It’s the month of February. Valentine’s Day is a few days away, and it’s a day of love, but it’s not just romantic love, it’s also about self-love and how we can love ourselves. In honor of love I created a short video on simples ways you can increase your self-care, to increase your self-love.

It is important to take care of ourselves, and often times our mental chatter of how we feel, as well as how we treat our bodies, doesn’t fall into alignment of how we want to feel about ourselves.We want to truly love ourselves and have self-acceptance, but that takes a little bit of work and time to understand who we are and to fully accept and love all aspects of ourselves.

I know that it’s been a journey for me. I would like to share some of the things I’ve learned along the way, on how to love myself on a deeper level.

There’s two things:

1. How we treat our physical body
2. How we think of about our bodies.

First, the physical body houses our soul and spirit, there’s no way that we could be in this body if we didn’t have a soul to live in it, and vice versa, so it works together, and our physical body requires certain things to survive. Basic biochemical needs. We need air, we need water, we need food, and we need sleep, and we need movement: exercise.

Constancy is the most important aspect of self care.

Secondly, most of us would never, ever talk to a friend the way that we talk to ourselves. The negative thought patterns are hurtful. Negative phrases like I’m fat, I’m unworthy, I’m not beautiful, I’m not good enough, and others; all have a detrimental impact on our physical health. Our bodies react to our mind and our emotional state.

You always want treat your body with love, compassion and acceptance. The more you love your body, the more your body is able to support you.  You’ll be able to live a more grounded, fulfilled, integrated life where you’re truly connecting mind, body, and spirit.

Action Plan

Create intentions, have affirmations and put it to work.

One of the best ways to solidify your intentions and affirmations is to use your physical body to help you on your path  of self-discovery of who we are. The body is a wonderful tool to do that.

I invite you to start thinking about how you can incorporate self-care practices as a form of self-love and use it in your body.

Here is a personal example:  My intention is to love my body and who I am on a deeper level. I am choosing to work out to solidify my desires. I commit to working out everyday. Not only for health benefits but as an act of self love.

One of least favorite parts of my body is, my lower belly – which often is said to be the kangaroo pouch, most women know what I’m talking about, underneath the belly button.

While I work out, I often think about that part of my body and I send it love. “Lower belly, you’re beautiful, even though you’re not flat, I still love you anyway.” Self acceptance is always part of self love. The same applies to my inner thighs, that I have been working on since my teenage years. I’ve just grown to accept it. Just that’s the way my thighs are and love them.

This is also the time when I send other parts of my body love, send say the words of affirmation I need to hear – you’re amazing, you’re powerful, you’re strong, etc…

While you’re brushing your teeth, you are in front of the mirror most of the time. You can say I love you (your name), I love you hair, I love you eyes…speak to all aspects of yourself and especially the things you are ashamed about.

This time is already carved out in your daily schedule, so you it wouldn’t take too much effort to add a self love practice around your self care routine.

Whatever you’re doing in your life you can incorporate some practices, like when you’re washing dishes…(insert your words of love). Or while you’re walking your dog, this could be an opportunity for you to have gratitude for yourself and for your dog and start infusing some self-care, self-love, words of affirmation in those moments.

Be creative. Think of your life, you currently have daily routines. How can you incorporate self love practices around them?

The more self-love you have for yourself, the more compassion and acceptance you can extend to other people. You will be filling yourself up with so much love that you’d be able to pass that love on to your friends, family and even strangers.

Happy Valentine’s Day to you all. I love celebrating love, I think we should celebrate love every single day.

Giving flowers have become a tradition. You can also give emotional flowers: sending people – love, kindness, appreciation, but most importantly, sending yourself those flowers of love, appreciation, kindness.

I’m sending you so much love and tell me what your self-care practices are…

I would love to hear, I’m always curious and what other people are doing and how they’re incorporating their self-care practices.

Sending you infinite love,
Carine

Hello and Welcome to my Monthly VLOG.

Here are some changes to my business.

I’m moving  from Pelvis Wellness to Carine Camara.

I did so because I want to broaden my scope of practice to open up to more clients and people. I’m still a Chinese Medicine pelvic health expert.

My current offering are: 

In Person: Acupuncture and Energy Healing Sessions

Online: Energy Healing and Wellness Coaching Sessions

Read more on this page…

Coming up in the next few weeks….I am launching a Group Coaching-  Transform Your Pain in your Superpower. More details coming soon…

Today I am going to share:

5  Simple Tips on Boosting your Immune System:

1. Rest – Your body needs rest to refuel and strengthen your immune system.
2. Detox – We ingest toxins and chemicals everyday from living in this modern life from air, foods, drugs, etc. Cleansing your liver is important to strengthen your immunity. These gentle botanicals could be included as a tea, capsule or tincture in your daily routine:
   • Burdock
   • Milk Thistle
   • Dandelion
3. Hydration – Yes, drink more water. Many us (me included) have a hard time drinking tons of water. You can include cucumber, lemon, lime or fruits such as berries into you water. These foods can help hydrate you. You can also eat fruits that contain lots of water, such as melons.
4. Stress – De-stress as much as possible. Life can be stressful. Let’s focus on what brings you joy. Do one thing a day that makes you happy, joyful and fills your heart with laughter. Increase your joy to help manage your stress. I find dancing in front of my mirror brings me joy!
5. Essential Oils – essential oils are great to add to your daily life. One of my favorite blends is called Fortify from the company Saje. It is wonderful to boost your immune system. There is also:
   1. Rosemary
   2. Saro
   3. Eucalyptus

Bonus – Include more fruits and veggies in your diet. And if you want to take supplements:

• Elderberry
• Oil of Oregano
• Olive Leaf
• Lemon Balm
• Goldenseal (when you are feeling sick)

These are good supplements as a preventative or when you are feeling sick. If you want support around boosting your immune system or energy healing session. Book Below.

Email me at info@carinecamara.com if you to connect! I would love to hear from you.

Sending you lots of love,
Carine

Did you know that are you should have pain free periods with no side effects such as PMS? We all have been conditioned to believe that period symptoms are normal. 

Well they are not. 

A Normal Period is…

It starts and ends without any of the following: 

• No pain 
• No brown blood (Blood should be a bright color from start to finish, brown blood indicts old blood)  
• No cramping
• No bloating 
• No breast pain/discomfort
• No emotional shifts 
• No headaches 

Your monthly cycle shows you the state of your health. If you have some or all of the above symptoms, your body is sending you a message. You either have a structural blockage or misalignment, hormonal imbalance, or a vitamin, mineral, and/or nutrient deficiency. All things that can be fix with the proper care and time. 

I personally have suffered from extremely painful periods (pain level above a 10) from the age 14 to my mid twenties. I was able to heal the extreme pain with acupuncture and diet. Currently, I manage my period and I’m mostly pain-free using the 4 prevention tips below. When I do find myself with a slightly painful period (2 to 3 pain level), I have usually been slacking on my self care. And it is a reminder to get back to taking care of my reproductive health. 

Is your uterus in alignment? Your uterus is held up by muscles and ligaments. Then can become weaken or loosen due to various reasons: trauma, surgery, emotions, pregnancy, state of your health or age. Your uterus can fall forward, downward, backwards or be off to one side. A misaligned uterus will have a lack of proper energy, blood and lymphatic flow. Thus, it will affect your period, your fertility and your overall health. Book a session with a Mayan Abdominal Therapist who can help you get your uterus back into place. 

2. Avoid COLD

Extremely Limit:  cold foods, cold drinks, sitting on cold surfaces or walking on cold floors. When cold enters your body it creates congestion, this leads to stagnation of blood and energy and results in pain. Cold contracts muscles and prevents blood and your body’s warm to permeate the area. Think of a frozen pipe or water hose in both situations the expansion of the ice don’t allow water to flow, and over time it can cause serious problems. The same is happening in your body, cold stays in your body and disturbs your natural flow. This will cause menstrual pain, hence why heat feels so good.  

Use tampons? You may want reconsider that choice. Tampons can increase your menstrual cramps. You want your period to flow, out of your body. Tampons inhibit your natural outward flow of your menstrual blood. It causes blood to get backed up and stagnate. This contributes to your discomfort and/or pain. Also tampons dry out your vagina of the self lubricating and self cleaning fluids that are needed to keep you balance and free of infections. A majority of tampons are filled with toxins, that are getting directly absorbed in your bloodstream. And they leave mirco fibers (toxic) behind in your vagina. Overall, even organic tampons are not recommended. Especially if you suffer from menstrual cramps, it is so important to allow your menstrual blood to flow freely. 

Next blog post will be about safe menstrual pads…

When there is a stagnation of qi it can lead to a blood congestion. Cramping with blood clots?  This means you have blood stagnation. Blood congestion can also be the result of IUDs, surgeries, or birth control pills.

Things you can do to get your liver qi moving: 

Exercise– moving your body will get your lymphatic system circulating, and helps to release your emotions. Great for mental clarity and overall health. 

Diet– especially a week before your period. Eat less to no sugar, no processed foods, drink more water. Include more cruciferous veggies into your diet, leafy greens, and clean meats- no chemicals or added hormones. 

Stick your tongue out in a mirror? Is it a pale red or light pink? If so, you may be anemic or have what we call blood deficient. You will want to include more iron rich foods in your diet. And if you can stomach it, eat some grass fed liver. 

Limit caffeine and alcohol. You can also include teas such as milk thistle to support the liver. 

Everyone woman has an individual story about their period journey. And it changes as we do. You may want to consider seeing a natural healthcare provider to help you look into other factors that could be affecting your menstrual pain like your thyroid  and digestive health that could need supplementation. 

A great to jump start your lifestyle change is to do a 10 day cleanse. Get in the habit of eating healthy, and cut out foods that are not contributing to your wellbeing. 

Want to do a cleanse? Email me hello@pelviswellnessmethod.com and we can set up your free consultation. 

There is also vaginal steaming for preventative care…Check out more information on that here. 

For more specific information on how I can help you with your period send me your information HERE. 

And if you are not local to Los Angeles, no worries. We can work via online. Connect with me HERE. 

Big Love on your Healing Journey!

xo Carine

Vaginal/Perineal Steaming also deals with abdominal gut issues by helping with circulation and energy flow. It also relaxes the tissues of the urinary bladder, digestive and muscular system.

Steaming involves taking a bunch of herbs such as rose, lavender, calendula, rosemary, basil, mugwort or many others and boiling with filtered water in a pot. When the steam begins to rise you sit on stool or chair with a hole and cover yourself to keep the steam contained. You can steam for 10 up to 30 minutes.

They not only increase uterine circulation for women, it helps for the following conditions: 

• Painful menstrual cramps 
• Uterine fibroids
• Infertility 
• Vaginal dryness 
• Hormonal imbalances 
• Weak vaginal muscles 
• Softens scar tissue 
• Helps heal vaginal tears, surgery 
• Uterine prolapse 
• Adhesions 
• Ovarian cysts 
• Endometriosis 
• Inflammation 
• Pelvic Pain 
• Calms prolong stress 
• Eases general tension (allowing the facial muscles to relax- softening of wrinkles) 

The benefits for men are:  

• Prostate Health 
• Reduces inflammation and pain, especially pelvic area 
• Improves cardiovascular system 
• Induces deeper sleep 
• Increases energy
• Invigorates sexual performance 

Besides the positive physical benefits, steaming the organs and muscles of your pelvic floor also will help to create a different more intimate relationship with your woman or man parts. This emotional relationship that you are cultivating for yourself will help to unravel deep traumas and pains that are stored in the pelvic area. Not to say the steaming can heal all wounds, it can help soften them.  

The best part of getting a steam is doing it before or after an acupuncture or abdominal therapy session. 

It is a lovely experience. 

Have questions?

Book your session and enjoy the relaxing sensation of a vaginal/perineal steam. 

Where there is pain there is congestion. When there is an imbalance there is disease. 

Your pelvic floor, is jammed packed with organs, muscles, tendons, ligaments, lymph nodes and nerves. An area that requires daily attention with your bowels, bladder and sexual organs.  Thus, when your pelvic floor is chronically painful, it creates havoc in your life. 

For women who are suffering from endometriosis, menstrual pain, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, childbirth trauma/anxiety,  c-section scar adhesions, vaginismus or any other pelvic floor imbalances the holistic approaches of Acupuncture, Mayan Abdominal Therapy, Exercise and Nutrition can relieve your pain.   

Men can also greatly benefit from these approaches. Those who have difficulty urinating, erectile dysfunction, chronic prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and chronic pelvic pain syndrome.

These holistic approaches address your pain. 

Exercise gets blood and oxygen to all parts of your body. Movement is vital to get your lymphatic system flowing. For your pelvic area it is important to use a roller on your IT band, gluts and hamstrings to open up your fascia to get more blood flow. Exercises like yoga and stretching are great to boost your flexibility and circulation. Deep breathing while you move your body is an essential step in relaxing the muscles of your pelvic floor. 

Eating the right foods for your body type, makes the world of difference. Certain foods are more inflammatory than others. It is critical to eliminate the ones that cause more congestion like processed sugars and foods. Increase more healthy fats (raw butter, organic olive oil, avocado, seeds – all needed to produce hormones), whole foods and water into your diet. 

Pelvic floor pain can be quite challenging and complex and differs from person to person. Thus, individualized care is important to understand what is going on in your body. I deeply go through your health history, diet, lifestyle and along with the Chinese Medicine approach to figure out a treatment plan specific to your needs.

Schedule your free 15 min consultation. 

Let’s be honest. What do you think of when you think of a detox? I think deprivation. I wouldn’t be able to eat my favorite foods!!  And I have to be at home to be close to the bathroom. It is uncomfortable and doesn’t sound inviting. 

I am here to tell you that there are ways to reboot your health and detox your body without suffering. I am all about simple, gentle and powerful ways to make health shifts without creating havoc in your life. This 21 day cleanse is centered around eating whole foods, drinking water, and eliminating foods and beverages that don’t serve you.  Creating a new rhythm of choosing healthy foods that will become a lifestyle shift. And the bonus is weight loss, more energy, improved digestion and mental clarity. 

5 reasons you need to DETOX 

2. Lose Weight 

Want to lose a few pounds? And keep if off. Most of your weight, especially around your gut can be linked to inflammation. Of course diet and exercise play a large role in weight loss. It is important to eat for your individual body type. You can be eating “healthy” foods but can’t lose any weight. A detox program removes the most common inflammatory foods from your diet. SUGAR being one of the most inflammatory foods in our diets. The nutrients from the supplements heal your gut. Giving your body what it needs to heal. 

3. Nip the Cravings 

SUGAR! One of the most addictive substances in the world. Sugar is 8 times more addictive than cocaine. If you are addicted to sugar no judgement, I was too. It can take up to 6 weeks to no longer have cravings for sugar. 21 days of being sugar free can be challenging, but the results are priceless. Cutting out processed sugar, will have PROFOUND positive shifts in the state of your health. More energy, stronger immune system, clearer skin, improved digestive system, stabilizes your moods, and weight loss. Most importantly it is preventative care for diseases such as diabetes 2, liver disease, hypertension, obesity and Alzheimer’s. 

4. Eliminate Food Sensitivities 

Does everything you eat seem to make you bloated and gassy? Your body needs a break. Having digestive issues is a sign that your body is not functioning optimally. And it can be challenging figuring out which foods are causing the problem. Doing a food elimination diet, where you are removing gluten, dairy, nuts, eggs, sugar, caffeine and alcohol gives you a great foundation to start investigating. After the 21 days, you can start incorporating some of your regular foods into your diet. You will start to notice which foods feel good and which ones don’t.

5. Reboot your system 

Suffering from too little sleep? Too much stress? Too much bad foods? Not enough time for yourself? It is a good time to go within, and build a new relationship with yourself. Nourish yourself with good foods, drink lots of water and relax. It is a perfect time to not only detox your physical body, but emotional one as well. Self care. Make a shift in your life. And reach towards your health goals. 

SIGN UP for the cleanse today. 

Are you a bit queasy about acupuncture needles? Unfortunately, even the word needles deters people from getting acupuncture sessions. Let me share that you can experience a gentle acupuncture session without needles.

No matter how much I reassure people that it doesn’t hurt, there is resistance. I had total needle phobia until I started getting regular acupuncture sessions. So no judgement, I get it. And not all acupuncturists are the same with their needle technique and healing approach.

However, I am a gentle needler. Since I also abhor pain, and inflicting it on others.

My words are not enough for most. Since we all have a bit of  “I’ll believe it when I see it” understandable attitude and in this case it would be “feel it”.

But have no fear. I have some solutions for you. There are other amazing ways to get the benefits of acupuncture WITHOUT the use of any needles.

---

5 GENTLE WAYS 

1. CUPPING

Cupping is one of the oldest aspect of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Cups are placed on the skin, usually along the back, sacrum and hip area (though you could cup most places in the body). A vacuum is created with either a pump used with plastic cups, or with fire and glass cups. The heat from the flame, removes the oxygen in the glass cup causing the skin to be sucked into it.

When the skin is drawn into the cup, it opens up the skin’s pores. This is important for stimulating blood flow, balancing and moving qi (energy), breaking up nodules and obstructions, pulling cold out of the body and allowing toxins to leave.

Cups could also be be place on oiled skin and moved. Moving cups along meridian lines have all the benefits listed above and feels great.

Cupping can be used for sore and painful muscles, respiratory and immunity imbalances, as well as overall wellness. It reduces pain and promotes relaxation.

The use of moxa will move stuck energy and increase circulation. It reduces pain and  provides more comfort. Especially important in your pelvic cavity. Often stagnation of energy in the pelvic area can refer pain to the neck, shoulders or down your legs.

Cold- moxa brings heat into your body. Cold contracts, holds, and limits circulation causing pain and discomfort. Moxa smoothes the cold with its penetrating heat and herbal oils.

Moxa is a powerful ally on various acupuncture points and meridians for physical pain, urinary dysfunctions (incontinence), digestive imbalances (bloating/gas), gynecological issues (moxa works miracles on menstrual cramps) and is great for pregnancy. Moxa is a wonderful option for pregnant moms who are suffering from back pain. It also good for babies, bringing more blood and circulation to the placenta.

There are multiple health benefits from moxa, and much like cupping it is also reduces pain and promotes a warm cozy sense of relaxation.

3. GUA SHA 

Gua Sha is other aspect as of TCM. Gua Sha means “scaping sha-bruises”. The skin is scaped to produce light bruising. Blood is being brought to the surface of the skin. This allows for movement of stagnant blood or blockages. Gua Sha also promotes more healing by allowing more oxygen to circulate in the area.

Gua sha boosts your immune system and reduces inflammation. A great option when you feel like you are getting sick. Gua sha can help your body release the toxins faster.

Used for physical pain (neck, shoulders, back, etc), migraines /headaches, or cold/flus/fever, and allergies.

Gua Sha is yet another way to get blood and energy flowing in your body.

4. MASSAGE 

Massage has many forms, manually applying pressure to various parts of the body to relieve pain and ease tension. In TCM Tui Na is the manipulative therapy used to promote movement in the body. It has always been a part of the medicine.

I use massage to help move the lymphatic system and promote movement of blood and qi. Acupressure along with various manual manipulations will get blood and energy moving.

Of course essential oils are used in a variety of ways, and have an array of therapeutic values.  Aroma Acupoint Therapy sessions are different as the oils applied have similar properties as the acupuncture points. And it is using the acupuncture meridian energy system to promote the movement of energy.

---

Acupuncture is an energy medicine, it is about creating balance in the body and moving qi (energy) to promote more flow. The beauty of all these gentle methods is they utilize the acupuncture meridians, and can all be combined or used separately. All can also be mixed with acupuncture needles. Sessions are a mixture of what is best needed for the client.

There is also nutrition, supplements, herbal medicine and more. Acupuncture is one part of TCM, a holistic medicine that incorporates different approaches to healing a person’s mind, body and spirit.

If you have doubts about needles, you can still benefit from acupuncture sessions. And you should. Get that energy moving. It is important to keep your body healthy and thriving!

Email me with any questions or concerns: info@carinecamara.com.

Book your needle free appointment today.

Collectively the holiday season creates a lot of havoc, especially for those of us that live in cities. For many the holidays are anxiety producing. Between work, family obligations, financial stress, gift giving, traveling, and busy schedules this time of the year feels intense and crazy.

For those of you who are sensitive to energies and the people around you. Like myself. The holiday season can be exhausting, and filled with anguish.

I used to dread the holiday season, I’m a recovering scrooge. Mostly because it is so anxiety producing, and the pop Christmas music that starts playing in every store right after Halloween. I’m still peeved about the latter. However, I have learned how to keep my center, by self care, eating healthy and being grateful for all the gifts I have in my life. Now I can appreciate the joy of the holidays which are also a beautiful time to spend with people you love, share food and laugh.

1. Self Care– this is the season of giving. And give to yourself. Take the time to gift yourself a massage, an acupuncture session, energy work, spa treatment or any other healing modality. Move the stress and anxiety out of your body. I personally make sure I keep on top of this with regular acupuncture and bodywork sessions, because this is also the season for illness. Due to stress and diet, people get sick during the holiday season. It is so important to keep your immune system strong, and your stress levels down. Acupuncture sessions also help you stay balanced and focus during this time.

2. Meditate- breathe and stay grounded in your body. If you a person that meditates great. Do more. If you are someone that has a hard time meditating- find a guided one. Youtube has thousands of guided meditations.

Here is a simple 5 or so minute meditation you can use: Breathing is key to to building a strong relationship with your body. Close your eyes. Take 5 deep breaths. Inhale for 5 counts into your belly, exhale for 5 counts.

Now notice any place in your body where you are having any sensations. It could be tension, tightness, pain, dull ache or tingling. Breathe into that space. Have the intention of calming and relaxing the area. You can continue relaxing various parts of your body. And just breathe and be.

In a situation that is stressful- remove yourself and breathe. Like at your family gathering.  Bathrooms are really good places to find some privacy to get centered.

I just started meditating this year. I had a hard time for many years. Since my mind is always on hyper mode. Guided meditations with visualizations helped me begin the process. As an empath, I used to have a hard time differentiating what I was feeling. Since I started meditating on a regular basis over the last year, it’s so much easier monitoring my thoughts and emotions. So when I am in situations where I am triggered, I can always go within. I like to think of meditation as cultivating a relationship with yourself.

3. Food– Enjoy the food of the holidays. There are dinner and work parties, so much celebration happening. Just monitor you sugar intake. Sugar lowers your immune system, adversing affects your digestion and cognitive functions. Read more on my post on sugar and the flu season. Eat as much whole, natural organic foods as possible. And drink lots of water.

4. Alcohol – is a depressant. And for those who are inclined towards depression and or anxiety. Drinking copious amounts of alcohol will intensify your emotional state. Limit your consumption of alcohol, and drink moderately.

5. Give back– being of service to others is always a beautiful way to shift your emotional state. Volunteer and share your time with others. It will help you see a different perspective of your life.

6. Gratitude– We all have so much to be grateful for. Give thanks for all the gifts and the love you have in your life. It is helpful to write it all out. Set 5  minutes on a timer and write all the things you grateful for. You’ll have quite a lot.

I am grateful to have a great apartment in Los Angles. Beautiful friends. I’m forever and always grateful that I love what I do.

During this month of frenzy remember do take some time for yourself. Give to yourself. Love Yourself.

If you are looking to book an acupuncture session to get you balanced during this holiday season. You can book ONLINE, or email me at hello@pelviswellnessmethod.com.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

With Love,
Carine