Lyme disease is the number one fastest growing disease in the US today. It is also the number one disease most discounted and misdiagnosed per outdated benchmarks used to determine if you have it or not. This results in not only getting proper treatment as soon as possible but also many people not having the information to fully understand all the ways you can contract this disease. When we think of Lyme disease, we often think it the result of visiting the woods or some remote area where ticks are roaming, but more and more cases are found disturbingly closer to home. Your backyard, the local park, your neighborhood streets. Ticks are not limited to residing in the woods and remote areas these days and have become a pest we simply cannot ignore anymore. Lyme disease is primarily transmitted through the bite of infected black-legged ticks (also known as deer ticks). You can also get Lyme Disease from other infected carriers, such as mosquitos, flies and other biting insects. It can also be passed between mother and baby when pregnant. Now before you whip out the chemical arsenal of bug repellents, there are natural ways to protect yourself and support your health if you are bitten. These are much less harmful to you and the environment as well. What often gets missed in the quest to protecting ourselves is that all chemicals used have a trickle down effect to animals and our environment that can cause illness, disease and other problems in our habitat and that of wildlife. You may not care about that if you are bitten but it is something we all need to be mindful of before going out full warfare against ticks. Lyme disease, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and transmitted through ticks, has become a growing concern in recent years. While preventive measures like tick checks are crucial, there’s another defender in the battle against Lyme disease that you might not be aware of – your microbiome. This complex ecosystem of microorganisms residing in your gut and on your skin plays a significant role in bolstering your immune system and potentially protecting you against Lyme disease. Microbiome: Your Invisible Army Your microbiome comprises trillions of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microorganisms that call your body home. It’s like an invisible army, working tirelessly to maintain your health by aiding in digestion, supporting your immune system, and even influencing your mood. You digestive system is directly tied to your immune function so maintaining a healthy microbiome starts with digestive improvements so your body can perform at its best. Studies have shown a healthy microbiome can help your immune system identify and protect against infectious threats, including Lyme bacterium. Recent research shows that the composition of your skin microbiome can influence your attractiveness to ticks. Certain bacteria on your skin can produce chemicals that either attract or deter ticks. A balanced skin microbiome might be the best help to deter ticks from latching on you in the first place. This means of course that our gut-brain-immune axis is interconnected and creating harmony and balance here is vital. Doing so will reduce inflammatory response making it more difficult for Lyme disease to manifest. The best way to create a healthy microbiome is through a healthy balanced diet, plus added fiber, prebiotics, probiotics and digestive enzymes where needed. Minimizing processed, artificial and manufactured foods is key as this can quickly disrupt the microbiome balance and alter digestive flora. Your microbiome is a remarkable ally in the fight against Lyme disease, influencing your immune response, tick defense, and overall well-being. By nurturing a diverse and balanced microbiome through a healthy diet and lifestyle, you can harness the power of these tiny protectors to potentially reduce your risk of Lyme disease. However, always remember that prevention remains key, so continue to practice tick-awareness and consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice. With your microbiome as a resilient shield, you can step into the great outdoors with confidence, knowing that you have an invisible army ready to defend your health. Know your Tick Risk at Home Here are the food and home-related risks where Lyme disease can occur: 1. Outdoor Risks: Wooded and Grassy Areas: Ticks carrying Lyme disease are prevalent in wooded regions, parks, hiking trails, and areas with tall grass. When spending time in these environments, especially during warmer months, you may encounter infected ticks. They are a year-round concern for many areas of the country where warmer winters occur. Wildlife: Ticks often attach themselves to animals like deer and rodents. When you come into contact with these animals or their habitats, you may be at risk of tick exposure. 2. Home and Yard Risks: Ticks in Your Yard: Ticks can also inhabit your yard, especially if it borders wooded or grassy areas. Tall grass, leaf litter, and woodpiles can provide tick-friendly habitats. Keep your yard well-maintained and consider tick-control measures. Pets: Dogs and cats can carry ticks into your home. Regularly check your pets for ticks, especially if they roam in tick-prone areas. 3. Food-Related Risks: Game Meat: If you hunt or consume game meat, be aware that ticks can attach to wild animals and may carry Lyme disease. Properly inspect and prepare game meat to minimize the risk. Home Gardens: Ticks can also lurk in gardens, particularly if there are tall plants or overgrown areas. When gardening, wear protective clothing and conduct tick checks afterward. Grocery store meats and produce. There is an increasingly alarming rate of Lyme found in our grocery store products as animals and crops are constantly exposed to chemicals, antibiotics and vaccines that weaken their natural immunity and make them more susceptible to diseases that we cannot combat chemically. This also in turns weakens our own immunity when we consume these products. 4. Indoor Risks: Ticks Indoors: Ticks can sometimes find their way indoors on clothing or pets. Regularly check yourself, your family members, and your pets for ticks if you’ve been in tick-prone areas. With these risk factors in mind, there are several steps we can take to safeguarding our personal environment and mitigating these exposure risks including: 5. Home Safety Measures: Tick Checks: After spending time outdoors in tick-prone areas, thoroughly check your body for ticks. Pay close attention to hidden areas like the groin, armpits, and scalp. Protective Clothing: When venturing into tick habitats, wear long sleeves, pants, and closed-toe shoes. Tuck pants into socks, and use tick repellents on exposed skin. Tick Removal: If you find a tick attached to your skin, remove it carefully with fine-tipped tweezers. Grasp the tick as close to your skin’s surface as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure 5. Tick Control: Landscaping: Mow the Lawn: Keep your lawn well-maintained by mowing it regularly. Ticks thrive in tall grass, so maintaining a shorter grass height can reduce tick habitat. Create a Barrier: Consider creating a barrier between wooded areas and your yard by using wood chips or gravel. This can deter ticks from migrating into your yard. Natural Repellents: Cedar Mulch: Cedar mulch, when spread in your yard or garden, can act as a natural tick repellent due to its aroma. Nematodes: Beneficial nematodes are microscopic organisms that can be applied to your yard. They prey on tick larvae and can help reduce tick populations. Tick Tubes: Tick tubes are cardboard tubes filled with treated cotton balls. Mice, which are common tick carriers, collect the cotton for nesting, and the treated cotton kills ticks on the mice, reducing the tick population. Opt for Organic: Shop local farmer’s markets, organic produce and meat sources to reduce your consumption of chemicals. Keep Your Yard Dry: Ticks prefer humid environments. Ensure good drainage in your yard to reduce moisture levels, making it less attractive to ticks. Prune Vegetation: Trim and prune bushes, shrubs, and low-lying branches. This reduces the amount of shade and humidity in your yard, making it less appealing to ticks. Deer Deterrence: Deer are common hosts for ticks. Implement deer deterrent measures, such as fencing or planting deer-resistant plants. Tick-Repellent Plants: Certain plants, like lavender, rosemary, and marigolds, have natural tick-repelling properties. Plant them strategically in your yard or garden. Regular Tick Checks: Perform regular tick checks on yourself, family members, and pets after spending time outdoors. Prompt removal of attached ticks can prevent potential bites. Tick-Proof Your Home: Seal gaps and cracks around the home’s foundation and walls Remember that while these natural methods can help reduce tick populations in your yard, no method is entirely foolproof. Also, while we want to reduce our own risk we want to also prevent contamination of chemicals in our environment that can be harmful to us, pets, and wildlife. Taking appropriate precautions when spending time in tick-prone areas and promptly addressing ticks if they attach to your skin are essential steps in reducing the risk of Lyme disease. If you develop symptoms like a fever, rash, or joint pain after a tick bite, seek medical attention promptly, as early treatment can be effective in preventing Lyme disease complications. More importantly, starting with your microbiome health can be the best option we have for creating a resilient shield for our health. We can thoroughly enjoy the great outdoors with confidence, knowing that you have an invisible army ready to defend your health. To work with me on your holistic health needs, please visit dragonspitapothecary.com

The ancient wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a holistic approach to well-being. This modality recognizes the interconnectedness of the body, mind, and spirit and be a guide to building good health. TCM practitioners like myself, believe the face reflects the internal state of our organs and overall health as well as indications of where we can see health changes. It can even give us clues to your past and future health status along with a variety of other interesting information to help us align the right support for the body’s ability to heal and build new health. By analyzing facial features and signs, TCM facial analysis can provide helpful insights into imbalances within the body, including nutritional deficiencies or excesses. This tool helps us navigate the best way to create change in health and even support goals like weight loss. What is TCM Face Analysis TCM is an ancient medicinal practice that is still used today. One of the tools within TCM is the TCM face analysis which is an assessment tool that creates a map for where further assessment can occur in identifying root causes to problems and their solutions. When using this technique, we look for specific patterns, markings and indications on the face that correspond to different organs, body systems and lifestyle impacts. This process helps us see the pathways of energy (meridians) throughout the body and where blocks and support may be needed. What’s most fascinating about this technique is the ability to align with recommendations the body is specifically able to use to help it improve health and thrive. This is where we can unlock the power of your own body to move the needle on stubborn health goals like weight loss. When you understand the right balance your body needs it is much easier to provide that support and have it be long lasting. Please know that no holistic modality, including TCM face analysis cannot diagnose, prescribe or establish a medical care plan. Those are the things of Western medical doctors and pharmacies. Holistic medicines can be used alongside Western medicine but that is a conversation to have with your medical doctor. My personal opinion is if your doctor says no, then I’d question if they are the right doctor for you. Please keep in mind a holistic health practitioner like myself cannot change the care plan or prescriptions your medical doctor has given you. Those changes must be worked out with your doctor. What’s looked at in TCM Face Analysis When I work with a client to create their facial analysis the process looks like this: First I take a picture of your face. Your normal resting face is important to refer back to and gives me a place to put markings I see that are important. Then I methodically work from your hairline down to the bottom of your chin going through each area making notes of what I see. Your skin quality is also considered because it and the color can indicate internal balances. Depending on where the color and quality changes can indicate specific body systems and organs that need support. There is a map that aligns with different phases of life, organ systems and ages where your face will provide valuable information I collect. For example, your cheeks represent your lungs. The area under your eyes reflects the status of your kidneys and adrenals. Likewise, each feature such as your eyes, lips and nose each correspond to different organs and energy pathways (meridians) that flow through the body. When the information is collected I then form it into a story about your health and include indications I see from each section of your face. How is the TCM Facial Analysis Information Used? With the story of your face mapped out, we can begin to determine your specific TCM element. We have tendencies of all the elements but everyone has one dominate. There are five elements in the TCM chart – Water, Fire, Earth, Metal and Wood. When we know your element we can begin to define specific dietary, exercise, stress strategies and more that match your needs. It can also tell us where you may need to watch for excess or supplement for a deficiency. These guidelines become a roadmap that can be used to show us what your body naturally thrives from and how best to support those needs. I always provide my clients with specific foods that align with their element along with what foods to avoid. We also go through what their high energy season is, when is the best time for them to rest and when they are most creative. In most cases, these are aha moments for my clients where they realize what they really love is intentional and does make them feel great. Likewise, it identifies things that don’t work well for them and they now understand why. Ultimately, the information gathered creates a way to balance the elements and body with dietary and supplement recommendations. It helps us mitigate potential problems and realistically work to improve current concerns. This decreases the force necessary to make changes and extends well beyond just our health. Understanding who you are and what you need to thrive applies to all aspects of our live including career, relationships, emotional and spiritual needs. How do you get a TCM Facial Analysis A qualified TCM practitioner or holistic health practitioner are typically trained in TCM facial analysis. While it can seem easy to do on your own, it is important you seek out qualified professionals to do it for you to prevent mistakes. Getting the wrong element alignment can change the recommendations drastically resulting in poor results and a potentially bad experience. Additionally, the recommendations made by a professional will be personalized to you. Their findings may provide additional insight to other problems that can be further supported in this session. They will also help you create a plan and follow up with you to help provide ongoing support that can help you be successful. When you combine TCM facial analysis with other lifestyle factors such as stress management, exercise, sleep quality and diet you can often create positive changes in your health that lead to increased vitality and quality. TCM facial analysis offers a unique lens through which we can gain insights into our internal health and make informed dietary adjustments. By recognizing facial signs and corresponding organ imbalances, we can tailor our diet to address deficiencies or excesses and promote optimal well-being. Remember, TCM facial analysis is best utilized alongside professional guidance and a holistic approach to health that encompasses lifestyle factors. Embrace the wisdom of TCM and nurture your inner health for a vibrant, balanced life. To book your facial analysis with me, setup a Holistic Health Consultation at dragonspitapothecary.com

When it comes to improving health, one of the first things many people think of is they have to exercise more… or start exercising. The focus becomes a purely physical one with specific metrics such as our weight and body measurements. While I think its great to want to move your body more and have metrics to see progress, this approach neglects the other parts of ourself. We also see that many people find it difficult to keep up with new physical health goals making it easy to quit and feel defeated from. What if your mind isn’t into going to spin class? What if emotionally you just can’t keep up? What if it is not the right exercise program for you? There are many considerations when thinking about improving our health. Exercise is important and should be included but without alignment to your physical skill and interests as well as what you emotionally and mentally need you may find this new healthy goal more difficult to maintain and see results from doing. What I find with my clients and myself is we give up and fade away from physical activities that do not engage us or have our interest. The types of exercise routines people tend to maintain are the ones that not only move the body but connect with them on a mental, social, and emotional level. We look forward to it because there’s something more than just moving our body we get rewarded by doing it. Physical Movement Beyond Body Moving First, consider that exercise doesn’t have to be brutal to be effective. We need to move the body to generate a good sweat and get the heart moving. This doesn’t need to be intense, hours long or even hard. A good healthy walk outside can do much more for us sometimes than an hour on the treadmill watching TV. Engage in activities that strengthen and condition the body. A variety of activities is also important so we work different muscle groups and support the body’s need for rest. Look for activities that work the various body systems including cardiovascular, skeletal, muscular and overall fitness. The biggest factor in physical movement is developing consistency. This is where variety and interest in what you are doing matters. Learning new things also keeps things interesting and engages the body in new forms of exercise that can be enjoyable and engaging. Mental Stimulation while Exercising Exercise has many benefits for our mind and mental health. It can stimulate repairs in the brains that support improved memory and increased creativity. It can also help with focus and concentration. Using exercise as a way to involve your brain is a great way to get a good workout. This is where activities like outdoor active games and team sports can be helpful. We can also see mental benefit through walking with a friend. This is not only introducing accountability but can be a situation where you discuss interesting topics that give the brain a boost. Emotional Support while Exercising Exercise from an emotional health perspective includes finding intentional ways to release emotions. Exercise releases the feel good endorphin hormones that reduce the effects of sadness, anxiety, depression and blues. Yoga, Tai-chi and other exercises like these can be incredibly beneficial to our emotional health while providing physical and mental stimulation. Spiritual Connection through Exercise and Movement Even our spirit can benefit from exercise! One of the best yoga classes I have ever taken included Christian prayers and Bible verses while we moved into the poses. It was incredibly connecting for me and calmed my spirit. In Japan, there is the practice of “forest bathing.” This is the act of walking through the forest in communion with the trees and nature. doTERRA actually created an essential oil blend that produces this same effect aromatically. The oil is also called Shrinin-Yoku (Forest Bathing) Being more self-aware, expanding mindfulness and reconnecting with our inner peace is one of the hardest and most rewarding workouts you will ever do. Bringing Movement Together in Mind, Body, Spirit and Emotional Ways Intuitive movement is a wonderful technique to support tapping into your body’s wisdom for how it needs to move. It honors your limits and listens to align the movement your make with the intensity and duration your body needs. I like to call this mind-body exercise because when you reach this state of your working out, it is next level personalization in your health journey. Instead of pushing to a schedule and predefined set program of working out you listen to your body and do that. You stop when your body says it needs rest. Sounds simple but in reality it takes us a long time to break up with the idea we have to do certain things to an expectation that is not our own. It is great to have challenges we work towards but no one knows your body better than you when it comes to what is enough or how far to push. There is a careful balance between coping out and knowing when your body has reached that ideal place of activity level that serves for healthy movement. Striking that balance in your movement routine with flexibility to do what’s right for you takes time to define and build. It requires so much of what we know for how health is built to be reframed and personalized to us individually. Many of us would benefit form simply learning to listen to ourselves and having the courage to act on what our body says it needs. Holistic Exercise By embracing holistic movement, we can nurture our body, mind, emotions, and spirit simultaneously, reaping benefits that extend beyond physical fitness. Through regular physical exercise, mental stimulation, emotional well-being practices, and spiritual connection, we can cultivate a profound sense of overall health and well-being. So, let’s embark on this holistic journey, honoring and moving our bodies in ways that nourish us on every level. To work with me, visit dragonspitapothecary.com

I think we as Americans have lost the beauty of changing seasons. Oh sure, we get all excited for Fall and its pumpkin spiced laden style but we have forgotten how to truly live seasonally. To feel the bliss of the seasonal changes that melt snow, bloom flowers and change leaves. Blame it on technology, improved transportation, hot houses and more but we no longer see seasons change or experience them beyond what the temperature and calendar may tell us. This disconnection from the seasons has contributed to the growing health problems that we are not healing from easily. Depression, anxiety, obesity, insomnia, over-eating, emotional eating and more all share common threads to this disconnection. Even healthy people are often missing out on the enrichment that seasonal living can provide to their health. What It Means to Live Seasonally Living seasonally is not a new concept. Humans are designed to pass through annual and lifetime seasons. Seasons represent change but more intricate to our design as humans it represents flow to our energy and vitality. This specific approach to living helps us recognize there are times when we feel we have more natural energy and that can be used strategically to support health. It also removes the guilt and forcing ourselves through diets, workouts and more that are not where we need to be at the moment. The farther we live from nature in our daily life, the deeper this disconnection can cause problems in our physical, emotional and spiritual health. This distorts the feelings we experience and reduces the ability to listen to our own needs. Take for example, a person who lives in a large city. They are surrounded by concrete, noise and very little of their environment is natural. It has been proven to show this adds stress to our body, mind and spirit. We feel harsher, have more anxiety and are less tolerant of ourselves and others. These same people when placed in a park or natural setting for even a short time period see reductions in their blood pressure, stress responses and even report feeling happier. There is power in nature and it is our body’s recharging cable for life itself. If such a switch can occur simply by being in nature, what can it do when we live aligned to the seasonal changes of nature? Aligning our own heartbeat to that of nature’s seasons as part of our daily routine? How could it not help us feel our best more often and reach new levels of our health that we are in need of improving? Understanding Your Element Living in alignment with seasons means we are aware of when our energy is highest and lowest. We intentionally take the actions to refresh and rest and strive for that balance in stress. We nourish our body with seasonally grown foods and spend time in nature listening and learning from Mother Earth. When you know your primary Chinese element from a facial analysis, you also know your seasonal cycle. This is where you live seasonally and align your energy flow to your primary element, including through diet and lifestyle. Each element aligns to a season and there are specific natural foods that your body, mind and spirit thrive on as a result. This peak season for you may be different than it is for others but understanding it lets you plan, dream, rest, work, and live in accordance to when your natural body aligns in the nature’s seasonal cycle. As an example, my element is Fire. I feel my most energy in bright hot sunny days, usually during late spring and summer. My lowest energy season is winter when it is cold and dark. Understanding I will not feel as energetic in winter as I do in summer allows me to plan activities that are slower, gentler and easier on my body in winter. It lets me have grace with myself. Nutritionally, Fire people thrive best on vegetables like celery, red cabbage and tomatoes. They also do well on a diet filled with pears, apples, strawberries, rosemary and chicken. It is advisable for this element to avoid greasy foods, sweets, alcohol, yeast and overly spicy foods. All of this information helps me know that in the winter eating more foods that align with my element will help me feel my best. Losing touch with nature can mean we deviate from the things that fuel us and support health but it also can mean we spiritually and emotionally also feel disconnected. When you don’t feel well physically or are low on energy, this plays into the other choices you make. Yet when we align not only our nutrition but all that we do to our seasonal cycle we can tap into the underflow of our own energy and support health year-round. For you that could mean winter is your high energy season and summer is when you need to lay low. To understand your Traditional Chinese Element I perform a facial analysis and provide this information along with the nutritional alignment for that element to you. Setup a holistic health consult to get yours! Eating Seasonally is a Great Start One of the best ways to begin to live seasonally is to eat seasonally. Consuming foods aligned to the natural cycles of each season begins the process of reconnecting us directly to nature. This shift in our nutrition fosters a truly holistic approach to wellness. I believe when you combine this approach with your Chinese element you tap into incredible vitality to support health and reach wellness goals. It changes the game on health all together. Nutrient Density and Vitality: Seasonal produce is harvested at its peak ripeness, maximizing its nutrient content. Freshly picked fruits and vegetables are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants essential for our overall health. By choosing seasonal foods, we optimize nutrient intake and support our body’s vitality. Balance and Variety: Nature provides a diverse array of foods throughout the year, each with its unique nutritional profile. Eating seasonally allows us to enjoy a varied diet, ensuring we receive a broad spectrum of nutrients required for optimal functioning. By embracing seasonal eating, we promote balance within our bodies and enhance overall well-being. Environmental Synergy: Seasonal eating aligns with sustainable and environmentally conscious practices. When we choose locally grown, seasonal produce, we reduce the carbon footprint associated with long-distance transportation and support local farmers. By consuming foods that are in sync with the natural environment, we contribute to a healthier planet. Mindful Connection: Eating seasonally encourages a deeper connection with the natural world. By appreciating the ebb and flow of each season’s offerings, we become more attuned to the cycles of nature. This mindful connection can instill a sense of gratitude, presence, and harmony in our lives, enhancing our overall well-being. Flavor and Culinary Delight: Seasonal foods are bursting with flavor and culinary potential. When we choose ingredients at the height of their season, we experience a sensory delight in our meals. This encourages us to engage in the creative process of preparing nourishing and delicious dishes, fostering a deeper enjoyment of our food. Emotional and Spiritual Nourishment: Seasonal eating has the power to nourish not only our physical bodies but also our emotional and spiritual well-being. As we align with the natural rhythms of the earth, we tap into a sense of connection, grounding, and harmony. Eating seasonally can be a form of self-care, allowing us to cultivate a deeper appreciation for the nourishment that food provides. Bringing It All Together Embracing seasonal living is a powerful way to improve our health holistically. It can start simply by changing how we eat, to help unwind the mess we have made with out body, mind and spirit. This leads us back to a more natural state where we can hear what we need more clearly and be rejuvenated by nature. By selecting foods that align with the cycles of nature, we nourish our bodies with nutrient-dense options, support environmental sustainability, and cultivate a mindful connection with the world around us. It helps us reconnect to the part of ourselves we have lost buried under the emotional eating, preservatives and chemicals that are in so much of our foods today. Shifting how we life to be more seasonally aligned gives us peace as well as the opportunity to live as we were designed to live. Book your consultation for health improvement support at dragonspitapothecary.com References and Resources: Mechelli, Andrea. World Economic Forum. (2020 February 4) How City Living Could be Making You Anxious – and How to Deal with It. Retrieved: October 10, 2023, from: https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/02/cities-urban-life-mental-health/

Why Your Body Needs More Water Than You Think We’ve often heard the rule of thumb that we should drink at least 64 ounces of water per day. While hydration is indeed essential, it’s time to recognize that our bodies need more than this standard recommendation. The guidance we have long lived by is not only misguided but contains misinterpretations that are causing a lot of us to miss out on the water we need every single day. History of the 64 ounces This standard 64 ounces per day was defined in 1945 by the Food and Nutrition Board that is today part of the National Academy of Science’s Institute of Medicine. The original recommendation included water drank as well as water containing sources from food. The 64 ounces came out to 1900 milliliters of water to align with the standard diet of 1900 calories. The recommendation quickly ignored the idea that water could also come from food sources and has been often misinterpreted as 8 cups of water ever since. In 2004, the Board revisited this question of water quantity and agreed that water could also be considered from other liquid sources such as coffee, sports drinks, juices and milk. They also concluded that the majority of people could let thirst drive how much they drank every day. They found in 2004, women consumed 91 ounces daily and men 125 ounces inclusive of all liquids, including water. Source: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/fact-or-fiction-you-must-drink-8-glasses-of-water-daily/ Where the Board got it wrong First of all, consuming water through other sources like sodas and sports drinks, even coffee, decreases the benefits of drinking water. Many of these beverages are dehydrating and the water contained with them do little to help restore and balance necessary hydration. There is a lot of debate on this issue and you’ll find opinions on both sides telling you it is ok to count these other beverages as water and the others do no. Holistic practitioners tend to lean towards not endorsing these other beverages as water ounces because the ingredients in many of them are not natural and create toxicity in the body. Water is then left doing a dual job of hydrating and trying to flush out toxins. Secondly, yes it is possible to obtain water ounces through food but given the quality of the food structure today it is questionable. Again, many natural foods are filled with preservatives, sprayed with chemicals and contain harmful ingredients that distort the water that is available. Any water realized from eating foods is mitigated through the need of trying to eliminate toxins from our foods. Additionally, most people are not eating enough vegetables and fruits in their diet so counting this as a water source isn’t happening either. With the increasing concern of things being sprayed on fruits and vegetables it also is questionable if that distorts the water in these foods. Personally, I wouldn’t count on them as part of my water intake as it further complicates how you calculate how much is in each type of food and tracking that seems stressful. The only real way to get adequate water in your body is to drink water. Filtered, spring, reverse osmosis and distilled are the recommended types that offer the best means to reach adequate hydration levels. For obvious reasons, tap water is not considered a safe water source. The chemicals used to treat tap water cause toxicity in the body and prevents good absorption to the cells. How much water you actually should drink every day The recommended amount is far greater than 64 ounces a day. This is the start point only. Holistically, you need 50% of your body weight in ounces of water daily. That seems like a lot of water doesn’t it but consider this: Your body is 70% liquid and your brain alone is 45% liquid. That means you’re mostly liquid therefore logic says you need a lot of water to replenish the water you lose through sweat, pee and organ functions. I also advise my clients that for every non-water drink they consume, add that many ounces to your water intake. So 1 cup of coffee is 8 more ounces of water to the 50% total. Will you drink this every day? Likely not, but being mostly consistent with it will establish hydration levels in your body that are ideal and giving your body the best support you can to function well. Seasonally, we will drink more in the spring and summer than in fall and winter. There are tricks to increasing our water in cooler seasons and I recommend these to my clients as hydration in cooler months also matters. Again, you may not get the complete total amount of water every day but if you are close I promise you’re going to feel better overall. Aim to drink 3-5 ounces per half hour during the day to help meet this goal. Limit ice especially in cooler seasons as it will help you drink more. Add citrus slices, cucumbers, pears and other fruits to enhance flavor and nutrients Add citrus essential oils – only use high quality like doTERRA, for flavor A word about pee Drinking all the water will increase the amount of elimination needs … at first. Amazingly, your body will adjust and within a couple weeks you’ll be going on your normal schedule of every couple hours just like now. The difference is you won’t be pulling liquid your body needs from joints, muscles and organs and instead you will have enough water to help your kidneys filter waste and get it eliminated regularly. One of the easiest ways to gauge dehydration is through pee color and odor. The first elimination in the morning is not used for this because it is highly concentrated. Your body detoxes over night and this elimination will contain all the things your body swept up. It is expected to be darker and may have an odor to it. Normal hydration representation is light straw color with no to minimal odor for all eliminations except the first one of the day. Darker, thicker, smelly pee is a sign of dehydration. Why you need more water There are multiple reasons why we need to exceed the 64-ounce mark and the benefits of consuming an adequate amount of water for optimal health and well-being. Individual Variations: Each person’s hydration needs are unique and influenced by factors such as body size, activity level, climate, and overall health. Relying solely on a fixed 64-ounce guideline may not account for these individual variations. It’s crucial to listen to your body and adjust your water intake accordingly. Hydration and Metabolism: Proper hydration plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy metabolism. Water helps with digestion, nutrient absorption, and the elimination of waste products. Consuming an adequate amount of water supports metabolic processes, aids in weight management, and promotes overall energy levels. NOTE: Water will not change your appetite or help weight loss. This is misguided dieting industry information. What water does when you are properly hydrated is help your cells ATP energy levels and balances hormones. One of the hormones associated with hunger is ghrelin, which tells you when you are hungry. Balanced hormones means you can decode the messages from ghrelin and understand if you are really hungry or if it is another need. Emotionally we eat to soothe and comfort despite being not hungry. This improved hydration helps us reset these hormones and better navigate stress, emotions and triggers for eating. That change can help you lose weight and its why dieting often says to drink more water but their claim you’ll lose weight doing that is misguided. Physical Activity: If you lead an active lifestyle or engage in regular exercise, your hydration needs will increase. Sweating during physical activity leads to water loss, which must be replenished to maintain proper hydration. Aim to drink water before, during, and after exercise to support your body’s performance and recovery. Climate and Environmental Factors: Hot and humid climates, as well as high altitudes, can contribute to increased water loss through perspiration and evaporation. In such conditions, it’s essential to increase your water intake to compensate for the additional fluid loss and keep your body hydrated. Detoxification and Kidney Function: Water is crucial for proper kidney function and the elimination of toxins from the body. Drinking an adequate amount of water helps support kidney health and promotes effective detoxification processes. It also contributes to maintaining healthy skin and overall cellular function. Brain Function and Mental Clarity: Proper hydration is essential for optimal brain function. Even mild dehydration can impair cognitive performance, concentration, and mood. By consuming enough water throughout the day, you support mental clarity, focus, and overall cognitive well-being. Hydration and Overall Well-being: Adequate hydration is fundamental to maintaining overall health and well-being. It supports healthy digestion, regulates body temperature, lubricates joints, promotes healthy skin, and aids in the transport of nutrients throughout the body. Drinking more than 64 ounces of water per day ensures you’re providing your body with the hydration it needs to function optimally. Check out my recommendations for water bottles that help you stay hydrated. While the guideline of drinking 64 ounces of water per day is a good starting point, it’s crucial to recognize that our hydration needs may vary. Factors such as individual variations, physical activity, climate, and overall health influence our water requirements. By listening to our bodies and consuming an adequate amount of water, we support metabolic processes, enhance brain function, promote detoxification, and maintain overall well-being. Let’s prioritize proper hydration and strive to meet our unique water needs for optimal health and vitality. For help improving your water intake and breaking up with other unhealthy habits book your consultation appointment today dragonspitapothecary.com

Today’s grocery stores are completely different from times past. Food has gone techno. There have been transformations in products both new and old that have changed how people eat and what qualifies as nutrition. One can say we’ve been headed this way for some time but in many aspects is is a new territory that we find ourselves in when we shop along familiar grocery store aisles. Processed ingredients are not new They have in fact been around since the 1970s most notably with artificial sweeteners emerging in sodas. Diet foods became trendy as consumers sought low fat, calorie free options to combat the growing concern over cancers and heart disease. Fifty plus years later the once popular trend continues to haunt us with no decrease in either disease. Cancer and heart disease remain the top 2 most likely causes of death in 2023. With the emergence of artificial sweetener we also saw additional artificial ingredients come into our foods. Processed cheese, frozen foods and more became convenient staples in most of our pantries. We became increasingly reliant on fast to go options that compliment the new invention of the home microwave appliance. The world was getting faster and so was our demand for meal prep ease and convenience. Today's Processed Ingredients are Advanced in Disease Risks Today, we find the emergence of lab generated foods, specifically meats and beyond meat products that promise many of the same things their prior processed food ingredients promised. A more healthy and environmentally friendly option that doesn’t skimp on the flavor consumers have come to expect. But is this true? We have seen in overall trends of processed and fake food products a growing number of diseases, including cancers, obesity and heart disease that are not being fixed through diet. We see adults and children with growing concerns over thyroid problems and early onset Alzheimer’s Disease. Is it all tied to food? Certainly not, but food is one of the primary contributors to so much that makes up the human body’s health and well-being that it cannot be overlook as a major factor for why we are not getting healthier despite the advancements and promises for better in food manufacturing. The real truth is we have not seen better through these food products and their promises for safer and healthier results are not able to be proven or demonstrated. Americans specifically are fatter and have more health related problems than any other country in the world. The traditional American Diet filled with the preservatives, processed ingredients, colorings and artificial flavorings as well as lab generated fake foods are directly at the center. We have traded our health for convenience and quickness in eating and as a result put our very well-being in harm’s way. Navigating the Processed Food World Reducing and eliminating our exposure to bio-engineered, manufactured, processed and lab created food products is crucial in reclaiming our health and vitality. This can only be done through consumer demand for real human safe food and pressure on organizations like the FDA to restrict these dangerous imposters. By continuing to consume fake and processed foods we encounter many problems that can setup long term problems for not only our current society health but generations to come. We also create further complicated problems in our environment through lab waste and harm to farm lands that are needed to grow and raise actual food we need. These factors must be a constant on the consumer mind when navigating the grocery store and avoid them as much as possible if we are to reset the baseline for what is considered healthy, safe, nutritionally sound and good for our families to eat. Problems with Processed Foods Nutritional Deficiencies: Fake and lab-generated food often lack the essential nutrients our bodies require. These products are often stripped of vital vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants found naturally in whole foods. Products that state it is enriched means the manufacturer was trying to put back in the very ingredients they stripped out and present a more healthy option. These attempts are dismal and often result in synthetic ingredients in place of real vitamins, minerals and nutrients that should be coming from the real food. By opting for real food, we nourish our bodies with the necessary building blocks for optimal health. Artificial Ingredients: Fake and lab-generated food often contain artificial additives, flavorings, and preservatives. These synthetic compounds may have detrimental effects on our health, potentially causing allergies, digestive issues, and long-term health problems. Real food, on the other hand, provides naturally occurring nutrients without the harmful additives. This includes coloring and flavor enhancements ingredients that complicate the body’s ability to process nutrients and result in toxic waste being stored in the body triggering long term health impacts. Unknown Consequences: The long-term effects of consuming fake and lab-generated food are still not fully understood. These products often undergo extensive processing and genetic modifications, introducing potential risks to our health. Opting for real food allows us to consume what nature intended, minimizing the uncertainties associated with lab-created alternatives. Environmental Impact: The production of fake and lab-generated food often requires extensive resources, including energy, water, and chemical inputs. This contributes to environmental degradation, deforestation, and greenhouse gas emissions. By choosing real food, we support sustainable and regenerative farming and agriculture practices and reduce our ecological footprint. We also create demand for real food rather than overproduction of crops like corn. Taste and Sensory Experience: Fake and lab-generated food may attempt to mimic the taste and texture of real food but often fall short. Natural food offers a diverse range of flavors, textures, and aromas that create a fulfilling and enjoyable eating experience. Real food satisfies our senses and enhances our connection with the nourishing power of nature. Connection with Food Sources: Choosing real food fosters a deeper connection with the sources of our sustenance. It encourages us to support local farmers, embrace seasonal produce, and appreciate the beauty and diversity of natural ingredients. Real food allows us to honor the heritage and cultural significance associated with traditional cuisines. Holistic Health Benefits: Real food provides a wide array of health benefits that extend beyond mere nutrition. It supports gut health, boosts immune function, promotes mental clarity, and contributes to overall well-being. By nourishing our bodies with real food, we enhance our vitality and embrace a holistic approach to health. In a world saturated with fake and lab-generated food alternatives, it is crucial to prioritize real, nourishing food for our health and well-being. By avoiding artificial ingredients, supporting sustainable agriculture, and embracing the taste and sensory experience of real food, we foster a deeper connection with nature and nurture our bodies with what they truly need. Let’s choose real food and reap the abundant benefits of a natural, wholesome diet. Finding Real Food Among the Fake Holistic nutrition helps you rebuild your relationship with food and overcome the challenges of eating in today's stressed modern world. Dragonspit Apothecary offers many personalized programs for nutrition to help you reach your health goals and navigate the world of processed food products. Learn more at dragonspitapothecary.com Join the 4 Week Real Food Challenge to see for yourself how much processed food is in your regular diet!

When I first heard someone talk about energetically grounding I thought they were kidding. I have since childhood barely kept shoes on my feet. Don't get me wrong, I love shoes but my preference is always to be barefooted as much as possible. Inside, outside it doesn't matter. In no way did I ever imagine this personal preference as one of the most healing things I could do for my body, mental health and emotional balance. Why Energetically Grounding Works for Your Health The human body contains electricity. It is not enough to power your hair dryer or anything but there are electrical currents running throughout your body right now. Just like any electrical grid, it can become overwhelmed and you may experience rolling blackouts to help conserve energy. For the human body we may see this as exhaustion, adrenal fatigue or any number of things that result in our low energy, poor mood, and even poor digestion. In today's fast-paced and digitally connected world, it's easy to feel overwhelmed, scattered, or disconnected from ourselves and the present moment. Fortunately, there is a powerful practice that can help us find stability, restore inner balance, and reconnect with the Earth's nurturing energy: grounding. The importance of practicing grounding and how it can benefit our physical, mental, and emotional well-being is one I didn't even realize I was doing until someone told me it was called grounding. Understanding Grounding Practice Grounding is a practice that extends just my pleasurable walks about barefooted and yet it is as simple as that. When you ground to the Earth with your bare feet you are resetting your electrical current. The Earth provides the recharge and connection to anchor ourselves. It is very much like putting your cell phone on the charger. You do not need to dig in, just stand on the ground. Preferably in an area free of ground that is sprayed with chemicals. Now where it extends beyond my bare feet habit, is that we need to intentionally bring awareness to our physical body and the sensations we experience while practicing grounding. This is akin to your yoga teacher telling you to breathe in fresh clean air and exhaling the garbage. By simply standing bare footed on Earth we not only feel the electricity of Earth's recharge but we can enhance the experience by letting it become a sensation that radiates through our entire being. Benefits of Grounding Before you chalk this up to some new-age kind of crazy, grounding has been used for centuries by native tribes for healing, spiritual guidance and even celebrations and passages of life. The benefits of grounding are vast! Grounding helps calm and stabilize our emotions so we can reduce feelings of anxiety , stress and being overwhelmed. Simply standing in your backyard with no shoes or socks can restore and provide a sense of emotional peace and some days isn't that exactly what we need in our day? It's like a big hug from Earth herself. It also helps give us that solid foundation on which we stand. This can lend to a feeling of inner stability, security and emotional resilience. Too often the things we fear and are anxious about haven't even or may never happen and Earth's grounding helps us replenish our more optimistic outlook on life. I personally favor this benefit because not too many things in life can give this level of reassurance. We can also through this experience gain an enhanced sense of clarity and focus that helps get through complex details and tasks. Our minds become calmer and quieter so we can focus on the present moment and make decisions from a balanced emotional position. Grounding helps us stop the emotional and mental chatter so we can concentrate. It has also been found to be helpful with improving overall cognitive function. One of the best benefits and something we can all appreciate is groundings effects to help reduce the stress imprint on our health. Grounding helps us release excess energy, tension and stress that is being held in the body. In doing this we promote a more relaxed state that can help with sleep and immune protection. With the tremendous benefits of emotional balance grounding provides, is it any wonder to learn it also helps release things we didn't realize we were still holding onto? Old emotions that have become stagnant in the body and limiting to our emotions can be holistically released through grounding. By connecting to Earth's energy we can release negativity, emotional blocks and open up our pathways for optimism, creativity and curiosity to return to us. How to do Grounding Like I said at the beginning of this post, I have been doing this for years and didn't realize I was doing it. You likely have too. The best way to learn to ground well is to walk barefooted on natural surfaces. Grass, sand, soil and the like to establish a direct connection with the Earth's energy. This may feel weird at first if you don't typically walk outside barefoot but don't let that stop you. The biggest caution I have is to please try to walk on unsprayed, chemical and pesticide free ground. Also, make sure the area is safe from litter, sharp things and the things that can damage your feet. Remember, the ground may be uneven too so if you need something for balance normally for walking, you will also need it for grounding. As you simply walk around barefooted, "listen" to your body. Feel the negative ions and their soothing effect on your nervous system. This will feel refreshing, calming and you may even just feel happier. Consider grounding your anytime invitation to be outside. Now obviously it won't be as much fun when there's snow, ice and extremes conditions but in general it helps us spend more time in nature. We disconnect with our phones, step away form our jobs and just breath for a few minutes. As you do this you start to feel the immersion of yourself in nature and this is where our rhythm of vibration energy shifts to that of the Earth's energy. Now of great importance is being mindful of this experience. Take those nice deep breaths of fresh air, tune into your body's messages and let the Earth do her magic. Grounding is the ideal way to learn the art of mindfulness and holistically align our pathways to how they were designed to run. Contrary to popular beliefs you were not meant to run on caffeine and stress. What I find helpful when I do grounding is using suggestive visualization. As I breathe in I imagine I'm breathing in from the soles of my feet up to the top of my head where it is released. The breath of air I'm taking in from my feet is from Earth's roots extending her touch all the way up my body. This is a powerful experience that gives me a sense of stability and connection. Integrating Grounding into Daily Life Grounding should be something we practice regularly. It is best done as often as needed but I find having a regular routine helps me recharge my current before it is run down. You can even expand your grounding experience by integrating it into things like outdoor yoga, meditation or other movements that further give you reason to be barefoot outside. Take breaks outside and encourage others to join you in conversation, short barefoot walks or having lunch in the sunshine. There is enough Earth energy for us all to benefit . Grounding is a powerful practice that allows us to find balance, stability, and a deeper connection with ourselves and the Earth. By incorporating grounding techniques into our daily lives, we can enhance emotional well-being, improve mental clarity, and reduce stress. Embrace the practice of grounding, let go of distractions, and return to the present moment. Allow the Earth's energy to support you on your journey toward holistic well-being and inner harmony. For holistic health support and guidance please visit my website at dragonspitapothecary.com

When it comes to optimizing your golf swing and improving your overall game, a focus on physical training and technique is essential. However, don't underestimate the power of proper nutrition. Embracing an organic diet can provide golfers with the fuel they need to enhance their swing, elevate their performance, and unlock their full potential on the course. In this blog post, we'll explore how an organic diet can make a significant difference in your golf game. Aim for Optimal Nutrient Intake for Your Golf Game Organic foods are grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or genetically modified organisms. By consuming organic produce, you ensure that your body receives a rich array of essential nutrients without harmful chemicals. Nutrient-dense foods support muscle function, bone health, and overall energy levels, ultimately contributing to a better golf swing. Dragonspit Apothecary offers holistically aligned nutritional programs to help you align with what your body needs for daily nutrition, vitamins and supplementation to improve your overall diet and well-being. Reduced Inflammatory Triggering Foods to Increase Flexibility An organic diet is often associated with a lower intake of inflammatory substances found in conventionally grown foods. Inflammation can hinder athletic performance and recovery. By reducing inflammatory foods and focusing on organic alternatives, you may experience less joint discomfort, allowing for a smoother and more efficient swing. Reducing your inflammation can also lead to weight loss and improved overall body mass. The right supplementation can sometimes be all it takes to align your body's inflammatory response with support. Improve Digestion Processes to Optimize Energy Production Organic foods are less likely to contain synthetic additives, which can negatively impact digestion. A healthy digestive system is crucial for nutrient absorption and overall well-being. By prioritizing organic fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, you support a well-functioning digestive system, promoting optimal nutrient absorption for improved performance. Your digestive system's health influences your overall health. Living with things like chronic constipation, IBS (Irritable Bowel Disease), acid reflex and other uncomfortable symptoms is not necessary when you understand and support the underlying cause. Dragonspit Apothecary offers personalized consultation to help you navigate your digestive system needs. Metabolic Emphasis for Sustained Golf Game Energy Levels Golf requires sustained energy throughout a round. Organic foods, particularly complex carbohydrates, provide a steady release of energy, avoiding the rapid spikes and crashes associated with processed foods. With consistent energy levels, you'll maintain focus and stamina on the course, leading to a more precise and powerful swing. Dragonspit Apothecary offers a Metabolic Assessment that is an at-home test that provides insights into your metabolic function. Understanding this status can help us design the right nutritional plan for you to improve energy and metabolic conversion. Mental Clarity and Focus for the Best Golf Score An organic diet can contribute to enhanced mental clarity and focus. By avoiding synthetic chemicals and additives, you reduce the risk of brain fog and cognitive fatigue. A clear and focused mind translates into better concentration, increased situational awareness, and improved decision-making during your game. Immune System Support to Never Miss the Opportunity to Play Golf A strong immune system is essential for optimal performance and overall health. Organic foods are free from harmful pesticide residues that can compromise your immune function. By nourishing your body with immune-boosting nutrients found in organic foods, you decrease the likelihood of falling ill and stay in top form for your golf game. An organic diet is not just a lifestyle choice; it can be a game-changer for your golf swing and overall performance. By fueling your body with nutrient-dense, chemical-free organic foods, you support optimal nutrition, reduced inflammation, sustainable energy, mental clarity, and immune system support. As you embrace an organic diet, you're providing your body with the best possible foundation for an exceptional golf game. So, tee off with an organic plate, and watch your golf swing soar to new heights! To work with me on your health care needs and goals, setup an appointment at dragonspitapothecary.com

Holistic medicine encompasses a whole-person approach to healing because it considers the interconnectedness of the mind, body, and spirit. Surprisingly, the game of golf shares many parallels with holistic medicine, offering profound benefits that extend beyond physical prowess and performance. Golf embodies the essence of holistic medicine and can be a beneficial remedy to those seeking natural health care support, providing therapeutic effects for the mind, body, and soul. Mindfulness and Presence of Golf and Holistic Medicine Golf requires absolute focus and presence, much like the mindfulness techniques employed in holistic medicine. As golfers step onto the course, they enter a zone of heightened awareness, leaving behind distractions and stress. This mental clarity fosters a sense of peace and calm, promoting overall well-being. Stress Reduction of Golf and Holistic Medicine Just as holistic medicine seeks to reduce stress and anxiety, golf offers an oasis of relaxation amidst our busy lives. The tranquil ambiance of the green expanse, coupled with the rhythmic swing and controlled breathing, can soothe the mind and melt away tension. Physical Fitness, Balance and Health of Golf and Holistic Medicine Holistic medicine emphasizes the importance of maintaining physical balance, and golf epitomizes this principle. The golf swing itself requires precise coordination and balance, engaging multiple muscle groups and promoting overall physical fitness. Additionally energy therapies including Pranic Healing, Color Therapy and others can be helpful in creating the balance between body, mind, emotions and spirit to create centeredness when you step onto the tee box. Connecting with Nature Through Golf and Holistic Medicine Nature holds a central place in holistic medicine, recognizing its healing powers. Golfers are intimately connected with nature as they traverse the course, breathing in fresh air and basking in the beauty of the outdoors. This communion with nature invigorates the soul and nurtures a sense of interconnectedness. Resilience and Patience Requirements of Golf and Holistic Medicine In holistic medicine, cultivating resilience and patience are vital for healing. Similarly, golfers learn these qualities as they navigate the ups and downs of the game. Each swing, putt, and approach teaches valuable life lessons about perseverance and staying present in the face of challenges. Social and Emotional Well-being Elements of Golf and Holistic Medicine Holistic medicine celebrates the importance of social connections and emotional well-being. Golf fosters camaraderie and community as golfers share the course and engage in friendly competition. This sense of belonging and support contributes to enhanced emotional health. Inner Growth and Self-Discovery of Golf and Holistic Medicine Holistic medicine encourages self-reflection and inner growth, and golf is a journey of self-discovery. Through the highs and lows of the game, golfers learn about their strengths, limitations, and personal growth areas, fostering a deeper understanding of themselves. Golf is more than a sport; it is a holistic medicine for the mind, body, and soul. As golfers step onto the course, they enter a realm of mindfulness, balance, and connection with nature. The game's therapeutic effects extend to stress reduction, physical fitness, emotional well-being, and inner growth. Embracing golf as a holistic medicine can lead to a fulfilling and enriching experience, enriching not only one's golf game but also overall health and happiness. Although golf can provide therapeutic benefits, it is essential to complement your holistic approach with other practices and therapies for optimal well-being. Dragonspit Apothecary offers a variety of services and therapies including Pranic Therapy, Color Therapy, Reflexology and more to support your health and golf game. To work with me for your holistic health needs, book an appointment at www.dragonspitapothecary.com

Have you ever felt a subtle but palpable energy surrounding your body? This is your energetic field, known as the biofield. It is an integral aspect of our existence. While invisible to the naked eye, the biofield plays a significant role in our overall well-being and your health. Understanding the natural significance of the biofield and how it affects your health can help you understand why you don't feel well and how we seem to just "fall" sick at unexpected times. What is an electromagnetic biofield? Your biofield is the electromagnetic current that runs through and around your body. It extends beyond our physical body as well and is composed of energetic components including subtle energy and quantum fields. It is what you feel when you have a vibe about a person or situation as well as what you sense when you taste, smell, touch, hear or see something that may or may not be there. Each of us has our own unique biofield and they interact with the environment we live in. It encompasses the physical body as much as it covers our thoughts, emotions and experiences. It's how we experience and live life. Your home has a significant influence on your biofield which is one of the reasons behind why spring cleaning is so therapeutic. Your biofield's electromagnetic component is generated by your body's electrical activities such as nerve pulses and biochemical processes that help your heart beat. You can see these currents on electroencephalograms (EEGs) or electrocardiograms (ECGs). Subtle energy fields are the elusive aspects of the biofield. They are the currents we cannot actively measure but we know they are there. It is what is used in traditions and cultures like traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda practices. You experiences these energies by your thoughts, emotions, environment, circumstances and interactions. Quantum fields is the concept of quantum physics and its relationship to the biofield energy. Quantum fields have a zero-point energy (quantum coherence) that can contribute to how we respond to stimuli and that influence our biofield's functionality. Together these components give us life. In Chinese medicine you have heard this called chi, qi or vital force. It all has the same meaning which is representing our essence of living and that happens through the biofield energies that vibrate in and around us. Why the electromagnetic biofield is important When you know how the components of the biofield interconnect you can begin to see how they influence our physical, mental and emotional health. It also helps explain imbalances we can experience that can manifest into physical pain and illness symptoms, emotional distress like depression and anxiety and have an overall effect on the our vitality. Caring for our biofield becomes much like any other aspect of our health care routine. We actively work on maintaining and building harmony in the biofield to create homeostasis. Homeostasis is the place in our health when all things are in balance. Our body is in a perfect place to protect, function and operate optimally to maintain health. When we are out of balance, we increase our risk for illness, feel run down, are drawn to junk food, encounter brain fog and don't sleep well --- to name a few things. These are ways our body is telling us that we are no longer in a homeostasis place and our biofield is encountering dents in its sphere. Think about this like a car that is being hit in a storm of hail and the hood becomes dented. That's what our biofield is experiencing in these situations. How to Attune to Your Electromagnetic Biofield Working on your biofield health increases your awareness of it. It becomes a yin-yang circle where there is no beginning or end and we are constantly evolving and growing in our understanding it. There are several practices we can use to help improve our awareness and attune into our biofield. The ways we attune to our biofield is actually really things we already know how to do. We can completely own the process of when and how we do these things too. Meditation for your electromagnetic biofield The practice of meditation helps you do more than be present and release stress. When you meditate you are actually tuning into your biofield. You feel the tingle in your fingers, your pulse vibrate through your veins and your breath come in and out of your lungs. This is your biofield on a physical level. Bringing your thoughts into focus, and letting your emotions come up is also biofield responses through the experience of meditation. Breathwork for your electromagnetic biofield We often think of breathwork just being something we do in yoga class. Yet intentionally taking time throughout our day to focus on the breath and practice deep breathing has significant benefits to our well-being. We release stress and toxins just sitting there waiting for us to release them! Energy Exercises for your electromagnetic biofield Yoga and Qi-Qong are two exercises that I highly recommend when we are wanting to incorporate energy support in your regularly routine. They intentionally move the body, engage the mind and set us up to feel our biofield in a tangible way. Energy Therapies for your electromagnetic biofield Energy therapies is a group of natural medicine modalities focusing on how energy flows within and around the body. A trained naturopath, like myself, can apply the right therapy to help your personal situation. Within the energy therapies is the use of crystals, essential oils, and easily accessible tools for every day use. As interest in this area has grown it is important to use a reliable source for your crystals and oils to ensure quality and safety for use. I personally use Conscious Items for my crystals. One of my favorite items is The Energy Bracelet. How to Heal Your Biofield As we encounter stress, electromagnetic fields (EMF), and toxins in our environment and lifestyle, our own biofield responds to try and protect us. Similar to our immune system it is designed to help us navigate challenging circumstances and protect our health. Also like our immune system, our biofield can encounter weaknesses as a result of not having what it needs to maintain that protective field and simply becoming overwhelmed with constant battering of threats. We heal our biofield by using traditional modalities in holistic health care. These practices restore our pathways to allow our biofield to recover and return the flow of energy to areas that were damaged or weakened. Think of this as dent-less paint repair for your body where you pull out the dents from stress and trauma to restore the hood of a car damaged by hail. Afterwards we feel calmer, restored and rejuvenated so we can reset our present circumstances in a way that feels better moving forward. These energy dents can be physical from injury, illness or even subjective like trauma and tattoos. Emotionally, mentally and spiritually we can also feel depleted energy, adrenal fatigue, insomnia, depression, anxiety, and other feelings that we are just not able to process and bounce back from difficult situations. Using acupuncture, acupressure, reflexology, chakra balancing, mud-packing and Reiki we can restore the body and harmonize the biofield. It may take a few sessions to see significant results based on the severity and longevity of the situation we are dealing with. Managing Your Lifestyle and Your Biofield Incorporating healthy habits is important not only for your overall health but that of your biofield. Good nutrition, regular exercise, stress management, sleep and even hydration play a role in the vitality of your biofield. Connecting with nature is probably one of the biggest changes we see when people are more attune to supporting their biofield. We are drawn to nature more because it is like a recharge to our battery that feels good. There is a vibrational energy that restores our positive influences in the body and this helps the biofield also strengthen. Where Your Electromagnetic Biofield can Take You The biofield energy is an essential aspect of our existence, intricately connected to our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. By understanding and nurturing our biofield, we can enhance our vitality, promote balance, and cultivate a deeper connection with ourselves and the world around us. Embrace practices that foster awareness, explore energy healing modalities, and make holistic lifestyle choices to support the harmonious flow of your biofield energy. Remember, the biofield is a source of life force within us, and by embracing its significance, we can unlock our true potential for holistic health and well-being. To work with me on your biofield or other health need, schedule a holistic health consultation at dragonspitapothecary.com

Wouldn't it be nice to actually respond "I'm fine" and mean it? Emotionally, spiritually, mentally and physically being fine and knowing it to be 100% true. This is where it is absolutely necessary we stop falling for the lie that there is nothing we can do about what we are experiencing and feeling. This is where we stop letting stress dictate how we should feel and respond in order to live. It is where we decide we are active consumers in our health and we want more for the value and quality of our life in terms of health and well-being. At the very core of this situation is the realization being fine is more than a word. It is learning to reawaken our entire being and listening to it in a way it can be supported for improving and supporting our health. It is knowing the aches, pains, headaches, inflammation and low energy are not the result of aging but rather the collection of lifestyle events and activities that have not been good for us. Fine and not-fine get crystal clear and we get comfortable speaking up with its the latter. We feel it and we know it's off and we want to do something about it. That's where we move from the gray area of fine to building a healthy fine that makes us feel our best every day. Yes, I'm saying its time to get real about our health and stop buying into the marketing messages of pharmacy companies about what health looks like as well as the processed foods and soda manufacturers that show us what healthy eating consists of. Fine for you is no longer a zero calorie plastic wrapped fake thing we try to soothe our feelings using. If you truly want to be fine and mean it, you have to do more than wishful think and hope for it. That can happen on a large and small scale in our life but it won't happen at all until it starts at our restlessness in the state of fine grayness. The first step I take with clients awakening to this idea we don't have to settle in our health is the very basics. How much water should you drink? What colors are the foods in your diet? How many hours of sleep do you get? These fundamental things lead to the larger questions of where things hurt, why they hurt and for how long that's been going on. Your body has an incredible ability to heal and it is was made for growing and thriving. Things do slow down as we age but not to the extent we see people growing old before their time and not living a quality life full of energy until that point. I feel like this is the magic that has been hushed in the overflow of big pharma advertising and doctor's reference books to match symptoms to pills. We don't have to take prescriptions for everything. In fact we usually need very few to no prescriptions if we take care of ourselves. Somewhere we have lost the knowledge about how to do that well. It is more than a healthy diet and exercise too. The distortion of what it means to be healthy and fine and perfect have all meshed together into this incomprehensible mess where no one knows how to do those things anymore. Yet, this is exactly where holistic health comes in. It is the return of natural medicine where we listen to the body and let it tell us what it needs rather than matching its symptoms to pills. Its where nutrition is the medicine. Using herbs and food as medicine is not an exciting new concept but it has been pushed aside in pursuit of faster and better that isn't helping us feel fine. What I like to tell my clients is holistic health is the center where your body guides the path to healing. It dictates the protocol and we learn from its wisdom. It does have such wisdom too. The ancient modalities of Chinese medicine, Ayurvedic, and others have all persisted through times just like these when man thought he knew better than nature. If you want to be fine and mean it, we have to turn back to our core design and build health from the inside out with nature. We are after all not manufactured but rather created. We were meant to be more than fine. I hope the next time you say it, you mean it. To work with me, schedule a holistic health consultation at dragonspitapotheacry.com

There's something about when you become a mom that immediately shifts in your being. Honestly, a lot of things shift and some of it we don't even realize until years later when our children are grown. We however do quickly see our entire identify shift from being that of an individual to a mom. There is no job description but we all quickly learn in our own way all that it entails. What no one talks about though is the effects of this shifting. From our bodies to our emotional and spiritual well-being, all moms shift in our focus from us to our families. Our needs however don't change much when you uncover ourselves from the diapers, school books and soccer practices. We still need health and vibrancy to do all the things we do as moms and as women. I'd like to say women's healthcare has come to understand these needs but that would assume they understood us at all. Western allopathic medicine has not adapted under the guidelines and structure that was originally defined by men. Certainly, there are departments for women's health but these too are often limited to the standards long ago defined by men. The two largest standards can be summarized as if it cannot be diagnosed, it doesn't exist. If it cannot be medicated or removed, then it is unfixable. I believe there is more to us as humans and certainly as women when it comes to our health against these standards. What I find even more interesting is the lack of specialty for women's emotional, mental, and spiritual health needs. Here we are lumped together with men as if there were not anything unique or different about us in these areas that would warrant specialization. It does all bring to mind if women's health has really advanced at all. Why women's health needs are different Women are unique and despite the standards of healthcare, we do have unique needs on a physical, emotional, mental and even spiritual level. I believe women are much more deeply designed to present the integration of whole health needs that we as a human race deserve. We are more than just the sum of our physical parts for what makes us who we are and the health needs we need supported. When it comes to moms there are even more uniqueness. Our bodies change as we age in a different way than men because of the reproductive responsibilities we have, regardless of choosing to have children or not. Most important is the integration of our emotions within our physical body. Women are by nature more emotional and this plays out in how we feel physically. By the way, I do believe men have unique health needs as well but it further demonstrates that the sexes are simply different. For years women didn't even have a voice in their health decisions. All discussions between a doctor about a woman's body were between her doctor and her husband. In many ways though that model still exists because no one listens to what the woman really is trying to say is going on because it usually doesn't match up to the physician's desk reference of symptoms and medications. There is much about the woman's body that is unexplainable and by design cannot be solved without looking at a woman in her physical, emotional and spiritual as one complete being. By continuing to only treat the physical woman's body needs we continue to miss the real opportunity to promote healing and health vitality.- Amy Kramer, Dragonspit Apothecary Our health needs include our emotional, spiritual, mental, economic, social, and cultural states as much as they are about our physical. Health is the perfect balance of these states where we can thrive and live in the most optimized state of being. What women's health really needs to address and support To fully provide health for a woman it is to understand all that she needs in all aspects of her life. It is an appreciation for the level of stress most women live under to provide, care for, and support her family. The number of hours she rests in real sleep and how much water she drinks along with what type of supplementation she takes. Yet it is also how connected she feels to other women, her community, her family and God. By design women are caretakers of others. We take on many roles in our life but at the heart of it is usually caretaking. That means our own needs often go to a lower priority and we have a high level of guilt if put ourselves ahead. I believe this is why women have such a higher tolerance of pain than men. We need nutrition as much as we need confidence that by taking something for ourselves we are not shortchanging others we are responsible for caretaking and protecting. In our crazy world, this fundamental fact about women has seemed to become lost. Our needs are cancelled out and held back against the need to perform, demonstrate our strength and be all to everyone without any sign of weakness. If we show that weakness or softness than it only serves to prove the point we are not capable. Nothing could be farther from the truth but this is the societal pressure women also feel when they try to balance career, family, community, and self without letting any suffer. At the most general level women's health needs attention to stress, nutrition, hydration, rest, sunlight, spiritual connection, emotional safety, and economic fairness. As it is women have had to fight for their rights in all these areas and continue to do so today. I don't know a working woman anywhere that doesn't have high amounts of stress and as a result nutritional deficiency, inflammation, insomnia, digestive complaints, and depression and anxiety. Add to that mix motherhood, family responsibilities, financial obligations, community and culture responsibilities and you can quickly see there is little left for the woman to be herself or get the care she needs to feel her best. Where opportunity for women's health improvements exist As the primary consumers making the purchasing decisions for a family, women play a pivotal role in nutrition and health. We are more likely to buy fresh vegetables for our family than we are ourselves. However, using that logic we can also work to help ourselves in health needs. The real opportunity for improving women's health care is by working to reframe the stress in our lives. Many see that as impossible or a matter of adulting but in reality it is the very heart of so many issues in women's health. As a society we can preach taking care of yourself first so you can give the best to your family but that logic is outdated. Instead we need to come at women's health from where she is standing in the middle of her life. It is not taking care of herself if we are not also addressing all the things she is caring for too. Our bodies have a wonderful ability to stimulate self-healing when we are in the right environment that allows that to occur. Removing toxins, stress, chemicals, preservatives, gases and other harmful substances is one way to improve the environment. The other is to address the environmental factors contributing to these situations. Namely stress and nutritional deficiencies as the two largest. The stress women particularly are under is horrendous these days. No one is exempt from stress and I certainly do not mean to imply men have none. However, women on top of financial, career, political, soci-economic and large scale stress men have, they also have stress from home. Despite the growth in stay-at-home dads and dual income households, women still bear the brunt of home responsibilities for cooking and cleaning. Women are still the primary person sitting down to pay the bills for the family, do the shopping and make arrangements, schedules and ensure homework is completed. Again, not to imply men don't do these things but predominately it is women who traditionally have and still do them on top of things outside the home. I think its time it was acknowledged and respected the amount of home care women actually do have responsibility for and how that impacts their health physically, emotionally and spiritually. It is not complaining about having to do it but rather having it respected and considered as part of more than just what is expected. The effects to our health that also suffer and go unaddressed as a result of it also bear consideration. How many women will put off going out with friends for lunch or to the gym because they have things to do at home? I am certainly guilty of that. For many women the burden of responsibilities often comes first before we consider doing something in the name of caring for ourselves. That's not a new challenge. It is however new that we have not yet figured out how to do something about it besides just expect more hours in the day or to figure it out on top of all we need to get done - which most of us work very hard to do and then feel like failures for not accomplishing. It all carries a heavy toll on our weight, health, mental well-being and emotional health. So has women's health care advanced for the better or do we have just a newer version of the same men's model of care from before? As a holistic health practitioner I like to think I do things differently. One of the foundational teachings in natural health is the idea of supporting the whole person where they are in their health journey. This means addressing health on the physical, emotional, spiritual and mental levels as one. That alone is challenging to do and what further complicates it is the easy gravitation to address presenting symptoms. Those symptoms are often uncomfortable and of immediate focus for the client. Yet they are very often not the cause of the problem. So in delivering care to my clients it is a balancing act of supporting immediate relief while helping the client realize there is more work to be done if they don't want those symptoms to come back. Whether it is weight loss, skin and digestive concerns, overall health there is always something deeper going on. However, most of us just want relief to what hurts now. It becomes my primary role to help them see the connection between the symptom and deeper issue. We then work together to support the root cause so healing can occur on all levels of our being. The results are not only the symptoms fade away but there is an overall improvement everywhere. A great example is a client I had who was struggling with low energy. She just didn't feel like she could make it through her day without caffeine. Like most of us she has a high stress lifestyle that included just getting through a litany of things for work and home. She tried to eat as well as she could most days, played golf when she could and enjoyed her evening wine to unwind from the day. Why wasn't this working? We did a liver detox on her. It was about 2 weeks into this detox she messaged me to say her dreams were incredibly "loud." They were from her past, it was tense and uncomfortable. I asked her to track these dreams and see if they were trying to tell her something. I also recommended some flower essences to ease the effect of the dreams on her sleep. The liver is associated with strong emotions and I suspected her dreams were her liver's way of unburdening finally all these toxic emotions she was carrying. Towards the end of her detox, she updated me on her progress. The dreams had become more pleasant and she was feeling more energy. She also was not drawn to her evening wine any longer. She described it as a smoker who finally breaks that habit and finds smoking unnecessary for themself. Overall she said felt happier, lighter and the energy she felt was more than just physical. This example shows the power of addressing not only the body's message of a problem but the deeper reason that was occurring. To feel more energy not only in the body but on the emotional, spiritual and mental levels too is where we see health thrive. We feel more like ourselves. It is where I believe women's health care should occur and where real progress can be obtained. To work with me, schedule a holistic health consultation at dragonspitapothecary.com