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Personalized Stretching at LYMBR

I was able to get in a stretch session at LYMBR’s new Hamptons location LYMBR Hamptons located in Bridgehampton at The BARN Soul Cycle

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The space is serene with an outdoor seating area to relax or hangout before/after a session. ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀

During my session, we stretched out my neck. This was the area I wanted to focus on. Because we only did my neck, I sat in the chair the whole session. They also have a table to lay on for other areas of the body. ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀

I have been stretching out my neck a lot on my own recently and have been getting some relief from my neck pain by doing so. In order to get relief, I need a really deep stretch that can be painful and which I have to put a lot of effort on my own. It was really helpful to have Cesar (who was great btw) hold my shoulder in place while pulling my arm or neck in the other direction. Having someone stretch me really hits certain spots where I need it the most and can get into certain areas I wouldn’t be able to get into on my own. ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀

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The movements LYMBR uses are designed to:

▫️increase flexibility

▫️improve range of motion ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ▫️expand myofascial pathways for greater oxygenation & circulation.

The guided stretches are performed in multiple repetitions and only held for a few seconds. Sessions are 30 or 60 min. ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀

I felt some relief after the session, although I know it will take many more sessions for me to get more permanent relief. I did feel more relaxed and lighter after my session which was an added benefit. ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀

I am a more recent proponent of stretching, working it into my routine, where I now stretch my full body a few times a week. I have noticed for me, it is necessary for injury prevention, helps maximize my strength and relaxes my mind. ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀

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Photobiomodulation Therapy

I tried out Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT), also known as Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) at Lemon Light Lounge three times within a week in March. They are located in downtown New York City. Photobiomodulation is a bed with photos of LED lights (UV-free lights.) This is the first step in their 3 step detox process. ⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀

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After getting out of this full body machine for the first time, I noticed that my face looked more clear, as if I had been in the sun for 15 minutes but I didn’t have any added color/tan. I also have been getting compliments on my skin the past few days from people in person when I have no makeup on. It seems like the combination of this and the infrared sauna (the 3rd step) have helped. ⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀

I also felt like my mood and energy levels significantly got better right after this. I definitely have the “winter blues” and am in a better mood/happier during the warmer weather. Laying in the machine for the allotted time, really felt like I was getting some much needed sun in the middle of March and my increased mood stayed with my for that day and the next few days.

Below are some more benefits according to Lemon Light Lounge and dozens of studies. ⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ 🔹Improve tissue repair / speeds wound healing

🔹Reduce pain and inflammation ⠀⠀

🔹Cognition: Cognitive benefits have shown that Near Infrared light can improve and restore

brain function in cases of TBI, CTE, Alzheimer’s and Dementia. ⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀⠀

🔹Skin benefits: improved wound healing, increased collagen formation and tightening of the elastin layer. Green light seems to be beneficial for dermal wound healing, as well as hyperpigmentation, acne, MRSA and similar surface issues.

🔹 Cellular Benefits: improved circulation, improves mitochondrial function (energy or ATP), increased detoxification of waste and free radicals.

I also included some more information provided by Lemon Light Lounge below.

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Sunbathing & Natural Sunscreen

☀️When I was younger, I would bake out in the sun for HOURS at a time seeking a dark tan & didn’t use sunscreen. After learning about how many chemicals are in synthetic sunblock, I am not sure if loading up on the sunscreen would have caused more harm than good? ⠀⠀⠀⠀

Now, I have a whole different approach around sunbathing. I allow myself to get sun when I am walking around/in the ocean for about an hour or less & put a natural sunscreen on, or nothing on if I have a base tan. When I am not being “active”, I seek shade and also love using a hat & coverup to cover my chest/shoulders. ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀

The sun IS good for us in healthy doses. I am Vitamin D deficient in winter months & it really affects my mood a TON. After being in the ocean/sun, my friends commented on my increased energy levels & overall mood change. There are also many studies that show that Vitamin D is super important for bone health. ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀

I really loved @moonandbloom post from the other week. She is a Registered Herbalist. I share the same thoughts as her relating to ☀️. She recommends: “Exposing one’s eyes to the sun (safely in moderation) activates the pineal gland quite markedly, as we know from ancient practice of sun gazing. It’s so good for skin disorders and healing, and cleans & oxygenates the blood.

While the whole synthetic sunblock industry is WAY toxic to humans, animals, and the Earth, there are numerous plant oils with natural SPF. All skin types have their own unique thresholds for sun that can vary with age and genetics. When the sun is really strong, I like a blend of St. Johnswort oil (approx SPF 8), Sea Buckthorn oil (approx spf 30) & coconut oil (approx spf 4-6). Watch the amounts- the Sea Buckthorn & Johnswort will dye your skin orange.” ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀

Face: I used a sunscreen by Naturopathica for my face for the first time & loved it! On the Think Dirty app it is rated as a 1 out of 10 toxicity level.

Body: I used a natural sunscreen I bought in Costa Rica and really like! See below for ingredients.

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Organic Homemade Body Butter

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Ingredients:
  • 1c Shea Butter
  • 1/2c Coconut Oil
  • 1/3c Olive Oil
  • 5 drops Tea Tree
  • 30 drops Eucalyptus essential oil

Directions: Mix oil and heat in double oil until melted. Put in fridge for about an hour to solidify. Storing in glass instead of plastic is essential when it comes to oils. Phthalates, a group of chemicals found in plastics to make them softer. They are Endocrine (hormone) disruptors & are oil soluble.

I realized I’m not a fan of olive oil on my skin (some people like it.) Next time I will try another base oil (sesame, jojoba, almond etc.)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

Essential Oil Breakdown: You can trade out Tea Tree and Eucalyptus for different essential oil of your choice. Eucalyptus is an antiseptic and can help with skin infections, bug or mosquito bites and cuts. It helps relieve muscle pain. It is also cooling and refreshing. It is a stimulant and can remove exhaustion and mental sluggishness. It can be effective for helping with stress. Rubbing this all over your body in the morning and breathing it in all day sounds good to me! Tea tree is well known for its antiseptic and anti-fungal properties. It can be effective with toenail fungus and athletes foot, so this could be a great hydrating foot cream. Tea tree has also been shown to fight against MRSA, a type of staph infection which is resistant to many antibiotics. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

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Salt Scrub

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Ingredients📝

  • Sea Salt
  • Epsom Salt (more intense exfoliant than sea salt)
  • Coconut Oil
  • Almond Oil
  • Avocado Oil
  • Vitamin E
  • Lavender Essential oil

Benefits of using salt on your skin:

  • Kills bacteria on the skin
  • Exfoliates the skin
  • Promotes Circulation
  • Magnesium, calcium, sodium, and potassium are critical for proper cell-to-cell communication, so replenishing the skin with minerals can help restart the signaling processes that slow down with age.

For more DIY cosmetics, check out my instagram @nychamptonshealth

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Apitherapy: Bee Venom Therapy

Apitherapy  or Bee venom therapy (derived from the Latin word apis, meaning bee) is the medicinal use of products made by honeybees. Bee Venom Therapy  has magnificent healing properties and is effective for the treatment of multiple chronic and autoimmune conditions.

Homeopathic honeybee venom therapy is a natural anti-inflammatory and pain reducing agent. Therapies using the honeybee have existed for thousands of years. The ancient rock art of early hunter-gatherers portrays the honeybee as a common source of natural medicine. Bee Venom Therapy was practiced in ancient Egypt, Greece, and China, three Great Civilizations known for their well advanced medical systems. Hippocrates, the ancient Greek physician known as the “Father of Medicine”, identified the healing properties of bee venom for treating arthritis and other joint problems. Today, there is scientific evidence developing that suggests that various bee products promote healing by improving circulation, decreasing inflammation, and stimulating a healthy immune response, according to the American Apitherapy Society.

As stated by Holistic MD, it is particularly helpful for patients with arthritis, fibromyalgia, neuralgias, lyme disease, Bell’s palsy, carpal tunnel syndrome, herpes zoster, osteoarthritis, multiple sclerosis and many other conditions.

There are three ways to get Bee Venom Therapy:

  1. You can go to a practitioner and have them inject bee venom stings using a siring.I recommend starting of this way. This way, the practitioner who is injecting you, for example, can inject an equivalent to one honey bee venom sting into 10 different shots on your body. That way, if you are very sensitive to the sting, you will not blow up a grand amount in one spot on your body. The practitioner can also test before doing thing with a small amount how reactive you are to the honey bee venom. As you continue to get treatments, your tolerance to the bee venom stings will get better, allowing your body to receive more venom.
  2. You can also get live honey bee venom stings from a practitioner. This way supposedly has more benefits coming from a live bee. After building up a tolerance, you can start getting live honey bee venom stings.
  3. The last way to do this, is ordering bees and stinging yourself. There is a community of people on facebook, most who are chronically ill who use this method. The group is called Pioneers: Healing Lyme with Bee Venom Therapy. Here, they have a specific Bee Venom Therapy Protocol to follow.

Reactions

Most reactions are mild.  Most people experience redness, mild swelling, heat and itching in the area of the injections, which is a conventional part of the treatment process. This can last from a few minutes to 2-5 days and go away by themselves.  More serious reactions include flu-like symptoms lasting up to several days. This herx reaction is also routine as your body is going through a fighting/healing response. It is best to do nothing, to recognize the reaction and allow the body go through the healing process.

The composition of Bee Venom according to Biocure:

Melitin: Powerful Anti-Viral , Anti-bacterial & Anti-inflammatory , Stimulates ACTH secretion in the Pituitary Gland , Destabilizes all the membrane structures at the level of the phospholipids – which produces Strong anti-inflammatory effects.
Long-lasting, short-acting histaminic effects: Increased capillary permeability, edema (swelling), temperature elevation, itching, pain; increased vitality and sense of well being; forces bee venom to attach to negatively charged cell wall; anti-oxidant action.
Apamin: Stimulates central and peripheral nervous system. Stimulates secretion of serotonin and dopamine; anti-arrhythmic. So it Increases central and peripheral pain threshold, decreases pain, increases sense of well-being.
Adolapin: Inhibits enzymes in metabolic cascades of arachidonic acid and cyclo-oxygenase. so it has an anti-inflammatory and analgesic / pain releife action.
Mast Cell Degranulating Peptide (MCDP or peptide 401): Has Anti-inflammatory actions (approximately 100 times stronger than hydrocortisone) So it Reduces inflammation and pain through local action on tissue inflammation. Activates adrenal and sympathetic system.
Hyluronidase, Secapin, Tertiapin, Procamine: Anti-inflammatory , Pain relief by inhibition of “substance P” ( It function as a neurotransmittor and neuro-modulator , Substance P is released from the terminals of specific sensory nerves, it is found in the brain and spinal cord, and is associated with inflammatory processes and pain).
Compound X , Phospholipase A2 , Histamine: Involved in the inflammatory response of Venom, with the softening of tissue and the Facilitation of flow of the other substances deeper into the tissues.
Measurable amounts of the neurotransmittors: Dopamine , Norepinephrine and Seratonine.

For more, check out my instagram @dshamptonorganics


Recommendations where to get treated

  • Dr. Michael Gurevich, MD: Phone: 516-674-9489 Address: 997 Glen Cove Avenue · Glen Head, NY 11545
    • Bee Venom stings from a siring
  • BioCure: Phone: (917)-214-7298 Address: 92-04   95th  Ave.  Ozone Park , Queens, NY. 11416
    • Live Bee Venom stings

References

“ABOUT APITHERAPY :American Apitherapy Society.” ABOUT APITHERAPY :American Apitherapy Society. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Feb. 2017.

“Apitherapy: Homeopathic Bee Venom Therapy.” Holistic MD. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Feb. 2017.

“Bee Venom Therapy Clinic (Bee Sting Therapy) at Queens , New York. USA.” Bee Venom Therapy Clinic (Bee Sting Therapy) at Queens , New York. USA. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Feb. 2017.

 

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Acupuncture

Acupuncture is the insertion of fine needles into the body at specific points. It is known to be effective in the treatment of specific health problems.

Traditional Chinese medicine explains acupuncture as a technique for balancing the flow of energy or life force. This energy, known as “qi or chi” should run smoothly through pathways, or meridians in your body and out of it. By inserting needles into specific points along these meridians, acupuncture practitioners believe that your energy flow will re-balance. These points have been mapped by the Chinese over a period of two thousand years. Recently, electromagnetic research has confirmed their aimage2ccuracy.

In comparison, most Western practitioners view the acupuncture points as places to stimulate nerves, muscles and connective tissue. Practitioners think this stimulation can boosts your body’s natural painkillers and increases blood flow, explained by the May0 Clinic.

The medical field in the U.S. does recognize and approve acupuncture. Depending on your insurance, some companies will pay for acupuncture treatment. Call your insurance and ask. You can also try sending them a form and receipt for your treatment. The World Health Organization (WHO) currently recognizes more than 40 medical problems that can be taken care of with acupuncture. The below conditions are are suitable for acupuncture treatment according to the WHO as well as vast amounts of research in China, explained by the Cleveland Clinic.

  1. Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders. Toothaches, pain after tooth extraction, gingivitis, acute or chronic earaches, acute sinusitis, acute rhinitis, hay fever, runny nose and acute tonsillitis.
  2. Respiratory Disorders
  3. Gastrointestinal Disorders
  4. Eye Disorders
  5. Neurological and Muscular Disorders
  6. Gynecological Disorders
  7. Stress Disorders
  8. Immune System Disorders
  9. Sports Injuries
  10. Pain

Personally, whenever I have had a minor new injury and have gotten acupuncture, the injury is completely better with 1-4 treatments. It has helped me with muscle pain and tightness. For my muscle tension and tightness, the effectiveness is similar to an intense deep tissue massage. I like the “dry needling” technique for muscle pain and tightness relief, which is more popular in western acupuncture culture. This is also known as intramuscular stimulation, Myofascial Acupuncture, Tendinomuscular Acupuncture, or some version of Sports Acupuncture.


Recommendations: I have been to several acupuncturists and can highly recommend the below in New York City and Long Island.

  1. Liming Zhao, Garden City Acupunture: 81 Poplar Street Garden City, New York     (516) 741-7206. Also working out of Syosset, New York
  2. Ralph Salerno, Twin Dragon Acupuncture: 3 Gaymor Rd, Happauge New York
  3. Dr. Rongsheng Lin: 128 Mott Street, Manhatten, New York (718) 886-8727

For more, check out my Instagram at @dshamptonorganics


References:

“Acupuncture.” Mayo Clinic. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 Feb. 2017.

“How Does Acupuncture Work? What Is Acupuncture?” Cleveland Clinic. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 Feb. 2017.

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Golden Milk & the power of Turmeric

Golden Milk is an ancient southeast Asian health elixir.⠀ ⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀ ⠀                                             ⠀

image1-2📝Ingredients:

  • 1 cup of hot almond, coconut or hemp milk
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1/2 tsp ginger powder
  • Pinch of cinnamon
  • Pinch of Nutmeg
  • Pinch of Cardamom
  • Pinch of Black Pepper (to activate the anti-inflammatory agents in turmeric)
  • 1/2 tsp of coconut oil to guarantee maximum absorption.
  • Optional: pinch of cacao to add more of a hot chocolate taste

 

 

More info on Turmeric: In New York, Turmeric has been a recent growing trend. I have seen it being added to juices and available in shot forms at places like Juice Generation. Most people must not be aware that it must be mixed with Black Pepper, in order to activate its anti-inflammatory agent Curcumin. You can also buy Curcumin vitimins, but having anything in its freshest form will be most effective.

Scientists have discovered that the root cause of most chronic illnesses is due to oxidative damage and/or inflammation. Curcumin’s powerful anti-inflammatory properties explain why it can help prevent and treat many different health conditions. Inflammation is a common factor for many diseases including heart disease, cancer, diabetes, arthritis, asthma, Alziemer’s, obesity and more. The body’s inflammatory response is a primary component of most chronic diseases.

Other ways I get my  Curcumin (from Turmeric) dosage:

  1. I take Terry Naturally- Extra Strength vitamins daily.
  2. I put a mix of Turmeric, Black Pepper, Cumin and Cayenne Pepper spices on foods I eat (mostly chicken)
  3.  I cut the turmeric root and put it in hot water and add black pepper amongst other ingredients as a detox tea. Other ingredients can include ginger (which is also anti-inflammatory), coconut oil, lemon, apple cider vinegar, oregano, garlic.

If you want to learn more about Turmeric, I recommend this detailed article by Cognitune.


References

Lemerond, Terry. “Inflammation the Wonder Spice Solution Research Confirms Healing Power of Curcumin.” 15 Feb. 2008: 1-30. Print. The Nutrition Healthy Living Guide

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Honey Dijon Brussel Sprouts

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Directions:

  • Steam or Boil the Brussel Sprouts until cooked
  • Mix dressing in a pan & add brussel sprouts.
  • Mix brussel sprouts & dressing in pan for a few minutes

Honey Dijon Dressing Ingredients:

  • Mustard- 2 tbsp
  • Honey- 1 tbsp
  • Olive Oil-1 tbsp
  • White Vinegar 1.5 tbsp
  • Black Pepper
  • Salt (Sea salt or Himalayan)

Note: make sure vinegar is gluten free if this is of concern