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« Older Entries |Sexuality and the Woman
Friday, February 3rd, 2012
by Dr. Hilary Costello – Nature Cures Clinic physician
The sexuality of a woman is one of the great mysteries of life. As natural as the sunrise, sensuality dawns and sets, ebbs and flows through our various stages in life. From conception we as a species constantly experience a multitude of sensual input. The scent of a rose, the sound of thunder, hearing your favorite song, or the touch of a loved one all stimulate the nervous system and signal the brain to react accordingly.
Our personalities and experiences help to define our perception of our external and internal environments. Sexual stimulus, which for women often originates in the mind, is the topic of this brief commentary on the importance of embracing all aspects of one’s self, including the sexual body and soul connection that many of us seek.
To closely study and appreciate the complexity within female sexuality is to truly enter the sphere of the feminine. I begin with a few facts about the female anatomy. A fully engorged clitoral system, which is common during arousal and orgasm, is thirty times as large as the external clitoral glans and shaft. This is at least as large and functioning as the male penis. The clitoris (female glans) contains between six and eight thousand sensory nerve endings. This is the most neurologically dense tissue in the human body, male or female. The neurological strength and power of the female orgasm is unmatched.
As a naturopathic physician and gynecology specialist, I have the great honor of sharing the experiences of women by acting as a guide to achieve optimal health. Each woman with her distinct anatomy embodies the fullness of what female can be. All sizes, shapes, colors, moods, personalities, styles, and hormonal states are in our world to experience, witness, appreciate, and love. Our collective female bodies are the reflections of our lives, our children, our choices, and the familial ancestries and genetics that have created us.
Each woman has her individual experience, essence, and story about the sexuality that defines her history. What is shared amongst men and women is the desire to be healthy and happy, but beneath the humility of having one’s basic needs met is the deep desire to have a life filled with the irreplaceable richness of wonderful lovemaking.
Last year, I co-taught a women’s sexuality class with a sex therapist colleague and was pleasantly surprised at the spunk and pure fun involved within the sex life of the women age 40 and over in the class. The ages of the women ranged from 32 to 73. Just when you think or assume things may be slowing down, think again. The joy of lovemaking is a lifelong activity, although it is a part of life that requires attention and cultivation. Many new mothers or mothers of young children report to me that there is no time or energy for lovemaking, but I assure them that the time will pass and that the interest, energy, and desire will return.
All too often lovemaking is the part of life that becomes neglected or abandoned, forgotten about or devalued. The curious activities of busy making such as house chores, errands, parental duties, life responsibilities like a job or two or three, too much time spent in the tantalizing world of electronics and computers, or the simple rebound fatigue effect from these activities can put a massive damper on the libido. The good life, as we each define it, often has many worthy requirements for success. Unfortunately, the price is often the time you may have spent making love.
Other reasons behind not living the dream of a great sex life may include physical issues related to illness, or mental emotional issues rooted in past experiences or psychological trauma. Some individuals simply have not yet found a partner. Sexual dysfunction is a common complaint for men and women. Hormonal issues may play a major role. Fortunately, hormonal lab tests are easy and relatively inexpensive for both men and women.
Within the realm of naturopathic medicine, there are many options for hormonal treatment that do not necessarily include taking hormone supplements. Herbal medicine, homeopathy, cleanse and detoxification programs, nutritional support, and bio-identical hormone replacement therapies may benefit an individual with hormonal imbalance.
The psychology of relationships is one of the greatest obstacles in the sexuality of adults. We are complex beings created out of complicated overlapping histories, family backgrounds, religions, and distinct values, yet we miraculously manage to find the one person who is so attractive and special. For some it may be a life long partner, for others it may be a new person all the time, which ultimately turns into a series of sexual experiences with various people. Sexual attraction and body chemistry do not lie. Define it as love or animal magnetism. It can be intoxicating and cause people to do all kinds of seemingly crazy things.
Money and power have historically been driving forces to bring men and women together in relationship. Obvious reasons such as the creation of offspring and family ties have dictated love relationships and marriages throughout all cultures and history.
It is the life of a woman, young or old, that tells the stories of our shared histories. Our sexuality links us in the experience of being female. The development of our bodies, the monthly cycle of menstruation, our sexual awakening as young women, motherhood, adult maturity in the midlife, and the transition into the wise empowered elder, are experienced as different stages, each of us in our unique time.
We continually redefine what it is to be feminine, adjusting to our needs and desires as products of a modern world. All the while our bodies continue to pulse and we experience the instincts and pleasure centers that have been passed down through the ages and generations of our great grandmothers. Not until recent years have women had the freedoms and choices that many of us experience now, especially in the western world.
Sexuality is an essential part of a well balanced healthy life. In its many shapes and forms, the human body is the utopia of sensual bliss and satisfaction. It is the simple pleasures in life that allow for all else to fall away and bring perspective to what we do, who we are, and the lives we lead. There is not anything in the world that can compare to the shared experience of love and pure joy created between two lovers.
If you are interested in learning more about the world of female sexuality and the the art and science involved, please register for my upcoming class “Light My Fire” February 9th at 7pm at Nature Cures Clinic. It will be a fun evening and a great time to discuss women’s health, the historical cross cultural art of sexuality, science, and naturopathic wellness.
Thank you for your time!
Image courtesy x_meshari, flickr
Tags: Dr. Hilary Costello, gynecology, sexual health, sexuality, valentine's day, women, Women's health
Posted in Articles by our Doctors, Dr. Hilary Costello | No Comments »
Lunchbox Stress? Find solutions here!
Wednesday, January 18th, 2012
One of the top questions I get from patients here at the clinic – especially with GAPS kids – is how to pack a healthy lunch for them to take to school that they’ll enjoy eating! It’s quite a problem in today’s world where food manufacturers have learned to market to the children – not the moms. Although we live in difficult times when it comes to feeding our families right – we also live in the best of times when it comes to creative, supportive and valuable resources. Many of these websites and books have been created by parents, like you, who have become fed-up with feeding time.
I recently signed up for a free online subscription to a fantastic resource called Paleo Parents. Filled with great advice, gorgeous pictures and kid-friendly food ideas – it is a goldmine of information for parents struggling to feed kids with food intolerances. The recipes are gluten and dairy free, along with a de-emphasis on grains and legumes – the “go to” foods for parents who want to make sure the kids are getting plenty of protein.
They also offer a fun-filled cookbook that is designed to be shared with your kids – promoting their involvement and subsequent ownership of the food they get to choose for themselves. There are so many great tips and strategies to turn this chore into family fun while building great values for your kids when it comes to making healthy choices for themselves. A value they will have for the rest of their lives.
Not only will you have some fun learning new techniques – but you may even find a sense of relief that you’re not the only one out there with this struggle.
Happy eating!
Love & Health,
Tags: GAPS Diet, Health, healthy eating, kids lunch, lunch, Maria Zilka, Nutrition, paleo diet, parenting
Posted in Articles by our Doctors, General, Maria Zilka | Comments Off
What Happens After the Coma?
Tuesday, January 17th, 2012
by Dr. Andy Swanson – Nature Cures Clinic physician
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Many people who have acquired a brain injury tell a similar story. They gradually awaken from a coma. They have to relearn aspects of life that were once simple tasks, like balance, walking, speaking, socializing, and tempering emotions. Weeks pass, exhausted from math and reading classes, speech and physical therapy. The process challenges the very deepest aspects of the individual, often instigating feelings of frustration, hopelessness, and depression. After a period of rehab, they leave the hospital with limited options with regard to therapy, relationships, housing, financing and work.
Local support groups are often great resources to steer people towards the help they need. The Brain Injury Association of Oregon (www.biaoregon.org) offers an excellent resource guide to help those with TBI navigate the assistance available. Communities are coming together to enhance this network for those recovering from TBI. Many people in the TBI community, however, are unaware of the options offered by complementary providers such as naturopathic doctors, acupuncturists, yoga therapists and nutritionists. I’d like to share a brief overview of some of the treatments we provide at Nature Cures Clinic that may be of help in the recovery from TBI.
At Nature Cures Clinic we offer individualized health care focused on addressing not just symptoms, but also the underlying causes of imbalance. For example, I treated a patient for a year and a half for Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis that started following brain injury. The treatment plan focused on balancing the thyroid while simultaneously providing the central nervous system with the building blocks for healing. A generalized TBI treatment would have missed the thyroid imbalance. Even if it is clear that the majority of symptoms are related to TBI, it is absolutely necessary to consider other systems of the body that may be operating below optimal function. At Nature Cures Clinic, we treat each person according to the needs of their body. This is determined by a complete physical exam, a detailed history of illness, and any labs and imaging necessary to accurately assess ongoing internal imbalances.
A brief summary below introduces you to the three modules of the TBI program at Nature Cures Clinic. There may be concepts here that you are unfamiliar with. In the coming weeks, I will provide more information on how we use these therapies in the treatment of TBI.
IV Nutritional Therapy offers a unique way to offer the body nutrients to heal following injury. We have a standard multivitamin formulation we use for many health conditions. These nutrients help enhance mood, energy, and immune function. Other formulations specifically target the brain, and these I find particularly useful to accelerate healing post-TBI. These include nutrients such as alpha lipoic acid and glutathione. I will discuss this further in future posts.
Nutrition matters. What you eat directly impacts how you feel and how well your body heals following injury. Even though food is a very sensitive area for many people and dietary changes are challenging, it can be the pivotal change that decides whether or not the nervous system heals. I will discuss this further in future posts.
Chinese Medicine provides a fresh approach to working with many symptoms of TBI such as chronic pain, muscle spasms, forgetfulness, and mood disorders. Through the lens of Chinese Medicine we often encounter underlying imbalances in the body that may have been overlooked by modern medicine. Addressing these underlying imbalances removes potential obstacles to healing, and thus can speed up the recovery from TBI. At Nature Cures Clinic, we incorporate three aspects of Chinese Medicine as part of the TBI program: Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine, and Qi Gong. I will discuss each of these further in future posts.
The three modules above, IV Nutritional Therapy, Nutrition, and Chinese Medicine offer a thorough complementary approach to the treatment of traumatic brain injury. The program is not intended to replace the current model of care, but rather to augment a medical model that falls short in providing options for continued outpatient care for post TBI syndrome. It is my belief that the brain can always do better, regardless of how much time has passed since injury. Please feel free to contact me with any questions you have regarding healthcare and the TBI program at Nature Cures Clinic.
Tags: brain injury association, coma, complementary medicine, Diet, intravenous therapy, IV Nutrition, Nature Cures Clinic, TBI, TBI program, traumatic brain injury
Posted in Acupuncture, Alternative medicine, Andy Swanson, Articles by our Doctors, Back pain, Brain, Chinese medicine, Chronic disease, Chronic fatigue, Cognitive development, Diet, Dr. Andy Swanson, General, Health, Healthy diet, Healthy lifestyle, Herbs, Holistic, Naturopathic medicine, Naturopathic medicine, ND, Neurological disorders, Nutrition, Pain, TBI, Thyroid function, traumatic brain injury, Wellness | Comments Off
Quick and Easy? Slow Down and Enjoy the Ride
Tuesday, January 17th, 2012
by Maria Zilka, NTP – Nutritional therapist, certified GAPS practitioner
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Standing in the grocery store checkout line, reading the magazine covers while I awaited my turn – it struck me how many headlines refer to getting things done in as little time as possible: “Lose 10 pounds in 2 weeks”,” Fast-track your house cleaning,” “7 easy steps to a better relationship” – and my favorite – “Dinner in under 20 minutes.”
Why are we in such a hurry to get things done? Yes, we’re all really, really busy these days with work, family, school, friendships and the need to take care of ourselves, but it seems we may have traded in the time we used to give to these life-enriching areas for time we happily give to doing… well, nothing. Watching television, playing on our cell phones or even reading about how to get things done faster and easier are all distractions to the job at hand – whatever that may be. It reminds me of the words from an old country song – “all I really gotta do is live and die, but I’m in a hurry and don’t know why.”
Cooking at home can mean better food choices.
In the context of our health we’ve become conditioned to look for quick fixes – often in the form of a pill – and it’s become quite common to think that your health is restored once the pain is gone. We’ve become very adept at shutting up our symptoms. Have a headache? – Take some aspirin. Body aches? – Reach for the ibuprofen. Acid reflux? – Stop that fire fast with some antacid! Symptoms gone? – All better. Unfortunately, ignoring or suppressing a symptom doesn’t make the underlying problem go away and eventually those symptoms will only get louder and perhaps more serious.
There is an art to everything – from cooking your family meals to cultivating healthy relationships – and by looking for the shortcuts we miss out on the joy of the journey. Nowhere is this more apparent than in taking care of ourselves and improving our health. So, as we ride the crest of the wave into the New Year, with all of our resolutions and good intentions, maybe it’s time to slow it down and look at our approach.
With that said, here is my “quick and easy” list for slowing down, paying attention and reaping long-term benefits from your efforts!
Learn to cook. Anyone who has come to see me at the clinic will attest to the fact that my number one suggestion for improving health is to learn how to feed yourself. No kidding. Relying on restaurants with their over-used and often poorly chosen oils and fats along with questionably sourced animal products is taking a gamble with your health. Though there are an increasing number of really terrific and health-conscious restaurants serving our area (aren’t we lucky?!), they can be expensive. Better to save the eating out for Date Night and strive to return to the good old days of eating in. Feeling socially isolated? A girlfriend of mine started a weekly cooking club where everyone comes to one another’s home bringing food, recipes, and all kinds of strategies for the kitchen. She’s having a blast and not only is she making new friends, she’s even improved her knife skills!
Start an exercise routine that you love. If you don’t like to run then don’t run. If dancing brings you joy then dance. It’s that simple. The only caveat to this statement is, again, slow down – see if you really don’t enjoy it. Sometimes it’s just getting used to a new routine or getting fit enough to enjoy it. I remember when I started running again after being a long-distance runner in college and falling away from it for several years – I hated it. All I could think was “how on earth did I ever enjoy this?” Then I started running the trails in Forest Park and the world of running changed for me forever. Suddenly, I was 10 years old again running through the woods and jumping over fallen trees. What joy! It was no longer exercise to me – it was therapy! Whatever it is you choose to do, just do it long enough to find out if it moves you. Then just do it.
Get a good doctor. I hear so many people tell me that they go to the doctor they see because of their insurance plans. Some stay with the same doc for years just because they hate the “hassle” of finding a new one. It is a fact that when gathering data on drug effectiveness the pharmaceutical companies know to keep any doctor/patient relationship out of the picture. Why? Because the relationship and trust that is created between a good doctor and their patient has a positive effect on optimizing a person’s health. On the flip side, think about how detrimental a poor relationship can be? Have you ever felt dissed by your doc? Five minutes of their time and the door is shutting in your face – midsentence? Take the time to find yourself a doctor that cares and will listen. You’ll feel the difference.
Finish what you start. We all have the same mantra “if only I had the time…” Yes, if only. It’s actually less about time than it is about commitment and integrity. Don’t let time be an excuse to not get your stuff done! If you want to write that book, play that instrument, or lose that weight – make the time to get it done. Set your priorities and don’t let other things distract you from using that time to finish what you want to finish. You’ll feel less stress and more happiness when the “lack of time” doesn’t exist for you.
Detoxify your life. Toxins are all around us. In the air we breathe, the water we drink, the foods we eat – even the people we hang out with can be toxic! Do we take the time to really think about what it means to detoxify our lives? We may do a metabolic liver cleanse – but continue to use a shampoo with detergents that can mess with our hormones. We drink filtered water but bathe in unfiltered water. We go for a run – in downtown traffic pollution. Reducing toxins in our environment reduces stress on us physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. So take some time to look at your world – your home and workplace – and make a commitment to truly detoxifying your life.
At Nature Cures Clinic, we believe that the underlying cause of many people’s health concerns can be addressed by eliminating common food allergens that contribute to toxicity in the body and then healing the gut lining. Any food that is not properly digested and entering the system through an unprotected gut is considered a toxin and will create an immune response. Fatigue, joint pain, headache, bloating, bowel issues and stomach pain are just some of the physical symptoms caused by an unhealthy digestive system – and anxiety, depression, ADD, brain fog, epilepsy and other neurological disorders are also connected to this imbalance in the system. If this sounds familiar, I’d like to invite you to schedule a free consult with me to talk about the GAPS Diet (Gut & Psychology Syndrome), the Nature Cures Clinic Detox program and the Elimination Diet. There is a good chance that these nutritional approaches to improving your health may be the start of a whole new lifestyle as well!
Do you have a few minutes? One of my favorite poets is Mary Oliver – she writes about the human experience using nature as her backdrop. Below is a link to a video using one of her poems “The Journey.” Please, sit back and relax – listen and enjoy the journey you’re on. And, when you’re ready… slow down.
Tags: articles by our doctors, fresh start, GAPS, gut and psychology syndrome, Maria Zilka, Nature Cures Clinic, new year, nutritional therapist, nutritionist
Posted in Articles by our Doctors, GAPS, Maria Zilka, Nutrition | Comments Off
The Yearly Onslaught: Managing Colds & Flu
Thursday, December 15th, 2011
by Dr. Greg Eckel - Nature Cures Clinic director
Uh oh, it’s that time of year again… sniffles, coughs, fevers oh my…
Every year we get into the same discussions about whether one should get the flu shot, how to handle a fever, how to get through a cold. Well look no further, here is a resource for you. I’ll share what I do for my family and loved ones (that includes you!).
Shot or no shot? Join the discussion at Facebook.com/NatureCuresClinic
First of all, you have heard the virtues about vitamin D. In this case it helps activate natural killer cells. Natural killer cells are a major part of your innate immunity (you’ll have to ask me about one of my favorite super heroes….), which will help you overcome countless viruses. If you don’t know your blood level of Vitamin D, I highly encourage you to get it done at your next blood draw. You can then individualize your dose of Vitamin D. Ideally you want your blood level to between 50-80 ng/ml.
The next piece is always a shocker as it sounds so wrong…the wet sock treatment. In these PC times, it’s been renamed “warming sock treatment.” (By me!) You need a pair of cotton socks and a pair of wool socks. You take a hot foot bath before bed, put the cotton socks under the faucet water as cold as it’ll go, ring them out (so they are damp, not dripping), and put these on your very warm feet. Pull the wool socks over top of that and go directly to bed, do not pass go. This is home hydrotherapy.
At first signs of any upper respiratory illness (sore throat, nasal congestions, sneezes), do this technique for a few evenings to stimulate your immune response. It increases your blood flow at night, your feet will be dry in the morning, and your head will be more clear.
For those with perennial runny nose and congestion, I feel for you. Look no further than EHB (Echinacea, Hydrastis, and Berberine). I use EHB at the first signs of any type of ‘cold.’ This is a very drying formula, has a lot of immune system punch, including garlic and vitamin A among other ingredients. This is also my first go to when I’ve seen a lot of sneezing, coughing patients during the day. We sell it in the Nature Cures e-store — check it out there if you don’t have time to come in to the clinic.
Another component of your immune system function is your gut. Did you knowthat roughly 90% of your immune system surrounds your gut in the GALT (gutassociated lymphoid tissue)? Probiotics are a great addition to your home medicine cabinet. Every doctor has their favorite blend of beneficial bacteria…. of course we have our favorites at the clinic, high ORAC or super natent are two of my favorites.
I’m not impressed with the latest and greatest strands of human microflora. I find most of the time this gets into marketing hype on the most recent research article on so and so particular brand. We do our research so you don’t have to is what I’ll tell you. We see what works clinically and stick with that.
For the kiddos, we have a chewable vitamin C that goes down easy. No complaints coming from them in the morning, even requests for it, when mama or papa forgets. It’s always nice to not have to force anything on them.
Living in the hometown of Linus Pauling, one can’t write an article on immune system function without mentioning vitamin C.
I’m going to leave the discussion about the flu vaccine for those that are interested. If you are interested in that discussion, let’s carry that on our facebook page. Please post a question you have and I’ll be sure to get on there and answer.
Here’s to a healthy and happy new year to you!
-Dr. Eckel
Image Courtesy USACE Europe District
Tags: cold, Dr. Greg Eckel, Flu, flu shot, holiday, Nature Cures Clinic, new year, seasonal depression, vaccination, winter
Posted in Articles by our Doctors, Colds, Dr. Greg Eckel, Flu, H1N1, Naturopathic medicine, Respiratory infections | Comments Off
Water Can’t Prevent Dehydration?!
Wednesday, December 14th, 2011
by Dr. Greg Nigh, Nature Cures Clinic physician
Sometimes a headline is so absurd that I have to read it a few times to be sure it isn’t a joke. Recently the following headline was sent to me by a friend:
EU bans claim that water can prevent dehydration
The article goes on to note that a group of scientists actually studied this issue for 3 years. And in the end they concluded that there is no scientific evidence to substantiate the claim – which was being made by producers of bottled water – that water can prevent dehydration.
I realize that I’m not adequately trained to evaluate a complex issue like water and its ability to hydrate. However, I would humbly submit that I could have helped them answer the question in considerably less time than 3 years. In fact, I will be so bold as to say a definitive test could have provided an answer in as little as about 2 days.
Until the proper, very costly and time-consuming studies are done, I encourage everyone to do something unscientific: drink pure water, regularly, to prevent dehydration.
Tags: dehydration, Dr. Greg Nigh, water
Posted in Articles by our Doctors, Dr. Greg Nigh, General, Health, Health News Headlines, Medical research | Comments Off
Palliation vs Treatment in Cancer Care
Friday, December 2nd, 2011
By Dr. Greg Nigh – Nature Cures Clinic physician
No cancer patient wants to hear that their only option is palliative care. Palliative care means using therapies (usually limited to pain medications) that reduce discomfort and thus enhance quality of life. These therapies are explicitly not intended to control the growth and spread of cancer. Palliative care means the cancer patient has progressed beyond the point where there are any treatment options.
The reason that there is such a distinct line between treatment and palliation in conventional cancer care is that the therapies used to treat cancer almost universally make cancer patients feel worse. If there is little hope that a treatment will work, the thinking goes, then treatment is withheld so that the patient can feel more comfortable.
Conventional cancer care focuses almost exclusively on the killing of cancer cells. It is considered an unfortunate but necessary side effect that these therapies also kill healthy cells, which typically leave patients feeling extremely fatigued, depleted, in pain and devitalized.
The world of naturopathic cancer care is dramatically different. The therapies see killing of cancer cells as only one of multiple therapeutic goals. We also work to optimize digestion and overall nutrition; we work to activate anti-cancer immunity; we work to relieve psychological stress and depression that is so common with cancer patients; we work to optimize physical function and activity; and many other therapeutic goals.
In delivering the therapies that pursue these goals, cancer patients feel better, not worse, and sometimes dramatically so. Even patients with advanced cancers and multiple metastases can sometimes feel energetic and active while they are being aggressively treated with naturopathic therapies.
For example, a gentleman with advanced prostate cancer came to our clinic for treatment. Before starting treatment he was extremely fatigued, his activity level very limited. After an intensive series of IV (intravenous) nutrient drips, acupuncture and other therapies, he became energetic, alert, and active. He would commonly tell us that he felt better than he had in decades, and this was a gentleman with advanced metastatic cancer!
In the world of naturopathic cancer care, treatment and palliation go hand in hand. It is not a matter of choosing one or the other. If a medical treatment has enhanced an individual’s health they should feel better, not worse, as a result of that treatment, whether it is treatment of the flu, or indigestion, or cancer.
Any individuals facing a cancer diagnosis and interested in learning about naturopathic treatment options can call to schedule a free consultation. This is limited to 30 minutes and simply gives an overview of the naturopathic treatment process. If the desire is to get a full evaluation and an intensive cancer treatment plan developed, schedule a 90 minute new patient visit.
Whether used in conjunction with conventional therapies or as stand-alone treatment, naturopathic cancer care can enhance every individual’s potential for optimal health and a positive outcome.
Posted in Alternative medicine, Articles by our Doctors, Cancer, Conventional medicine, Dr. Greg Nigh, Naturopathic medicine, Naturopathic medicine | Comments Off
Parent, Nourish Thyself
Tuesday, November 15th, 2011
by Dr. Erika Siegel
Nature Cures Clinic physician
On top of being an excellent physician, writer, yogi and supermom, Dr. Siegel is also the creator of Nourish Me, a superfood supplement for kids and adults aimed at boosting immunity and overall health. Check it out at the Items We Love page of the Nature Cures Clinic store.
As new parents, we often forget how to care for ourselves. Birthdays pass unnoticed, hair is ignored and even teeth go unbrushed. It’s almost comical at times how little we tend to ourselves during the early days (baby drool and sticky hand prints were my accessories for years!). As time goes on, though, many parents start to “reclaim” themselves in some way or another.
I encourage everyone to take a good look at the ways we are (and are not!) currently caring for ourselves. The people I know who are really thriving in their lives make their health a daily priority. If you have been putting yourself on the back burner, here are some ideas to help you get your groove back!
A Few Minutes is Better than None
We all have activities we long to do but can’t seem to find the time. Perhaps it’s yoga, reading a favorite book, taking a walk, crafting, or playing music. We tend to wait until we have the right setting to really get down with our favorite hobbies…
Translation: We rarely do them anymore.
My husband Matt, for instance, complains regularily about missing his long Northwest bike rides. I almost have to push him out the door to go for an hour ride around our local hills (while he groans that he’d rather not go at all because the ride will not be epic enough!). However, when he just sucks it up and takes that shorter ride he always comes back smiling because it was “SO worth it!” When I stop my own whining and get on my yoga mat, I find that a 10 minute session really can nourish me and provide more that I ever would have guessed.
Here is one idea for you: If one of your goals is to become more physically fit, you can literally spend less than 30 minutes a week on the “100 push-ups program.” Within weeks, you will be amazed at how quickly you can rip out a long set of pushups. This is an exercise that you can do anywhere, tones your whole body, and is great for all levels (yes, you can cheat and put your knees on the ground). The 100 pushup program is truly a good time (and yes, there’s an app for that).
Sometimes we just have to integrate our favorite things and do them in a less-than-ideal way. For Matt, he attaches a trailer to his bike and schleps the kids all over the place. For me, I do “yoga” in the living room while the dogs and kids treat me like a licking stick/jungle gym. Other ideas of integration: Listen to your favorite music while you clean the house, dance around while you do that aforementioned cleaning, bring a craft (knitting?) to doctors appointments or places where you will be waiting around, simultaneously clothes shop and catch up with your friends at a clothing swap (invite the ladies over to trade gently worn clothes and hang out! It’s an amazingly fun and economical way to refresh your wardrobe!) (oh I could go on….)
Here’s the Nourish Me challenge: For the next week, try to do something daily that you usually save for longer stretches of time. Shoot for 5-10 minutes of that activity and see how it can squeeze itself back into your life!
Don’t Wait Until Life Gets Easier, Less Crazy or Less Busy – Reality Is, It Might Not!
Come on, you know this by now; life is packed and (at least from my seat) does not seem to be slowing down anytime soon. Perhaps it’s time to stop telling yourself the story that the near future holds this magical amount of more time or energy to take better care of yourself. Remember, this is not a dress rehearsal, your life is not waiting to start after the kids are a bit older or you change jobs. You are in it right now. This. is. it. Tomorrow is a great time to create the life you want.
Here’s the Nourish Me challenge: After reading this post, write down a few things that you can realistically bring into your life, starting tomorrow. (Baby steps are great!)
Pencil It In
Schedule breaks, exercise, cooking sessions and dates. These things will not spontaneously happen anymore. As a parent, it needs to be in the books. Many at-home parents share that they should have more opportunities to take care of themselves, but it still doesn’t happen. So the solution is, you schedule that morning run or phone call with a friend as if it were part of your job (because caring for yourself IS part of your job!).
Here’s the Nourish Me challenge: Plan a date with your love or friend for next week!
Start the Day off Right
One of our biggest needs, that is severely ignored, is our need for hydration. So many patients I work with discover that when they took my advice to drink more water, they really felt the difference. Water is required for every single metabolic process in the body, and dehydration will disguise itself as fatigue, hunger and moodiness. (Yes, you may actually be thirsty and not as tired as you thought!). Caffeine depletes you of water and if you aren’t hitting 8-10 cups daily, you aren’t getting enough. I recommend starting each day with a big glass of water; it’s really not very hard! And while you do it, consider taking a few seconds to set an intention to have a really good day!
Here’s the Obvious Nourish Me Challenge: Drink a full cup of water every morning this week!
Tags: balance, Children, Dr. Erika Siegel, Exercise, family, nourish me, Nutrition, parenting
Posted in Alternative medicine, Articles by our Doctors, Children, Dr. Erika Siegel, Exercise, General, Health, Healthy lifestyle | Comments Off
The Many Faces of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Friday, October 21st, 2011
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) carries a huge complexity of factors, each of which complicates the healing process. There is of course the impact, the moment of trauma, causing significant damage to the brain and oftentimes other body structures. This is the primary concern as the patient is rushed to the emergency room for life-saving procedures. For everyone involved in a tragedy of this sort, it soon becomes apparent that TBI generates aftershocks that extend way beyond the central nervous system of the individual involved; the aftershocks go on for years to come.
As a naturopathic physician and acupuncturist, I have treated patients with TBI in a primary care setting. As a student I wrote my thesis on the naturopathic treatment of TBI. I thought I understood the complexities of this condition. In fact, I was preparing the outline of a book highlighting my understanding of TBI and the treatment of chronic syndromes that continue for years following injury. A year ago, however, I was exposed to an entirely new understanding of TBI when one of my patients hit a tree at a projected speed of 120 mph. She was a passenger in a car and received the full brunt of the impact. What I would learn is that the impact extended much further, as family and friends, healthcare providers, and many others gathered to support each other and the patient in the healing process.
People mobilized from around the country and gathered in the waiting room of the ICU. Two could visit at a time, and the rest patiently awaited and prayed for good news. It was there, in the waiting room, that I saw many angles of the experience transpire. My first day I met the driver of the car, and the remorse was evident in the downward gaze and the pale expression of worry. Soon I would meet the driver’s family, the patient’s family, and the school friends, all of whom supported each other and maintained hope for the best possible outcome.
An undeniable presence in a trauma of this magnitude is the attorneys, the media, the insurance companies, the doctors and nurses, the priests, and the bankers; all present on the scene to “help” navigate these treacherous waters. Some provide support while others make the challenge much more difficult. Mixing all these ingredients together with the volatility of emotions of sheer joy and utter sadness and grief, the experience mirrors that of a human pressure cooker.
There were many details to organize, like who was taking care of the dogs at home while the family lived in the hospital? How often would one leave the hospital to shower? There was the horrendous hospital cafeteria food that all were subject to, and the sleep deprivation from consecutive nights in upright chairs. At one point, a family member awoke with a homeless man sleeping next to her. Emotions were on overload, as people blindly traversed each moment awaiting updates from medical staff. Shock and tragedy have a way of catapulting you into the present moment, where nothing else matters. There’s no more room in the inn. All emotional sensors are activated. There were already family rifts present from a previous divorce and a history of abuse with a family member. Now all were in one room together, forced to get along because this moment was not about them. Past and future seemed far away.
The media was sneaking into the ICU to get interviews with the family. Lawyers for the insurance companies were calling to deny charges. Soon the banks would start sending liens on the family’s home.
I will not get into the details of this experience for the sake of protecting patient confidentiality. I bring this story to light only as an example of the complexity of TBI. This story repeats itself over and over again, every time someone experiences a severe head trauma. The CDC reports that each year, an estimated 1.7 million people sustain a TBI. Of these, 1.3 million report to the ER. 275,000 will require hospitalization, and 52,000 will die.
The experience of TBI extends way beyond the patient. As a clinician I focus on helping patients navigate trauma and heal the nervous system. This involves nutrients, herbs, nutrition, acupuncture, and the movement arts. Complete healing must also include the families and friends involved, as they too are attempting to release the memory of trauma and accept the ongoing challenge of supporting a loved one dealing with the chronic effects of post-TBI syndrome. Healing this requires a community.
Written by Andy Swanson, ND, LAc practicing at Nature Cures Clinic in Portland, OR
Tags: Acupuncture, Brain, community, Dr. Andy Swanson, herbal medicine, Herbs, Naturopathic medicine, nervous system, Nutrition, qigong, statistics, TBI, traumatic brain injury
Posted in Alternative medicine, Andy Swanson, Articles by our Doctors, Brain, Dr. Andy Swanson, Emotions, Health, Herbs, Holistic, Human behavior, LAc, Naturopathic medicine, Naturopathic medicine, ND, Neurological disorders | Comments Off
“Discovered” by Western Medicine
Tuesday, October 18th, 2011
A popular website for medical headlines, medicalnewstoday.com,
recently posted an interesting story titled “Potential New Drugs From
A Cup Of Tea – The Witch Doctors’ Gift.” The article is
describing a video series produced by the American Chemical Society,
and it leads off with a compelling scenario that I will quote at
length, because it is quite interesting:
“A physician on a medical relief mission to Africa sees pregnant women
sip a medicinal tea prepared by local witch doctors when the time for
birth arrives. Made from the leaves of a plant called “kalata-kalata,”
the tea speeds labor and delivery. Scientists analyze the plant and
discover a remarkable new substance. The research puts them on course
for discovery of potential new drugs for diseases that affect millions
of people worldwide.”
What is interesting here is not the “remarkable new substance” that
the Western physician discovered in the African plant. What is
interesting is how utterly oblivious our Western medical culture is to
the fact that medicine can be and is practiced in very legitimate ways
outside of Western medicine.
Notice that the tea was prepared by “local witch doctors.” A witch
doctor is a cliche phrase used to describe anyone practicing tribal,
occult, “ineffective” medicine. The medicine of witch doctors is the
stuff of ridicule: evil eyes, spells, mysterious brews and talismans.
And yet, here is a “witch doctor” giving a tea that works very well as
a medicine to speed labor and delivery. While the writers of the
article would have us believe that it *becomes* medicine once the
Western scientists analyze the plant to find a “remarkable new
substance, that isn’t true at all.
First, the substance isn’t new. It is only new to the Western
scientists. That substance has been used as a medicine (in the form of
a tea containing the substance) for probably hundreds of years.
Second, African tribal healers do not need Western scientists to
legitimize their medicine. The “witch doctor” has been practicing
legitimate medicine all along, it’s just that Western ignorance of
that system of medicine (and every other system of medicine, actually)
didn’t know it until they actually observed it working.
This brings up the third and most important point. The Western
physician in attendance realized that this tea was powerful medicine
because he *observed it work* to speed labor and delivery. If a
Western tribal healer simply *told* a Western physician that the tea
works to speed labor and delivery it would quickly be discounted as
“witch doctor” medicine, only here say. But when a Western doctor
*sees* it work, that makes it worthy of scientific recognition.
Observation is a powerful way to conduct scientific inquiry: apply a
therapy, and see if it work. If it does, try it again in a similar
circumstance and see if it works again. Once enough observations have
been made of a therapy working, then simply recognize the obvious: the
therapy is medicinal.
Conventional Western medicine can take a tragically condescending and
patronizing attitude toward medicinal practices of other cultures. The
article above shows that when African cultural medicines is observed
to actually work, it is co-opted and brought into the Western sphere.
A nice pat on the back is given to the “witch doctors” for having
accidentally found a real medicine, and Western scientists get busy
extracting an active ingredient in the plant so that patents can be
awarded and profits generated. None of those profits, of course, will
likely ever make their way back to those witch doctors.
Posted in Articles by our Doctors, Conventional medicine, Dr. Greg Nigh, Politics | Comments Off
Depression: Treatments that go beyond medication
Monday, October 17th, 2011
_____________________________________________________________
A number of imbalances in the body or brain could be the cause of depression. Naturopathic medicine seeks to find and change those causes.
by Dr. Greg Nigh - Nature Cures Clinic physician
October is National Depression Awareness Month. This is a good opportunity to reflect on the treatment for depression that our “health care industry” almost universally utilizes.
Sales of anti-depressant medications brings in around $12 billion in profits annually for the pharmaceutical industry. Approximately 30 million people are currently taking anti-depressant medication in the US alone. And while there is evidence that anti-depressants can improve symptoms for individuals with severe depression, there is virtually no evidence that the drugs work better than placebo in those with moderate or mild depression.
Naturopathic treatment approaches to depression shed light on causes instead of masking symptoms with meds.
Depression can be used to illustrate the difference between the conventional and the naturopathic approach to symptoms. The conventional approach is to prescribe a medication that hides the symptom. The conventional medical assumption is that depression is caused by an imbalance in brain chemistry, and that imbalance is corrected with the medications. In reality, though, anyone can read the mechanism of action of those drugs and discover that no one knows exactly how they reduce symptoms in some people.
The second and most dramatic aspect of conventional treatment of depression is what it lacks: in a primary care setting there is no thorough inquiry into why a given individual is experiencing symptoms of depression. Once the list of qualifying symptoms are expressed, the prescription very commonly is quick to follow.
In naturopathic medicine, depression is understood in much the same way that any other symptom is: it signals an imbalance. If the overall goal of medicine is to promote health and enhance vitality, it is essential to understand all the elements that lead to the depression experienced by each individual.
For example, diet and nutrition play a profound role in health generally and in the regulation of mood in particular. Dietary excesses of some foods deplete serotonin and dopamine, the brain chemicals associated with feeling good. Likewise, lack of specific nutrients can have profound effects on the body’s ability to maintain optimal function of the nervous system. Simply correcting these issues can lead to dramatic improvements in symptoms.
A much larger issue is the way in which our society has turned circumstantial feelings of sadness, grief, isolation or hopelessness into a diagnosis that requires medication to manage. When individuals experience profound loss, or feel trapped in relationships or jobs, or are unable to resolve past traumas, medications to mask those valid emotions are not addressing the cause of the depression.
A naturopathic approach to depression utilizes a comprehensive understanding of the history and circumstances that contribute to the depression. It can involve lab testing to determine metabolic imbalances. It will virtually always involve a close look at nutrition and the ways in which eating habits might be contributing to the ongoing symptoms. It can include recommendations for regular exercise, because that is a therapy that has been consistently found to relieve depression as well as medications.
There are many reasons that any given person might experience depression. Treating depression can only be done if the underlying cause is understood as clearly as possible, and therapies are used to re-establish balance in an individual’s life.
During National Depression Awareness Month, those who feel they may have depression should seek out a naturopathic physician. The most important thing to know about depression is that it is not simply a chemical imbalance in the brain that requires medication to correct. Depression is a dynamic relationship between an individual, their lifestyle, their circumstances and their way of thinking about their life. In the context of a naturopathic treatment plan, all of these factors are addressed to optimize an individual’s full capacity for optimum wellness.
Dr. Greg Nigh is available for free 30-minute consultations to discuss your health care. To set up an appointment, call Nature Cures Clinic at (503) 287-4970, or email info2@naturecuresclinic.com
Image courtesy: TheAlieness GiselaGiardino
Tags: anti-depressants, anxiety, depression, depression awareness month, Dr. Greg Nigh, imbalance, managing depression, mental health, Nature Cures Clinic, october, Portland, treating depression, treatments for depression
Posted in Alternative medicine, Articles by our Doctors, Dr. Greg Nigh | Comments Off
After a week of Cold Showers….
Monday, September 26th, 2011
So a week of cold showers, or rather, 3 minutes a day of cold water. Yep, I did it. Though, it should be known that this all went down in early August.
As a refresher, after reading some articles on the health benefits of cold showers, I decided to try it for a week. My technique was to start my showers warm, not hot, and turn them down, so as to have 3-5 minutes of cool water. I never ran them straight cold – just cool.
What did I find?
Well, for starters, I didn’t hate it. But it was also August….I could see cold showers being utterly unfathomable once the icy Portland rain returns. Yes, I rocked some goose bumps, but cold water sure gives caffeine a run for its money in the energy department. I definitely felt more alert and energetic that week. Not leap-a-building energetic, but generally a bit brighter. I also found that I was much warmer throughout the day after taking a cold shower. Dousing yourself in cold water stimulates thermogenesis – the process of building internal heat. I’ll be curious to see if there is a significant difference this winter. As far as skin and hair goes, I didn’t notice any radical changes….or perhaps my internal glow superseded any outward differences.
Since my official experiment week, I’ve maintained the cold shower ritual probably 70% of the time, and will continue to do so. I have certainly acclimated to the temperature change, and can handle longer periods of cooler water.
All in all, I’d say a week of cold showers was a worthy trial – certainly no negative effects, and be it coincidence or not, I was happy and alert all week.
Tags: cold showers
Posted in Alternative medicine, Anne Carruth, Articles by our Doctors, Emotions, Fatigue, General, Health, Healthy lifestyle | Comments Off
Vegetables Galore: Only Slight Deception Required
Tuesday, September 20th, 2011
by Dr. Erika Siegel – Nature Cures Clinic physician
Your eyes meet your plate. Pupils dilate to accommodate a cornucopia of impossibly bright colors. Freshly steamed vegetables explode with oranges, greens, reds; a masterpiece that only Mother Nature could create. Your salivary glands prepare to devour a medley of beta carotenes, antioxidants, phytochemicals and fiber. Your cells hum in excitement for the vitality they will soon glean and use for healing and growth. Your teeth crunch, stomach delights and brain basks in nutrients that they long for every day.
Have I convinced you that you should eat more vegetables? Great. Now here are some easy ways to get everyone in the family basking in those nutrients, perhaps without even knowing it.
1) Chop Chop Chop
100% Dippable, 100% Delicious
When my husband makes dinner and is feeling motivated to get lots of veggies into our boys, he starts chopping like crazy. When vegetables are chopped up very well they seem to just melt into the background of a dish. We add finely chopped vegetables to eggs, pasta sauce, rice dishes, savory pancakes and basically anywhere we can put them. Just saute up onions, garlic and tons of chopped veggies and they are ready to go just about everywhere!
2) Let Thy Vegetable Be Thy Vehicle
Most people love to dip things. Consider using vegetables instead of chips or bread to carry your favorite dippables like hummus, black bean dip, salsa, salad dressing, nut butters, tuna salad, egg salad and more. If you put out a bunch of fresh vegetables in bite sized pieces with something fun to dip them in, you may find everyone standing around eating a saladʼs worth of raw vegetables without even noticing. I like to put out fresh veggies and dip when the kids start to swarm around looking hungry while we are
finishing up dinner prep. Venture beyond carrots and celery into jicama, broccoli stems (with tough skin peeled), kohlrabi, young beets sliced thinly and sugar snap peas.
Some vegetables can hold quite a lot of good stuff, such as romaine lettuce, cabbage leaves and the inside of a whole pepper. A seaweed nori wrap is an excellent carrier for just about anything — and is portable to boot.
3) OK, Hide Them If You Must
I am not really in to hiding vegetables since my goal is to teach kids all about veggies, however I admit, sometimes I just have to sneak them in. My method of deception – using the blender!
Many people are amazed to learn that you can throw a huge handful of spinach or kale into a smoothie and it goes totally unnoticed. (Itʼs amazing, really). Vegetable soups can be scooped into the blender, pulverized and then added right back to the pot (or you can use an immersion blender – a positively awesome invention!). If you’re feeling really sneaky you can add smooshed carrots to mac nʼ cheese or spinach to brownies. 
5) A Vegetable by Any Other Name is Still a Vegetable
Sometimes vegetables can act like something else all together. Here are some fun examples:
Cali-Mash – Use cauliflower instead of potatoes for a creamy “mashed potato” experience.
Green Chips – Baked kale chips are a favorite snack of many kids. Simply strip the kale into pieces, toss in olive oil and salt and bake for about 20 minutes. The little ones will devour a whole head of kale before your eyes!
Fiesta Pasta – I just named this one last night since we made it with a mexican enchilada sauce, but any sauce will do. This is a genius one- you use raw zucchini, shaved into long strips with a peeler and voila, you have zucchini noodles! They can be eaten raw or slightly cooked with your sauce of choice. Our kids slurp them all up just like their beloved pasta.
6) Scoop Them On!
Ok this is a shameless plug for a product I recently developed called NOURISH ME. My goal was to make a whole foods based powder that you can scoop into a favorite creamy food and instantly get the nutrients of several servings of fruits and veggies! It works beautifully in smoothies, yogurt, kefir, applesauce and even ice cream. Itʼs formulated to be safe for kids and rich in the nutrients essential for healthy growth. I designed it to boost immunity, balance the belly and feed the brain what it likes.
Please check it out at our clinic or on the Nourish Me website: NourishMe.com
Enjoy your veggies every which way — every day!
Erika Siegel N.D. LAc.
What’s your strategy for ensuring your family eats their vegetables? Share your best approach on the Nature Cures Clinic Facebook Page, and we’ll publish them on our blogs!
Image courtesy NorwichNuts
Tags: cruciferous vegetables, Diet, Dr. Erika Siegel, family nutrition, Health, nourish me, Nutrition, vegetable servings, vegetable superfood, vegetables
Posted in Articles by our Doctors, Dr. Erika Siegel, Nutrition | Comments Off
The Health Benefits of Cold Showers
Friday, September 2nd, 2011
The challenge: 1 Week of Cold Showers.
Yep, you read that correctly. Those of you who know me, know that I guzzle hot water year round, have been caught relaxing with a warm teakettle in my lap, and consider the inventor of the seat warmer to be my own personal god. So, when cold showers, as part of a wellness routine, were brought to my attention, I recoiled with horror. I would give up my car before forgoing hot showers. The subject piqued my curiosity, however, and I started to do a little digging.
Cold showers tout an impressive list of benefits, including:
- Enhanced Immune Function – Cold water therapy has been shown to increase levels of both white blood cells and cytokines in the body; 2 key players for fighting disease, infection, and inflammation.
- Improved Mood – Your skin has far more cold receptors than it does heat receptors. So when doused with cold water, your brain receives a surge of impulses so strong, that many scientists liken it to old-school electroshock therapy. This, in turn, triggers a release of mood-lifting endorphins, including noradrenaline, a neurotransmitter considered crucial for battling depression. Aside from boosting your mood and energy, cold showers are said to clear the aura, revitalize one’s chakras, and were used by samurai warriors to cleanse the spirit.
- Rejuvenated Skin – Unlike hot water, cold water preserves your body’s natural oils, preventing dryness, protecting your skin, and helping your body regulate oil production. Cool water also closes and tightens your pores, constricts capillaries to reduce under-eye bags, and reduces inflammation. Finally, a free anti-aging technique!
- Benefits Hair – Cold water seals your hair’s cuticles, making it stronger and shinier.
- Increased Fertility in Men – We know that keeping the testes cool is crucial for fertility – that’s why testicles are located outside of the body. Not surprisingly, research shows that switching from hot showers to cool dramatically increases sperm count and mobility. Cold showers are also said to increase testosterone production in men.
- Better Circulation – By increasing blood flow throughout the body, cold showers boost oxygenation of vital organs, work to strengthen the vascular system, and encourage detoxification.
The list of reasons continues, and the more I read, the more I just HAD to try it.
I encountered varying techniques, ranging from 45 minute ICE baths to induce violent shivering, to gently turning down the hot water throughout your shower, so as to end on cold. I went with the latter.
I’ve been playing with it for a while, and this morning I spent over 3 minutes in cold water!
Goose bumps? Definitely. Did I burst out of the shower with renewed, if not desperate, energy? Oh my god yes. Spirit cleansed? Eh.
So I’ve given myself a little challenge: To spend a minimum of 3 minutes/day in cold water for 1 week. Feel free to jump on the bandwagon. There are cautions and restrictions, so do a bit of research before taking the plunge.
Look for my update in a week, and send me lots of WARM thoughts!
Tags: boost immune system, cold showers, depression, energy
Posted in Acupuncture, Anne Carruth, Articles by our Doctors, Chinese medicine, Colds, Emotions, Fatigue, Flu, General, Health, Human behavior, Infections, Infertility, Inflammation, Miscellaneous, Seasonal affective disorder, Wellness | 1 Comment »