By Dr. Kathleen Regan, ND Looking for a natural solution to grey, dull winter skin? Remember that beauty begins on the inside. Try these simple naturopathic nutrition tips to keep your complexion glowing this winter season. Minimize Alcohol Choose Herbal, Skin Building Teas Don’t Cut Out All Carbs Cod Liver Oil Probiotics […]
By Dr. Angelina Riopel, ND Many common health concerns can be associated with toxin accumulation within the body. Our everyday lifestyle exposes us too many types of toxins including pesticides and preservatives in food, air pollution, metals and chemicals in our drinking water and a plethora of toxins are found in our cosmetics and body care products. Toxins must be processed and eliminated, but when our exposure becomes more than what our body can deal with and eliminate we develop symptoms from a build up of toxins. Common health concerns that can be associated with toxicity: […]
By Dr. Kathleen Regan, ND Glowing skin is often interpreted as a sign of “well-being” and “health” in humans. Many anti-aging strategies target our desires to appear young and healthy. Aging is a complex process with different organs aging at different rates. Yet, it is the skin that shows the first obvious marks of passing time. Aging skin is a normal process and ‘successul aging’ should focus on healthy and active participation in life. Preventative dermatology looks at delaying aging through a combination of methods. The goal is to achieve healthy, smooth, blemish-free, translucent and resilient skin OR to get the skin “looking better” but not younger per say. This is the realistic goal of anti-aging techniques that people need to understand. The following seven steps will help you to achieve your best skin and delay age-related changes. […]
by Dr. Angelina Riopel, ND WHAT IS YOUR SKIN TELLING YOU? Skin concerns are often addressed topically with anti-aging creams for wrinkle, steroid creams for eczema and rashes and clear skin products for acne. What we put on our skin can be helpful, but is often only a small part of the equation. Digging a bit deeper, what’s actually going on? Your skin tells the story. OILY SKIN is often dehydrated or your cleanser may be stripping your skin causing an overproduction of oil. SOLUTION: Keep hydrated, drink more water, herbals teas, avoid sugar and caffeinated drinks. Assess your skin care regime. Soap-based or foaming cleansers should be switched for a more gentle, cream-based cleanser. Remember oil removes oil, and won’t dry the skin out. ACNE-PRONE SKIN may in fact be due to liver congestion and constipation. SOLUTION: Healthy digestion and elimination are essential to clear skin. Encouraging regular bowel movements by keeping hydrated, increasing fiber, fruit and vegetables and avoiding sugar. Liver congestion is often behind the constipation that causes acne- prone skin. Stimulate the liver with lemon water, bitter green salads and dandelion tea. DARK CIRCLES under the eyes can often be a sign of allergies, or “allergic shiners”. SOLUTION: Diet and digestion should be assessed. Food sensitivity testing or elimination diets can identify the offending foods. Removing those foods will help to resolve the dark circles. ACNE ROSACEA may be due to a candida over-growth. Rosacea often accompanies other symptoms such as digestive complaints, brain fog, sugar cravings and low energy. SOLUTION: Treat the candida over-growth. This is typically done with a combination of dietary changes and herbal medicine. PREMATURE AGING, such as fine lines, dryness and discoloration can be due [...]
We are very excited to announce a NEW service at Innate Wellness – Holistic Facials – with Seanna Cohen of Elodie Beauty. This is a perfect pairing with our Naturopathic Holistic Skin Consultations and Cosmetic Acupuncture. In fact, it is such a perfect pairing that we are offering a special Holiday Holistic Skin Care Package. About Our Holistic Facial Expert, Seanna Cohen: Seanna Cohen NEW at Innate Wellness When Seanna pictured her ideal place to work, she envisioned a space where health and wellness was at the foreground. She wanted to be in place that was welcoming and approachable, where a community of like-minded individuals work together to inspire healthy and vibrant humans. That’s what she found at Innate Wellness and she is so happy to be promoting a ‘new face of skincare’ in a holistic space, where beauty begins from within. Seanna’s philosophy on skincare is simple: use plant-based ingredients, choose solutions that are easy to maintain, and treat the skin holistically. […]
By Dr. Kathleen Regan, ND Did you know that herpes can be worse in the winter? We are talking about both types of herpes - oral & genital. The cold weather places a big burden on the immune system which allows the herpes virus to thrive. The herpes virus lives in the nervous system where it hides from the immune system. But when our immune guard is down (during long, cold winters), the virus emerges. The best way to treat herpes naturally is by supporting the immune system. This will prevent the need for conventional medications during acute breakouts. Below is a summary of up-to-date facts on the virus, dietary tips, as well as chronic & acute naturopathic treatments for the herpes virus. Herpes FACTS Roughly62% of adolescents are infected with HSV-1 (Oral Herpes) Roughly 25% of the population test positive for HSV-2 (Genital Herpes) Only 10-20% of individuals who test positive by blood have actually had lesions (That means many people don't know they have the virus!) The first episode is usually the most severe and can involve lethargy, fever, headache and swollen glands (especially in the groin) Once exposed the virus will typically take 3-5 days to cause an outbreak (Although, the virus can incubate for much longer) Re-occurring infections are typically less severe The virus incubates in the nervous system where it lives until it is periodically reactivated The virus can 'shed' meaning that it can be transmitted from one person to another even when symptoms aren’t present (this is in 5-10% of infected individuals) The most serious complication from HSV-2 (Genital Herpes) is transmission from mother to her newborn child where the virus is most dangerous (this is often avoided with [...]
With Brittany Darrah, CNP For optimal lymphatic drainage it is recommended to consume one meal in the form of an alkalinizing and nourishing green smoothie. Replacing plant milk or water with herbal tea often increases the healing properties of smoothies. Cleavers is a herb commonly used for detoxification of the lymph system; it can be purchased by request as an organic loose tea at Innate Wellness. In addition to cleavers, pineapple provides anti-inflammatory properties, digestive benefits, and enzyme content that improve lymphatic function to promote natural, everyday detoxification. Ingredients - 1 cup chopped pineapple - 1 tbsp. of lime juice - 3 leaves of romaine lettuce, rinsed and torn - 1/2 cup frozen ripe pear (used instead of banana as a lower glycemic thickener) - 1 cup cleavers tea - 1 serving of preferred greens powder (optional) Method Brew the cleavers tea in advance, allowing it to steep for 10-15 minutes. Chill in the refrigerator. You may wish to make tea in bulk and drink it on its own, or incorporate it into other beverages over the course of a few days. Put ingredients into blender and blend until smooth. Pour into a large glass or mason jar and enjoy!
With Matthew Richardson, R.Ac. Unwanted cellulite can be very tricky to get rid of. It occurs as a result of a build up of fatty tissue closer to the surface of the body that creates an uneven or dimpled appearance on the skin. This tissue commonly accumulates on the hips, thighs, abdomen and on the back of the upper arms. We are often looking for the right cream or exercise that can change the tone of the skin and remove the uneven look but it can be very difficult to find a cream that is actually effective. How is it treated? […]
with Matthew Richardson, R.Ac Facial Acupuncture is a safe and painless, non-surgical method of reducing the signs of aging, swelling and redness. It uses very thin needles placed around the face and body to treat acne, remove puffiness, moisten the skin, and reduce swelling or darkness from around the eyes, mouth and jaw line. Sometimes referred to as Cosmetic Acupuncture, it is much more than just a simple face treatment. Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncture can not only revitalize and nourish your complexion, but will also treat the internal issues that are the root or cause of your skin condition and health. The ‘local’ treatment will directly address any facial symptoms you may be concerned about, while the more internal aspect will address hormonal imbalance, digestive problems or emotional stress affecting your skin. This means, you will experience a more permanent, longer lasting change to your skin condition as well as feelings of increased energy, relaxation and well-being. […]
by Matthew Richardson, R. Ac. Is your skin determining what you wear, what you do or how you feel? Skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, rashes, acne and dry skin are incredibly common. The discomfort that goes with them can have a large impact on how we live and how we feel about ourselves. Many people spend a lot of time and money on creams and medicines that are partially effective and are limited to treating the symptoms – instead of the underlying condition. Skin conditions don’t start and stop with the skin! They are a reflection of our internal health. There is another solution to problem skin that addresses your internal health. But it cannot be found in your local pharmacy! Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and acupuncture have been effectively curing skin conditions for thousands of years. […]
