Rest & Digest
Bowl of food, https://unsplash.com/@thephotographermom
In Chinese medicine the most important organ system is considered to be the Spleen & Stomach. It is considered the powerhouse of energy production and where we get our post natal Qi. When this system malfunctions health problems can occur, prolonged digestive issues could lead to sluggishness and sometimes more serious health conditions. (For more serious conditions please check in with a health care professional.)
Some simple things to consider when it is time to refuel:
1. Provide yourself with a calm and comfortable environment for eating. A calm environment assists the body enlist the parasympathetic (rest & digest) function so that digestion can occur efficiently. Eat slowly, chew well and take the time to enjoy your food.
2. Ensure that you are eating at regular mealtimes according to your schedule. I usually ask about regular meal times as this give an indication about how a person cares for themself. A regular meal time indicates that our appetite is functioning well, and that we are conscious about when we refuel. Meal planning doesn’t require a fancy menu. Often times we want things to be perfect when setting out to do better for ourselves. But for the most part, a mental checklist of having a good quality protein, vegetable and grain in your diet for the day would work in a pinch.
3. Lastly, finish eating about 3-4 hours before your bed time. This will allow for your stomach to have adequate time to process any new foods you have introduced into your system. It is important to give this system a rest as it is part of maintenance and care for your digestive system. If you do find yourself hungry at night and require a snack, select small portions of foods that are easily digestible and preferably warm.
Proper care of the digestive system does not need to be complicated especially if you don’t have any serious digestive problems. Simply eating plenty of vegetables, a good quality protein and grain is generally what I look for. Be conscious of portion sizes and listen to the body-sometimes its just dehydrated or needs a little bit more fibre.
Happy Holidays
https://unsplash.com/@anniespratt
Holiday Break will be from Dec 22, 2023 to January 5, 2024. I appreciate all your inquiries for appointments, this month is fully booked. The 2024 schedule is ready, please feel free to schedule your next appointment in January. I look forward to seeing you in the New Year!
First Appointment? Here is what you need to know.
Typically, your initial visit is about 45minutes to 1 hour long. Arriving on time is best, too early and you may run into another appointment, too late and we may need to reduce your time on the table. Wear loose comfortable clothing and try to have something to eat and drink before your appointment as it will help you to stay relaxed. Feel free to use the washroom here prior to the treatment.
We will discuss your treatment and answer any questions you may have regarding the procedure. If you have questions or would like to take a pause please let us know. We would like you to feel as comfortable as possible during your appointment.
The Acupuncture procedure is typically not painful. You may feel a little pin prick, a dull ache, or sometimes not much at all! Once the needles are in you get the opportunity to unwind and relax for approximately 20-30 minutes depending on your comfort level.
After the treatment, you may feel a little light headed and sleepy. Some people report that they have an excellent sleep or feel extra energetic the next day.
Chronic Stress and Balance
Stress serves an important purpose, our bodies are designed to use the physiological changes that occur when we perceive a stressor or a threat to efficiently run away from danger. However, the perception of stress is based on individual response and what may be stressful for one may be thrilling and challenging for another. So what kind of stress is good stress and what is bad stress?
Well, the answer is dependant on the length of time you are stressed . There are two types of stress; internal stress and external stress. Internal stress could be something like pressures you may put on yourself , or the feeling you would get when you are expected to give a presentation. While external stressors may be things like major life events, or having urgent deadlines to meet. Either way, internal and external stressors can have the same physical and psychological effects.
Stress triggers a combination of signals from both hormones and nerves. These signals cause your adrenals to release cortisol and adrenaline. The result is an increased heart rate and burst of energy from the adrenaline and a dump of cortisol which helps to limit any non-essential functions in a fight or flight situation. In a short burst of stress, this is a normal reaction, but when it is prolonged our body can become unbalanced.
Non-essential functions during a stressful ( fight or flight) time that cortisol may influence are things like regulating metabolism, reducing inflammation, and controlling blood pressure. When you are under constant stress, the response fails to turn off and cortisol and adrenaline can accumulate in the body. Long term increased cortisol could lead to heart disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, weight gain, digestive and reproductive issues or other chronic diseases.
So what does this mean for you? Knowing that long term exposure of high stress causes peaks in adrenaline and cortisol levels in your body could cause serious health conditions; we should regularly look to prioritize and schedule stress relieving and cortisol flushing activities.
Make time, to slow down, rest, repair, and repeat. For the sake of our own wellbeing it is the best medicine.
Activities to include in your regular routines to combat stress and the effects of chronic stress:
Exercise-but not too much 20 min
Get the right amount of sleep 7-8 hours is ideal
Limit Caffeine intake, drink herbal teas instead.
Mindfulness practice- take small opportunities to check in with yourself and your surroundings.
Have fun, Laugh, and enjoy your hobbies. What is the point of life if you can not do these things?
Maintaining Good healthy relationships- make time for friends, authentic friendships feel great, and always deserve your time.
Eat a nutritious, balanced diet at regular mealtime intervals.
Have sex! orgasms can help to reduce your stress levels, increase oxytocin the “love” hormone, and improve your sleep.
Finally, get acupuncture. Acupuncture stimulates the body's natural feel-good hormones which can help to reduce the level of stress hormones- particularly, cortisol.