Dysautonomia, a disorder of the autonomic nervous system, can affect multiple body systems and present with a wide range of symptoms. In a recent group visit, Dr. Cheng Ruan shared valuable insights on understanding and managing dysautonomia, including Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS).
Dr. Ruan emphasized that dysautonomia is not just a single condition but a pattern affecting various body systems. Many diagnoses, such as ADHD, anxiety, depression, SIBO, tachycardia, chronic lower back pain, and even some rheumatologic conditions, can be different manifestations of the same underlying dysautonomia.
A key aspect of dysautonomia is the relationship between physical alignment and organ function. Hannah, a physical therapist, explained that poor posture and muscle tension, especially in the upper abdomen, can significantly impact digestion and overall autonomic function. This...
In a recent group visit, Dr. Cheng Ruan explored the fascinating concept of energetic flow and its relevance to modern medicine. This ancient idea, known by various names across cultures, offers valuable insights into holistic health and wellness.
Dr. Ruan began by discussing the concept of energetic flow, which has been a cornerstone of many ancient cultures:
These terms all describe a life force that provides vitality and is interconnected throughout the body.
This life force can be manipulated through specific points, leading to practices like acupuncture in Chinese medicine and pressure point therapies in other cultures.
In modern medicine, the concept most closely related to this ancient idea of life force is the exposome. Dr. Ruan explained that the exposome...
At Texas Center for Lifestyle Medicine, we're committed to providing comprehensive care for our patients with dysautonomia. In our recent group visit, we had the pleasure of hosting Hannah Sutherland from PARR PT, who shared valuable insights on pelvic floor health and its connection to autonomic function.
The pelvic floor is a complex group of muscles, nerves, and tissues that play a crucial role in our body's function. Hannah explained that these muscles are responsible for supporting our pelvic organs, controlling bladder and bowel function, and even contributing to sexual function.
Hannah discussed two common pelvic floor issues:
Interestingly, both conditions can be...
Most of us at some point in our lives will experience a traumatic event, hardship, loss, or a season of chronic stress. Because of the pressures of life, most of us can say that we are either exiting or entering a new trial or difficulty. Our new program led by Geny Moreno, "Mind-Body Skills Series: Transforming Trauma," is designed to support your healing journey and overall whole-body healing. This new group series isn't just about tools - it's about connection. Connecting both to your authentic self and to others in a safe, healing space.
Start Date: Tuesday, January 28, 2025
Time: 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM CST
Location: In-person at our clinic. Address: 333 west loop N. Suite 250 Houston, TX 77024
Duration: 6 weeks (Every Tuesday)
What to Expect
In this program, led by our expert, Geny, you will learn:
At Texas Center for Lifestyle Medicine, we understand that undergoing an MRI can be a source of anxiety for many patients. This guide offers a detailed exploration of non-pharmacological strategies to help you have a more comfortable and relaxed experience during your upcoming MRI scan.
Understanding MRI Anxiety
Before delving into coping strategies, it's important to understand why MRI scans can be anxiety-provoking:
- Claustrophobia: The enclosed space of the MRI machine can trigger feelings of confinement.
- Noise: MRI scanners produce loud, repetitive sounds that can be unsettling.
- Duration: Scans can last anywhere from 15 minutes to over an hour, requiring prolonged stillness.
- Fear of results: Anxiety about potential findings can heighten stress.
- Loss of control: Being in an unfamiliar environment can lead to feelings of vulnerability.
Preparation: The Foundation of a Positive Experience
Education and Familiarization
- Research the MRI process: Understanding what happens...
Looking to take charge of your health in 2024? Our January Group Visits offer the perfect opportunity to begin your wellness journey alongside a supportive community of fellow patients and healthcare professionals.
Group Visits at TCLM combine the best of both worlds: extended time with our healthcare team and the chance to learn from others on similar health journeys. Each session focuses on specific health topics, allowing for in-depth discussions and personalized guidance in a collaborative environment.
Review our upcoming topics and secure your spot to ensure you don't miss the sessions most relevant to your health goals.
Contact Jillian at [email protected] to learn more about how our Group Visit programs can enhance your healthcare experience.
Join us in creating a healthier community, one group visit at a time. Your...
As cold and flu season approaches, many of us are looking for ways to strengthen our immune systems. While a healthy diet and regular exercise are crucial, there's another simple yet powerful tool at our disposal: soft belly breathing. This ancient practice, also known as diaphragmatic breathing, has been shown to have remarkable effects on our immune function and overall health.
The Science Behind Soft Belly Breathing
Soft belly breathing involves taking slow, deep breaths that expand the abdomen rather than the chest. This technique stimulates the vagus nerve, a key component of our parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for our "rest and digest" state. When activated, the vagus nerve helps shift our body from a stress response to a more relaxed state, which has profound implications for our immune system.
Impact on Inflammation and Immune Response
Research has shown that activating the vagus nerve through breathing exercises can have a significant impact on our immune...
The human mind is a complex system comprising multiple levels of consciousness that interact with our physical well-being in intricate ways. By exploring these levels and their connections to our health, we can gain valuable insights into managing chronic illnesses and improving overall quality of life.
The Three Levels of Consciousness
Our mind operates on three primary levels: conscious, subconscious, and superconscious.
Conscious Mind: This is our waking state of awareness, responsible for logical thinking, decision-making, and voluntary actions. It represents only a small portion of our total consciousness.
Subconscious Mind: Operating below our conscious awareness, the subconscious mind stores memories, emotions, and experiences. It has a significant influence on our thoughts and behaviors, often without our realizing it.
Superconscious Mind: This higher state of consciousness is associated with creativity, intuition, and spiritual insights. It's where we can access deeper levels...
At Texas Center for Lifestyle Medicine, we're always exploring cutting-edge research to provide our patients with the most comprehensive and effective care. Today, we're delving into an intriguing aspect of human biology that's gaining attention in the scientific community: the holobiome.
Most of us are familiar with the concept of the microbiome - the collection of microorganisms that inhabit our bodies, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. The microbiome plays a crucial role in our health, influencing everything from digestion to immune function.
However, there's a broader concept that encompasses not just these microorganisms, but also their genetic material and the complex interactions between them and our bodies: the holobiome. The holobiome is defined as the sum total of the component genomes in a eukaryotic organism, comprising both the host genome and the microbiome.
...
As part of our ongoing mission to provide comprehensive care for patients with hypermobility, our team recently hosted an illuminating group visit on this complex condition. During the session, we delved deep into the intricate connections between the gut, posture, the nervous system, and overall health for those dealing with hypermobility.
The discussion was led by our experts, Hannah Sutherland, Physical Therapist with Parr PT, and Dr. Cheng Ruan. They shared valuable insights and real-world examples to help attendees better understand this multifaceted issue. Here are the key takeaways from the session:
The Gut-Brain Connection
One of the core focuses was the crucial role the gut plays in hypermobility. As our experts explained, the gut is often referred to as the "second brain" of the body, containing more neurons than the brain and spinal cord combined. When the gut is not functioning optimally, it can lead to a host of neurological symptoms like dysautonomia.
Posture and...
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