Therapy Options Explained
In a world of fad diets and quick fixes, where people sometimes view wellness practices as a status symbol, IV therapy has taken the spotlight as a modern cure-all. Once confined to hospitals and emergency care, practitioners promote intravenous treatments as an important wellness regimen for the health-conscious individual. But does the science stack up to the hype? This blog post drip-feeds you information on IV therapy, guiding wellness enthusiasts through the pros and cons.
What is IV Therapy?
Intravenous (IV) therapy directly administers fluids, vitamins, minerals, and sometimes medications into the bloodstream. Bypassing the digestive system ensures a higher absorption rate and quicker usefulness than oral ingestion. Critically, it’s a medical professional’s tool for patient care. Still, the wellness industry has adopted it as a quick fix for hydration, energy boosts, and nutrient supplementation.
Pros of IV Therapy in Wellness
Immediate Hydration: Dehydration is a silent creeper that can affect everything from cognitive function to skin health. intravenous treatments deliver hydration straight into your veins; advocates claim you can feel refreshed within minutes.
High Bioavailability: The absorption of nutrients is significantly higher when delivered intravenously. This is a crucial argument, especially for those with malabsorption issues or those seeking immediate nutrients post-excessive alcohol intake or extreme physical exertion.
Customization: Practitioners personalize ‘cocktails’ to address specific wellness goals or deficiencies. Whether it’s a boost in vitamin C, a glutathione shot for antioxidant effects, or magnesium to improve muscle function, there is a concoction for almost every conceivable need.
Convenience: For active individuals or those who abhor pill-popping, IV therapy can be a convenient way to receive nutrients. The sessions typically last under an hour and you can receive them in many clinics and IV lounges around the country.
Cons of IV Therapy in Wellness
Cost and Accessibility: IV regiments have a steep price tag when used regularly. Unless one has a malabsorption issue, daily oral supplements are less expensive and provide the body with more consistent access to the required nutrients. Additionally, as intravenous treatments are not readily accessible to everyone, it raises questions about the equality of health and wellness practices.
Risk of Complications: Although rare, IV therapy carries risks such as infection, vein inflammation, and, in some cases, hypervolemia — an excess of fluid in the bloodstream. Only specially trained medical personnel should perform these treatments.
Lack of Regulation: Government regulations do not hold IV therapy lounges to the same stringent standards as medical facilities. This could pose safety concerns for consumers. It is crucial, if you want to get intravenous treatments, that you attend a reputable clinic and have a licensed professional dose and administer this therapy.
Questionable Necessity: Most individuals can keep optimal hydration levels and nutrient status through diet and oral supplements. For them, IV therapy could be more of a luxury or status symbol than a necessity. The body quickly flushes most of the nutrients out through its system which you can easily see (and smell) in urine.
Research and Evidence
The evidence supporting IV therapy for wellness is a saline bag of mixed results. Limited conclusive research exists on the benefits of intravenous treatments for those without medically necessitated conditions.
Chasing the Vein of Truth
The bottom line? IV therapy for wellness is still an area riddled with anecdotal success stories and a shortage of scientific backup. It might be a shot in the arm for some, while others could see minimal or placebo effects. Personally, IV therapy is often the only thing that gets me back up and running. On the other hand, my husband sees no results at best, and often actually feels worse after IV therapy.
If you’re considering joining the IV league, consult with healthcare professionals, weigh your options, and stay tuned to genuine research. Your wellness routine should be as well-informed as it is well-intentioned.
Remember, the best wellness strategy encompasses a sensible diet, regular exercise, and mindful lifestyle choices. The drip, drip, drip of IV therapy might sound tempting, but don’t let the seduction of the needle prick away at the fabric of holistic health practices.
Stay vibrant, inside and out!
Written by: DeVera Nybo, MBA, Owner, Newleaf Total Wellness Centre.
Healthy Habits & Lifestyle
In an age where health conscientiousness is a lifestyle, supplements have become as ubiquitous as gym memberships and protein shakes. But as our shelves sag under the weight of these promising bottles and packets, it’s crucial to discern the science from the marketing, ensuring that what we ingest aligns with our wellness objectives. This blog post will guide health enthusiasts, fitness fans, and wellness seekers through the complex world of natural aides and remedies.
What Are Supplements?
At their most basic, supplements are products intended to augment the diet. They can include vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, enzymes, and other nutrients. They come in various forms, including tablets, capsules, powders, and liquids.
The general idea is that they can enhance your health. However, it’s important to remember that they are not intended to replace whole foods or a balanced diet but to work alongside them.
The Natural Fallacy
A common misperception about supplements is the belief that ‘natural’ necessarily equals ‘safe.’ Just because a supplement is natural does not mean it lacks side effects or risks. In many cases, ‘natural’ supplements can interact with prescription medications, may not be advisable for specific health conditions, or could even contain contaminants.
Echinacea, widely thought to prevent or treat colds, may interact with medications that affect the liver. Similarly, St. John’s Wort, while natural, can interfere with antidepressants and birth control pills. Always research and understand all the side effects and interactions a supplement might have. If in doubt, consult a Naturopathic Doctor and follow their advice strictly.
Quality Matters: Not All Supplements Are Created Equal
The supplement industry is vast and varied, and not all products adhere to the same quality standards. Some supplements may have filler ingredients, and others could have a higher or lower potency than labelled. Look for certifications or third-party testing from organizations like NSF International to ensure product quality and potency.
Seek Professional Guidance
Before adding any supplement to your regimen, consulting a regulated health professional such as a Naturopathic Doctor is imperative. They possess comprehensive knowledge about supplements, including their benefits, risks, and potential interactions with other medications.
With the explosion of supplement use, many people turn to the internet or gym acquaintances for advice. While well-meaning, such sources may lack the depth of knowledge necessary to provide safe recommendations. Professional advice is not just a formality—it’s a crucial step in safeguarding your health.
Supplements Are Not Silver Bullets
It’s vital to recognize that supplements are not a cure-all. They are not meant to replace the fundamental components of a healthy lifestyle: nutritious meals, regular physical activity, adequate sleep, and stress management. Supplements should enhance, not substitute for, these pillars of health.
Investing in quality whole foods, learning to prepare balanced meals, and maintaining a stable exercise routine are foundational. Supplements can fill nutritional gaps or assist with specific deficiencies, but one should not lean on them as crutches that allow neglect of diet or exercise.
Conclusion
Supplements might play a role in your health strategy, whether you’re looking to optimize your physical performance, enhance your well-being, or address specific health goals. Nonetheless, it’s crucial to approach them with a discerning eye, armed with information and professional guidance.
Remember that the pursuit of health is a holistic endeavour. When supplements find their appropriate place within a balanced lifestyle, they can be beneficial allies on your wellness journey. Always prioritize the natural abundance of nutrients available through a diverse diet and use supplements wisely to augment your path to health.
Remember:
- Verify the safety and quality of any supplement you consider taking.
- Consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if taking other medications.
- Do not rely on supplements to replace a nutritious diet and active lifestyle.
Stay informed, stay healthy, and stay dedicated to your wellness goals. If you have questions about interactions, consider booking an appointment with a Naturopath. If you want to know more about how supplements can help you achieve your nutrition goals, consider booking a consultation with a Holistic Nutritionist.
Written By: DeVera Nybo, MBA, Owner Newleaf Total Wellness Centre
Mental Health and Emotional Wellness
Emotional health in Chinese medicine
plays a vital role in maintaining balance between the mind, spirit, and body. Emotions are natural mental stimuli that influence our lives—but when they become excessive or prolonged, they can disrupt internal harmony and lead to disease. While everyone experiences anger, sadness, worry, or fear, Chinese medicine teaches that emotional health depends on how we process and regulate these feelings.
When Emotions Become Pathological
In Chinese medicine, emotions only cause disease when they are excessive or long-lasting. A brief moment of anger or sadness is normal and harmless. However, chronic emotional strain—such as years of resentment or persistent anxiety—can disturb the mind and damage internal organs.
Emotional health in Chinese medicine is deeply connected to organ function. Each organ holds a specific type of mental energy. When external triggers overwhelm this energy, it transforms into negative emotion. For example, anger affects the Liver because its Qi naturally rises and expands—just like the explosive nature of rage.
The Seven Emotions and Their Organ Connections
Chinese medicine identifies seven key emotions that influence organ health:
- Anger affects the Liver
- Joy affects the Heart
- Worry affects the Lungs and Spleen
- Pensiveness affects the Spleen
- Sadness affects the Lungs and Heart
- Fear affects the Kidneys
- Shock affects the Kidneys and Heart
Anger and the Liver
Anger includes frustration, resentment, and bitterness. When prolonged, it causes Liver Qi stagnation or Liver Fire. Symptoms include headaches, dizziness, red face, and bitter taste. The healthy counterpart of anger is creativity, kindness, and forgiveness.
Joy and the Heart
Excessive joy—like overstimulation or craving—can enlarge and overstimulate the Heart. This leads to insomnia, restlessness, palpitations, and a red tongue tip. Balanced joy manifests as contentment and emotional warmth.
Worry and the Lungs/Spleen
Worry knots Qi and affects both the Lungs and Spleen. Lung-related symptoms include chest tightness and dry cough. Spleen-related symptoms include poor appetite and fatigue. Healthy worry transforms into focus and mental clarity.
Pensiveness and the Spleen
Pensiveness involves overthinking and rumination. It disrupts Spleen Qi and mirrors the effects of worry. Its positive counterpart is mindful reflection and meditation.
Sadness and the Lungs/Heart
Sadness and grief deplete Qi, leading to fatigue and chest stagnation. Over time, this can impair circulation. Balanced sadness becomes hope and inspiration.
Fear and the Kidneys
Fear causes Kidney Qi to descend, leading to symptoms like incontinence or diarrhea. Chronic fear may also stem from Liver-Blood or Gallbladder deficiency. Healthy fear becomes resilience and quiet strength.
Shock and the Heart/Kidneys
Shock scatters Qi and weakens both the Heart and Kidneys. It may cause palpitations, insomnia, dizziness, and night sweats. The antidote is grounding and emotional recovery.
Balancing Emotional Health in Chinese Medicine
Emotional health in Chinese medicine is not about suppressing emotions—it’s about recognizing them and redirecting their energy toward healing. Each emotion has a healthy counterpart. By cultivating awareness and practicing emotional regulation, we protect both our spirit and our organs.
Richard, Zhang, R TCM.P
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