That exact same question pertains to why you are here in chiropractic school or the naturopathic program. Out of all the health care professions in the world, why did you choose this specific path?

The Journey Ahead

It is absolutely imperative for you to remember that initial spark, because this journey gets incredibly difficult. The schedule is brutal. Studying day in and day out is mentally and physically exhausting. There will be days when fatigue sets in, doubts creep in and you find yourself questioning if you can keep going. (I鈥檝e already asked myself this, so you’re not alone!)

Remember Your WHY

When you hit those walls, your “why” becomes your lifeline. Remembering why you started is not just a motivational phrase; it is the fuel that keeps you moving forward when willpower alone fails. You chose this path because you have a passion for healing, a unique vision for patient care, and a purpose that the world needs.

So, when the study sessions feel overwhelming, take a deep breath, say a prayer and remember. Let your “why” quiet the stress, hone your focus and give you the strength to stay the course. You are capable, you are here for a reason, and the destination will be worth every difficult step of the journey. Keep pushing forward.

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I have been focusing on returning to a more consistent and devoted practice of self-care. Honestly, I am working on embodying the same advice I hope to offer my future patients. While it鈥檚 one thing to discuss the importance of self-care, it is a completely different thing to take the time to actually care for yourself. I have been intentional about finding the time to practice grounding meditation, sound healing, prayer, spending time outdoors and even making time to engage in activities that bring joy to my inner child. These experiences remind me that rest does not impede my ability to learn. Rather, it allows me to learn more deeply and to arrive at my studies with greater presence.

Conference Preparation

In addition, I am preparing for the upcoming Naturopathic Medicine Student Association (NMSA) Conference with the Cup Team (representing 911爆料). We will compete in a trivia format tournament with other naturopathic medicine schools, responding to various questions that relate to our studies.

Although I’m a bit nervous, I feel very confident about our team. We have been meeting each week since the beginning of this trimester to review material and study together. Seeing everyone’s level of commitment has motivated me to participate in this event and compete with pride. As much as I want to stay ahead with my coursework prior to leaving, I also want to allow myself the opportunity to simply enjoy this experience. This will be my first conference as a student at 911爆料, and I am aware that I will gain many new insights from attending the conference beyond the actual competition.

Beyond Studying

Outside of school, I appreciate the artists, healers and practitioners in my personal life who have created environments for us to have honest discussions regarding purpose, justice and the type of individuals we are developing to become through our work. We consistently reflect upon how we align ourselves within our individual crafts to develop a world that is slightly more just and compassionate than the one we were born into. These reflections help me see that healing extends far beyond the walls of the clinic. At times, healing begins by having open dialogue over dinner, creating art, walking or entering a space where you can freely express yourself without fear of judgment.

I鈥檝e been reflecting on how critical it is to live out the knowledge I am gaining. When I provide recommendations to future patients based on my personal experiences, these concepts seem more valuable. It is easy to suggest to someone else that they should slow their pace, nourish themselves, meditate or spend time in nature. However, it is quite a bit more whole and intimate to understand what these practices have done for my own journey.

Life Happens

Through the oscillations of life, I trust that all things are unfolding as they are intended. I do not have all the answers, nor do I need all of them. My task today is to continue arriving with reverence for the life I have been gifted, love for those surrounding me and sufficient discipline to keep moving towards my goals. In doing so, I find that joy and peace are not awaiting me at some point in the future once all tasks have been completed. Instead, they are discovered in the everyday choices I make to cultivate self-love, remain grounded and move forward in building the life which I believe God is calling me to build.

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What are histamines?

In the skin, histamines are chemical messengers that are stored in the white blood cells (mast cells and basophils). They are released as part of the inflammation process in response to allergens and injury. Histamines cause local blood vessels to dilate, which allows more blood to reach the affected area. This is the primary reason we see the increased redness and warmth around the acupuncture needle site. The release of histamines also causes blood vessels to become more porous, allowing white blood cells and blood plasma proteins to leave the bloodstream and repair the impacted tissue.

What happens if histamines are overactive?

When histamine is released in excessive amounts or accumulates faster than our bodies can break it down, a range of symptoms can occur. This may include itchy skin, hives, digestive discomfort, nasal congestion, headaches, brain fog, etc. In the springtime, seasonal allergens can cause a surge in histamine levels, which is why many people choose to take an antihistamine medication to block the effects of histamine and reduce their congestion or sneezing. Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), which is often influenced by genetic mutations, is a condition where mast cells become overactive and release histamine at an excessive rate. While redness around the site is normal, excessively red, and/or significantly itchy skin around an inserted acupuncture needle may be an indication of a more serious underlying condition.

Why is a histamine response encouraged in acupuncture?

Acupuncture needles cause a micro injury to the skin which activates the histamine response in our bodies. In addition to increasing blood flow and oxygen to the area, histamine also serves as a neuromodulator for pain. The release of histamine activates nearby sensory nerve endings, and these nerves then send signals to the spinal cord and brain. The brain responds through the release of endorphins and other descending, pain-inhibiting signals.

How long do the effects of histamine last?

Lingering, mild skin redness post-acupuncture treatment can last anywhere from a few minutes to a couple of days, depending on the individual. In time, the redness will decrease on its own, and no interventions such as heat, ice or topicals are necessary.聽This is a sign that the body鈥檚 histamine response has been activated and there is no need for concern.

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What happens when you play a musical instrument?

When you play an instrument, your brain is required to integrate information from multiple systems simultaneously. You must process visual input from sheet music, auditory input from the sounds you hear, and proprioceptive feedback* from your hands and 铿乶gers. At the same time, you are coordinating precise motor movements while maintaining attention and timing. This level of multisensory integration activates widespread neural networks throughout the brain.

Studies using functional MRI have demonstrated increased activity in areas involved in motor control, auditory processing, memory and executive function during musical performance. The corpus callosum, the major connection between the brain’s hemispheres, has been shown to be larger in musicians, suggesting enhanced communication between the left and right sides of the brain.

Playing an instrument also promotes neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to adapt and form new neural connections. Every time a musician practices a new skill, neural pathways are strengthened through repetition. This process is similar to how athletes develop motor patterns through training. Over time, these repeated experiences lead to measurable structural and functional changes within the nervous system.

Cognitively Speaking

From a cognitive standpoint, musical training has been associated with improvements in attention, working memory, processing speed and executive function. These bene铿乼s may extend beyond music itself, in铿倁encing performance in academic, professional and everyday tasks that require focus and mental 铿俥xibility.

Music also engages the brain’s reward system. Successful practice and performance can trigger dopamine release, reinforcing learning and motivation. This combination of challenge, repetition, sensory integration and reward creates an ideal environment for long-term brain adaptation. Whether you’re learning your 铿乺st chords on a guitar or practicing a complex piano piece, you’re doing much more than making music. You’re providing your brain with a rich neurological workout that strengthens connections, enhances cognitive function and supports lifelong brain health.

*Proprioceptive feedback is the constant stream of sensory information your muscles and joints send to your brain about your body鈥檚 position, movement and force.

The post Why Playing an Instrument Is One of the Best Things You Can Do for Your Brain appeared first on 911爆料.

Many people deal with bug bites, stings and food allergies, especially during the summer. While these reactions are usually mild, some people can experience serious allergic responses when their bodies release too much histamine. Histamine is a chemical involved in the body’s immune response.

Understanding Severe Allergic Reactions

In some cases, a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis can occur. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency that can develop within minutes or hours after exposure to an allergen. may include a skin rash, nausea, vomiting, and a rapid, weak pulse. Common triggers include certain foods, medications, insect venom and latex. According to the , 51% of U.S. adults with food allergies have experienced a severe reaction. Insect venom allergies are linked to as many as 72 deaths each year.

Natural Ways to Support Healing

During the webinar, Dr. Green discussed ways to reduce the effects of histamine and support the body’s natural healing process. Several naturopathic approaches that may help include following a , taking supplements such as , vitamin C, and , and wearing protective clothing to help prevent insect bites and stings.

Dr. Green noted that these approaches may not be right for everyone and encouraged people to work closely with their primary care physicians before starting any treatment plan.

A Personal Connection

鈥淗istamine sensitivity is important to me because it affects so many people in different ways,鈥� Dr. Green said. 鈥淚t can have a major impact on daily life. Some people avoid activities, cancel vacations, or become afraid to eat certain foods because they don’t know what is causing their reactions. Naturopathic support can make a real difference and help reduce severe reactions.鈥�

Dr. Green said her interest in histamine sensitivity is also personal.

鈥淚’ve had family members with histamine sensitivity, and I’ve seen how much it can affect their lives,鈥� she said

Building Trust with Patients

For Dr. Green, one of the most important parts of patient care is building trust.

鈥淭he most important thing is listening to patients and building rapport,鈥� she said. 鈥淕ood communication helps patients trust their physician and strengthens the healing relationship.鈥�

Education and Areas of Expertise

Dr. Green earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Loyola University Chicago in 2004. She earned her Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree from 911爆料 in 2010 and her Doctor of Chiropractic degree from 911爆料 in 2021. Before attending naturopathic medical school, she worked as a microbiologist for Baxter Pharmaceuticals.

Her areas of focus include women鈥檚 health, pediatrics, autoimmune disorders, endocrine disorders, laboratory diagnostics and Neurostructural Integration Technique (NST).

Learn More

To learn more about naturopathic remedies and creating a naturopathic first-aid kit, visit Dr. Green鈥檚 blog, Bug Bites, Stings, Ticks & Naturopathic Remedies.

Read more about Dr. Green and her work at the 911爆料 Whole Health Center-Illinois.

911爆料 911爆料

911爆料 University of Health Sciences is a leader in the growing field of Integrative Medicine and is respected worldwide for success in balancing healing arts and science and combining broad-scope integrative medicine with patient-centered care.

The post 911爆料鈥� Jennifer Green, ND, DC, Leads AANMC Webinar on Managing Histamine Sensitivity appeared first on 911爆料.

Mostly, this past week reminded me how grateful I am to the people in my life. I鈥檓 glad for the help that I got from my friends, co-workers and my partner, Kahalla, for helping to carry me through a difficult period. I鈥檓 also very grateful for professors such as Dr. Dybala, who have led with compassion and understanding when students like me have gone through periods of great difficulty. It鈥檚 easy to forget how valuable compassion is when you鈥檙e the one who needs it.

The Pace of Everyday Life

Luckily, I am starting to feel a little better and more grounded as well. There is still a sense of playing catch up. Laundry still needs to be folded. Emails still need to be answered. The house still needs to be taken care of. Even the seeds that I have been cultivating seem to be wanting reverence and care that I have not always had the capacity to provide in the last three weeks. However, I am finding my way back to those responsibilities. Slowly.

What I am most grateful for is that experiences like this always appear to send me back toward the practices that sustain me. When life becomes uncertain or overwhelming, I find myself going back deeper into meditation and prayer. Something about being forced to slow down makes me realize what is truly important. Not just what needs to be accomplished, but who I want to be while accomplishing them.

I鈥檝e been involved in a book club with some friends I met years ago during my undergraduate study at UC Berkeley. We have been reading Breaking the Habit of Being Your Self by Joe Dispenza. The book examines the relationships between our thoughts, feelings, behaviors and identities. It suggests that many of us unconsciously repeat similar patterns every day and, and in doing so, recreate the same experiences. It encourages readers to identify their personal patterns and to create new ones.

While reading this week, I reflected less on what I wanted to achieve and more on who I needed to develop into as a person. If I am seeking greater justice, equity and healing in the world of health and wellness, then I must be willing to grow into someone able to manage those responsibilities. That realization has been with me since reading the book.

Building Connections

We have some wonderful opportunities for connections on campus, as well. This past week, Garden Club planned a clipping exchange in conjunction with the library. I always look forward to seeing students trade plants, stories and growing tips with one another. There is something special about trading clippings. They contain the possibilities of growth, care and relationships.

Among other club events, the Fellowship of Christian University Students (FOCUS Club) held space for students to deepen connections with one another, spend time outside, and relax and play games on our beautiful campus lawn. In a program that can sometimes feel intense, I welcome opportunities to allow us to simply enjoy one another鈥檚 presence.

If you are currently experiencing struggles related to your education, health, family obligations or life in general, please know that I wish you love and gentleness. Sometimes we go through seasons of alignment. Sometimes we go through seasons of accomplishment when getting through the day is enough. Both are aspects of the journey.

Through all the trials and tribulations, I’m reminded of the beauty of nature and the vastness of the skies. We are held. And we are favored in this life.

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It is easy to feel overwhelmed, but this trimester is entirely survivable. I learned the hard way, so you don鈥檛 have to! Here are three essential strategies to help protect your mental health and your grades!

1)聽聽聽聽 Staying Active

As future health care providers, we know how important it is to stay physically active. Yet, when school gets busy, and it鈥檚 always busy, physical health is often the first thing students sacrifice. Keeping on top of your physical health is just as important as taking care of your mental health鈥攁nd staying active improves both.

Aiming for 10,000 steps a day is a great baseline. Hit this goal by taking a lap around campus during lunch, walking during phone calls, or pacing the hallway between lectures. A few of my classmates even invested in a walking pad so they could get their steps in while studying!

Getting your steps in provides proven physiological benefits, but more importantly, it gives you a much-needed mental break from the heavy workload.

2)聽聽聽聽 Reviewing Daily

When you finally get home after a full day of back-to-back classes, the absolute last thing you want to do is open your laptop. It feels like extra punishment. However, waiting to cram weeks of material right before an exam is a recipe for a meltdown. Speaking from experience.

I will be honest: I didn’t truly get the hang of daily review until the very end of the trimester, and I regretted waiting so long. Spending just 30 to 45 minutes every evening reviewing that day鈥檚 notes makes an enormous difference. Transitioning some of the information from short term to long-term memory. When exam week arrives, you won’t be learning the material for the first time; you will just be refreshing it. Future you will thank you.

3)聽聽聽聽 Making Non-negotiable Time for Things You Love to do

It鈥檚 easy to fall into the trap of studying, studying and more studying. But burning yourself out by week four will not help you become a better chiropractor. You must intentionally make time for the things that bring you joy outside of school.

Whether your outlet is playing sports, sitting by the pool, doing crafts, or losing yourself in a fiction book: schedule it. Treat these hobbies like mandatory appointments. I鈥檝e found that giving my brain a break from chiropractic adjustments, neurophysiology and anatomy, I was able to focus better when I returned to studying.

The second trimester is a marathon, not a sprint. It demands a lot, but by implementing daily reviews, protecting your hobbies and keeping your body moving, you can do more than just survive, you can thrive. Take it one day, one step, and one adjustment at a time!

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Tips for Success

Rather than trying to memorize every detail, it can be helpful to approach studying as an exercise in pattern recognition and clinical reasoning. A good strategy is to focus on common presentations and differentiating features between similar conditions. Instead of studying diseases in isolation, compare them side by side. Ask yourself what findings make one diagnosis more likely than another, what imaging characteristics are associated with each condition, and which laboratory findings help narrow the differential.

Practice questions are one of the most effective study tools because they help develop familiarity with board-style wording and reinforce key concepts. Reviewing why an answer is correct (and why the other choices are not) can be just as valuable as getting the question right.

Diagnostic Imaging

Diagnostic imaging also deserves dedicated attention. Many conditions have classic radiographic appearances that can help you quickly identify the correct answer. Connecting pathologyconceptstoimagingfindingscanstrengthenretentionandimproveconfidenceduring the exam. Most importantly, focus on consistency rather than cramming.

A structured study plan that allows regular review of major topics is often more effective than last-minute late-night sessions. Part II is less about recalling obscure facts and more about recognizing common clinical patterns and applying your knowledge efficiently. With a focused approach and consistent preparation, the exam becomes much more manageable. And it is great to also be able to use your clinic experience as real-life studying too!

Best of luck to everyone who will be taking a board exam soon! Trust that you know more than you think!

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Ashi Point Therapy

What we refer to as trigger points in the West have historically been referred to as 鈥淎shi points鈥� in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Similar to dry needling, an acupuncturist may decide to utilize Ashi point therapy, placing the needles directly into spots of tension to break up and calm down muscular and connective tissue. The needle creates a micro injury that causes the tissues to twitch and reset, which ultimately increases blood flow, restores mobility and releases pain-relieving chemicals. This method is especially effective if you want an immediate release of the local tissue.

The Balance Method

The Balance Method, developed by Dr. Richard Teh-Fu Tan, utilizes distal points (located on the arms, legs, hands, and feet) that are located far away from the site of pain. In clinics around the world today, an evolved version of Dr. Tan’s method, referred to as X-shaped balance acupuncture, is commonly used to treat musculoskeletal conditions. For right knee pain, the needles are placed in the left elbow region. When treating left shoulder pain, the needles are placed near the right gluteal base. For right foot issues, the needles are placed in the left hand (left ankle, right wrist; right bicep, left quadricep; left forearm, right shin; etc.). From an anatomical perspective, the planes of our connective and muscular tissue are organized in an X-shaped fashion. This method is especially effective in addressing a chronic, dysfunctional muscular pattern.

Clinical Evidence聽

Recent studies (see linked articles) have shown support for the effectiveness of both balance acupuncture and acupuncture when treating musculoskeletal conditions.

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A Shared Commitment to Community and Empowerment

The partnership reflects a shared commitment to empowering individuals age 22 and over with significant support needs through education, therapeutic programming and community engagement. By bringing Capstone Academy to a health sciences university campus, 911爆料 and Joey’s House are creating a unique environment that promotes lifelong learning, personal growth and whole-person well-being while expanding access to valuable services for participants and their families.

“At 911爆料 University of Health Sciences, we believe education, health and service are deeply interconnected,” said Dr. Joseph P.D. Stiefel, president of 911爆料 University of Health Sciences. “This partnership reflects our commitment to whole-person health and meaningful community engagement. By welcoming Capstone Academy to our campus, we’re creating a space where education, wellness and opportunity come together to support individuals and families in our community.”

Addressing a Critical Need

Capstone Academy was developed to help address a significant challenge faced by many families after individuals with special needs age out of school-based programs. Through continued educational opportunities, life-skills development, social engagement, wellness-focused activities and therapeutic programming, the program provides adults with a structured and supportive environment where they can continue to learn, connect and thrive.

“One of the greatest challenges facing families of individuals with special needs is finding meaningful opportunities after traditional school-based services end,” said Ms. Britelle Smith, executive director of Joey’s House. “Capstone Academy was created to address that need by providing adults with opportunities to continue learning, build life skills, form relationships and engage with their community. Through our partnership with 911爆料 University of Health Sciences, we’re able to offer those experiences in a vibrant campus setting that values inclusion, dignity, lifelong growth, and overall well-being.”

Campus Resources Supporting Program Success

Under the agreement, Joey’s House will utilize dedicated classroom and office space within the 911爆料 Lombard campus, along with access to technology, furnishings and shared campus amenities that support day-to-day program operations. The university’s investment in infrastructure and operational support enables Joey’s House to focus on delivering high-quality programming while providing participants with a professional, welcoming and supportive environment.

The partnership also reflects both organizations’ commitment to innovation in service delivery. Hosting Capstone Academy on a health sciences campus creates opportunities to explore new ways of supporting participants through an environment centered on wellness, education and community connection.

Future Collaboration and Long-Term Growth

As the partnership evolves, 911爆料 and Joey’s House anticipate exploring additional opportunities for collaboration, including educational engagement, volunteer initiatives and experiential learning opportunities aligned with the university’s academic programs and the mission of Joey’s House. These future opportunities have the potential to enrich student learning while fostering greater understanding, inclusion and service to individuals with special needs.

The agreement was designed with flexibility to allow both organizations to grow and refine the partnership over time in response to community needs. Clear operational responsibilities, supervision requirements and safety standards help ensure a high-quality experience for participants while providing a strong foundation for long-term success.

Program Leadership and Coordination

The partnership will be coordinated on behalf of 911爆料 by Dr. Kathryn Rioch, dean of the College of Allied Health Sciences & Distance Education, who will work closely with Joey’s House leadership to support implementation and future program development.

“Capstone Academy creates exciting possibilities for meaningful engagement across our campus community,” said Dr. Rioch. “As the partnership grows, we look forward to exploring opportunities that foster learning, inclusion and collaboration while enriching the experiences of both program participants and our students.”

Together, 911爆料 and Joey’s House are creating a model that combines education, wellness and community engagement to expand opportunities for adults with special needs and enhance quality of life for the individuals and families they serve.

Learn More

Explore 911爆料 academic programs or on-campus clinic services. To learn more about Capstone Academy or inquire about participation, visit .

911爆料 Joey’s House聽

Joey’s House is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of adolescents and adults with special needs through educational, therapeutic, and social programming. Through Capstone Academy and other initiatives, the organization promotes lifelong learning, independence, confidence, and meaningful community participation in a supportive and inclusive environment.

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