The Hidden Impact of Scars on Your Body's Communication System
Scars do more than leave a mark on your skin—they interrupt the body's internal communication system. This is especially true for scars that cross the midline of the body, such as those from C-sections, episiotomies, and epidurals.
Think of your body's communication system like a highway. When everything is functioning properly, traffic flows smoothly. But when an accident happens—much like a scar disrupting fascia and connective tissue—traffic is forced to take a detour. What was once a six-lane freeway is suddenly condensed into a single-lane side road. The body is incredibly intelligent and will find ways to adapt, but if these scars are not properly addressed, long-term problems will inevitably arise.
Scars are one of the five primary factors we assess during our initial exams, and we are constantly amazed at how many people suffering from chronic issues have never considered scars as a potential culprit.
Fascia, the connective tissue covering muscles, acts as a critical highway for the body's electrical communication. When injury occurs and scar tissue develops, it disrupts this system, causing congestion and inefficiency. The body compensates by creating alternative pathways, but these are never as effective as the original system. Scars across the midline are particularly problematic because this region serves as the body's main electrical breaker, regulating and distributing energy throughout the system.
The good news is that there are numerous effective ways to break down scar tissue, both externally and internally. We employ a variety of techniques to restore proper function and ensure that your body's communication highways are running smoothly. Addressing scars is a crucial step toward better health and long-term well-being.
Have you ever considered the impact of your scars on your overall health? If not, it may be time to start paying attention.
Supporting Your Liver for Optimal Health
The liver is an essential organ responsible for a vast range of vital functions that keep our bodies running efficiently. It plays a crucial role in both anabolic (building) and catabolic (breaking down) biochemical activities, ensuring that nutrients are properly processed and toxins are effectively eliminated. Supporting liver health is essential for overall well-being.
Functions of the Liver
Detoxification – Filters and removes toxins and waste products from the body.
Nutrient Storage – Stores essential vitamins, minerals, and iron.
Chemical Regulation – Manages cholesterol, hormones, and blood sugar levels.
Metabolism – Directly involved in carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism.
Thyroid Hormone Conversion – Converts 60% of thyroid hormone (T4 to T3) in the liver.
T3 Conversion Processes:
Glucuronidation – Requires B vitamins and magnesium for optimal function.
Sulfation – Dependent on B6, magnesium, and sulfur-containing foods such as eggs, meat, poultry, nuts, and legumes. A lack of these nutrients can lead to sluggish thyroid hormone conversion.
Signs of a Sluggish Liver
If your liver is not functioning optimally, you may experience:
Irritability or frequent anger
Persistent bad breath
Sugar cravings and blood sugar imbalances
Digestive problems such as constipation or diarrhea
Supporting the Liver
Given the toxic load from our environment, food, and personal care products, regularly supporting the liver is crucial. However, detoxing should be approached with caution—especially if your detox pathways are under-functioning. Without proper guidance, aggressive detoxing can make symptoms worse.
Simple Daily Detoxes
You can incorporate these simple detox strategies into your routine:
Essential Oils – Rub lemon or nutmeg essential oil over the liver area.
Lemon Water – Squeeze fresh lemon juice into water to aid detoxification.
Castor Oil Packs – Apply castor oil packs over the liver a few times a week to support circulation and detoxification.
Deeper Liver Detox Options
For a more intensive detox, consider booking an appointment for a consultation to get a unique and customized care plan for your body and symptoms.
Supporting your liver doesn’t have to be complicated, but it should be consistent. By incorporating these practices into your daily life, you can enhance your liver’s ability to detoxify, balance hormones, and keep your body functioning at its best. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any detox program, especially if you have underlying health conditions.
Rethinking Germ Vs. Terrain Theory
Germ vs. Terrain Theory became a popular argument a few years back but it has been put against each other for many years. Each offers a distinct viewpoint on the nature of disease and how to approach healing. Let's delve into these concepts and explore how they shape our understanding of health.
Germ Theory: The Battle Against Microorganisms
French chemist Louis Pasteur is credited with popularizing Germ Theory, which asserts that microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses, are the primary cause of most diseases. This paradigm shift revolutionized medicine, leading to the development of antibiotics and vaccines aimed at combating harmful pathogens. While these interventions have undoubtedly saved countless lives, they come with drawbacks, such as the indiscriminate destruction of both good and bad bacteria in the body.
Terrain Theory: Nurturing the Body's Environment
In contrast, physiologist Claude Bernard proposed Terrain Theory, which emphasizes the importance of the body's internal terrain in determining susceptibility to disease. According to this perspective, when exposed to pathogens, individuals become ill if their internal terrain—comprising factors like nutrition, toxicity levels, and overall vitality—is weakened. This theory underscores the innate resilience of the human body and the significance of bolstering its natural defenses.
Shifting the Paradigm: Strengthening the Terrain
At Wisdom and Truth, we embrace the principles of Terrain Theory, prioritizing the strengthening of the body's internal terrain over a relentless battle against germs. Rather than solely focusing on eradicating pathogens, we believe in removing harmful elements—such as food sensitivities, toxins, and imbalances—and providing the body with the support it needs to thrive. By nurturing the terrain, we empower individuals to withstand the challenges posed by pathogens and environmental stressors.
Balancing Act: Addressing Acute Issues
While our ultimate goal is to rebuild and fortify the body's terrain for long-term health, we recognize the importance of addressing acute concerns. Issues like pain, infections, and fatigue cannot be ignored, and addressing them can lay the foundation for trust and commitment to the broader journey of healing. We aim to strike a balance between short-term relief and long-term resilience, guiding individuals on a path toward sustainable wellness.
The Journey of Terrain Rebuilding
Rebuilding the body's terrain is not a quick fix; it's a gradual, ongoing process that requires dedication and perseverance. Like navigating a winding road, it involves ups and downs, setbacks and breakthroughs. It's about making daily choices that prioritize health and well-being, gradually reshaping the internal environment to withstand life's challenges. We advocate for a holistic approach that honors the intricate interplay between microorganisms and the body's internal terrain, where the focus is not on fearing germs, but on nurturing the terrain for optimal well-being. By strengthening the host and creating a resilient internal environment, we can cultivate a foundation for long-term health and vitality.
Embracing the Common Cold: A Chance for Immune Training
As the chill of autumn sets in, so does the inevitable rise in colds and sniffles. Our culture views them as inconvenient and therefore our culture tries to numb it out with medications. Colds aren’t just nuisances; they present a unique opportunity for our immune systems to flex, train, and ultimately become stronger against future pathogens.
The Immune System's Workout
Just like our muscles need exercise to grow, our immune systems thrive on encounters with pathogens. Each cold is a chance for our bodies to build resilience and prepare for the next challenge. When we feel that first twinge of discomfort, we can take proactive steps to support our health rather than suppress symptoms.
Immediate Action Steps
Here are a few practices we adopt at the first sign of illness:
Cut Out Sugar and Dairy: Both can feed infections, so eliminating them helps your body fight back more effectively.
Essential Oils: Rubbing oils on our feet and spine frequently enhances our immune response. Diffusing oils like Thieves creates a protective environment at home.
Supplements: A regimen of immune supporting supplements such as Congaplex, Lauricidin, Vitamin C, cod liver oil, and olive leaf extract can provide the nutritional support our bodies need.
Rest: Allowing ourselves to rest as much as possible is crucial. Sleep is when our bodies repair and strengthen.
Grounding & Sunlight: More on the benefits of this below.
Warm Foods and Drinks: Consuming only warm or hot items helps soothe symptoms and supports digestion, making it easier for our bodies to heal.
Rethinking Sickness
Sickness is not something to be feared. Instead of reaching for over-the-counter medications and antibiotics which wipe the gut of all good and bad bacteria. We should embrace it as a crucial part of our body’s training regimen. Our bodies are designed to handle these symptoms, which are often beneficial in the healing process. The goal should be to help the body work through it, not to suppress the uncomfortable (and often very helpful and exactly what the body is supposed to be doing) symptoms at every turn.
Grounding and Sunlight
When you first notice that you’re not feeling well, try to reconnect with nature. Standing barefoot on the ground (bonus points for standing in running water) and soaking up some sunshine can be incredibly beneficial. The Earth and sun act as natural electron donors, providing essential energy that can help your body rejuvenate. If it’s too cold to go outside, sit or stand near a window in the morning this also allows your circadian rhythm to reset.
Other Natural Electron Donors
Alkaline Water: Staying hydrated with alkaline water can help maintain your body’s pH balance.
Real Foods: Eating whole, unprocessed foods fuels your body with nutrients and energy.
Hugs: A simple hug from a friend or pet can provide comfort and support your emotional well-being.
Exercise: Light movement can stimulate circulation and help clear congestion.
Our bodies are resilient, and with the right support, we can navigate through colds with grace and confidence. Next time you're feeling the sniffles help your body navigate through the discomfort!
The content here is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended for medical advice. It does not take place of medical advice or treatment from a physician. Readers should consult their own doctor or a qualified healthcare professional for specific health concerns and questions.
Stewarding Your Health Through Chiropractic
When it comes to chiropractic care, many people only consider it when they experience pain or discomfort. Why get adjusted if you have no symptoms? Or at least no symptoms you correlate an adjustment helping with. To understand or see the value in wellness care it requires a complete mindset shift. To a place of wanting to steward well, not waiting for pain, symptoms, or disease to onset.
Shifting Your Mindset: From Reactive to Proactive
The first step in appreciating the value of wellness chiropractic care is a fundamental shift in mindset. Instead of waiting for symptoms to appear, such as back pain or headaches, consider chiropractic adjustments as a proactive measure to optimize your health. This approach focuses on the principle of stewardship—taking good care of your body to prevent issues before they arise, rather than simply reacting to them.
The Role of Wellness Care in Your Overall Health
Chiropractic is designed to address the underlying factors that can disrupt your body's natural healing processes. These factors include:
Toxic Foods: Nutrient-poor, processed foods can affect your body's overall health and its ability to function optimally.
Toxic People: Negative or stressful relationships can impact your mental and physical well-being.
Toxic Thoughts: Chronic stress or negative thought patterns can interfere with your body's ability to heal and maintain balance.
By addressing these factors, chiropractic aims to remove interference in your nervous system, which is crucial for maintaining your health and vitality.
How Chiropractic Adjustments Work
You might be wondering, “What exactly does an adjustment do, and how can it help?” Simply put, an adjustment is an input into the nervous system. Here’s a breakdown of how it works:
Nervous System Communication: The spinal cord runs from your brain down your spine, with nerves branching out from each vertebral level. These nerves control all organ systems, muscles, thought processes, and more. Essentially, your nervous system acts as your body's communication highway.
Flow of Nerve Impulses: For your body to function optimally, there needs to be a balanced flow of nerve impulses. If this flow is disrupted—whether due to misalignments in the spine, poor posture, or other factors—it can lead to various issues over time.
Restoring Balance: Chiropractic adjustments help restore the proper flow of nerve impulses by addressing misalignments or subluxations in the spine. This can improve communication between the brain and body, allowing your body to heal itself more effectively.
Stewarding Your Health: A Long-Term Approach
In today’s world, our bodies face greater demands than ever before. The stresses and strains of modern life require us to take more deliberate steps to maintain our health and well-being. Wellness chiropractic care is one such investment—a way to actively support your body’s innate ability to heal itself.
By incorporating regular chiropractic adjustments into your wellness routine, you’re not just addressing issues as they arise. You’re investing in a long-term strategy for health maintenance and enhancement. It’s about stewarding well the one body you’ve been given and ensuring it remains in the best possible condition to meet life’s challenges.
So, the next time you consider chiropractic care, remember that it's not just about fixing problems when they occur. It’s about supporting your body’s ability to thrive every day.
Understanding Exercise and Metabolism: Listen to Your Body's Signals
Exercise is a powerful tool for maintaining health and vitality, but it's essential to approach it from a place of metabolic abundance, not deficiency. Just as a car needs fuel to run efficiently, our bodies require adequate nutrients to support physical activity effectively. Let's delve into the symbiotic relationship between exercise and metabolism, and how to discern if your body is ready to engage in physical activity.
Engaging in physical activity is metabolically expensive—it demands substantial amounts of nutrients, both during and after workouts, to replenish what was expended. Think of exercise as an investment in your metabolic health, requiring a surplus of resources to sustain optimal performance and recovery. Without adequate fuel in the tank, your body may struggle to meet the demands of exercise, leading to fatigue, burnout, and potential health issues.
Fortunately, our bodies are adept at signaling whether we're in a state of metabolic excess, primed for exercise, or deficient, in need of replenishment. Here are some key indicators to help you gauge your metabolic status:
Healthy Hair, Skin, and Nails: These external markers of health reflect the internal abundance of nutrients available to support metabolic functions.
Healthy Hormones: Stable libido, mood, and energy levels are indicative of hormonal balance, a key factor in metabolic health.
Appetite: A healthy appetite upon waking signals sufficient energy reserves to support physical activity.
Sleep Quality and Energy Levels: Restful sleep and stable energy throughout the day suggest metabolic efficiency.
Bowel Movements: Regular, unassisted bowel movements without bloating or discomfort indicate digestive health and nutrient absorption.
Body Temperatures: Optimal waking temperature and pulse rates signify a well-functioning metabolism.
Warmth Post-Meals: Increased circulation and warmth in the extremities following meals indicate efficient nutrient utilization.
Interpreting Your Body's Signals
By assessing these touchpoints, you can gain insight into your body's metabolic state and readiness for exercise. If you're experiencing positive indicators across the board, your body is likely primed for physical activity. However, if you notice deficiencies in one or more areas, your body may be signaling a need for attention and nourishment before engaging in rigorous exercise.
The Importance of Movement
While exercise is essential for optimal health, it's crucial to distinguish between structured workouts and daily movement. Incorporating activities like walking, light stretching, and household chores into your routine provides valuable movement without the metabolic strain of intense exercise. Start with gentle movement if your body isn't yet ready for more demanding workouts, gradually building strength and stamina over time. We emphasize meeting individuals where they are in their health journey. Honor the wisdom of our bodies, nourishing them with movement and mindful attention, to cultivate a foundation of lasting well-being.
The content here is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended for medical advice. It does not take place of medical advice or treatment from a physician. Readers should consult their own doctor or a qualified healthcare professional for specific health concerns and questions.
Rethinking Sunscreen: A Personal Journey Towards Skin Health
When it comes to skincare, opinions and practices vary widely. From elaborate routines to minimalist approaches, each person's journey to healthy skin is unique. For my family and me, our approach has evolved, leading us to reevaluate the necessity of sunscreen.
We don't use sunscreen for a number of reasons. It began with the observation that my husband and babies possess naturally beautiful skin tones that rarely, if ever, burn under the sun's rays. This led us to question the conventional wisdom surrounding sunscreen use.
Personally, I used to diligently apply sunscreen whenever I spent time outdoors. However, my perspective shifted when I started delving deeper into holistic approaches to skincare. I discovered that by supporting my skin from the inside out, I could potentially reduce my susceptibility to sunburn. And so, we embarked on a journey that prioritizes nourishing our bodies to promote skin health.
This will be our fourth summer without relying on sunscreen, and our decision has been met with curiosity and sometimes skepticism from others. But our experiences have led us to explore alternative methods of sun protection and skin care.
So, what do we do in place of sunscreen? Here are some practices we've adopted:
Reduce PUFA intake: We've made a conscious effort to decrease our consumption of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), which are found in many processed foods. By minimizing our intake of PUFAs, we aim to support our skin's natural resilience.
Take high-quality Vitamin E: Incorporating a high-quality vitamin E supplement, such as wheat germ oil by Standard Process, into our diet has been beneficial. Vitamin E is known for its antioxidant properties, which can help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals.
Embrace natural sunlight: Rather than shielding our eyes with sunglasses at all times, we've learned to embrace the benefits of natural sunlight. Moderate exposure to sunlight is essential for vitamin D synthesis, which is crucial for overall health, including skin health.
Prioritize quality animal protein: Ensuring that we consume ample amounts of quality animal protein provides essential nutrients that support skin health from within.
Our decision not to use sunscreen may not be suitable for everyone, and we understand that individual circumstances vary. However, our journey serves as a reminder that there isn't a one-size-fits-all approach to skincare. By listening to our bodies and prioritizing holistic health, we've discovered alternative methods of caring for our skin that work for us.
If you're someone who relies heavily on sunscreen, perhaps our experience will encourage you to explore different approaches to sun protection and skincare. Whether it's through dietary changes, supplementation, or lifestyle adjustments, there are numerous ways to support skin health naturally.
Ultimately, the key is to listen to your body, do your research, and find what works best for you. So, before slathering on sunscreen this summer, consider looking into alternative methods of sun protection and see if they resonate with you. After all, healthy skin starts from within.
The content here is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended for medical advice. It does not take place of medical advice or treatment from a pyhcisian. Readers should consult their own doctor or a qualified healthcare professional for specific health concerns and questions.
All About Allergies
Allergies—a term often used interchangeably with sensitivities or intolerances—can be perplexing, leaving individuals grappling for relief even after trying numerous remedies. While conventional tests may yield "normal" results, many still find themselves undeniably unwell. It's time to delve deeper into the complexities of allergies and explore a novel approach that offers hope for those seeking lasting solutions.
Allergies manifest in various forms, extending beyond seasonal sniffles to encompass food sensitivities, environmental triggers, and more. Yet, the underlying causes of these reactions are often far more intricate than commonly perceived. Factors contributing to allergies may include exposure to toxins, deficiencies, genetic predispositions inherited from ancestors, physical traumas such as surgeries or accidents, and even emotional traumas.
The Quest for Relief
For many, the journey to find relief from allergies is fraught with frustration. Despite efforts to adhere to strict diets or eliminate potential triggers, symptoms persist, hindering everyday life. It's a vicious cycle, leaving individuals exhausted and disheartened, struggling to navigate the maze of potential solutions.
NAET: A Beacon of Hope
Dr. Devi Nambudripad, a pioneering physician who embarked on a quest to redefine our understanding of allergies. Dissatisfied with conventional approaches, Dr. Nambudripad delved into years of research and clinical practice, ultimately unveiling a groundbreaking discovery—the body's innate ability to reverse allergies by restoring energetic balance.
Dr. Nambudripad's Allergy Elimination Technique (NAET) offers a beacon of hope for those grappling with stubborn allergies. By addressing the underlying energetic imbalances that contribute to allergic reactions, NAET provides a non-invasive, holistic approach to allergy relief. Through a series of treatments tailored to individual sensitivities, NAET aims to restore harmony within the body, empowering individuals to reclaim their health and vitality.
With NAET, we have the opportunity to rewrite the narrative of allergy management, shifting our focus from symptom suppression to holistic healing.
NAET CAN SUCCESSFULLY ALLEVIATE ADVERSE REACTIONS TO:
Egg
Milk
Peanuts
Penicillin
Aspirin
Mushrooms
Shellfish
Latex
Grass
Ragweed
Flowers
Perfume
Animal dander & animal epithelial
Make-up
Chemicals
Cigarette smoke
Pathogens
Heat
Cold
Other environmental agents
Together, let's embark on a path toward lasting wellness, reclaiming vitality and freedom from the burdens of allergies.
To learn more about NAET schedule an initial consult with us to see if you would be a good candidate.
Moriah's Birth Story
We had just got the boys down and were watching the Rangers play in the World Series. Around 9:30pm I had a couple of contractions that caused me to take some deep breaths. I went to bed to see if they would progress. Sure enough, they did. They continued to get stronger but stayed 10ish minutes apart. I called the midwife around 11:15pm and told her they were strong but still pretty far apart. Our doula and birth photographer were on their way. Everyone arrived around 1 am.
Contractions remained 8-10 minutes apart for the next four hours. We turned the lights off and rested for some of that. At 5am I had a contraction that made Carmen jump up and turn on the lights saying “We are about to have a baby!” Amazing to me that she can tell by the sounds you make during a contraction on how close we are to having a baby!! Talk about mad skills and lots of experience!! We welcomed Moriah Elizabeth at precisely 6am on October 29th. I pushed for 9 minutes which was really intense because it went so fast.
It was my first home birth (my other two were at the birth center) and it was beautiful. It was everything I prayed for. One of my favorite parts of birthing with a midwifery team is the after-birth hang-out sesh that takes place, oohhhing and ahhhing over the new life with people who often become your friends along the way. My midwife happens to be a dear friend who has caught all three of my babies. We were all crying after Moriah arrived. Such a sweet moment I won’t ever forget. Shiane and Zep (our little dog) became the best of friends by the end of it!
A little extra information about events leading up to her birth, if you care to keep reading. We were 41 weeks and 2 days and had a lot of sickness in our home the prior two weeks. The morning of October 28th the man who has counseled our family through many many things asked my mom if Moriah was here yet. Mom told him no and he asked what the problem was. She said well we don’t know and began to tell him about the sickness in our home and how it had been a little hectic with us being up a lot at night with the other two boys and a few different things. He said she doesn’t feel like there is a space ready for her. He advised Niraj and I to tell her that we were ready for her to come home. So we did. I cried a lot and processed some of the events that took place. I even went that morning and bought her a special blanket and a little pink bunny. I went into labor that evening at 930pm.
I tell that to share how powerful our thoughts, words, environment, and emotions are specifically, in this situation, relating to birth/labor and the unborn baby. Because we had said multiple times over the 2 weeks leading up to her birth things like “Well good thing she didn’t come yesterday because we were up all night.” Not in any way meaning we didn’t want her here or want her, obviously, but insinuating that it was easier to navigate the situation at hand without a newborn. Therefore, she was waiting until there was a space, made ready, for her arrival.
