Hello, my friend!

​

I hope this week has treated you well and that you were able to find a moment to recharge your batteries.

​

This has been an emotional week for me after dropping my only daughter off to her first year of college in NYC last week and driving our youngest son to boarding school today. I am a mix of pride, exhaustion, love, sadness, and excitement at the prospect of focusing some time on myself and my husband.

​

Childrearing is lovely and complex. I will have to write about it at some point. For now, I am grateful that my work brings me so much satisfaction. Thank you for being a part of this community!

​

👇 In today’s email:

• This week’s inspiration: Understanding the Gut-Skin Axis
• Latest blog post: The Role of Lymphatic Drainage in Reducing Bloating and Water Retention
• More writing: The Physical and Emotional Toll of Putting Others First

​

​How Your Digestion Impacts Your Skin Health​

Glowing skin is not just about what you put on your face - it's supported by what's happening in your gut!

The Gut-Skin Connection

Did you know that your digestive health is directly linked to your skin's appearance? It's true! When your gut is happy, your skin radiates. But when things are off-balance down there, it can show up as:

• Acne
• Rosacea
• Eczema
• Premature aging
• Inflammation

Yikes! But don't worry, I've got solutions that have worked wonders for centuries.

Start with Acupuncture: Your Skin's New BFF

Acupuncture isn't just for pain relief - it's a powerful tool for beautifying your skin from the inside out. Here's how it works:

1. Balances your gut microbiome: Those tiny needles can help regulate your digestive system, promoting a healthy balance of good bacteria.
2. Reduces inflammation: Less inflammation means clearer, calmer skin.
3. Boosts circulation: Better blood flow = more nutrients delivered to your skin cells.
4. Regulates hormones: Hormonal imbalances often show up on our skin. Acupuncture can help keep things in check.

Tips You Can Do at Home for Gut and Skin Health

While acupuncture is an incredible way to support your gut-skin connection, there are also some simple DIY tips you can incorporate into your daily routine:

1. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Aim for at least 8 glasses to keep your skin and gut well-hydrated.

2. Gut-Friendly Smoothie

• Blend spinach, banana, a scoop of yogurt (or a dairy-free alternative), and a tablespoon of flaxseeds. Try to ingest this as close to room temperature as possible. Cold foods in Chinese medicine are thought to impede digestion. This nutrient-packed smoothie is excellent for digestion and skin health!

3. Probiotic Power

• Incorporate fermented foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, or yogurt into your meals. They help boost your gut microbiome and can improve your skin's appearance.

4. Herbal Teas

• Sip on herbal teas like green tea, licorice root, peppermint, or ginger, which can soothe your digestive system and promote overall wellness.

5. Mindfulness Practices

• Stress can wreak havoc on your gut and skin. Try incorporating mindfulness practices like meditation or yoga into your routine to keep stress levels in check.

Remember, beautiful - your skin is a reflection of your inner health. Let's nourish it together!

​Read some more →​

Latest blog post
​

​The Role of Lymphatic Drainage in Reducing Bloating and Water Retention​

Are you feeling a bit puffy lately? Let's discuss how to beat bloat and water retention with the magic of lymphatic drainage!

What's the Lymphatic System?

Think of it as your body's cleanup crew. It helps remove toxins and excess fluids, but sometimes, it needs a little boost.

Signs Your Lymphatic System Needs Love

• Bloating
• Swollen ankles or fingers
• Fatigue
• Brain fog

Sound familiar? Don't worry, I've got you covered!

DIY Lymphatic Drainage Techniques

1. Dry Brushing: Gently brush your skin towards your heart before showering. It's like a mini massage for your lymph nodes!
2. Hydration: Sip on water throughout the day. Your lymph fluid is mostly water, so staying hydrated is key.
3. Move That Body: Exercise, especially rebounding on a mini-trampoline, gets your lymph flowing.
4. Drink a detox tea: Make a tea of jobs tears, also known as Chinese pearl barley, coix seeds, or hato mugi in Japanese. Drink the tea twice a day for 5 days.
5. Massage: Try gentle self-massage, focusing on areas like your neck, armpits, and groin where lymph nodes cluster.

Quick Tip

Elevate your legs for 15-20 minutes daily. It's an easy way to help fluid drain while you relax!

Ready to say goodbye to bloat and hello to a lighter, more energized you? Give these techniques a try and let me know how you feel!

P.S. Want personalized support for your lymphatic health? Book a consultation with me, and let's get your glow on!

​Read the post here →​

More writing
​

​The Physical and Emotional Toll of Putting Others First​

Even when you are giving without resentment, it can be exhausting. You're not alone if you're feeling drained, stressed, and overwhelmed. Let's talk about the hidden cost of always putting others first.

The Price of Self-Sacrifice

Constantly prioritizing everyone else's needs over your own can seriously affect your well-being. Here's what you might be experiencing:

• Exhaustion that just won't quit
• Weakened immune system
• Increased stress levels
• Higher risk of physical and mental health issues

But it doesn't stop there. Neglecting your own needs can lead to:

• Feelings of resentment
• Lack of fulfillment
• A sense of being underappreciated

Time for a Change

Remember, taking care of yourself isn't selfish - it's essential! By prioritizing your well-being, you're actually better equipped to care for others.

Quick Self-Care Tips:

1. Schedule "me time" daily, even if it's just 10 minutes
2. Practice saying "no" to non-essential commitments
3. Prioritize sleep and proper nutrition

Ready to break the cycle of self-neglect? I'm here to support you on your journey to better health and happiness. Here's an article I wrote about Advocating for Yourself & Setting Healthy Boundaries.

I’m cheering for you. You deserve to thrive!

Dr. Cat 🥰

​

Dr. Catherine

Do you have a question you want me to answer? Any wellness challenges you want me to write about? Send them my way, I love hearing from you. Say hi 👋🏻 on Instagram, X, LinkedIn or TikTok I share in those places too.

🫶

Your Email Preferences

Your email address is Reader

​Change your account details ↗​

​Unsubscribe from all emails ↗​

The studio address: 10 Deblois Street, Newport, RI 02840

​Get Directions​

Was this forwarded to you? Subscribe here.​

© 2024 Dr. Catherine On Wellness. This content may convey general information related to medical conditions, research, testing, treatment, and other healthcare topics. Any such information is provided for informational purposes only. You should always consult a doctor or other health care professional for medical advice or information about diagnosis and treatment.