March 22nd, 2013 • Posted by Jenniferalise Patterson • Permalink
New Studies Show Health Benefits
Easter is fast approaching, so what better blog then this!
It's not like we need a specific reason to eat chocolate, but it doesn't hurt that studies are finding increasing health benefits associated with the popular indulgence. While chocolate is high in sugar and saturated fat, it does contain chemical compounds with proven benefits, so enjoy--in moderation--and expect to reap some of these rewards.
A study in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that women over 70 who ate chocolate at least once a week were 35 percent less likely to suffer from heart disease during the survey period. Researchers suspect that the flavonoids found in chocolate, which are known to reduce blood pressure, likely improve overall cardiovascular health.
These same flavonoids in dark chocolate that help decrease blood pressure can also reduce post-meal abdominal blood pressure spikes that strain the liver by widening and relaxing blood cells. A Spanish study of patients with end-stage liver disease showed that dark chocolate helped reduce some of the risks associated with conditions like cirrhosis.
Dark chocolate has been shown to help pregnant women avoid preeclampsia--a significant complication where blood pressure spikes to dangerous levels--by nearly 40 percent when consumed five times a week. Dark chocolate is especially rich in theobromine, which relaxes muscles and dilates blood vessels. As an additional benefit, it also seems to improve circulation in the placenta.
Research out of the University of California, San Diego, demonstrated that mice given epicatechin, a flavonoid found in dark chocolate, could run for 50 percent longer than those who only drank water. The mice also grew new capillaries and mitochondria in their muscles, changes that explain their enhanced endurance capacity. Unfortunately, perhaps, for chocolate lovers, is that researchers say just one-sixth of 1 ounce of chocolate each day is the ideal serving size to receive this benefit.
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January 10th, 2013 • Posted by Jenniferalise Patterson • Permalink
If you have recently had a cold, flu, sinus or ear infection and you still feel stuffy, congested, sore or are experiencing headaches; ear candling may be the suitable and affordable alternative for you.
So, how does it actually help?
Being one of the most popular misconceptions, ear candling isn’t
actually removing earwax build-up and/or debris from the ear canal. It is more-so, loosening it through thermal stimulus and wellness balancing.
Imagine the warming energy and thermal effects from the heat and
smoke of the candle filtering into the ear and changing the environment
on the outer side of the ear drum. This is the stimulus that works on balancing various systems throughout the body.
As
tissue in and around the ear becomes relaxed and less inflamed, the warmth and smoke vapors allows for the loosening of wax and debris and the thinning of mucosa to
happen on the other side of the ear drum, which can then lead to:
- Circulatory vessels and lymphatic capillaries being stimulated
thus allowing for better flow of fluids (blood, lymph and cerebral
spinal fluid).
- The increase in flow of cerebral spinal fluid which relaxes the nervous system and provide relief from headaches.
- The Eustachian tube, sinuses, and lymph nodes to be opened for better drainage.
- Equalizing the pressure behind the ear drum, promoting physical and hormonal balancing.
- Stimulation of the immune system to defend against free radicals.
And, what can I expect?
Typically a session is 40 minutes for one set of candles and an hour and a half for four candles (which is classified as a double session). The more candles that are used the greater the effects and outcome will be. Some
clients have experienced changes either immediately or within a few
hours or days, and some with just one session, while others with a
series of sessions. The results from an ear candling session will vary upon the individual. Symptoms that it has been able to help with are,
but are not limited to:
| O Ear aches and infections |
O Headaches |
| O Sinus congestion, infection |
O Snoring |
| O Colds, flu, sore throats |
O Balance and equilibrium |
| O Swollen glands |
O Pain or pressure with high altitude
|
| O Lymphatic congestion |
O Reduction with stress by calming the nervous system |
Lastly, how is it performed?
While lying on your side, your Therapist will light the wide top of the candle while holding closed the opposite end until a smoke filled vacuum occurs. The small tip of the candle is then placed into the ear and
held in place while your Therapist keeps your ear parallel towards the ground, aiding in removal of debris and increased comfort for you.
During your session, your Therapist will occasionally remove the candle to cut down any excess that has already burned, core the funnel and then relight and replace back into the ear until the candle is dissolved.
While receiving an Ear Candling, many clients feel a
slight suction or hear crackling sounds as the ear candle
works. This is normal as is the sensation of warmth and stuffiness.
Ear oil is then placed in the ear along with cotton to protect from further infections and/or bacteria and yeast. It is advised to keep the cotton in place for at least 30 minutes afterwards or as long as you remain outdoors to prevent cold air and toxins from entering.
After your session, your Therapist will advise you to drink plenty of water to aid in the removal of toxins and suggest rescheduling, if needed. You may resume normal activities at this time.
Take advantage of our Ear Candling Reduced Rate Today!
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January 2nd, 2013 • Posted by Jenniferalise Patterson • Permalink
Instead of making a New Year's resolution, try to set a goal or several goals throughout the year. Resolutions are generally easily broken where goals can be narrowed down to a time frame (daily, weekly, etc.) which makes them more obtainable. Below are a few suggestions and ways to gain inner peace this new year.
Relax, chill and pamper yourself!
Turn off e-mail, log out of Facebook and give your Twitter fingers a break
Get rid of things you don't need-material items, unnecessary emotions and even toxic people
Having a pet, or even petting a dog or cat, is proven to lower blood pressureYou don't have to be a perfect calorie counter every day
Sit quietly for 5-10 minutes and try to clear your thoughtsSpend a few moments in a natural setting-put your feet in the grass or sand and breathe deeply
The wreckage of the past and the perceived wreckage of the future are not your reality. What's happening in this exact moment is all you really need to think about
- Buy a gift for someone else
It doesn't have to be anything large or even store bought-just something that will bring a smile to their face and yours
- Do something with your hands
Occupational therapy is a great stress reliever. Bake, play or make something out of clay-whatever gets you out of your head and into what you are creating
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