“Go outside and play!” I'm willing to bet that, like me, that's something you used to hear a lot when you were a kid. Maybe you didn't even need to be told—you just went outside to play because you wanted to. That's what kids do. Riding bikes, swimming, adventures in the woods…all part of growing... Continue Reading →
Kava Kava – Herbs for Stress and Anxiety part 2
Kava kava, or just "kava," is one of the first herbs I've ever tried for medicinal use. A friend recommended it for stress and insomnia, so I bought a bottle of extract from a local health food store. It worked, but I used it sparingly because it was expensive. When it was gone (as was... Continue Reading →
Adaptogens – Support for Stress and Anxiety part 1
Adaptogens refer to a group of herbs, roots, and mushrooms which have been used in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years to promote wellness. The term adaptogen indicates their primary usage -- they help the body adapt to psychological, physical, and environmental stress through a nonspecific resistance. In general, adaptogens are known to... Continue Reading →
I Survived Sensory Deprivation – Naked! (AKA Float Therapy)
I saw it on Groupon, and thought it'd make a great gift for my mother. A voucher for a "float tank experience." She loves hot tubs, baths, etc., and she's usually up for novelty experiences. The reputed relaxation effects of floating made my decision and the appeal of a mother/daughter "spa" day made me buy... Continue Reading →