Oil pulling is the self-care practice of cleaning the mouth with oil. It involves placing a tablespoon of edible oil (such as sesame or coconut) in your mouth, swishing for up to 20 minutes, and then spitting it in the trash (to avoid clogging pipes). This health ritual is credited to Ayurveda, an ancient medical… Continue reading Oil Pulling Benefits: 4 Potential Oral Health Perks
Category: integrative-health
Potential Health Benefits of Music Therapy
We each have a unique relationship to music. Hearing a long-forgotten song on the radio may invoke old memories from years or decades later. Perhaps jazz riffs inspire creativity in the kitchen, or energetic beats motivate you to tackle an early morning run. No matter what style or genre you like, there’s no doubt that… Continue reading Potential Health Benefits of Music Therapy
Guided Imagery: Possible Health Benefits
Imagine that you’re in a place where you feel totally relaxed. For example, perhaps you’re sitting on a calm, quiet beach. Picture waves lapping along the shoreline. Hear the gentle sound they make and smell the salty air. How does the breeze feel against your skin? What does the soft sand feel like between your… Continue reading Guided Imagery: Possible Health Benefits
Feldenkrais Method: Potential Health Benefits of Somatic Movement
Throughout the day, your body makes many movements — both big and small — to adapt to your surroundings, whether you’re aware of them or not. Some of these movements, however, might inhibit you from feeling nimble and mobile, and lead to increased tension and pain. For example, if you habitually hunch at your desk… Continue reading Feldenkrais Method: Potential Health Benefits of Somatic Movement
What Is Oil Pulling? A Guide to This Ayurvedic Practice
Scroll through TikTok or Instagram, and you might see videos of people swishing oil as if it were mouthwash. While you may think it’s odd, or write it off as the latest social media health craze, they’re actually engaging in an ancient Ayurvedic practice known as oil pulling. Read on to learn more about what… Continue reading What Is Oil Pulling? A Guide to This Ayurvedic Practice
What Is Music Therapy?
Good thing Taylor Swift keeps churning out music — or who would help you get through that really tough breakup? When Beyonce released “Break My Soul,” an anthem to quit your job to — people actually did just that. And we can’t forget Miley Cyrus’s song that she released on her ex’s birthday — an… Continue reading What Is Music Therapy?
Guided Imagery 101: How to De-Stress, Relax, and Manage Pain with Mindfulness
When it comes to meditation and relaxation techniques, deep breathing is a good go-to — but it’s not the only mindfulness tool at your disposal. You can also tap into the power of your imagination with guided imagery, as you use all five senses to encourage your nervous system back into a state of focus… Continue reading Guided Imagery 101: How to De-Stress, Relax, and Manage Pain with Mindfulness
Feldenkrais Method: A Guide to This Type of Somatic Movement
Modern-day living doesn’t exactly set the stage for healthy movement. Many of us have desk jobs that leave us sedentary for most of the day, long commutes that add to our sitting time, and rest and relaxation that involves posting up in front of the TV. Plus, stress from overwork and busyness can tax our… Continue reading Feldenkrais Method: A Guide to This Type of Somatic Movement
What Is Ayurveda? A Guide to Traditional Ayurvedic Medicine
Who hasn’t felt burned out, exhausted, imbalanced, or devoid of self-care at one point or another? In today’s fast-paced world, stress and fatigue can creep into daily life, causing disease in the mind and body. However, using ayurveda, an ancient system of traditional medicine, in tandem with conventional healthcare, may help you shift your habits… Continue reading What Is Ayurveda? A Guide to Traditional Ayurvedic Medicine