Kairos Counseling and Wellness

BE LIKE PHIL AND MAXIMIZE WINTER’S RESTORATION INVITATIONS! Whether or not the famous groundhog Punxsutawney Phil’s extended winter prediction is accurate, his hibernating tendencies are a great example and a reminder of the restorative opportunities that the Winter season holds. Explore why rest and regenerative practices are so important and learn practical ways to fill your tank this season, however long it lasts https://kairoscw.com//02/04/restoration-winters-invitation/

The food we choose to eat affects EVERY aspect of our lives , including our emotional well being. Not convinced? Invest 8 minutes and listen to explore the gut brain connection and learn some simple eating principles that can help improve your mood... https://podcasts.apple.com//feel-better-live/id1333552422

HAND SANITIZER FROM MEXICO? Check your labels and get rid of any that apply. And remember: thorough hand washing is always a safer alternative...and a chance to sing "Happy Birthday 2 times over!" https://www.fda.gov//coronavirus-covid-19-update-fda-takes

NEED HELP MAKING THOSE NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS STICK? CHECK OUT THE FOLLOWING RESEARCH BACKED TIPS TO HELP YOU SUCCEED AT MAKING THE CHANGES YOU DESIRE! A new year is here, ripe with fresh opportunities to cultivate changes for a more balanced and vibrant life. Why is this important to consider? Research and experience have shown that what we think about and how we spend our time determines who we will become. In other words, the daily choices we make are forming who we will ...Continue reading

Colder temperatures are here and for many of us that means more time indoors with the windows closed. This migration inside increases our exposure to commonly found harmful pollutants including molds, bacteria and viruses, pet dander, dust and VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) given off by furnishings, pain and chemicals. WHY DOES THIS MATTER? Prolonged exposure to these harmful bits can inflame and weaken immune and respiratory systems (that we need to be optimal, especial...ly now!) and potentially have us inhaling a host of carcinogens and/or hormone modulating chemicals. Yikes! While we may not be able to change the air quality in public spaces, the following two steps CAN HELP ENSURE CLEANER AIR IN YOUR HOME... 1.Explore simple ways that you can remove pollutants from your home and improve indoor air quality here . https://kairoscw.com//a-clean-sweep-practical-tips-for-ho/ 2.Consider purchasing an air filtration system or device especially if you or a family member has a history of allergies or asthma as pollutants tend to exacerbate these conditions. To get started, a basic overview of filtration systems can be found here https://www.epa.gov//fil/2014-07/documents/aircleaners.pdf Since many people rent or don’t have the financing to invest in a whole home system, a portable filtration system can be an affordable alternative. Blueair, IQAir and Molekule are a few highly rated filter companies to consider but keep the following in mind as you shop *Choose a HEPA filter. This type of filter is used in hospitals and airplanes and is able to filter the smallest air pollutant particles. *Make sure the filter does not produce ozone. Ozone is a known lung irritant and also a potential carcinogen. Pay special attention to those that use UV technology as many produce ozone as a byproduct. * Be sure to investigate the noise level created by the filter. If the volume or sound of the device in use is unpleasant or distracting, chances are you won’t use it or if you do it will create an additional stress in your environmentwhich no one needs! Here’s to cleaner air and a happier home!

Save cash, get clean, use less, support fair trade industry and kick plastic and dangerous toxins to the curb! Ethique beauty and home products knock it out of the park on all accounts! Best part is they smell and feel fantastic and are effective. I love their bar shampoos, conditioners, moisturizers, deodorants (that even hold up to mountain bike rides and runs!) as well as their cleaning products. Fall is a fantastic time to eliminate the toxic products from your beauty a...nd home cleaning regime to help support your immune function and overall well - being. If you're ready to clean up your personal and home care routine, Ethique makes it easy to dip a toe in with affordable sample sizes...and they always throw in a free gift of your choice. https://ethique.com. Know other companies offering similarly clean, fairly traded and environmentally friendly products, please share below! Here's to happy, healthy cleaning!

This salad is a delicious way to start incorporating seasonal fare that helps support cleansing and overall health. It’s tasty as is or can be made more nutrient dense with shredded carrots , cabbage , ginger and green onions. Enjoy! https://www.epicurious.com//fo/views/shredded-daikon-salad

EATING FOR AUTUMN: OPTIMIZING LUNG AND LARGE INTESTINE HEALTH Autumn is full swing and if your idea of an optimal seasonal meal is a pumpkin spice latte, I’d encourage you to read on! According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the season of autumn is an opportunity to intentionally nourish and detoxify the lungs and large intestine. And whew! With a global pandemic, cold and flu season around the corner and unprecedented wildfires and smoke in the Western US there co...Continue reading

Need some practical tips for SELF CARE? Here you’ll find some low cost, DIY MASSAGE and RELAXATION TOOLS that you can implement now and keep in your home or work remedy box for busier days to come. Enjoy and Be Well!

Santa Cruz FARMERS MARKETS ARE STILL OPEN so go SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL FARMER AND LET NUTRIENT DENSE, FRESH FOOD BE THY MEDICINE! If you can't get to a market, CONSIDER SUBSCRIBING TO A L0CAL COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE (CSA) PROGRAM AND HAVE PRODUCE DELIVERED WEEKLY. SO GRATEFUL FOR ORGANIC FARMERS IN COMMUNITIES AROUND THE WORLD WHO ARE PRODUCING SUCH LIFE GIVING BOUNTY AND WHO ARE PROTECTING OUR AIR, SOIL AND WATER QUALITY FOR THE HEALTH OF ALL!!!... NOTE: If you're concerned about the safety of shopping at local markets during COVID-19, all Santa Cruz Farmers Market vendors are wearing masks and social distancing practices are utilized at each farm stand. Also keep in mind that outdoor air is 2-5 times cleaners than recirculated indoor air. So if you're able, GET OUT AND SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL FOOD CHAIN!

Be advised if you are currently taking Zantac or have a supply at home the FDA requested its removal from the marketplace due to a contaminant it contains, N-Nitrosodimethylamine ( NDMA) which is a probable human carcinogen. Please see the link below for proper disposal of any product you may have at home as the recommendations are different due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, if you are unaware, acupuncture and an individualized herbal formula, as prescribed by a trained herbalist, are safe treatment options for heartburn and acid reflux. . https://www.fda.gov//fda-requests-removal-all-ranitidine-p

We at Kairos Counseling and Wellness want to say thank you for your mindful responses to COVID-19, as we seek to nourish health in all and purpose to protect those that are most vulnerable in our communities. Our hearts go out to those around the world who have lost loved ones due to this pandemic and we are grateful for our healthcare workers who are courageously working on the front lines to slow its spread. We also want you to be assured that you are not alone as you shel...Continue reading

https://planetherbs.com//coronavirus-herbal-prevention-an/ As confirmed cases of coronavirus rise in the US, so does the importance of preventative measures. Here are some basics to consider from well known local herbalists, Michael and Leslie Tierra. This post, addresses the fact that herbs are best prescribed for your unique constitution so come on in to get set up with an herbal combination that can best support you. Also, keep in mind that 70% of immune function is housed in the gut so an organic, plant based diet with live, fermented foods and plenty of prebiotic foods including garlic and onions will help support a strong immune response. More on this to follow in an upcoming blog post. Take care and Be well!

https://www.natureandforesttherapy.org/about/science FREE MEDICINE: JUST OUTSIDE YOUR DOOR! As you continue on your path to health and healing in 2020, don’t forget that a free, holistic remedy lies as close as your nearest forest or green space! Numerous research studies suggest that time in nature has healing effects for a wide range of conditions including anxiety and depression, diabetes, heart disease, asthma, allergies, lowered immune function and musculoskeletal complaints. So, bundle up if need be and go soak up a solid dose of nature’s medicinethe prescription that comes with unlimited refills!

In prepping for our seminar, one of our therapists Ariana wrote this blog post on Toxic Relationships. We hope this information empowers you to make positive changes that help you thrive. https://kairoscw.com//10-characteristics-of-a-toxic-relat/

TRANSFORMING WITH THE SEASONS A Free Wellness Seminar @ Kairos Counseling and Wellness 6001 Butler Ln Suite 201 Scotts Valley, CA 95066... November 13th, 6:30-8 PM RSVP: Dr. Bianca Schmidt 831-515-8296 In nature, Autumn is a season of letting go of the old and moving inward to rest and renew during the winter ahead. Similarly, we need seasons to intentionally let go of what does not serve us and to embrace what nourishes and promotes rest. Come join us for a free seminar as we share practical ways to free yourself from toxins that burden your mind, body and spirit. We’ll discuss ways to overhaul your body and home care routines as well as how to eat to nourish yourself well. In addition we’ll identify what toxic relationships look like and discuss how they can damage and hinder our growth. We’ll also explore ways to let go of unhealthy connections and to how cultivate relationships that promote life and transformation. We look forward to journeying with you as we seek out ways to live our best lives this season and in seasons to come! Space is limited, reserve your spot today!

Before you get that steroid injection give this a read. As an alternative, acupuncture can provide relief from arthritic pain without the dangerous side effects! https://www.sciencedaily.com/releas/2019//191015171552.htm

Cleaning Up Toxic Thoughts... Just as environmental toxins can harm us physically, toxic thought patterns have the power to wreak havoc on our mental/emotional health. Need tools to help shift these destructive patterns? Check out our latest blog post and give us a call if you're in need of further support! https://kairoscw.com/news/

A Clean Sweep: Practical Tips for Home Detox Sometimes we need new voices to remind us of old truths. In recent days, it has been courageous young souls reminding us of a vital one... OUR HEALTH IS INTRINSICALLY LINKED TO THE HEALTH OF OUR PLANET Within this beautiful truth is the imperative to mindfully reduce the amount of chemical toxins in our environments. We can each start this process by ridding our homes of toxin laden products and when necessary mindfully purchasing safe and sustainable alternatives to help to create a viable future for all on planet earth. We can do this!!! NEED HELP GETTING STARTED? RESOURCES AND TIPS HERE https://kairoscw.com/news/

ARE YOUR COSMETICS AND PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS MAKING YOU SICK? Check out commonly used chemicals to watch out for and explore safer alternatives here...https://kairoscw.com/news/