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 →
Joys of Climbing
I had a great climbing day today. I persevered through some difficult routes I had failed on before, and finally sent them. My climbing partner is nursing an ankle injury, so I was able to climb more and I pulled off some impressive moves. The weather was perfect, the moves flowed intuitively and for the most part, my... Continue Reading →