Tag Archives: ADHD

Brain Fortitude:  Utilizing your brain to shut down unwanted thoughts and actions

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Brain Fortitude:  Utilizing your brain to shut down unwanted thoughts and actions

Happy Monday Warriors!

It’s 2020!! I can’t believe it!  I was laughing with a patient this past week about not thinking we would make it to 2020 haha.  But, we definitely have arrived, and in full swing!

Thanks for all who came a couple weeks ago to our mobility workshop!  I hope you learned some tips to keep your body moving.  If you are sad you missed it, we WILL be holding another next month so make sure you let us know!

This year is gong to be a big year for my practice I can feel it.  I’m continuing to write my  book, and in fact alot of this blog is coming directly from that.  I’m also wanting to start a podcast very soon.  If someone is very familiar with running podcasts or would love to donate time, ect. let me know!  There’s so many things I’d like to do, but time!!! Right?  Finding that balance.

Also!  If you are a patient of mine, I have created a private account on MeWe.  Its a social media platform similar to Facebook.  I wanted to create a community for my patients to talk about various health topics, and not be censored like facebook does.  I also wanted a place for you guys to share maybe about things that you do and offer!  A real community!  It can feel isolated especially for some of my families that don’t vaccinate, to find like minded communities. So, if you don’t have an account GET ONE!  Add me Dr Rachel Hamel, then I will add you to the group!

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Alright enough house keeping. BUT ONE MORE.. If you are a patient and have not written a google review, would you mind taking a couple moments?  They really really help my practice and inspire others!
Thank you!

https://www.google.com/search?q=dr+rachel+hamel&oq=dr+rachel+hamel&aqs=chrome..69i57j69i60l4.2349j0j8&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#lrd=0x80dc03fcb1653753:0x18259cad4a17cc08,3,,,

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The Brain!
Brain Fortitude.  The ability to utilize the brain to shut down unwanted thoughts and actions.

What do you mean doc?

Well, we know that the Brain controls every function in our body.  But what if it fails to turn on or shut off certain systems?
What is happening here.?  Usually, there is some malfunction in the frontal lobe in our brain.  The frontal lobe is the executive functioning, reasoning, rationale, impulse control, allows us to start and finish tasks and provides short term memory. This is a huge driver for us as adults and children.  You want to be able to access this part of your brain effectively and entirely. So how do we do that?

Well, the brain in general when you are able to utilize it, is better at inhibiting unwanted thoughts, actions and movements.
If not working right, it cannot put the brakes on the limbic system, emotional center.  You can get stuck in this emotional paradigm where all rationality goes out the window.  This is not where you want to be.

The frontal lobe is the most compromised when there is any injury to the head, brain or cervical spine. Children, are very sensitive when this section of the brain is compromised.  This can be from trauma during the birth process, or any falls or injuries during childhood.

Neuro-expression is how the nervous system expresses itself, and it gives us a window into how the nervous system is working.  For instance, a child’s behavior can be an outward expression of the integrity of the nervous system.  If a child can’t sit for a long period of time, maybe are running around or kicking the desk of a child in front of them at school, chances are they have dysfunction going on in their vestibular system.  If they are forceful, they could be lacking appropriate proprioceptive input and are trying to regulate their brain through this action. Many children may seem “defiant”, and although can be perceived this way, often times don’t want to do things that make their brain uncomfortable. Sometimes defiance is yes defiance, other times it’s a protective mechanism to avoid discomfort we cannot see.

What individuals react to will determine which part of their brain isn’t “online”.
What’s important to note here is that when children, and adults for that matter get into this state in their frontal lobe, cognitive or rational types of treatment doesn’t work effectively because they don’t understand. Methods like cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness and meditation won’t really be helpful here until the frontal lobe is on board. Their frontal lobe isn’t online and so rationality is out the window.  When you regulate the sensory modulation and work with the frontal lobe, then you can do this other more rationale work and it be more successful!

The short story of this is that the brain ALWAYS has a reason to what it’s doing.  Sometimes controlling emotions and other functions in our body is difficult when certain areas of the brain aren’t really working.

If you or someone you know has difficulty regulating their emotions, or difficulty controlling certain body systems, you might look to the brain for the answer.  EVERYTHING in the body works better, when the brain is online…

So how do we make sure it is?
Work with the sensory nerves! Craniopathy and chiropractic manipulations with proper sensory/motor looping is where you’ll get the most success.  I often see many children who have gone through so many different types of therapy prior to finding my clinic. Behavior therapy, speech therapy ect.  Although some of these cognitive methods can provide some help, I find that many children aren’t even properly doing them because their frontal lobe isn’t online.  Once we start working with those sensory deficiencies, most children can then go to different therapies and get much greater results.  You can’t train something when the connection isn’t online!

This is not only for children, but for all of us.  Many patients say that movement for instance is so much easier now that their brain is working better.  Digestion is better, falling asleep is easier, and they aren’t reacting to stress as dramatic.

I hope you enjoyed this little snippet this week.

Despite all the negative things going on in our health system, I think 2020 is going to be a great year!

That is all for now.
Wishing you a happy and healthy week!
Dr. Hamel
OIL OF THE WEEK

On the spotlight this week is DoTerra’s Juniper Berry.
Juniper Berry is a great oil to help balance the nervous system.    It actually helps the NS to get into more of a parasympathetic tone, which we ALL need right?!

Extracted from the berries of a coniferous tree, Juniper Berry essential oil is recognized for its versatile uses and benefits. The scent of Juniper Berry oil is woody, spicy, and clean. When used for its aroma, Juniper Berry essential oil has a calming and grounding effect and can also be diffused to help cleanse and purify the air. Juniper Berry oil can be used internally as a powerful cleansing and detoxifying agent and to support urinary tract and healthy kidney function.* Applied topically, Juniper Berry essential oil acts as a natural skin toner and reduces the appearance of skin blemishes.

Juniper Berry Oil Uses and Benefits

  1. Juniper Berry essential oil is known for its ability to act as a natural skin toner and reduce the appearance of skin blemishes. To promote a clear and healthy complexion, apply one drop of Juniper Berry essential oil to your skin. You will love the refreshing look this oil brings to your skin!
  2. Your body is constantly working. Even when it is considered resting, the organs and functions of your body are continually in motion, working hard to provide for your needs. Show your body some love and give it an extra boost of support by taking Juniper Berry oil internally. Taken internally, Juniper Berry essential oil will help support healthy kidney and urinary tract function.*
  3. Fill your home with the refreshing scents of Juniper Berry and Bergamot essential oils with this incredible diffuser blend. For an optimal aroma, diffuse three drops of Juniper Berry and four drops of Bergamot for a light, fresh scent. Juniper Berry oil is ideal for diffusing due to its calming and grounding effects and its ability to cleanse the air. Bergamot is one of the best essential oil pairings for Juniper Berry, and will enhance the benefits of this aromatic fusion by providing a calming and uplifting effect. Together, this blend will enhance positive feelings and create a calming atmosphere.
  4. Time to invite your closest friends over for a doTERRA facemask party! Make a facemask all your friends will love by adding one to two drops of Juniper Berry to a Bentonite clay mask. Juniper Berry is valued for its ability to help reduce the appearance of skin blemishes and act as a natural skin toner. With Juniper Berry’s many facial enhancing properties, you won’t want to miss out on this rejuvenating face mask.
  5. Enrich your skin with the best of essential oils, while enjoying a relaxing massage. For a wonderful massage blend, combine Juniper Berry essential oil with doTERRA Fractionated Coconut Oil for a soothing, cleansing massage. Juniper Berry oil contains powerful topical cleansing benefits that will help to cleanse the skin. The aroma of Juniper Berry oil will help provide a calming, grounding effect that is ideal for any massage.
  6. Try something new and turn an average meal into delectable meal by adding Juniper Berry essential oil. Juniper Berry oil goes great with French-inspired sauces and desserts and will give an unexpected boost to a variety of meals. For best results, use Juniper Berry essential oil sparingly.
  7. Natural cleanses are popular for a good reason. They help to remove toxic chemicals from body cells, support natural functions of the body, and promote overall well-being. If you are trying a natural cleanse, add one to two drops of Juniper Berry essential oil to water or citrus drinks as a part of your natural cleansing regimen.* Juniper Berry oil is excellent for cleanses due to its natural ability to cleanse and detoxify as well as support healthy kidney and urinary tract function.*
  8. There is no knowing what kinds of twists and turns may occur while traveling. For a positive traveling experience, always pack Juniper Berry essential oil in your getaway pack. Juniper Berry oil has a myriad of uses and benefits that can help ease emotional and physical problems that may arise when traveling.
  9. So much to do and so little time? When life has you feeling overwhelmed, put one to two drops of Juniper Berry essential oil into the palm of your hand and lightly rub your hands together. Cup your hands over your nose and inhale to help combat stressful feelings. Juniper Berry oil has incredible aromatic benefits that provide a grounding, calming effect—perfect for any busy day.
  10. Create your own freshening spray. Simply combine a couple of drops of Juniper Berry essential oil with water in a spray bottle and use to cleanse any area that needs it. This spray can be used to freshen a linen closet, mattress, car, or the air. Juniper Berry oil has natural cleansing benefits that make it a great essential oil for purifying and freshening.

Fun Fact
It was said that if you dreamed of gathering juniper berries in winter, you would prosper. It is also noted that the berries of a common juniper signified honor or the birth of a boy.1

Plant Description
The common juniper, Juniperus communis, is an evergreen conifer tree that can grow up to 10 meters high and can live for as long as 200 years. The tree’s bark is grey-brown while the twigs of the tree are reddish brown. The leaves of the common juniper are needle-like with prickly points and are green in color. The tree also produces male and female flowers. The male flowers are small and yellow and grow near the tip of the twigs whereas the female flowers are green and eventually evolve into the purple fruit of the tree. The fruit is a berry-like cone that is fleshy and aromatic.2 doTERRA Juniper Berry essential oil is extracted from the berry of the common juniper plant.

Chemistry of Juniper Berry Oil 
Main Chemical Components: α-pinene, sabinene

One of the main chemical constituents found in Juniper Berry essential oil is alpha-pinene. Alpha-pinene is a monoterpene which, due to its chemical properties, can help uplift and renew when used aromatically. Another main chemical component in Juniper Berry oil is sabinene. For more information about the chemical constituents found in Juniper Berry oil or other essential oils, visit the doTERRA Science Blog.

School Aged Emotions

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School Aged Emotions

Happy Monday Everyone!  I hope you all have enjoyed this month’s topics all around Back to School Health!  We started with craniopathy and making sure their brains and nervous systems are working optimally so they can focus and learn new material!

Secondly, we went over school time nutrition, what to eat and tips on how to keep it healthy throughout the year.

Last week we talked about EMF’s, wireless and pollution from these frequencies and how to limit their exposure and protect your kids.

Today, we are going to go over how to keep children healthy during school with their emotions, then we will wrap up the month with immunity/flu shots and halloween candy alternatives.

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In this day and age, it is pretty difficulty managing the pressures of school.  With technology all around, and social media rampant, there can be many avenues for children to be overwhelmed, bullied, compare themselves to media, and just overall maxed out. 

In California, not being a native, but residing in both north and south, there’s a HUGE pressure on children to excel in school in sports.  I’m not saying this is a bad thing by any means, but the pressure for some children can often times be exhausting. Kids are not meant to be under extreme amounts of stress all the time.

Stress can start as early as childhood, and carry into adulthood if not managed properly.  In a recent poll that asked tens of thousands of high school students how often they feel stressed, nearly 45% said “all the time,” citing relationships and teachers as the primary reasons why.  45% ALL THE TIME.  I think we often forget sometimes that kids should also be that… kids.

So, how do we support our school aged kids?  And we know that college aged kids are just as if not more stressed with the pressures there.

Here are some real numbers of our kids having to take or be put on psychiatric medication in 2017.

  • 0-17 Years               7,213,599 kids on psychiatric 
  • 0-17 Years               3,655,472 kids on ADHD Drugs
  • 0-17 Years               2,100,315 kids on antidepressants
  • 0-17 Years               1,194,805 kids on antipsychotics
  • 0-17 Years               1,445,509 kids on anti-anxiety 
*Anxiety disorders affect 25% of teenagers, a percentage that has steadily risen over the past 30 years and is showing no sign of slowing down.

Nearly one in three adolescents (31.9%) will meet criteria for an anxiety disorder by the age of 18.

*11.7% of the adolescents met criteria for major depressive disorder or dysthymia, a less severe but more persistent depressive disorder.

*Currently, 6.1% American Children are being treated for ADHD with medication.

WAKE UP call here.  1 in 3 have anxiety disorders?  And a 43% increase in ADHD in the past 8 years. These are really grim statistics for our younger generations, but one’s that need to be recognized and known how to deal with/prevent.

Children process emotions differently from adults.  At certain ages, certain areas within our limbic system (emotional brain), start to mature.  For instance, around the age of 7 we start to come into our own emotions and not rely so much on mom and dad to mimic emotions as much.  This is a pivotal age. (this is also a typical age when children are “diagnosed with ADHD”.

Sometimes these emotions can be happy, and shape the child to who he will become in a positive way.  Sometimes they aren’t so happy.  And not even necessarily from a “bad home”, just taking certain emotions a way that wasn’t intended to be.

This comes into the part of internalization…

We don’t know why some emotions are internalized and others are not.  It depends on the state of the body at the time of that person when the negative emotion was formed.  Their immune system, environment, how traumatic it was, ect.  But improperly internalized emotions in particular for children can set them up to repeat patterns (subconscious level) throughout their life. 

Say they see mom or dad react a certain way to something.   Whether good or bad, the child internalized it, and created a repeat pattern to keep reacting in the same way they did at that specific moment in time.  And the important thing to note is the brain cannot tell a difference in time.

Continual improperly internalized emotions lead to not only physical stress, but internal stress within the body.  They might actually have body systems change, or create patterns and mindsets that aren’t necessarily “ok”.  

The ability to regulate one’s own emotions and manage successful interactions with other people is key for later academic performance, mental health, and social relationships.

However, a toddler for instance cannot regulate their emotions.Toddlers have no emotional regulation skills. Their emotions can swing like a pendulum. But that’s why we have parents, to help regulate those emotions.

Emotions change the way we ADAPT to situations. 

For children, all the topics we have already mentioned in the previous weeks are great ways to help monitor the emotional brain by keeping the brain/nervous system and immune system regulated.  

There will be ups and downs, that is normal, but like you saw above the epidemics are still rising, so we often in this day in age have to do more.

While smartphones can provoke anxiety, they can also serve as a handy avoidance strategy. A way to not to think about classes and college, not to have to talk to people.

I highly recommend limiting screen time for children and teens.

So what do I recommend?

Well, I obviously cannot control what happens in people’s homes, nor do I desire to or think it’s my place.  But for many children they desire the need to be seen and heard. For kids, little problems are HUGE problems right?  And for adults we need to understand that for children, these small things can seem like the END OF THE WORLD.  It’s also normal for kids to always want to protect their family, they can’t get by without grownups helping them right?

I often times find out these things by doing NET (neuro emotional technique) in my practice.  Kids, especially teens won’t always tell you whats the matter.  That’s why I LOVE this technique.

It combines behavioral psychology of the conditioned response and combines it with the 5 elements of Chinese medicine that emotions are held in particular organs in the body.  The intervention or decondition of the original trigger is done by chiropractic adjustment of specific levels of the spine that innervate the organs holding those emotions.

In other words, it’s a stress reduction technique, that allows me to tap in real quickly with the child about what is that exact stressor that is conditioning the body to react in a improper way, and de-conditioning it to react properly.

Cool right?   Very.   I’ve gotten many people off medications with this technique in combination with herbal/EO medicine.  

I believe that some medications are needed in some cases, but I really don’t think ANY medications are needed for our children.  Especially psychotics, unless extreme cases.

Other things I love.

Essential oils-  There are so many benefits of pure essential oils, and one is that they have an emotional aspect.  When you smell a certain smell it can bring you back to a certain memory right?

That’s one of the amazing properties, is certain oils can help us process and be ok with certain emotions calming the body and creating a healthy response.

I certainly wish I had EO when I was going through school!  The new kids kit by DoTerra is also a wonderful option for a go to for this specific thing. 

Herbals-  There are many herbals and nutritional recommendations I have for children to help balance these systems without medications.  Often it is doing the nervous system and healing of the gut that helps the most.  But, specific herbals can be wonderful for balancing systems, and of course heavy metal and chemical toxicities from vaccines and the environment can be extremely dangerous to a child and their emotion brain.

Detoxing a child is difficult, but it is possible and can be life changing.  I’ve seen many children break free from many emotional and behavioral challenges through detoxing toxins and infections.

…..I will tell you my most difficult it teenage girls.  All the makeup, perfume, cell phone radiation, birth control…. There’s soooo many toxins literally hourly they are consuming.  No wonder anxiety is SO common!  There’s so many things to help our teens with anxiety even body image/acne problems, but you gotta eliminate some of the crap going in!……

Another point I’d like to make is to also again remember to let kids be kids.  I know sports are awesome and fun, but sometimes school and sports can become a stressor.  Kids in multiple sports and doing multiple academic achievements can be taxing.  Some really thrive in this environment, but others don’t, and that’s OK.  The point is to allow them to do things that are also FUN for them, not a STRESS.

ON the spotlight this week is DoTerra’s Melissa Oil.
Melissa is called QUEEN B, or queen of all oils for many reasons, but a big one is it’s powerful ability to decrease anxiety, PTSD and many other emotional triggers.With a sweet lemon fragrance, the Melissa plant, also known as Melissa officinalis or lemon balm, is the herbaceous origin of Melissa essential oil. This rare oil is extracted from the leaf of the Melissa plant and is cherished by many for its large array of uses and benefits. Melissa essential oil contains strong soothing properties. When used aromatically or topically, it can help promote feelings of relaxation and can assist in calming tension and nerves. Melissa oil is also valued for its fresh, sweet, and citrus-like aroma. In the kitchen, Melissa oil can be used to flavor a variety of different foods and drinks such as teas, ice cream, and some fish dishes. Taking Melissa oil internally may help support a healthy immune system.*

Melissa Oil Uses and Benefits

  1. One of Melissa oil’s most prominent health benefits is that it may help support a healthy immune system.* To obtain this powerful bodily assistance, dilute one drop of Melissa essential oil into 4 fl. oz. of liquid and drink.* You can also take Melissa essential oil internally by putting Melissa oil into a veggie capsule and ingesting it like a dietary supplement.
  2. Two of the main chemical constituents of Melissa essential oil are geranial and neral. These two chemicals contain soothing properties that make this essential oil a perfect oil for relaxation. For optimal relaxation, apply Melissa oil topically or put a few drops of Melissa oil into a diffuser.
  3. Don’t let nerves ruin your big moment. Before a nerve-wracking speech, presentation, or performance, apply one to two drops of Melissa essential oil to the palms of your hands and cup your hands over your nose and inhale. Melissa oil is great for calming tension and nerves and will prove to be a powerful aid during those anxious occasions.
  4. Give your skin an invigorating boost by applying Melissa essential oil. Add Melissa oil to your moisturizer or to a spray bottle with water and spritz your face. This simple essential oil addition will give your skin a rejuvenated feeling and will help refresh the mind.
  5. After a long day, let your mind and body relax and unwind with a little help from Melissa essential oil. For relieving results, rub Melissa oil on your forehead, shoulders, or chest. Applying Melissa essential oil will help lessen feelings of stress and promote emotional well-being.
  6. One of the most important things you can do to support your body’s health is to get a full night’s sleep. Aside from nutrition, sleep is the fuel that gives your body the strength to work and play. To help create a relaxing environment that encourages a restful night’s sleep, diffuse Melissa oil in your diffuser before going to bed.
  7. For possible support your body’s immune system, place one to two drops of Melissa essential oil under the tongue or on the roof of the mouth and then swallow.* Directly placing an appropriate quantity of Melissa essential oil into your mouth is an easy and quick way to receive the internal benefits of Melissa oil.*

Fun Fact 
Melissa is Greek for “honey bee,” and its sweet, citrus fragrance was known to attract bees.

Plant Description
The Melissa plant, Melissa officinalis, is an herbaceous perennial that is commonly known as the lemon balm. This plant ranges from one and a half to two feet in height. The medium-green leaves of the plant are wrinkled and ovate in shape. The leaves of the plant are edible. During the summer, small, white flowers are found in the leaf axils.1  doTERRA Melissa essential oil is extracted from the leaf of the plant.

Chemistry of Melissa Oil
Main Chemical Components: Geranial, germacrene, neral, β-caryophyllene

Two of the main chemical components of Melissa essential oil are geranial and neral. These two chemical constituents have a monoterpene backbone and are part of the aldehydes functional group. Both geranial and neral contain soothing properties that strongly contribute to Melissa essential oil’s soothing abilities. To learn more about the chemical components of Melissa essential oil or other essential oils, visit the doTERRA Science Blog.

 

 

 

What’s a great food to help ease emotions and anxiety in children? EGGS!

B vitamin deficiency can cause children to experience confusion, irritability and anxiety. A rich source of choline and Vitamin B12, eggs are an optimal food for brain development and may ease feelings of anxiety in children.  If your child is allergic to eggs, other vitamin B rich foods like beef and citrus fruits are also great options.

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 Avocado
  • 2 Eggs
  • Pinch of sea salt & pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Cut the avocado in half and remove the pit.
  2. Scoop out some avocado from the center to make room for the egg.
  3. Break an egg into the center of each half avocado. Don’t worry if some of the white spills out as long as the yolk is intact..
  4. Bake in oven at 400 degrees for about 10-15 minutes until whites are set and yolk is runny.

 

 

 

 

 

THAT is all for now,

 

Have a happy and healthy week.

 

Dr. Hamel

 

Back to School. Prepping your child/college child for a healthy year.

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Happy Monday everyone!  I hope you all enjoyed last month’s topics revolving around digestion!  We covered a lot, so if you missed it, you can go on my website to search through them!.

This month we will be talking about the future of our generation and how to best protect them to maintain health and vitality!  We will be going over different aspects to keep our kiddos healthy.  This week we will be talking about the health of their brain in nervous system, then on to nutritional recommendations/protocols, EMFs and digital toxins, and stress protocols.

Brain & Nervous System Health

As I’ve said before in previous blogs, chiropractic and nervous system health is VITAL for all, but ESPECIALLY in children is where we can make the biggest impact. 

The most dynamic phase of brain development is from birth to age 2, so it is here we have the biggest impact.  This is why I see so many infants in my practice, we can actually CHANGE their future by maintaining the health of the brain and nervous system.

The brain and nervous system control every function within our body.  So, ultimately when the brain and nervous system aren’t in harmony, then our body won’t be either.
Same goes for kids.

What often most happens with children is birth trauma.  It largely goes unspoken of and consequently our little babies are largely under treated.  Left untreated, birth trauma can lead to a sequela of complications both short and long term. 

Some contributing factors may include intrauterine constraint, drug use such as ptocin to increase the intensity of contractions, forceps or vacuum extraction and c-section delivery.  According to a study in the Journal of American Osteopathic Association, out of 1500 babies 90% had suffered birth trauma affecting their cervical spine and cranial bones and thus their nervous system health. 

If your kids aren’t at school age yet, getting their brain and nervous system checked should be your main priority to set them up for success.

But, since this blog IS about school aged children, cranial chiropractic care should also be part of their health checks.

Why you say??

One main reason is that when there is pressure on the brain, the brain won’t work efficiently.  This means for kids trying to learn a wide variety of subjects, their ability to absorb/understand won’t be efficient.  Their neuroplasticity will be decreased as a result.

This is why working one the head is my priority #1.  Fix the nervous system, heal the body.

Another reason… immune system.  The nervous system controls that too.  When it’s weak, that means your immune system is compromised, your kids will be sick more, miss more days from school and overall not be happy.

Reason number 3, body pains/injuries.  This is what I describe to my patients.  The muscles are dumb.  They only do what they are told from the nervous system.  So, if the signal to the muscle is improper then the muscle will be weak, and more prone to injury.  You want to prevent injuries for kids in sports and otherwise?  Make sure you get routine care for their nervous system.  Want them to heal from injuries quicker, then get them in immediately after an injury to ensure the brain doesn’t have time to create an improper compensatory pattern that will be permanent.

Kids heal quick, we just don’t want them healing improperly.  

Reason number 4.  Sleep!.   The parasympathetic nervous system is the part of our nervous system that controls rest and digestion.  When not being stimulated, your child will have difficultly getting into that stage.  Cranial chiropractic care directly stimulates this system, and even my adult patients can tell you feeling relaxed after care is alwayssss felt.  Its because of this system.

Reason number 5.  Better focus.  As mentioned in number one, the brain won’t work as efficiently when inflamed, but also the emotional brain won’t work as well either.  When in that sympathetic phase, fight or flight, the child can’t calm down, and forget about focusing.  Stabilizing the head and brain through care will inevitably also cause changes in mood stability as well. This helps kids stay fun and lighthearted.

Reason number 6. Less allergies.  Airborne wise, when the sinuses are draining properly, less allergies will happen.  Additionally, when digestion is running smoothly because of that parasympathetic stimulation, they will react less to foods.  This doesn’t mean they still get to eat whatever they want, we will go into that next week, but their reaction will be decreased because their inflammation is down.  They will also be able to process toxins better.  When the lymphatic flow is balanced, things will be eliminated better.

Reason number 7.  Improve posture by promoting body balance.  We see bad posture everywhere is school aged children now.  Texting and screens definitely don’t help, as well as improper backpack usage, but chiropractic and cranial work can dramatically affect the posture in a child.  This not only improves function but also promotes self esteem. Scoliosis is a CRANIAL problem.  AGAIN, scoliosis is a CRANIAL problem because of torsion of the brain tissue and spinal cord.  If left untreated this can cause a myriad of symptoms for your child later on including lung and heart function and pain and discomfort.

Reason number 8.  Bed wetting.  Bed wetting can occur and still does occur frequently.In a study, 46 enuretic children that were placed under chiropractic care. The children were under care for a 10 week period preceded by and followed by a 2 week nontreatment period.

25% of the treatment-group children had 50% or more reduction in the wet night frequency from baseline to post-treatment while none among the control group had such reduction.

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According to the internal pediatric chiropractic association, regular chiropractic checkups can identify spinal dysfunction in children and specific gentle adjustments may help to enahce future function and well being.

I will also say, being a researcher myself and going to international chiropractic conferences to speak, that mostly all the chiropractic research is a good majority from osteopathy and cranial work.  Meaning cranial care trumps all! 🙂

Reasons kids miss school, and ways chiropractic helps alleviate this:

1. Ear infections:  Chiropractic research with EAR infections showed that 93% improved 75% in 10 days or less, 43% with one for 2 treatments.

2. Sick: There are a number of research articles that have consistently shown bursts of white blood cell activity following chiropractic adjustments, and recent research out of the University of Virginia Medical School just found that the lymphatic system has direct contact with the brain!

3. Asthma: There is a growing amount of research and case studies supporting the efficacy of chiropractic adjustments in helping children with asthma.  Chiropractic adjustments can help children better deal with conditions such as asthma by reducing irritation on the nervous system and boosting the healing ability of the body.

4. ADD/ADHD:There is a growing body of research that is linking physical stress of the nervous system to the undesirable behaviors that are common to the diagnosis ADHD.  How many of these kids are suffering with subluxation or nerve irritation that has gone undiagnosed?  They can’t calm down the brain.

5.  Bullying at school.  The Report is largely made up of cases histories of all the 244 boys many of whom undoubtedly suffered from various emotional and learning disorders.

I have been able to notice a marked improvement in the mental and physical condition of the boys and in school work and conduct; also, there has been a larger number of paroles during that period than any previous period during the past four years.”

“We have been able to accomplish results far beyond their fondest hopes and expectations in the rehabilitation of these boys. The teachers have voluntarily and without solicitation signed a petition asking for an all-time or full-time chiropractor in that institution.”

6. Female issues related to menstruation. Women with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) are more likely to have spinal dysfunction, compared with PMS-free women,. Investigators examined 54 women with PMS and 30 women without PMS.

A relatively high incidence of spinal dysfunction exists in PMS sufferers compared with a comparable group of non-PMS sufferers. This is suggestive that spinal dysfunction could be a causative factor in PMS and that chiropractic manipulative therapy may offer an alternative therapeutic approach for PMS sufferers.”

Walsh MJ, Polus BI, T.   J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 1999 May; 22 (4): 216-220

7.  Fatigue/ Tired.  More than 60% of the population adults and children battle sleep.

Studies show that chiropractic can actually help with insomnia allowing you to get better, more restful, and more beneficial sleep.

The combination of pain alleviation, increased flexibility, and overall wellness as well as stress relieving properties allow your body and mind to relax so that you can fall asleep easier and stay asleep. Incorporating chiropractic care into your everyday routine can help you get a better night’s sleep.

8. Pains/Growing Pains.  Growing pains are NOT normal, they are a sign of nervous system stress.  Here is a case study showing how chiropractic care improves pain. After one visit, the patient did not complain of leg pain for three days. After 7 visits, the mother reported that his son was sleeping through the night without leg pains. By the 15th , the child had remained for the most part symptom-free for almost 3 weeks.

This can all be applied to college aged kids as well, where the intellectual demand is even higher!!  Chiropractic should be part of your health care!!

OIL OF THE WEEK

ON the spotlight this week is DoTerra’s  Copaiba. Whats better yet!  It’s not in soft gels!

An exceptional addition to the resinous oils doTERRA offers, Copaiba is extracted from copaiba trees in the Amazon rainforest. The essential oil is steam distilled from the copaiba oleoresin, a substance made up of resin and essential oils. The collection process of the oleoresin is unique among essential oils—it is tapped from the tree in a similar way to how maple trees are for their syrup. The oleoresin is then steam distilled to produce the essential oil.

Our Favorite Uses
Copaiba is a incredibly versatile oil that has been used for centuries. See some of our favorite ways to use Copaiba below:

  1. For your skin. Copaiba has the capability of keeping your skin clear and clean while reducing the appearance of blemishes. To take advantage of this benefit, add Copaiba to your toner and apply to your face in upward circular motions. Or, apply it directly your skin before applying moisturizer.
  2. As a personal fragrance. Oils that blend well with Copaiba include Roman Chamomile, Cedarwood, Sandalwood, Frankincense, or Ylang Ylang. Using any of these oils that appeal to you, create your own personal fragrance in a roller bottle, and then fill the rest of the bottle with Fractionated Coconut Oil.
  3. For whole-body wellness. Most of the body can benefit from Copaiba—it supports the cardiovascular, immune, digestive, nervous, and immune system.* South Americans have used copaiba resin for the health of many of these same systems. To take advantage of these benefits, add one to two drops to water, juice, or make your own tea using warm water and honey.
  4. To calm occasional anxious feelings. When you’re facing a stressful day ahead or feeling worried, diffusing Copaiba’s woody scent can help calm any anxious feelings you may be experiencing.
  5. As a way to protect and support your cells. Take one to two drops in a veggie capsule to take advantage of the antioxidants—the substance that stops potential damage to your cells from oxidation.*
  6. To unwind. Diffuse it in your room and focus on the scent to fall into a meditative state. Or, you can also use in a calming bath by adding two to three drops to body wash before mixing it in the water.

The Chemistry of Copaiba
The synergy of chemical constituents in Copaiba makes it unique. Copaiba’s main chemical component is beta-caryophyllene, a chemical similar to cannabinoids found in cannabis that may protect nerve cells and have benefits for the cardiovascular and immune systems.* However, while caryophyllene is responsible for some of the bioactive properties of Copaiba, many of the other properties of the oil are thanks to the diterpenes uniquely found in Copaiba.

Plant Description
Copaifera officinalis trees are evergreen trees native to Central and South America, where it flourishes best in tropical rainforest habitats (though it can grow in both wet and dry forests). The trees themselves are tall, and can grow to more than 100 feet tall.

Sourcing
The Amazon rainforest represents over half of the planet’s remaining rainforests. doTERRA is proud to partner with a large network of copaiba harvesters that sustainably collect their oleoresin and ensure that the trees will be around for years to come.

 

AMAZING Avocado Gelato

A great go to for kids without all the sugar.  Also a great brain food!

Ingredients:
2 tbsp chocolate protein powder
½ cup unsweetened almond milk
2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
¼ cup avocado (cut in cubes)
1 tbsp unsweetened coconut flakes
1 drop stevia, chocolate flavor
1 tsp coconut butter

Preparation:

  • In a blender, mix all the ingredients except coconut flakes. Blend until creamy and smooth. Mixture should be very thick!
  • Smooth entire contents into a cake pan or drop in tablespoon-sized balls (like cookies, but a little thinner) onto a cookie sheet. Note that it is easier to spread the mixture into a cake pan, but it is a little more challenging to cut it after it has been frozen. Dropping onto a cookie sheet can be a little messy, but it is easier to grab and eat after freezing. Try it both ways and see how you like it.
  • Sprinkle coconut over the top.
  • Place cake pan or cookie sheet in the freezer for at least 2 hours until frozen.
  • Serve as a frozen treat. They taste like Fudgesicles!


That is all for now,

 

Wishing you a Happy and Healthy Week.

 

Dr. Hamel