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. 

Words I Won't Use As A Holistic Practitioner And Why It's So Important




             Words go a long way, especially when you have a professional role. If you want to be reputable and effective, you've got to find the best way to communicate with customers or clients. In my line of work there will be skeptics, sensitive people, people who want answers, people who mistake me for a doctor, or those who have a misconception of the services I provide.

           

             My official titles are 'Licensed Massage Practitioner, Certified Reiki Master & Certified Nutritional Coach'. I have scopes of practice to follow, but I also have different languages to speak with each specialty and with each person I meet. Let me explain what each is in detail so that you can understand what words I use and avoid for different purposes.

         





          Massage Therapy definition: Manual manipulation of soft body tissues (muscle, connective tissue, tendons and ligaments) to enhance a person's health and well-being. There are dozens of types of massage therapy methods (also called modalities).

        

             There are different massage techniques as well, including the most common- Swedish (Relaxation) and Rehabilitative (Deep Tissue/Treatment/Orthopedic/Injury). Many other branches of Massage include Thai, Reflexology, Ayurvedic, Lomi Lomi/Mana Lomi, Intraoral, Manual Lymph Drainage, Prenatal, Tui Na and so much more. Many can simply be learned and adapted without specific credentialing requirements, others are requried or suggested to have special certification in to demonstrate that one has taken the necessary steps to show they are fluent in that modality or technique and to have added liability protection.

        

          In some states, massage therapists are titled as Licensed Massage Practitioners, others are known as Licensed Massage Therapists. Either way, we all are licensed to practice a therapy. I am not a masseuse. I am formerly trained to know the body and muscular structures, and to help alleviate aches and pains and promote relaxation. I cannot diagnose or prescribe but I can educate my clients in how to maintain good posture and movement while avoiding further pain or injury.

        

             On a side note, I've also learned to not use the word "relax" with my clients. Psychologically and physiologically, the client tends to do just the opposite. They like to see the word as it is enticing, but to hear it lets them know they aren't relaxed and so their brain sends that message to that tense area of the body and the muscles do not know how to react. People with a naturally tense neck or shoulders are used to being in that static tense mode. Words that tend to be more affective and that are more inviting would be "sink in" or "let go" or even "let me do the work for you". Yes, massage therapy uses psychology.

        

         Northwestern Health Sciences University


         

          Reiki definition: A healing technique based on the principle that the therapist can channel energy into the patient by means of touch, to activate the natural healing processes of the patient's body and restore physical and emotional well-being.

        

            It consists of 2 japanese words- Rei and Ki. Combined it loosely translates to

         Universal Life Force.

           

             In my experience over the years, I've learned do not prefer to call it a healing technique. Heal is a powerful and misleading word. It can denote a religious tone or even sense of witchcraft or voodoo. My role as the practitioner is to solely facilitate the flow of energy. I do not provide the energy, therefore I provide no healing. As a holistic practitioner, my job is to provide my clients with an open door. They are in charge of their own healing process. I simply give them momentum. I do not heal.

        

             The moment I realized I did not want to call it a healing technique is when I had a massage client interested in my health coaching services. When they found out I practiced Reiki, they questioned it, stating that it was 'not of God'. Even though Reiki was not in any way in conjuction with my other services, the client never returned. It is upsetting to know that something like Reiki can be viewed as evil or sacrilige. It is not of a religion at all. In fact, it was discovered by a man during a solo Christian meditation retreat on top of a mountain. Definitions of Reiki can also state that it is a 'laying of hands' modality. I do not use that term either, for the same purposes as stated in the beginning of this paragraph.

        

             The link below is from the foundation Reiki.org in which I am a part of, but that does not mean I agree with its definition.

         



 

          Reiki Energy-What Is It?-How Does It Heal?


         

          Nutritional Coaching definition: There is no clear definition for a Nutritional Coach but coaching is an emerging practice in many areas, such as with finance, health, spirituality, and life. Although the title of a Nutritional Coach is not prohibited in any state, but as a coach you must demonstrate the skills and compenency in that area and stay within the appropriate scope of practice. As a Nutritional Coach, I cannot diagnose or prescribe. I can only suggest, just like with my other specialties. I am certified to show that I have thoroughly studied the subject and I have the skill set to provide nutritional guidance for my clients. Although my credentialed title is Certified Nutritional Coach, I title myself a Health Coach due to the fact that I am also a massage therapist and can provide tips and guidance in other areas of health. With any certification or licensure in the healthcare field, continuing education is required- so I am always learning and gaining new information.

        

             I always tell my clients that I can only suggest changes they can make and that it is always best to bring these suggestions to their primary physician so they are aware. The client also needs to pay attention to their body and tune in more in order to better understand what the body is communicating and if things are working or not. As any practitioner, even doctors, cannot wave a wand and make things better. Giving suggestions for the client to make healthy changes is proven to be the most effective form of healing. Medications are temporary bandaids, so I encourage my clients to find ways to create and maintain long-term relief.

         

          Health Coach | Center for Nutrition Advocacy


             

             We have amazing life costumes called bodies. They communicate with us and they can heal on their own if we learn to listen and put in effort to take care of them. Medical attention can be beneficial, but starting with our own healing capabilities can deter, soothe, and even prevent many illnesses, ailments and injuries. I take my job seriously and I love what I do, but it takes the strength and determination of the client to ultimatley bring the best results.

         

         



The Health Wonders of Base Oils...Inside & Out

Who would have thought that oils can be used for more than just cooking? And there are so many types! Typically, you would cook with olive or vegetable oil. Coconut oil is on the rise of popularity with its health benefits of taking internally. But let’s take a look at the wide array of oils and what they can do for our bodies when applied topically.

Base oils are considered oils that can be added to something or add something to them. Base oils are typically extracted from fruits, vegetables and nuts. This alone tells us that there are health benefits linked to these oils. Each fruit, vegetable and nut has its own health properties, containing important vitamins and minerals which can better your health and well-being. It is best to take in nutrients from your diet, but what you put on your skin can

make subtle or drastic differences externally as well as how it can affect you internally.

I use certain base oils in Ayurvedic Massage depending on what is called the client’s Dosha imbalance or ‘Pakriti’. I also take into consideration their particular skin type as well as any conditions or concerns they may have with their health. I am not comfortable using the same oil for everyone because for one person it may be just what they need and for another it could negatively alter their skin and any other physical conditions or issues.

Here is the breakdown of base oils to demonstrate their potential uses as well as how to use them properly. Also keep in mind that all oils are fats- too much can be harmful to your health, even if it has nutrients and contains less fat.

Coconut Oil

This is probably the most talked about oil currently. It is a great healthy alternative to butter when cooking and the term ‘oil pulling’ is gaining attention by its tendency to pull out toxins from the mouth and gums, whiten teeth, among many other potential results. Coconut oil is extracted from the kernel of the coconut. It is found in many hair and skin products as it is known for its moisturizing and damage-protecting qualities. In that sense, it also acts as a mild (20% or so) sunscreen. It can also aid in fighting infections (topically and internally) as it contains 50% Lauric Acid which kills bacteria. If you are trying to lose or manage your weight, this is a great substitute for other oils and fats when cooking and eating. It increases energy expenditure and burns more fat. It is a great source of what are known as medium-chain fatty acids. Using it to cook/bake or to make a salad dressing are ways to utilize it in your diet. It is recommend to consume 1 oz. of coconut oil today which can lead to losing 1.1 inches in just 4 weeks. It has also been shown to be good for the heart. On top of that, 2 common conditions it has been said to alleviate are Epilepsy and Alzheimer’s. This is a good overall detoxifying and moisturizing oil.

Grapeseed Oil

Hence the name, the oil is extracted from the seeds of grapes. It is an unsaturated fat which is healthier than saturated fats, but it is still not the healthiest to consume because after industrial extraction there is not much left except for Vitamin E. This is more of a topical-use oil. This oil is most commonly used in massage. Not only is it very moisturizing due to having a substantial amount of Vitamin E, it can help fight acne and other skin conditions, tighten, tone and regenerate, great for scar tissue and stretch marks,  is great to combat oily skin and is non-greasy.

Olive Oil

This Mediterranean fruit offspring is very common in the cooking arena. It does have a rather potent aroma but it is a healthier consumable choice than vegetable oil due to containing fatty acids including Alpha Linolenic Acid, an antioxidant which is also found in nuts and seeds. It is known to help and prevent heart disease, Diabetes, and Arthritis. It has an anti-inflammatory property and can also soothe sore muscles and replenish dry skin.

Sesame Oil

Very popular in the Asian cuisine, this oil extracted from sesame seeds is super healthy. It may be labeled a vegetable oil, but its high amounts of Vitamin E and B Complex, not to mention Calcium, Magnesium and Phosphorus is bound to give beneficial results internally and topically. For the skin it penetrates well to moisturize and soothe rough, dry skin and conditions such as Eczema and Psoriasis. It also does have some sunscreen properties as Coconut oil. Calcium will supply good support for the bones, Magnesium is great for the tissues and muscles, and Phosphorus is helpful in healthy function of muscles, nerves, heart and kidney. Sesame oil is also a great source of protein and contains Lecithin which is great for the memory, as well as dilluting anxiety and depression.

Sunflower Oil

Pressed from the seeds of sunflowers, the silky oil contains good fatty acids and Vitamin E, but it’s not the best for absorption. When taken internally, it can give you a boost of energy, help your heart, lower cholesterol, support the immune system, and even ward off cancer. It’s also known to decrease inflammation and symptoms of asthma. This oil is high in Omega-6 fatty acids which are good, but need to be counterbalanced with plenty of Omega 3′s.

Jojoba Oil

While this is strictly a topically-applied oil, the benefits that can result from skin penetration are immense. I have to include this one because of how effective it is on the skin and hair. You will find this oil in many products, and there is sufficient reason for that. It is extremely nourishing and moisturizing for dry, cracked skin, sunburns and even gives improvement to conditions such as Acne and Psoriasis. It also can be clarifying for the hair, unclogging the follicles. It could be possible that it can help with baldness. Research has shown improvement with memory and mental function such as those with Alzheimer’s. Combined with Coconut oil and Vitamin E, it can act as a mosquito repellent as well.


Avocado Oil

This oil, when used topically, is amazing for inflammation, Arthritis, and Psoriasis. Believe it or not, those with Cancer, Heart Disease, High Blood Pressure, and Periodontal Disease would benefit from Avocado oil in the diet since it contains Vitamins A/D/E/B12, EFA’s and Antioxidants.

There are also several other carrier oils that have health benefits:

Evening Primrose- can help with inflammation and digestion as well as help various skin conditions

Borage- Aids in reducing pain and inflammation, itchy/dry skin conditions, MS, female fertility and health

Calendula- Acts as anti-inflammatory and is extremely moisturizing

Hazelnut- great for enhancing circulation, penetrates well with Vitamin E and unsaturated (good) fats and acts as an astringent

Hempseed- Very therapeutic and relieves pain and inflammation

There are even more oils out there. I encourage you to do your research and find an oil or two that might benefit you. Always be cautious of any sensitivities or interactions, but most are very safe.

transferred- original post date 04/21/2015