A Breathing Exercise for the Immune System

Focus on breathing deeply for at least two full minutes. Gently control your respiratory system, making each breath grow longer and deeper than the last one. Breathe out any tensions you feel restricting your lungs from moving fully and naturally. Feel your mind clear with each breath. Notice the resistance Your mind creates: the worries and judgments it comes up against. Take several deep breaths and dissolve these barriers. Breathe deeply and gently; remember, you are breathing in life itself.

Hold the breath at the top of the exhalation for a moment, feeling its fullness. Then exhale smoothly, letting your hands drift down into your lap, and relax, feeling the vitality of the breath circulate throughout your body.

In The News: TURMERIC

Turmeric may be the most effective nutritional supplement in existence. Many recent studies have shown that it has major benefits for your body and brain.

Here are the top 10 evidence-based health benefits of turmeric:

1. Turmeric Contains Bioactive Compounds With Powerful Medicinal Properties
2. Curcumin is a Natural Anti-Inflammatory Compound
3. Curcumin Leads to Various Improvements That Should Lower Your Risk of Heart Disease
4. Turmeric Dramatically Increases The Antioxidant Capacity of The Body
5. Curcumin May be Useful in Preventing and Treating Alzheimer's Disease 
6. Arthritis Patients Respond Very Well to Curcumin Supplementation
7. Turmeric Can Help Prevent (And Perhaps Even Treat) Cancer
8. Studies Show That Curcumin Has Incredible Benefits Against Depression
9. Curcumin Boosts Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor, Linked to Improved Brain Function and a Lower Risk of Brain Diseases
10. Curcumin May Help Delay Ageing and Fight Age-Related Chronic Diseases

Turmeric is highly recommended by our Holistic Wellness Team to naturally treat inflammation, without medications.

PHOTO: Simon A. Eugster

Alkaline/Anti-Inflammatory Diets

The concept behind an alkaline diet is that it can help your body maintain its pH, which leads to overall better health and wellness. Foods that are high on the alkaline scale have been shown to help with everything from regulating weight, to promoting longevity, helping with digestion and even preventing disease through their immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties.  On the opposite end, when our bodies become too acidic, we're more likely to carry extra weight, have skin problems and be at risk for a number of various inflammatory-induced illnesses. At the very least, alkaline foods - like fresh fruits and vegetables - are real, whole and definitely good for you.  Here are 15 Alkaline Foods: Here are some recipes on how to prepare them, courtesy of MindBodyGreen.com. The Diet in our 3-Week Detox Program is alkaline and will help to restore Acid/Alkaline balance to the gut and body overall.

The Detox Pathway

There are many organs in your body that aid in the natural detoxification progress. It's estimated that 80% of the energy the body manufactures goes towards aiding the detoxification organs, especially the liver.  These detoxification organs protect the body from the potentially harmful toxic substances that reach us via food, air and water; or are produced inside the body.  Nearly every organ of the body contains specific enzymes that participate in this process and help protect that organ from toxins. And our genetic makeup determines our detoxification abilities, which is why reactions to the exposure of toxins can vary greatly from person to person. We're going to review 5 of the main organs involved in the detox process: LIVER: The liver is the largest organ in the body and is continuously filtering vast amounts of  blood at all times, while removing toxic matter such as dead cells, chemicals, drugs and particulate debris from the blood stream.  The liver filter can also remove a wide range of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites from the blood stream. Infections with parasites often come from the contaminated water supply found in large cities, andother dangerous organisms may find their way into your gut and blood stream from food sources. This can cause chronic infections and poor health, so it is important to detox and protect your liver from overload with these microorganisms. SKIN: The skin is sometimes called 'the third kidney' as the skin is often overexposed to enironmental toxins, chemicals, toiletries, cosmetics, and poor water sources. Thankfully a good amount of toxins as excreted through perspiration, and in dead skin cells that flake off. Dry brushing (an exfoliation technique), along with alternating hot/cold water showers is a great way to aid in the skin detoxification process.  LUNGS: Toxins, such as cigarette smoke, pollution, and other airborne toxins are also breathed in and out of the body. You can aid the lung detox process with deep breathing techniques, exercise, and yoga movements that really open the chest. KIDNEYS: The kidneys are constantly filtering the blood, and proper hydration really helps them function effectively.  Drinking an adequate amount of filtered water daily helps the kidneys to work, and the herbs provided in our Detox Program aid to flush out toxins. COLON: Just as a healthy colon removes toxic residue out of the body a unhealthy one can actually produce your own home grown toxins! Our Detox Program done once a  year really unburdens your system and enhances your immune system.   As you can see, it's vitally important to reset and recharge each of your detox organs to ensure they can function optimally. And the herbs provided in our Detox Program aid to flush out toxins!

Why You Need A Detox

Toxins are everywhere. They are in the food we eat, in our environment in the air we breathe and our water supply, in the household cleaners we use, and in many things we come into contact with daily.

Because toxins affect the structure and function of cells, they cause a multitude of health problems such as migraines, body aches and pains, digestive problems like constipation, diarrhea or bloating, autoimmune disorders such as lupus and multiple sclerosis, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, premature aging, PMS and food allergies or intolerances. 

Detoxification is so important because it can literally reverse the symptoms of illness and change your life by eliminating the toxic buildup in your body. While your liver, small intestine, kidneys, and colon are involved in the body's detoxification system daily, these vital organs need the support of a nutritional cleanse to repair and rejuvenate so they can work efficiently. 

Top 5 Reasons to Detox!

1. You'll feel better!
2. You'll lose weight!
3. You'll eliminate food sensitivies!
4. You'll stop food cravings!
5. You'll reboot your body towards better health! 

Our 3-Week Bio Detoxification Program is a safe, gentle, and easy way to provide your body with an abundance of antioxidants, cleansing herbs, and powerful nutrients, while eliminating toxins. 

Want more information on how our Detox Program will benefit you? Just ask a member of our Wellness Team.

"Jumpstart" your health for 2016 with our safe and gentle 3-Week Bio Detoxification Program.

Happy New Year!

We're thrilled to begin another new year with each of you and be a part of your ongoing journey towards optimal health. Each year, we see daily examples of how ill health, disease, poor lifestyle choices, and lack of ongoing, routine health care can negatively affect our patient's lives. But as a result, we stand firm in our collective team mission to help as many people within our community as we can. 

We have found that many people are unaware or mistrust how safe, quick and effective treatments in our office can be, or they are too overwhelmed by their life and their pain to take the first step toward healing, leaving them feeling powerless. Others have a desire to live a healthier lifestyle but don't know where to start. And there are those who are caught in a cycle of quitting care at the first glimmer of better health, only to have a chronic condition return.

The success of your ongoing health, much like everything in life, requires consistency. So we're here to work with you to create a wellness plan that will work for your schedule and lifestyle. We also know that there is no "one size fits most" when it comes to holistic health care, which is why we offer complementary therapies and modalities, to best serve your body, spirit, and mind. 

To that end, we'd like to encourage our patients to "jumpstart" their health each January with our safe and gentle 3-Week Bio Detoxification Program. Year after year, we've seen our patients achieve amazing results as they eliminate toxins, lose weight, recharge their immune systems, and start the new year inspired to live a healthier lifestyle. Taking control over your food choices is not only the simplest way to contribute to your health, it's truly empowering as you become an active part of your own wellness.

And don't forget that if you order your Bio Detox kit before February 29th, you'll receive 6 FREE Aqua Detox Sessions!Contact our office to arrange pickup of your kit, or do so on your next scheduled appointment. Until your next adjustment...

Yours in Health,

Dr. Heidi & The InnerMovement Wellness Team

The negative effects of over-the-counter pain medications

This month our focus is on educating our patients on the potentially negative effects of over-the-counter pain medications, especially acetaminophen. When we have aches and pains, isn't taking Acetaminophen a very safe and good idea?  What about when our child is teething, or just after a vaccine? Should we give her Infants' Tylenol to relieve the pain? Research shows that Acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol and more than 600 medications, causes toxicity, cell death and liver failure.  We have provided research in this newsletter to educate you on the potential side effects of this drug that has been marketed as "safe for the whole family".  But, our deeper message this month is to remind you that if you are having pain, seek solutions - not simply a way to mask the symptoms.  Medications don't heal, they mask symptoms, modulate symptoms, and at best, attempt to ward off future symptoms.  

Medications do not solve the imbalance that the pain is representing in the body. To heal, one must remove blockages, restore flow, and bring balance to the failing system. Chiropractic restores nerve flow, brings balance to the spine and nervous system, and ultimately allows for the body to heal itself.  Acupuncture restores balance to the body so that the organ systems are working in harmony allowing the body to heal more effectively.  Massage restores movement of the tissues and nutrition removes toxicity and restores depleted cells. All of the techniques at InnerMovement are HIGHLY effective in treating pain. Before you reach for the pain medication, pick up the phone and call our office. All of the InnerMovement staff are passionate about helping the whole family live a pain free, vibrant life! Until our next adjustment...

Yours in Health,

Dr. Heidi & The InnerMovement Wellness Team

Are OTC Pain Relievers Safe

Over The Counter Pain Relievers

Are They Effective? Are They Safe?

In a recent article on the effectiveness of common over-the-counter pain killers, pain researchers revealing some surprising and disturbing insights.

• A pain researcher at Oxford University,stated: Tylenol doesn't actually work that well for pain. To be more exact, "I can't imagine why anybody would take acetaminophen," he said. Every researcher contacted agreed with this statement.
• A 2015 study published on BMJ.com (link below) found that acetaminophen didn't seem to help most sufferers of chronic low back pain, and that it barely alleviates pain in people with osteoarthritis. As the researchers wrote, "We found that [acetaminophen] is ineffective on both pain and disability outcomes for low back pain in the immediate and short term and is not clinically superior to placebo on both pain and disability outcomes for osteoarthritis."

Most disturbing was the data provided that links Acetaminophen usage with liver toxicity and failure. Between 1998 and 2003, acetaminophen was the leading cause of acute liver failure in the US. "We always thought [acetaminophen] was safe, but there are increasing signals of accidental overdose in people who are regularly using it for chronic pain, and some liver toxicity," explained a Professor of Musculoskeletal Medicine. 

Unfortunately, there are risks associated with Aspirin and Ibuprofen usage as well. Aspirin interferes with blood coagulation. Just 1 gram of Aspirin leaves you at rick for bleeding up to 4 days after using it. And Ibuprofen puts users at risk for gastrointestinal bleeds and kidney damage. Using it in high doses also seems to raise blood pressure, and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.

So what's the solution? Drug-Free pain relief solutions that work to restore balance to the body such as Chiropractic, Acupuncture and Massage.

Research:

*Efficacy and safety of Acetaminophen in the management of spinal pain and osteoarthritis of the hip or knee

*Acetaminophen-induced acute liver failure

Recipe Of The Month -

Healthy & Easy After School Snacks

Nut Butter

Option 1: Top pear slices with nut butter & granola.

Option 2: Top a rice cake with nut butter & blueberries.

Option 3: Use as dipping sauce for carrot sticks or sliced apples. (Bonus tip: try using cookie cutters to make fun shapes!)

Hummus

Option 1: Top a multigrain bagel with hummus & sliced tomato.
Option 2: Make a wrap with a whole-wheat tortilla, hummus, sliced cucumber, & crumbled Feta (optional).
Option 3: Serve with fresh cut veggies for dipping.

Granola, Yogurt and Berry Parfaits

Layer greek yogurt with fresh berries and organic granola in a tall glass.

Fruit Smoothies

Puree 1 cup vanilla yogurt, 1 cup frozen strawberries, 1 banana and 1/4 cup filtered water or coconut water in a blender until smooth. (Add 1/2 cup of spinach or kale for extra credit.)

Say NO to Soda!

Did you know that according to new Dietary Guidelines, 1 can of coke exceeds the daily sugar intake amount? 

MSNBC article on Coca-Cola's misleading anti-obesity campaign targets kids

Infographic:  8 Ways That Soda Negatively Affects Your Health