Just my luck

My acupuncturist stopped working at the clinic near my place. She still works at another clinic part time, but it's further away from my house, and her hours are only during the weekdays there. It's been months since I've seen her, and I'm starting to see my BP rise back up to where it was before.
So, I was looking for a new acupuncturist, close to home, that works on weekends. And someone was recommended to me. So today, I checked out her website only to see this...

*Sigh* Just my luck! I guess I'll just have to wait another couple of weeks!

Hanging with Ollie

Oliver is my Chiropractor's dog. He's always in the office when my chiro is working. He's like the therapy dog. He sits in your lap, and looks for tummy rubs and cuddles with anyone who walks in the door. Ollie and I had a great time taking selfies today while waiting for Dr. Wayne to crack my back...

New beginnings?

I recently went to see a Naturopathic Doctor about my migraines. She gave me a lot of information, and a lot to think about. She wants to run a bunch of tests, tweaked the vitamins that I'm taking, and wants me to go dairy free for a month.
So, this week is supposed to be my first week dairy free. So far, I'm finding it very difficult. But, I'm determined to try it (if only for a month) to see if it works or not.

renewal time

I love my essential oil diffuser so much, I've actually used up 2 of the bottles I got for Christmas! These two scents are two of my favourites.

Ok, they are really small bottles, but you only use a drop or two each time you use them. Tranquility is my favourite. It's not really strong, and perfect to relax before bedtime. Unwind is a bit stronger (so I use a little less of this one), but it's great when you want to kick back and read a book, or relax after dinner. They both came in the "Relaxation" box from Saje, which is by far my favourite collection.
I only have 2 complaints. One, the bottles are not refillable or exchangeable at the store. Which I thought was odd. I thought they would at least refill them. But they don't. The bottles are glass though, and recyclable (I have the best smelling recycle bin on the block now!). Second, the bottles come with a plastic stopper in them to allow you to only pour out a drop at a time. Which works great when the bottle is full to half empty. Once you get down to the last little drops in the bottle, it was impossible to get it come out of the bottle without pulling out the stopper. A pair of pliers did the trick, and I was able to use them both up to the last drop!

trying something new

Well, I bit the bullet, and decided to try a new chiropractor! My guy is still off sick, so I booked an appointment with his replacement. Turns out, it was a great decision! The new guy actually trained with my usual guy, so his technique was very similar. And it worked for me! He got my hips back in alignment, and got rid of my nagging headache! I love it when trying something new works out for me.

Cal Mag

I recently ran out of my calcium magnesium pills. I've been taking one of these every night in an effort to help me deal with my migraines.

It is unusual in that it is the same ratio of magnesium to calcium. Most Cal/Mag supplements are 2 to 1 with a higher calcium content. But I worry about taking too much calcium, because I do drink a lot of milk, and eat a lot of milk products (cheese, yogurt, etc.). And the magnesium is helping with the migraines.
Problem is -- I can't find this supplement anymore. My usual health food store isn't carrying it anymore, and I can't find it anywhere else. I think I'll have to try and look for another brand.

Diffuser obsession

So, it's official. I'm addicted to diffusing essential oils.
One of my co-workers has an account with DoTerra, and ordered a bunch of us in the office new diffusers. Because she ordered 1/2 dozen or so, we got free shipping, and they were on sale and came with 2 oils free of charge. I now have a new diffuser at work...

And a couple of new essential oils to try out...

I really like the Easy Air one. Its not overpowering (like some oils can be) and makes my office smell so fresh!

More things I can't live without

So I wrote about my Soda Stream in my last post. Well, this year, I also go another present that I haven't stopped using since Christmas, and can't seem to live without. It's my Saje Essential Oil Diffuser...

One of the girls at work has one in her office, and she loves it. I thought it would be "too stinky" and didn't think I would like any of the scents. I was wrong. I love it! Some of the scents are so relaxing! Just what I need after a long frustrating day at work. I also got a selection of scents to choose from as I got two different sample packs. The Relaxation one and the Peaceful one.

By far, my favourite scents are "Tranquility", "Unwind", and the one called "Gratitude". The only ones I don't like are the ones that have patchouli oil in them. I really don't like that smell too much. But all of the others have been wonderful. I use it every night now!

Acupuncture

I had my first acupuncture appointment this morning.
About 6 hours later, my blood pressure was lower than it has been in weeks.
And I feel amazing. Very "zen-like". It's great!

Getting back on track

I recently got a bit of a scare from the doctor. My blood pressure is too high. So, in order to get out of taking any type of medication, I have to do that "healthy thing".... lose weight, get more exercise, and find ways to relax, de-stress, and control my anxiety (which has really gotten a lot worse in the last year or so).
So, I'm back online on My Fitness Pal again, tracking food and keeping myself accountable. I'm going to lose weight, for sure this time.
I stopped at Saje, and picked up some essential oils to help with the stress and anxiety, and help me sleep better.
I read up on my vitamins, and re-jigged my daily vitamin routine... taking more B-vitamins, and a calcium-magnesium to help relax me.
I found my acupuncturist who is now working at a clinic closer to home than she was before, and have booked a Saturday appointment for next weekend.
My hips have been sore lately, so I've already been seeing my chiropractor on a regular basis, but I will continue to go to him, and not put it off so often like I usually do.
And I have been in the pool, and not just floating about. I'm treading water and doing laps. In fact, I'm trying to move more... in the pool, in the garden, at home, at work.
It's going to take a lot of hard work to get where I want to be. But, I'm determined not to go on medication. So, I need to do this, and get results, otherwise I won't be able to convince my doctor.

spring flu

I have the flu. UGH!

I've spent the better part of the week drinking lots and lots of lemon ginger tea. It's just hot water, slices of ginger root, a wedge or two of lemon, and a teaspoon of honey. But, it works better than any decongestant or cold medication you can find.
For my cough -- Buckwheat honey!

The Vitamin Bible

I recently bought a new copy of Earl Mindell's Vitamin Bible from Amazon.

I had an older copy that I bought years ago, and it was getting a little dog-eared, and somewhat out of date. So, I bought a new copy.
I've been suffering from a lot of migraines and headaches this month (like every day!), so I decided to try taking different vitamins. I stopped at the Health Food Store on my way home from work today, and purchased a new Multi, stocked up on a few essentials, and added a Vitamin C to my regimen. I usually take Vitamin C when I'm sick, but I haven't been eating as much citrus as I usually do (ie: I don't usually drink a lot of mojitos in the winter time), so maybe I'm a little low and need to take more each day. I'm hoping it will help the headaches. I've tried just about everything else.

migraines

I've been suffering with migraines more often lately. And have been struggling to find something to use for them. Advil has been giving me stomach aches and such, so I haven't been using that much anymore. And the pills I got from the doctor just made me feel totally icky and hung-over.
I stayed home from work today because of another migraine. But, I did have to venture out to get car insurance. So I stopped at the health food store on the way home. The lady at the health food store told me to use butterbur and feverfew, and start taking more vitamin B2. So, I bought a combination of the butterbur and feverfew, and then bought a B Complex. And really - so far, so good. It hasn't gotten rid of the migraine completely, but it sure has helped!