Dr. Elisha Cook ND

Earthing/Grounding

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Blog Written by Dr Elisha Cook ND

If you are a patient of mine, you may have heard me explain this concept. In all reality, what comes to mind when someone uses these words is “hippy”, “Tree-hugger”, and “New – Age”; when the concepts are much more advanced than that.

Earthing or Grounding is described as the act connecting the body with the earth to cause a grounding or electrically balanced state. Ultimately, it revolves around grounding physics, similar to when we think about electricity in our home and grounding it. The intention of earthing or grounding is really for therapeutic gain. You might ask how reconnecting with the earth would cause any health benefits, but there is a fair amount of research that shows that this type of exercise can prove to be physiologically advantageous (i.e. it’s good for your health!).

What are the Health Benefits of Earthing or Grounding?

When we look at the research behind earthing or grounding, we see some pretty remarkable changes to ones physiology.

  • Changes in white blood cells (immune system) (1)
  • Changes in cytokines (inflammation) (1)
  • Reduces blood viscosity and clumping (Cardiovascular) (2)
  • Reduces cortisol (stress hormone) (3)
  • Normalizes circadian rhythm (sleep) (3)
  • Improves circulation (4)
  • Mobilizes glucose and muscular uptake (Energy exertion and recovery) (5)

These physiological changes can translate to

  • Reduced muscle soreness onset post injury (1)
  • Reduced pain (1)
  • Reduces risk of cardiovascular events (2)
  • Reduced Stress (3)
  • Improved Sleep (3)
  • Improved Mood (6)
  • Increased Relaxation (6)
  • Improved energy with physical exertion (5)

How can I Earth or Ground?

When we say “reconnecting” with the earth, many would believe that this is a weird or exhaustive process when in all reality there are some very ways to reconnect with the earth that might actually already be apart of your everyday life.

  • Walking barefoot in the grass
  • Standing bare foot in the grass
  • Lying with skin exposed on the ground
  • Swimming in a pond, river, lake, ocean, etc.
  • Having a shower
  • Washing your hands

I will often suggest to patients that really any amount of time is better than nothing. The research is pretty mixed on the length of time needed to produce a benefit, but again, anything is better than nothing. 

Have you benefited from reading this blog? Know someone that would benefit as well? Share, Like, Comment, or Tweet this article, and let me know what you think.

Some of the information provided above may not be appropriate for everyone, please consult with your doctor before trying any of the above. If you are interested in any of the above therapies to help you work through your health concerns and are wanting a different approach to your health care needs, contact the Plattsville Natural Health Clinic by calling 226-232-7665 and book your appointment today! 

References:

  1. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/James_Oschman/publication/274644091_The_effects_of_grounding_earthing_on_inflammation_the_immune_response_wound_healing_and_prevention_and_treatment_of_chronic_inflammatory_and_autoimmune_diseases/links/555b14d708ae6fd2d8286cd1.pdf
  2. http://online.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/acm.2011.0820
  3. “The effect of earthing (grounding) on human physiology”. Gaetan Chevalier, Kazuhito Mori, and James L. Oshman. European Biology and Bioelectromagnetics Jan 31 2006; 600-621.
  4. http://www.scirp.org/journal/PaperInformation.aspx?paperID=58836
  5. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Zbigniew_Jastrzebski/publication/302590367_Earthing_modulates_glucose_and_erythrocytes_metabolism_in_exercise/links/5731e05a08ae298602da2942.pdf
  6. http://encompass.eku.edu/swps/2016/undergraduate/15/

COVID-19 PNHC Update

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The health and safety of our patients and community is of utmost importance and always will be. As a result of the current state of our province, and the strong recommendations of our governing bodies, Plattsville Natural Health Clinic and all of its practitioners are post-poning all appointments until further notice, effective March 18, 2020. All of our practitioners will be available through email contact if you need their support, a tele-health visit, or to clarify previous treatment recommendations. We will also have some supplements available as needed for our existing patients, where pick up can be arranged. We will be able to answer any phone calls to the clinic and direct you as needed. Please contact us at 226-232-7665 or email us at info.pnhc@gmail.com for any inquiries.

If you have had an appointment booked within the next couple of weeks, we will contact you as your appointment comes up and update you if we are able to see you or if we need to reschedule. We are monitoring the situation on a day-by-day basis in order to minimize treatment and service disruption to you our valued patients.

As a small business, this was a very hard decision to come to and it was not made lightly. We want to thank you for understanding and supporting us in making this difficult decision. Thank you for supporting your local health care clinic and we look forward to helping you achieve your health goals as soon as possible.

Halloween and Health Eating

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Halloween and Healthy Eating: How to Stick to a Diet/Healthy Eating By Dr. Elisha Cook ND

For anyone trying to lose a couple of pounds or keep healthy, Halloween can be a tricky holiday. You want to have treats available for the ghouls and goblins visiting, but do not want to be stuck with the left-over temptation. We recommend trying some of the below strategies to help you make it through this tricky holiday and keep in check with your health goals

  • Have treats available you do not care for

Buy only the treats that you can easily say no to or portion more easily. If you are a sugar fiend, but can easily avoid chocolate – stick with chocolate and chocolate bars you can easily avoid.

  • Consider non-edible treats

Consider offering stickers, pencils, or other surprises for your visitors. These treats will help you to avoid the temptation of sugary treats all together.

  • Offer healthy alternatives

Offering healthy alternatives for trick-or-treaters can help you to practice moderation and resist temptation. Some options might include Pur gum, coconut water, fruit packaged in water, or pre-packaged trail mix.

  • Balance your protein and carbs

Balancing your plate with proteins and carbs helps to keep hunger in check and keeps you from reaching for those high sugar items to keep the energy up.

  • Eat regularly

During this time, avoid fasting and stick to 3 meals per day to help keep hunger in check to avoid the temptation of a sweet treat.

  • Drink enough water

Drinking enough water can curb those cravings and keep hunger at bay, making it easier to resist temptation. When you are tempted to have a sweet treat, drink water first.

  • Forgive easily and get back on track

It is important to recognize that you are only human and it is okay to make mistakes. Do not let one missed opportunity to do “well” set the course for the rest of the day. If you slip up and over indulge, recognize your error, and get back on track. Set your mind to continue to make healthy choices and to get back on track quickly.

At the end of the day, it is important to recognize that everything should be taken in moderation. It is okay to have a treat, but not over-do it. From all of us at Plattsville Natural Health Clinic, we want to wish you a safe and Happy Halloween.  

For more information like this, or to book an appointment with Dr. Elisha Cook ND at Plattsville Natural Health Clinic, please contact us at:

Website: www.plattsvilledoctor.ca

Text or Call: 226-232-7665

Please note the information contained in this article is not meant to replace medical advice. Please contact your health care provider or Dr. Elisha Cook ND for more specific information about your situation.

August 2019 Acupuncture Clinic – Aug 16, 2019 3:00-6:00pm

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Event Summary: 

Dr Elisha Cook ND is offering an acupuncture clinic to provide reduced fee for service for individuals without naturopathic coverage, limited funds, and to give a bit of a break to all patients and individuals for some of the fees. This acupuncture clinic is for anyone who is interested and would like to try acupuncture. The cost per treatment is $30 per person. You do not have to be an existing patient of the clinic to participate. This is on a first come-first serve basis as spots are limited, but we will be able to accommodate walk-ins as much as we are able (though pre-registration is appreciated).

Book your spot by messaging us on facebook, calling or texting us at 226-232-7665, or emailing us at info.pnhc@gmail.com.

Event Details: 

When: Friday August 16, 2019

Time: 3:00PM – 6:00PM

Where: Plattsville Natural Health Clinic 16 Albert St Unit A Plattsville ON N0J 1S0

Cost: $30

Pre-registration is appreciated.

How to Register/Book your spot: 

Call or Text: 226-232-7665

Email: info.pnhc@gmail.com

More Information:

For more information regarding this event, please follow the following link:

https://www.facebook.com/events/352476672115440/

For more information on how acupuncture may benefit you, please see one of Dr. Elisha Cook ND’s previous posts on how acupuncture works:

https://www.plattsvilledoctor.ca/how-does-acupuncture-work/