 .Happy 2023 Everyone! Is anyone else out there trying to stay healthy?! With so many cold and flu viruses out there, not to mention Covid, I think everyone right now is incredibly focused on getting healthy and staying that way. One thing that we've noticed over the course of this past fall, is that once someone is getting knocked down with something, the next thing is right there to swoop in and get them before they are fully back up on their feet. It's been tough for many, but we are here to help! Between regular acupuncture, some supplements, herbs and a little extra self-care, you CAN stay healthy and enjoy the winter season. How Acupuncture Supports the Immune System!Firstly, acupuncture reduces stress which is one of the main factors in our body's ability to fight off infections. So, just by coming for the calming effects of acupuncture, you will help to boost your immune system. But besides the stress relieving effects, research has demonstrated very direct benefits for immunity including increasing your body's production of white blood cells and specifically T-Cells which improve your body's ability to fight illness. Acupuncture is also not only treating symptoms but addressing the underlying root causes of why your body may be susceptible to getting sick. By strengthening your overall resistance, you not only get well, but stay that way! Herbs & Supplements for Immune Boosting
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Support System by Herbalogics is the traditional Chinese herbal formula Yu Ping Fang San, which is classically used to strengthen the immune system, prevent illness and improve overall energy. Very similar to Immune + but in an easy to take tincture.
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Immune + is a powerful and effective blend for building resistance to colds and viruses. It can be very helpful for individuals who are having recurrent illness as well as those who are healthy and wanting to help with prevention during cold & flu season.
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Herbs & Supplements for Treating Colds, Flus & Covid Virus
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Magnolia Clear Sinus is a Chinese herbal blend, with anti-histamine properties used to clear the nasal passages, reduce inflammation and treat symptoms associated with seasonal allergies.
Wellness Herbal Resistance Liquid contains a powerful combination of herbs that both support the immune system and treat the symptoms once they arrive. Echinacea & Coptis boost immunity, while Yin Chao is great for clearing viral infections!
Supports nasal relief, decreasing congestion and allergies symptoms by stabilizing the body's cells that release histamine. Also a powerful anti-inflammatory, this one is a must-have for overall symptoms of congestion!
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We hope you all are taking good care of yourselves and prioritizing your self-care, now that the holidays are over! Call us anytime to book an appointment for yourself or a loved one.
Also, just a reminder that all of our products are available to not only our patients, but also to the general community. If you have any friends or family who are in need of wellness supplements, please send them our way and they are also welcome to call with any questions! (508) 393-1212
Also, just a reminder that all of our products are available to not only our patients, but also to the general community. If you have any friends or family who are in need of wellness supplements, please send them our way and they are also welcome to call with any questions! (508) 393-1212
“You can’t wait for healing to feel wholeness. You have to feel wholeness for that healing to occur.” — Joe Dispenza.
Ok, it's time for some real talk here. People in this late stage pandemic life are more stressed than ever. In the clinic on a day to day basis I'm seeing more anxiety, depression and trouble sleeping than ever before! Yesterday, I treated about 30 patients, and I'm pretty sure half of them are barely sleeping at night. This of course has many different causes, but the outcome is the same; it disrupts the body's ability to heal and restore itself.
Recently, I've started reading Joe Dispenza's amazing book called, "Becoming Supernatural." I HIGHLY recommend reading it if you are interested in how healing can occur in the body through our own efforts to shift our brain waves into a healing and receptive state. This was new information for me, and I was very intrigued!
Below is a chart with the main electrical brain wave patterns that happen in different states of consciousness. As you can see, Beta waves are our waking state, active thinking brain, where Alpha brain waves are when we are awake and relaxed. What really interested me, was when we go into a deeper relaxation state of Theta Brain waves, which are also known as "the healing wave." In theta brain waves, it's a state of relaxation where you aren't quite asleep, but also not quite awake. It is a calm and creative state that is conducive to healing the body. What jumped out at me was that this is how I feel when I get into a deeply relaxed state during acupuncture!
Recently, I've started reading Joe Dispenza's amazing book called, "Becoming Supernatural." I HIGHLY recommend reading it if you are interested in how healing can occur in the body through our own efforts to shift our brain waves into a healing and receptive state. This was new information for me, and I was very intrigued!
Below is a chart with the main electrical brain wave patterns that happen in different states of consciousness. As you can see, Beta waves are our waking state, active thinking brain, where Alpha brain waves are when we are awake and relaxed. What really interested me, was when we go into a deeper relaxation state of Theta Brain waves, which are also known as "the healing wave." In theta brain waves, it's a state of relaxation where you aren't quite asleep, but also not quite awake. It is a calm and creative state that is conducive to healing the body. What jumped out at me was that this is how I feel when I get into a deeply relaxed state during acupuncture!
So I got very interested to find out if acupuncture helps shift our brainwaves into a relaxed state for healing. I intuitively knew it did, but was happy to see that science backed me up. Acupuncture points help to take the autonomic nervous system from a state of 'fight or flight' to a more relaxed parasympathetic state of 'rest and relaxation'. During research studies, acupuncture shifted patient's brain waves from Beta, to Alpha and then to Theta brain waves even without any guided mediation or additional relaxation practices! This is so important in understanding how and why acupuncture treatments can help absolutely EVERYONE. By slowing the brainwaves into more coherent theta brainwaves, acupuncture can put the body and brain under the proper condition for healing, and this is seperate and in addition to all of the other ways that acupuncture can bring pain relief, improved blood flow and decreased inflammation to the body. Moral of the story....acupuncture works!!
So acupuncture supports healing, but it's our own brainwaves that are doing the healing! So in addition to acupuncture, anything we do to help our body's mentally and physically relax, will support healing. This includes, mediation, deep breathing, walking in nature, quiet time where we aren't busy, and deep restorative sleep! Sleep takes us even deeper into Delta brainwaves which are very healing since it also stimulates the release of human growth hormone. Delta brain waves have anti-aging properties and support healing and pain relief.
So, if you are feeling stressed and also not sleeping well, remember you are NOT alone, not even close! But what I also want you to understand is that you must prioritize working on improving in both of these categories. Of course acupuncture is an amazing way to help, but we also have some excellent herbs and supplements in the clinic that can support a calmer mind and more restful night!
More than anything, take some time for yourself to relax. Try not to over-book your life and give meditation a try. The benefits are immense! Ask us in the clinic for resources that can support you in getting started!
So acupuncture supports healing, but it's our own brainwaves that are doing the healing! So in addition to acupuncture, anything we do to help our body's mentally and physically relax, will support healing. This includes, mediation, deep breathing, walking in nature, quiet time where we aren't busy, and deep restorative sleep! Sleep takes us even deeper into Delta brainwaves which are very healing since it also stimulates the release of human growth hormone. Delta brain waves have anti-aging properties and support healing and pain relief.
So, if you are feeling stressed and also not sleeping well, remember you are NOT alone, not even close! But what I also want you to understand is that you must prioritize working on improving in both of these categories. Of course acupuncture is an amazing way to help, but we also have some excellent herbs and supplements in the clinic that can support a calmer mind and more restful night!
More than anything, take some time for yourself to relax. Try not to over-book your life and give meditation a try. The benefits are immense! Ask us in the clinic for resources that can support you in getting started!
Some of our popular sleep & stress supplements!
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Acupuncture for tweens, teens and college students
Teenagers transitioning to college in 2020 were among the hardest hit by the stress of the pandemic. Never would they have anticipated that their college experience would have played out the way it did. We are helping so many teens with the stress, anxiety & depression that although common pre-pandemic, has become nothing short of a pandemic in it's own right. We feel so strongly about trying to get these teens in the door, because we've seen firsthand how much it can help!
If your pre-teen or teenager is struggling, please consider acupuncture. It's a powerful body-mind medicine that can truly help regulate hormonal imbalances and calm the body's stress response! Also the herbs and supplements that we carry to help with stress are a great first resort before trying western medicines!
We know that teens can often be resistant to coming for treatment, but within a few sessions we often see significant changes and in most cases they really enjoy the experience and are glad they came!
Teenagers transitioning to college in 2020 were among the hardest hit by the stress of the pandemic. Never would they have anticipated that their college experience would have played out the way it did. We are helping so many teens with the stress, anxiety & depression that although common pre-pandemic, has become nothing short of a pandemic in it's own right. We feel so strongly about trying to get these teens in the door, because we've seen firsthand how much it can help!
If your pre-teen or teenager is struggling, please consider acupuncture. It's a powerful body-mind medicine that can truly help regulate hormonal imbalances and calm the body's stress response! Also the herbs and supplements that we carry to help with stress are a great first resort before trying western medicines!
We know that teens can often be resistant to coming for treatment, but within a few sessions we often see significant changes and in most cases they really enjoy the experience and are glad they came!
Open Circle's Spring Cleanse is starting soon! If you are considering joining us, read more about it below and let us know soon so we can sign you up and help you get started! There is no cost to join besides the supplements & tea which are strongly recommended but not required!
WHY CLEANSE THE LIVER?
The liver is the body's natural filtration system, converting toxins into waste products, cleansing the blood and metabolizing medications and nutrients into essential proteins. Alcohol, processed foods, medications, stress & lack of exercise can burden the liver leading to symptoms such as bloating, reflux, constipation, difficulty losing weight, high blood pressure, anxiety/depression, chronic fatigue and more. Springtime is the season of the Wood Element which is ruled by the Liver & Gall Bladder. It’s a time of rebirth and starting fresh. By eating lighter and cleansing the excesses of the winter season, you are attuning yourself to the rhythms of nature.
The liver is the body's natural filtration system, converting toxins into waste products, cleansing the blood and metabolizing medications and nutrients into essential proteins. Alcohol, processed foods, medications, stress & lack of exercise can burden the liver leading to symptoms such as bloating, reflux, constipation, difficulty losing weight, high blood pressure, anxiety/depression, chronic fatigue and more. Springtime is the season of the Wood Element which is ruled by the Liver & Gall Bladder. It’s a time of rebirth and starting fresh. By eating lighter and cleansing the excesses of the winter season, you are attuning yourself to the rhythms of nature.
BASIC LIVER CLEANSE PROTOCOL
- Cut out white sugar, white flour, processed foods, unhealthy refined oils (canola, safflower, margarine etc.) & alcohol. (Eliminating dairy is optional but should be kept to a minimum!)
- Enjoy an anti-inflammatory diet consisting of vegetables, fruits, unrefined whole grains, healthy fats, legumes, grass-fed beef, chicken, turkey & fish. (Try your best to get organic & natural sourced options)
- Add high fiber foods- apples and pears with skin on, flaxseeds, dark leafy greens and bitter greens, spring herbs such as parsley and mint, green smoothies (see our recipe for ideas!), psyllium husk, beets and beet greens, cruciferous veggies (including broccoli, cabbage, brussels sprouts, and kale), bananas etc. It’s very important to keep regular during a cleanse, so if you are finding that you are not, even with the fiber, consider adding Thorne’s Magnesium Citramate supplement to further support digestive regularity!
- Add lemon or lime to your water- lemon water is very detoxifying for the liver and getting enough water while working to flush the liver is important, too! Drink plenty of filtered water throughout the day!
- Take Thorne’s Liver Cleanse supplement daily: This is a combination of botanical ingredients (Berberine, Burdock, Chicory & Milk thistle seed) that can synergistically enhance liver function. Together they enhance the production & flow of bile which optimizes the metabolism and excretion of the substances that the liver detoxifies. There are no known contraindications to this formula, and we recommend 1 capsule in the AM and 1 in the PM. This can continue for a full 30 days even if you only officially ‘cleanse’ for this week!
- Drink Gaia’s Daily Detox Tea: Delicious liver cleansing herbal tea with peppermint & lemon essential oils. Enjoy 1-2 cups/day!
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OPTIONAL PRACTICES:
- Have a tablespoon of high-quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil daily: Can be consumed on its own to blended with lemon & water. It might seem counterintuitive, but olive oil is one of the BEST natural remedies for a ‘fatty liver’, improving liver enzymes and fat levels.
- Have a shot of Apple Cider Vinegar daily: Organic, unfiltered ACV has many health benefits including improved metabolism, digestive support for acid reflux, balancing blood glucose, improving cholesterol & yes detoxification of the liver. Start with a teaspoon diluted with water in a small glass to start. It’s ok to add a little honey if the taste is too intense!
- Green Smoothies &/or Raw Juice: If you have a blender or juicer, dust it off and start using it! Blending veggies & greens together with some healthy fats & fiber is an excellent support to any cleanse. If you are like us and don’t have time for juicing, head over to a local health food store and try something new! We don’t have to do all the work
FOODS THAT CLEANSE THE LIVER:
- Coffee- can help prevent cirrhosis and a common type of liver cancer, decreases inflammation, and increases antioxidant glutathione
- Green tea- improves liver enzyme levels, reduces oxidative stress and fat deposits in LV
- Grapefruit- contains antioxidants that protect liver, reduces inflammation, reduces development of hepatic fibrosis, increases ability to metabolize alcohol and counteracts alcohol’s negative effects
- Blueberries and cranberries- contain anthocyanins, increase immune cell response and antioxidant enzymes, slow development of lesions and fibrosis
- Grapes- increase antioxidants and reduce inflammation
- Beet juice: Beetroot juice contains antioxidants, vitamin A, vitamin B-6, and iron. These compounds help protect the liver from inflammation and oxidative stress while enhancing its ability to remove toxins from the body.
- Cruciferous veggies- brussels sprouts, broccoli, mustard greens- high fiber and help increase levels of detoxification enzymes
- Nuts and seeds- may help prevent fatty liver disease
- Fatty fish- high in healthy omega- 3s
- Olive oil- improve liver enzyme and fat levels, improve insulin sensitivity
SELF-CARE SUGGESTIONS DURING YOUR CLEANSE:
- Get some exercise & movement that inspires you and makes you feel good
- Practice deep breathing, meditation, journaling
- Prioritize a good night’s sleep
- Get some acupuncture to support detoxification and allow for some restorative relaxation time.
Email us at info@opencirclehealing.com to sign up and HAPPY SPRING!!
Why You Should Consider a Liver Cleanse this Spring!
First of all, congratulations! You made it to March of 2022 and it's ALMOST springtime! Can we all agree that it's been a looong winter, and a long past two years. Raise your hand if you feel tired, overworked, more stressed than you usually do and in need of a re-set. Also raise your hand if you are still eating a bit too much, drinking a bit too much and moving your body not quite enough! If you raised your hand to any of these, then you should consider a spring-time liver cleanse!
In the winter, we naturally slow down, and eat more filling foods. When life is stressful like it's been during these covid-times, we might fill that stress with sweets, alcohol, just comfort carbs in general, or anything else we can get our hands on. What happens then, is that not only does weight add up, but inflammation and stagnation can accumulate as well. Both of those can increase aches & pains, digestive upset, anxiety, sleep issues and more. The good news is, that the antidote is cleaning out the body by dialing back on those unhealthy choices and adding some simple foods, beverages, herbs & supplements that can undo all of the issues that may have surfaced. Remember, your body is naturally designed to heal itself and it's always working hard to do so, but if we work WITH the body, instead of against it, then amazing health & mood transformations can occur! A cleanse is an opportunity to give your body a break and allow the self-healing & self-cleansing process to kick into gear.
Ok so why does the liver need a cleanse you ask? The liver is the body's natural filtration system, converting toxins into waste products, cleansing the blood and metabolizing medications and nutrients into essential proteins. While certain things like alcohol, heavy foods & medications can burden the liver, other things like green smoothies, lemon water and a plant-based diet can support it's optimal function! The liver is ALWAYS cleansing, so we are not trying to make it happen, just supporting it by lightening the toxic load from the body!
Another way we need cleanse in through the bowels. Remember, if you are not pooping, you are not cleansing! Healthy regular movement of the bowels is essential to our health and to the release of impurities from the body. When your body detoxifies impurities from the liver and gall bladder, they are sent into the intestinal tract to be released from the body via our daily bowels movements. So, if things are feeling stuck or stagnant, make sure you are hydrating VERY well! Warm water with lemon first thing in the morning can work wonders (combining it with a a healthy fat like extra virgin olive oil is even better!). Also, increase your fiber intake, and specifically the insoluble fiber that passes through the digestive tract supporting healthy bowels. Examples of insoluble fiber are ground flax seeds, wheat bran/germ, beans, whole grains, green beans, apples & pears with the skin on, plus many more veggies!
So hopefully I've convinced you that spring cleansing is a good idea! Now I hope you will join us as we do a week long cleanse together! Open Circle Acupuncture is hosting a week long liver cleanse from Monday April 4th, 2022 until Monday April 11th! Often spring cleanses continue for 2-3 weeks, so we will do a week together and if you are feeling motivated to continue, then please do!
Stay tuned, my next blog will have all of the details of our cleanse including daily practices and suggested supplements & detox teas! If you would like to sign up, please email info@opencirclehealing.com.
Be well and happy spring!
In the winter, we naturally slow down, and eat more filling foods. When life is stressful like it's been during these covid-times, we might fill that stress with sweets, alcohol, just comfort carbs in general, or anything else we can get our hands on. What happens then, is that not only does weight add up, but inflammation and stagnation can accumulate as well. Both of those can increase aches & pains, digestive upset, anxiety, sleep issues and more. The good news is, that the antidote is cleaning out the body by dialing back on those unhealthy choices and adding some simple foods, beverages, herbs & supplements that can undo all of the issues that may have surfaced. Remember, your body is naturally designed to heal itself and it's always working hard to do so, but if we work WITH the body, instead of against it, then amazing health & mood transformations can occur! A cleanse is an opportunity to give your body a break and allow the self-healing & self-cleansing process to kick into gear.
Ok so why does the liver need a cleanse you ask? The liver is the body's natural filtration system, converting toxins into waste products, cleansing the blood and metabolizing medications and nutrients into essential proteins. While certain things like alcohol, heavy foods & medications can burden the liver, other things like green smoothies, lemon water and a plant-based diet can support it's optimal function! The liver is ALWAYS cleansing, so we are not trying to make it happen, just supporting it by lightening the toxic load from the body!
Another way we need cleanse in through the bowels. Remember, if you are not pooping, you are not cleansing! Healthy regular movement of the bowels is essential to our health and to the release of impurities from the body. When your body detoxifies impurities from the liver and gall bladder, they are sent into the intestinal tract to be released from the body via our daily bowels movements. So, if things are feeling stuck or stagnant, make sure you are hydrating VERY well! Warm water with lemon first thing in the morning can work wonders (combining it with a a healthy fat like extra virgin olive oil is even better!). Also, increase your fiber intake, and specifically the insoluble fiber that passes through the digestive tract supporting healthy bowels. Examples of insoluble fiber are ground flax seeds, wheat bran/germ, beans, whole grains, green beans, apples & pears with the skin on, plus many more veggies!
So hopefully I've convinced you that spring cleansing is a good idea! Now I hope you will join us as we do a week long cleanse together! Open Circle Acupuncture is hosting a week long liver cleanse from Monday April 4th, 2022 until Monday April 11th! Often spring cleanses continue for 2-3 weeks, so we will do a week together and if you are feeling motivated to continue, then please do!
Stay tuned, my next blog will have all of the details of our cleanse including daily practices and suggested supplements & detox teas! If you would like to sign up, please email info@opencirclehealing.com.
Be well and happy spring!
