Natural Healing Solutions

10/03/2026

At some point, all of us will experience pain. For some, it's the quick sting of a bump, scrape, or bruise. For others, it's chronic pain that lingers long after a serious accident or illness.

Here's the thing about pain: unless you've got a bone sticking out of your leg or staples in your face, it's pretty much invisible.

If you live with chronic pain, how many times have you heard, "But you look fine to me"? 🙃

Here are a few options that can help:

1️⃣ Move your body. Exercise and physical therapy can make a real difference. For example, if you deal with low back pain, strengthening your core can help take some of the pressure off. Gentle practices like yoga, Pilates, and tai chi are great options too.

2️⃣ Consider chiropractic care or acupuncture. Both can help ease pain for many people.

3️⃣ Don't overlook the emotional side. Stress, emotional conflict, and past trauma can all make pain worse. Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy (EAET) is one approach worth looking into.

4️⃣ Don't panic if you're prescribed duloxetine instead of an opioid. It's often used to treat chronic pain, even though it's also known as an antidepressant. It doesn't mean anyone thinks your pain is "all in your head."

5️⃣ Explore natural support. Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, has been shown to help reduce inflammation and joint pain for some people. Many also find castor oil packs comforting for achy areas. Just check with your provider before starting any supplement, especially if you take blood thinners or other medications.

Treating pain often means combining a few different approaches. For one person, that might be chiropractic care and curcumin. For someone else, it might be duloxetine, acupuncture, and EAET. Your path to relief will look different from anyone else's, and that's okay.

Your pain is real, even when no one else can see it. 💛

For educational purposes only. Always check with your healthcare provider before trying a new treatment or supplement.

09/22/2026

Sleep is a foundation for good health. It's one of the easiest and hardest things to do (ask anyone with insomnia). When we are tired, we are prone to making more mistakes, and it takes a toll on our mood and emotional state. But this also takes a toll on our immune system.

Once we're free the bedtimes our parents used to set, we tend to stay up until the wee hours of the morning. When we are young, we can often compensate and still take on the next day with the energy of a caffeinated chihuahua. But over time, the effects catch up with us.

So what do we do when we're struggling to sleep? That's where sleep hygiene comes in. Sleep hygiene refers to a set of habits and environmental practices that promote high quality sleep.

This includes:
-Sleeping in a cool room
-Sleeping in a dark room
-Limiting blue light exposure 1-2 hours before bedtime (yes, no
computers, TVs or phones unless you have a blue light filter or
blue blocking glasses)
-Limiting caffeine until early afternoon
-Go to bed at the same time (yes, even on the weekends)
-Establish a sleep routine where you wind down before bedtime
(ex: getting into PJs, washing your face, brushing your teeth,
reading/meditating/coloring/praying)
-Keeping naps to 20-30 mins max
-Avoiding alcohol before bedtime (it might help you fall asleep
faster, but it robs you of the deep sleep you need to feel
refreshed)
-Supporting your natural circadian rhythm by getting some
sunlight in the daytime when you can.
-Dimming the lights before bedtime
-Avoid intense conversations and workouts before to bedtime

Certain herbal teas/supplements, like passionflower, chamomile, valerian root, and holy basil are also known for their calming, sleeping supporting properties.

If you are perimenopausal, it may be worth getting your hormones checked. Progesterone has natural calming properties, and declining levels during this stage of life can disrupt sleep quality.

09/18/2026

Every day we are bombarded with some new supplement to help us detox. Usually, the price tag is expensive, but did you know there are a few simple things you can do at home that is low cost?

Well, there are a few ways your body gets rid of toxins...simply and crudely put peeing and p**ping are just two ways.

Your lovely liver is involved in the process of detoxification through many complex processes. After the liver processes the substance, your body rids the waste through urination and defecation.
How can we support the liver and gut to help us get rid of the toxins in our bodies?

Some answers:
1. Eat liver supporting foods - Beets, Broccoli, Cauliflower,
Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Kale, Bok Choy, Raddish, Turnip,
Wasabi, Rutabaga, Kohlrabi, G*i Ian, Mizuna, Rapini, Choy
Sum, Komatsuna, Daikon, Arugula, Collard greens, Water
greens, Dandelion greens, and Mustard greens

2. Eat More Fiber (soluble and Insoluble - these foods overlap)

Example: Soluble fiber (softens stools) - beans (black, lima
and kidney), brussels sprouts, sweet potato, broccoli, turnips,
carrots, Avocados, pears, figs, nectarines, apricots, apples,
guavas, flaxseeds, sunflower seeds, oats, barley

Example: Insoluble Fiber (bulks up stool) - soaked chia seeds
(do not eat these dry), beans (kidney, pinto, lentils, navy,
black), almonds, turnip, chickpeas (garbanzo), apple, pears,
peach, kiwi

3. Drink adequate water - it's really hard to p**p if you dont
drink enough water, especially if you increase your fiber
intake. Water helps usher out toxins through urination and
p**p. The amount of water is different for everyone. The goal
is usually half your body weight in ounces, so 100 lbs person
would drink 50 ounces. There are factors that can increase or
decrease your need, such as being an athlete or kidney
disease, so it is best to confirm with your healthcare team.

4. Take a walk after eating - This can help with digestion because
it helps you p**p.

Yes, you can pay lots of money to detox but you can also start the process at home.

09/14/2026

It's the tail end of military moving season, which one of the most stressful times of year. If you're not part of the military community, picture this...moving your entire life with no idea what house you're moving to, or if there will even be a house to move into yet.

Honestly though, daily life has gotten stressful for most people lately. And it's hard to slow down and actually do self-care when you're in survival mode.

I just moved to a new area and I'll likely be living out of a hotel for the next 1-2 months. My go-to self-care is meditation...but right now, the thought of sitting still and clearing my mind is actually anxiety-provoking. So... what do you do when your usual coping tool stops working?

Here are a few of my backups:

1. Breathwork, like box breathing
2. Time in nature — a walk where you actually notice the plants and animals around you
3. Coloring
4. Crochet or knitting
5. Art — anything that gets your hands working
6. Music — anything that makes your hips sway
7. Dance

So in the middle of this anxiety-filled move, with my favorite stress reliever off the table, I put on a 90s mix (dont judge me) and danced. Alone. In front of the fridge. In my tiny hotel room.

There's always time for a dance party, even if you look a little crazy doing it.

09/13/2026

As you age, flexibility becomes increasingly important to maintain. It plays a key role in balance and mobility, both of which can become more challenging over time. The good news is that you can start working on your flexibility at any age.

Many people turn to yoga or pilates to build flexibility. But if you are not able to do yoga or pilates, then try dynamic stretching. There are routines that you can do at home. If you already have balance issues, then it would be best to try this with a personal trainer or with a friend.

Here is a 20 min seated dynamic and static stretching routine that is friendly for seniors.

This 20 minute seated stretching routine for seniors includes both ...

04/15/2026

Your Mouth is a Window to Your Heart!

Growing up, there wasn't a lot of emphasis on dental health in our house…just the standard brush your teeth and maybe floss occasionally. But as I got older, I realized there is a strong, and very real, relationship between your dental health and your cardiovascular health…and the science backs this up in a big way.

Around 29 million Americans see a dentist each year but never see any other medical professional. That means the dentist's chair might actually be one of the most important places to catch early warning signs of serious health problems.

Here's what the research shows: the human mouth hosts over 700 bacterial species, and some of them are directly implicated in developing systemic diseases, particularly cardiovascular disease. Harmful oral bacteria (Porphyromonas gingivalis) can travel beyond the mouth and trigger chronic systemic inflammation, damaging blood vessels and promoting atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in the arteries).

An American Heart Association scientific statement published in late 2025 highlighted increasing evidence that gum disease is associated with cardiovascular disease and cardiometabolic conditions, including heart disease, hypertension, atrial fibrillation, and heart failure.

The good news? Simple habits make a measurable difference. Research found that brushing at least once a day or getting at least one professional dental cleaning per year reduced cardiovascular risk.

So the next time you think about skipping a dental appointment or going to bed without brushing…think about your heart too. These two systems are far more connected than most of us were ever taught. 🦷❤️

If cost is a barrier, look into dental schools or community health centers near you — quality care doesn't always have to break the bank!

P.S, I started brushing my teeth twice a day and I have become an avid flosser lol

02/20/2026

Heart Health Beyond Cholesterol

Cholesterol is important. But it is not the whole story.

True cardiovascular health includes:
• Inflammation levels
• Blood sugar balance
• Insulin sensitivity
• Stress hormones
• Sleep quality
• Movement patterns
• Nutrient status
• Gut health
• Emotional health

You can have “normal” cholesterol and still have elevated cardiovascular risk. And you can have elevated cholesterol with low inflammation and strong metabolic health.

We need to look at the whole picture...not just one lab value.

If you’re working on your heart health this year, ask yourself:
What else might be contributing?

If you’d like a more comprehensive look at your cardiovascular risk markers (beyond just LDL), I’m accepting new virtual patients and would be happy to help get you to your health goal.

Send a message or book a consultation to start the conversation.

02/19/2026

What “Baseline Labs” Can Tell You…And What They Can’t

I often hear: “My labs were normal… but I still don’t feel good.”

Baseline labs are important.
But they’re only one piece of the puzzle.

What labs can tell us:
-Big red flags (anemia, thyroid shifts, blood sugar changes)
-Inflammation patterns
-Nutrient levels like iron, B12, and vitamin D
-Cardiovascular risk markers
-A starting point to track progress over time

They give us a snapshot of what’s happening in your body at that moment.

What labs can’t tell us:
-Your stress load
-Sleep quality
-How your nervous system is functioning
-Daily energy patterns
-Digestive rhythm
-How hormones are fluctuating across the month

A “normal” lab range doesn’t always mean optimal for you.
And one abnormal value doesn’t define your health.

The most meaningful care happens when we combine:
-Labs
-Symptoms
-History
-Lifestyle
-Your goals

If you’ve been told “everything looks fine” but you still don’t feel fine…it may be worth a deeper conversation.

I offer comprehensive wellness assessments where we review labs in context, discuss what they mean for you, and create a practical, realistic plan.

Virtual appointments.

Serving clients in Nevada, North Carolina and more.

Dr. Christina Belcher, Naturopathic Doctor
’sHealth

02/17/2026

😂 “New Year, New Me”… in FEBRUARY… and maybe March… and honestly whenever we get there.

Listen...

It’s February.
Yes, I know. I’m late to the party. 😂

The glittery confetti? Gone.
The vision boards? Slightly crumpled.
The gym crowd? Noticeably thinner.
My planner…and possibly yours, already looks… emotionally damaged.

And you know what? I love that for us.

Because now it’s real.

Just because we might have missed the mark in January
doesn’t mean we can’t show up in February.

And if February is a little wobbly?
We show up in March.

This is not a one-month audition for a new personality.
This is a long game.

Here’s what I’m learning (as someone also trying to get it together):

✨ I don’t need to overhaul my entire life.
✨ I don’t need a perfect streak.
✨ I just need to show up again.

Even if that means:
• Exercising in your kitchen on a mini trampoline (yes, I do this)
• Going to the gym when your kid is in gymnastics because it’s in
the same building (yes, that’s me too)
• Choosing one nourishing meal instead of a full “clean eating”
fantasy
• Drinking water before coffee (some days… we’re trying)
• Going to bed 30 minutes earlier
• Starting over without drama

That’s it. No pressure. No performance. No “new year, new body” energy.

Welcome to your February reset.
We can reset every single month if we need to.

Consistency isn’t about being perfect.
It’s about being willing to return.

And I’ll be right there with you…slightly late, slightly imperfect, but still showing up. 💚

02/03/2026

How Stress Affects Hormones + Digestion (and why your body isn’t “broken”)

Ever notice that when life gets stressful…your digestion is off, your hormones feel chaotic, and your body just won’t cooperate?

When you’re under stress, your body shifts into survival mode. The nervous system prioritizes keeping you safe...not digesting food or balancing hormones.

Here’s what can happen:
1. Stress hormones rise (like cortisol)
-->This can disrupt estrogen, progesterone, thyroid, and insulin
-->Periods may become heavier, more painful, irregular or disappear
-->Sleep, mood, and energy often take a hit

2. For men, chronic stress can also:
-->Lower testosterone production
-->Contribute to fatigue, low motivation, and reduced muscle recovery
-->Affect libido and blood sugar regulation
-->Increase belly fat due to cortisol-driven insulin changes

3. Digestion slows down
-->Reduced stomach acid and enzyme production
-->More bloating, gas, reflux, constipation, or diarrhea
-->Increased food sensitivities and poor nutrient absorption

The cycle feeds itself
Poor digestion → fewer nutrients → weaker hormone signaling → more stress on the body

And then we wonder why we feel stuck. The key isn’t “trying harder.” It’s supporting the nervous system first, so digestion and hormones can follow.

This is why small, gentle steps matter:
1. Eating regularly (even when you’re not hungry)
-->Signals safety to the body, stabilizes blood sugar, and reduces cortisol spikes that disrupt hormones and digestion.

2. Slowing down meals
-->Activates the parasympathetic (“rest and digest”) response so stomach acid, enzymes, and nutrient absorption can function properly.

3. Supporting sleep
-->Allows hormone repair, cortisol regulation, gut healing, and improved insulin sensitivity.

4. Breathing, walking, grounding
--> Calms the stress response, improves vagus nerve tone, and helps digestion and hormones come back online.

5. Reducing pressure to be “perfect”
--> Lowers chronic stress load, which often matters more than doing everything “right” with food or supplements.

Your body is responding exactly how it was designed to.
It just needs safety before it can heal.

Disclaimer: This post is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized care, especially if you have ongoing or severe symptoms.