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Breath Clues part 2

· ·


Becoming aware of HOW you breathe is important both as a health clue and an (inexpensive and valuable!) wellness tool. 


Did you take the quick quiz on the graphic?  If not, take a moment to do so!
Statistically, chronic shallow (mouth, neck, and upper chest) breathing is the most common type of breathing in Westernized cultures. This type of breathing  perpetuates stress and anxiety, activates the “fight or flight” (sympathetic response),  and suppresses the immune system. 


Conversely, diaphragmatic (deep belly) breathing balances the nervous system, supports heart health, improves circulation, promotes lymphatic drainage, reduces stress, calms the mind, and brings the body back into a more homeostatic state. 
Do you notice how some people remain calm, cool, and collected while others become a tightly wound spring with every stressor? The ability to pivot from “fight or flight” to “rest and digest” is incredibly important to health outcomes! ( Pharmacist tip: Learning to do this is helpful in keeping you away from the pharmacy!)  


The longest nerve in the body is called the  👉vagus nerve 👈. It runs from the brain thru the lungs and on to the gut, and affects every organ and body system it comes in contact with along the way ….. stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, heart, lungs, and the immune, endocrine, respiratory, and cardiovascular systems. In other words, the vagal nerve pathway is kind of a big deal! 😍


High vagal tone is incredibly important to overall health and wellbeing….. really, it’s a use it or lose it situation. Low vagal tone is associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, GI disorders, and depression. Diaphragmatic breathing increases vagal tone! 


If deep belly breathing is not something you do on the regular (ie: it’s become second nature to you), Here are a few tips and tricks:
👉 Start with just 2 minutes several times a day. 
1. Place one hand on your upper chest and the other just below your rib cage, so you can feel your diaphragm move as you breathe.
2. Inhale deeply thru your nose for the count of 6-8 seconds (or 4-5 seconds if that’s too much)…. allowing your belly to expand. Try to fill your lungs with air. NOTE! The hand on your chest should remain as still as possible.
3. Slowly exhale through your nose for the count of 6-8 (or 4-5) drawing your belly button in and down as your abdomen moves inward.
4. As you breathe inward deeply, envision oxygen flowing inward and recharging your body. As you exhale, envision all the stress and tension leaving your body. 
5. Practice this for 2-3 minutes at a time (20-30 breath cycles). Graduate to 5 minutes as you are able! 


Scientifically noted benefits of diaphragmatic breathing can be further enhanced when you pair your breathing practice with Young Living essential oils known for their supportive roles in  health and wellness goals:
🌿Want to improve mood? Pair your practice with Citrus Fresh eo blend! 
🌿 Looking for better concentration? Try Brain Power or Frankincense!
🌿 Looking to better manage pain? (Yes, deep breathing helps with this too!) Add in PanAway or Deep Relief
🌿 Wanting to lower your blood pressure (Yep, deep breathing exercises does this too!)….. support happy vascular system breathing practices with Joy, Aroma Life, Ylang Ylang, or Lavender.
🌿Lowering blood sugar (amazing what regular deep breathing may do! Consider deep inhalations of Coriander, Melissa, or Christmas Spirit! 
🌿 Improve your sleep. Pair pre bedtime deep breathing with a diffuser loaded with Cedarwood, Orange, and Lavender! 
🌿  Use as a tool in your weight loss journey. Have you tried Grapefruit essential oil or Thieves on the bottom of the feet?
🌿 Strengthen the pelvic floor muscle (which will also improve bladder and bowel elimination function!). Consider pairing with Clary Sage, Cypress, or (Digize 👈 for colon support). 
🌿Better lymphatic flow?…. You’ll love Lemon essential oil (both regular and vitality!)! 


Noticing how you are breathing, and then making corrections as needed is a simple, but VIP wellness tool and health clue! Just as diaphragmatic breathing is helpful, chronic shallow breathing will exacerbate many health problems, and over time, may also contribute to lung infections and lung diseases.
Just breathe…… deeply! 
xoxo~ liz


👈 if you’d like to know more about additional breathing practices or the oils mentioned above, let’s chat!


#sharingiscaring 
#Godgaveusthetools 
#goodmedicineisgreatbreathinghabits
#goodmedicine Breath Clues: Part II
Becoming aware of HOW you breathe is important both as a health clue and an (inexpensive and valuable!) wellness tool. 
Did you take the quick quiz on the graphic?  If not, take a moment to do so!
Statistically, chronic shallow (mouth, neck, and upper chest) breathing is the most common type of breathing in Westernized cultures. This type of breathing  perpetuates stress and anxiety, activates the “fight or flight” (sympathetic response),  and suppresses the immune system. 
Conversely, diaphragmatic (deep belly) breathing balances the nervous system, supports heart health, improves circulation, promotes lymphatic drainage, reduces stress, calms the mind, and brings the body back into a more homeostatic state. 
Do you notice how some people remain calm, cool, and collected while others become a tightly wound spring with every stressor? The ability to pivot from “fight or flight” to “rest and digest” is incredibly important to health outcomes! ( Pharmacist tip: Learning to do this is helpful in keeping you away from the pharmacy!)  
The longest nerve in the body is called the  👉vagus nerve 👈. It runs from the brain thru the lungs and on to the gut, and affects every organ and body system it comes in contact with along the way ….. stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, heart, lungs, and the immune, endocrine, respiratory, and cardiovascular systems. In other words, the vagal nerve pathway is kind of a big deal! 😍
High vagal tone is incredibly important to overall health and wellbeing….. really, it’s a use it or lose it situation. Low vagal tone is associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, GI disorders, and depression. Diaphragmatic breathing increases vagal tone! 
If deep belly breathing is not something you do on the regular (ie: it’s become second nature to you), Here are a few tips and tricks:
👉 Start with just 2 minutes several times a day. 
1. Place one hand on your upper chest and the other just below your rib cage, so you can feel your diaphragm move as you breathe.
2. Inhale deeply thru your nose for the count of 6-8 seconds (or 4-5 seconds if that’s too much)…. allowing your belly to expand. Try to fill your lungs with air. NOTE! The hand on your chest should remain as still as possible.
3. Slowly exhale through your nose for the count of 6-8 (or 4-5) drawing your belly button in and down as your abdomen moves inward.
4. As you breathe inward deeply, envision oxygen flowing inward and recharging your body. As you exhale, envision all the stress and tension leaving your body. 
5. Practice this for 2-3 minutes at a time (20-30 breath cycles). Graduate to 5 minutes as you are able! 
Scientifically noted benefits of diaphragmatic breathing can be further enhanced when you pair your breathing practice with Young Living essential oils known for their supportive roles in  health and wellness goals:
🌿Want to improve mood? Pair your practice with Citrus Fresh eo blend! 
🌿 Looking for better concentration? Try Brain Power or Frankincense!
🌿 Looking to better manage pain? (Yes, deep breathing helps with this too!) Add in PanAway or Deep Relief
🌿 Wanting to lower your blood pressure (Yep, deep breathing exercises does this too!)….. support happy vascular system breathing practices with Joy, Aroma Life, Ylang Ylang, or Lavender.
🌿Lowering blood sugar (amazing what regular deep breathing may do! Consider deep inhalations of Coriander, Melissa, or Christmas Spirit! 
🌿 Improve your sleep. Pair pre bedtime deep breathing with a diffuser loaded with Cedarwood, Orange, and Lavender! 
🌿  Use as a tool in your weight loss journey. Have you tried Grapefruit essential oil or Thieves on the bottom of the feet?
🌿 Strengthen the pelvic floor muscle (which will also improve bladder and bowel elimination function!). Consider pairing with Clary Sage, Cypress, or (Digize 👈 for colon support). 
🌿Better lymphatic flow?…. You’ll love Lemon essential oil (both regular and vitality!)! 
Noticing how you are breathing, and then making corrections as needed is a simple, but VIP wellness tool and health clue! Just as diaphragmatic breathing is helpful, chronic shallow breathing will exacerbate many health problems, and over time, may also contribute to lung infections and lung diseases.
Just breathe…… deeply! 
xoxo~ liz

#sharingiscaring 
#Godgaveusthetools 
#goodmedicineisgreatbreathinghabits
#goodmedicine 

6 Self-Care Rituals to Help You Relax, Recenter & Reignite Your Energy (With Essential Oils!)

· ·

by Stephanie Gregory

Have you ever felt like you’re running on empty? Like the world is spinning faster than you can keep up? Friend, I’ve been there—and I want you to know something important: you’re not alone.

In my work with women overcoming anxiety and burnout, I’ve learned that prioritizing self-care isn’t just a luxury—it’s a spiritual act of stewardship. God didn’t design us to survive, but to thrive.

The Quiet Power of Intentional Rituals

Over the last decade, I’ve helped hundreds of women reclaim their peace through faith-based holistic support. Today, I’m sharing six transformative practices that have been game-changers for my clients and myself.

1. Daily Soul Check-Ins: Listening to Your Inner Voice

Before the noise of the day takes over, create a sacred space for reflection. This isn’t just self-care—it’s hearing God’s whispers.

Ask yourself:

  • What do I need to surrender today?
  • Where is God inviting me to rest?
  • What boundaries need gentle reinforcement?

Essential Oils for Grounding:

  • Sacred Frankincense (for spiritual connection)
  • Cedarwood (for clarity and presence)
  • White Angelica (for emotional protection)

2. Meditation: Rewiring Your Brain through Faith and Presence

Meditation isn’t just a wellness trend—it’s a biblical practice of stillness. When we quiet our minds, we create space to hear God’s guidance.

Oils for Spiritual Alignment:

  • Valor
  • Northern Lights Black Spruce
  • Peace & Calming

3. The Healing Power of Gratitude

Gratitude is a powerful spiritual discipline. It shifts our focus from what’s wrong to God’s abundant grace.

Try this: Each morning, write three things you’re grateful for. Let this be your prayer, your worship.

4. Emotional Energy Clearing

Your emotional space matters. Just as we cleanse our physical environment, we must tend to our spiritual and emotional landscapes.

Emotional Release Ritual:

  • Use Release or Palo Santo for energetic cleansing
  • Apply White Angelica for spiritual protection
  • Reflect on what you’re surrendering to God

5. Mindful Movement: Honoring Your Body as a Temple

Movement is a form of worship. It’s about connecting your body, mind, and spirit—not punishment or perfection.

Supportive Recovery Oils:

  • PanAway
  • Peppermint
  • Cypress
  • Lemon

6. Smile and Let Joy Interrupt Stress

Did you know that smiling—even when you don’t feel like it—can release mood-boosting chemicals? It’s science meeting grace.

Oils for Joy:

  • Joy blend
  • Lemon
  • Orange
  • Citrus Fresh

Final Reflection: You Were Made to Shine

Remember, self-care isn’t selfish—it’s how we show up fully for our purpose. As I often tell my clients, “From fear to freedom” isn’t just a tagline. It’s a promise.

Your light is meant to be bright, not dimmed by burnout or overwhelm. These practices are your pathway to peace, one intentional moment at a time.

Breathe. Trust. Align.

💛 With love and faith, Stephanie

Tools:
      Grounding (bottom of your feet, back of your neck, or diffuse)….Sacred Frankincense
      Reflecting on your goals…  Envision
      Alignment or clarity…  Cedarwood
      Joy and togetherness…  Joy
     Creativity…  Lime
     Focus…  Peppermint
     Strength & security…  White Angelica
     Calm…  Lavender
     Motivation…  Motivation, Awaken, or Envision
     Passion…   Ylang Ylang
     Grounding…  Frankincense
     Positive mindset…  Lemon, Citrus Fresh
     Positive energy shift…   Abundance

Health Clues in Your Skin #3

· ·

“To know a person’s experiences from the past, examine the body now.” ~ Ancient Anon.


(Here are links to skin clues in this chapter of the ‘Becoming Your Own Health Detective’ series)
Skin Part I: https://goodmedicine.info/blog/health-clues-in-our-skin-1
​Skin Part II: https://goodmedicine.info/blog/health-clues-in-your-skin-part-2


​Dry itchy skin is common in the winter, so this is probably a fairly hot topic right about now thanks to the winter climate❄️. Often easier said than remembered…… drink more water if dry skin is your current nemesis! People tend to consume less water in the winter, so be vigilant and conscientious of how much water you are actively consuming daily. If plain water isn’t your cuppa, add in YL’s Vitality Drops (Regular….. Grapefruit Bergamot & Lavender Lemon or for a little extra pep in your step, Energy….. Jade Lemon & Spearmint Tangerine). YL’s Coconut Lime Body Butter is a great tool for combating winter dry skin from the outside, and its smell makes me feel like it’s summer on the beach with a little umbrella adorned drink in my hand!  


Beyond dehydration, there is a wide variety of other reasons for dry skin. If fairly localized (or patchy) consider the skin care products you are using. Harsh chemicals in standard skincare products are commonplace, and your skin will recognize the difference! We are blessed by Young Living’s skin care line, Thieves products,  and Savvy Minerals makeup and these “clean” products are important tools for healthy skin.


Contact dermatitis is another localized type of dry or irritated skin. As its name suggests, it is inflammation 🔥resulting from contact to a trigger irritant or allergen. It usually clears up on its own over time as long as exposure to the trigger is halted. 
Eczema (aka: atopic dermatitis) is a catch-all term for a group of conditions that make skin inflamed🔥 or irritated….. A bigger chronic problem. An estimated 10% of people in the USA have some form of eczema. Research suggests that eczema falls into the autoimmune condition category, and may have a genetic component (as do many autoimmune disorders). The good news is that, thanks to epigenetics (our environment is an enormous influencer of gene expression), WE ALL have a great deal of control of our environment, and can do quite a lot to keep the problematic genes from expressing themselves.


The term eczema comes from the Greek word ‘ekzein’ which means ‘to boil over’….. In this case, it’s an external sign that trouble is brewing in the gut.  Keeping skin inflammation🔥 down ultimately lies in healing your digestive tract and avoiding food triggers such as sugar, gluten, and processed foods….. remembering that we are all uniquely made and one man’s trigger may not be another’s! It can be tricky to identify your trigger, but stick with it… it typically takes 6-8 weeks of avoiding a trigger for true healing to reveal itself.


Autoimmune disorders are like cats…. You may start out with one🐈, but people rarely typically end with just one🐈🐈🐈🐈, so it’s best to get eczema under control before it “boils over” into other body system dysfunctions.  Sulfurzyme, Life 9 probiotic, and Essentialzyme4 are just a few of the amazing supportive tools we have available to us as Young Living members!  #nobodywantstocollectAutoimmunedisorders


“Sallow skin” is another rather broad term for a general unhealthy skin tone that tends towards dullish, yellowish, or pale. Do not misinterpret this. There are very healthy people with a natural bent towards pale or olive complexion…… but if you walk into an oncologist’s waiting room, you’ll immediately know what this skin tone looks like. Sallow skin is very identifiable, and there are varying degrees of “sallow”. Regardless of the degree, it is definitely a clue to perk up and make some health and habit changes!

Common causes of sallow skin include:
👉Smoking
👉Vitamin Deficiency (esp Vit A, Vit B12, Vit C, Vit D, Vit E) #haveyoutriedMasterFormula 
👉Serious chronic stress (long term “heavy” emotional stress) 
👉Lack of Sleep
👉Poor skin care
👉An underlying chronic health condition 
👉Certain medications


Rosacea, a red or “ruddy” complexion is also a branch of the autoimmune family tree, so it behooves the bearer of chronic rosy cheeks to support their immune and digestive systems.


Hair in unwanted places is a sure sign of a hormonal imbalance for women. Traditionally, we’ve been led to believe that unwanted hair growth is likely related to excess testosterone, and that is only partially true. The bigger picture is that our hormonal system is a finely tuned instrument and it only takes a fraction of an imbalance to cause significant problems.  The balance between circulating testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone is important, as is insulin sensitivity.
Insulin (a hormone too!) resistance is typically caused by years of a diet high in sugar and refined carbs.  In the insulin resistant individual, the body is losing its ability to respond to glucose  and to properly metabolize food. Someone who is insulin resistant will have a hard time balancing sex hormones without addressing the insulin resistance component first. Insulin resistance is often seen in tandem with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Diet and exercise are absolutely critical tools to use when addressing the root cause. Advanced labwork is also a key tool. Simply measuring basic glucose is not enough. You’ll also want HbA1c and fasting insulin tested (as well as a hormone panel). Find your favorite holistic or integrative health provider to help walk you thru hormone balancing, and listen to you body! Insulin resistance will ultimately lead to Insulin injections if not addressed properly, and nobody wants that!  We farmgirls call this “fish or cut bait time.” As the CEO of your own body, important decisions need to be made for your VIP company’s health.  


As a reminder: I am not a doctor, and cannot diagnose, treat, or offer to cure you. The goal of this series is to provide thought provoking clues so that you can manage your own health a little more effectively and efficiently! I CAN help you learn to navigate how to do this in a way that honors your unique body and life.
That said, tried and true beginner thru advanced steps geared to improved health will ALWAYS include:
✅Getting rid of toxins
✅Cleaning up your diet
✅Staying well hydrated with “clean” water
✅Exercising regularly
✅Getting 7-8 hr of sleep
✅Managing stress properly
✅Working on decreasing inflammation
Have a beautiful day friends! 
xoxo~ liz

#caringissharing
#pharmacistandfarmacist
#applicationofknowledgeispower
#skininthegame 
#goodmedicine
#goodmedicineisknowingthyselfwell
#yourskinisamirrortoyourhealth
#ThanksYL

Health Clues in Your Skin #1

· ·

We’ve moved on to new terrain! Skin holds sooo many clues friends. Please continue to be mindful of the difference between a singular clue and a diagnosis! A clue by itself may mean next to nothing, but if you can pair multiple clues together, the savvy personal health detective can often head off big health concerns by being proactive and using the right tools and lifestyle habits to get back on track!


Bags and Circles around the eyes👀 are separate clues, but often paired together.  Common causes of dark circles include stress, anemia, dehydration, fatigue, allergies, nasal congestion, a parasite load, chronic eye strain, thinning of skin, and unhealthy habits.


Chronic stress and fatigue often (and usually) go hand in hand. It’s awfully hard to get a good night’s sleep if you are under a great deal of stress. Conversely, if you are missing out on sleep for whatever reason, a chronically stressed body will ultimately result. We, in the Young Living community, have an arsenal of tools to help us sleep and keep our bodies and minds balanced even during stressful seasons. My bedtime regimen always includes oils (Tranquil or Rutavala are my go to!) to support healthy sleeping habits, and my nightly pre-bedtime ImmuPro supports both sleep and immune system function. I also mitigate stress with regular exercise, plenty of time outdoors, prayerful meditation time and faith based yoga. 


Thinning of the skin happens naturally as we age simply because collagen production begins decreasing after about the age of 25…….the older we get the less our body produces! A couple of key ingredients that our body needs for collagen production include Vitamin C complex (hint:  Super C Chewables for the win!) and elemental sulfur (hint: Sulfurzyme ). Pair this clue with a quick look at your fingernails and make note of any evidence of pitting! 


Perhaps you are feeling your dark circles might be clues related to allergies or chronic congestion? Allergies always have a digestive dysfunction component, and it may behoove you to look into Young Living’s  AllerZyme capsules for digestive enzyme support. I’ve personally also found several essential oils that work quite well in our home for seasonal respiratory support when used topically, diffused, or taken internally (in vitality form)….. What have you found that works for you?   

 
As we discussed over in the fingernails section, parasites are not an uncommon first world problem. Check your fingernails for Beau’s lines for an additional clue!
Puffiness under the eyes is often a sign of inflammation or water retention. How might you pair puffiness with other signs of inflammation in the body?
Xanthelasma is the formation of cholesterol deposits around the eyes. While it can occasionally be hereditary, most often it is a clue that cholesterol levels are high. Recent research has also linked xanthelasma to type II diabetes. If you have found this clue around your eyes, I suggest reaching out to your favorite healthcare provider to schedule labwork to evaluate both cholesterol and blood sugar levels. (If you don’t have a healthcare provider handy, message me, and I can walk you thru setting up labwork analysis!)  Both high cholesterol and type II diabetes are largely correctable with changes to lifestyle and eating habits….. So be encouraged! You are the CEO of your own body, and that gives you the power to make healthy changes! 


Are you starting to put clues together? It’s kinda fun, isn’t it? Agatha Christie would be proud! 
Stay tuned for more skin clues coming your way…..
xoxo~ liz
​
(holler if you need labwork or are interested in any of the above mentioned products. I’d love to help you help yourself!)  

#caringissharing
#applicationofknowledgeispower
#skininthegame 
#goodmedicine
#goodmedicineisknowingthyselfwell
#ThanksYL

Finding Answers to your own Health Problems

· ·

Last week, I wrote about all the fascinating information you may learn from looking at the clues embedded (literally) in the nether regions of fingernails. You can find that post here if you need to catch up: https://goodmedicine.info/blog/health-clues-you-can-use-1

​A clue means next to nothing if it is singular….. You’ll  need at least a few clues if you are to be sure you are headed down the right path. 


Since we are only in the embryonic stages of becoming your own health detective, here are a few quick self assessment tools every good health detective needs:
*Honesty: If you are to be your own health detective, it’s important to acknowledge lifestyle choices and known consequences. The “it won’t happen to me” mindset will never work….nor will the hypochondriac’s lament. If you are going to do the detective work, be honest with yourself……using your clues to improve your wellness quotient thru diet, lifestyle changes and using supplements (and/or YL essential oils) when you suspect support is needed will go a long way to turning back the physiological clock.


*Labwork: Every adult should have bloodwork  done annually (more often if there is a visible problem). Even the uninsured or “undoctored” can get bloodwork done without seeing a doctor (message me if you’d like help doing this). I’ll cover what I consider “essential” labwork in a future post, so at the very least you’ll know what labs to request your doctor run for you.


*One clue does not make a dis-ease or a diagnosis. #clustercluesforthewin


*How do you feel? Think this over. Do you feel great most days? If your answer hovers more around the “meh” answer, here’s where you’ll want to start. There are many many posts within this group that addresses supportive measures for most of these topics:
👉Do you get enough sleep?
👉Do you exercise vigorously and regularly?
👉Do you know your recent blood pressure and blood sugar numbers?
👉Do you have a “healthy” bowel movement daily?
👉Do you eat in a healthy manner? 
👉Do you have a close set of friends, participate in life fully, attend church?
👉Do you laugh often and enjoy life?
👉Do you avoid vices? (smoking and regular alcohol consumption especially)


*Consider keeping a health journal. Write down your clues as you find them. This will be very helpful to you as you learn how to be a better CEO of Y.O.U Incorporated in 2021, and will also help you decide which supplements or oils might need to be on your monthly “must haves” for 2021.


 *Know your limits. If you have found several clues pointing to a significant health issue, please contact your preferred health professional. Naturopaths, Integrative medicine doctors, and functional medicine doctors are my personal first choice as they tend to look beyond the symptoms and address the root cause.


Last week I read several comments when discussing less than prominent lunula….. Fewer than 8 prominent lunula may be an indication of low cellular oxygen, poor circulation, a chronically weakened immune system, a possible thyroid disorder, or a Vitamin B12 Deficiency. Lots of possibilities, right? If you didn’t know where to start (since this is a first clue), what daily Young Living supplement may be supportive of most of these conditions? (Hint: It’s red ).
xoxo~liz

#sharingiscaring
#applicationofknowledgeispower
#goodmedicine
#ThanksYL
#NingXiaRedChallenge2021
#becomingyourownhealthdetective

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