How a hurricane can affect the mind and body
Hurricane Helene was a very devastating experience and there are no words to describe the tragedy, grief, and loss that was experienced by our WNC community. That being said, I am proud to call this beautiful place home, and plan to stick around for the long haul. I’ve never witnessed a more compassionate, resilient, and supportive community, and it inspires me to continue serving you with gratitude, through my private practice, Balanced Manual Therapy.
Hurricane Helene did leave many of us with a contaminated water supply with significant amounts of chlorine, mold in our homes, unsanitary conditions in our environment, post traumatic stress disorder, increased cases of respiratory issues, and heightened sinus and allergic reactions. Dealing with a catastrophe of this caliber can also cause fatigue, emotional distress, and gut issues trigged by stress and anxiety.
As many of you know, I have been a manual therapist and holistic practitioner for over a decade. I have worked with clients with varying medical conditions from traumatic brain injury to autoimmune diseases. I enjoy creating a space for healing by offering gentle, yet effective manual therapies designed to support the body through detoxification and re-balancing the nervous system.
How to detoxify the lymphatic system after a catastrophe
As always, food and exercise play an important role in good health and longevity. If you’re still struggling with finding time to cook or exercise, you can always take a quick walk in the neighborhood, or consider getting a rebounder (or mini rebounder) to use at home. Rebounders are great for weight loss, increased circulation, and better lymphatic health. You can start with 3-5 minutes a day, and then increase to 10-15 minutes a day after 2-3 weeks. As far as nutrition goes, explore anti-inflammatory diets that can help improve gut health and increase energy levels.
Here are some of my favorite recipe ideas:
https://www.eatingwell.com/gallery/7922269/easy-anti-inflammatory-dinner-recipes/
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322897#lunch
https://whatmollymade.com/category/recipes/special-diet/anti-inflammatory-recipes/
If you are feeling extra sluggish and congested after the storm, considering taking supplements like spirulina, chlorella, Reishi mushrooms, dandelion tincture, vitamin D, probiotics, and activated charcoal. For colds, sinus congestion, or allergies, Goldenseal and Propolis are some of my favorite herbal tinctures to work with. Remember to always consult with your doctor or functional medicine practitioner when adding supplements into your diet, especially if you are on prescribed medication(s).
One of the most important systems of the body is the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is a part of your immune system and protects the body from disease, harmful toxins and pollutants, and viruses and pathogens.
As a Lymphatic Drainage Therapist, I’m a big advocate of supporting this vital system through the following means (if possible):
- Regular Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapy
- Drink plenty of fluids (spring / alkaline water, herbal teas, bone broths, protein shakes, green juices)
- Sweat! This can be done through exercise or use of sauna
- Dry Brushing
- Consider “lymph movers” like vibrational plates
- Red light therapy pads to reduce inflammation in joints and the rest of the body
- High dose Vitamin C IV Therapy
For those suffering from mental health issues from the storm, there are a number of health care providers who are offering various levels of sliding scale options for those affected by the storm.
Check out the link below for details.
https://socialworkers.knack.com/ncmentalhealthproviders
If you wish to support your nervous system through touch, then I would highly recommend my Craniosacral Therapy, Brain Balance, and SomatoEmotional Release therapies. If you are suffering from mold toxicity, I would recommend seeking a functional medicine practitioner that specializes in mold toxicity, or offers a mold detox protocol. If you’re local to Asheville, I’m happy to offer a few recommendations. You can reach out to me directly through my website. In closing, just know that there are several resources out there to help you get your health back on track. You just have to take the first step!