress, but some primary components leading to adrenal fatigue are: lack of restorative sleep, living through periods of intense emotional stress (current times!), over working, poor food choices, using food and drinks as stimulants when tired, lack of proper rest and rejuvenation. 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.
Adrenal fatigue is a collection of symptoms, some of which include:
People with poor functioning adrenal glands may not have obvious signs of illness, yet they live feeling unwell, do not feel rested after sleep, and may rely on stimulants like coffee or sugar to get through the day.
Sometimes the adrenal cortex can become so depleted that the body resorts to recruiting the fight or flight hormones – epinephrine and norepinephrine. This can lead to rapid heart rate, anxiety, and insomnia.
Adrenal fatigue can be difficult to recognize, because our bodies have an incredible capacity to ‘rise to the occasion,’ and we’ve gotten so used to living such a pressured lifestyle. Because poor adrenal function can lay the foundation for other more serious illnesses such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, type II diabetes, and auto-immune disorders it’s important to tend to these walnut sized glands that sit like hats on top of the kidneys.
Want to support your adrenals?
Last week we went over some foundational nutritional advice that will go a long way in steadying your adrenal function.
Here are some other ideas to bolster this critical stress coping glands as we navigate this pandemic that has no end in sight, so far.
Light Therapy
The adrenals thrive on rhythm and routine. Establishing a healthy waking portion of the circadian rhythm supports optimal sleep as our sleep-wake cycle is light driven. Restful sleep is how our adrenals repair. I have been using a light box for the first time myself and notice better clarity, focus, and easier to rise in the morning.
Establish Strong and Healthy Boundaries
Are there people in your life who simply drain you? When you get off the phone with them, they say how much better they feel and you feel like total crap. They were able to get in and take a hit – I love Dr. Northrop’s book Dodging Energy Vampires – it dives deep into this phenomenon. The truth is if there are energy vampires in your life, it will be hard to heal your adrenals.
B Vitamins to the Rescue
We’ll do more of a deep dive into these powerful supplements. B vitamins are essential for the production of cellular energy and provide foundational support for neurotransmitter production. B vitamins are readily depleted by stress, and because numerous neuroendocrine and enzymatic processes rely on B vitamins, they are an important nutritional supplement to consider. B vitamins are necessary for regulating cortisol and they are considered essential – meaning they are not produced by the body, so we need to get adequate levels from our diet or from nutritional supplements. It’s important to get an active form of B vitamins to ensure bioavailability. Any excess of B complex that isn’t used will be eliminated through the urine in a body that’s well hydrated.
If there is a fountain of youth, establishing a strong and powerful connection to the earth is it! When we can heal our root chakras to be able to communicate with the electromagnetic field, this stabilizes our nervous system making us more resilient and able to stay centered under pressure, or to bounce back more easily. Check out this guided meditation.
P.S. Consider attending my Yoga and Energy Healing Retreat, guaranteed to ground your nervous system and revitalize your adrenal glands.
We’ve been ‘staying safe’ & ‘hanging in there’ for – oh, about 9 months now during this pandemic – while recently weathering the most contentious presidential election in US history. I think I’m well overdue for a post about our bodies most critical stress-coping glands – our adrenal glands!
Our adrenals 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 body’s adrenal glands. The adrenals have an outer layer or cortex that produces cortisol and an inner medulla that produces the fight or flight hormones: epinephrine and norepinephrine.
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 amounts of cortisol in response to everyday changes in our internal circuitry. Cortisol affects all of 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 upon how well these glands are functioning.
Adrenal fatigue is caused by everyday stress in all forms – whether it’s 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 depletes our adrenals. We begin to suffer from reduced output and fatigue.
Because we are currently enduring a prolonged exposure to stress, and sustained stress can impact our bodies as trauma, now more than ever it’s important to take stock of our adrenal health…so we can implement changes and strategies that promote resilience of the HPA axis (hypothalamic pituitary adrenal) as well as effective stress adaptation of our adrenals, bolster our adrenals and thereby promote resilience.
Take the Adrenal Stress Test
If you answer yes to 3 or more of the questions below, it may be time for Adrenal Rehab:
Implement these dietary suggestions:
Quit or greatly reduce coffee. If this is impossible, consider turning your coffee into a meal by adding grass fed butter, MCT oil, and possibly even collagen protein powder.
Keep blood sugar levels as steady as possible: by eating protein at each meal, and don’t skip meals. Avoid/minimize refined carbs and sugars, and when you do eat them, balance them with protein Alcohol also spikes blood sugar, so moderation is important and having 4 hours before bedtime is ideal to process alcohol.
Adrenals like rhythm – get into a sleep/wake routine by going to bed and waking up within an hour of the same time each night. Avoid stimulating activities before bed – watching stressful news or suspenseful movies, or talking to drama queens close to bedtime will strain your adrenals!
If you’d like support to balance your adrenals, let’s chat!
As rates of infection are on the rise, it feels like an appropriate time to continue sharing immune-supportive tips for you to have at the ready. This week I’m highlighting the ‘Warming Socks Treatment’ – be forewarned – when you read the instructions, you may think this is the last thing you want to do on a cold winter night! However, I swear, this is a safe, simple, inexpensive, AND highly effective hydrotherapy technique – it’s a staple in naturopathic practice
This therapy is often recommended at the first sign of any congestion in the ears, eyes, sinuses, throat, and/or lungs. Those who try it quickly learn how effective it can be in helping relieve nasal or chest congestion, earaches, sinusitis, and colds or upper respiratory infections. It’s even helpful to mitigate the brain fog that can result from a night of over-indulgence!
The beauty of this therapy is that it is a nice complement to botanical medicine, homeopathic remedies or other medicines, both natural and conventional.
Note: this treatment should NOT be used by those who are very weak, tend to run cold, or who have a fungal infection on the skin of their feet. For small children or people of weaker vitality, wet only the toes of the cotton socks. If you don’t have heavy winter socks sized for kids, use larger ones folded down.
Effects of the Warming Socks Treatment:
This treatment works to reflexively increase the circulation and decrease congestion in the upper respiratory passages, head, and throat. It has a sedating and grounding action – many patients report a deeper, more restorative sleep during the treatment. This treatment is also effective for pain relief and increases the healing response during acute infection.
The person’s body will dry the wet socks by pulling the circulation toward the feet and past all the organs of elimination. The immune system will be stimulated, and the person will sleep well. Throbbing may be felt in the feet. For optimum benefit, leave both sets of socks on throughout the night, even after the cotton socks have become dry.
 One of the most important aspects of staying well in the winter is being in tune with your body enough to know when you’re feeling run down and on the verge of catching a cold/flu … because how you care for yourself in the first 24-72 hours determines how you will fare during the course of your illness. If you do the right things, you can often swiftly turn around a viral upper respiratory tract infection. While you may not be able to entirely stave off a flu, you can certainly reduce the severity and duration of it. |
| We can support our powerful and robust innate immune response in the early stages of any illness to minimize symptoms. Check out these comprehensive *Cold and Flu Prevention and Treatment Tips*that I frequently share with my private clients- these are way more empowering than the flu shot because they work *with* your body. These tips are also why I’m not afraid to catch an illness – colds and flus exercise your immune muscle, after all! (When you order productsfrom me, I am happy to support you over email as you get started.) |
| Check out this recipe for an immune supportive broth you can sip on during the winter months. Medicinal mushrooms pack a powerful immune punch -their cell walls are rich in ergosterol (an important vitamin D precursor), and beta-glucans (polysaccharides that activate the complement system, and enhance neutrophil and macrophage activity). Please note, that when you make a reishi mushroom broth, it should be dark and taste bitter due to it’s active terpene constituents. This recipe recommends simmering on low for 2-3 hours, but if you were to make a broth solely of mushrooms, you could simmer it for 8-10 hours. IMMUNE SUPPORTIVE BROTH Ingredients: Medicinal mushrooms: 5-6 slices of reishi, 7-10 shitake, 1 large maitake (could also add in turkey tail) ½ bunch of celery, chopped 2 carrots, chopped 1 red or yellow onion, chopped 5-6 garlic cloves, minced 3 quarts of water – adding a little more as needed while it simmers 7-10 sprigs parsley 1 TBSP turmeric powder 1 inch fresh ginger, minced 3-5 sprigs of sage Salt and black pepper to taste Method:Combine everything in a large pot and bring to a boil. Cover, and let simmer on low heat for 2-3 hours. Keep an eye on the water levels; you may want to add a bit more. Once the time is up, remove from heat and strain through a strainer or cheesecloth. Use as a base for other soups or sip a cup daily as an immune tonic. |
| SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY SPECIALS We all could use some added self-care right about now – I’m excited to offer you two opportunities to work with me at a special rate. Please note: This rate is good for Small Biz Saturday only and will end at 12:59pm EST on November 28th. 10% off Distance Energy Healing Sessions Visits are 90-minutes. (Regularly $295 // Sale: $236)Virtual Energy Healing Sessions are great for dissolving and letting go of heavy stuck patterns that you have long outgrown. I use all my skills in a distance energy healing session: shamanic energy healing, family constellation work, chakra repair, and hypnosis. We set a powerful intention together to guide our work, I spend time deeply anchoring and resourcing you so that you feel safe, connected, and empowered. At the end of our sessions, clients report feeling deeply rested, restored, and able to re-engage in their life from a place of balance and flow. Click here to learn more. If you know you’d like more than one session, I’m offering a bundle of three 60-minute sessions for 20% off. (Regularly $588 // Sale: $470) To redeem, please reply to this email. $300 off Yoga & Energy Healing Retreat | April 3-10, 2021 in Haramara, MexicoItching to GET AWAY and be in the warm sun? UNPLUG, TUNE INTO NATURE, and RECEIVE SUPPORT on your journey in beautiful Haramara, Mexico. You will be guided through yoga and energy healing sessions designed to clear past energies and support optimal alignment with your present so that you may flow into your future goals with greater ease and awareness. Click here to learn more. If this is a full body YES! and you have questions, book a free Retreat Call with me. |
| “It is health that is the real wealth, and not pieces of gold and silver.” – Mahatma Gandhi |
The warming socks treatment is my favorite old-school hydrotherapy treatment. I recommend it at the first sign of any congestion in the ears, eyes, sinuses, throat, and/or lungs. This treatment is helpful for speeding up the recovery from sore throats, ear infections, headaches, migraines, upper respiratory infections, coughs, bronchitis, and sinus infections. It’s even helpful to mitigate the brain fog that results from a night of over-indulgence!
The warming socks also have a grounding effect by helping to draw the body’s energy down, this ensures a deeper, more restorative sleep.
The warming socks treatment works best if it repeated for 3 nights in a row.
Supplies:
Directions:
Effects of the Warming Socks Treatment:
This treatment works to reflexively increase the circulation and decrease congestion in the upper respiratory passages, head, and throat. It has a sedating action and many patients report that they sleep much better during the treatment. This treatment is also effective for pain relief and increases the healing response during acute infections. I usually recommend taking a night off after performing the warming socks 3 nights in a row.