A Guide to Seed Cycling for Hormonal Balance
A Guide to Seed Cycling for Hormonal Balance In our fast-paced world, achieving and maintaining hormonal balance can feel like a constant battle. From mood swings to irregular periods and even fertility challenges, hormonal imbalances can affect nearly every aspect of a woman’s life. But what if the solution to balancing your hormones could be as simple as incorporating certain seeds into your diet? Welcome to the world of seed cycling for hormonal balance, a natural and balanced approach that has been gaining popularity for its DIY ease and overall effectiveness. Seed cycling involves consuming specific seeds during different phases of your menstrual cycle to support the body’s natural hormonal rhythms. The concept is rooted in the idea that certain seeds contain nutrients that can help promote the production and detoxification of hormones, thus aiding in the overall balance. By understanding how to use seed cycling for hormones, you can take a proactive step toward improving your hormonal health naturally. So, how does seed cycling work? The menstrual cycle is typically divided into two main phases: the follicular phase (the first half) and the luteal phase (the second half). During the follicular phase, which begins on the first day of your period and lasts until ovulation, the body benefits from seeds like flaxseeds and pumpkin seeds. Flaxseeds are rich in lignans, which help bind excess estrogen, while pumpkin seeds provide zinc, which supports progesterone production. By consuming these seeds daily, you can help ensure a healthy balance of estrogen and progesterone, setting the stage for a smoother cycle. As you transition into the luteal phase, which begins after ovulation and continues until your next period, it’s time to switch to sesame and sunflower seeds. Sesame seeds are also high in lignans, which can help modulate estrogen levels, while sunflower seeds are packed with selenium, a powerful antioxidant that supports liver detoxification and hormone clearance. This phase of seed cycling for hormonal balance helps maintain the balance of progesterone and estrogen, reducing symptoms of PMS and promoting overall well-being. The benefits of seed cycling for women go beyond just regulating menstrual cycles. Many women have reported improved skin health, reduced acne, better mood stability, and even enhanced fertility. Because hormones inCluence so many aspects of our health, Cinding a natural way to support them can have widespread positive effects. Additionally, the seeds used in seed cycling are rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, all of which contribute to overall health and vitality. For those new to the concept, starting with a seed cycling guide for hormonal health can be incredibly helpful. Begin by purchasing high-quality, organic flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, and sunflower seeds. It’s best to use freshly ground seeds to ensure you’re getting the maximum nutritional benefits. You can easily incorporate these seeds into your diet by adding them to smoothies, yogurt, oatmeal, or salads. The key is consistency— consume the recommended seeds daily according to the phase of your cycle. Seed cycling can be a wonderful way to support hormonal health at home in conjunction with Chinese medicine. The practitioners here at Tao to Wellness can help you fine-tune your seed cycling routine, offer acupuncture and herbal remedies tailored to your needs, and provide the support you need to gently bring the body back into balance.
Debunking the NYT Article; “Is Delaying Menopause the Key to Longevity”?
Debunking the NYT Article; “Is Delaying Menopause the Key to Longevity”? It’s an eye catching title and a semi interesting read that discusses how scientists are trying to figure out how to keep the ovaries working longer, and if they can, are we able to prevent the progression of age related diseases? In March, Jill Biden announced a new women’s initiative that is highlighting this question among scientists and researchers. “The ovaries are the only organ in humans that we just accept will fail one day,” said Renee Wegrzyn, director of the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health, a government agency tasked with steering Dr. Biden’s mission. “It’s actually kind of wild that we all just accept that.” Most think of the ovaries as just a “baby maker”, but as the article states the ovaries act as a control center and have a lot to do with influencing every organ in a woman’s body. It says that scientists don’t exactly understand how this happens but I believe it’s simply a part of the HPO Axis; the hypothalamic, pituitary, ovarian axis. This axis is a highway of constant communication between the ovaries and the brain and vice versa through a feedback loop. There are many ‘loops’ in the body, for example right now a very hot topic is the gut brain connection. On an elementary level, the article says when women’s eggs are depleted the ovaries seem to go quiet, which corresponds to of course an increased risk in age related diseases. The phrase ‘women’s eggs are depleted’, couldn’t be more inaccurate. Doctors say most of us are born with millions of eggs (40,000 – 3 million to be exact), even that is an inaccurate way of describing the beauty that unfolds in a woman’s ovaries. What women are actually born with are millions of opportunities! By way of folliculogenesis, these opportunities rise to the surface and become expressed! Folliculogenesis is a maturing ovarian follicle that will in most cases rear a good quality egg. At any given time, women have many, many follicles that are in varying stages; from primordial, primary, secondary, tertiary to antral follicles. Not all of these are follicles yet, most are flat cells waiting to grow up to be a follicle, for example it takes about 180 days for the primordial stage to reach it’s full potential as a follicle with a good quality egg. So, the idea proposed is that if a woman loses fewer eggs, she can hold on to her ovarian reserves and functionality for longer is slightly preposterous. The article mentions a clinical trial at Columbia University which is attempting to slow the rate at which women lose their eggs with the immunosuppressive drug called rapamycin. Researchers leading the study claim there are two patterns that are already emerging; one that women are appearing to have a normal decline of ovarian reserve, which is measured by ultrasounds and AMH. Ultrasounds cannot detect ovarian reserve only antral follicle counts, which are the follicles that are in the race for ovulation, they are expressed when they are about the ovulate, ultrasounds cannot detect anything else. Most gynecologists and reproductive endocrinologists, do not test AMH because of its unreliability. But in truth, nothing is reliable and there is no possible way to calculate ovarian reserve. It seems to me, that if we look at this through a Chinese medicine lens, the ovaries are the tree trunk, the follicles and eggs are the branches/leaves, so then what feeds the ovaries to be robust and plentiful? The soil! And that soil is lifestyle and genetics. We can’t alter our genes (yet!) but if we want better functionality and longer sustainability we must look to lifestyle and environmental factors, things like pollution, toxins, nutrition, or lack thereof, too much or too little exercise, alcohol, caffeine, smoking, (basically anything that creates free radicals in the body) not enough sleep and the biggest ones; emotional wellness and the management of stress. These are the things that overtime can exhaust ovarian function and cause aging and disease, whether you are approaching menopause or trying to get pregnant at 30 years old, it all looks the same. In the realm of enhancing lifespan and quality of life, we could also talk about telomeres. Telomeres are caps on the ends of our DNA, they are similar to the caps that are on the end of shoelaces. As the plastic ends shred, and the shoelace becomes frayed and damaged, so too the shortening of our telomeres can leave our cells and chromosomes vulnerable to damage. Telomere shortening means the cell’s lifespan is shortening. Recent research shows that telomere shortening plays an important role in human disease and mortality. So how do we support robust ovarian function and lengthen telomeres? Sleep, regular exercise, stress management, a diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, namely D, meditation, yoga and acupuncture. (You knew the last one was coming!) There have been endless acupuncture studies and trials over the last two decades, everything from pain management to pregnancy rates to digestive disorders to stroke recovery. Research also shows that acupuncture can actually lengthen your telomeres and, for the purposes of this article, acupuncture plays a major role in Stage 4 follicular recruitment. How does it do that? The magnificence of acupuncture is the fact that it is self regulating, so whatever the body needs, whether it’s a decrease in inflammation, moving emotional stagnation thereby relieving stress, harmonizing an organ system, bringing energy to an organ, clearing away meridian debris, acupuncture and the body work together. You don’t have to believe in it or do anything to facilitate it, it just happens, very much in the same way your heart beats or how minerals like sodium and potassium can enter and exit a cell effortlessly. It just happens. In conclusion, we all want to preserve what we have and no one wants to age. Post menopause brings some risk to diseases, but if it’s not ‘that’ disease then it will
3 Easy Tips to Stay HYDRATED this Summer!
3 Easy Tips to Stay HYDRATED this Summer! Written By Karleen Tsai Yip Summer officially begins on June 20th and is the height of the Yang, the energy of the fire element, which is the time for activity, growth, and expansion. The fire element includes the heart, small intestine, triple warmer and pericardium meridians. This is the season to use all that stored energy from winter and spend time doing the things we love and spending time with the people we care most about. But it’s also important not to overdo things and completely burn out. Be sure to take in a siesta if you’re waking up early and going to bed late. Balance the activity with adequate rest. And if you need help regulating your sleep schedule, acupuncture can help so be sure to book an appointment! I know we discussed hydration in the spring newsletter but this is paramount in the heat of summer. Most people suffer from chronic dehydration and aren’t even aware of it. Years of chronic dehydration leads to dirty blood and less than optimal health. As a result, our immune system suffers, our skins lack luster, and people can be quick to anger. With the long days and high temperatures, staying hydrated helps our cells stay healthy by moving toxins out and moving the good stuff in. It helps us stay calm so that we’re not as hot tempered. So without further ado; here are some summer wellness tips to help you enjoy this season of activity, all focused on hydration! Tip #1 – Enjoy All the Melons Melons in all forms are extremely hydrating and nourishing for your body. Luckily, they are at their prime in the summer season and there are so many varieties to choose from. They all have a winning combination of glucose, vitamins, and minerals to bring nutrients into your cell bodies. Glucose is the primary source of energy for every cell in the body. We shouldn’t shy away from glucose that comes from fruit. What we shouldn’t do is combine glucose rich foods together with fats, for example: ham wrapped melon. Our livers prioritize processing the fats and aren’t able to absorb the glucose, vitamins, and minerals it needs. So eat melons by themselves. Another thing you should know is that because melons are very easily digested, they shouldn’t be eaten after a heavy meal. This can lead to fermentation and stomach upset. Melons are best eaten first thing in the morning or on an empty stomach. When you see them on a buffet table, eat them first! See how many varieties you can eat this summer season. Your skin will glow and your body will thank you for it. Want more interesting info on melons, check here. Tip #2 – Cucumbers to the Rescue Is your patience running thinner with the summer heat? Looking for the fountain of youth? Then look to cucumbers. They will help you keep your cool, deliver trace minerals, and keep you looking young and hydrated. Eaten regularly, they can help reverse liver damage too. Have them spiraled in place of noodles, juiced, or in salads. Have a fever or suffering from hot flashes? Try to eat two a day. Need more convincing? For a healthy cucumber noodle recipe and to learn more about what cucumbers can do, check here. Tip #3 – Coconut Water Coconut water is another helpful tool to help keep you hydrated. It’s full of electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals, and is highly nutritious, helping to boost your immune system. It can help bring down high blood pressure and help resolve skin issues. But you want to make sure that it doesn’t come in a can, doesn’t include additives or preservatives, and hasn’t turned pink or purple. So what’s the perfect way to enjoy coconut water you ask? Directly from a fresh coconut! Here’s a video to show you how to safely open a young coconut. Bonus is that you can use the young coconut meat to make a delicious vegan ceviche and pair it with cucumber slices instead of chips for a win-win! Recipe here. If you want more info on the benefits of coconuts, see here. We at Tao to Wellness, hope you enjoy the long days and the beautiful produce that is in abundance during the summer months!
How Acupuncture Helps with Addiction
How Acupuncture Helps with Addiction Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are an incredible tool for healing, the body, mind and spirit. If you’re familiar with the magic of this medicine, you probably have heard it’s a wonderful treatment for pain management. Maybe you’ve heard that patients have found great success in treating fertility or women’s health issues overall. An area that a lot of people might not know about is acupuncture and how it can help addiction. The Buddhist’s say that we are all addicted to something it’s just a matter of degree, except they would probably use the word “attachment” instead of addiction. Our world is practically set up to fuel addictions, whether it’s alcohol, smoking, vaping, cannabis, gambling, food, pornography or even Netflix, we are all on this ride looking for balance. Since Acupuncture has such an enormous impact on brain chemistry and helps activate the body’s natural healing processes which includes releasing endorphins and other transmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and melatonin, it makes total sense that it would help with addiction. Over the years, acupuncture has been highly recommended for helping reduce cravings and withdrawals, as well as just improving one’s natural overall well-being and emotional wellness. It all started in the 1970s in the Bronx, one of the five boroughs of New York City, at Lincoln Memorial Hospital. It was here that doctors found acupuncture to be more effective than prescribing methadone for heroin addiction. One of the hospitals doctors, Dr. Michael O. Smith founded the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association protocol, otherwise known as NADA. This protocol is specifically 5 auricular acupuncture points that treat addiction. Those points are Shen Men, Kidney, Lung, Sympathetic and Liver. Since the 70’s these 5 points have been used countless times in clinics all over the world with great success. So what do these 5 magical auricular points actually do? Reduce cravings Alleviated withdrawals Eased physical pain Regulated emotions, like anxiety and stress Improved sleep So in other words, it helped people feel normal again. Isn’t that such a big part of addiction, after you’ve gone down the rabbit hole for so long, in order to feel like you’re functioning you need to reach for the drug of choice in order to feel normal again. One of the major advantages to receiving acupuncture is the ability to improve moods and reduce stress which helped patients feel better equipped to manage their cravings and maintain their sobriety. Why just auricular (ear) points as opposed to doing a full body treatment? There are many Microsystems in the body, meaning ways of treating the entire body through a smaller succinct area. The Koreans use Korean hand acupuncture, massage therapists might utilize the area underneath the foot which is called Reflexology, in this particular situation doctors find the ear is not only easily accessible, especially in groups, but by administering ear seeds or pellets instead of needles, the patient can massage the points throughout the next couple days which can provide more support. Is this NADA protocol only for addiction? No, these points are used for any number of imbalances or symptoms in the body. Shen Men is one of the number #1 points used when it comes to auricular (ear) acupuncture in general. Keep in mind, if acupuncture can do that for opioid addiction, imagine what it can do for alcohol, cigarettes, or food attachments. Is acupuncture painful? Not so much, there is a sensation and that can range from a dull ache all the way to a mosquito bite. The ears tend to have even less of a sensation since the needle goes in just a tiny bit and the needling method is quick. Does that mean acupuncture can treat depression and anxiety in general? Absolutely! At Tao to Wellness, we see patients suffering from depression, anxiety, grief, sadness, fear, worry and just overall stress. Acupuncture can’t not effect the brain in a positive way, which in turn effects the entire body. If you’re curious and have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out, we’d love to hear from you!
A Guide to Healthy Sunscreens
A Guide to Healthy Sunscreens April showers, bring gorgeous May flowers and soon enough we will be deep into the heat of summer! Beach days, long walks, street fairs, music festivals and tons of outdoor activities! With all that warm weather action, sunscreen protection tend to be on our minds with good reason! Whether you are prone to skin issues, just want to stay protected or are a full on sun worshiper, we all need protection from UV rays. Keep reading to find out which common US ingredients are banned in the European Union (and Hawaii!) and what’s the deal with SPF. Choosing sunscreens can actually be quite tricky! Now most of us know about SPF, annnnnd that’s about it. There’s so much more consideration that goes into it like what’s the GRASE scale and broad spectrum? The GRASE scale GRASE stands for “generally recognized as safe and effective”. Receiving a GRASE designation means that that particular ingredient is safe and according to experts, also effective. In 2021, the agency reviewed 16 ingredients, all the usual suspects when it comes to sunscreens, they reported that only TWO are SAFE- those two are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. The following are the most common ingredients found in sunscreens in the US, none of these have received the GRASE designation: Avobenzone, cinoxate, dioxybenzone, ensulizole, homosalate, meradimate, octinoxate, octisalate, octocrylene, oxybenzone, padimate O, and sulisobenzone. Oxybenzone, homosalate and octocrylene were found not safe in high amounts in the European Union and as a result have put a cap on those. The US cap far exceeds the EU. These three ingredients can be found in the blood weeks after its last use and have been detected in breast milk, urine and plasma samples. They have also been known to cause hormone disruption. The most worrisome of the three is oxybenzone and should be avoided at all costs. Oxybenzone has been known to cause skin reactions, behaves like a hormone disruptor and is harmful to children. Studies have shown that young boys with higher oxybenzone measurements have lower total testosterone levels which greatly effects stages of puberty. As mentioned, Oxybenzone is a hormone disrupter. In four separate studies in 2020 it showed that Oxybenzone can actually impact fertility, increase the risk of breast cancer and cause endometriosis. Also the National Toxicology Program performed a study where they found massive evidence of carcinogenic activity in rats. The European commission reports oxybenzone is unsafe and any product containing it cannot exceed a 2% restriction in its concentration, that being said US sunscreens limit it’s restriction to 6%. We can go one step further with oxybenzone, several European countries and Hawaii have actually banned the sale of sunscreen with this ingredient because it harms aquatic life. All of the remaining 12 ingredients play a hand in endocrine disruption as well, but Octinoxate or octyl methoxycinnamate, a non-mineral UV filter has been reported to have effects on thyroid hormone production and other hormones, like androgens and progesterone. Again, several European countries and Hawaii, also ban the sale of this ingredient in sunscreen due to it’s harm to aquatic life. Also, Homosalate another non-mineral UV filter listed above which is also an endocrine disrupter has been capped in Europe with a maximum concentration of 1.4%, in the US it’s 15%! Just that alone, makes me worry! What to do? Play it safe with Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide These are both mineral sunscreens. In 2021, the FDA approved and classified these with GRASE designation. Evidence suggests that these sunscreens do not penetrate the skin to the living tissues. One thing to mention that although the spray sunscreens are so convenient, inhalation of these nano particles can cause cancer so only use lotion or cream. An important word about SPF and Broad Spectrum Most people will reach for a higher SPF thinking that they are getting better protection from the suns harmful UV rays, but that is just not the truth. A good sunscreen should protect from UVA AND UVB rays, in other words, broad spectrum. The SPF rating only reflects how well a product protects against UVB rays. Reducing sunburn was the original intent of sunscreens but now research is finding that some UV rays cause other health issues, specifically aging and skin cancer, otherwise known as melanoma. It’s important to make sure the sunscreen you choose is Broad Spectrum. There’s also a ton of research that sunscreens above 50 SPF do not provide any additional protection, so don’t be fooled. Researchers have also said that people using massively high SPFs typically stayed out in the sun longer thinking that they were protected better. Most studies showed that SPF 30-50 is more then sufficient. So, in conclusion, stick with mineral ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium oxide, be sure your sunscreen is broad spectrum and stay in the 30-50 SPF range. If you have a medicine cabinet full of sunscreens and not sure, head over to ewg.com to check their rating system, they’ve been testing and researching sunscreens for 17 years!
The Benefits of Fermented Foods
The Benefits of Fermented Foods You’ve probably heard that fermented foods are good for you, but why? They actually seem a little aggressive or strong to a system we are always trying to keep in harmony or equilibrium. All that sour, that tang, that aliveness! And that’s the key word, fermented foods are ALIVE! Harvard Health says “the biggest benefit of fermented foods comes from probiotics and that can really add depth to your diet.” What’s the difference between pickled and fermented? You may think that ‘pickles’ or things that are pickled are fermented foods. That is just not true. The process of pickling is an ancient method of preserving vegetables by immersing them in boiling vinegar. The earliest pickling actually goes back to 4000 BC in India. The hot liquid kills any microorganism and enzymes, which unfortunately includes probiotics. And the acetic acid in the vinegar is actually what turns the veggies sour. Now, fermentation is completely different and has been in practice for 6000 years, and the process has not changed very much in all of those years. The process of fermentation starts with chopped vegetables, placed in a glass jar and filled with a light, salty brine, it’s usually about 2-3% salt. You must keep the vegetables submerged, anything that is not submerged can actually grow mold, so this is a pretty important part to prevent spoilage. Within a few days lactic acid bacteria turns the sugar in the vegetables into lactic acid and a bunch of other nutritious compounds. The more lactic acid bacteria, the more spoilage organisms are destroyed. Within a very short time the acid buildup cleanses the fermented mixture of all unhealthy organisms. The lactic acid bacteria produces B vitamins, and an entire spectrum of probiotic organisms, this is the key. That lactic acid bacteria are the probiotics that colonize the gut and create those real health benefits, including strengthening, and managing our immune system. So what will it be? Pickling or fermenting? Well, both are tasty treats but fermenting is where you get all the magic. So lean into fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha, miso, apple cider vinegar and other things like yogurt, natto (Japanese fermented soybeans) kefir, cheese, sourdough and even wine. The latter is a bit of a different process, but are still considered fermented foods. What are some fermented food benefits? Stanford researchers found that eating a diet high in fermented foods increased the diversity of gut microbes. And in a research study they found that four different types of immune cells showed less activation which are linked to rheumatoid arthritis, type two diabetes and chronic stress. According to some new studies fermented foods may be associated with improved cognitive performance, specifically due to their ability to influence the microbiota-gut-brain axis. Researchers are saying more and more how the gut or GI system is directly linked to the brain. Fermented foods keep the intestinal barrier healthy and strong, preventing bacteria and toxins from entering circulation and reducing the chance of leaky gut syndrome. Are pickled foods good for anything? Sure! If you’re looking for ways to balance your liver, then both are great choices! In Chinese medicine the liver loves the taste of sour so fermented or pickled foods are just perfect. The palate loves variety and we tend have less sour foods overall. In conclusion, fermented foods are a wonderful and healthy addition to your diet that add depth, variety and healing benefits to your gastric microbiome.
Shining Light on Acupuncture for Depression: Efficacy, Research, and Treatment Insights
In a world where the shadows of depression can dim even the brightest days, seekers of relief are turning to alternative therapies to find solace. Among these ancient modalities, acupuncture emerges as a beacon of hope, offering a balanced approach to mental health and well-being. Let’s illuminate the path to healing as we explore the efficacy, research, and treatment insights of acupuncture for depression. Understanding Acupuncture Therapy for Depression Acupuncture, rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, operates on the principle of restoring balance within the body’s energy pathways, known as meridians. By stimulating specific points along these meridians with fine needles, acupuncture aims to alleviate symptoms, address underlying imbalances, and promote healing. When it comes to acupuncture and mental health, research suggests that this ancient practice can offer significant benefits for individuals struggling with depression. Rather than merely masking symptoms, acupuncture targets the root causes of depression, addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of the condition. Exploring Acupuncture Points for Depression Relief Central to the efficacy of acupuncture for depression are the specific points targeted during treatment. While the selection of acupuncture points may vary based on individual needs and symptoms, several key points are commonly utilized to promote emotional well-being and alleviate depressive symptoms. Among these acupuncture points for depression, some notable examples include Yin Tang, located between the eyebrows, which is believed to calm the mind and soothe the spirit. Another vital point is Shen Men, found on the ear, renowned for its ability to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. By accessing these and other strategic points, acupuncture practitioners can create a tailored treatment plan to support each individual’s journey towards healing. Evidence-Based Acupuncture Depression Treatment As interest in alternative therapies continues to grow, so too does the body of research supporting the efficacy of acupuncture for depression. Numerous studies have highlighted the positive effects of acupuncture depression treatment, demonstrating its ability to reduce symptoms, improve mood, and enhance overall quality of life. From randomized controlled trials to meta-analyses, the evidence supporting acupuncture as a viable treatment option for depression is compelling. By incorporating acupuncture into their mental health care regimen, individuals can complement conventional treatments and experience complete depression relief through acupuncture from the burdens of depression. Empower Your Journey to Wellness with Tao to Wellness At Tao to Wellness, we understand the profound impact that depression can have on every aspect of life. That’s why we’re dedicated to offering compassionate support and evidence-based therapies to help you reclaim your vitality and joy. Our experienced acupuncturists specialize in acupuncture therapy for depression, utilizing ancient wisdom and modern expertise to create personalized treatment plans tailored to your unique needs. Whether you’re seeking relief from persistent sadness, anxiety, or fatigue, our team is here to guide you towards a brighter, more balanced future. Don’t let depression cast a shadow over your life any longer. Take the first step towards healing today by scheduling a consultation with Tao to Wellness. Together, we’ll illuminate the path to wellness and empower you to embrace life’s possibilities with renewed optimism and resilience.
The Connection between Back Pain and Emotions
The Connection between Back Pain and Emotions Most people struggle with pain. Back pain seems to be the most common. There are three main types of back pain; lower, middle or thoracic and upper which usually involves the neck. While back pain can be from a structural issue, for example stenosis which is a narrowing of the vertebrae, muscle and fascia tightening or tight and twisted tendons which can cause pain. All of these can also cause radiculopathy or sciatica, which is a nerve type of pain that goes down the arm or leg. it can travel down the side, the back or even the front and can result in numbness or tingling, most commonly in the hand or foot. When the issue is a physical one, a patient will respond to modalities such as massage, chiropractic and physical therapy. When someone is not responding to these modalities, the issue may be in the patient’s emotional state. This is very common. We especially see this in situations where pain suddenly “flares up”. When things “flare up”, it’s your body’s way of saying that it needs attention, rest, or a sign that you’re not managing emotions successfully. Think of back pain as a way of diagnosing. It lets you know what might need adjusting in your life. As mentioned, there are three main sections of the back; lower, middle or thoracic and upper. Upper Back (upper shoulder blades and lower neck) –This is the area of the Lung meridian which is associated with emotion grief. Sadness, grieving a loss or the feeling of not being able to move, feeling stagnated, the age old “wallowing in grief”. Middle Back (lower shoulder blades, thoracic): This is the area of the Spleen. In Chinese medicine the Spleen emotions are worry or pensiveness. When these emotions get triggered, it can cause stuck energy in the middle back and shoulder blades. Lower Back (lumbar spine, hips): The lower back is connected with the Kidney meridian, which has so much to do with a sense of security and stability. This makes total sense as the hips and low back are the foundation for the spine and in some ways the entire body. Unexpressed frustration or feelings of being unsupported can create blockages in the Kidney which can manifest as stiffness and pain in the lower back and hips. There might also be fear or an inability to ‘walk’ through life because everything feels so unstable. Acupuncture can heal this by enhancing circulation to the area, hereby bringing down inflammation, but also moving stagnate energy. Every acupuncture session treats the physical, emotional and spiritual plane, there is no separation. The musculoskeletal system (muscles, tendons, bone), all the internal organs (impacting sleep, digestion, immunity, etc) and the mind (impacting the hormones, neurotransmitters and emotions), everything gets addressed. If this resonates with you at all and you are curious, please reach out, we’d love to hear from you.
Start Spring Off Right and Purge that Closet!
Start Spring Off Right and Purge that Closet! Do you ever wonder why Spring is the most popular time of year to do that thing called Spring Cleaning? The reason is easy, the season of Spring is all about growth, renewal, it’s a time to thaw out from the long cold winter, let go of the old and step into a new beginning! I recently attacked my closet and faced it all: The clothes that didn’t fit but I hoped would fit someday! The clothes that I loved on the hanger but rarely wore once I got them home. And yes, some clothes even had the price tag still on them! My goal was simple and it’s something that all of us deserve — I wanted to be able to open my closet on any given day and choose effortlessly. I mean I should be able to do that, I work from home, I don’t necessarily go to fancy galas, most of my clothes are I guess what I would call user friendly, casual, cute, comfortable and timeless. Three tips on how to tackle that closet! Do the Laundry! Before you do anything else, do the laundry! By doing your laundry first you will know that you’ve actually gone through every single piece of clothing. I know a part of you is thinking, if it’s in the laundry it’s because I wear it! Still do this because you want to be able to assess the shape of your clothes too- does it have a hole or is it time to retire it? Create One. Big. Pile! Now, put it all on your bed in one pile. I know that sounds like a hassle and a bit messy, but the thinking behind it is once you get everything off the hanger and out of the closet AND it’s all in one place, it’s much easier to be able to recognize what you need to keep. For example, if you are like me you might have 4 black button down shirts, if I have them all together I can make a better choice as to what to keep and what to let go of. Now looking at this pile may initially feel overwhelming but you are going to be shocked at how quickly you can move through this pile- 1-2 hours tops! Does it actually Spark Joy? Pick up each item and as Marie Kondo says, does it spark joy, meaning does it give you a good feeling? If it sparks joy, then naturally you keep it! Now I have an addendum here, for example the multiple pairs of black leggings I have probably don’t exactly spark joy, but they’re functional, I feel comfortable and I wear them a lot. If that’s the case, look at these pieces carefully and decide if they need to be freshened up, do you love it so much that they’re a little holes in it or it’s all pilled under the arms? Do they feel fresh or do they feel a little stale? If stale is the answer, let them go and go grab some fresh pieces! How to handle the moment of indecision! What’s the expiration date? I recently was following a fashion stylist, and one thing she said in a post was “clothes have an expiration date”! I never thought about that before! And I’m not referring to like what’s trendy or in style, because that doesn’t really interest me, but an “expiration date”! Who I was five years ago, is very different than who I am now and who I am becoming. It’s a valid thing to think about before you tackle the closet. Maybe dust off your journal and write some words down that coincide with who you are becoming and then imagine what style would support that. Donating is good for everyone! And as for those items that you haven’t worn in forever, with the exception of special event items of course, have never worn or doesn’t fit anymore? I would challenge you to donate it. Move that energy out of the closet and make room for some thing else that can bring you more joy, more sexiness, more anything, other than you storing a bunch of clothes that never get to go out and live their best life. Marie Kondo says “storage is where dreams go to die”. So move them out! As far as where to donat? So many places, Thread Up, Silk Roll, Poshmark, those big bins in the parking lots of grocery stores, thrift stores or even Goodwill, Salvation Army, or a homeless shelter or women’s shelter. There’s someone out there that would love to wear that piece I assure you! Still not sure what to do with it? And lastly, let’s say there are a couple of items that feel like it’s just not so easy to say goodbye… For example, maybe they still have a tag on it or maybe you just haven’t found the right pants to wear with that top? Then make a SMALL section (I stress small) in your closet where it’s the first thing you see— and make a promise to yourself, if you haven’t worn it in the next 4 weeks, then it’s bye bye. That’s it, do not pass GO, do not collect $100. It’s done. I hope that helps and brings you some inspiration to dive in! Happy sorting! See you soon! With love and in health, Christina
2024 Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen!
2024 Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen! 100% organic eating can be tricky, sometimes it’s just way too expensive, especially for a family of four, or sometimes items are just impossible to find! I can’t tell you how many times it’s been difficult to find organic asparagus! Luckily, since 2004, EWG’s Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce update their Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen list every single year. What that means is a list of 12 Dirty items that are loaded with pesticides, for me that means look for organic or skip it. And 15 Clean items, these are crops that have the lowest levels of pesticide residue and considered “relatively safe” in their non organic form. The guide comes from test results of 45,000 samples of produce tested by the Department of Agriculture. The list is released in April every year and changes a tiny bit, luckily asparagus is usually on the clean side. This year’s Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen was just released days ago, so here it is!
