Creative & Natural Health Trends That Actually Work (Better Skin, Lose Weight, Increase Energy)

Many articles and blogs out there just tell you these great ideas of how you should get and stay healthy, improve your skin, etc. but what really works is explaining a true trial-and-error story that elicits what does and doesn't work. I not only have tried so many things to get to a satisfactory routine today, but I also research said regimens and treatments before I try them. Also, everyone is different- your build, your chemistry, your state of mind, your genetics, and so on. So my way may not be the best for you, but I have to at least share with you my creative discovery of maintaining a happy me so that it may inspire you to find your creative regimen to a better you.

So here's my story...

I grew up as the scrawny girl in my class with a typical case of acne. I was very active, but lacked confidence in my appearance. Through my adolescent years I tried all kinds of treatments for my face including Oxy pads, Neutrogena and Proactive. My skin was not agreeing with the harsh chemicals and would dry out my skin which made it red and even more oily. I became accustomed to living with acne. Even through my young adult years, I suffered with acne greatly. I finally realized that a part of it had to do with how I ate. I was a sugar monger. You put anything sweet in front of me and I ate it. All of it.

I did get involved in gymnastics at the age of 11, but I ended up dropping out 2years later due to my parents' fear of the instructors pushing me while I dealt with bad joints since I was so tiny.

After that I was not as active, I did the teenage thing, and evolved into the adult I am today. During that period, I allowed a lot of stress and unhappiness in my life and I still did not take care of myself properly. My life and perspective started to drastically change when I enrolled in massage school in 2008. I began to discover amazing holistic remedies for my skin as well as finding ways to get active, including yoga. I even began to see a naturopath instead of a western doctor. I really wanted to learn how to better take care of myself naturally.

Facebook and Pinterest soon became all the rage with a multitude of articles and posts claiming that certain natural, and possibly odd and gross, techniques are the surefire cure or remedy to whatever you are looking to lose or improve. I would pick apart those claims by doing thorough research. Reading other people's experiences tended to be the most reliable evidence of solidifying or debunking its legitimacy. Sometimes it was a mix of reviews so I would choose to try it myself to see if it actually worked. I took into consideration varying factors, especially the duration or quantity of times I would try it to see any results. Raiding my kitchen cupboards and fridge was the main key to the adventures. Throughout the past years I have discovered what has been worth my time as a reliable source of bettering myself. Many of these techniques are of an ancient medicinal practice called Ayurveda. You may recognize some of them as you read on and you will know now where they come from.

MY SKIN
1. I quit eating so much crap to begin with. No longer can I even eat a pint of ice cream in one sitting. In fact, I hardly ever consume dairy. I switched to almond milk for my lattes or occasional bowl of cereal. When I have too much dairy I break out and/or my stomach becomes bloated. Sugar intake is super low. I make sure to eat my veggies on a daily basis. Rarely do I get a zit or 2, but when I do it tends to be around that time of month when my hormones are racing through the body.
2. Speaking of, when I do get any pimples I take a q-tip and apply a couple drops of tea tree oil and rub it on the pimple in a vigorous, circular motion for about 20 seconds.
3. I also cleanse my face on a daily basis with castile soap, then apply witch hazel and tea tree oil to a cotton pad to wipe any access dirt off. Then I apply apple cider vinegar to another cotton pad and dap all over my face (not wipe) which helps even the skin tone and diminish scars. After that dries I apply a soothing oil to help create and balance the natural oils of my skin. In the summer time I use something on the lighter side like coconut oil. In the cooler months I opt for jojoba oil as it mimics the natural skin sebum. Lotion does not have the ability to penetrate and nourish the layers of skin as oil.
4. With oil on the body, I apply it thoroughly all over BEFORE I take a shower. The reason is because the heat and steam from the shower helps the oil to absorb into the skin and stay moisturized. The key is to not wash off the oil to allow it to soak in. You can still cleanse the appropriate areas, leaving the rest of the body to enjoy the smoothness of the oil. Lotion, again, does not hold the moisture as the oil does. The good news is if you practice the oil-then-shower method, you do not have to apply the oil every day! You may be able to go 2-3 days without reapplying. This is an Ayurvedic technique.

MY INTERNAL HEALTH1. I drink at least 8 oz of lemon water each morning before I consume anything else. I've had to be patient with waiting to drink my coffee which I look forward to like no one's business. That has helped keep any bloating down, as well as it helps to get my metabolism primed for the day.
2. One of the more unpleasant things I do, but very beneficial, is taking a shot of apple cider vinegar in the morning. I do it about every other morning. I take a spoon of raw honey and coat my mouth, then take the swig of vinegar, take a drink of water to flush it down, then brush my teeth. This is done on an empty stomach. Not only does it help my digestion, but like others I have read in their reviews, it actually does help me sleep better! I notice that when I don't do it that my sleep is restless.
3. I make sure I don't overeat. I eat smaller portions as it is, but I have trained myself to stop when I feel comfortably full and not "stuffed". It is not good for the digestive track to process so much food and it is working overtime to try and digest it.
4. As I stated earlier, I don't really consume dairy. Dairy can cause indigestion and bloating. And, to clear up the understanding of "Lactose Intolerance", we need to break it down. Lactose is a sugar. Sugars are not meant to be mixed with heavier foods such as proteins and fats. Sugars tend to digest within 30 minutes, whereas proteins and fats take about 2-4 hours to digest. If sugar is eaten with fats or proteins, the sugars are sitting around waiting to figure out where to go, so they tend to ferment in our system. This leads to the disagreement of the digestive process, with the results being "intolerant to lactose" with symptoms of bloating, gas and abdominal pain. Cheese doesn't really affect us the way milk does- that is, good high-quality cheese, because it will not contain those disagreeable sugars.
5. I am active on a daily basis. I get bored pretty easily with routine, so throughout the week I incorporate yoga, cardio and weights. I LOVE to hula hoop so I do end up hooping at least 10 minutes a day which gets my heart pumping. I suggest, if you feel like it is too monotonous for you to do just one activity, spice it up and do different things each day. Your heart and immune system stay strong this way.
6. Oil pulling. I bet you've heard about it. It is another Ayurvedic technique. I used to smoke and so I did develop a mild case of gingivitis. I chose to try oil pulling. It is a method of placing approximately 1 Tbsp. of coconut oil in the mouth and gentle swish it around for up to 20 minutes a day. I do not do it daily, I do not do it as long as the recommended 20 minutes, and I use fractionated (or already melted) coconut oil. It still works to help pull toxins from the gums and mouth, heals the gums, and whitens the teeth. Be sure to do so on an empty stomach such as first thing is the morning. It is amazing and perfect to do while you are showering, getting ready, etc.

MY BODY IMAGE
1. Exercise in some form every day. I am definitely not one to be super image-conscious or desire to be a perfect 10, by any means. But with pretty much everything I do above I have been amazed at the results of the one area I've struggled with since after having my son 16 years ago, which was previously my favorite area of my body. My stomach. I have tried so many things without going to extremes- I went to the gym and did anything and everything to shrink my abs and I made sure to include cardio. I would even go jogging, and I am NOT a jogger. But you MUST do something every day if you are trying to achieve weight loss or muscle tone for optimal results. It will help keep your body in a state of constant employment. \
2. The key is to keep your routine fresh and rotating. Your body does not like stagnancy in any way, so with a stagnant routine your body can become immune to what you are doing. Since I picked up hula hooping, between that and weight lifting, a variation of crunches/ab exercises, and yoga, I have noticed a drastic difference in my stomach in just the past couple of months. That, along with eating properly and drinking lemon water in the morning, my abdomen is tightening and now I am noticing only a small 'pudginess' in the lower abdomen which is typically the last to go anyways. I have a feeling that by next summer, I will feel the most confident with my stomach in years. I'm excited, and that's what keeps me motivated.
Again, For results, do something every day and target it internally and externally.

If you get frustrated with trying to achieve your goals, you simply just need to re-evaluate what you are doing and find an adjustment to make until you get it right. Stay determined. There is no means for chemicals, procedures or pills to wave the magic wand for you. All of those have risks and potential side effects. Go natural and you will have nothing to lose.

How I Got Healthier Creatively and Naturally (Better Skin, Lose Weight, Increase Energy)

Many articles and blogs out there just tell you these great ideas of how you should get and stay healthy, improve your skin, etc. but what really works is explaining a true trial-and-error story that elicits what does and doesn't work. I not only have tried so many things to get to a satisfactory routine today, but I also research said regimens and treatments before I try them. Also, everyone is different- your build, your chemistry, your state of mind, your genetics, and so on. So my way may not be the best for you, but I have to at least share with you my creative discovery of maintaining a happy me so that it may inspire you to find your creative regimen to a better you.

So here's my story...

I grew up as the scrawny girl in my class with a typical case of acne. I was very active, but lacked confidence in my appearance. Through my adolescent years I tried all kinds of treatments for my face including Oxy pads, Neutrogena and Proactive. My skin was not agreeing with the harsh chemicals and would dry out my skin which made it red and even more oily. I became accustomed to living with acne. Even through my young adult years, I suffered with acne greatly. I finally realized that a part of it had to do with how I ate. I was a sugar monger. You put anything sweet in front of me and I ate it. All of it.

I did get involved in gymnastics at the age of 11, but I ended up dropping out 2years later due to my parents' fear of the instructors pushing me while I dealt with bad joints since I was so tiny.

After that I was not as active, I did the teenage thing, and evolved into the adult I am today. During that period, I allowed a lot of stress and unhappiness in my life and I still did not take care of myself properly. My life and perspective started to drastically change when I enrolled in massage school in 2008. I began to discover amazing holistic remedies for my skin as well as finding ways to get active, including yoga. I even began to see a naturopath instead of a western doctor. I really wanted to learn how to better take care of myself naturally.

Facebook and Pinterest soon became all the rage with a multitude of articles and posts claiming that certain natural, and possibly odd and gross, techniques are the surefire cure or remedy to whatever you are looking to lose or improve. I would pick apart those claims by doing thorough research. Reading other people's experiences tended to be the most reliable evidence of solidifying or debunking its legitimacy. Sometimes it was a mix of reviews so I would choose to try it myself to see if it actually worked. I took into consideration varying factors, especially the duration or quantity of times I would try it to see any results. Raiding my kitchen cupboards and fridge was the main key to the adventures. Throughout the past years I have discovered what has been worth my time as a reliable source of bettering myself. Many of these techniques are of an ancient medicinal practice called Ayurveda. You may recognize some of them as you read on and you will know now where they come from.

MY SKIN
1. I quit eating so much crap to begin with. No longer can I even eat a pint of ice cream in one sitting. In fact, I hardly ever consume dairy. I switched to almond milk for my lattes or occasional bowl of cereal. When I have too much dairy I break out and/or my stomach becomes bloated. Sugar intake is super low. I make sure to eat my veggies on a daily basis. Rarely do I get a zit or 2, but when I do it tends to be around that time of month when my hormones are racing through the body.
2. Speaking of, when I do get any pimples I take a q-tip and apply a couple drops of tea tree oil and rub it on the pimple in a vigorous, circular motion for about 20 seconds.
3. I also cleanse my face on a daily basis with castile soap, then apply witch hazel and tea tree oil to a cotton pad to wipe any access dirt off. Then I apply apple cider vinegar to another cotton pad and dap all over my face (not wipe) which helps even the skin tone and diminish scars. After that dries I apply a soothing oil to help create and balance the natural oils of my skin. In the summer time I use something on the lighter side like coconut oil. In the cooler months I opt for jojoba oil as it mimics the natural skin sebum. Lotion does not have the ability to penetrate and nourish the layers of skin as oil.
4. With oil on the body, I apply it thoroughly all over BEFORE I take a shower. The reason is because the heat and steam from the shower helps the oil to absorb into the skin and stay moisturized. The key is to not wash off the oil to allow it to soak in. You can still cleanse the appropriate areas, leaving the rest of the body to enjoy the smoothness of the oil. Lotion, again, does not hold the moisture as the oil does. The good news is if you practice the oil-then-shower method, you do not have to apply the oil every day! You may be able to go 2-3 days without reapplying. This is an Ayurvedic technique.

MY INTERNAL HEALTH1. I drink at least 8 oz of lemon water each morning before I consume anything else. I've had to be patient with waiting to drink my coffee which I look forward to like no one's business. That has helped keep any bloating down, as well as it helps to get my metabolism primed for the day.
2. One of the more unpleasant things I do, but very beneficial, is taking a shot of apple cider vinegar in the morning. I do it about every other morning. I take a spoon of raw honey and coat my mouth, then take the swig of vinegar, take a drink of water to flush it down, then brush my teeth. This is done on an empty stomach. Not only does it help my digestion, but like others I have read in their reviews, it actually does help me sleep better! I notice that when I don't do it that my sleep is restless.
3. I make sure I don't overeat. I eat smaller portions as it is, but I have trained myself to stop when I feel comfortably full and not "stuffed". It is not good for the digestive track to process so much food and it is working overtime to try and digest it.
4. As I stated earlier, I don't really consume dairy. Dairy can cause indigestion and bloating. And, to clear up the understanding of "Lactose Intolerance", we need to break it down. Lactose is a sugar. Sugars are not meant to be mixed with heavier foods such as proteins and fats. Sugars tend to digest within 30 minutes, whereas proteins and fats take about 2-4 hours to digest. If sugar is eaten with fats or proteins, the sugars are sitting around waiting to figure out where to go, so they tend to ferment in our system. This leads to the disagreement of the digestive process, with the results being "intolerant to lactose" with symptoms of bloating, gas and abdominal pain. Cheese doesn't really affect us the way milk does- that is, good high-quality cheese, because it will not contain those disagreeable sugars.
5. I am active on a daily basis. I get bored pretty easily with routine, so throughout the week I incorporate yoga, cardio and weights. I LOVE to hula hoop so I do end up hooping at least 10 minutes a day which gets my heart pumping. I suggest, if you feel like it is too monotonous for you to do just one activity, spice it up and do different things each day. Your heart and immune system stay strong this way.
6. Oil pulling. I bet you've heard about it. It is another Ayurvedic technique. I used to smoke and so I did develop a mild case of gingivitis. I chose to try oil pulling. It is a method of placing approximately 1 Tbsp. of coconut oil in the mouth and gentle swish it around for up to 20 minutes a day. I do not do it daily, I do not do it as long as the recommended 20 minutes, and I use fractionated (or already melted) coconut oil. It still works to help pull toxins from the gums and mouth, heals the gums, and whitens the teeth. Be sure to do so on an empty stomach such as first thing is the morning. It is amazing and perfect to do while you are showering, getting ready, etc.

MY BODY IMAGE
1. Exercise in some form every day. I am definitely not one to be super image-conscious or desire to be a perfect 10, by any means. But with pretty much everything I do above I have been amazed at the results of the one area I've struggled with since after having my son 16 years ago, which was previously my favorite area of my body. My stomach. I have tried so many things without going to extremes- I went to the gym and did anything and everything to shrink my abs and I made sure to include cardio. I would even go jogging, and I am NOT a jogger. But you MUST do something every day if you are trying to achieve weight loss or muscle tone for optimal results. It will help keep your body in a state of constant employment. \
2. The key is to keep your routine fresh and rotating. Your body does not like stagnancy in any way, so with a stagnant routine your body can become immune to what you are doing. Since I picked up hula hooping, between that and weight lifting, a variation of crunches/ab exercises, and yoga, I have noticed a drastic difference in my stomach in just the past couple of months. That, along with eating properly and drinking lemon water in the morning, my abdomen is tightening and now I am noticing only a small 'pudginess' in the lower abdomen which is typically the last to go anyways. I have a feeling that by next summer, I will feel the most confident with my stomach in years. I'm excited, and that's what keeps me motivated.
Again, For results, do something every day and target it internally and externally.

If you get frustrated with trying to achieve your goals, you simply just need to re-evaluate what you are doing and find an adjustment to make until you get it right. Stay determined. There is no means for chemicals, procedures or pills to wave the magic wand for you. All of those have risks and potential side effects. Go natural and you will have nothing to lose.

Surefire Steps to Rid of a Migraine Naturally

Migraines- they creep up out of nowhere and take over the body as if an alien invaded it and tried to squeeze juice out, leaving you in unbearable pain. You felt it knock on your door and then just slipped through the cracks and let itself in before you could blink. It never seems like anything will help it go away and you end up burying yourself under a pillow and hating the world for a day or 2. Like in Star Wars, you've joined the dark side, blocking out light and sound. It is very debilitating and you become useless. How in the world can you remedy that without reaching for the medicine cabinet? Or even avoid a migraine to become full-blown? Sometimes medicine doesn't even work past a certain point. Believe me, with personal experience, there are tricks if you are patient and follow the regiment. 

As far as the causes, there are a number of triggers. If you are unsure of the trigger, you can utilize the elimination tactic and weed out causes you know are not applicable to you. Keep in mind that combination of triggers are highly possible. A few causes would be stress, improper posture, dehydration, poor diet/food allergy or sensitivity, tight muscles, spinal imbalances, hormonal imbalances, motor vehicle collision or other accident, or previous head injury or current illness (known or unknown). 

To tend to a migraine, let's make this a step by step process- some might seem logical and you may already do it, but there is an order to the process and you may discover something you haven't tried yet...

1. At the onset of a migraine: You start to feel the tightness in your head or neck. This is when you need to jump on things immediately. If you aren't at home, it's best to have an 'emergency kit' with you. First of all, be sure to have a water bottle with you at all times, especially if you are prone to more frequent migraines. Hydration is key when it comes to pain and overall health. Making yourself carry a water bottle with you constantly is a good habit anyways, as it will keep you hydrated and could possibly ward off migraines before they happen. Secondly, get some Turmeric supplement capsules. Turmeric is a spice that has been proven to calm inflammation. Taking a couple of capsules upon the onset can decrease the inflammation in about 20 minutes, just as long as if taking medicine, but it is natural. 

2. Diet is important! Stay away from migraine triggers- sugars*, caffeine*, dairy and sometimes wheat/bread products. Eat as many vegetables as possible, especially those that are orange, yellow or dark green. Orange veggies would include carrots and sweet potatoes, yellow veggies include summer squash and yellow bell peppers, and dark green veggies such as broccoli, spinach, swiss chard and collard greens. 

3. Deep breaths. The brain is lacking oxygen during a migraine, so taking slow, deep breaths will allow more oxygen to reach the brain and decreasing pain and other symptoms. Oxygen is vital in our lives and migraines tend to happen when the body is under some sort of stress, even if the stress isn't apparent. A migraine, like any pain, is a signal telling us that something is wrong and at that point it is needed more oxygen than normal in order to heal itself. Be sure to breathe from the stomach, though, and not the chest. This allows for deeper breaths and better circulation. 

4. Take a hot shower. Allowing the heat and steam to penetrate for as long as possible and as hot as you can stand will speed up the inflammation process of the migraine (which is totally fine) but being in the heat and steam you will not feel worse, only better. Damp heat is crucial to relieving pain and inflammation; whereas ice literally freezes the process, slowing down and blocking the white blood cells from doing what they need to do, thus dragging out the migraine longer.

5. Stretch. Stretching the muscles of the neck can help release tension as well as create a better flow of oxygen and blood. Use your hands, not your head and neck, to do the stretching. Focus on stretching the affected area but incorporate all directions by pulling your neck down to your chin or to your shoulder with you hand. Don't let your neck any of the stretching work. Make sure to stay in the stretch until any pain subsides. Upon coming out of the stretch, it is very important to push your head back against your hand into a resting position. This will help the muscles you just stretched to relax. Stretching is particularly effective right after a hot shower. 

Some other tips and suggestions:
- Lavender and peppermint essential oils can help soothe the pain. You can inhale or rub in a circular motion at the temples, base of neck and behind the ears. You can also spritz on your pillow. Be sure to dilute with oil (jojoba is great for inflammation) for skin application and with witch hazel or rose water for spritzing. Allow only 1-2 drops per ounce and do not use too much. A little can go a long way. 
- Get a soothing massage. Massage can also help increase the oxygen and blood flow. Be sure that it is a relaxation massage and not deep tissue, as too much pressure or vigorous work can aggravate the muscles. Remember to incorporate the deep breathing and maybe even aromatherapy if it's available. A Massage therapist who specializes in migraines or even Trigger Point work can make a huge difference. If your insurance doesn't cover it or you can't afford a massage, try to find the trigger points yourself. Press into them while you breathe deeply until they ease up. Keep repeating this as needed.  
- Sleep it off. Yes, go ahead and curl up under your blankets and close your eyes. It's probably what you want to do anyways. Sleeping will allow your body the time to heal and get the oxygen it needs. 
- Don't allow yourself to be cold. You end up tensing up which can slow the bloodflow and movement of oxygen. Bundle up and do whatever it takes to keep warm. Drinking tea can give a quick warming effect and choosing the right tea can help soothe the migraine and even nausea. I recommend chamomile, peppermint, detox or ginger infusions. Add a little lemon for an extra detox boost. Do not add sugar but possibly a little honey. Using a heat pack or heating pad is great too. Sweating it out is ok too, especially if you have a fever. 

Your body knows what it needs and you know it best. Tuning in to your body will help you understand it and learn what to do to rid of and even prevent future migraines. If you feel that it is more serious, please see a physician. 

* Sugar includes sucrose from fruit, as well as natural and artificial flavoring* If you have not had caffeine yet upon the onset of a headache yet you are used to having caffeine, having just a 1/2 cup may actually help the headache subside. 

Ayurveda- The Science of Life, The Balance of Nature

 While I have been offering Ayurvedic Massage and Holistic Health Coaching with an Ayurvedic focus for quite a while now, the question still arises- What is Ayurveda? I figured it was about time to shed some light on the subject. You may actually be quite surprised that you've really known about it all along...

It is unfortunate that Ayurveda is not better known. After all, it is the oldest recorded medicinal practice in history, dating approximately 5000 years back. Ayurveda breaks down in 2 separate words. Ayur=Science & Veda=Life or Knowledge. Therefore, Ayurveda is The Science of Life. 

First derived from Southeastern Asian countries such as India, Ayurveda is still practiced using the elements to bring balance to one's health and well-being. Nature gives us the healing tools we need in order to thrive. With the use of Earth, Air, Water, Fire and Ether (Space), we can tend to our bodies naturally. The body and mind already rely on these elements to function properly. Body temperature, movement, thought, skincare, nutrition, breathing...all depend on nature's available components. Hence, this is how the elements can give us just what we need. No synthetics, no chemicals, no foreign substances in which our bodies can have adverse effects from. 

Ayurveda is very extensive and in-depth, but what is important to remember is that it takes the whole body-mind into perspective to prevent and treat, versus just tackling the symptoms. Balance is key and finding multiple therapies to assist in the healing process create the most effective and beneficial results. Ayurveda stresses the importance of the client being in charge of the healing process with the practitioner encouraging a proactive  lifestyle in order to create long-term changes. With Western Medicine, medications tend to be the 'quick fix bandaids' which only mask the underlying issue and lead to complications and side effects down the road. Eventually, medications cause deterioration of the immune system, digestive system, nervous system and so on. Medications can also become addictive, or at least depended on, and are difficult to discontinue use. 

Therapies involved in Ayurveda include massage, yoga, meditation, herbs, breath work, and detoxification. Some things you might be familiar with: Yoga is an Ayurvedic practice. Massage is done with warmed base oil (different oils for different skin types and Doshas- explained later), Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils extracted from flowers and plants. Herbal and Bach Flower Therapy is Ayurvedic, and so is oil-pulling with coconut oil for detoxing. The Netti pot is an Ayurvedic technique used to clear the sinuses. These are just some of the better-known therapies and techniques, but there are many more. 

Doshas- what are they? Well, in order to bring balance, we must know what is out of balance. The 3 Doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) make up one's constitution. Our constitution involves a myriad of traits of the physical, mental and psychological self. If there is imbalance, there is elevation or suppression of a Dosha and it needs to be addressed. And how are these Doshas brought back into balance? The elements. For instance, Vata is a combination of Air and Ether. It needs to be balanced by grounding elements such as Earth and Water. Pitta's elements are Water and Fire. Using Air, Ether and Earth help balance the Pitta. With Kapha, the elements are Earth and Water. It needs balance with Air, Ether and Fire. From diet and herbs to active life and exercise, skin regiments, yoga and meditation, there are specific directions one can take and tools one can use in order to create their own custom lifestyle practice. 

(Want to know your Dosha constitution? Take the questionnaire here.)

Knowing the jist of how to balance can be pretty clear, but knowing specifically what to do for the imbalance may need some guidance. A few simple day-to-day balancing practices we already do naturally are bundling up when cold, cooling off when hot, resting when tired, eating when hungry, and drinking when thirsty. But beyond this, we may tend to ignore the signals of our body or give it what it needs the least. Finding the right pathway for you is very important, as every person is different with different needs. We all react differently to various stimuli; therefore, we have to have our own form of a healthy lifestyle and set of regiments that complement our constitution. 

Balance is known in Western Medicine as Homeostasis, but it is not focused on. With Ayurveda, it is the only focus. Having a natural balance in our life is vital to our health and well-being. It will keep us whole, live longer, look younger, feel better, and even prevent and fight diseases. It is mind over matter and nature plus nurture. Take care of your SELF!

Symptoms Of Cleansing & Detoxing Are Essentially The Same As A Drug Withdrawal

I was recently speaking with a healthy-minded friend of mine and she explained to me that since she has been dealing with digestive issues, she decided to go on a strict detox/cleanse, cutting out pretty much everything except for vegetables, plants and oils. It was an abrupt diet switch and it caused her to be very emotional, tired, even depressed and had frequent headaches. She said she felt like at times she was going to die. Even though she is a healthy eater, the detox was still too extreme for her to handle. Imagine what it would be like for someone to do this who is not as healthy. 

In listening to this story, it donned on me. It's an addiction withdrawal. The body is filled with so many toxins, you could say they are like drugs, in a sense. Sugars, for instance, are highly addictive and in just about everything. If they are incorporated into our diet on a daily basis and try to cut them off completely all at once, we are bound to experience withdrawal symptoms, much like a drug withdrawal. Depending on how much we are used to consuming, the more extreme the symptoms. It's so hard to be careful and picky about what we eat, but unless it is from the earth, pure, unaltered, and yes- organic- it will be a difficult transition. 

Most meats and milk products go through a process to potentially kill bad bacteria. With that, however; much of it has lost good bacteria which helps us digest as well as the dumbing down of true and natural nutrients, not to mention any hormones or chemicals pumped in to do so. Also, there can still be contamination in the food and even the soil it was grown in. Even rice and wheat has changed throughout the years that can be causing low immunity to digestive issues in consuming them. Parasites and worms are much more prominent and are becoming an epidemic in our digestive health. 

This is a great medical article on parasites/worms that will explain it more in depth and list some natural remedies and treatments:
http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition/intestinal-parasites

It may be shocking- but most, if not all of us, have some sort of parasite/worm issue going on which can lead to diarrhea, bloating, gas, constipation, IBS, pain, 'leaky gut' and even fatigue and weakened immune system. There are so many natural ways to cure and prevent these issues. A few would be adding more garlic, onion, ginger, turmeric, beets and oregano oil to your diet. Also, supplements such as Echinecea and Goldenseal ward off bacteria and Candida. A simple high-quality probiotic taken daily can also help. 

On a side note, I can never stress this enough. If you think you have a sensitivity with Gluten, there is actually no possible way. Gluten is a naturally-occuring protein in some wheats that has been around for years. The only way to have a negative reaction to gluten is to have the allergy which is known as Celiac Disease. The sensitivity you may be experiencing will most likely be one of these 2 causes:
- The fact that wheats have evolved over the years and are not as natural as they used to. Wheats have not always been around and have been altered as well as the soil/climate it grows in. A lot of it is processed. 
- The combination of proteins and sugars is actually a big no-no. You will find sugars or even High Fructose Corn Syrup in many wheat products. Sugars digest very quickly, in about 30 minutes, whereas heavier foods such a proteins, dairy and starches can take up to 4 hours to completely digest. What happens if the 2 are mixed is that the sugars have nowhere to go, so they have to basically sit and wait for the other foods to digest, which leads to fermentation in the stomach. With excess sugar in the body, the liver and kidneys have to work overtime to try and do something with it. Too much sugar will lead to kidney and liver issues, not to mention Diabetes.

It seems as though almost everything we eat is poisoning us. Getting back to the roots of growing foods ourselves and resorting back to a hunter-gatherer diet as our hairy-back ancestors did, is honestly the safest bet. I, like most, will still have my sugar cravings and fixes, but I avoid the intake on a regular basis, make sure to drink an ample amount purified water, eat what the body needs, and keep the gut clean with the suggested foods/supplements above. Exercising is also a great way to keep the digestive system flowing. 

Here is another medical article that goes in depth on the subject of fermentation and other gut issues:
http://www.drmyhill.co.uk/wiki/Fermentation_in_the_gut_and_CFS

The Do's and Don'ts After an Injury or Accident

It is advantageous when someone who is a professional can relate to situations from personal experience. 

That definitely suits me in this instance. Thankfully I haven't had any major injuries or accidents but from what I have been through, my cervical spine is very sensitive, so the least little jolt can cause pain and tightness. 

Recently I had a fall and I went flying forward from my longboard. Yes, I skate. I hadn't for a couple of years, though, but I had built up strength and balance in my legs from working out/jogging/yoga so I wanted to get back on it again. I found a great trail with a wide, level trail...for the most part. I was doing great and then I quickly gained the courage to go down a minimal slope. I told myself that I would just hop off if I felt like I was going to fast. Well, it was too late. I put my hands out in front of me to avoid a facial impact. I did bounce on the pavement a little bit, catching my left knee, left elbow and both hands. The scrapes didn't bother me but I knew what the true aftermath was going to be and luckily I knew what to do. 

The rest of the day I applied heat and stretched. I was fortunate to get into the chiropractor the next day and even have a colleague give me a quick massage for my neck and shoulders beforehand. By the evening I felt ten times better. 

This experience has apparently sparked inspiration in writing this post. So, without further ado, here are the steps in taking care of yourself after an injury or accident as well as what to avoid. Each person and situation is different, so these are just general guidelines to keep in mind. If there are obvious or possible broken bones, concussions or major wounds, seek medical attention immediately. If you can't move, DON'T MOVE. Especially in the spinal region. You could cause further injury or even paralysis.Also know that you should never self-diagnose but you can tune into and listen to your body. It always tells you what you need to know. So, with that, heeding the following information is very important.

1. Don't assume that you will be okay. Especially if you've been in a motor vehicle collision. Usually you won't feel anything until the next day or 2. You are going to be sore and tight, even at a very minimal impact. Depending on the speed and angle of the impact, it will cause certain muscles and structures to be put under some sort of force or restraint. Even if it's minor, the pain and tension can build over time and can turn chronic if not immediately addressed. Chronic pain and tension is much more difficult to work with and relieve. The sooner you take care of the injury, the sooner you will allow your body to respond and heal.

2. Don't protect the injury area. If you feel tight and sore or possibly have a strained muscle, do not isolate the injury. Keeping it mobile will help the healing process and range of motion. Neck, shoulders, back...your mind wants to guard the area and protect from further injury, but you need to basically convince your mind that it's ok. 

3. Don't ice! Doctors and professionals for years would say to ice a fresh injury but inflammation is a natural healing response of the body, bringing white blood cells to the area. If there is extreme inflammation, it is good to have it checked out just in case there might be a fracture or muscle tear. It is best to keep pressure off the injured area and raised (above the heart, if possible). If there is no inflammation (which illicits pain, redness and swelling), and you are just experiencing soreness and tightness, use heat. You can never use too much of it either. Heat keeps the muscles, tissues and ligaments loose. You will thank me if you heed this one piece of advice alone.

4. Learn some gentle stretches for the injured area. Gentle is key- you don't want to exacerbate anything. It is best to seek instruction from a Physical Therapist or Massage Therapist. Using your hands or the wall to stretch and then using your hand or wall to push back out of the stretch will help the muscles relax instead of work after stretching.

5. While pain killers may help getting through the more severe pain, they can mask the underlying condition and dampen your sense of feeling, which can lead to overexertion and possible further injury. Cortisone shots simply numb the area, causing the same repercussions, as well as possible nerve damage. 

6. Seek therapies to help the healing process. Massage Therapy and Chiropractor go hand-in-hand with fresh injuries, especially when the body has been thrown or jolted. There are tight muscles and misaligned bony structures. If you have a chiropractic adjustment yet you have tight muscles, they will pull the bones back out of alignment and vise versa. Massage Therapy and Chiropractic techniques are important- be sure that the therapist or Chiropractor can provide gentle, less invasive techniques such as Myofascial Release, Trigger Point, Myotherapy, Muscle Energy Techniques, Manual Ligament Therapy and Manual Lymphatic Work (Massage) and the Activator Technique (Chiropractor). Your body is traumatized and needs a more soothing treatment to begin with. Digging into the muscles and manually adjusting the bones will most likely cause more pain and injury.

7. Other treatments that can help speed up the healing process are Acupuncture (great for pain, nerve issues such as numbness/tingling, pain, and loss of mobility), Physical Therapy (great for loss of mobility, weakened muscles, and tears to muscles/ligaments), Floating (sensory depravation- the pool of water is pumped with hundred of pounds of epsom salts which are full of Magnesium, a natural mineral that acts as a muscle relaxer), CranioSacral Therapy (very non-invasive, great for tension release, pain, loss of mobility), Reiki Therapy (non-invasive, great for fresh injuries that cannot be manually worked on or for severe pain and sensitivity). 

8. If one method of therapy is not working, don't give up. Try a combination of other therapies. Again, every body and every circumstance is different, so different therapies will have different effects. 

These tips are very important to your healing process. Leaving one out may cause the healing process to be prolonged or worsened. And, again, let me re-iterate the discloser:

If there are obvious or possible broken bones, concussions or major wounds, seek medical attention immediately. If you can't move, DON'T MOVE. Especially in the spinal region. You could cause further injury or even paralysis.Also know that you should never self-diagnose but you can tune into and listen to your body.

                                  

What You Need To Know About Injury Inflammation & Chronic Inflammation

inflammation

 [in″flah-ma´shun] 

a localized protective response elicited by injury or destruction of tissues, which serves to destroy, dilute, or wall off boththe injurious agent and the injured tissue. adj., adj inflam´matory. (Source)

When an injury occurs, the inflammation process immediately kicks in which allows white blood cells to rush to the site of injury in order to begin the repair process and protect from infection. This is a naturally occurring process that is needed after an injury. 

Now let's discuss why many doctors and medical professionals have recommended using ice and heat when it comes to injuries and why that neither is a good idea for a fresh injury. 

Ice: Dr. Gabe Mirkin was the creator of the acronym we all know as R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) in 1978. Dr. Mirkin himself has recently backed out of this and recognizes that ice can do more harm than good. 
Here is his article: RICE: End Of An Ice Age
Ice is simply a numbing agent. It has been said that it helps bring down inflammation. This is true, but in bringing down the inflammation, it slows down the healing process. White blood cells begin to struggle to get to the injury site but get blocked. It also slows the blood flow which is need to heal. If used excessively, ice can actually cause nerve damage. Can you imagine all of these athletes who take ice baths? Yikes! It is such a shock to the system and interruption of nerve communication. 

My back has seized up on me before. The first time it ever happened, I grabbed an ice pack and laid on it for 20-30 minutes. I went to bed and the next morning I could not move. I quit using ice and within the next few days of moving into an apartment complex that had a hot tub, I tried that out. Within a few days I was almost back to normal. I just learned to keep moving and use the hot tub and my recovery sped up rapidly. I was still really tight for about a week, so I kept using heat. The 2nd time my back seized up, I went straight to heat. I recovered in half the time. 

Heat: Heat will obviously speed up the inflammation process, which is not needed. In an acute situation (fresh injury), the site of injury is already hot from the dilated blood vessels working overtime. Heat is best when things have settled down and the area just feels tight and range of motion is still a struggle. 

If you have a more chronic inflammation condition, such as Arthritis, Plantarfasciitis, Tendonitis, an anti-inflammatory diet is the best and most natural treatment. Again, ice slows inflammation and numbs. Heat will only exacerbate it. Also, cortisone shots can do the same damage to nerves over time as ice. Painkillers can be a resort for pain management but be careful with dosage and how often you take it. Any medication, if taken on a regular basis, can cause digestive issues. Instead, up the ante with vegetables while lessening the intake of sugars and caffeine. Turmeric is an amazing anti-inflammatory spice that you can add to just about anything. Of course, water intake is vital as well as exercise and movement. Liquid movement such as swimming or hot tub use is very effective as well. My father goes to the gym and above all else he loves using the hot tub and steam room for his arthritis. He also takes turmeric & ginger right before bed and it helps him get a restful sleep with minimal tossing and turning. 

In conclusion, do not use ice or heat on a fresh injury. Instead it is best to keep a gentle mobility in the area- do not stop moving it or the restrictions of range of motion will worsen and become more of a chronic issue. Heat is great for tight, sore muscles only.