Unlocking the Power of Mind-Body Medicine for Autoimmune Conditions

During our recent Autoimmune Group Visit series, we had the privilege of hosting Dr. Greg Di'Camillo, an expert in the field of trauma and transformational tools. He and Dr. Ruan shed light on various impacts of trauma, how it impacts the body in a variety of ways, its impact on immune function, and how we can use this knowledge as power to heal in alternative ways.

One of the key insights that emerged from our discussion was the strong correlation between trauma and the development of autoimmune diseases. A 2020 study involving 120,572 active military personnel in the U.S. found that a history of PTSD was associated with a 58% increased risk of developing an autoimmune condition. This underscores the critical importance of recognizing and honoring trauma as a crucial step in managing autoimmune conditions.

To address this, we are committed to continuing to explore and implement a range of mind-body medicine techniq...

When we struggle with overeating, it's easy to beat ourselves up over a perceived lack of willpower or self-control. However, there are often deeper root causes behind the drive to consume excess calories. By understanding some of these underlying factors, we can implement tailored solutions to tackle over eating. 

Lack of Quality Sleep: If you're not getting enough sleep or struggling with a sleep disorder like sleep apnea or untreated narcolepsy, your body produces excess levels of the hunger hormone ghrelin. Sleep deprivation also throws off blood sugar regulation, leading to increased hunger the next day. If you suspect any sleep issues, discuss your symptoms with your provider to see if a sleep study may be beneficial. If you struggle with getting enough hours of sleep, try creating a structured sleep routine to implement every night. We recommend avoiding screen time at least 2-3 hours before your bedtime. Try reading, going for an evening walk, listening to binaural beats, or g...

As we welcome spring and the Easter season, it's a beautiful time to embrace themes of rebirth, renewal, and enjoying nourishing traditions with loved ones. At our integrative clinic, we believe celebrating holidays mindfully is an important part of a balanced lifestyle. Here are a few ways you can celebrate minfully and set new intentions this spring! 

Embrace Mindfulness: In the spirit of springtime renewal, Easter can be a lovely opportunity to restart healthy habits and shed what isn't serving you and your goals for this year. Try a digital detox, recommit to a meditation practice, or go for a vigor-inducing hike in nature's newly blossoming landscapes. Spring is symbolic of new ideas, creativity, and productivity. If spring cleaning helps you to declutter and make room for new ideas, now is the time! 

Of course, the heart of Easter still revolves around coming together with family or chosen family. Enjoy quality time free of hustle, reconnecting over laughter-filled meals. If yo...

At our integrative medicine clinic, we believe food is foundational for health and healing. What we put on our plates each day has a profound impact on how we feel mentally, physically and emotionally. That's why we host weekly culinary medicine group visits to help patients discover the joy of cooking nourishing foods to treat chronic conditions and build a healthy lifestyle.

This Tuesday at 3 PM, our culinary medicine group visit will explore "Cooking Foods for Medicine and Joy." We'll discuss simple, delicious recipes that bring pleasure and satisfaction to the cooking process itself - not just eating the final dish.

Studies show that taking the time to prepare your own meals mindfully can increase gratitude, improve mood, and help you become more attuned to your body's hunger and fullness cues. The very act of choosing fresh, wholesome ingredients and combining them into something delicious is an act of self-care.

At the same time, many of our favorite comforting recipes are loa...

Most of us have or will experience grief in our lifetime, but very few of us are prepared to know how to navigate the healing process, which is often life-long. Libbie is a testament to resilience and finding joy through suffering. After meeting with Libbie, we decided her story is so impactful that we want to share it with you! Libbie Vaughan founded the Dance Yourself Home Program after experiencing the devastating loss of her husband to suicide.

Libbie's journey began with the heart-wrenching realization that her husband was battling severe anxiety and depression. As his condition worsened, he found it increasingly difficult to cope with the demands of daily life, eventually reaching a point where he could no longer work and had to go on disability. Events leading up to this included a major job layoff during the pandemic, total isolation and abandonment by friends, and increased anxiety. Libbie found herself being the only support system for her husband, while working full time. S...

In our fast-paced, interconnected world, it's ironic that many of us feel isolated and disconnected, especially when navigating the complexities of chronic illness. At Texas Center for Lifestyle Medicine, we understand the profound impact isolation can have on health and well-being. That's why we started our group visit programs in 2019, designed to foster community, support, and empowerment for those managing chronic conditions. We've come a long way and have even added different types of group visits that are diagnosis-specific to bring like-minded individuals together who share similar struggles. 

Living with a chronic illness is a journey filled with challenges, from managing symptoms to navigating treatment options. One of the most significant hurdles individuals face is the sense of isolation that often accompanies their condition. When flare-ups occur or symptoms worsen, it can be difficult to maintain social connections. Others may not understand the unique struggles faced by ...

At Texas Center for Lifestyle Medicine, our commitment to holistic wellness extends beyond individual consultations. We believe in fostering a community where individuals with similar health concerns can come together to learn, support each other, and grow. Our Hypermobile Group Visits are a testament to this belief, providing a platform for individuals to delve into the complexities of their bodies and symptoms in a supportive environment.

This week's session, held every other Tuesday morning at 8:30 AM, was particularly enlightening. Led by Dr. Ruan, our discussion centered around understanding our bodies and symptoms on a deeper level.  From mapping out a process of creating balance and harmony to identifying common symptoms and personality traits, our discussion was both eye-opening and empowering. Dr. Ruan shared invaluable insights on how to connect with our bodies and interpret symptoms, shedding light on commonalities shared by those with connective tissue and hypermobile symp...

At Texas Center for Lifestyle Medicine, we believe in the power of integrative medicine to transform lives and heal chronic illnesses. Our approach goes beyond treating symptoms; we focus on addressing the root causes of illness while nurturing the connection between mind and body. Through a comprehensive range of services and procedures, we empower our patients to achieve optimal health and well-being.

Addressing Mind-Body Connection: Central to our integrative medicine approach is the recognition of the intricate relationship between mind and body. We understand that physical health is deeply intertwined with mental and emotional well-being. Therefore, we prioritize therapies and interventions that support both aspects of our patients' health. From mindfulness practices and stress management techniques to counseling and psychotherapy, we offer a holistic approach that acknowledges the importance of mental health in overall wellness.

Practical Strategies for Healing: In our pursuit ...

In the recent Dysautonomia group visit, attendees gathered to share their experiences and concerns surrounding this complex condition. The session provided a platform for individuals grappling with Dysautonomia to engage in meaningful discussions about symptom management and coping strategies.

Throughout the meeting, various pertinent topics were explored, shedding light on the multifaceted nature of Dysautonomia management. Participants delved into the significance of understanding one's body and its signals, recognizing how external factors like environmental changes, stress levels, sleep quality, and dietary habits can significantly impact symptomatology.

A pivotal aspect of the dialogue centered around the influence of mindset on navigating life with Dysautonomia. The notion of transitioning from a mindset of "I can't" to "I won't" emerged as a powerful tool for fostering a sense of agency and control amidst the challenges posed by the condition. By reframing limitations as delib...