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

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.

Two Main Nutrients needed for the Brain.

Happy Monday Warriors!

I hope you all have had a wonderful October so far. It’s hard to believe it’s already 3/4 through the month!

Last month we talked about viruses that affect the function of the brain.  If you missed it, make sure you catch up, since viruses seem to be the hot topic this time of year!

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This week I wanted to talk with you guys about certain nutrients that are needed for your brain to function at its best.  If you’ve been following me for awhile, you might already know them and if not then WELCOME!  You will learn quite a bit about the brain if you stick around.

Today I want to not only talk about these nutrients, but talk about them in two different ways through Craniopathy Chiropractic and through Genetic Based Nutrition, because those are what I believe are the BEST ways to get these nutrients effectively.

Nutrient #1. OXYGEN. 

The brain uses three times as much oxygen as the muscles of the body do. It requires about 20% of the human bodies oxygen.  We know that oxygen is VITAL of course, but for the brain it allows for growth and healing to occur.  Our blood carries oxygen to the brain and is reliant on sufficient nitric oxide to do so. Oxygen comes from the lungs, in particular the lower part of the lugs that hold the most red blood cells to accept more oxygen.

The BEST way to get the most amount of oxygen is to breathe through your nose and fully expand your diaphragm. This will actually enable you to get that lower part of your lungs so the blood can carry it back up into the brain. 
Oxygen depletion is the #1 thing that I focus on in my practice.  This being because if your brain doesn’t have enough oxygen, you will constantly be chasing what is going on in your body.  Whether pain, infections, or proper nutrition.  It doesn’t matter how much good nutrition tips you get, how much water you drink or how much you exercise, if you aren’t getting oxygen up there… You won’t heal.

HOW DO I ASSESS?
Through the cranial system of course!  There is a specific rhythm that the bones of the head go through.  This rhythm is super important for blood to flow in and out of your brain, and oxygen to enter.  When there is tension in this system, this means that this rhythm will be disrupted.  Tension is this system also means a difficult time breathing correctly in and out of the nose.  Some individuals find it hard at all to nasal breath, and when that is the case, there is severe tension within the head impacting the sinuses.  Don’t just go running to the ENT, most of what I find is that the cranial system as A whole is the problem, not the sinuses.
Remember, the only way to access that nitric oxide is to nasal breathe!  Time and time again, patient after patient will leave my office saying OMG I can BREATHE!  It’s amazing how much your mood even changes when you are properly oxygenated. 
This is why children and adults have temper and mood issues when they have sleep apnea or are mouth breathers.  It affects how your brain functions! 

The oxygen level also impacts the health of your lymphatic system in your brain, so if you aren’t properly oxygenated, you can have toxins build up in your brain and cause severe inflammation.  

HOW DO YOU GET MORE OXYGEN THROUGH NUTRITION?!

You can also enhance your oxygen levels by enhancing the nitric oxide cycle through nutrition. Nitric oxide helps vasodilate (meaning expand) blood vessels to allow for more oxygen.  However, for some, their genetic profiles don’t allow nitric oxide to be formulated effectively.  Because of specific mutations and because this pathway is extremely sensitive to radiation and free radical damage, the cycle can get compromised, meaning less oxygen available.  Not having enough nitric oxide can be very damaging neurologically to the body as well.  You see, just like your brain, your nerves also need oxygen.  Without it, they don’t function as well.
Finding out if your nitric oxide cycle is compromised can be found through specific kinesiology genetic testing (which I do).  When we know that this is a player, the customized nutrition will help to overcome this obstacle and allow you to get more oxygen!  Pretty cool right?

Nutrient #2.  Energy (glucose & ATP). 

Energy. The brain utilizes more energy than ANY other organ.  I mean think about all that is has to do right?
The brain and body need actual ENERGY made from within called ATP.  This is needed for every single cell of our body to do what it needs to do.  If we don’t have enough ATP, our brain and body will be depleted.  WE also get energy from another source: glucose.  What’s the big organ for glucose production? The Liver. 
The liver supplies sugar or glucose by turning stored glucose (glycogen) into glucose! It can also make glucose by harvesting amino acids, waste products and fat by products! Another reason to love that liver!

So we must have a robust and healthy liver to actually supply the energy (glucose) needed to our brain. Yet another organ our brain relies upon.  The first if you remember were the lungs.

Body wise, we need make sure the liver is moving... All organs MOVE, and need movement to do what they need to do.  So just like the brain needed to have proper movement for blood flow to happen, the other organs as well need proper flow and mobility.

HOW DO WE GET IT TO MOVE?
Through body work!  Working on the nerves that control the liver are key to make sure it knows what to do!  So enhancing the spinal areas related to the liver are key through chiropractic manipulation.  Also doing reflex techniques to get the liver and gallbladder working more affectively through abdominal work is really helpful to get them moving!
Lastly, the liver is a big source of emotional stress, so if this is the case, you must uncover and start to heal from those emotional wounds so that the liver can do what it needs to!  Emotional wounds cause physical problems too!

HOW DO WE GET BETTER ENERGY THROUGH NUTRITION?!

This is one of the FIRST and biggest impact pathways we focus on first with genetic nutrition.  This being because if you don’t have enough energy, you can’t even begin to work on other genetic factors like MTHFR and others(HUGE mistake made by many who do genetic testing).  Getting your body to make more ATP and to make and enhance your liver and glucose is really impactful!  Many on my genetic protocols will say even after a week that their energy is amazing!  We don’t have to give them extra energy help or adrenal supports, their own bodies make the energy they need!
Any why are they happier?
Because their brain is happier.  It has the energy it needs to do what it needs to!
And, your liver is happier too.  Which means detox pathways, hormones and other systems will work more efficiently!
A couple genetic variants I see when this is really impacted is the NDUFS gene and the ACAT gene mutations.  Take care of those and the rest of the energy pathway will clear and be happy:)

So there you have it folks.  Oxygen and Energy.  If you give your brain these two, it will work for you the way you need it to and in a much HEALTHIER more EFFICIENT way.

Questions?
Ask Away!

That is all for now.

Dr. Hamel DC.

The most important nutrient needed for our brain

The most important nutrient for our brain.

Happy Monday Tribe!

Just a friendly reminder.  I am no longer in my mission valley office and full time in pacific beach! 

In pacific beach, I do NOT have staff any longer.  I will be giving the front desk at the office my schedule each day so that if you are waiting they know to inform me.
If my door is NOT open, I am with a patient.  If it’s open, I’m not and you can come on in, unless I come get you.
You can either book online through my website or through my scheduling service 8587755138.  The BEST way to reach me during business hours is either email or texting that number.  I know it’s tough without staff to help with the flow, but I’ll do my best to make it a smooth transition!
With my scheduling service, you will get a reminder email the day before!  If you DO NOT get an email, please inform me ASAP as sometimes the system might glitch and not fully schedule you or you didn’t fully schedule correctly.  Just inform me that day or call to make sure your appointment is booked if you don’t receive the email.

Thanks for being awesome guys! 

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I hope you enjoyed last week’s topic about wireless radiation and 5G.  If you missed it make sure to re-catch in through my blog on my website. It’s a very important topic!

This week I want to talk about the MOST important nutrient needed for the brain to function.

It’s something that’s all around…. most don’t realize they are deficient in it.
You can’t eat it.  You can’t touch it….
Have you guessed it?!

OXYGEN!!

I recently did a talk for one of my favorite non profits Beyond Concussion, and realized. that I talked all about the cranial system, nerves, brain and forgot the most important point of healing: OXYGEN. 
Wow.  (palm to head).
Well.. even I forget sometimes!

Oxygen is VITAL.  we know this.
However, this being said.  How many people walking around have oxygen depletion?

A good amount actually.

The brain uses about 3 times as much oxygen than the muscles in the body do.  Because they use so much, they are most sensitive to any oxygen level changes and doesn’t survive or function very well without it. 

When brain cells are depleted of oxygen, they die due to increased acidosis, they can begin to die off in as little as 5 minutes!

Oxygen in the brain is vital to growth and healing. It’s also vital to energy production. Oxygen is delivered through the blood, and through a process called cellular respiration.  The brain uses more energy than any other organ, so it makes sense as to why it needs the most oxygen.

I’d say honestly speaking the MOST impactful thing I do in my care is increase oxygen in the brain and body.

Whenever there is an impedance in the cranial bones movement, this means their will be depletion in the oxygen available.  You see, the movement of the cranial bones is vital, we need that movement for the blood circulation so oxygen can come in and be utilized. 

So the first way the brain doesn’t get oxygen is improper movement within the bones of the head. When this pattern persists, the individual will grow into those patterns, and then create actual airway issues within the bone structure.

This means the nasal floor can have issues causing oxygen depletion, then down the throat if there’ any impedance can cause issues with airway as well.

Having a narrow palate is a home run for oxygen depletion.  It’s very common.  It usually happens from birth trauma, but can have other causes.

Sleep apnea, is growing more and more recognition mainly because more and more are recognizing its severity.  Its not really just a matter of wearing a mask and you’re fine.  Oxygen depletion is a big deal. HUGE.  Decreasing your brain function, also a HUGE stress on the heart, and many other organs.  Again oxygen is a BIG deal.

Anyone who’s had any head trauma has experienced this. A depletion of oxygen causes many issues for those with whiplash, concussion or anything even minor that happens to the brain. 

What are some signs of oxygen depletion?

– Snoring
– Clenching/Grinding of teeth
-Dark circles underneath the eyes or around them
– memory isn’t as great
-sweating
-inattentiveness
-poor judgement
-TMJ problems
-irregular heart beat – slow or fast
-circulation problems
-lots of teeth infections (microbes loves not having oxygen)
-lots of infections in general
-fatigue
-headaches
-muscle cramping

How do we enhance our brain’s ability to have more oxygen?

1. Of course the first way is getting system moving!  So Craniopathy care is needed to get everything back in balance.

2.  Sometimes dental co-management is necessary.  Tongue tie or maxillary expansion is a key component.

3. Sometimes sinus surgery is also necessary ( mainly adults).  Since oxygen is super important, you have to make sure all airways are clear.

4. Certain supplements can also help transport oxygen, but most won’t work well until the cranial system is balanced.  I like using ginko and some others.

5. Hyperbaric oxygen is a great way or live O2 (oxygen mask), to get it directly into the brain.

A common thing most patients say after treatment is : WOW I can breathe!!

We take it for granted when we can’t efficiently get oxygen. But DON’T.

If you can’t breathe through your nose, even through sleep your oxygen deficient.
Don’t be a statistic.  There’s answers for help!