Alissa Klein - CHC

02/14/2021

M E A N I N G F U L T O U C H

Happy Valentine’s Day! As if you need a reason to get close to your Valentine today, I’ll give you a few more, for good measure 😉

Hugging, snuggling, cuddling, massage, and hand-holding are all forms of meaningful touch that release OXYTOCIN (aka the “love hormone”).

Released from the pituitary gland in the brain, oxytocin is the reason why we experience joy and bonding with those that we embrace. This hormone is also shown to elicit additional health benefits, including:

- Boosting the immune system
- Relieving stress and anxiety
- Lowering blood pressure
- Increasing pain tolerance
- Promoting growth and recovery
- Creating connection between mother and baby
- Aiding in breastfeeding
- Improving sleep quality
- Enhancing sexual satisfaction and intimacy

Oxytocin may also aid in digestion and increase the absorption of nutrients (bonus!).

So, what are you waiting for? Grab a loved one (spouse, partner, family member, or pet) and embrace for your daily dose of oxytocin!

Sources:
“The Oxytocin Factor” by Kerstin Uvnas Moberg
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32912963/
https://drwillcole.com/functional-medicine/8-reasons-to-cuddle-more-according-to-science

📷 Unsplash

02/09/2021

E P I G E N E T I C S
It’s easy to believe that genetics is the main influencer of our health. Up until a couple of years ago, I fully believed that. Then, out of a desperate attempt to reclaim my health, I overhauled my diet and lifestyle, and the results were astounding!
Although genetics does play a role in our predisposition to certain conditions, ultimately, our diet, lifestyle, and the environment around us influence how our genes express themselves. That’s the concept of EPIGENETICS.
In his book, “The Disease Delusion,” explains this concept with clarity, giving us hope that we have the power to alter the course of our individual health journeys.
“The revolution that is changing health care is the recognition that our genes do not hardwire us for chronic disease but instead offer a menu of what we can be under differing environmental conditions. It means that at any age, we have the choice about what information we send to our genes from our environment, diet and lifestyle” (66).
To anyone who suffers with a chronic illness, I highly encourage you to read this book. In it, you will find comfort, support, and empowerment to .

01/26/2021

If anyone in the Columbus area wants to experience professional and affordable acupuncture, now is the time! Click the link below to take advantage of this deal from my wonderful employer Urban Acupuncture Center!

EXCLUSIVE NEW PATIENT OFFER

We know you love the UAC experience. Now it’s time to spread the word!

Through February 28, 2021, we are offering a new patient CONSULTATION + 3 COMMUNITY ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENTS for only $50, using promo code ACU2021.

Full details available at https://urbanacupuncturecenter.org/promotions/.

CURRENT PATIENTS, every time you LIKE and SHARE one of our posts related to this offer, you’ll be entered to win one of our exciting gift bundles! Turn on notifications for our posts, so you don't miss your chance to WIN.

01/23/2021

If you're struggling with autoimmune disease and you're ready to reclaim your health, read this blog post and contact me for a FREE discovery session!

Will a Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) diet/lifestyle help treat autoimmune disease symptoms? The Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) is a diet that aims to reduce inflammation, pain, and other symptoms caused by autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), celiac disease, and rheumatoid ar...

01/22/2021

Face mapping is an ancient medicinal technique that involves making connections between problems affecting someone's face and their overall health.

01/05/2021

ESTABLISHING A SUPPORTIVE CARE TEAM: Complementary Support

To round out your care team, you’ll want to establish complementary support. Your key player cannot fulfill 100% of your needs. Rather, building a well-rounded team will help to make your healing journey a more comprehensive and holistic (whole body) process.

Additional supporters can consist of:
* Family members
* Friends
* Caretakers
* Medical specialists
* Complementary practitioners (counselor, acupuncturist, chiropractor)
* Non Medical providers (health coach, yoga or fitness instructor)

My complementary support includes a network of family members, close friends, medical specialists, complementary practitioners, and my wonderful co-workers at Urban Acupuncture Center.

Remember, it’s never too late to become a and for good! Contact me, if you need assistance establishing your supportive care team.

01/04/2021

ESTABLISHING A SUPPORTIVE CARE TEAM: Your Key Player

At the pinnacle of your care team should be your key player, a practitioner who is your main point of contact and who you see first for your needs. The key player should be a willing collaborator who listens to your concerns and helps to illuminate the direction of your healing journey. Their background should fit your healthcare needs, their approach should be thorough, and they should be relatively accessible for appointments and follow-ups. They should make you feel respected, demonstrate genuine care for your long-term well-being, and leave you feeling encouraged about the possibilities of transforming your health.

For me, that person is Roots Whole Health - Dr. Kiran Khaira. Dr. Khaira is a dedicated medical professional who continually demonstrates the qualities of a valuable key player. I consider myself fortunate to be in her care.

If you currently do not have a key player, or if your key player does not provide the support you need, I encourage you to revisit my previous post about assessing your current providers.

01/03/2021

ESTABLISHING A SUPPORTIVE CARE TEAM:
Coordinating Collaboration

An integrative approach to managing a chronic condition often requires seeing multiple practitioners, each with their own methods in guiding us through our healing journeys.

At the core, collaboration is key to unifying our healthcare teams, but because collaboration is not yet a standard practice in routine healthcare, I have taken on that responsibility to ensure the best possible outcome for myself and my health.

With that responsibility, I:
📌 coordinate appointments
📌 streamline communication between practitioners
📌 dedicate time to recognize, record, and discuss my health progress and concerns with practitioners
📌 actively listen to their feedback and advice
📌 carefully assess how their recommendations fit within the scope of my overall healthcare plan
📌 ask questions (A LOT of questions)
📌 research any topics with which I am unfamiliar

Coordinating these efforts can feel time consuming and tiresome, but I have found that the end result is worthwhile!

If you’re not the coordinator of your healthcare team, it’s time to make a change. Commit today, to and become your own .

12/31/2020

ESTABLISHING A SUPPORTIVE CARE TEAM: Assessing Your Current Providers

Just as important as selecting new practitioners is assessing whether or not a current practitioner is a cohesive fit for your healthcare team. Here are questions you can ask yourself to make that determination.

12/30/2020

ESTABLISHING A SUPPORTIVE CARE TEAM: Considerations for Potential Providers

Over the past 4 years, I have seen upwards of 25 practitioners — medical doctors, naturopathic doctors, acupuncturists, health coaches, massage therapists, herbalists, counselors, and more. Some of those practitioners I only saw once, others have become an integral part of my healing journey, providing invaluable insight and guidance.

It’s important that we understand that we shouldn’t feel stuck receiving inadequate care because we’ve been told that it’s our only option.

I’ve learned (and been reassured) that it’s OK to interview practitioners — in fact, it’s our right — before selecting them to become part of our healthcare support team.

Here are a few questions you can ask yourself to determine whether or not a new practitioner is a good fit to your team.