Don’t let your BIOGRAPHY become your BIOLOGY

 Has your life story, trauma, grief, disease, chosen path CHANGED your body on a cellular level so you have become imbalanced, stuck, anxious, have PTSD or dis-ease?

Learn how to delve into your core self and reconnect the neural pathways integrating the mind and the body, let go of cellular stress and clear toxins. Learn self-care. Learn how to redefine and recreate your STORY so you can be free of any obstacles(mental or physical)that are holding you back from true health and happiness.


This is a trying time in our nation. I am a tornado of emotions, disappointment, grief, utter confusion. Trying to find the positive or understand the “why” things have gone so far in what seems to clearly be the wrong direction. All of these emotions go deeper than me, or you, or our nation. They run deep.

This has inspired me to follow exclusion with inclusion, hate with love and pain with relief.

How do we manifest change in our life story, our daily exposures, our pain, physical, mental, emotional, from the glass half full to overflowing with abundance?

This may trigger a reaction in you of recent political events that feel foreign or external to you or very personal experiences of abuse, chronic pain, inflammation, anger, grief, infertility, depression and anxiety.

I am offering a therapeutic experience for deep change.
A journey so to speak.
It will take a lot of work, vulnerability and dedication to create true change in your life story, your biography, where you come from and how you walk in the world current and past. If you need to make changes in your life (your biography) to make changes in your life (your biology) on a cellular level to promote peace, happiness, pain relief and healing start now.

Personal or Group ND Therapy is available to integrate and re-connect to meet your goals in life.
Sessions include therapeutic evaluation, personal mantra and meditation, breathing exercises and can include craniosacral therapy.

What Is MANTRA?

Meditation and The Power of Breath Control: Why It Works?

What Is CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY?

BIO- DETOX (individual)
$150 45 minutes

BIO-DETOX Cranio
$199 90 minutes

BIO -DETOX(group) AVAILABLE IN THE NEW YEAR
$108 90 minutes

Due to high patient volume we are booking out to the end of the year. Please call the office if you would like to be put on the waiting list, alerted about cancellation openings or for times and dates added weekly that may not be reflected on line. 303-545-2021

 

Have Questions? Lets talk! 
Schedule a free 15 minute consult with NWW

Naturopathic Womens Wellness
1295 Yellow Pine Ave. Boulder CO 80304
P: 303-545-2021  |  F: 303-545-2003 

Meditation and Why it Works

A simple meditation to use to begin the transition from Beta or Alpha to the Theta State is to focus on the breath. The breath and mind work in tandem, so as breathbegins to lengthen, brain waves begin to slow down.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ashley-turner/how-meditation-works_b_4702629.html

As yogis have known for centuries and scientists can now prove, the benefits of meditation are profound.

Meditation is perhaps the most crucial instrument to harness the power of thought, cultivate more peace, clarity and happiness.

Learning to train the brain and focus our attention is crucial to thriving and cultivating a peak performance in any endeavor.

Long-time psychotherapist Dr. Ron Alexander, author of Wise Mind, Open Mind, speaks of MIND STRENGTH, or the resiliency, efficacy and emotional intelligence that arise as we begin the process of controlling the mind. Mind strength is one of the most empowering tools we can employ to impact and improve all aspects of life.

There are five major categories of brain waves, each corresponding to different activities. Meditation enables us to move from higher frequency brain waves to lower frequency, which activates different centers in the brain.

Slower wavelengths = more time between thoughts = more opportunity to skillfully choose which thoughts you invest in and what actions you take.

5 Categories of Brain Waves: Why Meditation Works

1. Gamma State: (30 - 100Hz) This is the state of hyperactivity and active learning. Gamma state is the most opportune time to retain information. This is why educators often have audiences jumping up and down or dancing around — to increase the likelihood of permanent assimilation of information. If over stimulated, it can lead to anxiety.

2. Beta State: (13 - 30Hz) Where we function for most of the day, beta state is associated with the alert mind state of the prefrontal cortex. This is a state of the “working” or “thinking mind” — analytical, planning, assessing and categorizing.

3. Alpha State: (9 - 13Hz) Brain waves start to slow down out of thinking mind. We feel more calm, peaceful and grounded. We often find ourselves in an “alpha state” after a yoga class, a walk in the woods, a pleasurable sexual encounter or during any activity that helps relax the body and mind. We are lucid, reflective, have a slightly diffused awareness. The hemispheres of the brain are more balanced (neural integration).

4. Theta State: (4 - 8Hz) We are able to begin meditation. This is the point where the verbal/thinking mind transitions to the meditative/visual mind. We begin to move from the planning mind to a deeper state of awareness (often felt as drowsy), with stronger intuition, more capacity for wholeness and complicated problem solving. The theta state is associated visualization.

5. Delta State: (1-3 Hz) Tibetan monks that have been meditating for decades can reach this in an alert, wakened phase, but most of us reach this final state during deep, dreamless sleep.

How to Meditate:

A simple meditation to use to begin the transition from Beta or Alpha to the Theta State is to focus on the breath. The breath and mind work in tandem, so as breath begins to lengthen, brain waves begin to slow down.

To begin the meditation, sit comfortably in your chair with your shoulders relaxed and spine tall. Place your hands mindfully on your lap, close your eyes and as much as possible eliminate any stimulus that may distract you.

Watch your breath. Simply notice your breath flowing in. Flowing out. Don’t try to change it in any way. Just notice.

Silently repeat the mantra: “Breathing In. Breathing Out.” As your mind begins to wander, draw it back to your breath. Notice that as your breath begins to lengthen and fill your body, your mind begins to calm.

Consistency is key. Try to do this breath meditation first thing in the morning and/or at night. Be consistent with your meditation. Shorter meditations on a regular basis are more productive than long sessions every few weeks. Aim for 5 minutes a day and add 1 minutes each week.

Craniosacral Therapy Defined

http://www.upledger.com/therapies/

CranioSacral Therapy (CST) was pioneered and developed by osteopathic physician John E. Upledgerfollowing extensive scientific studies from 1975 to 1983 at Michigan State University, where he served as a clinical researcher and Professor of Biomechanics.

CST is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of a physiological body system called the craniosacral system - comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord.

Using a soft touch generally no greater than 5 grams, or about the weight of a nickel, practitioners release restrictions in the craniosacral system to improve the functioning of the central nervous system.

By complementing the body's natural healing processes, CST is increasingly used as a preventive health measure for its ability to bolster resistance to disease, and is effective for a wide range of medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction, including:

• Migraine Headaches
• Chronic Neck and Back Pain
• Motor-Coordination Impairments
• Colic
• Autism
• Central Nervous System Disorders
• Orthopedic Problems
• Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries
• Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia
• Spinal Cord Injuries
• Scoliosis
• Infantile Disorders
• Learning Disabilities
• Chronic Fatigue
• Emotional Difficulties
• Stress and Tension-Related Problems
• Fibromyalgia and other Connective-Tissue Disorders
• Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome (TMJ)
• Neurovascular or Immune Disorders
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Post-Surgical Dysfunction

SomatoEmotional Release (SER) is a therapeutic process that uses and expands on the principles of CranioSacral Therapy to help rid the mind and body of the residual effects of trauma. SER1 offers applications designed to enhance results using CST and other complementary therapies.

• Assess and mobilize the Avenue of Expression working through more than 10 different body components, including the thoracic inlet, hard palate and hyoglossal tissues.
• Locate and release Energy Cysts.
• Release suppressed emotions that may be inhibiting complete structural releases.
• Refine listening and comprehension skills.
• Improve palpation and whole-body evaluation skills.

What is Mantra?

*Thank You Kia Miller*  "Why Mantra?" First lets look at what mantra means: In our modern world it is a term used to indicate any repetitive thought, which can either be a slogan or an affirmation (positive) or a belief like "I am too fat" (negative).  In the Yoga Tradition, mantras are words or sounds that are believed to free the mind from thinking. Sounds great doesn't it?!  It certainly interested me and my first experience actually chanting mantra proved that there was more than meets the eye. I found that I was not only thinking differently, but I was feeling better also.  When I started this journey, the key questions were: "What is mantra?," and "Why is it considered the master key that dissolves all blocks on the path to self-realization?"  What I came to understand was that mantras are energetic verbal formulas designed to transform consciousness, to draw one into a devotional state, and to improve ones ability to be focus the mind.  Mantra is actually the vehicle through which we reach silence. We harness the enormous power of the conscious mind through repetition of the mantra, which allows us to gradually pierce through the veils of thought that separate us from a state of pure awareness. It is here where we touch the soul of our original being. Our mind, just like our body can age through old ideas, emotions, beliefs and opinions that create blockages in our channels of perception. We stop seeing things as they really are and see only what our minds habits allow us to see. Chanting mantra is a very effective tool to draw our attention away from our ordinary preoccupations and limiting beliefs. It opens the flow of energy through our vocal chords into our entire nervous system as well as awakening our prana/lifeforce as a whole. It is this awakened inner flow of energy, which produces moments of flow, connectednes and inspiration.   If you have not started chanting yet I highly recommend you explore it :) There are many incredible musicians with mantra recordings on www.spiritvoyage.com Below are a some mantra based practices on Yogaglo: Balance Your Brain Initiate the Flow of Kundalini Energy Healing Meditation to Clear the Chakras and Find Calm Clear The Past Healing with the Siri Gaitri Mantra Meditation to Conquer Negativity

HAND-FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE

This disease is caused by the Coxsackievirus. These viruses are usually transmitted via the oral-oral or fecal-oral route and are highly contagious.

The symptoms include ulcerative oral lesions and extremely painful cutaneous lesions on the hands and feet.  Occasionally these lesions are asymptomatic. The child will often refuse to eat because of the pain in the mouth. The rash may persist for months but, generally, there are others in the family or daycare with similar symptoms.  Parents usually only exhibit the rash on their hands.

A prodrome is present with this condition and usually occurs 12 hours to one day prior to the rash.  Symptoms include: low grade fever, malaise, abdominal pain, respiratory symptoms and sore throat.  The condition would need to be differentiated from Herpes simplex, Aphthous stomatitis, Herpangina and Erythema multiforme major, but its classic pattern generally aids in the final diagnosis.

In managing this disease, it is best to start viral, immune and pain support as soon as possible Herbs that may be useful are:  Glycyrrhiza glabra, Melissa officinalis, Echinacea angustifolia, Usnea, Astragalus membraneou and, Allium sativa (Garlic).  Start immune supporting vitamins such as: Vitamin C, Zinc and Bioflavonoids.  For the pain, herbal popsicles can be given to sooth mouth blisters, with chamomile, licorice and melissa. Herbal foot/hand soaks to dry up blisters and heal skin will also be beneficial. Topical dyclonine HCl or lidocaine gel could be considered to help reduce oral discomfort so that the child can eat.

• Stay HYDRATED.
• Do not give children asprin.
• Infectious until blisters are gone.  Limit contact with others.  Children should be excused from school until blisters are dry.
• Good hygiene is the best protection: wash hands with soap and water after going to the toilet, before eating, after wiping noses, and after changing nappies or soiled clothing.
• Avoid Sugars

Care should be taken in exposure to pregnant mothers because infection in first trimester of pregnancy may trigger a spontaneous abortion.

 

Naturopathic Womens Wellness
1295 Yellow Pine Ave. Boulder CO 80304
P: 303-545-2021  |  F: 303-545-2003
 |  Dr. Hillary Martin |  
 

References

1. Moses, S., MD. Hand Foot and Mouth Disease. Family Practice Notebook. Retrieved 5/2/04 from the World Wide Web: http://fpnotebook.com.
2. Roberts, S.M., ND. Naturopathic Pediatric Essentials. Wenatchee, WA. Healing Mountain Publishing, Inc.
3. Toida M, Watanabe F, Goto K, Shibata T. Usefulness of low-level laser for control of painful stomatitis in patients with hand-foot-and-mouth disease. J Clin Laser Med Surg. 2003 Dec;21(6):363-7.
4. Frydenberg A, Starr M. Hand, foot and mouth disease. Aust Fam Physician. 2003 Aug;32(8):594-5.

Back to School Health Tips

The days are getting shorter, the fall equinox is just around the corner and kids all over the bay area are headed back to school.   Here are some tips to ensure the transition back into the school year goes well!

Get Adequate Sleep
Summertime sleep patterns can be luxurious and hard to break.  Ensure that your children start heading to bed earlier so they can get adequate sleep before the school day.   To determine the appropriate bedtime, consider the when your child needs to wake up and the amount of sleep they need for their age:
Age 5-12: 10-12 hours per day
Age 13-18: 8-9 hours per day.
Getting adequate sleep will ensure that your child performs to his or her full potential, athletically, intellectually and socially.

Eat a Well Balanced Diet
Kids should eat three well-balanced meals per day and have a couple of nutritious snacks in between.  Meals should include protein, whole grains and fruits and vegetables.  Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables ensure that kids are getting all the nutrients they need for optimal brain function.

Skip the sugar.  Meals and snacks with high sugar content can disrupt concentration.  Sugar also feeds bacteria and viruses while dampening the immune system, making your child more vulnerable to getting sick.

Breakfast really is the most important meal of the day!   Make sure that there is plenty of protein at this meal; this will ensure they have adequate blood sugar to get them through the school day.  Adequate blood sugar levels help improve concentration, focus and energy.  

Move Your Body
Regular activity and exercise help keep kids healthy.  Exercise releases endorphins that help kids feel good in their bodies.  Regular exercise also stimulates circulation throughout the body and brain, which improves memory and intellectual performance.  Exercise will also help enhance immune function to ward of viruses and bacteria.  Children mimic their parents, so be a good role model and exercise with your children.  Go out for walks or bike rides, and spend some family time being active together.

Limit Screen Time
Spending time in front of screens kills creativity and encourages sedentary behavior.  Excessive screen time can also lead to inattention and focus problems.  Children should spend no more than 1 hour in front of a screen per day.  This includes: TV, smart phones, Ipads, computers, and video games.


Save Their Backs
Many children carry way too much in their backpacks.  An increasing number of children are showing up in emergency rooms with back pain.  Make sure your child has a backpack that is an appropriate size for them with two padded shoulder straps and a hip belt so that weight is evenly distributed.  Use all of the compartments to organize the contents of the backpack and pack the heaviest items closest to the center of the back.  Children should carry no more than 15-20% of their body weight.

Support Good Study Habits

Work out a schedule that allows ample time to complete assignments and includes study breaks.  Put up a wall calendar that lists assignments and has checklists that help children stay on top of their workload.  Create an environment that is conducive to doing homework by giving them a workspace that is free of distractions.  Establish a rule that TVs and telephones stay off during homework time.  Supervise computer and Internet use so that time is focused on completing assignments and not distracted by Facebook or YouTube.  Be available to answer questions and offer assistance but do not do the work for them.

Naturopathic Womens Wellness
1295 Yellow Pine Ave. Boulder CO 80304
P: 303-545-2021  |  F: 303-545-2003
 |  Dr. Hillary Roland |  

Endometriosis: Why Am I In So Much Pain?

Endometriosis is a disorder characterized by one or more of the following: pelvic pain with menstruation pelvic pain during non-menstrual part of the cycle pain with intercourse pain with bowel movements infertility women changes in the menstrual cycle The cause of endometriosis is unknown. It is thought to be familial yet no identified genes have yet been discovered. One theory is that of retrograde menstruation flowing back up into the pelvic cavity and into non-endometrial tissue. It may spread by lymph tissue and blood through the umbilicus, metaplasia occurring spontaneously into the endometrial tissue. Conventional therapy often starts with birth control pills and pain pills but then can move on to surgery followed by oral contraceptive pills or gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRH-a). The GnRH- medication reduces estrogen levels, and puts the woman in at least temporary menopause, with subsequent symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, reduced libido, mood changes and more. Even though the medication is designed to lower estrogen, the conventional response to the onset of the menopause symptoms is to add back low doses of estrogen therapy. Naturopathic Therapies including herbal supplementation, diet changes, lifestyle modification and stress management may provide pain relief or pain reduction adjunctively or in replace of conventional treatments. Diagnosis and Management: Endometriosis can take up to 7 years to fully diagnose. Physical exam can be normal and pelvic pain may or may not be the only symptom. Diagnosis of endometrial lesions can only be verified through laparoscopy. Differential diagnosis should be assessed and include: Celiac IBS PID Thyroid Imbalance UA, not pregnant HCG STD, G/C, CBC, ESR, CA 125 Musculoskeletal Pain Diary Negative US does not rule out endometriosis but can assess physical abnormalities Symptoms: can all be different in all women asymptomatic,  discovered at C-section or tubal ligation dysmennorhea in 90% of women, cyclical, can be chronic and get worse or daily with progression dyspareunia, deep internal pain with sex, ache, deep lower back pain, like organs are falling out dysuria can affect and cause pain in bladder or filling or excretion, may cause hematuria, or constipation/diarrhea, bleeding when passing bowel movement Infertility, can physically damage fallopian tubes or alter shape, very inflammatory and can damage eggs, sperm or affect implantation Treatment: Focus is on pain relief, hormone balance to support proper estrogen and progesterone balance and reduce all inflammation. PAIN diary can be useful and monitoring cyclic changes Meditation can be helpful and CBTherapy Protein and Plant Based Diet Supporting Liver Function and Detox Eliminating Environmental Toxins and Exogenous Estrogens Psychosocial Support for Pain Control and Quality of Life Ginger, Valerian and Crampbark Pain Control Birth Control, Pain Medication and SSRI Inhibiting menses can be helpful in pain and prevention of progression of disease. Dr. Tori Hudson, women’s health specialist, Naturopathic Physician, Author, Educator and Researcher has researched and presented clinical studies on the following: NAC 600mg three time daily 3 consecutive days per week x 3 months, reduces pain and increase fertility/ovulation Melatonin at 10 mg/day reduces endometriosis associated chronic pelvic pain, including a reduction in pelvic pain, pelvic pain during menses, pain during vaginal penetration, pain during urination and pain during defecation that is statistically and clinically significant. This reduction in pelvic pain due to melatonin was of a magnitude > 35% overall, as well as an 80% reduction in analgesic use. Pine Bark Extract: pycnogenol 30 mg twice daily reduces pelvic pain The mechanisms whereby tea reduces the risk of endometrial cancer are multifactorial. Tea, even green tea, contains caffeine, which lowers free estrogen levels. A number of antioxidants are in green tea, and these “catechins” affect carcinogenesis in numerous ways including inducing apoptosis (cell death), inhibiting estrogen-induced activation of endometrial cells and scavenging free radicals. Tea also contains phytoestrogens and can have an estrogen antagonist effect on endometrial cells. Tea consumption also modifies genetic polymorphisms relevant in the development of endometrial cancer. Start Naturopathic Medicine today to reduce pain related to endometriosis, balance hormones and reduce inflammation to improve your quality of life. Have Questions? Lets talk! Schedule a free 15 minute consult with NWW Naturopathic Womens Wellness 1295 Yellow Pine Ave. Boulder CO 80304 P: 303-545-2021  |  F: 303-545-2003   |  Dr. Hillary Martin  |   REFERENCES: http://drtorihudson.com/botanicals/tea-and-risk-of-endometrial-cancer/ http://drtorihudson.com/general/dietary-supplements/the-effect-of-melatonin-in-the-treatment-of-endometriosis/ http://drtorihudson.com/general/pine-bark-extract-and-endometriosis/ http://www.empowher.com/endometriosis/content/what-herbs-or-supplements-help-severe-endometriosis-dr-hudson-video http://drtorihudson.com/general/dietary-supplements/nac-something-new-for-endometriosis/ https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=tori%20hudson%20endometriosis http://endometriosis.org/resources/articles/myths https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-professionals/webinar-library/endometriosis-diagnosis-management