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Monday 9am - 6pm Tuesday 9am - 6pm Wednesday 9am - 6pm Thursday 9am - 6pm Friday 9am - 6pm

Capstone Method & Downstream to Wellness, 110 S Princess Street, Shepherdstown, WV (2025)

12/09/2025

Capstone practioners work with Iliocecal value dysfunction as part of each session.

⭐ Problems Caused by a Dysfunctional Ileocecal Valve (ICV)

(Either stuck open → reflux of material from the colon into the small intestine,
or stuck closed → stagnation and pressure buildup)

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1. Digestive Symptoms
• Gas and bloating (especially lower abdomen)
• Constipation (ICV closed)
• Loose stools or diarrhea (ICV open)
• Irritable bowel-type symptoms
• Undigested food in stools
• Pain in the right lower quadrant (RLQ)
• Alternating constipation and diarrhea
• Nausea or poor appetite
• Excessive belching or flatulence

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2. Systemic / Inflammatory Effects
• Generalized fatigue
• Brain fog
• Increased inflammatory load on the immune system
• Low-grade toxicity symptoms (headache, malaise)
• Skin issues: acne, rashes, eczema-like flares
• Histamine sensitivity or food sensitivities

When the ICV is stuck open, colonic bacteria can move upward → small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)-type symptoms.

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3. Musculoskeletal Pain Patterns

This is the part most relevant to your Capstone Method, strain patterns, and osteopathic practice.

A dysfunctional ICV can refer pain or tension to:
• Right low back pain
• Right sacroiliac (SI) joint pain
• Pain at L4–L5 and L5–S1
• Right hip pain
• Right-sided psoas spasm / hypertonicity
• Right iliacus spasm
• Tensor fasciae latae tightness
• Right anterior thigh tightness
• Right knee pain (medial)
• P***c symphysis strain
• Rib 10–12 restriction (via fascial/visceral attachments)
• Thoracolumbar junction tightness

In osteopathic teachings, the ICV is a major source of right-sided pelvic instability.

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4. Autonomic / Nervous System Effects
• Vagal irritation → nausea, lightheadedness
• Sympathetic overactivation from chronic irritation
• Sleep disturbances
• Stress intolerance
• Anxiety-like symptoms due to gut–brain signaling disruption

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5. Immune and Microbial Issues
• Increased susceptibility to gut infections
• Dysbiosis
• Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)
• Local ileocecal lymphatic congestion
• Reduced gut barrier integrity → “leaky gut”-type symptoms

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6. Referred Symptoms Commonly Seen in Practice

Many practitioners report these patterns:
• Pain around the right shoulder (shared embryologic/fascial connections via liver/ascending colon patterns)
• Lower abdominal tenderness or swelling
• A sense of “fullness” or “pressure” in the lower right abdomen
• Sensation of incomplete bowel emptying

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⭐ Most Common Clinical Presentation

Based on manual therapy patterns:

Right-sided low back pain + bloating + tenderness at McBurney’s point = suspect ICV dysfunction.

12/09/2025

⭐ How Healthy Is Water Kefir?

Short answer: Very healthy when made properly.
It provides probiotics, mild vitamins, organic acids, and gut-supporting compounds without the heaviness of dairy kefir.

Here’s the full picture:

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✅ 1. It’s rich in diverse probiotics

Water kefir contains many beneficial strains, including:
• Lactobacillus
• Bifidobacterium
• Leuconostoc
• Saccharomyces yeasts

This diversity is excellent for gut balance because it includes both bacteria and friendly yeasts, which helps:
• improve digestion
• reduce bloating
• support immune function
• calm inflammation

It’s gentler than kombucha and tolerated well by most people.

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✅ 2. Low sugar when fermented correctly

Most of the sugar is eaten by the grains.
Properly fermented kefir water has:
• low actual sugar
• very mild insulin impact
• slightly acidic pH that supports digestion

If you ferment 48 hours, sugar drops even more.

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✅ 3. Supports immune system health

About 70% of the immune system lives in the gut lining.
Probiotics help:
• strengthen the gut barrier
• support antibody production
• reduce chronic low-grade inflammation
• improve nutrient absorption

This is one of the reasons many people feel a “lift” from daily kefir water.

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✅ 4. Helps with detoxification (indirectly)

Water kefir itself isn’t a detox like herbs,
but it supports the detox organs by helping:
• regular bowel movements
• elimination of waste
• reduction of harmful gut bacteria
• improved liver metabolic pathways through gut–liver signaling

This makes it great for lymph drainage clients too.

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✅ 5. Can improve mood and brain function (gut–brain axis)

By improving microbiome balance, water kefir may:
• reduce anxiety
• improve sleep
• enhance focus
• elevate mood

This is because gut bacteria produce neurotransmitters like GABA and serotonin precursors.

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⚠️ Possible Downsides (mild and avoidable)
• If it’s under-fermented, it may contain too much sugar.
• If someone has SIBO, they may react to the probiotics.
• If someone is fermenting with too much fruit, the secondary ferment can add sugar back in.

You and Lori probably already avoid these issues.

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⭐ Bottom Line

Water kefir is one of the healthiest, easiest, most gut-supportive probiotic drinks available.
It’s low sugar, full of beneficial microbes, supports digestion and immunity, and works well with lymphatic drainage, manual therapy, and your Capstone Method philosophy.

12/08/2025

Astaxanthin, NAC, Alpha-Lipoic Acid, TUDCA, and Black Seed Oil: A Synergistic Cellular Support System

Astaxanthin
A potent lipid-soluble antioxidant that protects cell membranes and mitochondria.
• Reduces inflammation
• Supports brain, eye, and cardiovascular health
• Enhances mitochondrial resilience and energy output

N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)
A precursor to glutathione, the body’s master detoxifier.
• Supports liver detox pathways
• Reduces oxidative stress
• Protects lung tissue and enhances immune response

Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA)
A universal antioxidant effective in both water and fat-based tissues.
• Regenerates vitamins C, E, and glutathione
• Supports nerve health and blood sugar regulation
• Enhances mitochondrial energy metabolism

TUDCA (Tauroursodeoxycholic Acid / “Tudcor”)
A bile-acid derivative used for liver and cellular protection.
• Reduces bile stagnation and supports optimal liver flow
• Protects mitochondrial membranes
• Helps stabilize protein folding inside cells (reducing ER stress)
• Often used to support detoxification and liver recovery

Black Seed Oil (Nigella Sativa)
Historically used for its anti-inflammatory and immune-balancing effects.
• Powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
• Supports cardiovascular and metabolic health
• May enhance glutathione levels and cellular defense

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How They Work Together: Synergy at the Cellular Level

1. Mitochondrial Protection & Energy
• Astaxanthin + ALA protect mitochondrial membranes and improve efficiency.
• TUDCA reduces mitochondrial stress and stabilizes energy production.

2. Glutathione Amplification
• NAC boosts glutathione production.
• ALA helps recycle and regenerate glutathione.
• Black seed oil supports antioxidant enzyme activity.

This creates a stronger internal detox and repair system.

3. Liver Support & Detoxification
• TUDCA assists bile flow and reduces liver congestion.
• NAC + ALA support phase I & II liver detox pathways.
• Black seed oil reduces inflammation around hepatic tissue.

4. Inflammation Reduction

All five compounds have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that complement each other, promoting healthier tissues, improved recovery, and better metabolic stability.

12/08/2025

QUERCETIN

The Mitochondrial Support & Anti-Inflammation Workhorse

Primary Actions
• Activates AMPK, SIRT1, and PGC-1α → signals the body to improve mitochondrial efficiency and repair
• Potent antioxidant → protects mitochondria from oxidative damage
• Enhances cellular resilience during stress and inflammation

Best For
• Reducing chronic inflammation
• Supporting muscle stamina and recovery
• Protecting brain cells from oxidative stress
• Improving oxygen efficiency (pairs beautifully with Buteyko breathing)

Clinical Pearl
Quercetin facilitates cleaner mitochondrial energy, especially in tissues with high fatigue (soleus, diaphragm, brain).
Perfect to pair with lymphatic work and vagal reset techniques.

Typical Dose: 250–500 mg/day (humans absorb it better with vitamin C or bromelain)

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🔷 2. RESVERATROL

The Longevity Pathway & Genetic Signaling Activator

Primary Actions
• Strong activation of SIRT1, the same gene upregulated during fasting
• Improves mitochondrial quality by enhancing mitophagy (removal of damaged mitochondria)
• Anti-inflammatory, endothelial-protective (helps blood vessels)
• Supports insulin sensitivity and metabolic flexibility

Best For
• Slowing cellular aging
• Improving vascular health and microcirculation
• Supporting brain aging and cognitive longevity
• Synergy with fasting, cold exposure, and breathwork

Clinical Pearl
Resveratrol’s real power isn’t “energy.”
Its power is clean-up and genetic regulation — keeping your cellular environment younger, clearer, and less inflammatory.

Typical Dose: 150–300 mg/day (must be taken with some fat for absorption)

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🔷 3. NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide)

The NAD⁺ Booster → Direct Fuel for Cellular Energy Production

Primary Actions
• Raises NAD⁺, a cofactor required for mitochondrial ATP production
• Enhances DNA repair through PARP and sirtuin pathways
• Improves metabolic rate, insulin sensitivity, and cellular detox capacity
• Supports brain energy, circadian rhythm, and recovery

Best For
• Increasing cellular energy directly
• Repairing DNA damage (aging, inflammation, radiation exposure)
• Improving sleep–wake regulation and brain clarity
• Supporting recovery from chronic fatigue or metabolic slowdown

Clinical Pearl
NMN is like giving your cells better gas (more NAD⁺).
Resveratrol is like improving the engine programming.
Quercetin is like protecting the engine from corrosion and enhancing oxygen efficiency.

Typical Dose: 300–600 mg/day (best in the morning, may increase alertness)

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⭐ How They Work Together (The Real Magic)

These three compounds form a synergistic triangle:

Quercetin → Protects & activates energy pathways

Resveratrol → Optimizes genetic signaling & longevity

NMN → Provides the raw energy currency (NAD⁺)

Together they support:
• stronger mitochondrial biogenesis
• cleaner ATP production
• reduced inflammation
• improved tissue repair
• deeper nervous system resilience
• better metabolic flexibility

In a Capstone Method framework, this combination helps tissues maintain fluidity, adaptability, and responsiveness — the essence of healing.

12/06/2025

✅ TUDCA for Liver Protection

What it is

TUDCA is a bile acid derivative naturally produced in small amounts in the body.
It is one of the strongest clinically supported liver-protective agents available.

Doctors prescribe or recommend it when patients are taking medications that:
• Stress the liver
• Elevate liver enzymes
• Require detoxification through bile pathways
• Cause cholestasis (sluggish bile flow)

This includes drugs like ivermectin and fenbendazole.

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✅ How TUDCA Protects the Liver

1. Reduces liver inflammation

TUDCA stabilizes hepatic cells and prevents damage from toxins and medications.

2. Improves bile flow

This is the big one.
It increases the watery component of bile, reducing:
• Sludging
• Thick bile
• Bile duct pressure
• Gallbladder irritation

This directly helps with:
• Right costal margin thickening
• Gallbladder tenderness
• Poor gurgle during liver pump
• Difficulty releasing anterior 3rd rib reflex

3. Prevents cholestasis

TUDCA keeps bile moving so the liver doesn’t get congested.

4. Protects mitochondria in liver cells

This reduces fatigue and improves cellular detox.

5. Lowers elevated liver enzymes

Studies show TUDCA can reduce:
• ALT
• AST
• GGT

Especially when elevations are due to medications.

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✅ Why doctors pair TUDCA with ivermectin or fenbendazole

Both of those drugs are hepatically metabolized.

Fenbendazole particularly increases:
• Bile viscosity
• Hepatic enzyme load
• Detoxification demand

So doctors often add TUDCA as a protective bu

12/05/2025

Black Seed Oil — Effects on the Lymphatic System

1. Reduces Interstitial Inflammation → Improves Lymph Fluid Mobility

The lymphatic system struggles when the interstitium becomes sticky, acidic, or inflamed.
Thymoquinone (TQ), the main active compound in black seed oil:
• Down-regulates pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6).
• Reduces COX & LOX inflammatory pathways.
• Softens the extracellular matrix (ECM) by lowering oxidative stress.

Result:
A softer, less congested interstitial environment → easier lymph uptake into initial lymphatics.

This is one of the most important effects for manual therapists.

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2. Mild Immune Modulation Supports Node Function

The lymphatic system is 80% immune architecture.
Black seed oil does not stimulate the immune system aggressively — instead, it modulates it:
• Improves macrophage efficiency.
• Reduces hyperreactivity of mast cells.
• Balances T-cell response.

Why this matters:
Over-reactive immune states can cause nodal congestion, particularly in cervical, axillary, and mesenteric nodes.
By calming inflammatory overdrive, black seed oil indirectly restores normal lymph-node filtration efficiency.

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3. Improves Respiratory Lymph Drainage (Bronchial & Mediastinal)

In respiratory pathways, black seed oil:
• Acts as a bronchodilator (via nigellone).
• Reduces mucus viscosity.
• Lowers mast-cell activation.

This reduces load on:
• Peribronchial lymphatics
• Mediastinal nodes
• Supraclavicular drainage zones

Clinical implication:
Works synergistically with your thoracic inlet, ribs 2–4, and supraclavicular drainage work.

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4. Reduces Histamine Load → Less Lymphatic Overwhelm

High-histamine states create:
• Nasal congestion
• Sinus pressure
• Cervical lymph overload
• Puffy eyes / periorbital swelling

Black seed oil is a natural antihistamine, lowering the inflammatory burden that lymph nodes need to process.

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5. Supports Liver Lymphatics (the largest lymph-producing organ)

The liver produces more than half of the body’s lymph.
Inflamed liver tissue → thicker lymph → slower thoracic duct movement.

Black seed oil:
• Improves hepatic microcirculation
• Reduces oxidative stress in hepatocytes
• Stabilizes inflammation in the portal system

Result:
Cleaner, thinner lymph produced in the liver → better flow through cisterna chyli & thoracic duct.

This aligns perfectly with your Liver → Kidney → Respiratory protocols.

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6. Indirect Support for Lymphangiomotor Activity

There is early evidence (animal + cellular studies) showing thymoquinone:
• Enhances nitric oxide (NO) signaling
• Reduces sympathetic overdrive

Because lymphangions contract 8–12× per minute under normal tone, anything that reduces sympathetic vasoconstriction can:
• Improve lymphangion rhythm
• Reduce lymphatic “spasm”
• Improve collector flow rates

This is mechanistically similar to how massage + MLD improve flow by reducing sympathetic tension.

12/03/2025

Blood Flow, Lymph Flow & Healing Chronic Pain
Healthy blood and lymphatic flow form the foundation of healing. Chronic pain rarely occurs
without some degree of stagnation or restriction in these systems. When circulation moves freely,
the body is able to repair damaged tissue, clear inflammation, restore mobility, and decrease pain.

When fluid movement becomes obstructed, the result is stagnation, congestion, and the gradual
development of chronic symptoms that resist traditional treatment. Physical injuries, postural
strain, and emotional stress all contribute to these restrictions. Tissues that have tightened,
twisted, or compressed over time cannot receive adequate oxygen, nutrients, or lymphatic
clearance. Stressful periods often coincide with flare-ups of old injuries, and emotional tension can
amplify physical discomfort. The body remembers every experience—physical or emotional—and
these patterns directly alter circulation and fluid dynamics. The Capstone Method draws deeply
from the early principles of osteopathy. Andrew Taylor Still emphasized that when circulation is
restored, natural healing follows.

Neuroimmune research confirms this close relationship among the nervous system, immune
system, and emotional state. When blood or lymphatic movement becomes compromised, tissues
fall into hypoperfusion and hypoxia—reduced blood supply and reduced oxygen. This is the
hidden mechanism behind chronic pain, stiffness, or fatigue. The location of the pain is not always
the source of the problem; restrictions in one area often create symptoms in another because the
body operates as one continuous system. Pain receptors become irritated when tissues are
compressed, inflamed, or deprived of oxygen. As fluid movement improves, these nerves calm
down, inflammation clears, and normal movement patterns return.

Restoring fluid flow is both a mechanical process and a neurological reset. For ongoing health and long-term recovery,

The Capstone Method recommends one Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) session each month.
Regular MLD helps maintain smooth lymph flow, reduces inflammatory buildup, supports immune
health, and prevents the body from slipping back into stagnation after stress, travel, illness, or
physical strain. Monthly sessions allow the body to stay ahead of congestion rather than chasing
symptoms after they appear. In the Capstone perspective, no system heals in isolation. Blood
flow, lymph flow, fascia, neural pathways, and emotional patterns are woven together in one
dynamic network. By restoring movement and circulation, the body regains its natural ability to
repair itself and return to balance.

11/30/2025

Right Shoulder Pain & the Liver

Why your shoulder may hurt even when nothing is “wrong” with the shoulder

What’s the connection?

Your liver sits under the right ribs and shares nerves and connective tissue pathways with the right side of your neck and shoulder.
When the liver becomes irritated, inflamed, or congested, the body may “refer” that discomfort to the right shoulder.

This means you can feel pain in the shoulder, even though the shoulder itself is not the real problem.

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Common Symptoms of Liver-Related Right Shoulder Pain

You may notice:
• A deep ache in the right shoulder that won’t go away
• Tightness in the upper trapezius or neck that keeps coming back
• A “frozen shoulder” pattern that doesn’t improve with normal treatment
• Pain or stiffness worse at night or after meals
• A feeling of fullness under the right ribs
• Difficulty lifting the arm overhead
• Pain that doesn’t match typical muscle or joint testing
• First rib or scalene tension that returns right after treatment
• Shoulder pain that flares with emotional stress or digestive issues

Other clues:
• History of gallbladder issues or removal
• Fatty liver, liver inflammation, or slow digestion
• Medication use that stresses the liver
• Past viral illness that affected the liver

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Why this happens

The liver shares nerve pathways with the area around the right shoulder.
When the liver is irritated:
• The phrenic nerve becomes more sensitive
• This nerve connects to the C3–C5 neck region
• Those nerves also supply the right shoulder and upper trap

So your brain may “misread” the signal, and you feel it as shoulder pain.

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How treatment helps

By gently improving the mobility of the liver and diaphragm, tension in the shoulder often decreases quickly.
Many clients say:

“My shoulder suddenly feels lighter,”
“I can raise my arm again,”
“That deep ache finally released.”

Treatment may include:
• Soft visceral techniques to release the liver
• Diaphragm and rib mobility work
• Improving lymphatic drainage
• Releasing the neck and upper traps once the organ is balanced

This approach works when traditional shoulder treatments don’t.

11/29/2025

🦴 Why manual therapists love Boswellia
• Reduces periarticular inflammation
• Helps calm facet irritation, sacroiliac tension, disc congestion
• May improve fluid dynamics (less inflammatory edema → better drainage)
• Especially good for long-term joint degeneration patterns

For your lymphatic clients, Boswellia can reduce the inflammatory load that contributes to congestion and poor drainage.

11/25/2025

There is a reason we balance the sympathetic and parasympathetic elements of the autonomic nervous system during our sessions.

Understanding Your Sympathetic Nervous System
Your body has two main “automatic” systems that help regulate stress, healing, and fluid movement.
One of these is the sympathetic nervous system (SNS)— often called the “fight or flight” system.

When the sympathetic nervous system is stuck in fight or flight it:
• Increases alertness and tension
• Tightens (constricts) blood vessels
• Slows lymphatic drainage
• Can make tissues feel tight, swollen, or painful

Why Fluid Movement Matters
Healthy circulation and lymph flow help your body:
• Reduce inflammation
• Remove waste products
• Deliver nutrients to tissues
• Heal efficiently
When the SNS is too active for too long, fluid gets “stuck.” This can cause muscle tightness, swelling,
or discomfort.

The Thoracic Spine Connection
The nerves that influence most of these reactions run through your mid back, called the thoracic
spine. When this area becomes tight or irritated, the SNS becomes more active—leading to full body
effects.

How Treatment Helps You Feel Better
Your session focuses on calming the sympathetic system and improving fluid flow. When this system
settles down:
• Blood vessels relax
• Circulation improves
• Swelling reduces
• Muscles soften
• Pain decreases
• Healing speeds up

When balance is achieved, the effects of Manual Lymphatic Drainage are greatly enhanced. It also allows the musculoskeletal work to be well received by the body you’re working on. Corrections hold much longer. received by the body you’re working on

11/24/2025

This one is the bomb
🌿 CLEAVERS + BURDOCK (Combined)

This is one of the strongest non-stimulating “drain-and-cleanse” herb pairs you can use.

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🔥 THE SYNERGY

Think of the combination as a two-phase fluid purification system:

1. Cleavers → Moves the lymph
• Opens lymphatic flow
• Softens edema
• Helps collectors pump
• Clears lymph nodes
• Relieves puffiness (especially neck, face, periorbital)

2. Burdock → Purifies the blood + supports liver detox
• Clears metabolic waste that lymph brings to the bloodstream
• Enhances liver Phase II conjugation
• Reduces overall inflammatory burden
• Helps skin clear when lymph and liver are overwhelmed

Together → A COMPLETE lymph–blood–liver drainage loop

Most herbs do only one piece — this pair completes the circle.

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🧬 PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS (When Combined)

The combo provides multi-level detox support without forcing anything:

1. Lymphatic system
• Increased lymph movement
• More efficient node filtration
• Reduced lymphatic stagnation
• Better interstitial fluid balance
• Decreased puffiness and “bogginess”

2. Liver + blood
• Faster clearance of inflammatory cytokines
• Removal of metabolic byproducts
• Lowered burden on lymphatic collectors
• Improved bile flow → better fat digestion
• Skin becomes clearer due to less waste circulating

3. Systemic inflammation reduction
• Cleavers reduces lymph tissue inflammation
• Burdock lowers chronic inflammatory load
• Great for joint pain, autoimmune flares, allergies

4. Skin + fascia

Because lymph drains inflammation and burdock purifies blood:
• Rashes calm
• Eczema/psoriasis improve
• Fascia feels less “thick” or swollen
• Better gliding of superficial tissues

This is noticeable during manual therapy.

Capstone Method & Downstream to Wellness

12/09/2025

12/09/2025

12/08/2025

12/08/2025

12/06/2025

12/05/2025

12/03/2025

11/30/2025

11/29/2025

11/25/2025

11/24/2025

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Monday	9am - 6pm
Tuesday	9am - 6pm
Wednesday	9am - 6pm
Thursday	9am - 6pm
Friday	9am - 6pm