Integrative Wellness Grand Rapids

09/22/2025

🎉 Don’t miss the Holistic Health Collective Open House! Join us for food, fun, and prizes! Meet some of the clinicians from IWGR this Friday, from 5-7:30pm.
Location: 3368 Beltline Ct. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525

04/10/2025

Big News — We’re Moving!
Starting May 1st, you’ll find Integrative Wellness Grand Rapids in our beautiful new home inside the Holistic Health Collective — located right off the Beltline! 📦✨

Same amazing team. New space. Fresh energy.
We can’t wait for you to visit in person or continue meeting with us online! 🌿💻

New Address:
📍 3368 Beltline Ct.
Grand Rapids, MI 49525

📞 616-899-9447
✉️ hello@integrativewellnessgr.com

Stay tuned for a virtual tour coming soon! 🎥🏡

04/08/2025

What’s for breakfast? Today I wanted to post on the different cultural traditions of food and what represents health. The pictures above are of congee (or jook) served in traditional Cantonese fashion and the second is a sample of what dim sum dishes may look like.

Congee can be made with dried pork, chicken, fish, preserved duck eggs. It’s known well as a typical breakfast dish or a tummy soother for adults and children with gi upset because it’s warm, soothing, and easily digestible.

What’s lovely about nutrition and food is there is no “one size fits all” for what is healing for an individual. It may be based on life circumstances and metabolic needs, and what is available from the resources at hand.

Sometimes revisiting cultural roots is a great way to re-discover healing or nourishing foods that aren’t currently in your diet that could benefit you. It can also be a wonderful way to reconnect with community.

Dim Sum, literally means, “touch the heart gently,” and typically served in a busy restaurant with small carts being wheeled around large round tables where you are sharing a meal with families and friends. You pick small plates you see on the cart and add it to your table to be shared as a group with the rest of your table members.

You’ll often see senior citizens gather for their morning chats in Chinatown or large families come together for dim sum meals.

So keep exploring nutrition and nourishing meals and remember that “heart” and “sharing” is also considered nourishment.

03/19/2025

🔬🐟 The Science Behind Fish Oil: What You Need to Know!

Fish oil is widely used for its omega-3 fatty acids, but understanding its form, dosage, and impact on the body is essential. Here’s a breakdown of the science:

1️⃣ Bioavailability Matters
Fish oil comes in different molecular forms. Natural triglycerides (TG) are better absorbed than ethyl esters (EE), which require enzymatic conversion in the body for absorption.

2️⃣ Purity & Contaminants
⚠️ Heavy metals like mercury can accumulate in fish from polluted waters. High-quality fish oil should be third-party tested to ensure low contaminant levels. While consuming cold-water fish is beneficial, excessive intake (more than 2–3 servings per week) may increase mercury exposure.

3️⃣ The Omega-3 to Omega-6 Ratio
The primary active components of fish oil are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)—essential fatty acids with anti-inflammatory properties. A diet high in omega-6 fatty acids (found in processed foods and vegetable oils) can push the body toward a pro-inflammatory state if omega-3 levels are insufficient.

4️⃣ How to Read a Label
📑 The total omega-3 content of a supplement isn’t as important as the EPA + DHA dosage per serving—these are the key compounds responsible for fish oil’s health benefits.

5️⃣ Dosage & Safety
🔹 Standard dose: 1-3 g/day (combined EPA + DHA)
🔹 More than 4 g/day should be monitored by a physician due to blood-thinning effects
🔹 Individuals on anticoagulants should consult a doctor before supplementation
🔹 Some people may experience a rise in LDL cholesterol, requiring lipid monitoring

✅ Takeaway
The right fish oil supplement should be well-absorbed, free of contaminants, and provide an effective EPA/DHA dose to support inflammation control and cardiovascular health.

🔬

03/05/2025

Aromatherapy 101: Harnessing the Power of Essential Oils** ✨🌿

Aromatherapy is a natural, complementary healing method that stimulates the brain’s olfactory centers—closely linked to memory and emotions. Certain scents can evoke calm, enhance focus, or even support physical wellness.

Essential oils contain powerful compounds called terpenes, like **linalool and linalyl acetate** in **lavender oil**, known for its soothing effects. Research suggests aromatherapy may help with **stress, anxiety, chronic pain, respiratory issues, and more**.

# # # How to Use Essential Oils:
✔️ **Diffusion** – Add a few drops to a diffuser for aromatic benefits (e.g., lavender for calm, peppermint for energy).
✔️ **Topical Application** – Dilute in a carrier oil (like almond or jojoba) before applying to skin.
✔️ **Ingestion** – **Only under professional guidance** (some essential oils can be toxic if consumed!).

# # # DIY Essential Oil Blend (2% Dilution)
🌿 Grab a **2 oz dark glass bottle** with a dropper.
🌿 Fill **halfway** with a carrier oil.
🌿 Add **20-24 drops** of essential oil (single or blended).
🌿 Fill the rest with the carrier oil, cap, and shake!
🌿 **Patch test** before applying to larger areas.

# # # Suggested Blends:
💆 **Headache Relief** – Peppermint oil on temples.
😌 **Relaxation** – Lavender + ylang ylang for a calming massage.
🩹 **Muscle & Period Relief** – Peppermint + lavender on back or abdomen.
🌿 **Digestive Support** – Peppermint + ginger blend.

⚠️ **Safety First!** Essential oils should be used with caution for children, the elderly, and pets. Always dilute properly and consult a professional if unsure.

Favorite essential oil? Drop it in the comments! 👇

02/25/2025

**🌿 Integrative Medicine: A Holistic Approach to Patient Care 🌿**

Modern healthcare is evolving, and integrative medicine is leading the way! This holistic approach blends conventional medicine with complementary therapies—like acupuncture, meditation, naturopathic medicine, and functional medicine—to treat the *whole person* rather than just symptoms.

🔎 **Why is Integrative Medicine Gaining Popularity?**
✔️ A 2004 CDC study found that **62% of U.S. adults** used complementary & alternative medicine (CAM) in a 12-month period.
✔️ From **2002 to 2022, CAM for pain management** increased from 19.2% to 36.2% (JAMA).

💡 **Integrative Medicine & Pain Management**
Chronic pain? Studies show acupuncture, yoga, & meditation can reduce pain and opioid dependence. One military study found that acupuncture **cut opioid use by 45%** in a year!

🧘‍♀️ **Beyond Pain: Mental & Emotional Well-being**
Holistic care isn’t just about physical health—it supports **mental resilience, stress management, and community connection.** Research shows social isolation increases chronic disease risk, while techniques like guided meditation and journaling enhance well-being.

🚀 **The Future of Integrative Medicine**
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs piloted the **Whole Health Plan** in 2017. Over 1 million veterans reported:
✔️ Better pain management
✔️ Increased patient engagement
✔️ Reduced opioid use by 23-38%

✨ **Key Principles of Integrative Medicine**
✅ Looking beyond symptoms—addressing sleep, nutrition, & stress
✅ Personalized care based on *your* health goals
✅ Multidisciplinary collaboration for well-rounded wellness

🔄 Healthcare is shifting toward **empowerment, prevention, and holistic healing.** Let’s embrace a system that prioritizes *true wellness!*

👇 How do you incorporate holistic practices into your well-being? Drop a comment & let’s chat! 💬

02/19/2025

If you’re navigating depression or burnout—whether you’re just beginning a self care journey or on medication—the *3 Good Things* practice can be a simple yet powerful tool to boost your mood and ease symptoms.

✨ **Consistency is key!** ✨
Keep a journal by your bedside and, every night, write down **three good things** that happened during your day. They can be as small as “The sky was blue” or “I finished my to-do list.” Then, next to each, write an adjective describing how it made you feel.

That’s it! Try this for 1-2 weeks (or a full month if you like). Studies show that this simple habit can help improve symptoms for up to **6 months**!

By focusing on the good, you train your brain to highlight the positive rather than dwell on the negative. **Optimism is a game changer!** Give it a try and see the difference. ✨

02/17/2025

Curious about acupuncture? Check out this amazing testimonial! 🌿✨ Discover how a natural healing approach can support pain relief and emotional well-being. Ready to learn more? ”

11/19/2024

This November, our newsletter will delve into integrative medicine approaches to enhance emotional well-being. From the Hormone-Mental Health Connection to the benefits of breathwork and acupuncture, we’re committed to exploring comprehensive strategies for managing anxiety and depression. Learn more about lifestyle and holistic approaches to mental health. Also get an exclusive offer for a free month of online integrative support for anxiety from who’s book Panic Proof was recently published!

Link in bio.

08/07/2024