5 Benefits of Collagen Powder

Have you heard about collagen powder?  It seems like the next big hype but this time I actually feel the hype is warranted.  Collagen can now be found in just about everything — from creams and cosmetics, to powders and pills. As the most abundant protein in the body, collagen is found in your muscles, skin, blood, bones, cartilage, and ligaments. You may want to consider squeezing in an extra serving of this vital protein for several reasons, as collagen is a building block that:

• promotes skin elasticity

• holds together your bones and muscles

• protects your organs

• heals the gut

The good news is that your body produces collagen on a regular basis. But, it does slow down with age. It also slows down with smoking, sun exposure, and an unhealthy diet. If you don't have enough collagen in the body you may start to see wrinkles and sagging skin, or even experience joint pain.
Keep reading to discover five specific benefits you may experience if you take the time to up your collagen consumption.

1. Eases joint pain

As your cartilage weakens and deteriorates with age, you may start to feel stiff, achy joints. It’s possible that upping your collagen intake may help reduce joint pain and alleviate symptoms of arthritis.
In a 2009 study, participants took a collagen supplement for 90 days. Results showed that osteoarthritis symptoms decreased by 40% while the severity of symptoms dropped by an impressive 33%.
In an older study from 1993 with the same collagen supplement, participants with severe rheumatoid arthritis saw a reduced number of swollen and tender joints — 4 out of 60 participants also experienced complete remission. 

2. Reverses skin aging

One of the most well-known benefits of collagen is its ability to promote glowing, vibrant skin. This essential protein provides elasticity to the skin, helping it to appear more youthful and healthy. But as you get older and collagen production declines, fine lines, loose skin, and dryness can occur. 
A study published in 2014 randomly chose 46 of 69 women, ages 35-55 years old, to take a collagen hydrolysate supplement. The rest of the group took a placebo. The women who took the collagen showed an improvement in skin elasticity within four weeks.
The same manufacturer also conducted another study in 2014 with the same supplement, which significantly reduced wrinkles after just eight weeks.

3. Helps build muscle and burn fat

Collagen is a major component of muscle tissue, so it should come as no surprise that it can have a big impact when it comes to building muscle mass. Plus, collagen also contains a concentrated amount of glycine, an amino acid involved in the synthesis of creatine which provides muscles with the fuel needed to power through your workout. So what happens when you add collagen to your workout routine?
There’s not much research on collagen and exercise, but a study in 2015 looked at collagen supplements in 53 older males with sarcopenia, a condition where you lose muscle mass due to aging. After 12 weeks, those who took supplements along with resistance training saw an increase in fat loss and muscle strength more than the placebo group.

4. May reduce cellulite

Besides keeping your skin healthy and glowing, collagen may also help improve the appearance of stubborn cellulite. Cellulite is when the layer of fat under the skin pushes up against the connective tissue, creating a dimpled or lumpy appearance on the skin.
Another study was sponsored in 2015 by manufacturers to see what collagen would do for cellulite. They randomly assigned 105 women, ages 24-50, to take collagen for six months. Those who did demonstrated a clear improvement in skin texture.  Yet cellulite is incredibly common — an estimated 80 to 90% of women have it. It’s a natural part of aging and skin formation and not a cause for concern.

5. Improves digestive health

Collagen is in the gut’s connective tissue and can help support and strengthen the protective lining of your digestive tract. This is critically important because alterations in the barrier function of your intestine, also known as leaky gut syndrome, can allow particles to pass into the bloodstream. This may result in inflammation.
In fact, an older study from 2003 looked at 170 individuals with inflammatory bowel disease and found that they were more likely to have lower levels of serum collagen. So the current theory is that by increasing your intake of collagen, you could help build up the tissues that line your gastrointestinal tract and promote better gut health. 

Here are a few easy ways to kick up your collagen intake:

1. Experiment with bone broth

Bone broth is made by simmering bones to help extract the flavor and beneficial nutrients. Not only is it an excellent source of collagen, but it’s also tasty and easy to add to your diet by using it to make soups and stews, whole grains like rice and quinoa, and even to moisten leftovers. You can easily make bone broth at home, or save time by purchasing it in powder form. 

2. Try out powdered gelatin

Gelatin is essentially the cooked form of collagen, and powdered gelatin can be a quick and convenient way to bump up your collagen consumption. It can be mixed into any liquid, including soups, stews, and broths. You can also enjoy it to satisfy your sweet tooth by making homemade Jell-O or natural fruit snacks.

3. Supplement with collagen peptides

Collagen peptides are another easy option to get your fix of this important amino acid. Most brands sell hydrolyzed collagen peptides, which means that the amino acids in collagen have been broken down so that they’re more easily digested and absorbed. Collagen powder can also be added to smoothies, hot beverages, or baked goods to pump some extra protein into your day.

There is also ways to get collagen in through your daily diet. If you want to consume collagen naturally, eat a well-balanced, high-protein diet that includes animal products. Collagen is in beef, chicken, fish, and egg whites.

But you don’t want to eat too much protein, either. Your body doesn’t tell the collagen where to go. Instead, it distributes the collagen like it would any other nutrient. So taking collagen supplements works much like exercise — it’s difficult to target a specific need, but increasing your intake could still have benefits.

The Art of Dry Brushing

Dry brushing is the process of brushing your skin, preferably before a shower or bath with a dry brush.  When dry brushing you would stroke each area 5 times towards the heart starting at the feet. The question is, why would we want to do that?

Right below your skin is a network of blood vessels, capillaries, fat, and lymph nodes. They are working hard to circulate through the body, but sometimes our lifestyles and the toxins we have stored in our body will hinder our bodies from doing a really good job of circulating those fluids.

Dry brushing will . . .
1) Help drain your lymphatic system
2) Re-circulate old or stagnant blood 
3) Move toxins out of fat cells to be eliminated by the body
4) Exfoliate dead skin

Starting at the feet and legs, use small brisk strokes always moving TOWARDS the heart. Concentrate on areas on the back of the legs and butt as well as areas where your lymphatic system is concentrated such as the groin area, armpits and the glands on the neck.  For video demonstration: https://youtu.be/PlgJVAtgJTI

This only takes a few minutes and feels refreshing and rejuvenating, especially in the morning.

You can purchase a dry brush at the office, at any drug store for about $20 dollars or you can purchase one online. Make sure you get one with medium bristles. Too soft won’t do anything and to hard of a bristle may be too harsh on your skin. Dry brushing is best done right before showering or bath, once a day but can be done any time of day. Make sure you wash your brush once a week with soap and let it dry thoroughly.

The Benefits of Oil Pulling

Oil pulling was first introduced in Ayurvedic medicine. Whether it's for oral healthcare, digestive health, to clear out the sinuses or an immune system booster I've seen it help many patients in many ways!

Oil pulling as we know it today, was introduced in 1992 by Dr. F. Karach, MD. He claimed that oil pulling could cure a variety of illnesses ranging from heart disease and digestive troubles to hormonal disorders. Dr. Karach’s method of oil pulling emphasizes swishing, not gargling, the oil in the mouth. The oil is “worked” in the mouth by swishing and chewing it around the mouth and ‘swizzling’ it (pushing it through the teeth) for a period of 15 to 20 minutes. The best time is in the morning before eating breakfast, but can be done before any meal on an empty stomach.

Oil pulling instructions:

Use 1-1.5 spoonfuls of unrefined, high quality, organic sesame seed oil (non-toasted) and 'swizzle" in your mouth for 15-20 minutes. Sesame seed oil is the best oil to swish with.  I love using Banyan Daily Swish 

Once completed, spit the oil out (we recommend spitting in the trash as it can clog your sink or toilet over time).

Follow it by a thorough mouth rinse with water.  Warm water with sea salt is best.

Never swallow the used oil because it is loaded with bacteria, toxins, pus, and mucous. It is a good idea to brush your teeth afterwards to really clean out any leftover toxins and wash the sink afterwards as well if you don't spit it out into the trash.

Benefits:

Strengthens teeth
Can help reverse gingivitis
Prevents tooth decay/whitens teeth
Strengthen immune system
Improve digestion
Reduce skin problems (acne, eczema, psoriasis)
Reduce allergies
Lessen headaches
Help hormonal imbalance
Clear out sinuses

Tips:

Be sure you are using a high quality, organic, non-toasted sesame seed oil.
Set timer for 15-20 minutes because it's going to feel like a long time and I don't want you to guess that it's been 15 minutes when it's only been 5 minutes.

Precaution:

If you are allergic to a particular brand of oil, then change the brand of oil.

DO NOT SWALLOW.

One of the first cleansing symptoms you will experience is an increased flow of mucus from your throat and sinuses. Mucous drainage is one of the body’s methods of removing toxins. While you are oil pulling, mucus may build in the back of your throat. You may even have to expel the oil and clear the mucus from your throat before reaching a full 20 minutes. If so, take another spoonful of oil and continue swishing for a full 15-20 minutes.

I usually do oil pulling when I am feeling sick to help clean my lymphatic system and boost the immune system. Your lymph takes about 7 minutes to circulate through the body. It is important to do oil pulling for a minimum of 15 minutes so you can clean out all of the lymph at least twice. But if during the 15 minutes your mouth begins to tire or your stomach becomes sensitive, start with 5 minutes and work your way up to 15-20 minutes.

Best Coffee Alternative

At Healing Arts we customize nutrition programs by using the biofeedback of your body through muscle testing. Sometimes this includes giving up coffee and/or caffeine and since we don’t want you to feel deprived we went on a hunt for the best coffee alternative because we know as much as we love tea, herbal tea just doesn’t cut it when trying to find a substitute for coffee. 

Why would the body go weak on coffee?  Sometimes it is the caffeine and that’s why we test for caffeine in a separate vial.  Other times it is due to the acidity of the coffee or the mold that coffee contains.  Yes, mold is naturally occurring in coffee.  There is mold-free coffee that I highly suggest brewing yourself if coffee is allowed in your nutrition program.  If I drink coffee it is Life Boost Coffee, mold and toxin free. 

For coffee alternative I do like teccino which is a dark roast of chicory and barley.  It comes in many different flavors and is darker than any tea so that’s why it feels close to coffee.  Golden milk is a very healthy hot turmeric drink that could be another alternative.  I also like Mud/wtr that is turmeric based with black tea and healthy mushrooms.  You can only buy online.  It’s all organic ingredients with 1/7th the caffeine as a cup of coffee. With the caffeine you get energy.  With the mushrooms you get focus.  

I have recently tried another coffee alternative I am in love with called Joey it comes in powder form and all you have to do is mix with hot water.  The only caffeine in it comes from cacao.  It’s dark like coffee because of the cacao beans.  Not only does it have mushrooms in it to boost your immune system but it also has adaptogenic herbs that help with cognition and stress management.  There is no jitters or crash as there can be with coffee. 

Besides the cacao Joey has roasted chicory root which is good for gut health.  It contains dandelion root that is liver support.  It has cinnamon and cordyceps mushrooms for cognition.  Lion’s mane mushrooms for focus. Reishi mushrooms for memory and L-theanine and ashwagandha for stress reduction.  All of this healthy goodness in one hot cup of Joey.  Roasted, full-bodied, with a blend of sweetness and spiciness... it’s not coffee, and not quite tea, but it’s something else entirely.  Try it yourself at the office for $4 a cup or buy a package of 18 servings for $25. 

For better digestion

What we eat effects what we think and feel!  The digestive system is a 24/7 operation that impacts all parts of the body.  Whether you’re eating for pleasure, fuel, healing, or nutrition – our digestive system is on a constant cycle of breakdown food, absorbing nutrients, and releasing waste. This cycle repeats every time new food enters the digestive tract. The job of the digestive system may seem simply and straightforward, but along the 22-25ft digestive tract several complex processes are in action that effect each and every organ in the body.  One particular organ is the brain. The relationship between the digestive system and brain is called the Gut-Brain Axis. 

You may we wondering, how the heck does my stomach have anything to do with my brain?!   A simple way to think of the Gut-Brain Axis is a two lane highway between the gut and the brain where hormones, neurotransmitters, and our immune system travel to and fro.  An example of this is when we eat foods high in the amino acid tryptophan.  Yes, the sleepy and restful feeling you get after your eat turkey is because of tryptophan.  Other foods high in tryptophan are fish, meat, pineapples, bananas, nuts, spinach, chocolate, and eggs.  When are digestives system comes across tryptophan in food, the gut converts the amino acid into 5-HTP (5-hydroxytrotophan) and releases it into our circulation. When 5-HTP reaches the brain, it converts into serotonin – the feel-good and happy neurotransmitter.  Roughly 95% all serotonin is produced in the gut.  Serotonin also protects the digestive system from toxins, helps lets us know when we’re full, regulates fluid levels, and monitors normal bowel functions.  When some of the serotonin in our gut gets released in our circulation and can reach the brain.  Serotonin plays such a role in regulating our digestive system, and at times doctors prescribe antidepressants to patients suffering form IBS. 

Studies have shown that when we improve our diets, the better we feel and think.  An international prison study followed five prisons over a twenty-five-year span where inmates were given supplements and vitamins and found prison violence decrease by thirty percent (Bernard Gesch, 2002).  Research has also shown that improving the nutritional value of food in schools improve students learning aptitude and behavior (www.cdc.gov/healthyschools).  These studies and research show the Gut-Brain Axis connection how nutritional improvements positively impact mental health.

If you’re experiencing digestion distress, most likely you’re also experiencing some level of mental and emotional distress as well.   The good news is that our bodies love being healthy and balance is always working to achieve this internally.  Simple changes in diet and lifestyle easily aid the body in healing itself.  Come join me on Wednesday, February 15 at 6:30pm at Healing Arts NYC for a free How to Improve Digestion Workshop.  We’ll learn about the digestive system, easy tips on how to improve digestion, and foods that improve gut microbiome.  If you’re interested RSVP to info@healingartsnyce.com or email ingrid@healingartsnyc.com

How Chakra Light Therapy Helps The Body Heal

There are 7 chakras in the human body, each vibrating at a different frequency. Energy flows through the chakras from one part of the body to another. If your chakras are blocked, your energy can become stuck. Each chakra corresponds to a color and internal organ or part of the body. They are numbered from the bottom up; the "first" chakra is the lowest one, at the base of your spine.

HOW DOES THE CRYSTAL LIGHT THERAPY WORK?

The Crystal Light Therapy uses 7 quartz crystals and colored laser light to clean and strengthen your chakras and aura.

Vogel-Cut Quartz Crystals
Our seven Vogel-cut quartz crystals receive the frequencies produced by our frequency generator. The UV laser and magnetic energy from the coil in the holder cancel each other out once they interact, this is how scalar energy is generated. What is left in its place is the scalar energy field...TESLA ENERGY! It is then focused through the Vogel-cut crystals and into your chakras.

Frequency Generator
Our machine produces frequencies. Everything has a frequency. The earth has a frequency, every illness has a frequency, even we have frequencies that can all be measured. The generator can produce frequencies that will harmonize the body. Thereby, allowing for a healing environment within your cells for cellular rejuvenation.

LED Lights & Chromatherapy
The LED lights generate light from the complete visible spectrum. Chromatherapy is a treatment that uses colors to adjust the vibrational frequencies in the body in order to result in health and harmonization. Each color emits a frequency related to a specific vibration. Each vibration is said to help alleviate different physical symptoms. Chromatherapy works on several energy points within the body to re-establish its natural balance as well as clearing and balancing the chakras.

The crystal bed is known as a powerful treatment that has an inter-dimensional effect as the vibrational patterns manifest higher and higher levels of peace, focus, awareness, harmony, & balance.

WHAT TO EXPECT?

People have reported the following from Crystal Light Therapy:

deep relaxation

calming your mind and thoughts

subtle energy shifts

increased energy

elevation of mood

pain reduction

feeling of expansion of emotional and physical restrictions

release of negative emotions

deepened spiritual insights

better sleep

reduced anxiety

cell detoxification

increased clarity and focus

feeling grounded

deeper connection to self

First Chakra – Base, Root

Red – Energy. It stimulates brain wave activity, increases circulation, awakens us physically and energizes blood flow. It connects us to our physical self.

Second Chakra – Sacral

Orange – Joy. Stimulates appetite, the colon, digestion, and physical relationships. It connects us to our emotional self.

Third Chakra – Solar Plexus

Yellow – Wisdom. Connects us to will and personal power. Improves mood, relieves depressions and helps in digestion. It connects us to our mental self.

Fourth Chakra – Heart

Green – Calming. Balances our nervous system, soothes and relaxes mental & physical states, and emotional relationships. It connects us to love.

Fifth Chakra – Throat

Blue – Cooling. Good for respiratory and throat infections. Counteracts hypertension. Tied to communication and speaking your truth. It connects us to our holistic self.

Sixth Chakra – Brow Or Third Eye

Indigo – Healing. Connected to foresight and intuition. Good for sinus problems and building immunity. It connects us to our unconscious self.

Seventh Chakra – Crown

Violet – Cleansing. It cleanses, strengthens, purifies and awakens the body. It connects us to our spiritual self.

To Learn more about the chakras, click here: https://healingartsnyc.blogspot.com/2015/02/energy-balancing-and-chakras.html

Benefits of PEMF Therapy. Would You Benefit?

As our understanding of the human body and the natural world continues to improve, we are discovering new ways to help support and heal the body with energy. Pulsed Electromagnetic Therapy (PEMF) is one of the most innovative forms of alternative treatments and, since it was initially approved by the FDA in 2013, the available applications of this treatment modality have been continually expanding.

PEMF therapy consists of you lying down on a mat which emits pulses of energy waves. This energy courses through the body directly to inflamed or injured areas. The energy is also drawn to areas experiencing chronic pain.  The energy waves of the PEMF mat pass through the organs and tissues and into the cells of your body, amplifying the cellular energy. The increase in energy promotes a natural reaction that regenerates and enhances the efficiency of the cell’s function. This natural process stimulates healing and helps to improve your overall well-being including your mood. This is why I couldn't wait to have a PEMF mat at the office!

As the energy goes into the body patients usually don’t feel anything.  The energy is that subtle to not disturb the body’s natural process as it goes into the cells.  Besides giving cells energy it also helps increase blood flow which is also part of the healing.  With increased blood flow, it is promoting an increase in the blood’s oxygen levels.  In causing the body to have more oxygen that’s how chronic pain and stiffness is reduced. If you have frozen shoulder or any other really stiff joints PEMF helps with range of motion. 

PEMF therapy works because it directly interacts with the cells in your body. By offering treatment at the cellular level, your body can begin repairing itself from the “bottom up.” This is different than other forms of treatment, such as chiropractic or physical therapy.  The use of these treatments with PEMF therapy can really excel improvements.  

Because PEMF treatments are relatively new, many people find themselves hoping to learn more. One of the most common questions people ask is, how do PEMF treatments help the body?  I also hope this article helps you decide if PEMF treatment makes sense for you.

Reducing Inflammation

Cells that have experienced an illness or injury will often not be able to hold their ideal magnetic charge. Consequently, these cells may become (and cause surrounding cells to become) inflamed. Inflammation is the result of cells “sticking” together and preventing blood flow from progressing as it needs to. With a PEMF device, the cells will can regain their proper charge and inflammation will decrease. PEMF devices also combat inflammation by improving the blood’s chemical content.

Improved Circulation

Circulation is necessary in order for our bodies to properly function. If blood cannot get to where it needs to be (especially in extremities), our skin, organs, and other bodily components will begin to deteriorate. PEMF therapy can help your body immediately improve its circulation and allow all blood cells to flow freely. Incorrect magnetic charges contribute significantly to blood flow issues. After receiving a correct charge via a PEMF therapy, many individuals report feeling better within 15 minutes. Because 1 in 3 adults experience high blood pressure, improved circulation is one of the most common uses for PEMF therapy.

Accelerated Healing

As you might expect, healing is something that often begins at the cellular level. Whether you are experiencing hypertension, fibromyalgia, or various diseases, if you do not address the core problem—damaged cells—recovery will take much longer. PEMF helps assure that cells have their proper charges (both positive and negative). Healthy cells are able to accept the nutrients they need to perform at their very best. With PEMF therapy this enables tissues to heal faster.

Pain Relief

If you are currently in pain, then there is no doubt that you are looking for some sort of relief. If the pain is constant, then the need for relief is even greater. With PEMF therapy you can begin feeling immediate relief from pain, especially pain that is caused by damaged cells. While a total recovery may require a bit more time with body work (massage, physical therapy or chiropractic), PEMF therapy is able to offer many people the short-term pain relief they’ve been seeking—all without the need for invasive surgeries or addictive painkillers.

Improved Mobility

In order for your body to be truly mobile, its natural magnetic field will need to be able to “pass through” without an impediments. After a few treatments, you may begin to notice that you can move your joints and muscles with significantly greater ease. You may also notice a larger range of motion, enabling you to perform more physical functions.

Is PEMF Treatment Right for You?

As you can see, there are many different possible uses and benefits of PEMF therapy.  Studies show that PEMF therapy for 20 min. once a week for 6 weeks helps with conditions like fibromyalgia, muscle pain, arthritis, depression, anxiety, tinnitus, PTSD, Lyme’s, chronic fatigue and musculoskeletal pain.  PEMF therapy is a great option for natural, chemical free pain relief and overall wellness because it functions through cell stimulation. Stimulation at a cellular level helps boost the body’s natural ability to fight back against inflammation. PEMF therapy is so effective because it is able to penetrate through skin, muscle, and even the bone. The electromagnetic field helps fight back against cellular damage and inflammation, and create healthier cells.  As the cells heal, the blood vessels, nerves, and capillaries dilate.  The dilated capillaries enable better oxygenation and blood flow.  Lastly, the increase in oxygen and blood flow encourage a healing environment.

The development of PEMF devices has helped change the ways many people address and recover from certain health conditions. The benefits of PEMF therapy are numerous and positive results can begin to occur quite quickly.  Know that you can use PEMF with other treatments. PEMF presents little to no side effects or drug-related contraindications. This means that you can continue using prescribed medications while undergoing PEMF therapy sessions.  You can do PEMF therapy with joint replacements and any metal support in the body.  Do not do PEMF therapy with a pacemaker or if pregnant.  

We are now doing PEMF therapy memberships where you can come for an unlimited amount of times in a month for $70. Feel free to cancel the membership at any time.  Contact us if you have any questions, info@healingartsnyc.com

How Energy Medicine Helps Heal the Body

Healing Arts in New York City is dedicated to helping its patients improve their physical and mental health. Dr. Armitstead takes time to assess her patients to determine what the best steps will be on the journey to get them to optimal health. Initially, when a patient first arrives at the center they will be muscle tested; (www.muscletestingnyc.com) determining which organs are weak, and which are strong using biofeedback from the body. Next, depending on what the muscle testing results are, a personalized detox program will be created which can include energy medicine in variou forms. Using specific modalities of energy medicine, physical pain, mental health and even sleep can improve which is so important for one’s healing journey.

PSYCH-K®

PSYCH-K® is a unique, easy, fast and effective method, developed to reprogram long-established, limiting beliefs, which prevent a healthy and peaceful life. In other words, it is a way to liberate your thinking from limiting beliefs that you know are getting in your way by neurologically reprogramming the body.  Dr. Armitstead says, “It’s important to assess the subconscious mind in order to prevent self-sabotage and PSYCH-K® does exactly that.”  It’s a great modality to help with anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and self confidence.  The science of what you think affecting your body’s health is explained in Bruce Lipton’s book, Biology of Belief. 

PEMF Therapy

Pulsed Electro-Magnetic Field (PEMF) therapy consists of you lying on a mat that emits pulses of energy waves that your body absorbs at the cellular level. You can’t feel these energy waves and yet your cells are getting a dose of energy needed to heal and reduce inflammation. It’s like a reboot for the body.  It can help patients feel rejuvenated, less pain, better mental focus and deeper sleep. A goodnight’s sleep allows your body to heal faster,  recover from pain faster, and regain lost energy.

Infoceuticals

Homeopathic water made just for you. An infocuetical is a homeopathic tincture made specifically for you at your appointment at Healing Arts.  They use a special machine to put medicinal energy into structured water that you take as a tincture on a daily basis.  The key benefits of Infoceutials are detox, reducing inflammation, supporting hormones, and better digestion.  Dr. Armitstead says, “I love infoceuticals because not only is it personalized but I can combine more than one remedy in a bottle.”

Chakra Light Therapy

Chakra light therapy is used to help patients relax, sleep better, reset their energy which is great for anxiety, and elevate their moods. During a session you lay under 7 crystals each with a different colored laser light; one for each of the 7 chakras you have.  Chakras are energy centers in the body. Energy should flow through the chakras to parts of the body.   If your chakras are blocked, your energy can become stuck. This light therapy aligns your chakras giving your body a boost of energy.