Updates March 2020 Gratitude, Compassion, Immune Support
* Phone or Telemedicine available during this time. See below for details.
I’m sure you are all staying informed about covid-19 and why this new virus is a serious concern for all of us. I am going to skip details on this to focus on how you can support yourself at this time, and provide contact information while offices are closed. As an Naturopathic Doctor I want to confirm that my profession takes this very seriously and we advise everyone to follow the public health measures in place.
Measures of frequent and thorough hand washing, general hygiene at home including keeping surfaces clean, and social distance, self - isolation, remain the most important things you can do at this time.
The next most important thing is self - care and putting yourself into a place of calm acceptance of what is happening. I, like most of us, have had to adjust my expectations of the coming months and deal with the stress that inevitably arises during uncertainty. I want to really emphasize that our immune systems work best when we are feeling gratitude, compassion, and sense of knowing we’re doing what we can. This has happily even become an area of great research. Below I share a meditation from Dr Mario Martinez, neuropsychologist. We are never really in control, but covid-19 has thrown that fact very starkly in our faces. So when we are feeling empowered with knowledge and in a state of gratitude (“embodied acceptance and assimilated wellness” - Dr Mario Martinez, The MindBody Code) we are better able to respond to our environment, including infection. This is again intended to to be in addition to all the basic public health measures we all must do now.
Naturopathic Doctors are trained in vitalistic medicine, a philosophy that informs practice - if you have strong terrain - think good soil - ( for example are well rested with nutrient rich diet) you will be healthier and will have less chance of becoming seriously ill. There are no guarantees, but we can choose empowerment by doing things we know are healthy; respecting our bodies, minds, and spirits. A diet rich and fruits and vegetables, low in refined foods, alcohol and refined carbohydrates will help you to feel your best. Walking outside is also great for your health and immunity, and will help you manage any worries while promoting good sleep. Don’t under estimate the power of spending time outside. Take media breaks!
On Fevers - I don’t recommend suppressing fever, or to deal with the discomfort of fever or viral infection symptoms. Fever is your body’s natural way of handling infection. It liberates calcium from your bones to make blood inhospitable to viruses and bacteria. Fevers slows the pathogen while speeding up your immune cells. Always seek care if you are ill or have any shortness of breath. Always follow the public health recommendations to call 811 to determine if you need further care or covid-19 testing.
Self-isolation can also be considered a retreat, a time to be with family, tend your home, health, and creativity. It is a time we can show how much we care about our elderly, the vulnerable immunocompromised, and doctors and nurses by respecting the recommendations about social distancing and staying home, even when this could cause us hardship. This event allows us to connect to global consciousness, allowing the awareness of how closely linked we all are on this Planet settle in with us. It is normal to be feeling grief as we witness the losses in the world at the time, while also allowing our Hearts to open to gratitude for the wealth in our society and our lives.
Regarding supplements - if you are in my practice and have questions please get in touch. Generally speaking keeping up with what you normally take is ok. I recommend 4-6 week follow ups when starting a new treatment or 2-3 x per year if things are stable and you are taking treatments. Most people should the minimum dose of Vitamin D3 this time of year. Testing first is best but often not available. Symptoms of excessive vitamin D include nausea ad vomiting, tremors At these doses it is extremely unlikely to cause a problem over the next 8 weeks when we will then be getting good vitamin D from the sun if you don’t have chronic health problems. Take with breakfast and with some fat. I recommend an emulsified version to improve absorption. Further immune support is often appropriate at this time of year in general, especially if you have been tired or run down. Those of you in my practice know some of my treatments that you have used in the past. If you have underlying issues and are in my practice contact me for questions and appointment times.
Supplements and herbs will not replace the hygiene and public health measure discussed and
Supplements will not replace sleep, good food, fun, gratitude, light exercise and time outdoors.
Meditate on Compassion. These methods have a measurable affect on your immune system. It was found that meditation on compassion increased the protective IgA immunoglobulins in lungs, eyes, mouth, nose. There were studies on people’s IgA levels before and after watching video of Mother Teresa working with compassion. This experiment has been repeated. IgA is one of our first lines of defence against upper respiratory tract infections because they enter the body via eyes, nose, lungs, mouth. See below.
I will be available to do virtual or phone consultations over the coming weeks when appropriate. If you have an appointment already I will confirm that with you if you are in Inverness. If I normally work with you in Sydney you will be contacted by Island Chiropractic.
Consider signing up for my mailing list (see home page) to have updates come to your inbox in the future. Please go to the bottom of the home page to sign up.
You are all in my heart at this time and I wish everyone well.
Yours In Health,
Dr Erin
“Method to Increase IgA’s
“Sit quietly in meditation or contemplation and pay attention to your body.
Observe without interpreting what you experience.
When you sense you’re reducing tension and mind-noise, imagine you are inhaling and exhaling from your heart, instead of your nose.
While you do what is called “heart breathing,” bring to your awareness memories of acts of compassion from you or others. Experience the sensation and emotion in your body (embodiment).
Practice this method for 15 minutes several time a day.” From article in Medium Magazine by Dr Mario Martinez.
https://medium.com/@themindbodycode/panic-is-the-corona-viruss-best-friend-a49587956a79
Phone or Telemedicine available during this time as appropriate.
Inverness Practice Office Hours Monday & Thursday afternoons starting March 23 (excepting Sydney).
Contact me drerinmackenziend@gmail.com or 902-318-4648.
Product in Dispensary is available at this time. Please contact me to make arrangements.
Drop shipments can be made available for certain products.
FullScript is available - see link on home page.
Sydney Practice contact Island Chiropractic 902-270-7022; info@islandchiro.com.
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