Posts filed under ‘winter’
Beat-the-Bug-Baltimore – Part 2
HIDDEN SOURCES OF “C”
While most of us are familiar with the citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, grapefruit, etc.) as a friendly and plentiful source of the immune-boosting nutrient Vitamin C, did you know that many common vegetables are also stocked with “C-Power”? Broccoli, bell peppers, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, cabbage, and tomatoes are all wonderful veggie source of vitamin C. Individuals with frequent sinusitis and “phlegm” conditions may actually experience an aggravation of their symptoms from eating citrus containing foods since they stimulate mucus production. Turning attention to alternative source of Vitamin C found in vegetables or with supplementation may be a more effective way to keep the immune system strong and resilient for sinusitis sufferers.
Vitamin C is a vital anti-oxidant needed in our bodies to quench free radicals, support wound healing, stimulate a healthy immune response to colds & flus and calm inflammation. Because Vitamin C is water-soluble, our bodies excrete what is not needed and the main side effect of too much Vitamin C for a person’s body is loose stools. Everyone has a different threshold for the amount of Vitamin C tolerated in a day. More frequent doses of vitamin C are often needed at the onset and early stages of most infections. For more information on Beating-the Bug, contact Dr. Emily via the e-mail link above.
Beat-the-Bug Baltimore – Part 1
HEALING WITH HYDROTHERAPY
The first cases of the flu have already been reported in Maryland this season, and I have witnessed a number of patients overcome the first round of back-to-school colds. Now is the time when taking preventative steps to optimize your immune system and put your wellness practices into place is most crucial. Throughout the next several months I will be posting simple cold and flu wellness tips rooted in the naturopathic traditions of treating the person and the underlying causes of illness rather than just the disease itself.
This first preventive practice is one I learned in my Hydrotherapy class over 10 years ago and still practice almo
st daily – the Cold Shower Rinse. The instructions are simple: At the end of your shower, turn the temperature dial to cool or cold and rinse your entire body for 30 seconds in the cooler water before stepping out of the shower. Take care to especially let the cool water fall over your throat to stimulate your thyroid gland (responsible for metabolism) and over the center of your chest to stimulate your thymus gland (an important part of your immune system). Regularly practicing the cold shower rinse may not only awaken your vitality and heighten your resistance to infection, you may also notice that your tolerance to cold weather improves and that the normal temperature of your showers begins to go down, leading to savings on your energy bill!
Welcoming Back the Light
The darkness of winter brings with its stillness and quiet a greater appreciation for the liveliness and radiance we associate with the light of summer. In winter we tend to crave the light and resist the natural slowing down of time and life around us. Living in a world which places value on fast-paced productivity and “burning the candle at both ends,” we can quickly forget the value of winter in our lives. Winter gifts us with an invitation to look inward – to visit our own places of darkness and welcome back the light.
During the recent Winter Solstice, I reflected upon the healing experiences I’ve been honored to witness over this past year. The most profound moments shared with patients arrived through stories and insights that reminded individuals of their own spark and brilliance. As a practitioner, I am learning more and more that the process of healing is a journey back to the light. Facing the darkness guides the way to where the light is most needed.
“So the darkness shall be the light, and the stillness the dancing.” – T.S. Eliot
Fall Wellness Workshops
HOMEOPATHY 101: Acute Prescribing for Beginners December 3rd
Ever wonder if there is more to homeopathy than Arnica? Dr. Emily will diffuse the myths and explore the mystery of this gentle and deep acting form of medicine during this 2-hour workshop that has been frequently requested for by patients. After reviewing the history and principles of homeopathy, you will learn how to safely use common homeopathic remedies as adjunctive care for acute conditions. Homeopathic home kits will be available for purchase as well.
Date: Thursday December 3rd 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Location: Seeds Classroom (3600 Roland Ave Ste 3)
Cost: $50 (individual) / $75 (couples)
Pre-registration Required: Contact Dr. Emily at dremilytelfair@gmail.com or (443) 226-7665
COLD, FLU & YOU! Natural immune Boosting Class Nov 12th & Nov 17th
Take a natural approach this cold & flu season and uncover the mystery behind Onion Earmuffs and Cold Wet Socks. This class will provide you with helpful home remedies for warding off illness and stopping infections in their tracts. Dr. Emily will review nutritional, herbal and homeopathic therapies that can both prevent viral infections and hasten the healing process.
Two Class Options:
CANCELLED – Thursday November 12th
Tuesday November 17th 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm (Still accepting registration)
Location: Seeds Classroom (3600 Roland Ave Ste 3)
Cost: $35 (individual) / $50 (couples)
Pre-registration Required: Contact Dr. Emily at dremilytelfair@gmail.com or (443) 226-7665
Flu Shot or Not?
This is a very difficult decision weighing on the minds of many Americans right now as seasonal flu vaccines are readily available and the new H1N1 vaccine is close behind. The decision to receive the vaccine for yourself or for your child is a personal one that depends on numerous factors such as underlying health conditions, access to medical care, environmental exposures, and personal belief systems. It is important to remember that receiving the standard flu vaccine does not necessarily mean you will not get sick this fall or winter, and being mindful of natural immunity boosting practices may further prevent your risk of illness.
Thimerosal is a preservative containing mercury that is used to preserve the flu vaccines. The CDC reports that up to 50 million thimerosal-free vaccine doses will be available this season. When possible, try to request a preservative-free vaccine. If you are concerned about avoiding a reaction to the vaccine, contact Dr. Emily to discuss simple homeopathic remedies such as Arnica or Ledum that may help prevent adverse effects from the shot. Additional remedies may be helpful if symptoms occur after the vaccine.
If you choose not to receive the vaccine or would like to consider additional ways to bolster your immunity this winter, here are few wellness tips for cold/flu prevention:
- Keep up the Vitamin D: If you spend most of your time indoors at work or at school, then you are most likely Vitamin D deficient. Elevated blood levels of Vitamin D3 are correlated with increased immune protection as well as cancer prevention.
- Eat the Rainbow: Enjoy a diet rich in a variety of fruits, veggies, whole grains, legumes, nuts & seeds, and wild fish. Reduce or eliminate refined carbs, sugar, alcohol, & caffeine which may weaken the immune response.
- Hydrate your body & your sinuses: Bump up your water intake this winter to help your body flush out any exposure to toxins & rinse your sinuses regularly with a Neti Pot to prevent infections from establishing residence in your upper respiratory tract.
- Exercise: Carve time to move your body with yoga, cardiovascular exercise or moderate walking. Regular exercise can enhance well-being and strengthen the immune system.
- Cold-Rinse Showers: End your showers with a cool rinse for 15-30 seconds – especially over your thyroid gland (base of the neck) which stimulates metabolism and your thymus gland (center of the chest) which stimulates T-cell production.
- REST: Prioritize 7-8 hours for sleep each night. Much of our healing occurs while sleeping. Listen to your body and at the first sign of illness or feeling “worn out,” take time to rest.
(These statements are not meant to treat or diagnose any condition. It is important to consult with a healthcare practitioner if you experience symptoms of the flu or other illness.)
Harvesting Your Health
As the season of holiday festivities draws closer, it is easy to let our attention drift away from personal health and wellness and towards over-indulgence, long to-do lists, and stress over material items. Fall and Winter, by their nature, give us permission to retreat and relax. The shorter days and longer nights encourage rest and stillness both physically and mentally.
Colds, Flus and Sinus Infections take advantage of our frenzied states forcing us to rest one way or another. Practice preventative medicine this cold & flu season by enjoying the holidays differently with a slower pace, shorter lists and more presence for the people you love most. Cutting back on sugar and staying well hydrated will lift additional stress on your body this winter. Also, keep your health a priority by following up regularly with your practitioners and prioritizing time for therapies that balance your response to stress such as massage, cranio-sacral therapy or acupuncture.
The Holistic Detox Series was such a success last month that I will be offering the class again in January 2009 at Seeds in Hampden. Stay tuned for more details regarding dates and costs. This would make a wonderful holiday wellness gift for yourself or someone you love!
