Naturopath, Holistic Nutritionist, Wellness Coach & Lymphatic Drainage Therapist & Massage Therapy, Natural Day Spa, Spa, Facials, Wax

Louise Hay Inspired Daily Affirmations for Self Love, Self Acceptance and Healing

Good Morning Friends!

I begin this blog still in my furry robe still getting motivated with the daylight savings time changes just a few days ago.  I began to focus on my daily meditation of affirmation and felt the influence to blog about that this am.  So... hope you enjoy!

I just posted on one of my Healthy Being Wellness Center facebook fan pages the new book by Louise Hay-- All is Well.  And it inspired me to write about the fundamental power behind affirmations... both positive and negative.

We are what we think and we are the creation and force behind all of our thoughts.  We each have the power to harness some amazing good in our lives and the lives in others...just as we can in the opposite way.

For years now, Louise Hay and her work have been an inspiration and a cornerstone to my growth and path personally and professionally.  I was first introduced to her in 2003 when I met with an MD and Sufi healer to sort through a few health issues I was dealing with in my early 20s.  The healer introduced me to the power of affirmation... I was actually prescribed an affirmation to say all the time-- when my mind arose, before bed, when it wandered, when it was quite -- whenever and where-ever.  I found myself reciting the mantra as easily as I was breathing and within the 30 days, my ailment and the source of my ailment was completely gone from my body.

From that time forward, I have incorporated affirmations in my personal life and then as my career journey took me into the field of nutrition and naturopathy, I have used these affirmations with clients and have seen their power.  The reality, is that the power lies within each of us.  We just have to harness and focus on this power-- the power to redirect our thoughts to create the realities we so desire and deserve.

I've even been blessed to meet this amazing woman at one of her I Can Do It conferences here in Tampa Fl.  I was so excited and overwhelmed with emotions and gratitude I cried as I was in the short line to meet her.  I thanked her for the blessing of her affirmations and told her how they impacted my life and how I now offer them to my clients in my healing work.  She signed the only paper I had (the conference schedule) and gave me a warm hug.  I went forth with continued inspiration.  I see this daily on my desk and am reminded of this exchange with great joy.

Louise's new book details the science behind this power and the power of our subconscious mind and the brain's ability to re-adapt new neurotransmitters that create new pathways and channels in the brain to aid in healing; via new thought patters-- aka - AFFIRMATIONS! 

I'd like to share a few of my favorite affirmations:

• "Love is around every corner and fills my entire world"
• "I am good enough just as I am"
• "All is well and I am OK"
• "I love myself"
• "I am open and receptive to the prosperous flow of good"
• "I am a money magnet"

 There are so many affirmations that are focused on health concerns or emotional challenges that folks face.  Probably some of the most trying road blocks or challenges folks deal with are the thoughts that we are not worthy, we are not deserving, we are not good enough--- emotional and spiritual crises that are deeply rooted from our upbringing and our first relationships with family, friends and loved ones. 

With the power of affirmations, it is easily possible to reverse these negative and limiting thoughts... it just takes a little effort, a little focus and a lot of internal affirming self dialogue.

This is one of the first steps -- the I LOVE YOU mirror work.  It works magic - while it's admittedly hard at first, it'll open up amazing doors of self acceptance, self love and internal power. 


I hope you'll try it out for a few days or even a few weeks.... the difference you'll witness in your own life will be amazing.

Many blessings as you enter this amazing journey of the power of affirmations!

Enjoy!
Blessings....  ~Melissa :)

Healthy Being Wellness Center offers a variety of nutrition and lifestyle counseling services. Together, we will create a strategy on how to make smart, mindful choices that are realistic for your body's individual needs. You'll learn how to easily incorporate healthful habits into your daily lifestyle. We set up sustainable and realistic goals.

Whether you want to lose weight, address health concerns, increase energy levels, or simply eat better, you'll achieve success through knowledge and encouragement. Learn to see food in a refreshing new light. Make the connection and nourish yourself!

 

 

 

Detoxification is at the core of our Naturopathic Services.  It is hypothesized that the root of many illnesses and ailments facing our clients are said, in part, to due to an overload of toxins.

Exposure and consumption of toxic substances can cause severe illness, poisoning, birth defects, disease, or death when ingested, inhaled, or absorbed by living organisms.  Our body has to work hard at detoxing and eliminating these toxins and our organs, glandular systems and our lymphatic systems are taxed.

Core Detox Organs

• Lymphatic System
• Liver
• Kidneys/Bladder
• Intestines
• Skin

A fundamental road to balancing the body is to begin a detoxification program. At Healthy Being Wellness Center, we create a personalized, individualized program that takes into account you health situation, medications you may be taking and the state of your body, energy levels, age and lifestyle.  Together we will craft a program that may be a week long or as long as a few months. 

We will incorporate one or several of the following modalities to begin to create balance in your body:

1. Toxicity Testing
2. Lymphatic Drainage Therapy (aids in opening the routes of toxin elimination)
3. Food Detox
4. Heavy Metal Detox
5. Yeast Detox
6. Ionized Detox Foot Baths (ion therapy that promotes cellular toxin release) 
7. Lifestyle Detox

Symptoms which may be relieved by following our St Petersburg Detox Therapy include:

• Digestive problems
• Weakened Immunity
• Bad breath
• Hormone Imbalances
• Fatigue
• Irritability
• General malaise
• Constipation
• Headaches
• Poor Concentration
• Itchy Skin
• Skin rashes
• Joint pain
• Weight loss resistance

What are toxins?

We hear every day, these questions...... Am I toxic?  What are toxins?  How am I toxic and where is my exposure?  I eat clean, I work out, I don't know how I could be bombarded with toxins that are resulting in my feeling fatigued, agitated and how in the world are they contributing to my hormone imbalance or my son's autism??

Toxins are everywhere.  They are in the foods we eat (pesticides, hormones), products we use on our skin (chemicals we cannot pronounce), cleaning products (more chemicals), water we drink (chlorine, lead, mercury, PCBs, DDT, Arsenic, HCB), air we breathe (methane, ammonia,   According to a 2010 Washington Post Report  there are "About 80,000 chemicals are in commercial use in the United States, but federal regulators have assessed only about 200 for safety." 

Scary Toxin Facts*:

• Each and every second 310 Kg of toxic chemicals are released into our air, land, and water by industrial facilities around the world.
  
• This amounts to approximately 10 million tons (over 21 billion pounds) of toxic chemicals released into our environment by industries each year.
  
• Of these, over 2 million tons (over 4.5 billion pounds) per year are recognized carcinogens. This amounts to about 65 Kg each second.

 (*Sources: United Nations Enviroment Programme http://www.unep.org/  and US EPA http://www.epa.gov/)

 

 

Our owner and Naturopath, Melissa Gallagher, will create an individualized and thoughtfully crafted St Petersburg Detoxification Program that can offer you:

• Increased Energy
• Weight Loss
• Reduced food cravings
• Brighter eyes and clearer skin
• Reduction of allergies
• Enhanced Well Being
• Anti-aging effects
• Increased productivity
• Improved motivation

Our North St Petersburg office is conveniently located on the corner of 4th St N and 70th Avenue.

If you have any questions about our detox therapies or other ways in which to detoxify your body, give Melissa a call today at 727-502-3464.

We treat many patients with autoimmune conditions and create individualized protocols to get very good results treating them with a combination of acupuncture, craniosacral therapy, chinese herbs, nutritional supplements, dietary recommendations, lymphatic drainage therapy and detoxification therapies. 

Many patients come to Healthy Being Wellness Center seeking acupuncture treatment for autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, Lupus, Crohn's Disease, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. These diseases can be extremely disabling and some are potentially fatal. They are classified as autoimmune disorders because they are viewed by the medical community as conditions where the body mysteriously attacks itself. Autoimmune diseases are suspected of being caused by inflammation and destruction of tissues by the body's own antibodies. It is not known why the body should lose the ability to distinguish between substances that are "self" and those that are "non-self". 

By combining acupuncture with craniosacral therapy and lymphatic drainage therapy we are able to effect energetic and physiological mobilization, fluid exchange, improved delivery of nutrients and removal of metabolic waste products in the affected areas which helps your body to heal naturally.  The addition of specific herbs and supplements helps reduce the inflammation and rebuild damaged tissues without the harmful side effects of drugs.  

Acupuncture is a extremely beneficial treatment for LUPUS. Reportedly clients experience 40% muscle and joint pain reduction, improved sleep and hormone balancing after as little as 3 sessions.  

What is Lupus?

Lupus is a chronic systematic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and damage to various parts of the body.  Lupus is most commonly diagnosed in women and especially among people of color, including African Americans, Latinos, Asians and Native Americans.  Lupus can be mild such as discoid lupus (DLE), affecting exposed areas of the skin, and sometimes the joints, to life-threatening (systemic lupus erythematosis), affecting more organs of the body.

Although the exact cause of Lupus is unknown, Lupus seems to be caused by a malfunction in the autoimmune system.  Antibodies produced by the immune system are supposed to attack bacteria, biruses, parasites, fungi and other substances that invade the body.  However, in individuals with lupus, these antibodies attack their own bodies, causing damage to their skin, joints, muscles, nerves and major organs. 

What are the symptoms of Lupus?

Symptoms vary according to the severity of the illness and which organs are affected. Initial signs include arthritis, a red "butterfly" rash across the bridge of the nose and on the cheeks (in SLE), or more of a red, circular, thickened areas that leave scars (in DLE). Lupus is the Latin word for "wolf," and erythema means "redness"; the typical red skin sores are said to resemble a wolf's bite.

Depending on which part of the body is attacked, lupus produces a wide range of symptoms such as:

• Skin disorders (acute and chronic), including the classic butterfly rashes (on face, pain and swelling in the cheeks, redness across the skin)
• Sensitivity to sunlight - adds to redness of the skin
• Kidney problems
• Swelling, pain and redness in joints and muscles
• Attacks on internal organs, including pancreatitis, pleuritis, inflammation of blood vessels and liver disease
• Lung problems, including difficulty breathing and discomfort in the chest
• Heart issues, such as pericarditis
• Nerve and brain damage, including headaches, memory loss, depression and mania
• Blood disorders such as low white blood cell count (causing immune deficiency), low red blood cell count (causing anemia) and low platelets (causing bleeding/brushing)

What herbs and nutrient supplements help with Lupus?

FLAXSEED

Flaxseed has been investigated for the treatment or prevention of lupus nephritis with some promising results in preliminary animal trials. (Hall et al, 1993; Clark et al, 1995)

OMEGA FISH OIL

Supplementation with EPA and DHA (omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oils) has prevented autoimmune lupus in animal research. (Kelley et al, 1985)  Caution:  If you do decide to try fish oil make sure you get one in which the mercury levels have been tested and they are shown to be low enough to be safe for long term consumption.

In a double-blind study, 20 grams of fish oil daily combined with a low fat diet led to improvement in 14 of 17 people with SLE in 12 weeks. (Walton et al, 1991)  Smaller amounts of fish oil have led to only temporary improvement in other double blind research.

CHINESE HERBS

Useful Chinese herbs include ching-hao, rehmannia, moutan and chin-chiu.  Ching-hao is reported to improve T-cell activities by promoting the suppressor cells (T-cells) so as to reduce the hyperactivation of the T-4 cells that promote the auto-antibody production.  Chin-chiu is thought to provide a powerful anti-inflammatory action, thereby lowering the required dosage of prednisone (if it is being used).  (Dharmananda, 2001)

GAMMA-LINOLENIC ACID (GLA)

Spirulina, evening primrose oil, black currant oil and borage oil are all helpful as well.  They contain gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) can be helpful.  According to Paul Pitchford these foods/oils are effective against inflammatory and auto-immune conditions.  Other sources of GLA include linoleic acid-rich foods such as nuts, seeds, grains, legumes and most vegetables and fruits

COLLOIDAL SILVER

Colloidal Silver may be used as an antibacterial, antifungal, and antiarthritic remedy.

Echinacea should be avoided, or used with caution.

**Be sure you are getting the proper amount for your condition by discussing these options with a professional health care provider. Note: Medicinal herbs should be taken with caution, especially if you're on prescription drugs.

If you have been diagnosed with Lupus in the Tampa Bay Area, please consider trying our services as part of your treatment program.

Lumpy, sore, tender, swollen breasts are very common among women.  In fact, the Journal of Obstetric Gynecologic, & Neonatal Nursing estimates that 30-60% of women and at least 50% of women of childbearing age suffer from Fibrocystic Breast Disease or now referred to as Fibrocystic Breast Condition

Our lymphatic therapy practice focuses on promoting healthy breasts.  We offer an assortment of therapies that help to address the root cause of fibrocystic breast disease:

• Lymphatic Therapy on the breast and upper torso
• Hormone balancing via supplementation, herbs and homeopathic medicine
• Acupuncture
• Client Education
• Dietary changes
• Exercise and home care that enhance breast health

What is Fibrocystic Breast Disease?

 Fibrocystic breast disease (FBD), now referred to as fibrocystic changes or fibrocystic breast condition, is the most common cause of "lumpy breasts" in women.  Fibrocystic breasts are characterized by lumpiness and usually discomfort in one or both breasts. The lumpiness is due to small breast masses or breast cysts.

 

The breast tissue experiences changes monthly. In cases more progressed, breast tissue changes are permanent.  Scarring of the breast tissue is extremely common and is what is often felt by women during routine breast exams.  The area of the scar is often painful - feelings include heaviness, aching breasts, sharp shooting pains, soreness and tenderness.  Tenderness is so great that even undergarments and light tough can cause extreme pain. Many of our clients experience severe pain when hugged by their partners and cannot even endure monthly self breast exams let alone endure a mammogram.

A woman may have one or more lumps that are always in the same area and that grow and shrink with each menstrual cycle. The lumps move when pushed. 

The condition is very common and benign, meaning that fibrocystic breasts are not malignant (cancerous).

There are two types of fibrocystic breast condition:

1. Cysts and Fibrosis
2. Hyperplasia and atypical hyperplasia of breast cells.

Fibrocystic breast condition includes mammary dysplasia, chronic cystic mastitis, diffuse cystic mastopathy, and benign breast disease (a term that includes other benign breast disorders, including infections).

 

 

Only five percent of fibrocystic conditions have the type of changes that would be considered a risk factor for developing breast cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. Unlike the lumps associated with fibrocystic breast disease, which are tender and move freely, cancerous lumps most often are not tender and don't move free.

What causes Fibrocystic Breasts?

There are many factors involved in why a woman might develop fibrocystic breast condition and each woman is individually unique.  Often I list out possible factors that lead to fibrocystic breasts:

• Hormone Imbalance
• Parabens in skin care products (These are "estrogen mimickers" that provoke fibrocystic breast condition)
• Caffeine (coffee and sodas)
• Wearing underwire bras (significantly limits lymphatic flow of the breasts)

One of the most significant contributing factor to fibrocystic breast condition are a woman's hormones.  Female hormones play a key role in causing fibrocystic breasts.  

Hormones such as:

• Estrogen
• Progesterone
• Prolactin
• Insulin
• Thyroid hormones
• Growth Factor

Estrogen and Progesterone directly affect the breast tissues by causing cells to grow and multiply.

In addition, the breast itself produces hormonal products from its glandular and fat cells. Signals that are released from these hormonal products are sent to neighboring breast cells. The signals from these hormone-like factors may, in fact, be the key contributors to the symptoms of fibrocystic breast condition. These substances may also enhance the effects of estrogen and progesterone and vice versa.

In the breast, these same hormones stimulate the growth of breast glandular tissue and increase the activity of blood vessels, cell metabolism, and supporting tissue. All this activity may contribute to the feeling of breast fullness and fluid retention that women commonly experience before their menstrual period.

When the monthly cycle is over, however, these stimulated breast cells cannot simply slough away and pass out of the body like the lining of the uterus. Instead, many of these breast cells undergo a process of programmed cell death, called apoptosis. During apoptosis, enzymes are activated that start digesting cells from within. These cells break down and the resulting cellular fragments are then further broken down by scavenger cells (inflammatory cells) and nearby glandular cells.

During this process, the fragments of broken cells and the inflammation may lead to scarring (fibrosis) that damages the ducts and the clusters (lobules) of glandular tissue within the breast. The inflammatory cells and some of the breakdown fragments may release hormone-like substances that in turn act on the nearby glandular, ductal, and structural support cells.

The amount of cellular breakdown products, the degree of inflammation, and the efficiency of the cellular cleanup process in the breast vary from woman to woman. These factors may also fluctuate from month to month in an individual woman. They may even vary in different areas of the same breast in a woman. 

What is Lymphatic Therapy?

Lymphatic therapy of the breast helps to clear inflammation of the breast and speeds the clearing of the broken and fragmented cells from hormone changes. 

The lymph system is a cleansing system for cellular waste in the body. It is a one-way transport system that can get easily clogged, because it doesnâ??t have a pumping system of its own. The axillary (underarm) lymph nodes are close to the breast; 97% of the lymphatic fluid that drains breasts is found in these underarm nodes.

This complex system consists of tiny thin-walled vessels and part of the lymphatic systemâ??s role is draining lymphatic fluid from the vessels within the breast tissue.  The lymph nodes function is the removal of microorganisms and foreign substances - this is where the immune system is activated. The lymphatic system is responsible for removing toxins, cell debris, cancer cells, viruses, bacteria and other unwanted matter.

Lymphatic Therapy is a technique used to help the body clear cellular debris and toxins from the breast.  It also helps to break up cysts and fibroids and instantly minimizes the feeling of heaviness.  Our clients experience a reduction in their breast size after a series of treatments.  Often the breasts hold lymphatic fluid that is weighty.  Clients note their bras fit better and often the bra clasps adjust to lower settings as fluid is removed from the body via the lymphatic system's natural process.

Read more about Lymphatic Therapy via 1UpOnCancer.com's interview with Lymphatic Therapist, Melissa Gallagher as it specifically relates to lymphatic therapy and promoting breast health.

 How does Lymphatic Therapy help Fibrocystic Breast Disease?

Lymphatic therapy is an amazing therapy and treatment program for any woman who has any degree of Fibrocystic breasts.  The breasts and mammary glands are lymphatic glands. 

At Healthy Being Wellness Center we concentrate our healing services on promoting breast health and enhancing the lymphatic function of the breast and reproductive systems.  Healthy Being Wellness Center is St. Peterburg's premier natural breast health clinic that focuses on lymphatic therapy for Lymphatic Therapy for Fibrocystic Breast Conditions,  Breast Cysts and Breast Fibroids.  

 

 

Our lymphatic therapist, Melissa Gallagher, combines her training as a naturopath and lymphatic drainage therapist to help her clients maintain healthy breasts.

For good breast health, it is imperative to keep the lymph fluid circulating. Exercise, deep breathing and lymphatic drainage massage help move the lymph fluid, supporting the clearing of waste and debris from the system. The better the circulation, the healthier your breasts and body will be!

If you suffer from fibrocystic breasts or have any cysts, fibroids or adenomas of the breast- please consider lymphatic therapy as one of your therapies for recovery.  Often, all it takes are a few sessions and the fibroids and cysts can be broken up with the electro-lymphatic drainage technique our therapist, Melissa Gallagher, utilizes.

Call to book your appointment: 727-502-3464

Lymphedema Treatment Center for Lymphedema in St Petersburg, Florida

At Healthy Being Wellness Center, our Naturopath and Lymphatic Drainage Therapist, Melissa Gallagher provides services and therapies for lymphedema patients.

Our clients come to us for a variety of reasons:

• Primary lymphedema
• Secondary lymphedema
• Lymphatic elephantitis
• Malignant lymphedema
• Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI)
• Lipidema
• Lipolymphedema
• Edema secondary to Congestive Heart Failure
• Post-Phlebitic Syndrome
• Post-Thrombotic Syndrome
• Post Surgical Swelling
• Chemotherapy and radiation related edema and lymphedema

If you are suffering from mild to extreme edema that may be pitting or you have experienced you skin thickening and getting harder, drier, darker, crusty, tight, shiny and painful- you need to seek treatment.  There is no way to reverse your condition without extensive decongestive therapies. 

Lymphedema is a slow and progressive problem that goes through several stages.  Over time, structural changes will occur in the affected extremity(ies).  Protein deposits will cause fibrotic plaques that cause further increase in fluid retention.  The skin will actually change in structure, becoming less flexible, thicker and dryer and therefore more susceptible for wounds caused by cracks in the skin.

Recommended treatments in lymphatic and venous disorders will depend heavily on the individual diagnosis, and will include lymphatic drainage therapies, compression therapies, homeopathic and herbal remedies, dietary management, decongestive exercise and patient education.

 In the context of lymphedema, we have very specific short- and long-term goals:

• Maximal reduction of edema and restoration of normal volume of the limbs
• Optimal skin care and maintenance of normal skin texture
• Reduction of the risk of recurrent infection
• Maximal restoration of normal function of the limbs
• Education to foster independent maintenance of health

Treatment of lymphedema is accomplished through a variety and variation of complex decongestive lymphatic therapies.

Decongestive Lymphatic Therapy:

• Lymphatic Drainage: A specialized technique that stimulates lymphatic flow and has been shown to reduce the incidence of infection. Our therapist, Melissa Gallagher, can reduce edema in areas not readily accessible to compression devices and garments (head, chest, shoulder, back, flank, and groin). The massage techniques are also effective in the promotion of wound healing and the restoration of normal skin texture.

• Multilayer Compressive Bandaging: Special short-stretch bandages are applied in a specific manner to provide a pressure gradient that reduces edema volume.

• Decongestive Exercises: Simple muscular exercises promote venous and lymphatic flow.

• Meticulous Skin Care: Assessment and maintenance of skin integrity is a central issue in the care of individuals with lymphedema.

• Patient Education: Melissa Gallagher will give clients and their families extensive home-care instruction. Home maintenance is critical to management of these chronic conditions. Self-administered manual lymphatic drainage, bandaging, use of compression garments (and devices, as needed), a home exercise program, and skin care techniques are all taught during treatment at the center. Therapy of posthrombotic syndrome/chronic venous insufficiency involves an individualized program that incorporates many of these principles.

• Other compressive methods and devices:
  • Compressive Garments: Custom-fitted sleeves, stockings, and other garments are utilized to maintain long-term reductions in limb volume.
  • Exercise: Group and individual exercise programs promote strength and increased motion.
  • Other devices: Farrow wraps, the Flexi-touch device, pneumatic sequential pumps, the Reid sleeve, the Legacy sleeve, the CircAid device, and others.

Treatment plans vary per client.  We often see clients every day for a series of weeks or we will see them every other day for a few weeks- it depends on each case and the level of lymphatic insufficiency. The combination of education, exercise, bandaging, diet, homeopathic remedies and lymphatic drainage therapy will help in moving the lymphatic to reduce swelling.

Our clients often experience immediate reduction in limb size and weight loss.  An average of 10-12lbs can be lost in a matter of just a few days of lymphatic drainage treatment, bandaging and at home work.

Please give us a call to schedule your appointment for complete lymphedema treatment at Healthy Being Wellness Center.

Detoxifiying Lymphatic Drainage Massage

Lymphatic Drainage Massage therapy is a specialty of Melissa Gallagher, trained Lymph Therapist and Naturopath.  Melissa works with clients to promote better lymphatic flow throughout the body.  Lymph drainage massage (also called lymphatic drainage and lymph massage) is a form of very light massage that encourages lymph flow in the body. It is particularly good for detoxification, edema, pre- and post-plastic surgery and post-liposuction. It can also help with cellulite treatments, scar tissue, spider veins, redness and acne. The lymph system is a slow-moving system of vessels and lymph nodes that is supplementary to the body's system of blood circulation. The lymph system both delivers nutrients to the cells and carries away excess water, cellular waste, bacteria, viruses and toxins. Our therapists are trained in lymph drainage massage stimulates the lymph system with extremely light, circular pumping movements. By stimulating the lymphatic system, the therapist helps drain puffy, swollen tissues, supports the body's immune system, helps the body heal from surgery, and aids in the body's natural waste removal or detoxification. Lymphatic Drainage is useful for:   Reducing edemas (swelling) and lymph edemas of various origins Detoxifying of the body Relieving chronic and subacute inflammations, including sinusitis, bronchitis & otitis Relieving chronic pain Regenerating tissue, including repair of burns, wounds, stretch marks and wrinkles Stimulating the immune system Reducing symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia Reducing spasms reacted by muscle hypertonus and some forms of constipation Creating deep relaxation to aid insomnia, reduce stress, improve loss of vitality and even reduce memory problems Lymphatic Drainage has anti-aging effects Reduction of adiposis (fat) and cellulite tissue  Treatments are 50mins in length.  $99 per treatment. Drink plenty of water after a lymph drainage massage to help flush out toxins. Stay away from salt and alcohol after a massage, as they inhibit the body's ability to flush out toxins.

If you are a self proclaimed sweet tooth and have intense cravings for sweets, as a Naturopathic Physician, I look at a couple of causes. There is usually a degree of imbalance within the body that is creating the symptom of sugar cravings. 

More of the time the sugar cravings are rooted in two significant factors:

• Yeast Imbalance
• Mineral Deficiency

The former requires months of detoxification and yeast balance with the use of probiotics, sugar elimination and enzyme rich programs. A less recognized cause of sugar cravings is a yeast or fungal infection in the digestive tract.  These have a high sugar demand, leaving the host craving sugary foods to feed the infection.  Other causes can include fluctuations in blood glucose levels due to food allergies or food sensitivities.

The yeast is a serious issue and is enhanced with the consumption of sugar-rich foods, alcohol and prescription drugs like antibiotics.

The later is an easier fix. 

Let's talk about Mineral Deficiency.  Our day to day lives - the fast paced, fast food lifestyles we lead and the consumption of more processed less fresh and raw foods yields a diet that is lacking in minerals.  Couple that with our poor water sources, high intake of caffeine, sodas and alcohol and you have a body that is deficient.

There are two classes of minerals, major minerals and trace minerals. Even though trace minerals are required in very small amounts, they are indeed essential to good health. 

Some of the common mineral deficiencies are:

• Iodine deficiency
• Iron deficiency
• Calcium deficiency
• Magnesium deficiency
• Potassium deficiency 

These can yield significant health crisis or imbalances in our organs, glandular systems and even our bone structure.    Minerals are the building blocks and foundational elements to a healthy existance.

Some diets like a high protein diet requires higher levels of calcium.  Without the calcium intake to match the requirements of a high protein diet, the body will pull calcium from itself-- bone and teeth -- yielding a deficiency and even long term ailments like osteoperosis.

Deficiencies of minerals creates a situation where the body craves sweets.  It's a common symptom and can be very easy to correct.  Apart from taking a very good multi mineral a day- which for most people is a good idea as a compliment to our diets, eating foods that are rich in minerals is essential to maintaining healthy mineral balance.

The one thing I love about foods is that nature has already worked out the right balance and harmony within the food itself.  Where we might need vitamin K to help assimilate one particular mineral- the food is complete with the right levels of each vitamin and mineral.

To help curb sweet cravings you'll want to eat more of these foods:

Root Veggies - beets, carrots, potatoes

Sweet Potatoes & Yams

Sunflower Seeds

Pumpkin Seeds

Seaweed

Steamed Spinach

Steamed collard greens

Steamed kale

Seafood - oysters, clams, scallops

Organic Beef/Veal

Free Range Eggs/Chicken

Consuming protein is essential to getting core minerals into the body.  I work with a lot of vegetarians and vegans who crave sweets in a bad way.  Their cravings are simply a way their body is communicating deficiency.  We'll look at adding a good veggie based protein to their diet with amino acids and antioxidants.

If you find yourself having a hard time cutting your sugar cravings, start by looking at changing your diet a bit and begin adding a good mineral supplement.

Please comment or send me any questions you might have as you journey to curb your sweet tooth. 

Melissa Gallagher, Naturopath

Healthy Being Wellness Center

727-502-3464

www.HealthyBeingLLC.com

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Recently, I was interviewed by 1UpOnCancer.com to learn more about lymphatic massage therapy and the option this therapy presents for cancer patients.  I wanted to share the interview here for folks to read.  1UpOnCancer.com is an amazing resource for cancer patients and their families with great information about integrative cancer care.  Please visit their site where you can subscribe and get great info weekly. 

This is the interview:~~~~~~~~~~~~

You may have heard of lymphatic massage to relieve lymphedema (swelling after some cancer treatments due to stagnated fluids and wastes). But a newer therapy--electro lymphatic therapyâ??may be more effective than manual massage in boosting the lymphatic system when it no longer effectively performs its role of moving toxins. Studies are ongoing to determine the effectiveness of electro lymphatic massage in improving lymph flo

 

Manual lymphatic massage and electro lymphatic therapy are used after cancer treatment to address the following:

• Reduce swelling                              
• Stimulate the nervous system
• Boost the immune system and decrease chance for infection
• Work on pain and spasms
• Work on tension

 

What is electro lymphatic therapy? Why is it possibly more effective?

â??Itâ??s a high-frequency vibrational technology. And it has two capacities, which combined have in my experience made it substantially more effective than manual lymphatic massage to improve lymph flow,â? says Melissa Gallagher, a certified electro lymphatic therapist and naturopathic physician.

â??One, we can go deeper into the body to reach organs and glands.  Two, we can break up excess, toxic proteins that cause problems,â? claims Dr. Gallagher.

  

What you may experience with electro lymphatic therapy. And how it works

A lymphatic drainage therapist uses a hand-held device to send high-frequency electrical pulses and light photons into your lymphatic system.

â??The way it works is the light photons stimulate cells to produce more energy. This process breaks up proteins between the cells that have become trapped due to poor lymph flow. And it improves oxygen absorption. Ultimately, electro lymphatic therapy reduces pain and inflammation. It breaks up deeply rooted lymphatic congestion. It enhances your immunity, and reduces your chance for infection,â? says Dr. Gallagher.

â??The procedure is painless, and actually very calming because it works on the nervous system.â?

  

Which cancer patients best respond to electro lymphatic therapy?

The therapists who use it claim itâ??s quite effective with ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and  abdominal organ cancers like pancreas and liver cancer.

â??In these cases we need to clear and decongest the lymphatics that sit below these organs and along the spine,â? says Dr. Gallagher.

â??These cancers tend to have more long-term lymphedema post cancer treatment, as do breast cancer, gynecological cancers, and melanoma.â?

 

All cancer patients may benefit from electro lymphatic therapy

â??I strongly recommend this procedure or some type of lymphatic drainage for anyone who has undergone chemotherapy, radiation, organ removal, lymph node removal, and/or lymph node dissection. Lymphatic drainage assists the body in healing and detoxification from the harmful impact of these treatments,â? says Dr. Gallagher.

 

More details on conditions addressed by electro lymphatic therapy

Reduces swelling. Releases electrically bonded protein blockages within the lymphatic system and between cells where fluids build.  Affected areas can then dispose of waste.  

Boosts immune system. By improving lymphatic flow, the therapy enables the body to play its normal functions: producing antibodies that destroy foreign invaders. Removing toxins, waste products, and even cancer cells. 

Reduces chronic pain. By breaking up congestion,electro lymphatic drainage reduces inflammation, and consequently lessens swelling and pain. It possibly inhibits pain receptors. 

Enhances central nervous system. Electro lymphatic therapy improves lymphatic flow on specific reflex points (also called energy meridians or acupressure points). The result is improved energy flow of the nervous system. You will experience immediate calm and peace.

Precaution

Be aware that most devices using high-frequency vibrations to treat lymphedema are not FDA-cleared, so there is no standard to ensure their effectiveness and safety. The research is minimal, but emerging. A pilot study in Australia showed one manufacturerâ??s device  to be safe and effective for lymphedema in breast cancer patients. And a study at the University of Denton in Texas showed, with measuring tools, that an electro lymphatic device stimulated the lymphatic portion of the autonomic nervous systemâ??it improved lymph flow by stimulating nerves around the vessels. If you are considering this treatment, you should find someone who is certified in electro lymphatic therapy.

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For more information regarding Lymphatic Drainage Massage Therapy- please give our office a call or Book An Appointment with Melissa Gallagher our Lymphatic Drainage Therapist.

Healthy Being Wellness Center

7005 4th St N.  Suite 3

St. Petersburg, Fl 33702

www.HealthyBeingLLC.com