I just returned from an Auricular Medicine seminar/workshop. It was designed to integrate and expand on what we learned last October. I especially enjoyed sharing experiences and learning from other attendees.

In the March/April Newsletter, I discussed Auricular Medicine, how it works and what to expect with treatment. The more I learn and hear the success stories from other practitioners, the more excited I get about being able to offer this to my clients who need it.

As a little reminder, Auricular Medicine is particularly effective at addressing hard to treat conditions, such as: 

• chronic fatigue syndrome
• fibromyalgia
• chronic pain
• psycho-emotional disorders
• chronic Lyme disease
• MCAS
• allergies
• recurring conditions such as rashes and sinus and urinary tract infections
• chronic viral infections
• autoimmune disorders
• hormonal imbalances
• exposure to mold, environmental toxins and heavy metals
• any mysterious, chronic condition, such as chronic hives

I was especially interested to get confirmation from my instructor on what I’ve noticed with the general health of my clientele: it’s declining. I’ve seen an increase in autoimmune issues, long COVID, recurrent viral infections, and more. Since the seminar, I have a better understanding of why this has occurred and how to approach assessing and treating people appropriately.

The reason that COVID has had such a detrimental effect on all of us is that the COVID spike protein is very similar to the proteins in our bodies. When the body produces antibodies against the COVID spike protein, our immune system attacks both the virus and our own tissues. This is why more and more autoimmune issues are cropping up. Once you have the virus, you have it forever. It tends to throw the immune system into hyperactive mode, which will eventually lead to a crash.

At this point, we have all been exposed to the COVID virus, by illness, vaccination, or exposure without ensuing illness.   The mRNA vaccines contain a minute amount of the spike protein, to stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies against it. This is new territory for the medical world and for natural health practitioners. We may go about it a little differently, but we are all trying to find ways to support the health of our clients/patients.

I have been using BioField Testing (formerly know as Morphogenic Field Technique) and Nutrition Response Testing to address these challenging cases in our post-COVID world. I am very pleased to be able to support my clients even further, with the new tool of Auricular Medicine in my toolbox.

Please bear with us as Red Clover Clinic is being repaired

Late on Monday, June 16, the Roseville Professional Center suffered major water damage when the rooftop air conditioner's cooling tower cracked. Red Clover Clinic is extremely lucky to have only minor damage to two rooms. We are still in the remediation phase, and hopefully reconstruction will happen soon. Dina and I were out of town, and only Marie was here to manage the situation and see clients. This past week, we maintained our usual schedule.

There may be a time when we need to close and reschedule appointments, but we are doing our best to work with the contractors to avoid impacting our work schedule as much as possible. In the meantime, the space isn’t quite as cozy, but it’s workable. We also have an air purifier running 24/7. Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding. 

Marie's Body of Knowledge

How important is strength training as you age? As part of an overall fitness program, strength training is essential in order to maintain and/or increase strength, bone density, and balance. It is best to performed strength training two to three times per week. 

Hip, trunk, and leg strength are a key part of maintaining independence for functions such as walking, going up and down steps, and getting in and out of cars and chairs. Upper body strength assists with functional activities such as reaching into cupboards, lifting and carrying groceries and laundry, gardening, and making beds. 

Overall, strength training assists with stressing bones which helps to continue to stimulate bone cell production. Improved bone cell production helps to maintain bone density and reduces the incidence of spinal compression fractures, hip fractures, and other fractures from falls and trauma. 

Improved hip and trunk/core strength provides stability, which helps with balance. Increased muscle strength also places stress from activity onto the muscles rather than the joints. This reduces joint stress and irritation of an arthritic joint. 

Strengthening can be achieved in a variety of forms. Individuals are encouraged to choose the form most convenient to their lifestyle for follow-through and overall success. Exercises can be performed at home using hand-weight dumbbells, wrist and ankle weights, or Theraband resistance tubing. Strengthening can be achieved at home by using body weight resistance, using physical therapist-prescribed exercises, guidance from a YouTube video, or an exercise app. Those who like to leave their home or exercise with other people present may prefer weight machines, free weights, or exercise classes at a health club. 

Whichever method you prefer, the important thing is to “Just Do It,” as Nike has encouraged for years. If you’re looking for guidance to get started and desire help with which exercises to perform, seek out a physical therapist, who will evaluate your body and design a program unique to what your body needs to stay fit, active, and healthy.