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Monday 9am - 5pm Tuesday 9am - 5pm Wednesday 9am - 5pm Thursday 9am - 5pm Friday 9am - 5pm

Michele Arseneault, Naturopath, 177 Union Street, Woodstock, NB (2026)

02/11/2026

Part 2: Apple Cider Vinegar (they are not all created equal).

The ACV "Wild West" 🍎🧪
Is your Apple Cider Vinegar actually doing anything? 🤨

We’ve all heard the hype about ACV for gut health and metabolism. But here is the "Practice Pearl" the industry doesn’t want you to know: ACV supplements are currently unregulated, and the quality is all over the map. 🗺️

A recent lab analysis of ACV tablets found that:

Acidity levels swung wildly from 1% to 11% (some are too weak to work, others are strong enough to cause throat burns! 😱).

Labels lie. Many brands didn’t actually contain the ingredients or concentrations they claimed on the bottle.

Citric Acid was often used as a "filler" to mimic the tart taste of real vinegar.

So, how do you shop like a pro? 🛒✨

Look for "The Mother": If you’re buying liquid, it should be cloudy. That cloud is the "Mother"—the beneficial bacteria your gut loves.

Standardization is Key: Don't just buy "1000mg ACV." Look for capsules that specify the Acetic Acid percentage (target 500mg–750mg).

Trust the Seals: Look for NSF, USP, or Organic certifications. These brands (like Bragg or Garden of Life) actually pay for third-party labs to prove they aren’t selling you expensive "vinegar-flavored" dust.

The Bottom Line: Don't let a "health" supplement hurt your wallet (or your esophagus). Stick to verified brands and standardized doses!

⚠️ DISCLAIMER: This post is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice, a diagnosis, or a treatment plan. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or the use of supplements. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read here.

02/10/2026

✨ Post-Treatment: Your Home Integration Guide for Scitica ✨

Did you visit the clinic today for Acupuncture and Myofascial Release? Whether we worked on decompressing the sciatic nerve or regulating the "Shen" (Spirit) through spinal Shu points, the work continues at home! 🌿

To get the most out of your session with Michele Arseneault, follow this 4-step integration plan:

1️⃣ Post-Treatment Protocol 🛠️
Hydrate: Drink plenty of warm water. MFR and Acupuncture release metabolic waste; water is the "flush" your tissues need. 💧

Rest & Settle: Give your body 24 hours of low-intensity movement. Stay in that "parasympathetic" healing state! 🧘‍♀️

The "Nerve Glide": Keep the sciatic nerve moving. While seated, slowly straighten your leg—flex your toes toward your face, then point away. Keep it fluid, never forceful. 🦵

2️⃣ Nutritional Therapy (TCM Perspective) 🥣
We want to resolve "Bi Syndrome" (pain/obstruction) by warming the body:

Warming Spices: Use Ginger, Turmeric, and Cinnamon to "thaw" stagnation. ☕

Grounding Grains: Oats and black sesame help anchor your "Shen," reducing anxiety. 🌾

Avoid "Damp" Foods: Skip dairy, refined sugar, and iced drinks for 48 hours to prevent internal "sludge" and nerve pressure. 🧊🚫

3️⃣ Self-Acupressure & Mind-Body 🧠
The Sacral Scrub: Briskly rub your lower back/sacrum with your palms until warm. This boosts your Kidney Qi and resilience! 🔥

4-7-8 Breathwork: Inhale for 4s, hold for 7s, exhale for 8s. This maintains the vagal tone we worked on today. 🌬️

4️⃣ Sleep Positioning 😴
Side Sleepers: Pillow between the knees to keep hips square. 🛌

Back Sleepers: Pillow under the knees to flatten the lumbar spine. 📐

Next Steps: Monitor your symptoms for the next 3 days. It is normal to feel a mild "bruised" sensation at the deep gluteal points (GB30) for about 24 hours—this is a sign of release!

Questions or ready for your follow-up?
👤 Michele Arseneault, D.N.M., TCM Ac, RMT, CST, MFR.
📞 Cell: 506-471-1243
📧 Email: MarymicheleRMT@gmail.com

⚠️ DISCLAIMER: This post is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice, a diagnosis, or a treatment plan. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or the use of supplements. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read here.

02/10/2026

🌱 Featured Herbal Supplement Series:

Welcome to my series highlighting the power (and the precautions) of nature's heavy hitters. I'm diving into five supplements—Apple Cider Vinegar, Ashwagandha, Cranberry, Elderberry, and Turmeric—which collectively generated over $700 million in sales in 2023, making up nearly 6% of the entire herbal market! 📈

🍎 This Week’s Feature: Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV): Part 1!

What exactly is ACV? Apple cider vinegar is the fermented juice from crushed apples. It contains pectin, vitamins, minerals, and significant amounts of acetic or citric acid, making it chemically unique compared to other vinegars. 🧪

While it's a staple for a tangy salad dressing, it has evolved into a wellness phenomenon. It is frequently promoted for weight loss, blood sugar regulation, heart health, and skin care.

But what does the science actually say? I've broken down the data for you: 🔬

🍎 Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV): The Facts & The Myths
A Guide to Understanding What the Science Actually Says

Apple Cider Vinegar is one of the most popular health supplements today. While it can be a helpful "tool in the shed," it is not a "magic cure." Here is the breakdown of current clinical evidence.

🛑 The Quality "Wild West"
Before you buy, know that vinegar supplements are unregulated in the US. Laboratory tests show:

Massive Variation: Pills can contain anywhere from 1% to 11% acetic acid.

Label Lies: What’s on the bottle often doesn't match what’s inside.

Top Tip: Stick to liquid or third-party verified capsules (look for NSF or USP seals). Bragg and Fairchild’s are high-quality, standardized options.

🩺 ACV & Blood Sugar
Does it help? Yes, but it depends on your health status.

For Pre-Diabetes (Insulin Resistance): It is very effective at "smoothing out" blood sugar spikes if taken with a high-carb meal.

For Type 2 Diabetes: It can help lower your "fasting" (morning) blood sugar over 8 weeks, but it does not replace your medication.

Liquid vs. Pills: Liquid is better. In studies, liquid ACV lowered sugar spikes more effectively than tablets, even when the tablets had a higher dose.

⚖️ ACV & Weight Loss
The Truth: ACV is not a fat-burner.

Metabolism: Studies show ACV does not increase your metabolism or help you burn more calories during exercise.

The "Amplifier" Effect: If you are already on a calorie-restricted diet, adding 1 tablespoon of ACV twice daily has been shown to double weight loss results (4kg vs. 2kg over 12 weeks).

Why it works: It likely helps you feel full longer and prevents the "sugar crashes" that lead to overeating.

The "Safe" Zone: It is generally well-tolerated in food amounts or when used medicinally for up to 12 weeks. 🗓️

The Risks: High doses or long-term use may be unsafe. ⚠️

Digestion Warning: ACV can slow down how fast your stomach empties. In one study, it actually worsened symptoms for people with type 1 diabetes and gastroparesis. 🩺

⚠️ DISCLAIMER: This post is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice, a diagnosis, or a treatment plan. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or the use of supplements. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read here.

02/10/2026

An Evolution of My Practice ✨
It is a profound honor to have worked with so many of you since I began my practice in Florenceville/Woodstock in 2020. 🌿 Your loyalty and kind words—especially when you share that you wouldn’t want to see anyone else, and that I am the Best—truly mean the world to me. ❤️

To continue providing the highest quality of care, my practice is evolving. 🌀 I am shifting my focus toward specialized, restorative modalities and away from standard, full-body-weight Deep Tissue Massage. 🕊️

My Current Specialized Services:
Myofascial Release (MFR): Focused connective tissue release. 🕸️

Cranial Sacral Therapy: A deep nervous system reset. 🧠✨

The Molten Melt: Therapeutic hot stone treatment. 🔥💎

The Ultimate Sanctuary Ritual: Massage, steamed towels, and essential oils. 🧖‍♀️🌿

The Ultimate Energetic Reset: Mental/emotional reset using Emotion Code & Theta. 🔋💫

Detox & Renew: Lymphatic drainage. 🌊🍃

The Sole Connection: Reflexology. 👣👣

The Restorative Cupping Ritual ⭕️🙌

TCM Acupuncture & Naturopathy Consults: Vitality, Diet & Lifestyle. ☯️🍏

Bowen Therapy: Muscular and nervous system reset. ⚖️💪

Stepping away from heavy deep tissue work was a difficult decision, but it allows me to explore more effective, alternative therapies. 🦋 Because "Deep Tissue" is subjective, please don't hesitate to ask if you're unsure about your session. We can discuss your needs one-on-one to ensure you’re receiving the right treatment—even if that means adjusting our current plan or finding a referral that better suits your goals. 🤝✨

02/09/2026

In metaphysical and energetic healing, the thyroid is the physical gatekeeper of the Throat Chakra (Vishuddha). Because it sits between the heart (feelings) and the head (thoughts), it acts as a "transformer" for how we process and express our reality.

When the thyroid is out of balance, it often points to a disconnect between your inner truth and your outer expression.

1. The "Swallowed" Voice
The most common metaphysical root is the suppression of self-expression.

Hypothyroidism (Sluggish): Metaphysically, this can represent "giving up." It may stem from a feeling that "it doesn’t matter what I say, no one listens anyway." It is the energy of swallowing your words, needs, or creative desires to keep the peace or out of fear of conflict.

Hyperthyroidism (Overactive): This often represents a frantic need to be heard or a feeling of being "pushed" by time. It can stem from a deep-seated belief that you must move faster or speak louder to be safe or successful.

2. The Conflict Between Heart and Mind
The thyroid is the bridge. If your heart wants one thing (e.g., to leave a situation) but your mind says another (e.g., you must stay for security), the "bridge" between them—the thyroid—takes the brunt of that tension. It is the physical manifestation of an internal stalemate.

3. Humiliation and Victimhood
In the works of Louise Hay and other metaphysical researchers, thyroid issues are often linked to:

Humiliation: Feeling that you never get to do what you want to do.

"When is it my turn?": A sense of lingering resentment because you are constantly fulfilling the needs of others while your own creative "fire" is being extinguished.

4. The Concept of "Divine Timing"
The thyroid regulates your internal "clock" (metabolism). Metaphysically, an imbalance suggests a struggle with timing.

Are you trying to force things to happen before they are ready (Hyper)?

Are you dragging your feet and resisting your next big step out of fear (Hypo)?

Healing comes from trusting that you are exactly where you need to be.

5. Creativity and "The Birth" of Ideas
The throat is the "higher womb." Just as the sacral chakra creates physical life, the throat chakra creates through vibration and words. If you have a creative project or a life change that you are "holding back" or afraid to "birth" into the world, the energy can stagnate in the thyroid gland.

🦋 Affirmation for Metaphysical Alignment
To help shift this energy, you can use this specific focus during your bodywork:

"I move beyond old limitations. I am now free to express myself creatively and authentically. I trust the flow of life and my place within it."

02/09/2026

Ujjayi Pranayama, commonly known as Ocean Breath or Victorious Breath, is a diaphragmatic breathing technique that produces a soft, soothing sound similar to the waves of the ocean or a gentle whisper.

In a thyroid context, it is particularly powerful because it creates a subtle vibration in the throat area, which is believed to stimulate and balance the thyroid gland.

🌊 How to Practice Ocean Breath
Find Your Seat: Sit comfortably with a tall spine. Relax your shoulders and slightly tuck your chin to lengthen the back of your neck.

The "Fogging" Technique: Imagine you are holding a mirror in front of your face. Open your mouth and exhale as if you are trying to fog up the glass with your breath. You should feel a slight contraction in the back of your throat, making a "Haaaa" sound.

Close the Mouth: Once you get the hang of that slight throat constriction, close your lips. Now, try to make that same "fogging" sound while breathing entirely through your nose.

Inhale and Exhale: Apply that same slight restriction to the back of the throat on both the inhale and the exhale.

It should sound like a soft whisper or distant waves.

If you can hear yourself but the person across the room cannot, you’ve found the perfect volume.

Focus the Energy: As you breathe, visualize the breath swirling around the base of your throat, right where your thyroid sits.

💡 Why it Works for Thyroid Health
Vibrational Healing: The gentle humming/vibration in the glottis acts as a "micro-massage" for the thyroid and parathyroid glands.

Vagus Nerve Stimulation: This breath activates the parasympathetic nervous system (the "rest and digest" mode), which lowers cortisol—a major disruptor of thyroid function.

Heat Regulation: Ujjayi creates internal "heat," which can be very beneficial for those with a sluggish thyroid who often feel cold.

🧘 Practice Tip
Try practicing this for 3 to 5 minutes in the morning or whenever you feel stressed. It serves as an immediate "reset" for your endocrine system.

Pairing Ocean Breath with affirmations is a powerful way to bridge the gap between your physical body and your energetic voice. Since the thyroid is the physical center of the Throat Chakra, these affirmations focus on truth, expression, and the safety of being heard.

As you inhale, feel the air expand your throat; as you exhale with that "ocean" sound, mentally recite one of the following:

🗣️ Throat-Opening Affirmations
For Authentic Expression:

"I speak my truth with ease and grace. My voice is a powerful tool for my own healing."

For Safety & Presence:

"It is safe for me to be seen and heard. I no longer need to swallow my words or hide my power."

For Physical Vitality:

"Every breath I take nourishes my thyroid and brings my hormones into perfect balance."

For Boundaries:

"I honor my needs and express my boundaries clearly and without guilt."

For Creative Flow:

"I am an open channel for creative expression. My inner wisdom flows freely into the world."

🕯️ How to use them together:
Inhale: Slowly through the nose, feeling the cool air against the back of your throat.

Pause: Hold the breath for just a second, feeling the space in your neck.

Exhale: Make the "Ocean" sound and silently repeat: "I speak my truth, and it is safe."

Visualize: Imagine a bright blue light (the color of the throat chakra) glowing at the base of your neck, getting brighter with every breath.

02/09/2026

Why "The Molten Melt" isn’t just about warm stones... 🔥

In Woodstock, we’re used to hard work and cold winters. But did you know that deep heat and reflexology do more than just feel good?

The Sole Connection: By working the feet, we are communicating with your internal organs and your central nervous system. It’s a full-body tune-up through the "map" of your soles.

The Molten Melt: This is therapeutic thermotherapy. The heat allows me to reach deeper layers of tissue without the "pain" often associated with deep tissue work.

I’m much more than just a set of hands for hire—I am a student of how the body holds stress, and I’ve designed these rituals to help you release it.

Join me at Vitality Massage & Bodywork for a different kind of care: 🗓 Feb 16, March 3–5.

02/07/2026

One of the most important lessons in emotional intelligence: Don't take personal responsibility for someone else's behavior.

We often burn ourselves out trying to be "understood" by people who aren't ready to understand themselves. Real growth happens when we realize that how others treat us is a byproduct of their influences and unhealed wounds—not our identity.
In leadership and in life, you can't control the actions of others, but you have full authority over your boundaries.

What is one boundary you've set recently that changed your perspective? 👇

02/06/2026

✨ A sacred weekend of connection, creation, and ceremony.

We are so excited to announce the Intuitive Painting from your HeArt playshop with Pamela Cail, happening Saturday, June 28! 🎨🌿

Exclusive Experience: This playshop is a special highlight of our 4th Annual Woman's Full Moon Wellness Retreat (June 26–29) and is open only to our retreat guests.

The painting playshop is just one of many soul-nourishing events waiting for you! Our weekend itinerary is overflowing with magic, including: 🌕 Full Moon Drumming Ceremony 🎶 Sound Healing Bath ☕ Cacao Ceremony 🧘 Yoga & Meditation 💧 Water Activities (Optional) ✨ Personalized Treatments with Tamara, Michelle, or Pamela (Optional)

In the HeArt playshop, Pamela will guide you through breath and paint to let your "One HeArt Wisdom" speak. It’s a language beyond words—true HeArt medicine.

🔴 ONLY 6 SPACES LEFT: We are nearing capacity! Once these final spots are filled, the circle for our 4th annual retreat will be closed.

📩 Contact Michelle or Tamara today to claim your space for this transformative weekend.

Here are a few pictures of past workshops with the beautiful and talented Pamela!!

02/05/2026

Your jaw is the strongest muscle in your body relative to its size, and it holds onto stress like a vice grip. This tension travels up to your temples (headaches) and down to your neck (tightness).

Try this 3-step Myofascial release:
1️⃣ Masseter Glide: Strips out the "chewing" muscles.
2️⃣ Ear Pull: Decompresses the temporal bone to relieve internal pressure.
3️⃣ SCM Pin: Frees up neck rotation often stuck from "Tech Neck."

⚠️ Note: Go gently. Myofascial release is about melting the fascia, not forcing it.

02/05/2026

✨ Elevate Your Wellness Journey! ✨

Ready to experience deeper relaxation and enhanced therapeutic benefits? My new add-on services are designed to complement your Massage experience perfectly.

🔥 Hot Stone Therapy: Melt away tension and promote profound calm.

🌬️ Therapeutic Cupping: Release muscle knots and boost circulation.

🌿 Acu-Point Activation: Activate key points for lasting relief.

Ask me how to integrate these luxurious enhancements into your next session!

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Michele Arseneault, Naturopath

02/11/2026

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Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm