Key West Wellness Center

Author: Dr. Ashley Hoyt, A.P.

  • Decrease Stress During The Holidays

     

    Treating the Problem of Stress with Massage Therapy

    Thanksgivingstress

    And so it begins…

    The stress of crazy lines at the grocery store, the mad rush to tidy the house to perfection, an influx of multiple relatives, the list goes on and on.  Yep, you guessed it, it’s the beginning of the holiday season!  The time where we as a society set out to conquer all that needs conquering in order to have the most perfect holiday occasion of them all. While on the quest for perfection we tend to always find something along the way… STRESS. This week, Dr. Ashley Hoyt offers some tips to help control stress.

     What is it about the holidays that creates stress?

    Good question. There are many reasons why we believe the holidays cause stress.  Some would tend to blame backed up traffic, crowded malls, and never-ending sentimental commercials pushing holiday cheer and family love. However, believe it or not, our own memories of past holidays could be the reason.

    Dr. Ronald Nathan, PhD, a clinical professor at Albany Medical College in New York says, “When we think about the holidays, we dwell on the past and what went wrong, or we romanticize it and make it impossible to re-create.”  Whether or not you believe that, really isn’t as important as what you can do to make sure the stress of the holidays do not become so overwhelming that it overshadows the holiday season altogether.

    What are some solutions to keeping the stress of the holidays to a minimum?

    Dr. Nathan suggests we stop dwelling on the past and broaden our minds to what the holidays can be in the present.

    Women’s Day Magazine suggests a good way to decrease stress during the holidays is when putting together that holiday “to-do list”. Alternate each task with something enjoyable which will allow you to relax a bit and truly enjoy what the holidays are about.

    MassageTherapy.com suggests that taking time for yourself during a time when we are most going out of our way for others is key to a “stressless” holiday season.  Here are some ways to do just that:

    1.Take time for yourself.

    YES, get a massage. Soak in a mineral bath. Get a facial. Take a moment at the moment when you think one is least available.

    2. Shop online.

    Another good way to decrease stress during the holidays is to forget the enormous battle with overcrowded malls and department stores. Shop online early and even get it gift wrapped to save the stress over having to wrap a million gifts before the grand opening of them all.

    3. Eat right.

    They don’t call it the most wonderful time of the year for nothing. Some of the most delicious food comes this time of year. Enjoy a traditional pie, puddings or cookies as long as it’s in moderation. Eat right because it will be a major factor in how sluggish you feel. That could prevent you from accomplishing what you need to do in time for the holidays. So, keep your portions moderate and spread them out over the course of the day.

    4. Remember the spirit.

    When it’s all said and done, no one will remember that the turkey was a little dry, or that you completely forgot the dinner rolls.  What will shine brightest in their minds are the moments and special memories shared with each other along the way. Guarantee that your effort to enjoy yourself pays off by managing your stress.

    If you would like to find out more about massage therapy or relaxing facials, book an appointment with Dr. Ashley Hoyt today, or call Dr. Ashley Hoyt’s Key West Wellness Center to schedule an appointment. (305) 296-5358.

  • Relieve Seasonal Allergies With This Easy One-Stop Treatment

    Relieve Seasonal Allergies With This Easy One-Stop Treatment

    relieve seasonal allergies with acupuncture

     

     

    Dr. Ashley Hoyt Recommends Treating Seasonal Allergies with B12 Injections

    Seasonal allergies are a common issue in every region, and the Florida Keys are no exception. South Florida is home to many allergens that make life difficult for residents. This is a chronic problem for snowbirds and out-of-state visitors since they’ve grown up with different allergens in their home states and counties. But, after some time in the Keys they develop new allergies. This is due to overexposure to local allergens during their seasonal movements.

     

    This doesn’t mean natives are immune to those allergens. It isn’t uncommon for people to develop allergies at a later age as hormones and antibodies change the dynamic of their biome. Conversely, young people may have allergies which clear up later in life. Keep reading to learn how Dr. Ashley Hoyt helps treat allergies.

     

    What causes seasonal allergies?

     

    Seasonal allergies are brought on by lots of different allergens. What is an allergen? It’s what’s known as an “antigen”, a substance your body treats as hostile. Antigens cause an overactive immune response even though they’re harmless to you. That’s why your body treats an allergy like a cold. It’s trying to fight off an invader that it thinks is a germ.

     

    Common allergens in the Keys include ragweed, pollen, grass and even coral dust.

     

    How can Acupuncture help fight seasonal allergies?

     

    Acupuncture focuses on the meridians that connect to the organs most responsible for allergic reactions. The Stomach, Spleen and Large Intestine meridians are some of the hot spots. Why? The Stomach ingests substances, the Spleen produces the antibodies that cause immune response, and the Large Intestine hosts a vast mine of probiotic flora that combat illness. By regulating signals to these areas, Acupuncture helps send a signal those organs to stop overreacting.

     

    According to the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture, patients who are treated for allergic reactions with acupuncture experience a measurable impact. They sneeze less, cough less, reduce itchy, watery eyes and other reactions.

     

    Vitamin B12 is a helpful supplement. Dr. Ashley Hoyt normally recommends B12 for actual illness, but it can also help take the edge off of allergic responses, too. B12 injections have been shown to reduce allergic reactions. Injecting B12 at key acupuncture points increases the effectiveness of treatment. Why an injection and not an oral supplement? By injecting B12 directly it bypasses the digestive system so you receive the full benefit without it breaking down along the way. It doesn’t just help with symptoms of allergies, either — Vitamin B12 leaves you feeling energized and ready to go. The effects can last for days, so it’s great value.

     

    If these symptoms affect you, or if you just have questions about how acupuncture might help you, book an appointment with Dr. Ashley Hoyt today.

  • Can Acupuncture Detox My Body?

    detox acupuncture

    Dr. Ashley Hoyt on Detox Therapy

     

    Dr. Ashley Hoyt sees many patients for annual and even seasonal detox therapy, or detoxification, depending on their level of health. If you’re feeling less than your best and you just can’t put your finger on it, then you might need a round of detoxification.

     

    Modern food production and pharmacological products have massively increased the amount of foreign substances we consume. While our bodies are designed to clean out toxins, high volumes of complex chemicals slow down the process. As a result toxification is like a backup on the freeway.

     

    How does acupuncture help detox your body?

     

    Each person’s habits are different so we start by checking factors like emotions, or asking questions about diet and where you live. Then we use the patented AcuGraph system to map your meridians, roads that carry energy between organs in the body. This method lets us narrow down the cause of your toxic imbalance and where to begin treatment.

     

    For example, for Kidney issues an acupuncturist finds a specific point along its meridian. Pinpointed using AcuGraph, the treatment stimulates chemical signals that are being blocked by toxic substances. In a way, acupuncture breaks the dam created by free radicals, releasing good chemicals your body needs to keep your system clean and flowing.

     

    Dr. Ashley Hoyt recommends an excellent vitamin supplement called Glutathione. We use Glutathione, a natural antioxidant, to stimulate cells to expel harmful chemicals. Dr. Ashley applies the vitamin supplement just like acupuncture, getting straight to the source of the issue to have the best effect.

     

    If these symptoms affect you, or if you just have questions about how acupuncture might help you, book an appointment with Dr. Ashley Hoyt today.