Q: Should I detox my body after eating all those rich holiday foods? A: After the holidays are over and the New Year begins, most people start to think about getting back on track with their eating habits. After all those rich foods, tasty cookies and egg nog, we start to look for ways to detoxify our bodies. This is a good idea, however we need to develop a smart gentle cleansing plan for this time of year. According to Chinese Traditional Medicine, during the winter months, our qi is said to reside at a deep level within the body. This is why traditionally winter is seen as a time of rejuvenation and rest. Eating foods that enter the body deeply and nourish energy reserves is especially appropriate during winter. For many people, the holiday season is a time of family, celebration, and, yes - lots of food. Giving the digestive system a chance to restore balance is incredibly beneficial. If done correctly, a gentle cleanse can be accomplished any time of the year! Typically a true detox program should be reserved for Spring time, but there are ways you can help support your body and give your digestive tract a rest.
When deciding to cleanse, the first thing to remove are all processed foods and refined foods. Meats, dairy, eggs, seed or nut oils, and grains are all very strengthening to the body and it is best to leave these out of your diet during the cleansing process, which should be about 1 - 3 days.
Even winter gourds and potatoes are extremely tonifying to the body and therefore less cleansing.
Beginning and ending your day with a warm cup of water with a little lemon juice will support the detoxification process.
In the body, lemons are alkalizing and according to Chinese medicine theory, they disperse phlegm and mucous. Also, be sure to include probiotics, the friendly microflora that benefit the immune system and help break down toxins and carcinogens in the intestinal tract.
Just giving your system a chance to relax and not work so hard to digest will help you feel lighter and more energized.
|
|
Cold Weather Protection for your Skin
Harsh winter weather is tough on skin. A change to your skin-care routine can help protect dry, itchy skin from the elements.
Cold air, wind, and indoor heat are only three of the reasons your skin suffers in the winter. These conditions suck the moisture out of your skin, leaving it dull and dry, as well as itchy and irritated. Additionally, certain skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, and "winter itch," can develop or become aggravated in the winter.
You can combat the effects of cold weather by altering your skin-care routine and a few lifestyle changes can help as well. Here's our best advice for keeping your skin soft and supple all winter long.
Revamp your skin-care regimen. Your basic skin-care routine should get an overhaul when the temperature outside starts to drop. Limit your time in the shower, and bathe in warm rather than hot water, since hot water can strip your skin of moisture. Use a body wash instead of bar soap, which can often be too harsh; pat, don't rub, yourself dry; and apply a moisturizer or body oil liberally when the skin is still moist.
You may also want to consider using a humidifier at night. Not only will it help your skin, it will also soothe dry throat and nasal passages.
 | |
Soothing rose ingredients nurture and renew sensitive, dry and weather-damaged skin.
|
Choose the right moisturizer. Moisturizers work not by putting water into the skin, but by slowing the natural loss of water from the skin. Look for one that's both nourishing and protective. Rose Day Cream from Dr.Hauschka is our favorite protective cream for dry skin in the winter, but you can always speak to your esthetician to help choose the right moisturizer for you.
Protect your skin from the elements. Just because it's cold outside doesn't mean you're safe from sunburn. The winter sun can reflect off the snow, particularly at high altitudes. Always apply sunscreen to exposed areas of skin, including the face, tops of ears, and backs of hands, and use a lip balm to prevent chapping. If it's windy or you've been blowing your nose, it's also a good idea to apply a balm or ointment to your nostrils.
The clothes you wear are also important. Wool fibers can irritate sensitive skin and aggravate rashes, so wear a T-shirt made of smooth natural fibers (cotton, silk, or linen) and layer your sweater over it.
Alter your diet. Since dry winter weather robs your skin of moisture, it's important to increase your intake of water and other fluids. Avoid caffeinated drinks like soda and coffee, which can have a diuretic effect. Some studies have also shown that dietary fatty acids such as omega-3 [found in fish and flaxseed oils] and omega-6 [found in evening primrose oil] may help dry skin by replenishing your skin's natural oils, so consider incorporating these foods and supplements into your diet.
|
|
|
The Importance of Sleep
Some people say sleep is for the weak, but the exact opposite is true. You simply can't function mentally or physically without enough of it, so sleep is vitally important to having a clear head and strong, healthy body. That doesn't mean that more is always necessarily better, however- sleeping is one area where quality is definitely more important than quantity.
Sleep is the time when the body goes through its rest and repair functions. Damaged tissue is broken down and replaced, injuries are healed, and the immune system can take care of any intruders. This is part of the reason why being ill or injured can make a person feel tired and run down, it's the body's way of signalling that it needs more time to make things right again. Sleep is also when your mind gets a chance to process things, so sometimes just "sleeping on it" can be a fantastic way to get a better perspective on your problems.
Unfortunately, many people don't get good quality sleep. They might be sleeping on an old or unsuitable mattress, in a room that's too light, in a bed that's too cold or too warm, around too much noise, or beside a partner that disturbs their sleep. Even though they don't remember doing so, they might wake up multiple times during the night, or just have their sleep cycles subtly disturbed.
 What constitutes enough sleep varies widely from individual to individual, and is based on things like age, diet, physical activity level, and genetics. Some people thrive on as little as four hours, while others may require ten. Experts recommend between six and eight hours per night, which is generally a good fit for most people.
There's an attitude that sleep is good, and more sleep is better. People might enjoy sleeping in, but chances are their bodies don't. Routinely getting too little sleep is linked to memory problems and ill health, but getting too much sleep isn't any better. Oversleeping has been linked to an increased risk of many ailments, though experts aren't yet sure why. It's important to find out how much sleep your individual body needs, and respond accordingly.
Sometimes, the way you wake up is every bit as important as how you sleep. Your body goes through several different stages of sleep, some of which are deeper than others. When you wake up naturally, you do so during one of the lightest stages of sleep. This is part of the reason why the dreams you remember are generally the ones you have just before waking. When you rely on an alarm to force you to wake up, you don't take your natural sleep rhythms into account, and can end up jarred awake during one of your deepest sleep cycles. You may find that you're always tired, even if you get plenty of sleep.
Each person's sleeping patterns and preferences are different. No two people will sleep the same way, and forcing themselves to do so is a recipe with disaster. Choosing a high quality mattress, making your environment more conducive to sleep and relaxation, and finding a sleep schedule that leaves you feeling relaxed and refreshed can dramatically improve your health, and your sense of well-being.
|
|
Acupuncture Happy Hour Review
By Christine Cochrum
Our first Acupuncture Happy Hour was a blast! We had a full house and I even got to receive the treatment myself. It was incredibly relaxing and invigorating. Five needles are placed in each ear and then the lights are dimmed and you sit back and totally relax.
Everyone in the room immediately fell into a deep relaxation (I think I even snored a little). I've had ear acupuncture before with great results, but there was something special about sitting in the room with other people who were there for the same reason that made it so much more powerful. When the treatment was over I felt calm, relaxed but energized and ready to face the day. One client described this treatment best as "The body relaxing effects of massage with the mind relaxing effects of yoga". I'll say I have to agree.
But don't take my word for it, come and try it for yourself. We offer Acupuncture Happy Hour every Saturday at 1:00 pm. Bring a friend or two and make a day of it.
Click here to reserve your spot.
|
|
Stress and Weight Loss
What do traffic jams, irritating bosses and lost car keys have in common? One thing: they may be causing you to gain weight.
Your stress level may be a major contributor to your struggle with weight. Today, one-third of all adults are overweight and at the same time we are more stressed than ever. Coincidence? Not likely. There is a real correlation between stress and weight gain. Thankfully, that can be turned around to help you get the extra weight off.
Stress and hormones
We all do it - we grab a cookie or a bag of potato chips when we're stressed out. But why? Why not reach for a carrot stick or a salad instead?
The answer is cortisol.
When you are under stress, your body's reaction is to prepare you to deal with danger by releasing two hormones: adrenaline and cortisol.
Sometimes called the 'fight or flight' hormone, adrenaline gives you quick energy so you can either stay around and fight the danger or get away quickly.
Click here to read more about stress and weight loss |
|
Visit us at our Vibrant You! Open House
On Sunday January 29, 2012 from 12:00 to 4:00 pm Apothecary Wellness will host their First Annual Vibrant You! Open House.
Attendees will be able to discuss healthy eating and positive lifestyle changes with a nutritionist and holistic health coach, receive a chair massage, learn about proper stretching & self care for athletes and pre-and post workouts, see natural makeup and skin care demonstrations, and talk to a Naturopathic Doctor and Acupuncturist about alternative and preventative medicine.
Designed to be an opportunity for people in the community seeking alternative healing practices, to gain more knowledge and get their questions answered about health and beauty. The Vibrant You! Open House promotes Apothecary Wellness' award winning services and will prove to be an ideal way to find the perfect option for your health and wellness needs. Apothecary Wellness is fully dedicated to assisting people in creating a more vibrant healthy life through services and education such as holistic health coaching, massage, acupuncture, Naturopathic Medicine, holistic skin care and so much more.
"Our Vibrant You! Open House was created to showcase our talented staff and healing services that we have to offer our clients. At Apothecary Wellness we strive to offer the best options for healthy, vibrant, beautiful living," said Christine Cochrum, co-owner. "We are seeing a drastic change in the way people are taking care of themselves, including the products they are choosing to use. We are excited to be a part of that change and we hope to continue to inspire wellness in our community."
Remember! All donations collected at the Vibrant You! Open House will benefit:
|
|
|
