LGBTQ+ Wellbeing

June is Pride Month and I wanted to weigh in and share some information as well as a few tips for those within the LGBTQ+ community (and those who are allies) on whole person health and wellbeing for the LGBTQ+ community.

According to the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, ‘Research suggests that LGBT(Q+) individuals face health disparities linked to societal stigma, discrimination, and denial of their civil and human rights. Discrimination against LGBT persons has been associated with high rates of psychiatric disorders,1 substance abuse,2, 3 and suicide’. As allies it is important that we create safe spaces and support for those within the LGBTQ+ community to heal and thrive’. For those who identify as LGBTQ+, learning additional tools to support whole person wellbeing in a way that feels helpful, inclusive and safe is key. Below are a few tips to increasing whole person wellbeing for those within the LGBTQ+ community:

1. Self-Acceptance, Self-Love & Self-Care

Acceptance, unconditional love and care is something that many people within the LGBTQ+ community have unfortunately not been given. Growing and practicing self-acceptance, self-care and self-love is a powerful support to mental, physical, emotional and even spiritual wellbeing. When it comes to making progress in this area it takes intentional actions, it is a process. Self-care, self-acceptance and self-love may look different in different seasons of life. Sometimes finding your way to the next version of yourself after a huge transition is bumpy, it is supposed to be, life is a grand experiment.

Love yourself and practice unconditional acceptance of yourself right where you are. Try hanging a metaphorical ‘under construction’ sign on yourself and give yourself permission to BE IN PROCESS. This stuff takes time. Remember that you are not broken. You do not need to fix yourself or change yourself in order to be worthy of love & acceptance. Your true self is perfect. Be kind to yourself.

2. Mental & Emotional Health Support

Mental and emotional strains on the LGBTQ+ community are real and often significant. Getting a system of helpful and effective support around you (or a loved one experiencing challenges) is so important to overall wellbeing. Don’t wait until you are in crisis, create the support you need and be proactive and increasing wellbeing!

Symptoms of mental and emotional challenges can be as mild as low energy or not feeling like yourself or as severe as loss of interest in activities, problems sleeping, feeling sad or depressed most of the day, changes in appetite, social and emotional distancing (withdraws or hibernating), weight gain, restlessness, anxiety, insomnia, feelings of hopelessness or increased negative self-image and even thoughts of death or suicide.

If you are experiencing one or many of these symptoms your body and emotions are sending you a message… it is time to get support through mental health practitioners trained to diagnose and treat depression as well as practitioners who specialize in changes in diet, mindset, exercise and even other lifestyle changes that either a life coach or wellness coach can help you with.

Get tools to address mental and emotional health and wellbeing by working with a therapist, life coach or mental health practitioner – to schedule a session online with one of the practitioners on the ModiHealth platform visit Modihealth.com

Get Immediate Help Now…
If you or someone you know is in immediate distress or is thinking about hurting themselves, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline toll-free at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or the toll-free TTY number at 1-800-799-4TTY (4889). You also can text the Crisis Text Line (HELLO to 741741) or go to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline website.

3. Creating Safe Community & Chosen Family

Unfortunately for many LGBTQ+ the family and community that they are born into proves to be less than a safe and loving space. This is why iyt is even more important for those within the LGBTQ+ community to build and create their own tribe, their own chosen family and safe community.

Create the time and space to connect with safe and accepting people in order to participate in safe community and chosen family in a true, meaningful positive way. Do this in a way that works for you and helps you feel connected, loved, accepted and included.

4. Honoring Your Boundaries

A yes or a no can have a significant effect on how we create what we experience in life. Often this is approached unintentionally from a place that is not rooted in self-love or honesty with oneself. When we say yes to something, we are aligning ourselves with that. A yes is also an invitation for it to be in your life and in a sense, it is agreeing with it. A person, place, thing or situation such as a request or voiced expectation from a loved one, diagnosis from a doctor or even an invitation to go on a date, gives us the opportunity to be intentional about what we allow and create in our lives.

We have all heard the famous saying ‘be true to thine self’ – however many of us don’t realize the consequences and disconnection from self we experience when we choose to say yes when our truth is a no. Boundaries are helpful in managing this effectively.
Setting healthy boundaries and honoring them in a loving and kind way leads to decreased stress, which in turn supports optimal immune system function. When you are setting and honoring boundaries you are practicing self-care and self-love, not only for your emotional well-being but also for your health.
Keep in mind that setting boundaries is not listing rules for someone else to follow. Boundaries are most healthy and effective when we set them with yourself. For example, if you set a boundary with yourself to not lose your temper and blow up at loved ones, it is up to you and you alone to honor that boundary. Maybe you honor that boundary by noticing when you are approaching the end of your rope and choosing to take a walk and calm down before speaking.

I used to think boundaries were something you told people and were things that expressed what they could and could not do within a relationship with me. This could not be further from the truth, what I just described is ‘being controlling; not ‘setting a boundary’. Boundaries are the perimeters we set for ourselves with ourselves. It’s the agreements we make in order to lovingly take care of ourselves in the world and in relationships with others.

5. Self-Advocating

I wish that we lived in a world where LGBTQ+ were completely accepted, treated equally and did not have to advocate for basic human rights. Unfortunately, we are not there yet and both advocating for yourself and advocating for others is key to achieving progress.

Advocating for yourself is a critical life skill, one that will serve you in all areas; health, relationships, career, etc. Speaking your truth in love and confidence is not only something that will produce results of increased wellbeing, but it is also very impowering. It is ok so say, ‘I hear what you are saying, however, it is not helpful’ or ‘That does not feel true to me’ or ‘Your opinion on my life is unimportant and should not dictate my human rights and equal treatment’ are completely acceptable responses when coming in contact with someone else projecting their beliefs, opinions and unconscious biases at you. Ask for what you need.

6. Safe & Supportive Healthcare

Instead of healing, many healthcare institutions, doctors, hospitals, and medical information have left the LGBTQ+ community misinformed, underserved, and unwell due to inequality and unconscious biases. In order to be healthy today, we MUST all take personal responsibility for our own health and wellness, and the management of ALL its pieces. For those within the LGBTQ+ community finding safe and supportive healthcare providers is incredibly critical. To take ownership of your health means finding the right care team. Interview doctors, mental health practitioners and other wellness practitioners to make sure that they have experience working with LGBTQ+ and will provide excellent care, understanding and support. It is absolutely ok to fire your doctor and seek out treatment from one who honors and respects you.

At ModiHealth ALL practitioners are vetted and hired to provide safe and inclusive care for all people no matter what gender, religion, race or sexual orientation that they are. To find a practitioner to support you virtually visit Modihealth.com

Cited articles:

https://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topics-objectives/topic/lesbian-gay-bisexual-and-transgender-health

https://www.cnet.com/how-to/june-is-pride-month-2021-lgbtq-events-parades-and-more/

A Transparent Discussion About Women’s Health & Natural Remedies

I recently sat down (virtually) with the amazing Ali Landry to talk about common issues many women are facing in their health and lives, including the ones that Ali herself faces. We dove deep into natural approaches at both bringing support and healing around those issues. We talked about everything from hormones, stress, sleep and even chronic pain as well as many natural approaches to resolving them. If you missed our video conversation, you can watch the replay of it HERE.

 

Here are a few more general take-aways from our chat…

 

Honoring The Chapter, You Are In

 

We are facing stressors and life challenges that we collectively have never before faced. Every time we turn on the news we are inundated with stressful messages and images. Many of us are facing loss, transitions and increases of stress and anxiety due to the pandemic and state of the world.

 

I have had so many of my patients and also people reach out to me on social media expressing frustration that they don’t seem to either have the energy for the level of self-care that they used to or that they are unable to take effective actions to move their health and wellbeing forward in positive ways. The overall feeling many people have expressed is feeling the need to need to ‘force themselves’ forward.

 

Right now, is a time when we are grieving and processing. During this time, we need to honor where we are, honor the season or chapter that we are in, while also taking balanced actions that feel HELPFUL.

 

Start With Balance

 

Balance leads to wellness and increases our wellbeing. The issue right now is that what was a balanced approach before may no longer be balanced during this time. We must shift our expectations and our plans to honor where we are while also discovering what our new normal will look like, and what balance looks during these times. Start with some self-discovery and most importantly, listening to your own body, heart, emotions and spirit.

 

Where To Begin

 

I often ask my patients, ‘If you could change one thing that would have the biggest positive impact on all of the other challenges you are facing, which thing would that be?’. That is often the answer for the best place to start, otherwise it can become overwhelming and even confusing. This is where working with a good natural, holistic or functional doctor can be hugely beneficial.

 

 

Get To The Root

 

Here is the west we are taught from an early age to treat symptoms versus root causes. Often the solutions include ONLY suppressing the symptoms or things that feel uncomfortable. We reach for a quick fix or a pill. While I definitely think it is important to treat symptoms, I believe that the symptoms we experience in our mind, body and emotions are feedback. If we simply suppress the feedback without ALSO addressing the root issue, we are unable to create (or sustain) positive changes in our health and wellbeing. It is important to listen to the feedback from our body, mind, emotions and even spirit and then work on resolving the root or core issue from the inside-out while also addressing the symptoms from the outside-in.

 

Supplements Are Supplementation

 

Supplements are to support needs that the body has such as daily vitamins and minerals that we are unable to get enough of through our food sources. Supplements that consist of specific herbs, vitamins and minerals that are geared towards naturally treating or supporting health conditions can feel overwhelming for many people. There are so many different ones on the market and you can often feel (based on their descriptions) that you need them ALL. Remember I mentioned starting with one specific focus? I believe it is important to have a balanced approach to your supportive supplements as well instead of overwhelming your system with a ton of different supplements. Focusing on the issue that when resolving it will have the largest positive impact on other issues or areas is key. It is also very beneficial to work with a natural or functional focused healthcare provider to ensure the proper supplements for your health needs.

 

A few of the health issues that Ali and I dove deeper into within our chat were –

 

  • Hormone imbalances, symptoms and solutions
  • Sleep hygiene and its importance as well as ways to achieve better sleep cycles
  • Stress
  • Chronic neck, shoulder and back pain

 

For detailed information, solutions and recommendations please be sure to watch this video as we do discuss much detail about the above issues. Again, you can view the video HERE.

 

Within these conversations I mentioned a few supplements. Below are links to those:

 

  • Stress Master & Sleep Master by Nupeutics Naturals

https://nupeuticshealth.com

 

  • Evening Primrose Oil

https://www.amazon.com/Primrose-Softgels-Cold-Pressed-Artificial-Ingredients/dp/B00NH5AK2S/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=evening+primrose+oil+organic&qid=1594507306&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExUjFYVjUwU0hCNExPJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNzQ2ODEwMzBPTkhTOEhXUUhQUSZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwOTI3NjQ3MzM5R0pWWEtQS1RFSCZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

 

  • L-Theanine

https://www.amazon.com/Thorne-Research-L-Theanine-Supplement-Relaxation/dp/B0797BLW59/ref=sxts_sxwds-bia-wc-p13n1_0?cv_ct_cx=l-theanine&dchild=1&keywords=l-theanine&pd_rd_i=B0797BLW59&pd_rd_r=ab7f4801-d3d2-4d63-9ad6-dd57d34a6e69&pd_rd_w=pQeCM&pd_rd_wg=CCAzH&pf_rd_p=1da5beeb-8f71-435c-b5c5-3279a6171294&pf_rd_r=1M9JKZQS47QG7ADB6JGK&psc=1&qid=1594507336&sr=1-1-70f7c15d-07d8-466a-b325-4be35d7258cc

 

  • Magnesium Powder (mix with warm water)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BPUY3W0/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Medicinal Tea

Medicinal Tea Recipe below…

As a Doctor of Natural Medicine, I use food, herbs and lifestyle changes in the mind, body, heart & spirit to both treat and prevent health and wellbeing issues. Medicinal teas have long been a part of my practice. It is important to listen to your body in order to make sure an occasional medicinal tea is the right fit for you and avoid drinking large amounts or using it as a substitute for receiving medical treatment. I am a big believer in the integrative approach where all different forms of care and prevention are considered and weighed. As with using any supplement it is important to work with a natural health practitioner in order to determine the right amount and usage for YOUR body.

Here is one of my medicinal tea recipes. I personally use this to support elimination (detox), reduce inflammation, support immune system and to promote optimal health.

The ingredients are as follows –

Basil:

Basil (and Holy Basil) is often used in Natural Medicine as well as Ayurvedic medicine to help with respiratory issues, the common cold, nasal inflammation, stomach disorders, digestion and to improve the quality of sleep.

Turmeric:

This is one of the most commonly used herbs in Ayurvedic medicine and has been researched extensively. ‘Turmeric and especially its most active compound curcumin have many scientifically-proven health benefits, such as the potential to prevent heart disease, Alzheimer’s and cancer. It’s a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant and may also help improve symptoms of depression and arthritis’ – Healthline. Since turmeric has a poor absorption rate it is important to take it with fat (coconut oil for example) and also black pepper increases the absorption as well.

Oregano:

Oregano has been used for thousands of years. According to the Herb Society, oregano has been ‘referred to as the “the prince of herbs” and was first used by the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates’. It has been commonly used for its rich antioxidant, antibacterial and antiviral properties.

Cilantro:

Cilantro helps with your bodies elimination process and facilitates detoxing, especially of heavy metals. It has been known to help both heart and brain health, fight infection and improve digestion and gut health. Cilantro has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties and has been used by some natural health practitioners in reducing blood sugar levels in diabetes patients.

Ginger:

Ginger was first used medicinally in tonics in both China and India for over 5,000 years. It has been used as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-nausea, anticancer agent as well as for killing gut bacteria which is why ginger is commonly consumed by the Japanese alongside of raw fish consumption, not only to cleanse the palate but to also kill any bacteria from the raw fish. Ginger has also been widely used as a preventative measure for illness and disease.

Black Pepper:

Black pepper has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It has also been known to promote healthy circulation.

Ingredients:

Black pepper – 1/16 tsp

Ginger Root – 1/2 inch

Cilantro – 1 teaspoon of chopped fresh cilantro leaves

Oregano – 1 teaspoon of chopped fresh oregano leaves

Basil – 1 heaping tablespoon of chopped fresh basil leaves

Turmeric Root – 1/4 inch

Instructions:

Place all of the ingredients into a pot, add 2 cups of filtered water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to steep for 5 minutes, then serve. To aid with absorption stir in ½ teaspoon of organic coconut oil. For additional benefit you can also add 1 teaspoon of Manuka Honey.

 

 

 

 

 

DIY Non Toxic Home Cleaning Products

Is Non-Toxic Home Cleaning Products REALLY That Important?!?

Some of you may be rolling your eyes and thinking that making DIY home cleaning products might just be taking the whole ‘wellness and healthy lifestyle’ one step to far. For some of you that would absolutely be true. Not everyone has the time or energy to make their own non-toxic home cleaning products and healthy lifestyle MUST take balance into account.

So if you are someone who doesn’t feel that the DIY is the best choice for you, here is a link to a great blog that lists non-toxic cleaning products that you can buy – to read click HERE

For those of you who have the time and energy to make your own safe products, I am here to help with some simple recipes and links that will save you money while also keeping your home a toxic-free zone. So regardless of whether you are doing the DIY adventure or buying, it is SO important to use non-toxic home cleaning products. Here is why –

Simply put, many toxic chemicals disrupt your entire endocrine system and many of your hormone producing glads. In addition to this, some chemicals commonly used in home cleaning products can even damage lungs, liver, kidneys and disrupt the health of your skin which is your bodies largest microbiome!

Some Common Chemicals Found In Cleaning Products – 

  • Ammonia: Fatal if swallowed; skin, lung, throat irritant; can cause blindness
  • Butyl Cellosolve: Irritation and tissue damage from inhalation
  • Formaldehyde: Known carcinogen
  • Propylene Glycol: Ingestion can damage kidneys, lungs, heart, and nervous system
  • Sodium Hydroxide (lye): Highly caustic. Contact can cause severe damage to eyes, skin, mouth, and throat; can cause liver and kidney damage
  • Hydrochloric Acid: Fatal if swallowed; concentrated fumes harmful
  • Naphtha: Depresses the central nervous system
  • Perchloroethylene: Damages liver, kidney, nervous system
  • Petroleum Distillates: Highly flammable; can damage lung tissue and nerve cells
  • Phenols: Extremely dangerous; suspected carcinogen
  • Sodium Hypochlorite (chlorine bleach): Contact can cause severe damage to eyes, skin, mouth, and throat; can cause liver and kidney damage; causes more poisoning exposures than any household chemical
  • Sodium Lauryl Sulfate: Skin irritant
  • Sulfuric Acid: Dangerous. Can burn skin. Exposure to concentrated fumes can be carcinogenic
  • Trichloroethane: Damages liver and kidney

Here are two great articles that goes into a LOT of detail breaking down each of these and all of the risks to your health – to read, click HERE and HERE

For your health, your family and also for your pets, it’s time to ditch the toxic products! 

Here are my favorite DIY home cleaning recipes plus a few links to great blogs that share even more!

DIY Recipes & Resources

Be sure to store and use only GLASS containers and spray bottles – avoid plastic or else you are inviting carcinogens from your plastic containers to leech into your nice clean product!

Window Cleaner

  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 cup vodka
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar 
  • 20 drops essential oil (my favorites are lavender and lemon for cleaning)

All-Purpose Surface Cleaner

  • 1 cup water
  • 2 teaspoons castile soap
  • 20 drops essential oil (my favorites are lavender and lemon for cleaning)

Air Freshener

This is my very favorite and also the easiest to make! Simply pour filtered water into a glass spray container, add 20 drops of Lavender essential oil, shake and use! I also use this as pillow and linen spray! You can use other types of essential oils if you like. Lavender has wonderful benefits such as calming down a triggered endocrine system, and calming and relaxing the mind. 

Here are a few links to other blogs that also share DIY non-toxic product recipes and info:

Amazing home cleaning product educational guide plus recipes HERE

Great article on castile soap and baking soda for cleaning – click HERE

Dishwasher detergent recipe HERE

Recipes by Wellness Mamma HERE

Recipes and blogs by Mommypotamus HERE

In clean health,

Dr. Rachel

Fast Food Vs. Quick Food

Food can be medicine and food can also bring illness. But let’s be real, there are days when you are wiped out, totally fried, on the run and find yourself absolutely starving. When that happens, most people tend to reach for the fast fix or worse, fast food. There is no shame here. We are all human and if you can’t eat some French fries once in a while then where is the fun!?!

All things in balance.

I don’t want to speak about the intentional little food indulgences from time to time. That is balanced living. What I do want to talk about is how to create healthier eating through planning and intentional habits.

“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” ― Benjamin Franklin

My goal here is to empower you to prepare in a way that is both effective and also livable when it comes to quick food fixes when you are in a bind or just burnt out.

Here are the top 5 ways to stay on track nutritionally with QUICK foods vs. fast foods –

  1. Carry emergency food

Having healthy snacks on hand at all times (and I mean ALL times…check my purse!) will help you avoid reaching for unhealthy fast fixes or dashing into a 7-11 to grab a candy bar. I always keep a glass jar filled with nuts in my car and also in my purse. When I leave the house and know I am going to be gone all day I throw some raw veggies into a glass Tupperware container and sometimes even a couple of hardboiled eggs and carrots with peanut butter. For lunches if I am out, I will make a salad with protein in it or a lettuce wrap sandwich. Always be prepared when hunger strikes with healthy quick food fixes just an arms distance away!

  1. Prepare meals ahead of time (bulk cooking)

I make Sunday evenings my bulk cooking night. I will cut up a lot of veggies that I can just grab and go throughout the week. I also make a big batch of organic turkey chili in my slow-cooker, bone broth and chicken veggie stew as well as some proteins and carbohydrates that I can use to assemble meals later. Things like chicken, turkey, fish (which only lasts 2 days) and sweet potatoes. Whatever healthy meals you enjoy, try to plan ahead and bulk cook to increase your ability to eat well consistently.

  1. Identify healthy pit-stop places

Get to know the healthier quick food fix locations near your home and work. Sometimes I will swing into a Wholefoods and grab something they have in their already prepared section. If you have a few spots in mind that are accessible, healthy and affordable it will set you up for a win.

  1. Freeze a few meals

In addition to bulk cooking for the week, every few weeks I will make meals that can also be frozen for longer periods of time. Stews, soups & chili do really well with this. This way if you come down with a cold or even just get run down you have some good old-fashioned nutritional support in your freezer.

  1. Shop for disaster

What I mean by ‘shop for disaster’ is to plan a few really easy to prepare meals that you can make in a pinch throughout the week and get those ingredients ahead of time at the grocery store. I am taking about 5 minute to 15 minute prep time meals such as chicken salads, hardboiled eggs, lettuce wraps and even a dairy free grain free frozen pizza that you can throw some raw veggies on top of and pop in the oven and let it cook while you decompress on the sofa!

 

In Wellness,

 

Dr. Rachel

Beauty Is More Than Skin Deep: Natural Skin Beauty & Health

Beauty Is More Than Skin Deep: Natural Skin Beauty & Health

By Dr. Rachel Eva Dew, DNM

In this blog I am taking a deeper look (and comparing) skincare products. I know that many of us can easily get swept up into all of the promises of youth and perfect skin that many products out there offer. But guess what?!? Most of those products are completely counterproductive because they have harsh and toxic chemicals which have negative long-term effects on the skin and on your health. The toxins we encounter (and absorb) on our face and skin can disrupt hormones, decrease our immune system, inflame allergies and even cause the skin to age!! Guess what else… there are actually natural options that work much better.

STOP AND PAUSE.

Think about this… many people are spending hundreds, if not thousands of dollars trying to have healthier looking skin while actually making their skin sicker, more worn and weathered AND throwing off their health such as their gut health and skin microbiome.

To be perfectly honest, drinking at least ½ your body weight in ounces of water per day would have a more positive impact on wrinkles than most $250 anti-aging creams, and water is FREE!

Your Skin Is Your Largest Microbiome. What’s Happening on The Outside Is A Reflection of The Inside

Skin problems are feedback and when we suppress feedback without healing the root problem, we can make the root problem even worse! When we have dry skin, increased appearance of aging, sun spots, melasma flair ups, eczema, breakouts or rashes we need to first look inward. Here is the real question we should each ask ourselves, ‘What is out of balance in my body? Then, we need to take steps to resolve and rebalance those.

The first places I look when it comes to skin issues are:

  • Hydration
  • Nutritional choices
  • Toxins (exposure through foods, skincare, beauty, home products and environment)
  • Hormones
  • Stress
  • Gut health
  • Sleep pattern

Healthy Skin from The Inside-Out & The Outside-In

When we address outer skin issues through taking steps towards increasing inside health at the same time as taking steps to support our skin health natural from the outs-side in we create a win-win situation. We get healthier, more youthful and vibrant looking skin while also getting healthier skin. Our skin is our largest organ as well as the body’s largest microbiome. Our skin serves many functions as an organ beyond being the attractive wrapping paper we come packaged in. Here are a few of the things your skin does (when it is healthy):

  • ‘Protection: against pathogens. Langerhans cells in the skin are part of the immune system.
  • Storage: stores lipids (fats) and water.
  • Sensation: nerve endings detect temperature, pressure, vibration, touch, and injury.
  • Control water loss: the skin prevents water from escaping by evaporation.
  • Water resistance: it prevents nutrients from being washed from the skin
  • Thermoregulation: by producing sweat and dilating blood vessels, the skin helps keep the body cool. “Goosebumps” and blood vessel constriction, help us retain heat’.

*Source Link 

5 Tips for Inner Care That Produces Healthier Skin

  • Drink more clean water (filtered & not stored in plastic), it’s the best antiaging and skincare thing you can do!
  • Dry brushing to remove trapped toxins
  • Going organic, clean & green with your skincare, beauty & home products
  • Focusing on creating more gut health (pre & probiotics are a great start) – check out my 3-part blog series on gut health for more tips, you can read the first blog HERE 
  • Try Abhyanga Ayurvedic self-massage for lymphatic drainage & increasing circulation (you can find some great how to videos on Youtube)
  • Remember that food is food for your skin as well! Making healthier nutritional choices will show on the outside as well as the inside.

My Top Natural Skincare Products Ranked

These are not products I am paid to endorse; they are actually what I use on my own skin every single day!

#1 Argan & Emu Oil:

Why this is my favorite: Pure organic Argan Oil mixed with organic pure Emu Oil (at a 50/50 ratio – buy each and then mix together) is all natural, no chemicals, cost effective, doesn’t clog pours and can usually be found in eco-friendly glass containers (this is also better for your health since there are no carcinogens leaching out of the plastic and into your skin care/beauty product). I have not found a better every day moisturizer than this!

#2 Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Mist:

Why I love it – Sun protection is CRITICAL and should be part of everyone’s daily skincare routine!! I always had a hard time getting my daughter to use sticky gooey sun protection. This one is the first non-toxic spray that I have found! Find it HERE

#3 Primal Derma –

Why I love it – A completely pure, natural and toxin free deep moisture support for eczema and extremely dry or chapped skin. Another reason I love it is that this small company is eco-friendly, low waste, animal conscious and packaged in glass. For a really good read on skin health, tallow (aka the magic ingredient) and how they are reducing animal product waste to be more sustainable and reduce their footprint check out their website. Find it HERE

#4 – Yarrow Palm Oil by Doterra –

Why I love it – Yarrow has powerful bioactive compounds and skin-protecting proteins that promote the appearance of firmer, smoother, younger-looking skin. Again, this oil does not clog pours and has a base of Jojoba and Argan oil. I use this on my whole body. Find it HERE

#5 – Araza Coconut Charcoal & Seagreens Treatment Mask –

Why I love it – This is a powerful treatment! My skin always looks completely revived after using it and the best thing is it is a woman owned company and feature not only toxin and chemical free ingredients but is also a paleo certified ingredient-based company. Find it HERE

#6 – Tambra Age Defying Stem Cell Line (Stem Cell Night Cream & Stem Cell Serum) –

Why I love it – Plant stem cells are so incredibly regenerative to the skin and I have not come across another non-toxic and chemical free line that has them within their ingredients along with other powerful anti-aging ingredients. I also love this line because it is woman owned, they are fully transparent about every single ingredient on their website, made in small batch and comes in glass containers! These two products also contain Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) which only the top end beauty and skin care products use. However, if you have a flushing reaction or allergy to Niacinamide be sure to patch test on your arm before applying to your face. Find it HERE

#7 Cellfood Oxygenating Skin Care –

Why I love it – This product is really a face supplement and restores the ph and skin microbiome. It hydrates and also renews. Another reason why I love it is that it is one of the more inexpensive non-toxic skin care products out there. Find it HERE 

#8 Haters Say It’s Photoshopped by Apothekary

Why I love it: Chocked full of antioxidants, adaptogens and collagen, this is a new approach to beauty from the inside out. This powder beauty supplement gets sprinkled into your morning juice or smoothie to help you optimize your butter beauty from the inside-out. Find it HERE

I am a big believer that wellness, natural beauty and optimal health should be more accessible to all! We are getting down a rabbit hole of privilege-only access with $150 yoga mats, spending thousands of dollars on a billion costly supplements and $200 anti-aging wrinkle creams. So, my commitment to you is to always try to offer a wide range of resources and information that is within your reach. This is why I will be including DIY home recipes for those of you who are cost conscious and/or trying to live more sustainable eco-friendly lives.

DIY Home Recipe for Healthy Skin: 

Here are two of the DIY skincare products I use at home –

Avo-Love Moisture Mask

1 whole avocado mashed up, 1 teaspoon of colloidal oatmeal mixed into 1 teaspoon of warm water, 1 teaspoon of raw unrefined coconut oil and 1 egg yolk. Mix well and then apply thick paste onto face. Allow to soak in and dry for 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water.

DIY Age Defying Face & Body Moisture Serum

What you will need:

  • Argan oil (100% pure, unscented organic and if you can find it, in a glass bottle versus plastic) – Argan oil is beneficial to the skin by providing deep moisture without clogging pours. It is literally food for your face with vitamin A, vitamin E, antioxidants, omega-6 fatty acids and linoleic acid.
  • Emu oil (100% pure, unscented organic and if you can find it, in a glass bottle versus plastic) – Emu oil prevents the skin from prematurely aging. It Decrease inflammation, helps with scars, and sun damage. Emu oil is rich in DHEA.
  • Frankincense essential oil (100% pure, organic and if you can find it, in a glass bottle versus plastic) – this powerful essential oil has been known to combat certain types of cancers, including skin cancer. It is used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and skin discoloration. It stimulates the growth of new cells and therefore is beneficial in anti-aging.
  • Myrrh essential oil (100% pure, organic and if you can find it, in a glass bottle versus plastic) – Myrrh has been used for thousands of years for its healing and beautifying properties. It helps fade blemishes on the skin and can reduces symptoms of eczema.

Instructions:

 In a glass bottle mix 3 ounces of Argan oil, 3 ounces of Emu oil, 15 drops of Frankincense and 15 drops of Myrrh oil. Cap the bottle and shake well to thoroughly mix. Then apply a quarter size amount to your face and neck in upwards circular motions. You may also apply liberally to your entire body. Make sure to avoid your eyes and genitals.

Here’s to your skin health!

In Wellness,

Dr. Rachel

 

What The Heck Is Natural Medicine???

Natural Medicine is a distinct system of non-invasive health care and health assessment in which neither surgery nor drugs are used, dependence being placed only on education, counseling, natural medicine modalities and natural substances. This includes, without limitation, the use of foods, food extracts, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, digestive aids, botanical substances, topical natural substances, homeopathic preparations, air, water, heat, cold, sound, light, the physical modalities of natural non-manipulative bodywork and exercise to help stimulate and maintain the individual’s intrinsic self-healing processes.

I am a board certified Doctor of Natural Medicine with a focus on whole person health – that includes the mind, body, heart & spirit. Through natural medicine, lifestyle, mental and emotional healing and other complimentary and alternative approaches, I support patients in achieving whole person wellness, wellbeing and move towards their fullest potential.

Natural medicine approaches include the following –

Nutrition and diet:
Natural Medicine Practitioners understand that nutrition is one of the foundations of health. Adopting a healthy diet is often the first step towards correcting health problems. Many health challenges can be reversed with foods and nutritional supplements than they can by other means, with fewer complications and side effects. Practitioners may use specific individual diets, fasting, and nutritional supplements to support their clients.

Herbal preparations: 
Plants have healing properties known since the age of man and were one of the first forms of medicine. Many pharmaceutical drugs have their origins in plant substances. Plant substances are used for their healing effects and nutritional values.

Homeopathic preparations: 
Homeopathic medicines are very small doses of natural substances that can stimulate the body’s self-healing response without side effects. Some conditions for which conventional medicine has no effective treatments will respond well to homeopathy.
Natural (Nature’s)Medicine Practitioners are not specialists in homeopathic diagnosis but are allowed to dispense combination homeopathic remedies.

Manual techniques:
Natural (Nature’s)Medicine practice includes methods of manual techniques of; soft tissues, joints, and bones, including, but not limited to instruction on exercises, aromatic (body) application, laser therapy, micro-current therapy, acupressure and other non-invasive manual techniques, hydrotherapy, electrotherapies, and ultrasound.

Health Coaching:
Natural (Nature’s) Medicine Practitioners are trained in counseling, nutritional balancing, stress management, hypnotherapy, and biofeedback techniques. They also attend to environmental and lifestyle factors that affect their client’s health.

*As defined by the Board of Natural Medicine Doctors & Practitioners

With my additional certifications my scope of practice also includes mental and emotional health, physical fitness, life and self-development coaching. I draw upon all of my educational background and years of clinical practice and research to provide education, tools and support to those that come along the journey towards wellness with me.

In Wholeness,

Dr. Rachel

 

Meet Your Microbiome – Gut Health – Part 3

Meet Your Microbiome…

By Dr. Rachel Eva Dew, DNM

 

What the heck is the MICROBIOME anyway & why is microbiome health and balance important?

Think of your microbiome as an entire eco system, or community of microorganisms (good and bad) in your body. Your gut microbiome is not the only microbiome systems in the body, your skin is also a microbiome system too! It is estimated that people are ratio to inhabited by even more non- human cells as human cells. According to NIH, ‘The human body contains trillions of microorganisms — outnumbering human cells by 10 to 1. Because of their small size, however, microorganisms make up only about 1 to 3 percent of the body’s mass (in a 200-pound adult, that’s 2 to 6 pounds of bacteria), but play a vital role in human health’. When all of these elements combine, they form your microbiomes unique chemistry.

I am a plant lover, but sometimes I have a hard time keeping certain plants in my home alive and thriving. All of my plants have slightly different needs and preferences for light, water, soil their environment (the pots they are in) and fertilizer. In fact, it seems that as soon as I learn the magical combination that works for a plant to be its healthiest, the season will change, and I have to learn the new combination for that season. Guess what, our microbiomes and their health are exactly the same!!

Finding the exact right balance for optimizing your microbiome (both gut and skin) is a process and the needs and care will be unique to you. However, there are some things that help ALL microbiomes begin to move towards more balance. These are things like diet, exercise, mindfulness, stress reduction, proper hydration, rebalancing the microbiome and taking herbal supplements, probiotics and prebiotics.

Often you will have to source numerous high-quality supplements in order to address rebalancing the microbiome. Often, I have recommended up to 10 different supplements to patients working on balancing their microbiome. This is one of the reasons I love Nupeutics Microbiome Master… it has all of these ingredients in one high quality supplement.

Nupeutics uses some of the most powerful ingredients to support total gut health and rebalance the microbiome. Nupeutics Microbiome Master’s supportive ingredients for microbiome health are –

  • Black Walnut Hull is a powerful herb that has been used medicinally for thousands of years and is especially useful in digestive and parasitic instances. It is a potent antibacterial and anti-fungal and is capable of killing the adult stage of most parasitic worms. It has been used to treat intestinal issues, snake bites, wound care as an antiseptic, ulcers, wart treatment (herpes virus), cold sores, athlete’s foot and Candida.

 

  • Oregano Leaf contains high amounts of antioxidants that help to fight free radical damage and has antibacterial and anti-parasitic properties. Because of this it is greatly effective at reducing inflammation in conditions like colitis. Studies have found oregano oil to be as effective in germ killing properties as prescription antibiotics.

 

  • Reishi Mushroom is a staple in eastern medicine with several immune boosting capabilities and cancer killing properties. It also has even shown to have adaptogenic properties that can reduce stress, fatigue and improve sleep.

.

  • Pau D’arco Bark is a South American herb used for decades. It has two chemicals – lapchol and beta-lapchone that are shown to kill bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites. Also boasting anti-inflammatory properties that may be effective against diseases like osteoarthritis. Pau D’arco is used to help treat Candida, herpes, influenza, parasites, bacteria infections and cancer.

 

  • Uva Ursi is a small shrub and is most commonly known for its effectiveness to fight and prevent Urinary Tract Infections. (caution should be used when considering long term use). Uva Ursi also contains allatoin which provides a soothing effect to the gut and urinary tract.

 

  • Echinacea is a powerful herb that can stimulate the cells of your immune system and assist in eliminating disease-causing parasites. We all know echinacea is amazing to boost our immune systems and help stave off illness when we feel the sniffles coming on.

 

  • Wormwood is one of the most potent parasite killers around. This is how the tree protects itself from fungi by using wormwood in its bark. It is used in various digestive issues such as upset stomach, gallbladder disease, intestinal spasms. It can also be used to help reduce fever, liver disease, depression, muscle pain, and to treat worm (parasite) infections.

 

  • Cinnamon bark is an anti-parasitic and warming spice used to ward off unwanted guests. Cinnamon bark is also loaded with antioxidants and works to combat inflammation.

 

  • Allicin Garlic has been used for centuries for its ability to kill bacteria, viruses and fungus. It is a potent herb in gut cleansing.

Keep your eyes out for more on gut health!

In Wellness,

Dr. Rachel

Gut Health – Part 2

Understanding Leaky Gut

By Dr. Rachel Eva Dew, DNM

 

LEAKY GUT has become a popular term… but what is it really?

Thought the term ‘leaky gut’ has become popular, it is often misunderstood. Leaky gut syndrome as it has become known as is often diagnosed and treated based on symptoms.

‘Inside our bellies, we have an extensive intestinal lining covering more than 4,000 square feet of surface area. When working properly, it forms a tight barrier that controls what gets absorbed into the bloodstream. An unhealthy gut lining may have large cracks or holes, allowing partially digested food, toxins, and bugs to penetrate the tissues beneath it. This may trigger inflammation and changes in the gut flora (normal bacteria) that could lead to problems within the digestive tract and beyond. The research world is booming today with studies showing that modifications in the intestinal bacteria and inflammation may play a role in the development of several common chronic diseases’. – Harvard Health

Leaky gut is not the same as food allergies and sensitivities, yet they can often be interconnected… one leading to the other. When there are food sensitivities and allergies this causes internal inflammation, which can contribute to leaky gut. When someone has leaky gut, this effects the body’s ability to properly digest and absorb nutrients which can then trigger food sensitivities and allergies.

Leaky gut can cause the following symptoms:

  • Chronic diarrhea, constipation, gas or bloating.
  • Nutritional deficiencies.
  • Poor immune system.
  • Headaches, brain fog, memory loss.
  • Excessive fatigue.
  • Skin rashes and problems such as acne, eczema or rosacea.
  • Cravings for sugar or carbs.
  • Arthritis or joint pain.

The best way to think of ‘leaky gut’ is not to focus on the name or label but on moving your entire gut health towards optimal balance and wellbeing. This can be done through diet, exercise, mindfulness, stress reduction, proper hydration, rebalancing the microbiome and detoxing to name a few.

Healing Leaky Gut –

Here are 5 Simple Steps to Healing Leaky Gut, Rebalancing Your Microbiome & Overall Gut Health… 

  1. Nutritional Shifts
  2. Proper Hydration
  3. Pre-biotics & Probiotics
  4. Reducing Stress
  5. Processing & Releasing Negative Thoughts & Emotions

Remember that you want to strive towards more balance and health in your gut versus become obsessive and hugely restrictive. That will only increase your stress levels which will be counterproductive to all of the other steps you are taking to balance and heal your gut. ALL THINGS IN BALANCE!

Stay tuned for Part 3 in this gut health series!

In Wellness,

Dr. Rachel

 

Gut Health – Part 1

Understanding Gut Health

by Dr. Rachel Eva Dew, DNM

We have all heard the phrase ‘Trust your gut’. But is following that actually a health practice that is also backed by science? Yes, it sure is!! You may think that your brain has the most nerve endings and receptors, but it doesn’t… your gut does! This means that your gut is responsible for receiving more signals then your brain and is deeply interconnected to the healthy functioning of the entire body, including the brain.

‘According to Dr. Ganjhu, the gut serves as a communication center for the brain, not only to ensure optimal digestion but also other important health functions. “I often refer to the brain as a part of the gastrointestinal system, because the brain and gut are in constant communication,” she said.’ – NYU Division of Gastroenterology Department of Medicine

What does this mean for you and your health? It means that taking intentional steps towards creating the optimal healthy gut is a health and wellbeing game changer!

Let’s dive into WHAT IS YOUR GUT?

Your gut is not just the stomach and intestines as many believe. According to The National Institute of Health ‘The digestive system is made up of the gastrointestinal tract—also called the GI tract or digestive tract—and the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder. The GI tract is a series of hollow organs joined in a long, twisting tube from the mouth to the anus. The hollow organs that make up the GI tract are the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and anus. The liver, pancreas, and gallbladder are the solid organs of the digestive system’. The entire ‘gut’ is a complex and interconnected system.

Your whole gut is actually made up of the following:

  • Mouth & Salivary Glands
  • Esophagus
  • Digestive System – Stomach, Small intestine, Pancreas, liver, gallbladder
  • Colon & Rectum

The Importance of Gut Health –

The health and proper balance of your gut contributes to both health and illness in significant ways. No matter what health issues someone is facing, adding intentionality and effective actions towards increasing gut health will make a positive impact.

Your gut health effects every organ and system in your body, especially the following:

  • Your immune system
  • The balance of neurotransmitters in your brain
  • Your digestion & absorption of nutrients
  • Your Ph levels
  • Your microbiome (more on this below)
  • Brain function
  • Internal inflammation (inflammation is associated and present with all illness & disease)
  • Mental and emotional health
  • Hormones

Begin making healthier choices when it comes to your gut health and stay tuned for Part 2 of this blog series!

In Wellness,

Dr. Rachel

Balance Inside the Bubble: 5 Tips to Transform Your Work-From-Home Experience

Creating whole-person balance for the modern day work-from-homers

Working for yourself from home or even working for a company virtually has many benefits… more freedom, flexibility and of course, working from a more comfortable and casual environment (even in fuzzy slippers!).

But what about the down side? Time management challenges, bleed over from work-life into personal life, isolation and work taking over EVERYTHING!

Here are some simple tips that when applied with consistency will help you THRIVE, not just survive in a balanced bubble.

Tip #1

Create a budget for your time, energy and resources. Proactive and intentional approaches to time management, money management and energy management will pay you back a thousand fold!!

Tip#2

Create work-life balance through setting healthy boundaries around your work life, work schedule and career in general (physically, mentally, emotionally & spiritually). Then it is up to you to honor those boundaries!

Tip #3

Create a separate work space – clock in and clock out. When you exit your work area leave ALL of the work behind. Do not carry it out with you (mentally, emotionally, physically or spiritually).

Tip #4

Do take a ‘lunch break’… take 45 minutes to 1 hour in the middle of the day for a little siesta! Take a walk, meditate, exercise or whatever act of self-care will replenish your mind, body, heart and spirit.

Tip #5

Connection… we all need it! Find other work-from-homers to connect with, bounce ideas off of, get (and give) support and share community with. Consider a monthly meet-up or even an online google hang out over coffee.

Give it a shot! Apply these 5 simple tips to your work-from-home life for 30 days CONSISTENTLY and see how much balance they will bring! May your work-from-home life be fruitful, joyful, impactful… and BALANCED! Enjoy your beautiful bubble!

Game Planning the Rest of the Year

The last quarter of the year can slip away quickly. As a coach (and also as a busy human) INTENTIONALITY in both game planning and action taking is key to closing out your year in a highly effective way that will create the most PEACE & JOY during the holidays and set you up to launch powerfully into the new year.

 

Here are a few questions I invite you to consider…

 

What do I need to resolve, complete or release in this last season of the year in order to be ready for the new year?

 

What do I need to LEAVE behind mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually?

 

What do I need to do, what actions do I need to set myself up to begin creating what I want to create next year?

 

INTENTIONALITY

 

Setting intentions will help head off ‘the bleed over’ effect. The bleed over effect is when we have thoughts and dreams of what something will be and then before we can bat an eye, the time has passed by and we bleed right into the next season NOT having experienced what we wanted and feeling VERY behind on entering the new season effectively.

 

Set an intention as to what you want to have, do, create or experience in these last few months of the year. Literally put pen to paper and write out your intention…

 

For the rest of the year I set an intention of_______________

 

ACTION TAKING

 

Since you help so many other people achieve their goals, you already know INTENTIONS must then become POSITIVE & BALANCED ACTION. This is just a gentle reminder and also an invitation to treat your own life this season with as much care and attention as you would for one of your own clients 😉

 

Create a mini-action plan for yourself….

 

POSITIVE & BALANCED ACTION GAME PLAN

 

Things I need to do:

1.

2.

3.

Things I need to experience (support, rest, etc.):

1.

2.

3.

 

Things I need to release:

1.

2.

3.

 

Things I need to move towards:

1.

2.

3.

 

Things that need more balance:

1.

2.

3.

 

Now that you have a list, put these items into your schedule and make them as high of a priority as client sessions, family needs or even holiday shopping!

 

Here’s to your BEST end of the year possible. May it be balanced, healthy and fulfilling!

The Sassy Salmon Meal

This may surprise many of you but I love to cook, I mean, I LOOOOVVVEEE to cook! I have never followed recipes. I look at food as art and creating a new meal is like painting a canvas for me. There is so much joy that comes to me from experimentation and creativity around HEALTHY and DELICIOUS meals.

Over the years, the more and more I learned about food and balanced nutrition through both my personal wellness journey as a semi-professional athlete and also over 20 years in the professional wellness and health fields. As someone both raised holistically minded (nutritional, natural and holistic medicine) and as a certified Nutritionist, Integrative Wellness & Life Coach, and PhD in Natural Medicine I believe that feeding the body chemical free, whole foods is one of the most critical things we can do for our health on a physical level.

Treated myself and my family using food as medicine has always been a gold standard and at the same time it is an important value of mine to have balance.

Balance in the nutritional area also means enjoyment! So year after year, creating healthy recipes became more and more of a passion for me. Now I want to share that passion (and its benefits) with you.

I have two Instagram accounts, @RachelEvaOnline and now (my little hobby), @OrganicYum where I will be posting healing foods and recipes to nurture the body and soul. Join me there!

Here is a recent creative culinary adventure I had…

 

The Sassy Salmon (a meal) 

This meal is a perfect balance of macro and micro nutrients, all organic, CLEAN & most of all surprisingly sassy! I’m always looking to create new spins on the plain old ‘healthy’ classics.

Here’s the recipe for the ENTIRE meal:

Sassy Salmon –

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
On a baking pan place 2 wild caught Salmon filets. Squeeze an entire lemon onto the filets. Lightly dust with Himalayan salt, ground black pepper, basil flakes and a tiny dash of Ethiopian brown spicy seasoning (all organic of course). Place 4-6 sundries tomatoes on top of each of the filets. Then bake for 15 minutes (or until the center is cooked all the way through).

Sinful Sweet Twice Baked Potatoes –

Bake whole sweet potato (1 large one) on 450 degrees for 25-35 minutes or until you are able to feel a mushy center with a folk by poking it. Remove and allow to cool.
Reduce oven temp to 350 degrees. Once the potato is room temperature cut the potato in half width ways and then slice each one 1/2 through the length of the potato so you have a slit in it. Sprinkle a dash of the Himalayan salt and then dust lightly with cinnamon. Next, drizzle about 1/4 teaspoon of raw organic coconut oil into the slit of each potato half. Place back in the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes.

Surprisingly ‘Wow’ Kale –

Cover a frying pan in about 1/8 inch of organic olive oil. Place approximately 3 cups of organic diced kale into the pan. Squeeze 1 1/2 large organic lemons onto the kale. Lightly salt. Place another frying pan on top as a lid. Lightly sauté for 5-7 minutes on medium-low heat.

The Medicinal Bath

Bathing is an ancient practice of self-care. From Thailand to India to Russia to across the expanse of time, culture, history and the entire globe, the art of the bath has been practiced for health benefits. Not only does a good warm bath aid in relaxation and stress reduction, it can also have profound medicinal benefits.

 

Remember that our skin is our largest organ and the largest one we absorb things and expel things through. Drawing yourself a bath with specific herbs, minerals and medicinal natural elements can bring about healing for many ailments and/or facilitate the healing process.

 

Stress being the leading cause of ALL illness, it is the thing that breaks down our immune system the fastest and creates gaps in our wellness or balance. Stress decreases the ability to properly digest and absorb nutrients which can lead to deficiencies and also to weight gain, fight off infection and disease and regulate our systems (mental, emotional, physical and spiritual). So a relaxing bath has the capacity to boost your immune function significantly when practiced regularly. I say ‘practiced’ because for me the art of the bath, especially medicinal baths are a central part of my self-care and wellness practices.

 

Ok, what exactly is a medicinal bath?

 

Medicinal means ‘tending or used to cure disease or relieve pain’ and I am also using it in reference as substances or plants having healing properties. Being that our skin is our largest organ for absorbing and expelling we can draw in many medicinal properties through the medicinal bathing experience… and yes, it is an experience! Just like homeopathic, natural medicine and other holistic or alternative treatments, the medicinal bath has many, many different recipes to support different needs your body and mind may have.

 

I will be sharing more recipes with you over the coming months for specific ailments, so please do reply with some specific requests that may support or benefit your health. I am happy to take requests!!

 

With my medicinal bath recipes, I draw from my many years as an Integrative Wellness & Life Coach, studies of natural medicine, tribal healing, and more recently my pursuit of my PhD in Integrative & Natural Medicine. I use herbs, minerals, vitamins, raw plants and flowers, crystals and stones as well as essential oils.

 

The three favorite more simple and basic medical bath recipes that I have created and used over time are:

  • The Renewal Bath
  • The Detox Bath
  • The Stress Reduction Bath

 

The Renewal Bath

 

¼ cup Arnica oil

5-10 drops Eucalyptus oil

Frankincense oil

10-15 drops Myrrh oil

1 cup Colloidal oatmeal

Fresh rose petals (red or pink are preferred or you may use rose water)

1 Hematite stone

1 capsule of vitamin B complex

4 small Amethyst stones

3-5 drops of cinnamon oil

3-5 drops of Grapefruit oil

1 cup Epsom salts

 

The Detox Bath

 

1.2 cup Bentonite clay

½ cup Red Moroccan clay

2 small Shungite stones (known to reduce EMF’s and other toxins)

4 table spoons of Manuka honey

4 small Amethyst stones

5-10 drops of Bergamot oil

Ginger (you can juice some ginger root, use ginger tea bags or ginger essential oil – use only a small amount)

1 cup Epsom salts

 

The Stress Reduction Bath

 

Magnesium (add about ¼ cup of liquid magnesium)

Lavender oil (10-15 drops)

1 capsule of L-Lysine (to boost the immune system)

4 small Rose Quartz crystals (or one larger one)

2 small Fluorite stone

2 small jade stones

4 small Amethyst stones

Chamomile (you may use either the fresh flowers or 4 chamomile tea bags)

5-10 drops of Bergamot oil

1 cup Epsom salts

 

 

Building a Healthy Relationship with Fear

The emotion of fear gets a bad rap. As a teacher, writer and coach I have seen, read and heard countless blogs, posts, articles, books and conversations about how fear must be eradicated and removed from life. Let’s take a quick step back and access this from a psychological and biological position.

 

  • All emotions are responses that are wired into our makeup and are part of the full spectrum of human emotions and experiences.

 

  • Fear is one of the largest tools for feedback to ensure safety and survival.

 

  • It is impossible to remove our ‘fight or flight’ responses.

 

When we have a healthy relationship with fear it can be a guide versus a roadblock!

 

So why can fear be so awful and crippling at times? How can we learn to harness this normal emotion to better serve us? How can we work with fear versus against it? How can we better understand ourselves and our life through fear? How can we move beyond the negative impacts of fear? How can we experience and create a healthier and more balanced relationship with fear?

 

When we have an unbalanced or unhealthy relationship with fear it can block us from moving forward, having clarity, making good choices, effectively solving problems and overcoming life’s challenges, stressors and obstacles.

 

First, let’s understand health fear…

 

Fear is a response that is meant to warn us and keep us safe. Unfortunately, many people have become ‘triggered’ into a fight or flight or fear based state 24/7 and thus respond to non-threatening issues as if they were life threatening on a physiological level. This means that the things that may not normally cause fear or stress do.

 

Let’s try a shift in our perspective about fear…

 

What if, just what if FEAR was actually there to help you?

What if FEAR was trying to work for your highest good?

 

Here are some simple steps to begin shifting your relationship with FEAR:

 

  1. Reset

Pause and reset versus reacting to fear.

Things like meditation, yoga and even simple breathing exercises can help us get back to a neutral place which will better enable us to evaluate our fear more effectively.

 

  1. Ask Yourself Powerful Questions

Engage your brain in order to get clarity.

Instead of allowing your mind to run away with the fear, as yourself powerful questions that will lead to self-discovery, effective problem solving and solutions. Questions like, ‘why am I feeling fear’, ‘what feedback or alert message is fear trying to share with me’?

 

  1. Assess

Analyze the situation.

Look at the situation that is causing the fear objectively and try to see the bigger picture, the broader meaning or the direction it is leading you towards and ask yourself WHY & HOW.

 

  1. Breath Through It

Process and release the negative aspects of the emotion while keeping the lesson or alert.

Feeling our feelings, then processing them and letting it go or releasing it is an important way to not only move forward more effectively but also to bring more balance to you mentally, emotionally, physically and even spiritually.

 

  1. Make a Plan

Based on your self-discovery and analysis make a plan of actionable steps.

Write out very specific action steps to take to begin moving towards solutions or achieving goals.

 

  1. Get Support

Gain the tools, techniques, mentors, friends or coaches to help you!

Don’t go it alone! Everyone can relate to feelings of fear and also sometimes getting stuck because of them. Talk about it with friends and loved ones, research tools and techniques or even see a life coach (preferably an Integrative Life Coach iwacoaching.com) who can help you become more equipped to handle fear and stressors as well as to overcome their negative effects and successfully move forward.

 

Living A Holistic Life

Living A Holistic Life

By Rachel Eva, C.HT, M.NLP, MTILC

Founder of IWA (Integrative Wellness Academy), Integrative Life Coach & Health Practitioner

 

We hear the word holistic and holism tossed around a lot in integrative wellness and natural medicine. These terms have already flooded the health and wellness markets and made their way into popular culture.

 

But what exactly does this mean?

What is ‘holism’ and how can it be ‘lived’ in everyday life?

 

As the founder of IWA (Integrative Wellness Academy), myself and the IWA team trains and certifies thousands of integrative life coaches each year. As part of how we teach our students to coach their clients we educate them on holism as a core element to help their clients achieve health, success and balance through applying ‘holism’ through the Holistic Life Model, which I will share with you!

 

First, let’s define holistic and holism so you can get some simple clarity. According to dictionary.com, here are the definitions:

 

Holistic –

 

Philosophy – characterized by comprehension of the parts of something as intimately interconnected and explicable only by reference to the whole.

Medicine – characterized by the treatment of the whole person, taking into account mental and social factors, rather than just the physical symptoms of a disease.

 

Holism –

 

The theory that parts of a whole are in intimate interconnection, such that they cannot exist independently of the whole, or cannot be understood without reference to the whole, which is thus regarded as greater than the sum of its parts. Holism is often applied to mental states, language, and ecology.

 

 

What does this mean in more simplistic and applicable terms?

 

Every part of us, our minds (mental), bodies (physical), emotions (emotional) and spirits (spiritual) are interconnected and have an effect on each other, as well as an effect on each of the major areas of life; health, career & finances, family & relationships, spirituality & self-development. Furthermore, each of the major areas of our life have an effect on all aspects or parts of self (the 4 systems); mental, emotional, physical and spiritual. We need to VIEW and CARE care for the whole picture collectively, versus just a few parts in order to live the best life possible.

 

Before I dive in and introduce you to the Holistic Life Model, I need to further share my definitions with you for the four systems or parts of self:

 

Mental –


The Mental System is your thought life, including your self-perception and thought patterns as well as our beliefs and conscious perceptions. This is also the way we view other things out in the world.

 

Emotional –

 

The Emotional System are your feelings and your emotions. It’s also your relationships with other people and also the relationship you have with yourself.

 

Physical =

 

The Physical System is your physical health, as well as the tangible physical things you have in our life.

 

Spiritual –

 

The Spiritual System is our true-self, our personal development, connection to community, world and our connection to a higher power, whatever that definition is or is not for you.

 

The Holistic Life Model

 

The holistic Life Model is living your life, caring for, balancing and bringing health to all aspects of self and all major areas of life, in other words, caring for the whole self with a ‘big picture’ approach.

 

So how exactly can you begin to care for and bring balance to all of these aspects of self? Here are a few steps to begin moving your life towards aligning with and practicing the Holistic Life Model:

 

  1. Set an intention to pay attention to and care for ALL of the systems/aspects of self and all of the major areas of life
  2. Put this intention into daily practice through actions!
  3. Make a ‘to do’ list of actions you can take to bring more wellness, health and balance to each system and to each major area of your life
  4. Schedule it! Put these actions steps into your schedule and stick to them

 

Remember it’s a process, not an event and the goal is to MOVE towards what you want to have, do, be, experience and achieve!

How Your Yes’s & No’s Shape Your Future

The third or fourth word that many people learn to speak is either yes or no. The first words are often mamma, dada and if a person has a dog, then dog is number three, followed by yes and no.

Yes and no are two words in the English language we learn early on and use to exercise our power, express our needs and our preferences.

A yes or a no can have a significant effect on how we create what we experience in life. Often this is approached unintentionally from a place that is not rooted in self-love or honesty with oneself.

When we say yes to something we are aligning ourselves with that. A yes is also an invitation for it to be in your life and in a sense, it is agreeing with it. A person, place, thing or situation such as a request or voiced expectation from a loved one, diagnosis from a doctor or even an invitation to go on a date, gives us the opportunity to be intentional about what we allow and create in our lives.

One of my favorite and self-loving things to say is ‘I’m going to say no to this so that I can say yes to something else’. Another favorite is when I am told what I should do, before I say yes to that or agree with it, I allow myself the time and space to consider what has been shared with me as feedback. Then I determine what, if any, of that feedback will be helpful for me to take and incorporate into my life.

 

Give yourself permission to change your mind. You can try on a yes for size and discover it needs to become a no and vice versa.

When we say yes because we feel like we should, like it is expected of us, but it is not our truthful response, we are essentially stepping out of alignment with our true selves and saying yes to things that conflict with our truth. When we are in conflict, even on an unconscious or subconscious level, it creates chaos, unhappiness and many other problems in our lives.

We have all heard the famous saying ‘be true to thine self’ – however many of us don’t realize the consequences and disconnection from self we experience when we choose to say yes when our truth is a no.

We can still show up for our responsibilities and obligations, however we can do so in ways that do not conflict with our personal values and our authentic truth. Boundaries are helpful in managing this effectively.

In addition to setting healthy boundaries for yourself (not creating rules and controlling others – see my blog on clearing toxic relationships and boundaries) it is also important to ask ourselves the following questions when presented with invitations to make choices and express a yes or a no:

  1. Will saying yes or saying no serve me more?
  2. Will saying yes or saying no lead towards balance and harmony in myself and in my life?
  3. Do I want to say yes or say no? (Be honest with yourself) and then ask yourself ‘Why?’.
  4. Which answer helps me best take care of myself while also showing up for life?
  5. What does my gut say?
  6. What’s the bigger picture? What will saying yes or saying no invite into my life and create, what will it lead away from?

Asking ourselves these questions helps us move beyond any beliefs or perspectives that are limiting us. It helps to step away from expectations that do not serve us (typically self-inflicted expectations) and gain clarity about the bigger picture of what we are creating and moving towards in our lives.

I invite you to let go of that which no longer serves you and to give yourself permission to say yes or to say no. Practicing intentionality towards your yes’s and no’s will empower you to create the life you want and to decrease the stress and negative things impacting your life.

Let all of your answers come from honoring your higher self, your truth. Boldly curate your life with intentional yes’s and intentional no’s.

 

 

 

An Eco Vacation That Will Change Your Life!

Each year I get very excited to lead the Breakthrough Wellness Retreat, An integrative life coaching experience, because each year I hear what a game changer this is for those who attend.

Many times my clients and students experience being stuck, seemingly unable to overcome certain experiences or roadblock. After years of integrative life coaching and teaching through Integrative Wellness Academy I have seen thousands of life changing breakthroughs! During the retreat, I pack together the powerful tools and techniques from over 20 different healing modalities to help people experience powerful and tangible change amidst a backdrop of tropical paradise!

What is a breakthrough wellness retreat?

The Breakthrough Wellness Retreat is a weekend-long, immersion-style, self-development retreat. The retreat applies mine and Integrative Wellness Academy’s (IWA) integrative wellness and life transformation coaching toolkit, which integrates over 20 different healing modalities. This toolkit includes Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), hypnosis, Therapeutic Yoga, life coaching, Emotional Clearing Method (ECM), Thought Pattern Management (TPM), reiki, integrative wellness & life coaching, and powerful forgiveness techniques.

I will guide you through the process of letting go of what no longer serves you, identify what limits you from your highest potential, clarify your goals and purpose, and create an action plan to achieve them! You will walk away from this retreat with a personal strategy for success and fulfillment, both personally and professionally, with a personal action plan and personal business plan that you have created during the retreat. Come rest, renew and completely transform your life!

What is integrative life coaching?

Integrative Life Coach: A coach trained in life coaching fundamentals combined with a diverse range of healing modalities in the areas of mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual wellness to make positive changes in all areas of life.

Integrative life coaching integrates numerous healing modalities to equip and empower clients to live balanced and successful lives. Integrative life coaching uses techniques, mind-body tools, and action plans to achieve permanent behavior change. During this retreat, Rachel will help you get from where you are in life to where you want to be. Rachel will coach you towards achieving mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual balance that will benefit your life long after the weekend retreat is over.

What does is mean to bring balance to all four aspects of self; mental, emotional, physical and spiritual?

I use the Holistic life model to coach you towards achieving wellness and balance in each of the four aspects of self and in each major area of life such as career, health, relationships and self-development.

Holistic Life Coaching Model

Mind

  • thought life, mental models, self perception, and mental patterns

Emotions

  • emotions and relationships with self and others

Physical

  • health or tangible things like career or finances

Spirit

  • awareness, self-discovery, connection, and  spirituality

 

What is an Integrative Life Coaching Toolbox?

Using over 20 different healing modalities, I have developed an integrative approach to life coaching that has many powerful tools and techniques to help you achieve lasting positive change.

One of the powerful tools that you will be lead through is emotional clearing.

Experience Emotional Clearing Method and gain freedom…

 

Emotional Clearing Method (ECM)

An innovative emotional healing technique for both the conscious and unconscious mind.

Emotional Clearing Method™ (ECM) is an alternative therapeutic emotional clearing technique developed by Rachel Eva, the founder of IWA. ECM is an advanced integrative life coaching technique that draws on various modalities and theories of neuroscience, mental health, life coaching, and alternative therapies, including neuro-linguistic programming (NLP), hypnosis, hypnotherapy, Mind-Body Medicine, and cognitive behavioral therapy. The foundations of ECM stem from neuroplasticity research and current research on emotions and beliefs effects and interconnection on biology.

ECM was developed after years of research and training with different modalities. It works with your brains neural pathways to release negative psychological patterns and connections to limiting beliefs and negative emotions that block many of us from moving forward in freedom. Recent medical studies have proven that these beliefs and stuck emotions, negative psychological patterns, and genetic markers influence our conscious and unconscious minds. These imprints can stem from our childhood, in utero, and even before we were born through intergenerational epigenetic inheritance.

In its simplest description, ECM combines powerful emotional healing techniques and mind-body medicine with the stimulation of neural pathways to release negative psychological patterns, attachments to negative emotions and limiting beliefs on the conscious and unconscious levels.

 

About me, the retreat leader…

Rachel Eva

Founder & Head Instructor Integrative Wellness Academy, Author, National Speaker & Integrative Life Coach

Rachel is an international speaker, IWA founder and head instructor, author, and Integrative Life Coach. As head instructor for IWA life coaching academy, Rachel teaches thousands of students each year through IWA professional and master level Integrative Life Coach certification programs.

Rachel is a self-development author and leader in the integrative wellness industry. She is a contributing writer of articles covering self-development and integrative wellness for several magazines. Rachel is certified in over 20 healing modalities that support her integrative approach to life coaching, self-development, and integrative wellness.

She is board certified through the Association for Integrative Psychology as a practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), master practitioner of NLP, practitioner of Mental Emotional Release® (MER), Certified Thought Pattern Management (TPM) Practitioner and clinical Hypnotherapist. She was also trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Rachel is a master trainer of Integrative Coaching and certified as a personal trainer and yoga therapist. She has received certifications in ERYT yoga, sports nutrition, and sports therapeutics.

Rachel believes that your past does not define your future and you can be empowered to live the life you desire. Her work is designed to support coaches and clients create the change they seek and the life they want!

In addition to the work and instruction described above, you will also get other wellness amenities that are standard at Playa Viva. This retreat includes:

  • Three nights eco-luxe beachfront accommodations
  • Farm-to-table, mostly organic, healthy meals (recipes personally designed by Rachel Eva and prepared for you by Playa Viva’s top health chef)
  • Daily meditation, yoga, and journal writing
  • Outdoor activities, such as walks and hiking and beach adventures

When? July 7-10, 2017

Pricing:

The cost of this breakthrough experience is priceless and dramatically less expensive than years of therapy or ongoing life coaching! Walk away with tangible positive changes.

Double occupancy: $2450

Single occupancy: $3050

Price is per person and includes retreat tuition, accommodations, all meals, non-alcoholic beverages, taxes, and roundtrip airport ground transfers (fly into Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo – ZIH). Additional charges will apply for bar drinks, smoothies, massage/spa services, gratuities and optional donation to sea turtle sanctuary. Airfare is additional and must be booked separately.

To enroll

To make a reservation, please do so directly through Integrative Wellness Academy.

If you have any questions, please call +1-818-358-3131, or email rachel@iwacoaching.com

 

 

DEMYSTIFYING MEDITATION

Meditation can be an uncomfortable thing to consider or practice for many. There can be preconceived notions or beliefs about meditation that make the idea of it scary, unachievable or just seem down-right weird. But in actual practice you can find a way to meditate that will work for you, your life style, time constraints and beliefs that will be safe and effective.

Why meditate? Simple, it has been scientifically proven to reduce stress, which increases health, balance and enjoyment of life. Who does not want to be happier and healthier? It is also a powerful tool for self-discovery, self-care and personal growth.

So how can we unweave some of the odd things you have seen or heard about meditation? Let me help demystify the concept of meditation for you a bit:

  1. You do not have to meditate for any specific amount of time to see benefits. Even 2 minutes of meditation can have a powerful and positive impact on your life.
  2. Meditation does not have to be religious or conflict with your personal beliefs, no matter what your beliefs are.
  3. Meditation is not something that you may immediately enjoy, find easy or see radical benefits from. You can’t do one sit up and then expect to have ripped abs. Meditation is a practice that needs to be consistently performed and developed into a habit before you will see the full benefits and enjoyment of it. Learning to quiet the mind and sit still can be very hard for some, yet I promise it is achievable for EVERYONE (even those with ADD, ADHD, racing thoughts or even OCD).

I was introduced to meditation when I was 5 years old. I have studied many forms of meditation, developed my own personal meditation practice and taught meditation to thousands of people around the world. So let me help you understand meditation a bit more from my perspective.

I like to describe meditation is ‘marinating’ on something, something within that is silent. Those of you who cook may have an understanding of this, especially when it comes to grilling steaks. For any vegetarians…I lovingly respect you and I am not sorry, it’s an effective example so please try to relate in…

Say you are grilling a steak; most people will marinate the meat or let it sit submerged in something for a predetermined period of time in order that the meat will soak up as much of the marinade as possible (for flavor). Fully marinating and submerging meat in the marinade causes an environment where the meat can fully soak the marinade into every part of the meat…even all the way into the center. Why? So the steak can be transformed into the best and most flavorful version of itself. Do you get the analogy? Sweet!

Meditation is a ‘dropping in’ or ‘checking in’ to being completely present with oneself. We spend so much time in motion, in doing, meditation helps us to learn to be. To be present with oneself and to tap into a connection to something greater. This something greater can be anything you define it as…nature, energy, God, the Divine, Spirit, the collective unconscious, the universe or even simply ‘love’.

If prayer is talking to that higher thing, then

meditation could be called listening.

When we meditate we are marinating in being, in our relationship with self and also the relationship with that higher thing. When we take the time to marinate, we soak it up. That gives us flavor!

Meditation can be focused on a specific religious or spiritual alignment or it can be completely focused on relaxation and ‘emptying the mind’. The choice is yours.

There is a form of meditation that will feel safe and comfortable for you. That is the one to choose. However, discovering the most effective form of meditation will take a commitment on your part to experimenting, paying attention to the feedback within yourself and making adjustments.

Beginning to meditate…

‘Where do I start??? There are so many options and opinions about how to do it right’! I invite you to let that belief go. There is no one way to meditate. There is no one way that is right or wrong. The best advice I can give you is to begin to meditate in any way you want. Start where you are and grow from there.

Do some searches for meditations and guided meditations, and watch a few. Try the ones that interest you. See what helps you begin to connect with your internal landscape.

Here is a simple meditation that I teach –

Find a comfortable place to sit down where you won’t be interrupted.

Turn off your phone ringer.

Close your eyes.

Focus your attention on your breath.

Begin to deepen your breath.

Breath deep relaxed breaths versus forced breaths.

Give yourself permission to let your thoughts float by without engaging in them.

Any time you find yourself thinking or becoming distracted, simply and lovingly bring your focus back to your breath.

Continue to just BE and focus on your breathing.

Do this for as long as or as short of an amount of time as you would like.

When you are done, congratulate yourself on your accomplishment and investment in yourself. It is not helpful to critique or judge your meditation. Simply pay attention to the internal feedback that arises after and make adjustments to your next meditation session.

Remember to give your meditation muscles a chance to grow strong through regular practice. Some of the benefits you may experience after you practice consistently are; less stress, increased health, decreased illness, peaceful thought life, better ability to deal with difficult people, places and situations, more mindfulness in all areas of your life, a deeper understanding of yourself, spiritual growth and more general happiness.

Be patient with yourself and the process.

It is worth the investment of time and energy!

 

 

Taking Ownership of Your Outcome Through Integrative Wellness

What is Integrative Wellness and how can it help me overcome obstacles and empower me to create the life I want?

Integrative Wellness is wellness, wholeness or balance all all four aspects of self; mental, emotional, physical and spiritual. The word integrative as defined by the dictionary is: Combining allopathic and complementary therapies and/or serving or intending to unify separate things.

All four of these aspects of self are interconnected and effect one another. For example, you can experience weight gain on the physical and it’s core or root issue can actually be in the emotional system. True wellness and harmony is experienced when there is balance in all four systems or aspects of self. This wellness will then branch out and create positive results in the major areas of life such as career, relationships, family, health and self development.

What exactly are these four systems defined as? The ‘Mental’ system is the area of thought life, self perception and beliefs. The ‘Emotional’ system is our emotions and relationships, this includes our negative emotions and feelings about the past. The ‘Physical’ system is our health and physical body as well as all the things we create around us; job, home, finances, organization etc. The ‘Spiritual’ system is our connection to our true self, our higher self or God, energy, love, nature (any definition you choose), what we believe spiritually and the way we choose to grow that connection through actions. The Spiritual system is different then religion, religion is one example of a way to increase balance or wholeness within the spiritual system if one so chooses.

How can I get help? Getting coached in this area may be hugely beneficial to the quality of life you desire to live. You may be familiar with the term ‘life coach’. A life coach is traditionally defined as a person who counsels and encourages clients on matters having to do with careers or personal challenges. An Integrative Wellness & Life Coach (trained and certified through Integrative Wellness Academy) has knowledge & training in ‘integrative’ approaches and techniques to help resolve core issues and roadblocks in the areas of mental, emotional, spiritual and physical wellness (wholeness or balance).

Integrative Wellness & Life Coaches can help people gain freedom from the past, overcome habits and patterns that block fulfillment in an area of life as well as help clients take the actions necessary to live the life they have always desired. An Integrative Wellness & Life Coach does this through the holistic & integrative approach of coaching towards balance (harmony or wholeness) in all four body systems; mental, emotional, physical and spiritual.

This approach moves life coaching from simply counseling and encouraging to fully equipping and empowering clients to make effective change. The clients of an Integrative Wellness & Life Coach can experience and expect to walk away with a personal plan to move them towards wellness & health in the areas of mind (thought life & patterns), emotions (emotions & relationships), physical (this can be physical health or physical surroundings/situations such as career or finance) and spiritual health (awareness & spirituality).

I wanted to provide one of the exercises our coaches use for you all to try! This exercise helps you to identify areas that are out of balance and intentionally move you towards balance, wellness and wholeness as well as to uncover actions that are leading you away from balance, wellness and wholeness. Once you have identified these, you can INTENTIONALLY list effective actions to help move you towards balance and create the outcomes you desire!

Here’s how:

Fill in the in the graph below, do one graph for each of the systems—mental, emotional, physical and spiritual:

screen-shot-2016-09-12-at-7-11-43-pm

If you have ever had a passion for having a career helping others, or are you simply interested in getting equipped to help yourself, my company, Integrative Wellness Academy offers Integrative Wellness & Life Coach certification courses both in person and online. If you are interested in attending please email us! You can read more about our team, trainings and reviews on our web site http://www.integrativewellnessacademy.com/

Or if you have any questions feel free to email the team at info@integrativewellnessacademy.com

In wellness,

Copyright Dr. Rachel Dew 2019-2021. All Rights Reserved