Gut Feelings

Gut Feelings

Have you ever experienced a ‘gut feeling’? Sometimes accompanied by butterflies in your stomach, a strange feeling in your abdomen or food isn’t digesting well because life has been a bit h E c T i C? We’ve all been there – someone’s energy doesn’t sit right with us, eating on the run or while multitasking 5 different things, pent up emotions or general daily worry of what to do, what to do.. you’re not alone. I’ve been doing a lot more study around gut-brain connection as well as adrenal health this year and by golly, the 21st century is all about RUSHING. This time of year in October, people start to get tired and stressed with only 2-3 months left until the dramatic Christmas season. Already, people are visiting the clinic worn out and running on their reserves. Just take a moment, to take a deep breath, to check in with where you are at.

Today’s living involves a lot of low level anxiety over multi tasking, relying on coffee/stimulants to wake us up, too rich food, restless sleep, social media, lack of exercise and real fun, financial pressure and general trying to ‘have it all’ or merely keep up. I recently read a book called ‘Slow’ by Brooke McAlary and it is literally about living a slower life. To come back into a state of rest and digest so that sleep is sound and restorative, moods are better, you aren’t relying on coffee/stimulants and you’re recognising your own values and what really matters to you.

Nerve pathways run throughout our body, assisting in all things function. Concentration, digestion, respiration for example are all connected in a linking system. The vagus nerve is the longest cranial nerve that starts in the brain and connects through to our neck and chest, then linking to the abdomen. The vagus nerve is involved with the parasympathetic (rest and digest – when you feel calm and grounded) and the sympathetic (fight-flight – a natural response from stress, when adrenaline kicks in). Both (parasympathetic and sympathetic) are needed to function. Sometimes though, the fight-flight response gets a little overworked – when we push ourselves, when life has thrown us curve balls all at once, pressures of keeping up with everyone else, post traumatic symptoms from trauma and simply feeling anxious and worrying too much. What happens – our gut is affected ! Not to mention pain in the body, fatigue etc.

Acupuncture Chinese medicine Sunshine Coast

Chinese medicine offers some relieving perspective for easing back into the rest and digest state of being by addressing the pathology at its root. When an issue is rectified at the root level, innate processes within you start to take over in a positive domino effect.

Examples include using acupuncture to:

  • Regulate the circadian rhythm (the sleep cycle) so that your hormones and metabolism naturally function well and you wake feeling refreshed, therefore you’re not relying on coffee to perk you up. Not to mention healthy weight and all things gynaecological for woman is smooth sailing throughout monthly cycles.
  • Regulate and strengthen your immune and digestive function so that you are absorbing nutrients properly, your bowel movements feel great and your energy is therefore good too!
  • Unblock stagnant energy in the body from built up stress, tight muscles, poor posture, repressed emotions and that funny gut feeling when worries build up.
  • Supporting your body to prevent overstimulated adrenaline – there is only so many times you can push your adrenals before it becomes detrimental to your health long term.

The vagus nerve doesn’t need to be shocked into shape. It can be toned and strengthened similar to a muscle with small mindful changes to bring you back into feeling cool, calm and collected where you can take a big deep abdominal breath, shaking that funny gut feeling.

 

Other ways to stimulate the vagus nerve and bring you back into rest and digest ways of being include:

  • Gargling – stimulates the palate which is fired by the vagus nerve.
  • Singing and chanting – increases the heart rate, sending relaxing vibrational waves through the vagus nerve that passes through the neck.
  • Laughing – bursts of joy are natural immune boosters. A good laugh can also be followed by coughing, swallowing and bowel movements which all are connected through where the vagus nerve travels.
  • Yoga and Tai chi – both increase the rest and digest activity and studies show regular yoga practices increase the feel good neurotransmitters in the brain.
  • Positive social relationships – research has suggested that thinking compassionately about others naturally increases feelings of joy, hope and serenity which therefore increases the heart rate, thus stimulating the vagus nerve in a positive domino effect.
  • Deep breathing and meditation – your heart and neck contain neurons that have receptors which detect blood pressure and transmit information to your brain. This activates the vagus nerve that connects through to your heart to lower the heart rate and blood pressure. Breathing the equal amount in as out can be very helpful, and you may even notice you naturally breathe shallowly or mildly hyperventilate which then leads to anxiousness.
  • Exercise – shown to stimulate the vagus nerve which then benefits the brain and mental health. As the vagus nerve also connects to digestion, your gut is also stimulated when exercising – increasing blood flow, expanding the diaphragm through breathing and moving pent up stuck emotional stress.
  • Colonic hydrotherapy – expanding the bowel increases vagus nerve stimulation and increases the livers detoxifying pathways.
  • Bursts of cold – washing your face with cold water stimulates the vagus nerve via temperate change and “always takes the edge off” when you’re in a state of panic, stress or mindlessness. A quick 10 seconds of cold water at the end of your morning hot shower can have a similar effect.
  • Learning to CHILL OUT may just be what the doctor ordered. Learning to ‘do nothing’ on weekends, say no to social events when you are tired, and living in a state of your own values and rest.
  • Trusting your gut feeling is a good way to intuitively check in with yourself to give you a heads up about whether you’re in rest and digest mode or fight-flight mode. Most relaxing activities will stimulate the vagus nerve, thus bringing you into a natural state of peace.

 

Hi, I’m Tanya, an Acupuncturist in Nambour on the beautiful Sunshine Coast, Australia.

I practice Chinese medicine because its safe, logical, relevant and has effectively shown methods of natural wellness for thousands of years. Life doesn’t need to be complicated and nor does the treatment approaches to get people feeling vibrant and well. I’ve seen people gain a lot from treatments, much more than just alleviating symptoms. It’s exciting to connect with people and share deep wisdom from the classics of ancient and traditional medicine, with modern protocols for todays mind-body living. See you in the clinic !

The benefits of fitness in Spring

The benefits of fitness in Spring

We live in one of the most fittest and healthiest places in Australia. We often have triathlon events, surfers at Noosa, runners on Alex hill, mountain climbers on Ngun Ngun, dog walking at Kawana and health cafes popping up everywhere. Who wants to stay inside on a sunny weekend? NO ONE!

Spring is the season of  regeneration and growth and connects to the liver organ. The days become longer and we want to spend more time outside, especially living on the beautiful Sunshine Coast!

Here are some tips and strategies fitness wise and to support liver health:

From a Western medicine perspective, the liver is a very important organ that stores blood, produces bile, processes toxins and aids in our immune function.

From a Chinese medicine perspective, it also has a major influence on the smooth flow of energy (life force) to move throughout our bodies. When something blocks this energy flow such as lack of exercise, stress, pent up emotions or an unhealthy lifestyle; the liver becomes agitated/blocked/stuck, which can lead to symptoms such as irritability, insomnia, PMS, tight muscles, mood swings, digestive discomfort, pain in the body and headaches.

So what can you do to your liver energy/life force to flow smoothly in the face of every day activities?

Exercise: The best way to get your energy moving is to move! Different types of exercise suit different people. Some people do really well with vigorous exercise such as long runs or high intensity interval training (HIIT), while other people are more suited to slower, gentle forms of movement such as walking or yoga. I have personally found a mix of both types of exercise to be beneficial. If the gym is a bore, then find something you enjoy, it might even be a group fitness class where you can meet new people. This spring I’m into swimming, yoga, running and resistance exercises. Get those endorphins flowing !!!!

Diet: It is important to eat foods that will cleanse and improve overall liver function. Sour flavours belong to the liver/gallbladder function. Having a squeeze of lemon in warm water first thing in the morning invigorates the liver to get moving for the day and vinaigrette dressings can be added to salads. Leafy greens such as kale, lettuce, spinach and chard support liver detoxification pathways. Artichokes contain a flavonoid which is a strong antioxidant – meaning prevention and cleansing of free radical damage to cells. Try to reduce the amount of dairy, alcohol, greasy and deep fried foods, and excessive salt.

Manage stress – Stress plays a part in all of our lives, and a small amount is healthy, but its just how we manage it all that counts. Dealing with issues, conflict in relationships, pent up emotions, work situations etc. Seek professional support if needed but otherwise have a ‘self care’ approach to your day to day lives. Rest when you need to, have health treatments such as acupuncture or massage, exercise, take moments to be in nature and soak up some vitamin D, express how you feel, plan your day and week ahead.

It’s the little things that count. See you in the pool!

Take care,

TK x

 

Tanya Keam Wellness is an experienced health clinic in Nambour on the Sunshine Coast. Helping you to feel better in all aspects of your health and wellbeing.

 

SPRING into Spring!

SPRING into Spring!

SPRING into Spring !

 

Spring is the season of growth and transformation. We come out of the hibernation of Winter and move forward with bursting flowers, warmer weather and longer days of sunlight. There is a sense of renewal and new life all around.

While Winter was a time to conserve energy and reduce activity, spring is a time of regeneration, new beginnings, and a renewal of spirit.

 

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Spring is the ideal time for cleansing and rejuvenation for overall health and well-being, as well as corresponding to the “Wood” element, which in turn is conceptually related to the liver and gallbladder organs. According to the philosophy of Chinese medicine, the liver is responsible for the smooth flow of energy movement throughout the body. When the liver functions smoothly, physical and emotional activity throughout the body also runs smoothly. We even feel like doing more exercise and being outside!

Imbalances that can occur during Spring: 

Feeling frustrated, irritable, anger outbursts

Insomnia, restless sleep

Temporal headaches, migraines

Depression

Abdominal discomfort

Alternating bowel motions

Lack of motivation

A feeling like there is a lump in the throat

Premenstrual symptoms

Irregular, painful periods

Bitter taste in the mouth

Stiff joints

Dry mouth and throat

Ringing in the ears

Sore red eyes, blurry vision

 

Seasonal acupuncture treatments a minimum four times a year can serve to regulate the inner organ systems and can correct minor annoyances before they become health problems. Acupuncture can help improve the overall health of your liver as well as treat stress, anger and frustration, which are often associated with liver disharmony.

 

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Stretch – The liver controls the tendons. According to Chinese medicine, the liver stores blood during periods of rest and then releases it to the tendons in times of activity, maintaining tendon health and flexibility. Incorporate a morning stretch into your routine. Try a local yoga class!

 

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Eye Exercises – The liver opens into the eyes. Although all the organs have some connection to the health of the eyes, the liver is connected to proper eye function. Remember to take breaks when looking at a computer monitor for extended periods of time and do eye exercises.

Eat Greens – Green is the colour of the liver and of spring time. Eating young plants – fresh, leafy greens, sprouts, and immature cereal grasses – can improve the liver’s overall function.

 

 

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Taste Sour – Foods and drinks with sour tastes are thought to stimulate the liver’s movement. Put lemon slices in your drinking water, use vinegar and olive oil for your salad dressing. Garnish your sandwich with a slice of dill pickle.

Do more outdoor activities – Outside air helps energy to flow. If you have been feeling irritable or stuck, find an outdoor activity to smooth out that liver stagnation. Try bush walking or take up swimming.

Enjoy milk thistle tea

Milk thistle helps protect liver cells from incoming toxins and encourages the liver to cleanse itself of damaging substances, such as alcohol, medications, pesticides, environmental toxins, and even heavy metals such as mercury.

Take care of you, see you in the clinic,

TK xx

 

Tanya Keam Wellness is an experienced health clinic on the Sunshine Coast. Helping you to feel better in all aspects of your health and wellbeing.

 

Immune boosting Tumeric lassi

Immune boosting Tumeric lassi

Immune Boosting Tumeric Lassi

 

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The Benefits of Tumeric

1. Otherwise known as Circuma longa, is a member of the ginger family, Zingaberaceae.

2. A wonderful aspect on the liver. Spring (and late winter) is an important time to consume herbs and foods that strengthen the liver, because spring is the season which rules the liver and gallbladder in Traditional Chinese Medicine.  It is said to shrink engorged hepatic ducts, so it can be useful to treat liver conditions such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, and jaundice.

2. Highly valuable for the influence it exerts on the digestive system and the liver. In both Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is considered a digestive bitter and a carminative. It can be incorporated into foods, including rice and bean dishes, to improve digestion and reduce gas and bloating. It is a cholagogue, stimulating bile production in the liver and encouraging excretion of bile via the gallbladder. This improves the body’s ability to digest fats.

3. Recommended for chronic digestive weakness and/or congestion. It can be taken as a single extract or in the form of digestive bitters, which combine turmeric with other bitter and carminative herbs. Take either of these twenty minutes before meals, especially meals that are high in protein and/or fat. It is beneficial for people who feel tired after consuming meals or who experience gas and bloating.

4. Anti-inflammatory to the mucous membranes, which coat the throat, lungs, stomach and intestines. Turmeric decreases congestion and inflammation from stagnant mucous membranes. People with the following conditions could benefit from regular use of turmeric: IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), colitis, Crohn’s disease, diarrhea, and post-giardia or post salmonella conditions. It can also reduce the itching and inflammation that accompanies hemorrhoids and anal fissures.

5. Useful to follow up antibiotic treatments, in addition to acidophilus and garlic. It helps to improve the intestinal flora and acts as an anti-bacterial.

6. Turmeric can also benefit skin conditions including: eczema, psoriasis and acne, for it is a potent detoxifier.

7. Turmeric is an antispasmodic to smooth muscles so it reduces digestive and menstrual cramping. 

Try adding turmeric to your oatmeal, grains and beans, or take digestive bitters. Whatever way that turmeric is consumed it will benefit both the digestive system and the liver.

 

Turmeric_lassi_2-2

2 large or 4 small glasses

2 cups organic yogurt with active live culture, or dairy or nut milk
2 bananas
2 tsp freshly grated ginger
2 tsp honey, preferably raw (unpasteurized)
1/2 lemon, juice 
2 tsp rosehip powder (optional but delicious, and a good C-vitamin boost)
1 tsp vanilla extract or ground vanilla
3-4 tsp ground turmeric (or fresh turmeric root)

 

Place all ingredients in a blender and mix on high speed until smooth. Add more yogurt if you prefer. Pour the lassi in two large glasses. For a more stunning presentation, dust 1 tsp ground turmeric on top before serving. Add a straw and serve.

Eat well, drink well, take care of you, see you in the clinic,

TK xx

Learn more > http://www.tanyakeamwellness.com

Hot lemon water rituals

Hot lemon water rituals

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The Five Flavours in TCM

Foods are associated with certain specific properties according to their taste. The five flavours TCM recognizes are: sour, sweet, bitter, pungent and salty. These are also linked to the four natures, being temperatures: cold, cool, warm and hot. TCM uses the flavours of food to coincide with the seasons. For example: In winter we enjoy more warm – hot meals to warm us up, and in Summer we enjoy more cool – cold foods to cool us down.

It is thought that lemons originated in China (along with India, Burma and other parts of southeast Asia) so it’s no surprize that the lemon also forms a part of a healthy diet according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (or TCM).

Hot lemon water first thing in the morning is ideal for the liver to get things moving for the day ahead, both energetically, as well as to hydrate the body after 8 hours of sleep, and to stimulate bile to assist the digestive system in breaking down food.

 

hot-lemon-water

 

  • Lemons are very beneficial for colon health due to the pectin fibres and also serves as a powerful antibacterial 
  • Lemon is an excellent and rich source of vitamin C, an essential nutrient that protects the body against immune system deficiencies
  • It balances maintain the pH levels in the body 
  • Having warm lemon juice early in the morning helps flush out toxins 
  • It aids digestion juices and encourages the production of bile 
  • It is also a great source citric acid, potassium, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium 
  • It helps prevent the growth and multiplication of pathogenic bacteria that cause infections and diseases 
  • It helps reducing pain and inflammation in joints and knees as it dissolves uric acid 
  • It helps shift common cold symptoms
  • The potassium content in lemon helps nourish brain and nerve cells 
  • It strengthens the liver by providing energy to the liver enzymes when they are too dilute 
  • It helps balance the calcium and oxygen levels in the liver In case of a heart burn, taking a glass of concentrated lemon juice can give relief
  • It is of immense benefit to the skin and it prevents the formation of wrinkles and acne 
  • It helps maintain the health of the eyes and helps fight against eye problems
  • Lemon juice helps replenish body salts especially after a strenuous workout session

 

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Tips

Juice a whole heap of lemons in one go and freeze the juice into ice cubes so that they are ready to go each morning

Diluting the juice and brushing your teeth after drinking is advised to prevent tooth enamel decay.

Take care of you, see you in the clinic,

TK xx

Learn more > http://www.tanyakeamwellness.com