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Healthy Exercise patterns for fertility: flowing with hormones AND the mind-body connection

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Happy Monday everyone!  We are at the end of the month, which means the last blog about Fertility (for now:))  Wrapping up this month, we will be talking about the last vitals parts of fertility which are healthy exercise and minds!  And remember, my 120 fertility program addresses all to what we have talked about with fertility thus far!

Previously we’ve talked about nervous system involvement, nutritional recommendations, and today we will dive into how to have a healthy exercise routine to sync with your cycle and to not deplete you.
It’s true that exercise is good and necessary for SO many health benefits including decrease alzheimers, increasing immune system, boosting mood, ect.  We are MOVING beings and NEED to move.
However, sometimes we can either get out of routine and not really do very much, or in San Diego, we see a lot of women who do way TOO much, thinking the more the better.

The key is moderation, and doing what is right for you.

How do we know this?

Well lets talk about excercising and syncing wiht your womenly cycle.

The goal of exercise in general which is known for many elite athletes is cycling your workouts and cross training.  Switching up your activity several days per week ensures that every muscle group gets both the work AND rest time it requires.  Going to the gym and doing the same machines, or the same class every week will NOT make you grow.

In order to sync up your exercise with your cycle, you have to kind of know what the four stages of your cycle look like right?!

*** this also requires you to have a NORMAL, healthy cycle.   Meaning you have already done step 1 and 2 of my protocol healing the nervous system and nutritional fundamentals to have a healthy cycle of around 28 days.  You can’t sync for cycle with exercise if it’s already irregular.


(this is not my image)

There are 5 hormones that govern your menstrual cycle:
1. estrogen
2. progesterone
3. follicle-stimulating hormone FSH
4. luteinizing hormone LH
5. testosterone.

The amount of these hormones that are released changes 4 times throughout your cycle.
This means: 4 phases:
1. Follicular
2. ovulatory
3. luteal
4. menstrual

Most women don’t really know where they are at daily in there cycle.  They either know they are in the moody phase or the bleeding phase.

Over time you will be able to tune in to the shifts and be able to sync up with what your body needs at different times during these phases.

PHASE 1: Follicular Phase. 7-10 days

What’s happening?  The hypothalamus (in your brain) signals your pituitary ( in your brain), to send FSH to your ovaries, telling them get ready, we need another EGG!  Egg follicles then start to swell to prep and estrogen increases to thicken your uterus so it can be able to make a nice little home for the egg.

What kind of exercise should I do to enhance this?
This is a good time to try something new, maybe a class you’ve been wanting to try.  Putting your brain and body in a new stimulating situation will feel easier during this phase.  Your able to form new neuro connections during this phase, which means YES you can step out of your comfort zone with ease, and the new activities might stick better for long term because you have the energy for challenging workouts right now.

PHASE 2: Ovulatory Phase. 3-4 Days

What’s Happening? A sharp rise in the FSH increases LH from the brain as well.  This helps to stimulate ONE follicle further to swell and burst releasing an egg into the fallopian tube which transports the egg to the uterus.  Estrogen is still increasing, and testosterone takes a quick surge and drops right around ovulation.

What kind of exercise should I do to enhance this?
Keep two things in mind for this phase.  High impact workouts and group settings.  This is when your energy is at its highest, so you can do more strenuous things like weight lifting, running, plyometrics.  Communicating and connecting with others will also feel easier at this stage, so doing group classes like cycling or working with your gal pals will be best now.

PHASE 3: Luteal Phase. 10-14 days

Whats happening? The follicle that bursts now called the (corpus luteum), grows on the surface of the ovary, which causes production of progesterone.  This signals the body to keep the lining of the uterus intact, and also signals the brain to stop sending out FSH and LH so that only one egg gets into the uterus.  Estrogen continues to rise.  If the egg isn’t fertilized, the corpus luteum gets reabosrbed by the body, progesterone will stop which triggers your period, and testosterone will increase.

What kind of exercise should I do to enhance this?
During the first half, your energy may still be high, so more strenuous exercise may be great, then you will need to scale back on the intensity during the last half of the phase.  Yoga, pilates, walking are all great options because you may feel more sluggish and have more water retention.

PHASE 4. Menstrual Phase. 3-7 days
Whats happening?  Progesterone production stops, which triggers the shedding of your uterus (bleeding).  Estrogen peaks and then drops stimulating your hypothalamus to start all over again!  This part is also vital as this is a time per month we get to detox.  Men don’t get this opportunity.

What kind of exercise should I do to enhance this?
Rest AND recovery are important during this phase as it’s an intense job shedding the lining of the uterus.  Your body needs time to repair.  Schedule rest or a gentle yoga class, especially the 1st day or 2. You also don’t want to overdue the stretching, as ligaments will be looser and we don’t want to cause pelvic instability.  With heavy flow days made sure you go for a walk and stretch.  Towards the end you will be able to amp up for exercise again depending on how you feel.

Makes sense right??  It looks a lot different than just planning to go for a run 7 days a week, or lift massive weights 7 days a week.

This is definitely a skill, but will help you so much in the long run when you can sync in with how your body is feeling.  Maybe in the past you’ve felt like one day just doing a yoga class, but you talked yourself into going for a jog instead because it “burns” more calories.  But then the jog was super difficult, or that gym session you did instead was half way done which led you to be more down on yourself.
Don’t overdue things.  Exercise IS healthy, but it IS also a stress.  You need time for rest and recovery.

Being in tune with your body takes time, its a partnership really, but one that can SUPERCHARGE your fertility.

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Mind- Body AND Fertility.

The last and final part is what can often be the most important is having the right mindset for fertility.
Often women that come to me for fertility help are not in partnership with their bodies.

They either are:
–Adrenal fried, have been burning the stick and both ends either already being a mom, or in their adult lives with work and stress.

– Those who dedicate their lives to helping others and leave little for themselves

– Women who recently got off the pill, having been on it since a teenager, which masked a huge problem which is why they can’t now conceive.

Maybe there isn’t enough space in your life for the pregnancy, or for a dependent baby, which means you have to start shifting your life BEFORE pregnancy.

***Everyone has stress, but how well you adapt to it makes all the difference in the world.
Many cycles issues can resolve with appropriate adrenal support and function.

Another important mind body connection with fertility is knowing if you have an imbalance in masculine or feminine energy, and being able to tap in more to the feminine energy.

How do you identify this?!

Here is a list of masculine and feminine energy from the book (WOMAN CODE).

Masculine Energy

  • “Tenaciously pursuing what you want
  • deciding when/where/how a project grows
  • focusing on the end result, less on process
  • focusing on one thing at a time
  • relying on only yourself and your individual achievenments
  • setting boundaries around emotions and body in order to accomplish goals
  • relating through entertainment, camaraderie, problem solving”
Feminine Energy
  • “Magnetically attracting what you want
  • holding the space for projects to develop at their natural pace
  • enjoying the process of creation independent of the end result
  • seeing the big picture, multitaksingng
  • working with others, community
  • connecting to emotional and physical life
  • relating to others by listening, sharing nurturing”

Here would be having too much masculine:

-“feeling disconnected from emotions
-self worth outside yourself, material success
-difficult to give and receive nurturing
-unable to fully get projects up and running
-isolated
-stick to your schedule like clockwork
-push yourself and others to finish every task
-when with others don’t share whats going on, don’t want others opinions
-you eat what’s in front of you, or forget to eat
-select your workout based on your fitness goals and push through no matter what
-you want to talk about what you accomplished for the day then crash out in front of the TV
-focus on the next day’s to do list”

Now, these aren’t all “bad” to have masculine qualities of course, it’s just a balance that’s more important.  Especially when talking about fertility and conceiving.

In order to create a better fertility mentally, you have to create more space for feminine energy.  This means coming to terms with how you feel, working through past hurts (if any) and giving yourself the time and space needed.  Get closer to God during this period. I know it sounds woo woo, but often just the physical part with fertility is not enough.  Celebrate emotions and release them as needed.

You need FUN every day, make time for it.

Follow your heart and goals you have. Create new dynamics and relationships to support you, make room for love in your life.

Often times there are subconscious thoughts and blockages we don’t know about and that’s why I use NET in my office for this purpose.  It’s vital and often enough but not always enough for some.

Some women are also on medications to balance this.  I’m not anti medications as they can help many, but important to note with preparing for a baby. Anti-depressants and anti anxiety medications …… NO drug has been demonstrated safe for all fetuses under ALL circumstances. All drugs cross the placenta and antibiotics cross it rapidly.  So, be careful when taking these during pregnancy.

Need more help with exercise specific for you???
I have great referrals for that JUST ask!

Next month will be all about ADRENAL HEALTH!

Stay tuned!

Supercharging Fertility Through Nutrition

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Continuing on this month all about Fertility!  Last week we chatted about how the nervous system is #1 in my fertility program, because if there’s no signaling= no fertility!

#2 in my fertility protocol is nutrition.  So, this week we will briefly chat about how to supercharge your fertility through nutrition.

If you need more information about nutrition and fertility I highly recommend the book:  Woman Code!  I use tips from this book in today’s blog as well as other information from other sources and evidence based nutrition sources.

There are usually 3 things that women/men experience with endocrine problems:

1. Menstrual Problems
2. Fertility Trouble
3. Low Libido

Let’s start with number 1…..

Menstrual Problems.  Did you know that the women’s cycle doesn’t fully mature till the age of 25?!  So, there will be fluctuations within the cycle up until that age, that are normal.  However, genetics and nutritional factors determine how are bodies react to the mountain of estrogen we are bombarded with daily.

In some families they adapt to this estrogen load by presenting as PCOS, others: fibroids, others: endometriosis, PMS (PMD).

“You actually were PRIMED to develop your own unique issue before you were born, or had your first period. “
This is why it’s crucial to do something about endocrine function now!  You can actually change your epigenetics to set future generations of women down your family line up for pain free and healthy periods!
And you will also feel so much better.  Did you know you are supposed to just wake up and realize you started your period?  THIS IS NORMAL..
NOT.
The symptoms handed down from generations, cramping, bloating, pain, acne, PMS……

Number 2…..

Fertility Trouble. Our bodies as women are very fine tuned, and require a very specific ratio of progesterone to estrogen in order for conception to be successful!

Estrogen levels can become elevated by:
Poor blood sugar regulation, adrenal fatigue, congested pathways of elimination (food and product sources), birth control.

When it’s elevated, progesterone becomes insufficient.  And when progesterone is insufficient, ovulation is not regular, which means no baby….
OR.. you will get pregnant, but your chance of miscarriage is very high because you can’t produce enough progesterone to maintain it.

PCOS prevents ovulation, which is of course essential for allowing an egg to be available for conception.  Fibroids and endometriosis also cause fertility problems by creating actual blockages within the uterus or ovaries.

But, it’s easy right.. just take a pill to regulate these mentrual issues.! Right?!
So so wrong.

Pills or injections will temporarily lower symptoms I’ll give you that, but estrogen levels managed improperly for too long, and these symptoms will always come back, AND your chances of having a baby when you are ready will go way way down….

View your fertility in the long term!  By fixing these three pathways mentioned above which cause estrogen elevation.

** also important to note, if you’ve had the SUPER toxic gardasil vaccine, your fertility will also be compromised.  It has been shown in research to make young girls infertile, and also increases cervical cancer risk.  I’ve had many patients with vaccine injuries from this terrible and corrupt vaccine.  Please please say no for our young girls. **

Number 3…

Low libido… Well, you could be riding blood sugar highs and lows, stressed out from work, chasing kids around, deadlines approaching… So, getting some love from your husband/wife is safe to say not on your mind. 
You probably don’t have much energy at the end of the day to do much other than eat that chocolate or treat and collapse on the couch.

For women AND men.  Blood sugar irregulation and chronic stress = low libido.

If this cycle remains, your body will become really confused, and tell you to eat more carbs although you’ve already eaten too much.. Hypoglycemia…This then dampens the production of DHEA as cortisol is being pumped out excessively.  Which DHEA turns into testosterone (supports sex drive).

Carbs/Sugar and stress= exhausting your body= no energy for love stuff! 

So..
Enhancing Fertility through nutrition is quite simple when you think of it.

It involves these principles:

1. Stabilizing the blood sugar.
This is done through customized eating plans for you.  It’s not about dieting.  Dieting DOES NOT work.  It’s just NOT sustainable.  Eating pre-packaged foods, or limiting what you can eat so much you end up eating a whole carton of ice cream in one sitting and just say heck with it!.
Yep.. been there.

Its about reconditioning what you are eating.  I want you eating, and actually eating quite a lot to stabilize the blood sugar, but I want you feeding your fertility instead of inhibiting it.

This is all explained in my 120 day fertility program, but includes more of a ketogenic whole food plan, Organic and non GMO foods, high fat, limited grains and dairy.  This is of course customized for each patient depending on their needs.

Eating regularly and increasing good fats stabilizes the blood sugar amazingly.  In fact, when stabilized, most people are able to do intermittent fasting as well, which is so healing for the body and fertility.

2. Supporting the Adrenal Glands ( Stress Glands)
Also included in the 120 program.  Some individuals are in super high stress environments, and they need supplementation in order to get things back on track.  This involves customized herbs and whole food nutritional recommendations as well as specific NET ( a stress technique I do in my office) and stress related work to help create healthy habits.

Some individuals will need to change things within their pattern to decrease adrenal fatigue.  Whether its changing things with your job, decreasing the amount of things you are doing, working out less (yes there are many women and men who work out too much and deplete their adrenal glands), asking for help, ect.

Remember it’s a lifestyle.

3. Clearing out the estrogen and pathways of elimination .
This means first getting rid of that birth control pill or shot.  It’s harming you short and long term.  Detoxifying the body through specific herbs and whole food nutrients and going on safer birth control methods (if needed). Birth control completely depletes all your B vitamins, so this is something that has to be added in.  It also decreases your immune system, so often immune system support is needed.

Cleaning out your food sources that aren’t organic (hormones and chemicals), beauty products that aren’t organic (hormones and chemicals), plastic wear ( all estrogen), decreasing microwave use (estrogen), non natural cleaning products (toxic chemicals), cleaning up your water source, and other exogenous exposures.

I know it sounds like a lot, but these are REALLY big hormone disruptors. And over time, these wreak havoc not only on fertility but many systems and cause cancer and other illnesses as well.

Then we move onto cleaning out the main pathways of detoxification such as the Liver and large intestine, skin & lymphatic system.
This is through nutrition and chiropractic care.

Sometimes, it takes more detoxification means as well such as incorporating saunas, colon hydrotherapy, cleaning out toxic heavy metals in the mouth and body ( food sources, vaccines, passed down).

I also, always always include CBT, craniobiotic technique which helps clear out hidden infections in the body, and also desensitizes against allergens.  Both can be HUGE in being the tipping point for successful fertility.

4. Supporting the sex organs.

This is done through specific whole food nutrition supporting these organs with nutrition and what are called protomorphogens.  If you’ve taken birth control these organs will need support as they haven’t been producing the hormones because you’ve been taking fake ones.

5.  Supporting the brain glands which signal the hormones

Also done through specific whole food protomorphogens and herbals targeting to help with the signaling process.  This is also AMAZING for teenagers to help with that fluctuation I was talking about in the beginning. PMS, bloating, heavy bleeding, acne.  If you have a teen girl you will THANK ME for this one.

One herbal I use… chaste tree ( depends on quality!), is amazing for regulating the brain signaling.  If you’ve ever taken birth control this signal is damaged and needs support.

That’s it!!  haha. I know seems like a lot, but really EVERY person is different, and your path will look different from the next.  You may need some or all of these steps, but the fact of the matter is all hormone dys-regulation CAN be helped naturally.  I see it everyday!

Don’t forget about the men too!!

They also need sperm support, detoxification, stress and blood sugar support!  Remember you can actually CHANGE your epigenetics, which can change your child’s and their child’s genes to be strong and more efficient!

Often times infertility is a mix of the man and the woman.  So, most of my program’s require BOTH to be involved in the process.

Next week.

We’ll talk about Exercise and Mindset in Fertility.
Stay tuned!  And please please SHARE THIS!

Loving yourself through the postpartum phase

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Happy Monday everyone!  And happy memorial day to all those who have or are currently serving.  We truly appreciate the sacrifices you have and will continue to make every day.  
We wouldn’t be where we are without you!!

As we finish up the month of may, we conclude our topics on postpartum healing.. I hope you’ve enjoyed this month and shared with those that need this information!! Trust me, many women need to hear a lot of these things!  I’d like to finish up today briefly on how you can love yourself through this stage in life.  If you want more information about post partum care, I highly recommend you read the book The Fourth Trimester by Kimberly Johnson.  

——

As we’ve gone through different aspects of post partum healing this month through nutrition, body work, ect.. it’s also extremely important to mention balancing the emotional part.  You have become a mother after all, and for some women although it is such a beautiful empowering event, for some it can be scary and hard to navigate the changes that take place in her body.  As well as relationship dynamics changing after.

I think a big part of this healing journey starts with just being in tune with your body.  For some, even before birth, being not in tune with your body was a norm.  However, once you give birth, what you may have ignored earlier now come to the surface, which is actually a good thing.  You now have the chance to choose to take care of your body in a different way.  Afterall, you only have one body, so if we love it, rather than judge it, we only stand in the way of our happiness.

Although probably one of the most difficult things is to love yourself and your body when it has been through a major change, and is constantly changing.  However, as women, I believe this is one of the most worthwhile processes we can give to ourselves.  

It’s important through this phase to not look at the ever present social media world, of women who seem to just bounce back after having children, and are deemed “superwoman”.  Although some women do bounce back quickly, we also aren’t all created equal.  Alot depends on the health of the women before pregnancy, and the steps taken during the healing period.   It could also come from help she’s had, or genetics.

A big step in healing this part is not “comparing ourselves to who you used to be before pregnancy and giving birth.” The healing process is a slow and steady one, and knowing this and giving yourself patience and kindness through it will serve you so much better in the long run, as well as fully healing post partum. 

After all, the mind and emotions are a HUGE part of healing for anyone, post partum or not.  The goal is to have a long term vision of where you would like to be, rather than trying to surge full force into something you think will be good to get back into shape after birth.

A part of this is also not judging the body on how it looks after birth, but appreciating all that it just went through!  The process is an amazing one, and when we look back at it, women have pretty extraordinary bodies.  

I often find many of my women patients also get very overwhelmed when they don’t get enough help post partum.  It’s OKAY and downright a must to have help during this time.  You need rest to fully recover, and when you get help your mind can be at ease and focus on the needs of your newborn.

-Set a plan before birth about who can help you. Make meals, do laundry, ect..  Set goals with your partner as well about who will do things, or about how your body will change BEFORE it actually does.  Communicating is key to be able to strengthen your relationship through this phase, and to let it grow and blossom.

Truth of the matter is.. you’re all superwomen!  Appreciate and know that.  Not to someone else’s standards but to the miracle of life you have accomplished.  And remember, “where you are right now is not where you will be forever! “

Tapping into the emotional part of healing is not always wanted, but it is needed.  I know that once a baby is born, the focus can be entirely on their well being, while mom goes by the wayside.  Put yourself first.  Know that by doing that you will be able to take care of them better!  And of course, if you need additional emotional support there are always more options for you.  

I love treating postpartum women in my office because I get to tell them they DON’T have to live with the pains and aches and leaks they think are normal.  Incorporating specific bodywork care, emotional work and nutritional recommendations can really make such a huge difference in a women’s health for the rest of her life.

So, what are you waiting for??

On the Spotlight this week, is DoTerra’s Balance.

doTERRA Balance Product Description
Created with the purpose of grounding emotions, doTERRA Balance is formulated with emotionally beneficial essential oils that work together to create a sense of calmness and well-being. doTERRA Balance essential oil blend has a variety of uses and benefits that can be obtained both aromatically and topically. When applied to the skin or diffused, doTERRA Balance can ease anxious feelings and create a soothing and calming environment—encouraging strong relaxation. The aroma of doTERRA Balance is sweet and woody and is the perfect fragrance for promoting feelings of balance and tranquility. Infused with Spruce, Ho Wood, Blue Tansy, Blue Chamomile, and Frankincense essential oils, doTERRA Balance is the perfect blend for stabilizing emotions.

doTERRA Balance Uses and Benefits

  1. Relaxing your body begins with the mind. Help your body relax by focusing on your emotions first. Use doTERRA Balance essential oil blend to help ground your emotions so that your whole body can feel completely at ease when you need it most. This emotionally balancing blend is a great oil to use during meditation or yoga practices.
  2. Start your day off right by putting a little doTERRA Balance into your step. After you wake up, apply one to two drops of doTERRA Balance to the bottom of your feet. This will help promote feelings of calmness and tranquility throughout the day. doTERRA Balance can also be applied to your feet throughout the day to help lessen feelings of stress.
  3. If a road trip is in your future, make sure to bring some doTERRA Balance. For those long hours of driving in a full car, diffusing doTERRA Balance will help create a calming and soothing environment. Once you experience the serene feelings of doTERRA Balance, you’ll wonder how you ever took long road trips without it.
  4. doTERRA Balance is one of the essential oils used in the AromaTouch® technique. doTERRA Balance essential oil blend is important to the AromaTouch experience because it helps produce emotional harmony and relaxation. Experience the enriching benefits of doTERRA Balance during an AromaTouch Hand Massage by either applying it to your own hands or having someone else perform the hand massage. The AromaTouch Hand Massage can also be performed on a grandparent to help them feel relaxed and calm.
  5. If you experience occasional feelings of anxiousness, apply doTERRA Balance to your wrists and neck. The topical application of doTERRA Balance essential oil blend will help ease anxious feelings when they arise.
  6. One of the main benefits of doTERRA Balance is its ability to evoke feelings of tranquility. When you feel overwhelmed emotionally, take a step back and give yourself the peace your mind needs. Diffuse doTERRA Balance or apply doTERRA Balance topically to create an environment of tranquility so that you can press forward feeling emotionally balanced and ready to take on the tasks ahead of you.
  7. Do you find yourself with little time to sit back and let your mind relax? For an emotionally grounding experience in a short amount of time, apply one or two drops of doTERRA Balance to your hands and cup them over your nose, breathing in deeply. The same results can be felt by simply uncapping the doTERRA Balance essential oil blend bottle and breathing deeply with the bottle of doTERRA Balance held a couple of inches from the nose.
  8. Before you go to bed, apply doTERRA Balance to the bottoms of your feet. This calming and soothing blend will encourage a restful night’s sleep.
  9. Promote a whole body relaxation by including doTERRA Balance in your bath. doTERRA Balance will help relax the body and provide a comforting and soothing experience. For those moments when you just need time to relax and recharge, add a couple drops of doTERRA Balance with some Epsom salts to your bath water. You will love how easily it evokes feelings of balance and tranquility.
  10. doTERRA Balance is a powerful blend of CPTG® oils designed to promote harmony in the mind and body and help balance emotions. When you have stressful events or meetings, make sure to use doTERRA Balance so that you can experience a sense of stability and relaxation during situations that are prone to anxious and stressful feelings.

Oils that Blend Well with doTERRA Balance 
doTERRA Balance blends well with Frankincense, Bergamot, Peppermint, Coriander, doTERRA Forgive®, Citrus Bliss®, and Wintergreen essential oils for diffusion.

Key Ingredients

  • Spruce Leaf
  • Ho Wood Leaf
  • Frankincense Resin
  • Blue Tansy Flower
  • Blue Chamomile Flower
  • Fractionated Coconut Oil

Neurological & Structural Growth and Developmental Factors in Infants, and where Craniopathy Comes into play.

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Happy Monday everyone! This month is all topics on chiropractic and nutrition for children and infants.  If you missed last week’s blog I mentioned that each month will have a topic we will focus on for the ENTIRE month, as well as every Wednesday Live Facebook videos on the topic of choice!  If you have topics you’d like covered, suggested are HIGHLY welcomed:)  It is hard coming up with topics every week!

I will also be out of town the later part of this week presenting at the annual chiropractic research conference for a couple of papers I submitted.

On to this week’s topic!

This blog is about the neurological development that happens as we grow, and how chiropractic care (especially cranial care) is essential in this time.

I will be taking most information from different sources, the majority from a certified craniopath Dr. Martin Rosen as he has done so much for the pediatric chiropractic world.

Growth & Development 
How and when does the nervous system develop?

  • Total brain volume increases 101% in the first year of life, 15% in the second year.
  • Gray matter development increases 149% in the first year, white matter 11%
  • Cerebellum (cognitive) volume increases 240% in the first year
  • Lateral ventricle volume increases 280% in the first year
  • The brain reaches 80-90% of adult volume  by age two
  • The period from birth to two may be THE MOST DYNAMIC and IMPORTANT phase of postnatal brain development in humans!
The large increase in total brain volume in the first year of life suggests that this is a critical period in which disruption of developmental processes, as the result of genetic abnormalities, birth trauma, or environmental insults may have long lasting or permanent effects on brain structure and volume. 

The dural tissue.. let me explain… we have a tissue over our brain like a sac the brain sits in, which extends all the way down into the tailbone.  This tissue when under tension either from head or sacrum trauma results in neurological dysfunction developing at the spinal or cranial area are under the greatest stress.

“The primary mechanisms of injury to the spinal cord appear to be excessive traction applied to the spinal canal and cord during the birth process.” – Donn, MD Obstetrician.

This is why it’s so important to correct these structural components in an infant!  Studies have shown that these children will function at reduced capacity later in life.  It will cause compensatory patterns, to allow us to react to our environment the best we can.  However, this can cause complications.

Environmental factors come into play OF COURSE.  Being that a relatively small percentage of illnesses are really just from genetics…

Perceptions acquired before the age of six become the fundamental subconscious programs that shape the character of the individuals life!

This can even happen all the way in the womb…

Any pregnant woman who wants to give birth to a child must understand how much she affects the child in her womb.  She influences her child through the vibratory effect of her mental self, her circulation, her impulses, her feelings and all that she goes through.  The serum which flows through her spine and the change of the grey matter and neural patterns in her brain, combine with the beat of her heart and the impulse of the breath, to produce an imprint on her child’s brain. – Yogi Bhajan.

Birth trauma is REAL, and even in a normal birth, it can cause complications in the infant.  C-sections, forceps, vacuum, all have detrimental effects on how the child functions, unless these injuries to the head and body are addressed right away.  As previously mentioned, so much happens during the first 2 years of life!

Chiropractic care and cranial care for children is not just a “hoax”.  It really can be preventative, since most “patterns” we have as adults are made up till the age of seven.

Then … layer of years of other accidents, traumas, and other incidents.  It’s often times hard to actually see what the true pattern was!

Most the time I will say to my adult patients, after an initial examination, at the end of the treatment after we’ve treated and addressed many things… noww.. we had to clear ALL of that out to get to your ORIGINAL cranial compression from BIRTH.

It’s harder when you’re an adult to fix all these problems, if only children could get this care right away, you can avoid so many implications and interventions.  This is why I’m also passionate about treating children.  We have the ability to change THEIR future and development.

Wouldn’t you have liked that opportunity?  I sure would have.  It’s important now as an adult to create the best environment possible since I myself didn’t have that care.

Share this with those who have little ones or who are prepping to have little ones!  It could be LIFE changing for them.!

OIL OF THE WEEK

On the spotlight this week is DoTerra’s Marjoram. Marjoram Oil Product Description
Commonly recognized for its ability to spice foods, Marjoram essential oil is a unique cooking additive with many additional internal and external benefits. The herbaceous flavoring of Marjoram oil can be used to spice up stews, dressings, soups, and meat dishes and can take the place of dried marjoram when cooking. Aside from its culinary benefits, Marjoram can be taken internally to help support a healthy cardiovascular and immune system.* Marjoram can also be used topically and aromatically for its calming properties. It also has a positive effect on the nervous system.* The aroma of Marjoram oil is warm, herbaceous, and woody and helps promote a calming atmosphere.

Marjoram oil is a unique and valuable oil because of the extensive benefits it provides for the body. One of the most significant benefits Marjoram essential oil offers is its ability to have a positive effect on the nervous system.* Marjoram oil is also used for its calming properties. To obtain these benefits, take Marjoram oil internally, apply it to the skin topically, or use it aromatically.

Acetylcholine is an important chemical produced by the body. It plays a crucial role in numerous neurological functions as a neurotransmitter. For example, acetylcholine is necessary for muscular contraction, the function of the cerebellar cortex, hippocampus and other neurologic structures. Recent research has even begun to suggest that healthy acetylcholine levels may correspond directly to healthy neurological function.1 An in vitro study lead by Tunisian researchers found that Marjoram essential oil inhibits enzymes that degrade acetylcholine. While further investigation is needed, these findings add to a growing body of research suggesting the use of essential oils in maintaining neurological health.*

Another powerful benefit of Marjoram essential oil is its ability to support a healthy immune system.* To help support your immune system with Marjoram oil, dilute one drop of Marjoram into 4 fl. oz. of liquid and drink. You can also put Marjoram oil into a Veggie Capsule and ingest.

While working on long, intense projects, apply Marjoram essential oil to the back of the neck to lessen feelings of stress. Marjarom oil contains calming properties that help relax emotions during stressful moments. Applying Marjoram essential oil topically can help provide the calming feelings you need to get through difficult or strenuous tasks.

The cardiovascular system includes one of the most fundamental and crucial parts of the body—the heart. Because of its prominence in keeping the body running, it is important to support your body’s cardiovascular system. Marjoram oil may promote a healthy cardiovascular system, helping to give your body essential strength that it may need.* These benefits can be obtained by taking Marjoram essential oil internally.

Indulge in a creamy, Low-Fat Spinach and Artichoke Dip that will have you coming back for seconds. Combining the rich flavors of cheese and yogurt with the nutrients of artichoke, jalapenos, and spinach, topped with a hint of Marjoram, this recipe will be hard to replace. This essential oil recipe is easy to make and is an instant crowd pleaser—perfect for office parties and holiday gatherings.

If “Rock-a-bye Baby” doesn’t seem to be lulling your child to sleep, don’t worry; just use some Marjoram oil. Prior to a nap, apply Marjoram essential oil to a fussy child’s feet. The calming properties of Marjoram oil will help soothe the child, helping him or her to rest easily and peacefully.

Marjoram is a great spice to have in the kitchen and can help spice up a variety of dishes. Next time a recipe calls for dried Marjoram, replace it with Marjoram essential oil for a convenient and spicy flavoring that will take your meal to the next level. Usually, one drop of Marjoram essential oil is equivalent to two tablespoons of dried Marjoram.

To bring relief to your muscles, apply Marjoram essential oil to the desired areas of your skin before and after exercising. Marjoram is also a perfect oil to add to a soothing massage blend for targeting tired and stressed muscles.

Fun Fact
In Germany, the marjoram herb is known as the “Goose Herb” for its traditional use in roasting geese.

Plant Description
The marjoram plant, Origanum majorana, is an herbaceous perennial that is a member of the Lamiaceae family. This plant can grow to be one to two feet in height and can spread an equal distance. This plant is busy with fragrant, ovate leaves that are gray-green in color. Tiny, tubular flowers that are white or pale pink bloom in clusters on this plant.1 doTERRA Marjoram essential oil is extracted from the leaves of the plant.

 

That is all for now.

Wishing you all a happy and healthy week.

Dr. Hamel

Sleep Apnea in Children, it’s on the rise…. and what to do about it.

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We now know that sleep apnea is a serious condition.  There are different forms: central and obstructive, but each can put a tremendous stress on your cardiovascular system, because of inadequate oxygen.  In obstructive, the airway is blocked, which reduces or completely stops the airflow.  In central, the brain doesn’t send the signals needed to breathe.

Decreasing the chance for developing sleep apnea is very real and can be accomplished with proper screening and treatment in children.

Signs of airway constriction in children include:

  • wetting the bed
  • toss and turn at night
  • act hyperactive
  • clench or grind teeth at night
  • have dark circles under the eyes
  • snore
  • have night terrors
It’s important to know this because a lot of “symptoms” in children are considered to be normal “growing symptoms”, but in reality they aren’t normal.  Just like growing pains aren’t normal, it is a sign of cranial tension.

So,
What is the cause of sleep apnea in children??

Obviously, there is some form of airway constriction, but what causes this to happen?

According to a TMJ and Sleep expert, they believe that the increase in sleep apnea in children is because of two reasons:

1. Babies not breastfeeding, and not breastfeeding for long enough periods of time.

2. Introducing soy based infant formulas which cause inflammation in the sinuses and change their shape.

….

So let me elaborate on these two points and include some thoughts of my own.

  • Breastfeeding for babies is really vital and has so many benefits not just nutritionally.  What is amazing regarding this is that the mother’s nipples actually have receptors and sense when the baby needs something and provides it.  Isn’t that pretty cool?  It is also a huge source of immune support, and where babies start building their immune system.
    • When it comes to sleep apnea, we know this is an airway and cranial problem.  Without breastfeeding, the baby misses out on natural development of the cranial system.  Bottles ARE NOT the same and do not provide the same stimulation  an infant needs.
    • A lot of children are bottle fed because of breastfeeding difficulties.  Yes, breastfeeding is actually really difficult, and a lot actually depends on the baby.  Which can be challenging because then moms think they are inadequate. Because birth is so traumatic for both involved, that is where I come in.  Cranial care and screening infants can be extremely helpful for breastfeeding.   So don’t dispair!
      • It is through this I am able to screen for cranial problems, look for tongue and lip ties, screen for allergies, tonsils and neck problems.  All of these can be life changing for breastfeeding and allow mother and baby to connect.
      • There is a lot of controversy about how long an infant should actually breastfeed, and I believe cranially that less than one year is inadequate for cranial molding.
    • So, breastfeeding stimulates cranial movement and growth, so without, the child is more likely to develop sleep apnea.
    • If you have breastfeeding problems, don’t jump to a bottle! Give this care a shot, it could be life changing for your little one.  Lactation consultants can also be extremely important and I work with quite a few.
  • Soy protein.
    • We know that soy for everyone can be a real inflammatory food.  Non GMO organic soy in small amounts can be good for adults, but too much of a good thing is NOT good.  About two ounces a day is adequate.  Most people go wayyyy overboard and have soy in their coffee and soy in there lunch and tofu for dinner, ect.  Soybean oil is also in most every packaged food, so be aware.
    • For growing babies, they need the nutrients in breast milk, and soy is NOT and does not have the essential nutrients the infant needs.  It’s also very high in estrogen and causes a lot of infants to get sinus problems and airway inflammation.
    • Although cow’s milk isn’t a good alternative because the casein amount is about ten times what a human baby needs (it is meant to grow a baby cow).  If there are extreme breastfeeding challenges where the mom is not producing enough (which can be helped as well), or things just aren’t working I recommend making your own infant formula which I can give to you if need be.
  • Birth trauma
    • This ties in with the breastfeeding, but birth trauma effects the cranial bones and creates what are called cranial faults.  This means the sinuses and airways don’t develop properly.  Getting craniopathy after birth is extremely important.  Also if the tongue can’t reach the top of the palate, this will also cause breathing, speech and feeding difficulties.
  • The health of the mom.  
    • I believe the health of the mom is huge as well.  What are they eating? Injecting? How’s their stress level?  Are they getting regularly adjusted and ensuring there is adequate pelvic inlet space and movement.  Are they sitting a lot?  This will cause the pelvis to be out of alignment very easily which causes more painful and difficult births.
  • The Birth.
    • A lot of birth interventions are unnecessarily made, when in reality the realm of a birth has a normal variation for all.  Women are too easily rushed into having babies on a hospitals or doctors schedule rather than intuitively knowing their bodies and what they are capable of.  Of course, interventions are needed , WHEN they are needed, but they are way too often just considered a “norm”, when they can actually do harm.
      • For instance, inducing a child although sometimes needed, causes the infants head to slam into the moms pelvis in abnormal ways than it would with ease naturally.  This can cause huge cranial problems.
      • Epidural’s have side effects for moms and infants.  A lot of women have numerous side effects they don’t tell you about, and although you don’t feel contractions, your baby does, which can put it under distress when natural endorphins aren’t released (they don’t’ get released with epidurals).  The endorphins are what ease the mom and baby through labor.  Without, the baby feels everything, and often more ptocin is used when the baby is in distress which can cause more distress, and then ultimately “emergency C sections”, which they could have potentially caused with the interventions.
      • I believe proper birth positions can change dramatically the birth.  Laying on your back goes against gravity, so why lay or your back the entire labor?  Get up, move, squat…. go with gravity instead of against which usually leads to the next point….
      • Don’t get me started on episiotomies, I see far too many women with trauma and pelvic floor problems because of this unnecessary cut for some women.
I hope this was enlightening to you this week, as I learned a lot from some brilliant minds in the functional dentistry realm, midwifery care and other natural birth professionals. I think the most important factor here is we have to protect the baby, and children’s sleep apnea is on the rise. And the amazing thing is WE CAN GROW THEM OUT OF IT!.

Why make them suffer as adults, when with craniopathy and possible co-mangement, children can grow and develop normally without worry of carrying it into adulthood.

So, please..

Share, tweet, snap…. whatever you need to… Get this out!  Children after all are the future.  

OIL OF THE WEEK

On the spotlight this week is DoTerra’s Breathe Products.

This is a combination of oils, that works wonders for opening up the air passageways, and detoxifying the air.doTERRA Breathe is a remarkable blend of essential oils including Laurel Leaf, Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Melaleuca, Lemon, Cardamom, Ravintsara, and Ravensara. doTERRA Breathe maintains feelings of clear airways and easy breathing while minimizing the effects of seasonal threats. doTERRA Breathe can be applied topically to the chest, back, or bottom of feet, or diffused at nighttime to calm the senses and promote a restful sleep.

Uses

  • Diffuse, inhale directly from palms, or rub on chest or feet when seasonal and environmental threats are high.
  • Use when outdoors to minimize the effects of seasonal threats.
  • Diffuse at bedtime for a restful environment.

Directions for Use

Diffusion: Use three to four drops in the diffuser of your choice.
Topical use: Apply one to two drops to desired area. Dilute with doTERRA Fractionated Coconut Oil to minimize any skin sensitivity. See additional precautions below.

Cautions

Possible skin sensitivity. Keep out of reach of children. If you are pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, and sensitive areas. Avoid sunlight or UV rays for up to 12 hours after applying product.