Marny shares with us her 8 Point Body Assessment System that she uses both in her own life and to support patients. This system is not only a great roadmap, but quick, easy and genius. It also acts as an exercise in listening to what your body really needs and wants in the moment.
First | Breath
I’ve heard (and said to myself) every excuse under the sun to avoid meditation. In other words, I totally get it. It’s hard. It’s boring. But here’s the deal, we’ve all forgotten how to breathe. Even if you don’t meditate, you can participate in deep, lung capacity breaths throughout the day. The most important aspect of a deep, lung capacity breath is to feel the breath stretch your ribs, and permeate areas of your back and belly you typically don’t pay attention to. Try it right now! No instructions needed.
Second | Are you a Water Balloon?
Hydration and fluid Balance include electrolytes, kidney function, lymph movement, and water intake. Don’t ignore this basic balance point if you’re feeling stuck and yuck. Sauna, drinking 1/2 your body weight in oz of water daily, foam rolling, movement, sweaty exercise, cupping, and dry brushing are ways to move lymph, and enhance the body’s natural detoxification capacity.
Third | Is My Brain on Fire or Just Frazzled?
Nervous System and Allopathic Stress Load. This includes HRV heart rate variability, vagal tone, stress resilience, and anxiety levels. For nervous system support, think about meditation, somatics, dance, gardening, forest baths, and grounding.
Fourth | Gut Traffic Congestion
Is it flowing or gridlocked? This includes digestion, absorption, microbiome balance, motility. You must have a formed bowel movement daily for optimal bowel health. No exceptions. We’re here to help you accomplish that.
Fifth | Battery Check
Am I at 2% or 85%? This includes metabolic function, mitochondria health, blood sugar, energy production, and thyroid health. Most of us are running on empty without realizing it. Humans need recovery time to function optimally. Acupuncture is a great way to give your body a battery check.
Sixth | The Oil Check
How well am I detoxing? This includes liver function, heavy metals, mold, and toxin elimination. A spring detoxification program like what is offered at Tao to Wellness, hint hint, is a great way to support the liver, kidneys, and other detoxification organs.
Seventh | Inflammation
Includes autoimmunity, chronic infections, systemic inflammation. This category is the root to virtually every chronic, modern disease. You’re setting up a life-insurance policy when you prioritize your health and wellness by reducing inflammation with food, lifestyle, acupuncture, herbs, and movement.
Eighth | The Mood Forecast
Are your emotions dark and stormy or are there clear skies? Includes mental health issues, trauma response, neuroplasticity, and emotional resilience. This is one of my favorite topics to talk about with patients at Tao to Wellness and we go into deep discussions about mental health, underlying issues affecting mental health, the second brain, and more.
