Holiday Gift Guide: ANOINT

Ritual oils and salt for bath and body.

Steep in  our signature blend of essential minerals and nourishing oils.

Anoint is our antidote to modern life.  Frankincense, Jasmine, and Rose combine to promote grounding and connection.

Crafted to be powerfully anti inflammatory, ease depression and dissolve tension.

Cultivate wellbeing everyday.

Infra Red Sauna and Mud Wraps in West Seattle

 Alone or in combination these treatments are perfect for those looking to jump start metabolism, detoxify and replenish. Infrared sauna and a mud wrap together pack a powerful detoxifying punch.

 

Our infra red sauna penetrates deeply into your body to promote aid in weight loss, benefit the skin, enhance immunity and reduces pain. Take advantage of our new private sauna room.

 

Once you are warm and your pores are open the mud wrap adds loads of minerals which are absorbed directly into your body. Mud treatments replenish and can aid in treating water retention and skin issues. Our mud is a unique blend of Kaolin clay, lavender, chamomile and rose powder to sooth the skin and relax. It has a light, pleasant scent. Your therapist will then give you a hand and foot massage. Steamy towels remove the mud and leave your skin soft.

 

 

 

You will leave feeling calm and refreshed.

Use the Coupon Code: WARMMUD

Harvest time, the earth element and tomatoes

In late August, a palpable change was in the air as we entered the late summer Earth or harvest time. The outward, engaged

activities of summer were still happening but there was a

subtle shift toward going within as the days begin to get shorter and the nights cooler in the Pacific Northwest.

 

Harvesting is a perfect way to harmonize with this energy and collect the fruits of the hot, yang summer to store for the colder yin months ahead. Touching plants and walking the earth helps your body stay in tune with the seasons, regulate stress, and boost your immune system. Eating fresh, organic, seasonal food in a rainbow colors also helps to balance your body and aid in health.

 

This year we went picking in Eastern Washington to Krueger Organic Farms U Pick. What could be better in the heart of winter than some stored up summer sunshine from Yakima. We picked Tomatoes, Sweet

Red Peppers, Shishito Peppers, and two kinds of Eggplant. We also bought a watermelon, honeydew and garlic from their farm stand because we couldn’t resist. The family was so helpful and knowledgeable, giving us samples of various melons and even sending us with four melon “seconds.” What a bounty!

 

Once we were home the real work began. We packed away marinara, roasted peppers, roasted eggplant, eggplant slices and my favorite, oven dried Beefsteak tomatoes. I can’t take credit for the recipe. It was all Martha Stewart, but it is a good one.

 

Cooking techniques influence the nature of food in Asian Medicine. Baking is a technique that is drying and supports the functions of the Earth organs, the Spleen and the Stomach. Baking at a low temperature preserves more the vital nutrients of the tomato of which there are many.

 

The tomato itself is the embodiment of summer. It is cooling in nature and good for clearing the heat, nourishing fluids and eliminating toxins. They benefit the Liver, Stomach and tonify the yin.

Packed with nutrients, tomatoes are stars in Western medicine too. In particular they benefit the Heart and cardiovascular system delivering loads of the phytonutrient Lycopene. They are high in other vitamins as well including C, K ,E, A, and B6.

 

Enjoy the pics and get yourself some tomato pie!

 

Lindsey Lawson MS EAMP is an Acupuncturist, Chinese Herbalist and Clinic Director at Glow Natural Health in Madison Valley and West Seattle and Seattle Fertility Acupuncture. She is passionate about healthy, happy living and a regular blogger. For an appointment call Glow at 206 568 7545.

Glow Herb Infused Mayan Abdominal Oil

Do you have abdominal pain? Painful periods? Digestive issues? This divine herb and essential oil infused oil might be for you. Our newest product offering was formulated using the esteemed Arvigo Techniques and contains 9 sacred Mayan herbs and essential oils of Ylang Ylang, Orange, Lavender and Lemongrass. This oil helps to restore the body to its natural balance by correcting the position of organs that have shifted and restrict the flow of blood, lymph, nerve and chi energy. We love it in combination with Castor Oil Packs. Stop by the clinic to pick some up!

How can women restore control over their lives and health?

I came upon an article originally published by the Washington Post yesterday titled “Pregnancy getting attention it’s due”, which talks about how little research is done into pregnancy than into much less common conditions.

Reading this reminded me of when doctors downplay women’s health concerns, and the disparities between how women and men are treated in medical settings.

It has been my experience working as a clinical social worker that mind/body strategies and techniques are effective ways of managing a wide array of physiological and psychological challenges.

Dr. Alice Domar, who has established the first ever Mind/Body Center for Women’s Health, as well as the very first Mind/Body Program for Fertility states: “women’s minds must be treated along with their bodies”; that this is essential to treatment success, no matter what the medical condition is.

No matter what is causing distress and/or pain –stress, cancer, autoimmune disorders, insomnia, anxiety and depression-when we attend to our minds as well as our body, we can feel better, as well as cope better with our condition on a physical, mental, emotional and spiritual level. I have included a link to a video of Dr. Alice Domar here:

If you would like to explore more about mind/body medicine, I am available in both the Madison Park and West Seattle offices for a 30-minute consultation at no charge.

Tina L Michalski, MSW, LICSW

Tina is a psychotherapist in living in Seattle WA. A transplant for Western NY she enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter and son in law, and grandson. She loves to cook, has a lifelong interest in health, and volunteers in the vibrant Seattle theater scene.

Yoga for Fertility

We love yoga and yoga for Fertility! There are still a few slots available for the upcoming couples workshop.

In a Harvard-based study, women participating in a yoga and relaxation program increased their chances of pregnancy by almost 3 times.

Yoga for Fertility classes and workshops are specifically designed for women or couples who are trying to conceive, either naturally or through assisted reproductive techniques. The class environment is small and supportive, and all levels of yoga experience are welcome. Weekly classes are women only.

For more information about the classes, please go to http://www.yogaforfertility.net

Yoga for Fertility Classes Spring 2019

Thursdays: 7:00- 8:15 p.m. March 7 – April 25 (8 wks)

Sundays: 5:30-6:45 p.m. March 10 – April 28 (8 wks) Classes meet at the Hatha Yoga Center in the University District, Seattle. Pre-registration is required for weekly class series.

Register at: http://www.yogaforfertility.net

Couples Yoga for Fertility Workshop: Saturday, March 9, 1:30-4:30 in Seattle.

More info and registration at: http://yogaforfertility.net/retreats-and-workshops

Private Yoga Instruction & Holistic Fertility Coaching: Available by appointment. For more information, go to http://www.yogaforfertility.net or email: lynn@yogaforfertility.net or call Lynn: 206-729-0606

Testimonial from a recent “Graduate”: I wanted to share with you the good news that I am pregnant! I just entered into the second trimester and everything is looking great! You and your yoga class was so incredibly helpful to me. It connected me to my body in new ways that really helped me heal from my miscarriages and prepare my body for future pregnancies. It also introduced me to wonderful supportive people that have been a huge part of my coping during this journey. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and stories with me. I am very grateful. B.L.S.

About the Instructor: Lynn Jensen, E-RYT, RPYT, C-IAYT, MBA is a registered yoga instructor, and a certified Yoga Therapist. She has been teaching yoga since 1997, and developed the Yoga for Fertility program in 2002. Since then, she has helped nearly 2,000 women and couples on their paths to parenthood. Lynn is co-author of the book “Yoga and Fertility, a Journey to Health and Healing”, and 3 DVD’s “Yoga for Fertility, Simple Practices for Fertility Support”, as well as as Spanish-language version of this DVD; and “Yoga for Healthy Hormones”. These are available on her website, on Amazon.com, and in bookstores. Lynn is also a certified Energy Medicine Yoga instructor, and a student of ZY Qigong. Find out more at: http://www.yogaforfertility.net

Menopause Support with Lifestyle, Nutrition, and Herbal Medicine

Dr. Shawn Morris, ND

Estrogen & Progesterone

During and after menopause, many women experience symptoms related to progesterone and estrogen decline. This is a time where there are also changes in types of estrogen, which may cause inflammation. Many women experience migraines, hot flashes, brain fog, and irritability during this period. In the short term, balancing hormones with supplements, herbs and minerals supports healthy transition into menopause. Long term, it is possible for most women to balance hormone levels through diet and lifestyle alone.

Hormone balance through diet, lifestyle, & herbs

Although progesterone is not found in foods, there are many ways to balance progesterone with nutrition. Primarily, if the body is in an estrogen dominant state, balancing excess estrogen metabolites is the first step. Post-menopause, too much of 4 and 6 hydroxy-estrogen is inflammatory, and also antagonizes remaining progesterone. To reverse estrogen metabolite dominance, weaving in nuts and seeds can support healthy estrogen and progesterone levels. If you are approaching menopause and still have an active cycle, then adding flaxseeds and pumpkin seeds days 1-13 will boost healthy estrogens, then shifting to sesame and sunflower days 14-28 will boost progesterone. After menopause, including all seed types in the diet is beneficial.

Foods high in selenium support the corpus luteum, which is the region of the ovaries where progesterone is formed. Adding four Brazil nuts to the diet will provide enough selenium, or supplementing with 200 mcg per day.

Vitamin B6 also supports the corpus luteum in the ovaries. To build levels, supplement with B6 in the short-term. Then, add in foods rich in vitamin B6, which include turkey, wild-caught tuna and salmon, beef, chicken, pistachios, chickpeas, potatoes, eggs, and dark leafy greens. Adding in 3-4 servings per day of high B6 foods will help sustain healthy levels. Beyond progesterone, B6 also supports serotonin balance and melatonin conversion, promoting sound sleep and balanced mood. Speaking of sleep, getting enough sleep supports neurotransmitter and hormone balance, along with healthy weight. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night.

Herbal medicines can help with menopausal transition and treating symptoms as well. In particular Vitex, or chasteberry, supports progesterone production and decreases symptoms of menopause in clinical trials. Black cohosh and blue cohosh balance estrogen dominance and decrease hot flashes. Raspberry leaf is a gentle tonic that supports the female the reproductive system. Talk with your doctor about an individualized herbal and nutritional approach that works for you.

Focus on healing the GI. If you have a history of GI symptoms and inflammation, soothing the digestive system is a key step in hormone support. Healing the GI is vital to allow for nutrient absorption. Food provides the building blocks for our hormones, neurotransmitters, and tissue health, laying the foundation for overall wellbeing. To heal the GI, avoid fried foods, refined ingredients, excess acidity, and heavily processed foods. Focus on fresh fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, complex grains, and adequate protein (around 60 grams per day). Specific foods that heal digestive function include aloe juice, coconut, cinnamon, turmeric, peppermint and chamomile tea, and probiotic foods like yogurt & kefir.

Get regular exercise. Gentle exercise supports immune system health, metabolism, and healthy weight, which helps balance estrogen and progesterone. Try hiking, light jogging, eliptical machines, swimming, and resistance exercises. For simple home resistance exercises, pick up a theraband for upper and lower body workouts. However, avoid overexercise, as this places stress on the body that decreases pregnenolone and hormone synthesis. Long distance running, Cross-Fit, and intense cycling classes may cause more harm than benefit when dealing with low hormone function.

Natural progesterone cream. While implementing these lifestyle steps, adding in extra hormonal support may be necessary for a short period. Natural progesterone creams containing bio-identical progestins help replenish levels. Monitoring progesterone levels is important once per month to keep progesterone in a healthy level. Long-term, use of progesterone cream is tapered down. Yam and soy based creams are not effective. Taking pregnenolone and DHEA also supports progesterone by providing the building blocks for production.

Xenoestrogens and phytoestrogens

Along with managing hormones in the body, monitoring input of hormones from the environment is also key. Xenoestrogens are synthetic estrogen-like compounds produced in manufacturing. They are commonly found in makeup, packaging, pesticide residue, and plastic products. Certain xenoestrogens act as estrogen-disruptors by blocking or binding estrogen receptors. They have detrimental effects on the immune system, bone health, and the female reproductive system. To avoid xenoestrogens, choose additive-free makeup and bath/body products, organic produce, and glass bottles versus plastic.

Also, taking phytoestrogens has a protective effect. Phytoestrogens are plant-based estrogen-like compounds that occupy receptors and prevent xenoestrogens from binding. Moderate amounts of soy, alfalfa, brassicas, and clover taken in the diet as sprouts, food, and supplements protects the endocrine system.

By working with nutrition, herbal medicine, and lifestyle, it is possible to support the body while transitioning into menopause. This is a natural part of the lifecycle, and in most cases the body’s intelligence knows what to do. When extra support is needed, there are safe and effective treatments available.

Dr. Shawn Morris is a native of Whidbey island where he lives with his wife and son.

Counseling for Postpartum Depression

According to renowned pediatrician Dr. William Sears, more changes occur in the first month after birth than at any other time in a woman’s life. Giving birth and caring for your baby are energy-draining events; physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausting. Hormonal swings are contributing factors, too. While I, too experienced some “baby blues” after the birth of my daughter, it wasn’t until I began working with an organization in New York that served expectant and new mothers, that I learned how debilitating postpartum depression can be.

I co-facilitated a postpartum support group and heard the testimonies of women describing their darkest days.

With postpartum depression, those baby blues-feelings of sadness and anxiety-become extreme, and may interfere with your ability to care for yourself or even your baby. Please read the link provided here that talks about the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy in preventing postpartum depression.

I am available for a free 30-minute consult, should you find yourself wondering if you could benefit from counseling.

Tina L Michalski, MSW, LICSW

Tina is a psychotherapist in living in Seattle WA. A transplant for Western NY she enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter and son in law, and grandson. She loves to cook, has a lifelong interest in health, and volunteers in the vibrant Seattle theater scene.

Glow Blend Bath Salts: A Solstice Ritual

We created a fragrance that encapsulates the wellbeing we hope our patients can cultivate in their everyday lives. It evokes grounding and connection. A touchstone to return you to your best self. At the same time, we wanted something that might ease your relationships and calm the stressors of daily living. A ritual.

 

We chose Frankincense first. Long revered for its physical, spiritual and cosmetic benefits it is sometimes called the King of essential oils. We love the earthy, grounded, feeling this resin creates. It invokes a feeling of reverence. It is powerfully anti inflammatory and can aid in relieving depression.

Next we used Rose for its heart opening properties.  It can be easy to cut ourselves off from connection when we are sick or stressed. This gentle but powerful essence can ease depression and is a tonic for blood. It benefits many women’s’ health issues. It is also a  powerful anti-inflammatory with libido boosting effects.

 

Jasmine is another powerful antidepressant and hormones balancer. It is antispasmodic and a mild sedative to promote relaxation and aid in sleep. Rose and Jasmine are both powerful heart openers that work synergistically together.

 

With the blend infused with scents of deep relaxation we thought we would add another mood and energy booster to balance it out. Bergamot adds a citrusy note that enlivens the blend.

 

As you can see, all the essences chosen have profound health benefits. In addition to those listed above this blend is antiviral and disinfectant. It boosts immune function and soothes skin irritations.

Pick some up today as a Solstice treat for yourself or as a stocking stuffer! Lindsey Lawson MS EAMP is an Acupuncturist, Chinese Herbalist and Clinic Director at Glow Natural Health in Madison Valley and West Seattle and Seattle Fertility Acupuncture. She is passionate about healthy, happy living and a regular blogger. For an appointment call Glow at 206 568 7545.

Seasonal Eating: Baked Squash

Today I got two beautiful winter squash in my CSA box. I had other veggies that needed to be eaten but I could not resist roasting them up for dinner tonight. I love the comforting, warming smell of baking squash!

The importance of eating seasonally cannot be over stated in harmonizing our health with the seasons. Squash is packed with vital nutrients including vitamin A , C, and B. It is also a great source of dietary fiber making it a wonderful in promoting good digestion.

 

Cooling in nature according to Chinese medicine it is used for detoxification. It quenches thirst and is used to relieve urinary difficulty and treat edema. It relieves irritability and benefits the skin.

 

Squash supports the Earth Element and the organs of Spleen and Stomach.  A healthy earth element leads to good digestion and is the basis for proper immune function. It also is the foundation for the production of Blood. Eating squash drains dampness and warms and supports the core.

 

Cooking squash could not be simpler. Today I choose to just split and seed my butternut squash and place each of the halves cut side down on a lightly greased cookie sheet with a small amount of water. I preheated the oven to 450 degrees and baked for 45 min adding water as needed so the squash did not stick to the pan.

 

For the Delicata, I split it, took out the seeds and cut into ½ slices. These I laid on a lightly greased cookie sheet and roasted, flipping once for 30 min. With both pans I used coconut oil which can withstand high temperature cooking. I’ll be eating these tonight with salt, pepper and a little olive oil. Yummy and healthy.

Try these serving options:

Goat cheese and honey

Crispy sage leaves and chopped bacon

Toasted walnuts and sauted mushrooms

 

Lindsey Lawson MS EAMP is an Acupuncturist, Chinese Herbalist and Clinic Director at Glow Natural Health in Madison Valley and West Seattle and Seattle Fertility Acupuncture. She is passionate about healthy, happy living and a regular blogger. For an appointment call Glow at 206 568 7545.