I hope people will read this...

My husband and I have been married for 10 years.  That's a pretty long time, especially for people our age (mid/early 30's).  And yet, every time I tell him I got my period, he cringes - yes CRINGES as if he stepped in something the cat puked up - and says "I didn't need to know that."

Do men do that on purpose, or is it just so ingrained in them from babyhood that they can't help it?  Ingrained in them that women's bodies do this "disgusting" thing every month or so, and they have to put up with it, but they want to know nothing about it, not even that it is currently happening.

It's not like men don't do or say disgusting things (often on purpose), but for some reason, menstruation is too much for them.  They'd rather hear about the size, shape, consistency and smell of your last bowel movement.  

Do men know that every time they say get that look on their face (the cat puke look), or say "TMI" about the littlest mention of a period, women feel BAD about themselves?  Like seriously... it makes us feel bad about our existence as women.  Some of us, many of us, anyway.  Do you know that?  Do you do it on purpose?  Because we don't have periods on purpose.  In fact, most women would love to never have another one again.  Not just because they make us feel like crap, but because men make us feel like crap for having them.

So next time your wife or any other woman in your life says those four innocent words, "I got my period," remember a couple things:  First, she's not trying to offend you, she's trying to prepare you.  Second, she has already steeled herself up against your cat-puke look, but that doesn't mean it doesn't bother her or hurt her. And third, all she wants you to say is "oh, okay." 

And loose the freaking cat-puke look.

Lymphatic Drainage - Eliminate pain, swelling, and "fat."

So many people lately are telling me that they feel swollen.  Their joints are painful and stiff, and some can even tell that they are "fatter."  Their rings don't fit, shoes feel tight, etc.  Partly because of the heat and humidity lately, partly because of not drinking enough water, and partly because of poor diet choices, people do tend to retain more water in the summer.  But there is an excellent solution!

Lymphatic Drainage Massage is an excellent way of keeping the water in your body draining properly.  It is a very gentle massage - which is good, because a lot of times, swollen joints tend to be very tender to the touch.  It is subtle, but powerful, as it enhances the removal of "toxins" from the cells and tissues and supports the immune system.  It does this by improving the flow of bodily water, known as lymph.

Lymphatic Drainage Massage has actually become a standard treatment in hospitals in Europe, and it's starting to be used more here in the states, too.

Lymph is rich in immune cells that fight off illnesses.  It circulates through the body, somewhat like blood, and filters out toxins and waste products.  The swollen glands you feel when you are fighting an illness are your lymph nodes working.  Lymphatic Drainage Massage uses a light touch to enhance lymph circulation, which makes it easier for the body to fend off illnesses.

So what causes your lymphatic system to stop flowing properly?  There are many causes.  First of all, not drinking enough water.  Being dehydrated thickens the lymph, so it can't flow as freely.  On top of that, so many of us have sedentary lives (often because of jobs that have us sitting most of the day).  Unlike blood, the lymphatic system doesn't have a pump, and relies on muscle movement to circulate the lymphatic fluids.  So when we don't move enough, the lymph becomes stagnant.  Injuries, both minor and severe, can also contribute to lymphatic stagnation.  The swelling around joints is caused by lymph flooding the injured area, so the damage can be removed quickly.  If the inflammation becomes chronic, because the injury doesn't heal completely, the swelling doesn't go away the way it should.

Lymphatic Drainage Massage is an excellent way of improving the flow of your lymphatic system.  There are other things you can do, though, in addition to the massage.

1. Drink plenty of water.  Drink at least half your weight in ounces (so if you are 200 pounds, you should drink 100 ounces every day).
2. Move!  Being active is the most important thing for your lymphatic system.  It especially needs up and down movement, so things like jumping on a rebounder (or trampoline), walking, running, and so forth are very beneficial.  If you are having problems, a mini-trampoline is a minor investment that can be one of the best you make toward your health.
3. Take good care of your kidneys.  The kidneys allow your lymphatics to empty.  Thankfully, most things that are good for the lymphatics are also good for the kidneys.
4. Change your diet.  Excessive acid-causing foods in your diet can increase swelling in the body.  Acid reducing foods are fruits and vegetables.  The most acid-causing foods are processed foods, sugar, soda, meat, and grains.  Processed foods are very high in unhealthy salts, which are known to cause water retention.
5. Add sea-salt to your diet.  Unlike processed salt, real sea-salt actually helps reduce water retention.  Make sure your sea-salt is unbleached - it should be brownish or pink in color, not white!

We also offer an excellent herbal combination that can reduce swelling in the body.  We recommend two products, both liquids.  They are Nature's Sunshine products.  One is called Lymphatic Drainage (big surprise there, right?), and the other is Kidney Drainage.  We recommend starting with 10 drops of each, 4 times per day.  In addition to the other changes you make, these two formulas will have you back to feeling normal again within days.

Here we go again!

Well, I'm at it again!  I'm doing another cleanse.  This one is more specific, though.  Lately, I've been feeling really icky.  Yes, that is the medical term for it, "icky."  Basically, bloating, nausea, sluggish (meaning low energy, not that I've been creeping on the ground and avoiding salt), and a little constipated.  So I had my boss aka chiropractor Dr. Jack Sharratt check me out, and he suggested that it could be my gall bladder.  My other boss aka Certified Natural Health Professional (and mother) Jean Weddle is always telling me that I need to work on my gall bladder and liver.  So I figured Dr. Sharratt was right.

So I'm doing a five day gall bladder flush.  It's not as bad as it sounds.  Which is my way of saying I choke it down and survive!  Here's the deal.  The juice of a lemon and an ounce of organic olive oil every night before bed.  Then, in the morning, an ounce of olive oil, the juice of a lemon, a clove of garlic, and a shake of cayenne (capsicum) pepper.  YOWSERS!  Then I chase that with 8 ounces of grapefruit juice (100% juice, unsweetened).  The shot is a little rough, but the juice is delicious, so I get it down without much difficulty.

Then after that, I drink 2 cups of warm herbal tea.  It's a formula made by Nature's Sunshine called Gall Bladder Formula.  I open 2 capsules into a large mug and fill it with hot water and let it cool down and drink it. Then no food for an hour, but I promise, after all that, food is the last thing I want!

For the rest of the day, I have to be sure and drink plenty of water (as usual, especially with any type of cleanse), and avoid sugar.

So today is day one of my gall bladder flush.  It's the end of the day and I have a little headache, my appetite is pretty low (which is good, for me), and I'm not overly looking forward to my lemon juice/olive oil shots tonight.  But if it will make me feel better, I'm willing!  It's only five days this time.

I need to get better about posting on a regular basis. :-)

Massage Therapy for Arthritis

We’ve all seen the effects of arthritis.  An elderly man with his hands clutched around his cane, barely able to walk due to arthritis in his hips.  A former athlete, the start of his high school basketball team, now limps due to arthritis in the knees.  Your best friend was in a car accident 20 years ago.  He never got treated for his whiplash, now has arthritis in his back and wakes up stiff and achy every day.  Each of these forms of arthritis vary from causing mild stiffness in joints and occasional aches, to being very painful, causing constant pain and immobility in joints. 

The connection between arthritis and massage therapy may not seem apparent at first.  But studies show that massage therapy can play a big role in alleviating the symptoms of arthritis including the stress that often accompanies arthritis.  As arthritis progresses, muscles tighten to compensate for the joint damage and to protect the bones.  One problem leads to another and that's where arthritis and massage become partners. 

According to the Arthritis Foundation, massage can help with arthritis in two ways.  First, massage stretches the muscles surrounding the joints.  This restores flexibility, which allows the muscles to stop pulling painfully on the joint.  The stretching also stimulates production of synovial fluid, which acts as a cushion for the joint, and allows for more complete mobility.  Second, massage encourages the body to release endorphins which are natural mood enhancers and pain killers.  Massage to the muscles, ligaments and tendons creates relaxation that restores balance to the tissues.  Both of these actions reduce pain, stiffness and inflammation, which are the primary characteristics of arthritis.

Furthermore, research has shown that massage can lower the body’s production of the stress hormone cortisol, and boost production of serotonin, which, in turn, can improve mood. Additionally, massage can lower production of the neurotransmitter substance P, often linked to pain, and improve sleep as a result.  Anyone suffering from a painful condition can greatly benefit from having their stress and pain reduced, and the quality of their sleep improved!

Massage therapy breaks the cycle of pain that goes along with arthritis.  It has few side effects and does not add toxins to the body as traditional medications that are prescribed to treat arthritis.  Massage therapy for arthritis is not only enjoyable, but it has proven to be effective.

Massage for arthritis should be handled with care.  Feedback is very important – if the pressure during the massage is too much for you, please let your therapist know!  The massage should be within your comfort zone.  It might be slightly painful, but in a good way.  There is a difference between therapeutic pain (“hurts good”) and just PAIN.  So please communicate with your therapist, even if it is to let her know that it feels wonderful.  We always appreciate that!

Winterize Your Body!

Hello!  I hope you are enjoying the weather we are having lately.  What a beautiful fall!  But we all know what comes after fall - we can't avoid it, so we need to prepare for it.  I'm sure you winterize your house, and probably your car, too.  But what about your body?  Did you know that we need to winterize our bodies, too?

Maybe that's a new idea for you.  But every year, people get colds and other viruses, get the winter blues, and even "cabin fever."  It's not new, it's not unexpected, it's very common, but is it NORMAL?  Do you have to suffer every winter?  The answer, of course, is NO!!!

Most of us do know that, ideally, we will still get outside and be relatively active during the winter.  But practically, that doesn't always happen.  It's hard to get outside in the sunshine when the sun isn't shining!  And when temperatures are subzero, it can even be dangerous to be outside too long.  

That's why supplements are so important.  That's why we are offering a special "Winterize Your Body" Pack!

Purchase Fenugreek & Thyme and VS-C, and get a bottle of Vitamin D3 FREE

Fenugreek & Thyme helps relieve respiratory congestion, inflammation and infection.  It helps thin mucus and acts as an expectorant, relaxes muscle spasms (such as when coughing), fights infections and reduces fevers.  It is a fantastic product to take regularly to prevent these problems, too.  In the winter, we tend to get "dried out" due to heaters and being stuck inside.  Fenugreek & Thyme  helps moisturize our respiratory system.  As few as 3 per day may help keep you feeling great all winter!  If symptoms start, you can LOAD UP on the Fenugreek & Thyme by taking 10, 12, even 16 per day for 2 or 3 days!  Take 1 or 2 every 1 or 2 hours as soon as symptoms start.

VS-C is designed to strengthen the body's immune system against bacterial and viral infections.  It can be used to relieve symptoms, but is best for prevention.  It can be used to combat all types of microorganisms that cause infections including colds, flu, respiratory infections, and much more (all types of viruses).  Combined with the Fenugreek & Thyme, just one per day can keep you on your feet all winter!  If symptoms start, LOAD UP on the VS-C, too.  Take 1 every 2 hours as soon as you feel symptoms start.

Vitamin D3 is considered the sunshine vitamin.  That's because the primary source of vitamin D is from the sun, and not from diet.  That's why vitamin D deficiency has become an epidemic in the US!  Many of us wear sunscreen during the summer to protect us, but that prevents our body from being able to make vitamin D.  So supplementing is very important, but even more so during the winter, when the days are shorter.  The most well-known function of vitamin D is to regulate calcium absorption and metabolism for bone health.  However, vitamin D is also profoundly important for immune function!  Vitamin D deficiency can have serious consequences on overall health, and has been linked to numerous diseases.  Safe doses have been increased in recent years, with the average adult requiring about 4,000 units per day.  Just 2 tablets per day will fulfill this requirement.

Some other suggestions to protect yourself and your family this winter:

Cut an onion into a few pieces and leave it on your kitchen table.  Onions absorb all sorts of toxins, including bacteria and viruses.  During the spread of the Spanish Influenza, many families who didn't come down with the flu had several onions around their homes.  If anyone in your family gets sick, cut an onion up and let it sit next to his bed.  Never eat an onion that has been cut and set aside for more than a few hours!  They can potentially absorb enough toxins to become poisonous!  But eating onions, especially raw onions, can also help boost your immune system through the winter.

Eat garlic!  Like onions, garlic has properties in it that help fight off infections.  I think the "bugs" hate the smell as much as we do! 

Get plenty of exercise, even if you have to do it inside.  But we have lots of nice days before winter, and even during winter, so get outside and be active while you can!

Get plenty of sleep.  It's darker earlier, so it's even easier to fall asleep.  Our bodies heal and repair themselves while we sleep, so sleep is most important when we are fighting something or healing from an injury or illness.

Drink plenty of water - especially with your herbs!!  When our tissues are well hydrated, our blood and oxygen flows most efficiently, bringing plenty of nutrients, and removing all the waste products.  Also, drink at least 8 ounces whenever you take your herbs and supplements.  We've had people tell us some herbs upset their stomach, then to find out they aren't drinking enough water when they take them.  Need to drink enough water!

Get plenty of vitamin C.  Interestingly, Thyme and many of the herbs in VS-C are high in vitamin C.  That's because vitamin C is one of the primary supplements that help fight off infection.  If you need more, we have lots of varieties.

Eat plenty of fresh fruits and veggies - especially ones that are in season (squash, pumpkin, etc).

Get massage therapy.  Stress is one of the biggest factors in your health, and even one massage session per month can reduce your stress hormones significantly.  Don't think of it as "pampering," think of it as prevention.

Go easy on the sugar, alcohol, processed foods, and other "junk" foods.  These things cause inflammation in the body, and inflammation lowers our resistance to illnesses. 

Drink plenty of herb teas with lemon and local honey.  A great "comfort" remedy when you are sick, too!

Essential oils are another fantastic tool you can use.  Many tend to be antimicrobial, so find the blend you like best.  You can clean with essential oils or apply them topically (with caution, please ask if you are unsure how to use them).  Nature's Sunshine's Guardian blend was formulated to support your immune system and help fight off infection.  And it smells divine :-)

Take good care of yourself and your family!  Plenty of love and hugs and kisses make everyone feel better!

Can massage therapy help with the symptoms of PMS and menopause?

Hi everyone!  The following is an article I wrote about a year ago for the newsletter the chiropractor's office I work at sends out.  I was pleased with it, so I thought I'd share it here, too.  Hope you like it!:

Can Massage Therapy Help With the Symptoms of PMS and Menopause?

You might be surprised to know that the answer is yes!  In fact, massage therapy has shown amazing benefits for many issues of hormone imbalance, including PMS and menopause, but also more advanced conditions such as endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and even infertility.

Like many disorders, hormonal problems are often triggered by stress.  When we are under stress, our adrenal glands begin working overtime producing, for one thing, cortisol.  The hormone progesterone is used to make cortisol.  It is also used in the production of estrogen, testosterone, and to support pregnancy.  But when too much progesterone is used up in the production of cortisol, not enough is left to make the reproductive system function properly.  Furthermore, when a body is under stress and cortisol levels are high, functions of the body not associated with dealing with stress slow down or stop.  This includes reproductive cycles, such as ovulation and menstruation.   Studies have shown that massage therapy can significantly reduce the levels of cortisol in the body for up to two weeks.  Without excess cortisol, other functions are able to return to a more normal state.

Even if you believe your symptoms are “normal,” please understand that there is a difference between normal and common.  Your symptoms might be very common: cramps, breast tenderness, irritability, or mood swings, without more serious concerns.  But imagine how your life would improve if you were uncommon; if you did not have to suffer these common symptoms every month.

Specific techniques can be used to further improve hormone imbalances.  Deep massage to the pelvic region increases blood flow to the internal organs and helps reduce scar tissue, adhesions, and even fibroids and endometriosis.  Excellent circulation is so important, as it brings vital nutrients to the tissues, and helps remove excess metabolic waste products (“toxins”).  The accumulation of these toxins often leads to an increase in inflammation and pain, including cramping.  Please keep in mind that, as with all massage techniques, this work is always done to the client’s comfort level, and modesty is always respected.

Of course, there is much more to hormone balance than what goes on in the pelvis.  That is why it is important to maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and receive chiropractic care, along with massage therapy.  Specific supplements are also often necessary for optimal benefit.  As a final thought, in an interview in the Massage Therapy Journal, internationally known research pharmacologist and Professor Dr. Candace Pert spoke about the power of massage therapy saying, "I think we could replace 90% of mainstream medicine with a weekly massage."

Massage therapy experience 1: Client from St. Charles told me "I have NO MORE BACK PAIN!" (and day 2 of my cleanse)

This happened about a year ago.  It was with a client who I had been seeing for just about a year.  She started out with sciatica.  Her job was mostly sitting most of the day, and before that she'd been a nurse for about 20 years or so.  She was seeing the chiropractor for about 14 years, and had been dealing with the sciatica for about 3 or 4 years.  It bothered her almost constantly, and was getting worse as time went on.

So I was working on her every week for several  months (probably 8 or 9 months), then every 2 weeks.  Then after a while, I noticed it had been several weeks since I'd seen her.  When I saw her again, she said "I have NO back pain anymore!  It's like a miracle."  She was so happy, but had to stop seeing me regularly because she had lost her job, and since she wasn't in pain anymore, she thought it was a good time to stop.

She did end up getting a new job, and she now sees me irregularly, about every couple months or so.  She still sees the chiropractor about once a month, too.  But her back pain hasn't come back.  She has other problems, which I help her with, but none of it is as much of a problem for her as her back pain was.

That's one of my favorite things about being a Massage Therapist.  I could massage people and make them feel relaxed and pampered, but I choose to help people with real problems.  I do both, actually, since stress is a major factor in REAL problems.  But the goal, the intention, is to keep people WELL, or get them there.  Massage - the massage that I do - is NOT pampering (although it may feel like it).  Because it is caring for your wellness and your health, and not anything selfish.

So while I understand my client's stopping her care with me, because she was out of work, I don't consider massage therapy something to only do because of pain.  It helps prevent pain, too.  It improves circulation and immunity, so you will have fewer illnesses and even injuries.  Something to think about, especially if you are an athlete or, even more important, if you are NOT an athlete!

Cleanse Day 2:  Nothing significant today!  This is a good cleanse.  If you are worried about being glued to the toilet if you do a cleanse, let me put your mind at ease.  I've only "gone" three times today, and I never felt like I had to rush.  Three times might sound like a lot to some people, but when you think about the fact that we eat three times a day, it makes sense.

Ok, that's all for today!  Thanks for reading :-)