My 10 Step Naturopathic Program

Our immune systems offers us a first line of responders ready to fight off disease. Our innate immune system is the immunity we are born with. Examples include; enzymes, cough reflex, mucus, skin and stomach acid. We acquire immunity by exposure to antigens, viruses or from immunization(although our bodies do not remember immunizations forever). Dr. Russell Jaffe has identified an additional pillar related to immunity he refers to as our “epigenetic bank account”, which refers to the fabric sewn into everyday healthful living. Specifically, the naturopathic principles of eliminating toxins, balancing acid/alkalinity, and caring for our microbiome (our gut).

Our immune systems can become compromised and break down. Examples of immune compromise include; allergies, viruses,  auto-immune disease (where the body attacks itself) degenerative disease, and cancer. There are many factors which contribute to compromised immunity; lifestyle, sleep, stress, food, hormones, anti-oxidants, the ability of the body to detox, alkalinity, inflammation, genes, environmental toxins.

Naturopathy offers many tools for preventing disease and improving your health. It is essential to integrate mind/body balance as well. It is my firm belief that our health matrix is an integration of digestion, how we nourish our bodies and the conversation or beliefs which exists within. I strongly believe we can determine our health status.

I have developed a 10 step plan for building immunity for all my current and past clients. Please email me if you would like the overview of this plan. Individualized plans are available based on your personal needs.

Along with a foundational optimal diet, extra antioxidants(vitamins A, C, E, Zinc, Selenium) occasional nutritional cleanse diet, enzymatic therapies, naturopaths specifically use a number of herbs which support the body in fighting viruses. A few of my favorites herbs include; ashwaghanda, astralagus, andrographis, elderberry, cat’s claw, hypericum, olive leaf, and oregano oil. Each herb has its own unique energy and antiviral properties. And in my practice we discuss which herbal energy might be more beneficial for each clients unique energy and health challenge.

I particularly like astralagus because of it’s immune boosting, and anti-inflammatory properties. Astralagus is one of the principle herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine. It is adaptogenic which means it helps the body adapt to stress. It specifically has anti-inflammatory properties, and is beneficial for seasonal allergies and respiratory conditions. It is nourishing. It is however not beneficial for those with chronic lyme disease. It can be beneficial for those who have weakened immune systems from chemotherapy as it can also provide protection.Where there is immune challenges there exists inflammation. It naturally contains anti-oxidants to fight the free radicals- or help put out the fires. It’s also deeply nourishing.True naturopathy believes by providing the body the right support it will strengthen and this not necessarily need the herb for long term use.

True naturopathy provides us with a foundation to nourish our systems back to health. We begin with food, however when faced with an immune, hormone, or other health challenge we can not expect to heal by food alone. Often we need additional nutrients such as antioxidants, natural anti-inflammatories, herbs or homeopathy to help strengthen our system.  Together nutrition, and natural support along with mind body practices can help bring our health back into balance by minimizing effects of imbalance. This is the central belief of naturopathy.      Naturopaths use therapeutic diets such as a my Nutritional Cleansing program to reboot health.Naturopaths have also been using principles of detoxification, or nutritional cleansing for hundreds of years to clean the organs of toxins. Additionally, weather you are addressing a digestive issue, repair immunity or seeking emotional balance most naturopathic programs begin with food.    And continues with a specific approach to healing. The naturopathic model addresses disease with it’s 4R approach which includes: 1. Remove (the offenders) 2. Repair (the damage) 3. Replace (missing nutrients) 4. Replenish (the microbiome) This model of healing not only helps us heal but prevents future inflammation and disease and ensures a health plan for life.

Did you know that emotional stress is considered one of the six leading causes of death alongside cancer, coronary heart disease, accidental injuries, respiratory disorders, cirrhosis of the liver, and suicide? Stress is defined as a change in physiological state that is characterized by increased heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, muscle tension, and release of hormones and insulin. These changes in the body occur in response to perceived threats or changes in one’s daily life. Several studies have shown that chronic stress impacts every system of the body and that 75% of all doctors’ visits arise from stress-related symptoms. Stress often manifests through the body in the form of headaches, back pain, heart problems, digestive issues, and sleep problems. The elevated cortisol levels associated with stress also exert a suppressive effect on the immune system, which increases one’s susceptibility to illness or disease. At Natural Health Options, clients are offered a tool-kit for addressing stress. One way to measure stress levels is through Holmes and Rahe’s Stress Life Inventory or through Dr. Lynn Feinman’s Mind Body Assessment. After measuring one’s stress level, clients are taught various mind body practices to relieve their stress, including, breathing techniques, progressive relaxation/visualization, yoga, meditation, and exercise. Naturopathic interventions also include nutrients and herbs. Adequate intake of b vitamins and minerals like magnesium, which nourish the nervous system and calm the muscles of the body. Additionally, Herbal Nervines, like chamomile, and Herbal Adaptogens, such as ginseng, nourish the nervous system and help the body adapt to stress.

This month I have chosen to focus on our brains and improving cognitive and emotional health. The brain is the “crown jewel” and most complex organ of the body. The brain is the seat of intelligence, interpreter of senses, initiator of movement, controller of behavior, language, memory, thought and our emotional center. Although there are three sections they work as a committee, yet hold their own responsible positions; the cerebrum, cerebellum, and brain stem.  Similar to healing any other part of the body, as we travel down the path of prevention so too are we traveling down a path of optimizing health and minimizing disease. As in other areas of our health we know lifestyle, sleep, food, exercise, hormones, and nutrients influence brain health. Additionally other factors such  as genetic predisposition, methylation, toxins, chemical imbalances, and illnesses can make rebalancing more challenging. I still believe we can impact the course of our health. It is our job to do so, and allow our medical care providers to assist us when we  need help. When we consider optimizing cognitive and emotional health many factors must be considered along the course of restoration; sleep, hormones, stress, food, water, and exercise. Also important is a recent illness or virus. All of these factors contribute to imbalance. Similar to immune issues, the road back to health considers food, cleansing diets, the right nutrients to nourish health such as antioxidants, b vitamins, selective amino acids, and minerals. I also value to energetic qualities of herbs to nourish the tissues. My favorites include withania, ginseng, hypericum, lemon balm, and passion flower. I also integrate mind-body tools to empower each client to take control of their health. My approach involves integrating naturopathy within a holistic framework and partnering with you to optimize your health and well-being.

Wednesday April 20th 630 pm

Kimberton Whole Foods, Kimberton Pa

Join the practitioners at Natural Health Options for a presentation about the Naturopathic Approach, Homeopathy and bodywork for addressing allergies and supporting the immune system. See the Kimberton Whole Foods Website.

sign up on line to let us know you are coming or email me at lynnwestfeinman.com

This seminar will introduce you to the core principles of naturopathic health; optimal diet, nutrients from food vitamins and herbs, and naturopathic theory of keeping the blood and organs healthy. You will learn about acid/alkaline diet, blood type theory and nutritional cleansing. These essential principles you can apply to any life stage or health challenge. You will leave with a basic healthy eating plan. This seminar will provide a basic tool-kit for preventing disease and recovering from illness. The 2016 Healthy Living Cookbook- a 30 page guide for healthy cooking and healthy eating will be available for purchase to complement this program.

Friday April 1st 1-3 pm, Balanced for Life yoga,45 Berkley Rd, Devon, Pa  $50, space limited to 10

register at www.balancedforlifeyoga.com

There are many hormones in the body; adrenaline, cortisol, insulin,estrogen, melatonin, progesterone, dhea, thyroid,and testosterone are some of the more well known hormones. Hormones are a vast part of the endocrine system, and communicate, regulate and nourish with all the glands in our body. Hormonal balance regulates every major system in the body; digestion, endocrine, immune, reproductive, cognition, cardiovascular. There are many factors which can disrupt the balance of hormones; aging, diet, diseases, environmental exposure to chemicals and toxins, cosmetics,and household cleaners. I believe our common imbalances symbolize the result of the many changes that have taken place in our diet and lifestyle. Many look to simply replace hormones which continues to only address the symptom. If we never address the imbalance in the first place we will simply continue to re-create further imbalance. Most doctors agree, the answer is not indefinite hormone replacement. Naturopathy seeks to remove the underlying factors causing imbalance and nourish the body back to balance. We can re-nourish the body by eating more plant foods and liver foods, which is specially addressed in my nutritional cleanse program. There are vitamins, herbs and minerals which also support our glandular system and organs. Naturopathy also addresses the issues of stress and mind/body interventions to reverse the stress response in the body.

The Nutritional Cleanse

Jump start your new year with a revitalizing cleanse. Learn the art of eating a clean diet for your personal needs. You will learn all the basics to successfully using a cleanse to improve your health. You will assess what is the best program for you; 3 day food based cleanse, 7 day liver cleanse, or 21 or 30 day Nutritional Cleanse. You will leave with a personal food and natural support plan. The Nutritional Cleanse Guide, and Healthy Living Cookbook by Dr. Lynn will be available to purchase for the program.

January 16th 3-5 pm Nutritional Cleanse Program  

50.00

FREE Q and A meeting January 16th 2:30

*purchase both and pdf Nutritional cleanse guide included* classes held at balancedforlifeyoga.com

 RESTORATIVE CLINIC: BREATHE

January 9th      Saturday 1-3 pm

The Restorative clinic offers a gentle and deep practice to balance the meridians in the body and renew energy. We will also be exploring breathing techniques (Pranayama) this month. Gentle adaptable poses are held for 3-5 minutes. Variations are offered for all levels, from the beginner to the advanced student. 25.00

register  www.balancedforlifeyoga.com

Lynn W. Feinman, MA, ND, completed a doctorate in naturopathy from Clayton College of Health and maintains a private practice offering naturopathic health coaching programs integrating the three pillars of health: optimal nourishment, mind/body practice, and essential transformation. Additional trainings include a Master’s in Dance Therapy, And certification in thai vedic bodywork. She is passionate about holistic health

www.naturalhealthoptions.us