Natural Therapies/Remedies Archives - Natural Life News & Directory

Myofascial Release Technique

for Increased Cellular Hydration

John F. Barnes, PT
March – April 2025 • Vol 4, No 15

Q. Someone recently asked me, “It seems like we’ve become a society that’s obsessed with hydration. Every-where you go, people have their water bottles in tow. How does our fascial system correlate with cellular hydration? How do we keep our cells truly hydrated?

A. Yes, it seems everyone is guzzling copious amounts of water these days. How can we be sure this water penetrates into the interior of the cells? Or is it sometimes like pouring water over stones?

The “stones” I’m referring to are the collagenous restrictions of the fascial system that do not show up on any standard testing now being done. The “ground substance” of the fascial system—the environment of every cell of our body—should be in a gelatinous-to-fluid state. When we undergo trauma or a “thwarted” inflammatory process, this ground substance dehydrates and becomes hard, producing crushing pressure on the cells and blocking the flow of not only water, but also nutrition, oxygen, hormones, and/or medicine into the cells’ interior. These fascial restrictions also block the excretion of toxins from the cell. In these locations, no matter how much water you take in, it doesn’t get to where your body needs it the most. Myofascial Release (MFR) releases these restrictions and enhances cellular function.

MFR applies gentle, sustained pressure into the myofascial connective tissue restrictions to eliminate pain and restore motion. Along with this work, we promote movement therapy, education in body mechanics, self-treatment instructions, and improvements in strength, flexibility, and posture. Each MFR session is performed directly on the skin without oils, creams, or machinery. This enables the therapist to accurately detect fascial restrictions and apply the appropriate amount of sustained pressure to facilitate release of the fascia.

The most interesting aspect of the fascial system is that it’s not just a system of separate coverings. It’s one continuous structure that exists from head to toe without interruption. Each part of the body is connected to every other part by the fascia, just like the yarn of a sweater.

Trauma, inflammatory responses, scar tissue, and/or surgical procedures create restrictions that can produce

tensile pressure of approximately 2,000 pounds per square inch on pain-sensitive structures. A high percentage of people suffering from pain and/or lack of motion may be having fascial problems, but are not diagnosed.

Originally published in John F. Barnes’ Myofascial Release Newsletter, this article is sponsored by Mary Loveless, LMT, PDA, C.Ped, a practitioner of the John F. Barnes Approach to Myofascial Release. To find an MFR therapist near you, visit: MyofascialRelease.com, or visit the offices in Great Falls or Florence, MT.

Back in Motion • Great Falls, MT • 612 1st Avenue South • (406) 750-2655

Eastside Physical Therapy & Body Restoration • Florence, MT • 5501 Hwy 93 N • (406) 777-2679

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2025-02-27T06:27:53-07:00Natural Therapies/Remedies|

Marlenea La Shomb—A Tribute

“Heaven Sent” Natural-Health Pioneer

Denis Ouellette & Marian Kozlik
March – April 2025 • Vol 4, No 15

A dear friend of ours went to heaven last month. Thank you, Marlenea, for 30 years of partnership and your many excellent contributions to this magazine!

I first met Marlenea when she came with her pre-teen son, now in his forties, to volunteer in erecting hefty Army tents for a big church conference we were having; this was some time in the early 1990s. Her first writing for this magazine was in 2005. Our collaborations grew from there. Many of you know I do breathwork, and she co-facilitated these seminars many times, in many locations around Montana and beyond. For several years, she wrote TWO articles in each issue of Natural Life News. She even distributed up to 25 boxes of the paper magazine around Bozeman for years, before we went full-digital at the end of 2022.

Her love of knowledge for all things natural was insatiable. Just some of her topics included: gardening and foraging, recipes, natural remedies (she became a Naturopathic Doctor), improving vision, Auriculotherapy (“reflexology for the ears”), rebounding for health (Certified Reboundologist), life and love lessons, hormonal and gut health, seasonal eating, minerals, the homeopathic cell salts, composting, fermenting, and even WWOOFing!

Our archives have these article topics (and more) posted, going back to 2017. (My deeper archives have PDFs going back another ten years.) Her own page on Natural Life News, as one of our beloved columnists, can be accessed HERE. (One of her articles is on the next page.) Check them out, and you will surely “Jumpstart Your Health!”

She would come over to my house every two months, with her books and handwritten notes, excited to hammer out her latest articles. Teaching about natural health was one of her many passions. She even did Toastmasters with me for years. Soon, all her butterflies were gone, and she became an excellent lecturer.

Marlenea, we love you, we miss you, and we wish you many happy adventures as you journey on!

—Denis Ouellette

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

Marlenea, you’re a precious friend, a soul sister, garden buddy, and playmate. As I walk past our rebounder there you are jumping. In the kitchen we are preparing meals and luscious desserts. Your recipes show up randomly and I smell and taste them. Garden plots you’ve planted rest in stillness yet the moist soil is felt on these hands. My heart swells with joy as I hear your laughter and see your smiling eyes. Our embrace lasts for an eternity, for truly we are one.

—Marian Kozlik

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Sun “Kissed” & Heaven Sent

The Delicious Versatility of Citrus Peels

Feed My Sheep • Recipes for Life

Marlenea La Shomb, ND, LMT • Jumpstart Your Health

All fruits are sun-kissed, yet the citrus family comes in right at the top in terms of the needed hours of sunlight to grow an abundance of juicy fruits. Mostly eaten raw, we juice lemons, limes, oranges and grapefruits, and we zest the peels. Lemon juice is a wonderfully healthy replacement for vinegar in salad dressings. My mom’s and my favorite jam has always been orange marmalade, made from the sour-orange rind.

It wasn’t until I studied the use of food from other countries, in this case citrus, that I realized how much we throw away that other cultures find uses for. Years ago, I learned that the pith (the chewy, white part under the skin) is a main source for rutin.

Rutin is a bioflavonoid that is found in apples, buckwheat, most citrus fruits, figs, and both black and green tea. It has powerful antioxidant properties. It also helps your body produce collagen and utilize vitamin C. It is included in more than 130 therapeutic, medicinal preparations, and by itself, offers a number of health benefits, such as: Helps blood circulation, prevents blood clots, lowers cholesterol, reduces arthritis pain, and even heals bruising. [HEALTHLINE.COM]

Oriental chefs cut the peels in very fine slices, sauté them in garlic and oil, and add them to veggie dishes, and they will quickly deep-fry them until crunchy to use them as chow mein noodles. It’s delicious! Choosing to go without the oil frying, I cut my citrus peels thinly and dehydrate them at 115o, saving the nutrients that are cook/heat-sensitive. They still come out crunchy for a topping on salads.

If you’re out of lemons, you can still take the dried peels and blend them in with salad dressings or in humus for that livened, lemony flavor. Last of all, I powder the thinly sliced, dried peels in my NutriBullet personal blender. This fine powder I then add to smoothies, sauces—anything where I am looking for a hint of lemon zestiness.

Now, for the best part! Use this nutrient-rich, colorful citrus powder as a powdered-sugar substitute. Here’s my recipe: Take some heaven-sent, sun-kissed dates, remove the pits, slide in some nut butter to hold a nut inside. (I use pecans.) Now, roll them in your orange-peel powder. Oh yum!

That hint of bitter from the citrus peels, which is not as familiar to us in the West, actually helps with liver function. However, if you like things sweeter, mix a 3/4 portion of orange powder with 1/4 of coconut sugar. I tried it both ways. Give your friends and family the taste test. Try your citrus powders in raw, energy cookie balls or in baked cookies. Enjoy all the energetic vitality in your citrus peels. Always have the dried peels of lemons, limes, oranges, pink grapefruits, even when they’re out of season, right in your own cupboard—year-round!

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2025-02-27T06:27:54-07:00Natural Therapies/Remedies|

EECP & Hyperbaric Oxygen—

A Dynamic Combination

CJ Puotinen
March – April 2025 • Vol 4, No 15

For over 14 years, Dynamic Health Technologies in Helena has helped patients recover from cardiovascular disease, stroke, traumatic brain injury, diabetic neuropathy, slow-healing wounds, cognitive decline, long Covid, and other conditions by combining two therapies that work well together.

“Enhanced External Counter Pulsation or EECP and hyperbaric oxygen therapy or HBOT are natural partners,” says Dynamic Health Technologies’ CEO, Carol Wilcock, R.N., “because they work together in different ways to speed healing. One gives the cells energy (oxygen) and stimulates the cells while the other stimulates the production of blood vessels to get nutrients to more places.”

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy or HBOT involves relaxing in a pressurized chamber that saturates the body with oxygen. HBOT has been shown to:

Increase oxygen utilization by saturating the plasma so it reaches tissues that have limited blood flow.
Support brain function by enhancing neuroplasticity so it may aid recovery from stroke, traumatic brain injury, and cognitive decline.
Boost immunity by improving white blood cell function to fight infection and speed recovery of wounds, diabetic ulcers, and other chronic conditions.
Reduce inflammation through anti-inflammatory counter pressure.
Increase Stem Cell production, which improves tissue repair and regeneration.

“One of our clients in his 40’s had been told his liver was so damaged that he only had months to live,” says Wilcock. “After a couple of weeks of HBOT he said, ‘Oh, my gosh, I might not die! I feel like getting out of bed.’ He is one of DHT’s great success stories and demonstrates how taking charge of his own health created a new path. He is thriving in a new job and going back to school.”

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved HBOT for conditions like carbon monoxide poisoning, air or gas embolism, gas gangrene, acute traumatic injuries, decompression sickness, central retinal artery occlusion, severe anemia, intercranial abscess, necrotizing soft tissue infections, osteomyelitis, delayed radiation injury (soft tissue and bone necrosis), compromised skin grafts, acute thermal burn injury, and idiopathic sudden sensori-neural hearing loss. Emergency Conditions are always best treated at hospitals with high-pressure chambers.

Conditions added by Physicians at Ohio’s famous Cleveland Clinic (my.clevelandclinic.org) are strokes, traumatic brain injuries, heart attacks, and most neuro-degenerative conditions. Their overview of HBOT includes alternative medicine-center claims that it helps treat age-related symptoms or conditions, autism spectrum disorder, COVID-19, HIV and AIDS, depression, strokes, hair loss (alopecia), migraine headaches, and sports injuries. The clinic warns that there is currently insufficient research and testing in the medical literature to prove the safety and efficacy of HBOT for those conditions, but they are widely used and obvious topics for research studies.

For a detailed description of HBOT, see Oxygen Under Pressure: Using Hyperbaric Oxygen to Restore Health, Reduce Inflammation, Reverse Aging and Revolutionize Health Care by Jason Sonner, MD (Difference Press, 2020).

Enhanced External Counter Pulsation (EECP)

EECP uses inflatable cuffs wrapped around the legs and synchronized with the patient’s heartbeat to improve circulation.

“Daily or twice-daily treatments have made a dramatic difference for patients, including those whose heart disease was so severe they could barely walk,” says Wilcock. “After the third week of EECP sessions, they were hiking.”

EECP therapy, which is often called “natural bypass,” is approved by the FDA to treat long-term chest pain and chronic stable angina that does not respond to other treatments. It is also recommended for patients who suffer from insufficient blood flow but are not eligible for surgery.

According to the EECP Council (eecpcouncil.com), EECP was developed during the 1950s at Harvard University, then perfected by Chinese and American specialists working together. Today EECP is recognized worldwide as an effective regenerative therapy, and research is currently exploring its potential benefits for kidney patients, weight loss, erectile dysfunction, hypertension (high blood pressure), and as an alternative to bypass surgery.

According to clinics that utilize the technique, EECP has helped patients recover from:

Chest pain
Chronic coughing
Exhaustion or chronic fatigue
Dyspnea or shortness of breath
Cerebrovascular disease
Heart failure
Renal (kidney) failure
Pulmonary or lung disease

The most obvious benefits of EECP treatments are reduced angina symptoms and chest pain, increased energy and more active mobility, plus a reduced need for medication.

Combining HBOT with EECP

The Whitaker Wellness Institute (whitakerwellness.us) in Newport Beach, California, is America’s largest alternative health clinic, and it refers to the combination of EECP and HBOT as a “dynamic duo for healing” because it provides safe, noninvasive treatments for a wide range of health conditions.

HBOT increases oxygen availability at the cellular level while EECP enhances blood flow for more efficient oxygen and nutrient delivery. Together their combination:

Enhances circulation so that oxygen-rich blood reaches all parts of the body, including compromised tissues.
Accelerates healing and tissue repair, making it useful for cardiovascular disease post-stroke recovery, and wound healing.
Improves cerebral blood flow which aids neurological recovery from stroke and traumatic brain injuries.
Supports cardiovascular health, improving heart function and vascular repair while reducing symptoms of ischemic heart disease.

“At Dynamic Health Technologies, this synergistic approach has done wonders for patients with all kinds of conditions,” says Wilcock. “Both HBOT and EECP are powerful stand-alone treatments, but their combination is even more effective.”

A man in his 20s had a severe work accident when a forklift ran over his leg. Several surgeries saved his leg, but he was in extreme pain and living on pain meds. HBOT and EECP restored circulation to tissues damaged by the crushing injury, and now he is pain-free and back at work. “I’m so glad I can support my family again thanks to Dynamic Health,” he said.

Dynamic Health’s Wellcation

To promote the combination of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) and Enhanced External Counter Pulsation (EECP), Dynamic Health Technologies offers a month of transformative benefits from 20 HBOT sessions combined with 35 EECP sessions for the sale price of $4,500.

For details, contact Dynamic Health Technologies at 950 North Montana Avenue, in Helena, MT. Phone: 406-431-7332. Visit: DynamicHealthTechnologies.com.

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2025-02-27T06:27:54-07:00Natural Therapies/Remedies|

Skin Battles—

Warts and Fungi

Maria Low
March – April 2025 • Vol 4, No 15

Skin issues like warts, athlete’s foot, and other fungal infections are common and often seen as a nuisance. These conditions can vary in severity, and while some resolve on their own, others can persist or spread if not treated. In this article, we will explore the causes, symptoms, contagion, and treatments for warts and fungal conditions, including athlete’s foot, and discuss how natural remedies such as essential oils can be used to manage these conditions.

Athlete’s Foot: Fungal Infections and Treatment

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that causes itchy, scaly rashes, often between the toes. While the rash appears to be localized, it’s often a sign that an internal imbalance is allowing the fungus to manifest on the skin. The toes are connected to various meridians that correspond to different organs, and in the case of athlete’s foot, this often indicates a fungal imbalance in the intestines.

Symptoms and Complications

In addition to the typical scaly appearance, athlete’s foot can lead to inflammation and discoloration, including redness, purplish hues, or even a grayish tone. If left untreated, it may spread under the toenails and develop into a powdery substance, accompanied by an unpleasant odor.

Who Is at Risk?

People with diabetes should take special precautions, as fungal infections can spread rapidly in environments like wet towels, shared mats, swimming pools, locker rooms, and unclean shower heads. Furthermore, fungal conditions can lead to additional health issues, such as mold, parasites, and worms.

Fungal and Yeast Growth

Fungal and yeast conditions thrive on decomposing tissue found in the stomach, intestines, skin, and other areas of the body. These conditions tend to worsen when the intestines are not properly cleansed, as a healthy gut helps regulate pH levels throughout the body.

Diet and pH Balance

Maintaining a slightly alkaline pH of around 7.3 is essential for keeping fungal infections at bay. Regular consumption of vegetables high in chlorophyll can significantly improve the body’s pH balance, helping prevent the growth of fungi.

Treatment for Athlete’s Foot

The most effective way to treat athlete’s foot and other fungal infections is by addressing the root cause—disrupting the fungal DNA replication. Organic essential oils have proven to be one of the most effective natural remedies for these conditions.

Recommended Young Living Essential Oils for Fungal Infections

Oregano
Thyme
Eucalyptus
Tea Tree Oil
Rosemary
Ravensara
Melaleuca
Sage
Peppermint
Clove
Frankincense
Myrrh
Relief Blend
Purification Blend
Thieves Blend

Raindrop Technique

The Raindrop Technique, developed by Gary Young, is recommended for treating fungal infections. Pathogens often hide in the spinal column and lymphatic system, and this technique helps to expel them from the body. Applying essential oils via this method can support the healing process, especially when combined with internal use, like adding a drop of selected oils to beverages.

Suggested Essential Oil Blends for Fungal Infections:

A potent blend for topical application:

2 drops Sage
4 drops Ravensara
4 drops Melissa or Tea Tree
1 drop Lavender
2 drops Clove

If you have sensitive skin, apply the blend to less sensitive areas first (e.g., forearms or behind the knees) to check for irritation. If needed, apply Lavender first to soothe the skin. You can also dilute the oils with a Carrier Oil such as Young Living V-6 to buffer the stronger oils.

Application

Apply the oil blend up to four to six times a day, depending on the severity of the condition. Don’t forget to wash your hands thoroughly after applying the oils to the affected areas. When the condition seems under control, continue with a maintenance regimen until the issue has fully resolved.

Warts: Causes, Contagion, and Treatment

What Are Warts?

Warts are benign (non-cancerous) growths that develop on the skin due to infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). They can range in size from a pinhead to the size of a pea and are often seen as more of a nuisance than a serious health threat. However, they can be bothersome and sometimes painful.

Types of Warts:

Plantar Warts: These warts appear on the soles of the feet. They are often flat but can grow inward, causing discomfort when walking. Several strains of HPV can cause plantar warts.

Common Warts: These typically grow on the skin, particularly around the mouth, eyes, and nose. They are small, rough nodules.

Heck’s Disease: This type of wart appears inside the mouth on mucous membranes and is more common in children.

Who Gets Warts?

Up to 20% of children experience warts, but anyone can develop them. Those with weakened immune systems, or individuals who consume undercooked or raw meat, are at a higher risk of contracting HPV. Cuts and scrapes also provide an entry point for the virus.

Are Warts Contagious?

Yes, warts are contagious. HPV can spread through direct contact, such as shaking hands, sharing razors or towels, or touching surfaces like shopping carts. To prevent spreading warts, avoid picking at them, and if you have warts on your hands, refrain from touching your face.

Treatment and Natural Remedies for Warts

While some warts may disappear on their own in a few weeks, stubborn or deeply rooted warts may last for months or even years. Treatment options include essential oils, which can be very effective in managing warts.

Recommended Essential Oils

Certain essential oils, like those recommended for treating athlete’s foot, can also help with warts. Some powerful oils to consider are:

Oregano
Tea Tree Oil
Clove
Frankincense
Myrrh

Application Tips for Feet and Hands

After applying your chosen essential oil, consider covering the wart with Animal Scents Ointment or Rose Ointment. While Animal Scents is formulated for pets, it’s also safe for human use and provides a thicker barrier to protect the skin and lock in the oils for longer periods. Rose Ointment helps soothe irritated skin, making it especially useful for sensitive areas.

Direct Topical Application

Oil Blend—combine the following:

Tea Tree Oil (1 drop)
Oregano Oil (1 drop)
Frankincense Oil (1 drop)

How to Use: Dilute the blend with a carrier oil like Coconut Oil or V-6 (around 5 drops) to prevent irritation. Apply the diluted oil directly to the wart using a cotton swab or clean fingertip.

Frequency: Apply 2–3 times per day. Cover the wart with a bandage to keep the oil in place.

DIY Wart Patch Ingredients:

Witch Hazel (1 tablespoon)
Tea Tree Oil (2 drops)
Oregano Oil (2 drops)

How to Use: Soak a cotton pad or small cloth in the mixture and apply it to the wart. Tape or secure it with a bandage. Let the patch sit for 1–2 hours, allowing the oils to penetrate the wart.

Frequency: Apply this patch 1–2 times per day for targeted wart treatment.

Essential Oil Detox Bath

Ingredients:

Epsom Salts (1 cup)
Tea Tree Oil (5 drops)
Oregano Oil (3 drops)
Lemongrass Oil (2 drops)

How to Use: Add the oils to a warm bath along with the Epsom salts. Soak your feet or the whole body for 20–30 minutes to help detoxify and support the body’s natural ability to clear infections.

Frequency: 1–2 times a week as a part of your holistic wart and fungal infection treatment.

Foot Spray for Wart Prevention—Oil Blend:

Tea Tree Oil (5 drops)
Lemongrass Oil (4 drops)
Eucalyptus Oil (3 drops)

How to Use: Add the essential oils to a spray bottle filled with water or witch hazel. Shake well and spritz the solution on the feet, especially between the toes and the areas with warts.

Frequency: Use this spray after washing your feet, in the morning and at night.

Warts on Pets

Warts can also appear on animals, often around the mouth. You can treat your pet’s warts by using Lavender Essential Oil as an introduction. Allow the pet to smell the oil before applying it. If they are hesitant, you can sprinkle the oil on your clothing to help them become accustomed to the scent. Apply the oil twice a day, and over time, the wart should shrink or fall off.

Supporting Overall Health: Skin and Gut Care

In addition to essential oils, Epsom salt baths combined with Young Living soaps and bath gels can support healthy skin and provide relief from conditions like athlete’s foot and warts. These natural remedies help cleanse and nourish the body both externally and internally, promoting overall health.

A Word of Caution

This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and treating these common skin issues. Natural remedies like essential oils offer a holistic approach to healing and improving skin health. These recommendations pertain to Young Living Essential Oils. Other oils that contain synthetic additives or impurities may cause irritation and worsen the condition. For safe and effective treatment, always opt for high-quality, natural oils.

Learn more from Young Living members who make essential oils a part of their lifestyle:

Maria Low • Member #10279 • yleo.aspirations@gmail.com
Kathleen Karlsen • Member #1043288 • kathleenkarlsen@msn.com
Kasondra Grillo • Member #29010370 • kasondra95@gmail.com

To purchase Maria Low’s books, visit: https://essentialdropsofjoy.etsy.com

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2025-02-27T06:27:54-07:00Natural Therapies/Remedies|

Natural Joint Repair

Without Pain Pills or Surgery!

Marty Judnich
March – April 2025 • Vol 4, No 15

My name is Marty Judnich. My wife, Paige, and I live in Missoula with our three children. I lead a very active life as an attorney and President of Judnich Law Firm, with offices in Missoula and Bozeman. And I’m an avid outdoorsman, a golfer, and a competitive archer. I shoot archery arrows most every day for practice and enjoy competing in events.

However, over time my right shoulder began to hurt when shooting archery and it got progressively worse. I tried ice, heat, and physical therapy, yet nothing worked and my pain became excruciating. I finally went to the doctor and an MRI revealed that I needed right shoulder A/C joint surgical repair. I underwent that surgery in 2020, and initially saw results, but they were only temporary. Within a short time, my shoulder began to ache again and pain started to creep up in the same location.

I did not want to go the invasive surgical route again. That didn’t work, nor did I want to depend on pharmaceuticals that only mask the pain without addressing the root cause. My options seemed limited and rather dismal. It was discouraging to think that I may eventually have to give up archery.

Fortunately, I discovered Life Enhancement Clinics of Montana during an online search. After an initial consultation, I decided that was the way to go. I received three Human Umbilical Cord (HUCT) Allograft and Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections in my right shoulder. I was given specific supplements for joint repair, and I actively did physical therapy and stretching to maximize the benefits of the injections.

After three-to-four months, I started to see real results. To date, I have kept my shoulder healthy and have resumed all my former activities, like golf and competitive archery, free of pain. I am so happy I chose the treatment protocol of Life Enhancement Clinics of Montana. The entire staff was friendly, efficient and caring, and my overall experience was enjoyable.

I highly recommend them to anyone experiencing issues with their joints and looking for great options.

The Life Enhancement Clinics of Montana (with locations in Bozeman, Billings, Missoula, and Helena) has been helping many Montanans attain great results from arthritis, joint pain, and peripheral neuropathy. The professional staff uses measurable, scientific testing, and x-rays to understand what is going on with your joints to help determine what may be the source of your pain. They can help you learn about the natural options that may be available for you and offer personalized-care programs to help your body naturally. They utilize the tissue from donated umbilical cords from live-birth, healthy moms and healthy babies, which helps the cushioning in your joints.

Care packages can include Human Umbilical Cord Tissue (HUCT) allograft injections, Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), chiropractic, home-exercise coaching, nutritional supplements and dietary guidelines. Some locations offer additional, non-surgical, pain-management options, including various ozone and sound and light therapies.

Call (406) 551-1787 today and mention this article to receive the discounted $49 consultation.

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2025-02-27T06:27:54-07:00Natural Therapies/Remedies|

Is it a Cold, the Flu, or Allergies?

How to Tell the Difference… How to Treat Them Naturally!

Crystal Maceira, CBP, LMT, MH
March – April 2025 • Vol 4, No 15

This is a question many people ask me about. All three of these ailments cause upper-respiratory-tract symptoms, making it difficult to distinguish between them. In this article, we will try to clarify which is which, so you can make more informed decisions.

What Is a Cold?

A cold is a virus. It is an infection of the upper-respiratory tract. These viruses seem to attack the body during colder seasons, although it’s not the weather that causes them (although less humidity can be a factor). There are more than 200 viruses that can cause the common cold. They start to cause symptoms 18-to-24 hours after they enter the body.

The most common viruses are the rhinoviruses. Symptoms include: head congestion, nasal congestion, sore throat, coughing, headache, sneezing, and watery eyes. Children can develop a low-grade fever, but adults rarely do. The common cold can lead to more serious illnesses, such as bronchitis, a sinus infection, or ear infections. Most colds last from 7 to 10 days.

What Is the Flu?

Influenza is also a viral infection, but it is caused by different types of viruses. There are two types of influenzas—Type A and Type B—and here are their differences:

Host Range: Influenza A can infect humans, birds, pigs, and other animals. Influenza B primarily infects humans.

Severity: Influenza A typically causes more severe illness and is responsible for most flu-related hospitalizations and deaths. Influenza B tends to be milder but can still cause significant illness, especially in children.

Subtypes: Influenza A is divided into subtypes based on two proteins on the surface of the virus: hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N). There are 18 H subtypes and 11 N subtypes. Influenza B does not have subtypes but can be divided into different lineages and strains.

Seasonality: Influenza A usually appears earlier in the flu season (late fall to early winter). Influenza B tends to show up later (late winter to early spring).

Pandemics: Influenza A has the potential to cause pandemics because it can undergo significant genetic changes, especially when it jumps from animals to humans. Influenza B does not cause pandemics.

Both Type A and B flu types can cause epidemics and share similar symptoms, such as fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, and fatigue. However, influenza A is more common and tends to be more contagious and severe.

The symptoms of influenza are body aches, cough, fatigue, headache, and fever with hot and cold flashes. They can cause nausea and vomiting, or diarrhea. The flu can last up to 12 days and take longer to recover from, with residual coughing and fatigue.

What Is an Allergy?

An allergy is when your immune system reacts to a substance that is typically harmless to most people. This substance is known as an allergen, and common examples include pollen, pet dander, certain foods, insect stings, and medications. When someone with an allergy comes into contact with an allergen, their immune system mistakenly identifies it as a threat and releases chemicals like histamines to fight it off. This reaction can lead to various symptoms, such as:

Sneezing
Runny or stuffy nose
Swelling
Itchy or watery eyes
Skin rashes/hives
Difficulty breathing

In some cases, allergies can cause more severe reactions, such as anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. Allergies can be managed through avoidance of known allergens, with medications like antihistamines, and in some cases, immunotherapy (allergy shots).

My Personal Experience

I have only gotten the flu or a cold when my body is highly stressed, “run down,” or I have eaten too much junk food. When I avoid sugar, processed foods, or flour, then I don’t get a cold or the flu 99% of the time. When that occasional time comes that I do get one, or my husband comes down with a cold, then we have plenty of herbal remedies to get us back on track.

These are our favorite tinctures and remedies, which we make right here at Positive Life Change, LLC in Helena, Montana: KVA (“Keep Viruses Away” Garlic Immune Herbal Formula Extract—based on the original by Dr. John Christopher), Colloidal Silver, Grapefruit Seed Extract, Elderberry Syrup Plus, and Cayenne.

Come see us at the Made in Montana Trade Show at the Fairgrounds, in Helena on March 8th if you are a retailer, and on March 9th if you are a consumer. We will be at booth 506.

I will also have classes in April and June in Townsend and Helena. Let me know which you are interested in for any of these: Growing Your Own Medicinal Herb Garden, How to Make Tinctures and Salves, and What Is Iridology? Email or text me for more information.

Crystal Maceira is a Certified Bowenwork Practitioner, practicing in Helena. She has been a massage therapist for 23+ years. She is also a Master Herbalist and certified IIPA Iridologist. She prepares her own single and formula-blend herbal tinctures. Find out more on her website at: PositiveLifeChange.info. Call Crystal at 406-616-2599. Email: crystalclearhealth@gmail.com.

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2025-02-27T06:27:54-07:00Natural Therapies/Remedies|

Authentic Pain Relief—

Self-Help Myofascial Stretching

Mary Loveless
January – February 2025 • Vol 4, No 14

It takes 90 to 120 seconds of prolonged stretching or pressure to get past the collagen and elasticity in our fascial soft tissue. Once you are there long enough, then the myofascial releases, reorganizes and lengthens into the direction of need. Fascia is like a continuous spider web throughout the body.

Around every filament of muscle and muscle bundles, it assists soft tissue and muscle to glide during lengthening and contracting movements. Its strength is 2,000 pounds per square inch of pressure. Fascia holds us together and does it well.

After an injury or trauma, the body quickly starts to repair the area. That’s a good thing, but sometimes, the injured area gets stuck in a chronic state of repair. I visualize it like too much duct tape applied, and now the area is constrained by what is often called “scar tissue.” The fascia becomes denser and “restricted,” which limits movement or causes pain due to the increased density and strength of the fascia in that area. It can put increased pressure on nerves and can decrease circulation to the area, which in turn, can cause a lot of pain, numbness and tingling.

This also applies to joints. The increased compression of fascia on an injured joint forces the surfaces together and causes abnormal friction. The surfaces then start to break down, which increases inflammation and, in turn, can cause arthritis. A symptom of an imbalance of muscle and soft tissue is called a “Myofascial Restriction.”

This is where a Myofascial Release Therapist is helpful. They can assist in identifying the imbalance and the root problem. In addition to addressing the restrictions with you in MFR sessions, they can set you up with a home self-help program.

There are two self-help programs I like to use. One is called Myofascial Stretching, A Guide to Self-Treatment, by Jill Stedronsky, MS, OTR and Brenda Pardy, OTR. For my more active and younger clientele, I like to recommend Comprehensive Myofascial Self-Treatment by Joyce Karnis Patterson, PT. Both are easy-to-follow manuals with excel-lent pictures and instructions.

Mary Loveless, LMT, PDA, C.Ped, is a practitioner of the John F. Barnes Approach to Myofascial Release. To find an MFR therapist near you, visit: MyofascialRelease.com. Visit their offices in Great Falls or Florence, MT.

Great Falls, MT • Back in Motion • 612 1st Avenue South • (406) 750-2655

Florence, MT • Eastside Physical Therapy & Body Restoration • 5501 Hwy 93 N • (406) 777-2679

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2024-12-27T08:26:22-07:00Natural Therapies/Remedies|

WINTER SPECIALS—

at Chico Day Spa

Laura Kehoe Hayward, Spa Director
January – February 2025 • Vol 4, No 14

With winter now leaving its footsteps in the snow, we’ve made practical preparations—getting snow tires, bringing out warm clothes, stacking firewood, looking at cameras on the pass before driving over the mountains…Winter is entrancing, can be dangerous, and brings her own special magic. In times that can be stressful, from weather to holiday preparations, and a desolation felt by too many or too few relatives, it’s important to remember to come back to our inner quiet—to make space for coziness, reflection and relaxation.

At Chico Day Spa, we have been thoughtfully preparing winter specials to help renew your body and spirit, and to bring you back to the gifts of winter: rest, self-care, and reflection.

The Fire and Ice Chico Signature Massage infuses our Hot Rock Massage, body butter, and steam-towel massage with your choice of Wintermint or Ginger and Spruce essential oils. This combination soothes muscles tensed against the cold and revives your sense of calm and clarity.

We were inspired by the way that cold is refreshing, reviving and enlivening, and how the contrasting coziness of heat and light is the perfect combination to embrace and enjoy winter.

Our facial offerings are designed to nourish and protect your face from the harsh elements—with a seasonal flare. The Glisten and Glow Winter Facial targets dry, dull, stressed skin dealing with dehydration, bringing your face back to beautiful, nourished balance. The Arctic Cranberry Facial uses enzymes for lightening, brightening, and healthy aging. Both treatments use fun, seasonally inspired ingredients with skincare lines from Sorella and Le Mieux.

These treatments are designed for relaxation and restoration—a time for you!

If you have a loved one who would like these experiences, you can purchase a gift card through our main line at Chico Hot Springs Resort and Day Spa. Call 406-333-4933. If you’d like to relieve some decision fatigue from your special person, you could book with us directly by calling 406-333-4553.

We wish you a cozy winter season full of magic and connection!

—The Staff at Chico Day Spa

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2024-12-27T08:26:22-07:00Natural Therapies/Remedies|

Why Iodine Is Essential for Women’s Wellbeing

And How to Get More in Your Diet

Crystal Maceira, CBP, LMT, MH
January – February 2025 • Vol 4, No 14

Iodine is a mineral that plays an essential role in women’s health. It is a vital micronutrient for all stages of life, including fetal development and early childhood. Iodine is metabolized in the human body through a series of stages involving the hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid gland and blood.

Despite being present in only small amounts, iodine is crucial for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland, which regulates hormones that control metabolism, growth, and development. In this article, we will explore why iodine is so important for women’s wellbeing and how you can ensure you are getting enough of it in your diet.

Iodine’s Importance for Women’s Health

While the majority of iodine is in the thyroid gland, it can be found in several other areas of the body: mammary glands, eyes, gastric mucosa, cervix and salivary glands. The human body requires iodine to produce thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), two hormones produced by the thyroid gland. Its deficiency interferes with the synthesis of these hormones.

When that happens, the pituitary steps in by increasing the TSH, which then stimulates the thyroid to increase the uptake of iodide and makes sure that the release of the thyroid hormones are in enough supply. Animal studies have proven that iodine normalizes elevated adrenal corticosteroid hormone secretion related to stress and reverses the effects of hypothyroidism on the ovaries, testicles and thymus.

The mammary glands have a trapping system for iodine similar to that of the thyroid gland, they seem to “compete” with the thyroid gland for ingested iodine. When iodine disappears into the breast tissue, it also decreases the ability to supply the thyroid gland with enough iodine.

The Dangers of Iodine Deficiency Disorders

Iodine deficiency is a significant public-health problem worldwide, particularly in developing countries. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 2 billion people globally have insufficient levels of iodine intake. This has led to increased rates of goiter, cretinism, stillbirths, miscarriages, and congenital abnormalities. Goiter is a condition where the thyroid gland becomes enlarged due to iodine deficiency. Cretinism refers to severe mental-retardation conditions caused by lack of iodine during fetal development. Additionally, iodine deficiency can impair cognitive development in children and reduce productivity among adults.

How Iodine Can Help Prevent Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer affecting women today. According to Cancer.org, 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer. It is the second leading cause of death among women. While there is no guaranteed way to prevent breast cancer, studies suggest that adequate iodine intake may play a protective role against this disease. Research has shown that one of the main causes of this form of cancer is the lack of iodine. Research also shows that iodine helps to regulate estrogen production, which is a hormone associated with breast-cancer risk. There is strong evidence that a lack of iodine increases the risk of breast cancer.

Iodine supplementation has been shown to reduce the size and growth rate of breast tumors in animal models. If you were to research other areas of the world, especially Japan and Iceland, you’d find very low incidences of breast cancer due to their high intake of iodine-rich foods, like seaweed.

Iodine Supplementation for Women’s Wellbeing

In addition to its importance for thyroid function, iodine also offers several benefits for overall health. For example, iodine supports immune system function, promotes healthy skin, hair and nails, and helps to detoxify the body from heavy metals such as mercury and cadmium. Iodine promotes the normal killing of defective and abnormal cells and reduces reactive oxygen species (ROS). Additionally, iodine supplementation has been linked to improved fertility outcomes, reduced pregnancy complications, and better neurological development in infants. Accumulation of iodine in the breast plays an important role during breast-feeding, because of its antioxidant activity.

Getting Tested

There are three ways you can make sure you have enough Iodine in your system. If you have symptoms of a goiter or hypothyroidism, do a 24-hour urine collection for iodine. If it is below 50 ug/liter, that would be an indication for low iodine. Another way to check thyroid function is to do a basal body temperature test. It consists of taking your temperature for at least six days, add up the readings and divide by six. The average reading should be between 97.8 and 98.6. I have instructions and a list of symptoms that can be related to a weak thyroid, if you would like more information. The third way is to put one drop of Lugol’s iodine on the forearm. If it disappears quickly (in less than an hour), then you may be low in iodine.

Ways to Get More Iodine

Eating more fish and seaweed-type foods are good ways to get more iodine into your diet. Here at Positive Life Changes, LLC, we have products that will improve thyroid function. My favorite is Crystal’s Super Greens (a powder). I use this every day. My blood work showed my thyroid to be “very normal” (doctor’s words). This formula contains dulse, kelp, spirulina, chlorella and more. We also have each of these in a tincture form. Many customers have been able to improve their thyroid function by using our T.A.P. (Thyroid Adrenal Pituitary) formula herb tincture. Another way that you can increase iodine in your body (and quicker) is to use Lugol’s iodine 10% solution. We have this available as well.

Conclusion

Getting enough iodine in your diet is critical for maintaining good health, especially if you are a woman. Consult with your doctor before starting any new supplement routine to determine what dosage is right for you. Remember, iodine is essential for optimal health and wellbeing, but too much can be dangerous. Stay informed about the risks and benefits of iodine supplementation and make educated decisions about your healthcare needs.

Here at Positive Life Changes, LLC, we offer free consultations. Come see us at the Made in Montana Trade Show, coming up on March 7th and 8th, at the Helena Fairgrounds.

Good Health to You!
—Crystal

References: Iodine, Iodine Metabolism and Iodine Deficiency Disorders Revisited (PMC)
Thyroid Hormone Therapy Appears to Cause Breast Cancer (Dr. J. Howenstine)

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2024-12-27T08:26:22-07:00Natural Therapies/Remedies|

The Real Story Behind Young Living Essential Oils

Choose Products that Support Your Well-Being with Integrity, Science and Care

Maria Low
January – February 2025 • Vol 4, No 14

Many people have asked about Young Living’s purity/testing practices. We want to provide clear, transparent answers. With a strong foundation in scientific research and rigorous testing, Young Living goes beyond industry standards to deliver oils that not only meet but exceed expectations. As part of Young Living’s ongoing commitment to excellence, they are committed to ensuring the highest quality and purity in every essential oil produced. This article will dive into how Young Living ensures that every essential oil is pure, therapeutic-grade, and safe—backed by independent lab testing and a deep dedication to its Seed to Seal® standards.

Independent Lab Testing

Young Living has a long track record of using qualified, independent labs to perform testing for various reasons. When a new oil is introduced, Young Living’s scientists research and test it to ensure if its distilled properly and that the molecular structure is balanced according to the specific cultivar selected. If necessary, the oil may be sent to another lab to confirm the results. (Very few labs in North America have the expertise to interpret results according to the strict Seed to Seal standards set by Young Living.)

While the Young Living Lab is equipped to meet these standards, to avoid any potential conflicts of interest or compromise, they still send products out for further testing. The results are kept in a secure area where ongoing testing batches are stored.

The Seed to Seal Standard

The Young Living standard goes beyond testing— it starts in the fields. The land is carefully stewarded to ensure the soil nutrients align with the needs of the plants. These plants are selected not for their fragrance but for their ability to provide the necessary nutrients that will positively impact the health of both animals and humans.

Before harvest, a brix test is conducted to measure the essential oil content in the plant. The timing of the harvest is crucial and must be done during specific hours of the day based on test results. After harvesting, the plant material is taken to a distillery, where it’s carefully processed, with the temperature and timing strictly monitored to extract the essential oils. [Learn More Here.]

Five Grades of Essential Oils

It’s important to know that there are five types of essential oils produced today:

Synthetic Biology Oil – Created through a bioengineering process involving synthetic DNA and fermentation by yeast, fungi, and enzymes, often with added fragrances to enhance cheaper oils.
Synthetic or Nature-Identical Oils – Made in a lab using petrochemicals (oil/natural gas).
Extended Oils – Usually sold for fragrance purposes and often contain added petrochemicals or altered oils.
Natural or Certified Oils – Oils that may pass basic testing but might not contain high therapeutic value. These oils could have been distilled at improper temperatures and/or in aluminum vats.
Therapeutic-Grade Essential Oils – Pure, organic, distilled oils that contain all the medicinal compounds, sourced from non-GMO plants. (YL uses only these.)

Young Living’s Testing Process

At Young Living farms, scientific equipment is used for primary testing to ensure that the oils meet the required qualities before being sent to the Young Living Labs for final testing and bottling. If the oils do not meet the Seed to Seal standards, whether due to adverse weather or other factors, they are not used, even if they come from our own farms.

Why Essential Oils Matter

Essential oils are called “essential” because they are vital to plants, and they are just as important for humans. Essential oils are present in vegetables, grains, and fruits, and are re-leased based on how they are prepared for consumption. Young Living essential oils are highly concentrated and can be used in a variety of ways, including in diffusers, food and beverages, supplements, and skincare products. These oils support overall health in countless ways.

Unfortunately, synthetic oils, which are chemically created to mimic the therapeutic properties of real oils, have become widespread in the market. Young Living remains dedicated to producing pure, therapeutic-grade oils.

Young Living’s Research & Resources

Young Living has the most extensive library on essential oils in the world. All records of plant research, distillation techniques, temperatures, and more are meticulously documented and stored for reference. Members can dive deeper into

the journey of essential oils by attending Young Living’s yearly conferences or Zoom meetings. Research papers presented to botanical and medical journals are also available on the Young Living website.

Young Living’s commitment to quality is unwavering, and it takes great pride in providing its members with the purest, most effective essential oils available. Through rigorous testing, scientific research, and the Seed to Seal^® promise, it ensures that every drop meets the highest standards of purity and potency. Young Living believes in full transparency and is always here to answer your questions about how the oils are sourced, tested, and delivered. As Young Living continues to lead the way in essential oil excellence, you can trust that when you choose Young Living, you’re choosing products that support your health and well-being with integrity, science, and care. Thank you for being part of the Young Living family!

Resource: The Essential Oil Desk Reference by Life Science

Learn more from Young Living members who make essential oils a part of their lifestyle:
Maria Low • Member #10279 • yleo.aspirations@gmail.com
Kathleen Karlsen • Member #1043288 • kathleenkarlsen@msn.com
Kasondra Grillo • Member #29010370 • kasondra95@gmail.com
To purchase Maria Low’s books, visit: https://essentialdropsofjoy.etsy.com

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2024-12-27T08:26:22-07:00Natural Therapies/Remedies|

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