Up North Natural Health and Wellness

04/23/2026

https://youtu.be/Q7W0awe36aQ?si=xJNkmKkKqUXZl1qp

35 likes, 1 comment. "Why the Empath Personality Becomes Powerful Later in Life | Chase Hughes"

04/19/2026

Non-Pharmacological Interventions (NPIs) are increasingly being introduced into healthcare, but their mechanisms are unclear. In this study, 30 healthy participants received foot reflexology (FR) and sham massage, and went through a resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) to ev...

04/15/2026

Pregnancy is beautiful, but it can also be uncomfortable.

Reflexology offers gentle, natural support for women through every stage, from easing stress, morning sickness to helping the body adapt to physical changes.

One area I’ve seen incredible results with is p***c symphysis pain. Two of my clients arrived with it, one barely able to walk without discomfort, and after reflexology, the pain disappeared.

The body truly wants to find balance, sometimes it just needs the right nudge.

Reflexology can support:
🌿 pelvic alignment
🌿 lower back tension
🌿 hip discomfort
🌿 swelling
🌿 sleep
🌿 emotional overwhelm
🌿 overall relaxation for mum and baby
🌿 giving birth

Pregnancy doesn’t have to be endured.
Your body is doing something extraordinary, and it deserves care that feels safe, gentle, and deeply supportive.

***csymphysis

04/14/2026

🌿 If you love learning new wellness tools, this is your sign. Countdown is on. Essential Oil Foundations registration closes April 16 — snag your spot while you can. 🕰️

📞 Must RSVP for class by April 16, 2025, either Venmo purchase or call/text: 231-252-5918 - Traci Shetler
Cost of Workshop:
Non-Client Pricing: $157.00
Current Client Pricing: $147.00 - Client Appreciation Discount, a $10 savings.

Participants receive a professionally designed workbook that supports learning, note‑taking, and continued reference at home. The class blends evidence‑informed education with approachable, real‑world application, making it ideal for beginners and wellness enthusiasts alike.

Class Description 📋

Essential Oil Foundations is a comprehensive 4‑hour educational experience designed to help participants understand the science, safety, and therapeutic potential of essential oils. Through guided demonstrations and hands‑on learning, students explore aromatic, topical, and internal applications while gaining clarity on dilution, safety considerations, and practical everyday use.

04/14/2026

🪢 Apron Belly & Your Lymphatic System 🌊

By Bianca Botha, CLT | RLD | MLDT

🍃 What is an “Apron Belly”?

An apron belly (also called a panniculus or abdominal overhang) develops when excess fat and skin fold over the lower abdomen. It often appears after pregnancy, menopause, significant weight changes, or genetic fat distribution patterns. While it’s usually discussed in terms of appearance or discomfort, apron belly also has a direct impact on your lymphatic system.

🌊 How Apron Belly Affects the Lymphatic System

1. Compression of Lymphatic Vessels
• The weight of the overhanging tissue presses on superficial lymphatic vessels in the inguinal region (groin) and lower abdomen.
• This slows drainage from the legs, pelvic organs, and lower trunk, often leading to swelling in thighs, knees, and feet.

2. Impaired Venous Return
• Lymph and venous blood flow work together. A panniculus compresses abdominal and iliac veins, reducing fluid clearance and worsening heaviness in the lower limbs.

3. Moisture & Inflammation
• Skin folds create warm, moist environments. This encourages chronic low-grade inflammation and infections (intertrigo), which increase lymphatic burden.

4. Obstructed Core Pumping
• Normal lymph flow depends on diaphragm movement and abdominal pressure changes. Extra abdominal weight + apron fold restrict diaphragmatic breathing, weakening this natural “lymph pump.”

5. Cascading Effect
• When drainage slows in the abdomen, fluid backs up in the lower body. This leads to heaviness, cellulitis risk, delayed healing, and restricted mobility.

🧬 Clinical Observations
• Patients with apron belly often show sluggish inguinal node response and leg/ankle edema.
• Chronic congestion may progress to secondary lymphedema.
• In those with lipedema (a genetic, hormonal adipose/connective tissue disorder), apron belly worsens fluid overload. Over time, this may lead to lipo-lymphoedema — the overlap of lipedema and secondary lymphedema.
• Important distinction: lipedema is not caused by lymphedema. Lipedema is hereditary and hormonally triggered (puberty, pregnancy, menopause), but untreated congestion can accelerate progression into lipo-lymphoedema.
• In obesity, fat tissue itself is inflamed, producing cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α), further overloading the lymphatics and impairing mitochondrial energy.

🌱 Supporting Lymphatic Flow with Apron Belly
1. Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD): Clears congested abdominal and inguinal nodes.
2. Abdominal Breathing & Core Work: Diaphragmatic breathing and gentle exercises pump lymph.
3. Garment Support: Abdominal binders or supportive compression reduce mechanical drag.
4. Skin Care: Keeping folds dry and clean lowers infection risk → reduces inflammatory load.
5. Movement Therapy: Walking, aquatic exercise, and pelvic tilts aid lymph return from legs.
6. Weight Management & Anti-Inflammatory Diet: Decreases cytokine burden on the lymphatics.

✨ Takeaway

An apron belly is more than skin deep — it directly blocks lymphatic highways in your abdomen, slowing detox and drainage. While apron belly itself does not cause lipedema, it can worsen congestion, trigger secondary lymphedema, and accelerate progression toward lipo-lymphoedema in those genetically predisposed.

By supporting lymph flow through therapy, movement, and lifestyle care, you can ease swelling, reduce pain, improve comfort, and protect long-term lymphatic health.

📌 This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, exercise, or health regimen.

04/14/2026

04/14/2026

04/12/2026

🌿 Ready to explore the world of essential oils? Join our Essential Oils 101 Workshop and learn how to use oils safely, confidently, and creatively. Perfect for beginners! ✨
Smell, sample, and blend your way into natural wellness.

Date: April 18, 2025, Saturday
Time: 10 AM to 2 PM
Cost: $157 Non-Client
& $147 For Current Clients (Appreciation Discount)
Location: 2919 Raymo Rd, South Boardman, MI 49680

Participants receive a professionally designed workbook that supports learning, note‑taking, and continued reference at home. The class blends evidence‑informed education with approachable, real‑world application, making it ideal for beginners and wellness enthusiasts alike.

Must RSVP for class by either Venmo purchase or call/text: 231-252-5918 - Traci Shetler