Natural Health :)

In November of 2010 I earned my Bachelor of Science in Natural Health degree. Through this program I studied many different subjects and gained an understanding of various health issues.

I learned about various herbs and how they can assist in certain health problems. For example –

·  Cayenne Pepper

• One of the greatest heart stimulants, increases the pulse and tones the heart muscle.
• It is a great carminative, motivating the digestive process and helping with constipation and congestion.

·  Valerian

• Helps with relaxation/sleep.

·  Ginseng

• Increases endurance, stamina, and builds and enhances resistance to stress factors.
• Provides stimulation to the entire body to overcome stress and fatigue and get past weaknesses and deficiencies.

·  Ginger

• Primary herb for the reproductive, respiratory, and digestive systems.
• Helps improve poor circulation to the pelvis – helps with reproduction.
• Nice diaphoretic – encourages sweating.
• Makes digestion better and makes it easier for the entire body to move waste out.

·  Astralagus

• Superb energizing and tonic herb.
• One of the most exceptional herbs for enhancing the immune strength and enlivening the entire body, especially the spleen and lungs.
• Encourages circulatory health and increases regular metabolism of dietary sugars.

I also learned a great deal about exercise and the importance of movement in your daily life. Any form of exercise that helps to increase your heart rate helps lower levels of the stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol.

• Adrenaline and cortisol are released in larger amounts the longer stress goes on.
• The more these hormones are released, the more problems they start to create like headaches, digestive issues, trouble sleeping, mood changes, etc.
• Exercise includes many benefits, such as increasing your cognition, lowering heart disease and cancer risk, easing pain, and lessens your chance of acquiring diabetes.
• Mind Body exercises like Yoga and Tai Chi can help lessen stress and make your mind clearer so you can handle life issues with greater ease.
• More intense work like running, swimming (non-impact), biking, or weight lifting are great options as well.
• Physical exercise is critical for disease reduction, optimal mental, emotional, and physical health, and longevity.
• Start slow and increase your time and intensity according to your body.

I would love to sit down and talk to you about your health/exercise goals. Or help you reduce your pain/stress through bodywork.  :)

Stephanie Stanton LMT, BSNH

828.450.5050