The BIÂN Blog

We tend to forget about our neck when it comes to skincare. We focus on the face but neglect our neck, which leads to problems like “tech-neck”—lines and folds created from constantly looking down at our phones and computers. It’s important to remember that prevention is key, so don’t forget to apply all of your treatment serums, moisturizers, and sunscreens down to your neck!

How Can I Take Care of My Neck?
Taking care of your neck is not difficult, but it does require a bit more effort than just slapping on some lotion. Here are a few tips for how to properly take care of your neck:

• Make sure you’re using products designed specifically for necks. Just like faces, necks have different needs than other parts of the body. Look for creams and serums that contain ingredients such as peptides or hyaluronic acid, as these can help reduce wrinkles and improve skin texture, while also providing hydration.
• Massage in an upward motion when applying products. This helps fight against gravity and will help keep your skin taut and youthful looking.
• Don't forget about sunscreen! Sun exposure can be really damaging for skin anywhere on the body, so be sure to wear SPF on your neck every day, even if it's cloudy out.
• Great serum options for taking care of your neck include Lucrece Hydrating Serum with Peptides and Alastin Skin Restorative Complex. Both are great options for targeting tech-neck lines or wrinkles that may already exist. Both available at BIÂN Beauty.
• Last but not least… drink plenty of water! Proper hydration promotes healthy skin cells which can prevent wrinkles from forming in the first place. Plus it's good for overall health too!

Taking care of your neck doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming - just remember the basics! Make sure you're using products designed specifically for necks; massage them in an upward motion; don't forget sunscreen; and stay hydrated! With these simple steps you can keep your neck looking young, smooth, and beautiful no matter how much time you spend looking down at technology devices throughout the day. And don't forget two great serum options - Lucrece Hydrating Serum with Peptides and Alastin Skin Restorative Complex - when creating a skincare routine tailored specifically towards treating tech-neck lines or wrinkles that may already exist.

Glucose is the metabolic and energetic currency of the body, and fluctuations in glucose over the short and long term can have significant effects on our hormones, energy levels, and overall health. That’s why continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) has become such an important tool for those looking to take charge of their metabolic health. With CGM technology like NutriSense, you can track your glucose levels in real time and uncover valuable insights about your bio-individuality. Let’s dive into what CGM can do for you.

What Is Continuous Glucose Monitoring?
Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) is a system that uses sensors worn on the body to measure blood sugar levels throughout the day – even while you sleep! The data collected by these sensors is relayed to a mobile device or computer, allowing you to easily view your results at any time. This data can then be used to better understand how diet and lifestyle choices affect your glucose levels and inform smarter decisions that lead to optimal metabolic health.

The Benefits of Continuous Glucose Monitoring
The information gathered through CGM can be incredibly powerful when it comes to understanding your body’s reactions to food, timing of meals, stress levels, sleep patterns, exercise intensity – anything that affects your glucose levels! Through personalized feedback from our team of experts at NutriSense, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of what works best for you as an individual based on real-time data. We also provide educational content so that you can become an expert in interpreting and acting upon this data yourself!

Achieving Optimal Metabolic Health with NutriSense
At NutriSense, we believe in empowering people with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their health. Our innovative technology makes continuous glucose monitoring easy and accessible so that you can unlock valuable insights about how different dietary and lifestyle factors affect your metabolism. By uncovering your bio-individuality with CGM through NutriSense, you can achieve optimal metabolic health!

Continous Glucose Monitoring provides us with invaluable insight into how different dietary and lifestyle variables affect our metabolism in real time. With NutriSense's specialized software and wearable technology, we are able to uncover our own bio-individuality - giving us the power to make smarter decisions about our mental and physical health. Understanding how we react to food, timing of meals, stress levels, sleep patterns, exercise intensity - all of this is possible with CGM technology from NutriSense! Unlock the potential for optimal metabolic health today by starting your journey with Dr. Ben Schuff at BIÂN.

What are the health benefits of drinking tea?

Tea is a gentle medicinal therapy with a wide range of therapeutic profiles based on the species of plant. The hot water associated with tea functions to damage the plant’s cellular structure enough for it to give up its healing properties to the liquid medium. The longer you steep the tea in hot water, the more active components are generally expressed.  

Daily tea infusions can be seen as additional nourishment for vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and of course, enjoyment. Teas can be chosen as seasonal tonics, as medicine for specific organs or body systems that may need support or for maintenance of health after a condition has improved.  

For example, tea contains many antioxidants and flavonoids that have demonstrated protection in cardiovascular risk, immune support and general inflammatory oxidative stress.  

Do you think tea is beginning to rival craft coffee? If so, why?

Perhaps. Globally, tea is more popular than coffee. In American culture, however, coffee still reigns supreme with preference, along with how people are utilizing these beverages and how it is affecting them physically and mentally.  

Coffee tends to outpace tea in the west because its generally more stimulant with the caffeine content. A typical 12 oz coffee has approximately 100-150 mg of caffeine whereas the most popular high-caffeine teas (i.e. matcha, yerba mate) max out around 70 mg. The coffee’s stimulation matches our cultural approach to productivity and how we gather—for example, a coffee date is more familiar than a tea date would be in other parts of the world. Tea is a wonderfully healthful beverage that is widely popular despite coffee’s predominance.  

What are some specific teas you recommend and what are their benefits?

Disclaimer: discuss any of these recommendations with a doctor

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinalis)- Dandelion is helpful in digestion and elimination by gently stimulating digestive secretions. Dandelion is also traditionally connected to the liver and is a useful daily tonic especially at the onset of the spring season to gently assist in “spring cleaning”. Roasted dandelion root is an excellent coffee substitute on the market for those loving the ritual, warmth and taste of coffee but are looking to avoid the caffeine content.  

Hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa)- Hibiscus is a delicious tart tasting red tea that has specific properties that have been shown to lower blood pressure. Just 2 cups a day can be effective  

Green tea (Camellia sinensis)- Green tea is rich in polyphenolic antioxidants called catechins which are helpful in preventing cardiovascular disease by decreasing inflammatory stress, clotting and vascular pathology. 1 tsp per cup of hot, not boiling water as the leaves are delicate. Green tea has about 40 mg of caffeine per serving, significantly less than coffee

Ginger (Zingiber officinalis)- Ginger is a warming aromatic root tea that is beneficial in improving circulation and warms up cold and congestive conditions in digestive and respiratory tracts, especially. It’s a classic remedy for nausea. Ginger is best consumed fresh—peel a 1-2 inch piece and slice into hot water, drink as needed.  

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)- Fennel seed is an aromatic go-to tea for indigestion and gas after meals, a property known as a “carminative”. 1-2 tsp of seeds (crushed if possible) per cup of hot water freely as needed. Its also traditional to simply chew on a few seeds post meal to release the helpful compounds.

Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)- Chamomile is a classic tea with active ingredients that help calm the nervous system with general irritability, agitation or trouble sleeping hence its role in the popular “Sleepytime” teas on the market. 1 heaping TBSP per cup of water steeped for at least 10 minutes.  

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum spp)- Cinnamon is popular and as a tea, crushed stalks are used to warm and strengthen the organs of digestion especially when there are spasms or loose stools. Cinnamon has also been demonstrated to help lower blood sugar for diabetic patients. Use 1 tsp of bark per cup of water infused for an extended period of time, at least 25 minutes.  

Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)- Ginkgo helps improve central and peripheral circulation of blood. Ginkgo is used as a tea to increase blood flow to the brain to enhance memory and alleviate migraines. 1 tsp per cup of water

Medicinal mushroom complex powders- Combinations of Reishi, Shiitake, Maitake, Turkey Tail and Chaga are all excellent additions to teas or as standalone beverages. Beta-glucans are the active ingredients in medicinal mushrooms which have demonstrated significant positive benefits for immunity, inflammation, and energy.  ½ to 1 tsp per cup of water.

Managing your blood sugar level is an essential part of maintaining your health. Eating the wrong types of food can spike your blood sugar levels drastically, leading to serious consequences if left unchecked. In this article, we'll look at some specific eating habits that should be avoided in order to keep your blood sugar at healthy levels and prevent long-term complications from arising. Read on for more insight into making sure you don't inadvertently do damage to your body by following unhealthy dietary practices. Here are some things to avoid:

Skipping breakfast

Skipping meals can be stressful to the body. Without food early, the body adapts by mobilizing resources internally or may change your behavior to consume caffeine for a boost. If you find yourself overeating, relying heavily on caffeine or eating meals way too fast later in the day, your blood sugar was likely out of balance. Skipping breakfast may not be the best choice in this case.

Eating too late at night

How our body handles food, and particularly carbohydrates, changes depending on the time of day consumed based on how our body functions in rhythms. Eating within 3 hours of sleep can cause a significant blood sugar spike and insulin compensation, while making you less likely to be hungry for breakfast!

Skipping fiber in the diet

Dietary fiber from plants help to regulate insulin (the main hormone regulating blood sugar) while it also slows digestion and absorption of dietary carbohydrates, mitigating the large spikes in blood sugar.  

Starting the day with refined carbohydrate or added sugar

When you consistently begin the day with foods that quickly raise blood sugar levels, the body has no choice but to compensate by releasing the hormone insulin, lowering blood sugar. However, this start to the day favors the up and down cycle of blood sugar swinging, usually reflected in the familiar energy peaks and crashes many feel day to day

Overeating

Eating beyond our capacity to digest is usually a result of eating too quickly, being habituated to finish everything on the plate or being distracted while eating. One of the negative effects to this practice may create a significant destabilization of blood sugar

Being sedentary

Movement is so important in regulating blood sugar because the contraction of our muscles and coordination of various body systems require blood sugar as fuel. Therefore, the more we move, the more we move blood sugar out of circulation and tend towards oxidative balance.  

Why is maintaining balanced blood sugar so important? How can what foods you eat play a big role in this?

Blood sugar balance is a reflection of an individual’s metabolic health. Metabolic health describes how well someone generates and processes energy in the body. Food is absolutely critical.

Food is the most consistent input we have to affect our metabolic health. It matters because negative changes to metabolic health directly contribute to the development of some of our biggest premature and preventable killers: diabetes, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease, to name a few.

Metabolic health is supported by consistent choices that keep blood sugar in a stable and healthy range while minimize large blood sugar swings. These choices include food primarily with the support of movement, proper sleep, and managing stress.

Naturopathic medicine is a form of alternative medicine that emphasizes the use of natural remedies and treatments to promote health and well-being. Some of the potential benefits of naturopathic medicine include:

• Holistic approach: Naturopathic medicine takes a holistic approach to health, considering the whole person rather than just focusing on the symptoms of a particular condition.

• Gentle and non-invasive: Naturopathic treatments are generally gentle and non-invasive, making them suitable for people of all ages and health levels.

• Emphasis on prevention: Naturopathic medicine places a strong emphasis on prevention and helping people to achieve optimal health through lifestyle changes and natural remedies.

• Natural remedies: Naturopathic medicine often uses natural remedies such as herbs, supplements, and diet to support the body's healing process.

• Safe and effective: Naturopathic treatments are generally considered safe and effective when used under the guidance of a licensed naturopathic doctor.

• Collaborative care: Naturopathic doctors often work collaboratively with other healthcare providers to provide comprehensive care for their patients.

• Addresses root causes: Naturopathic medicine aims to address the root causes of health issues rather than just treating the symptoms.

• Personalized treatment plans: Naturopathic doctors create personalized treatment plans that are tailored to the unique needs and goals of each individual patient.

Overall, naturopathic medicine can be a helpful and supportive approach to health and wellness for those seeking natural and holistic solutions to their health concerns. At BIÂN, our experts in Naturopathy and Eastern Medicine can help clarify and personalize the naturopathic plan that is right for you and your health goals.

While most people may not give much thought to the seasons and how they affect our personal wellness, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has a plethora of things to say on this topic.

The four seasons all have specific colors, emotions, foods and even body parts that they are associated with. In addition, TCM acknowledges a fifth season, which is the 2-3 weeks of transition time between seasons.

The glorious time of spring is governed by the liver/gallbladder, associated with the color green and corresponds to the wood element. In a balanced and harmonious state, It is a time of expansion and unfolding; a time of creative inspiration supported by vision and followthrough. Its the ability to be flexible, like the swaying branches of a tree with a “no worries, it’s all good attitude”.

The transitional period between seasons always corresponds with the Earth element. It is governed by the Spleen/Stomach (digestive system) and is associated with the color yellow. In a balanced and harmonious state, we can savor the sweetness of life and of ourselves. We can easily digest and assimilate not only our food and our nutrients, but also our circumstances in life. We are able to trust ourselves and our intuition, while keeping our worries in check.

In the real world, for most of us, its a challenge to experience an idyllic, harmonious and balanced state. Its common to for the liver qi to stagnate or become sluggish in its function. This can happen from unresolved emotion, a less than ideal diet, lack of movement or too much movement and even iron levels below or on the low end of the spectrum. Our digestive systems are constantly taking a beating, not only from the foods we eat and the pesticides pollution and plastics that surround us, but also from the constant worry and emotional onslaught of our current environment.

As a Doctor of Chinese Medicine, the following are common symptoms and issues I see this time of year related to the Wood element of the liver and gallbladder and the Earth element of the spleen and stomach:

• Allergies/sensitivities (environmental, chemical and food)
• Neck/shoulder/back pain
• Digestive issues including indigestion
• Increased menstrual symptoms including PMS, cramping, changes in flow and duration
• Muscle cramps
• Headaches/migraines
• Bowel changes
• Heightened emotional responses including:
• Panic attacks
• Anger
• Frustration
• Worry
• Compulsion
• Anxiety
• Depression/mania
• Insomnia or changes in sleep patterns
• Disordered eating

While It is crucial to always seek out help from an appropriate medical professional for any changes in your mental health or symptoms that may be presenting, there are also a myriad of ways that we can help support ourselves.‍

Movement

Moving our bodies, particularly at this time of year, is crucial for both our physical and mental health. Movement helps move the lymph and detoxify the liver, as well as improving circulation and strengthening the heart. It also serves as an excellent tool to improve mood and lessen emotional charge. If you haven’t been moving much over the winter, starting with yoga, qi gong or pilates is a great way to get back into things. Even if you have been active through the winter, this transition time into spring calls for and appreciates the stretching, reaching, twisting and breathing that these types of exercises provide.

Remember that even doing gentle focused movement for 10-20 minutes a day can be enough to change your mood and get your qi and blood flowing. Don’t be discouraged if that’s all the time you have…any movement is good movement!

Development/Cultivation

Spring is a wonderful time to cultivate or develop a practice, specifically ones that inspire our creativity or that connect us back to ourselves and/or the earth. Start the meditation practice you’ve been putting off, take an art class, take walks or hikes outside, start a grounding practice of walking barefoot in the grass for 5-10 minutes each day, start a focused breathing practice. The energy of spring and of the liver and gallbladder ask for inspiration, forward movement and strong decisions. But, they also ask us to nurture and soothe ourselves, lean in to flexibility and access flow state. We must tend to and cultivate our soil in order to grow and ascend into our potential of transformation.

Diet

As you can imagine, the foods that are favorable to the liver and the gallbladder and the season of spring are foods rich in the color green and that have a sour or pungent flavor. We also want to prioritize foods that impact liver cleansing, nourishment and movement of Qi. These foods include the following:

• Green Foods: Foods that are rich in chlorophyll help nourish and rejuvenate the liver. This includes foods like collard greens, parsley, kale, wheatgrass, arugula, spinach, chlorella, spirulina, broccoli and mustard greens.
• Whole grains: Brown rice, barely, millet, quinoa, oats and wheat berries. These grains are not only nourishing to the liver, but also to our earth element, the spleen and stomach.
• Liver: From a TCM perspective. eating organ meats benefits our own organs. Not only does eating liver nourish our own liver, it also helps to nourish the blood and move stagnation.
• Radishes: Wonderful for moving liver qi and aiding in digestion
• Fruits: Raspberries, plums, strawberries
• Sour Citrus Fruits: Sour fruits, especially lemons limes and even grapefruit are great at moving the liver qi and serve as a wonderful gentle detox for the liver.
• Herbs and Spices: There are a number of herbs and spices that are phenomenal for our liver. These include, dandelion, ginger, astragalus, turmeric, schizandra berry, milk thistle, globe artichoke, mint, bupleurum, skullcap and goji berries,

In TCM, we have multitudes of herbal formulas particularly targeted to a healthy and well functioning liver. In my own practice, crafting individualized herbal formulas are at the forefront, and I regularly utilize formulations that support the liver. Im not saying were all frustrated, anxious and maybe even a little angry, but I’m also not, not saying that!

Foods to avoid

In TCM we generally advise staying away from foods that are going to be hard on the digestive system or create a heavy or “damp” environment. These include:

• Dairy
• Gluten
• Processed sugar

Connection

The wood element of the spring asks us to get back out into the world and make meaningful connections with our fellow humans. We are a social species, and making time for connection with people we love and enjoy is paramount to our all around health. Given the last few years, now more than ever, this is something we should all make part of our top priority.

Chinese Medicine

I may be biased, but the art and practice of TCM is essential to our overall well being. It is a system that seeks to harmonize every aspect of our being, both seen and unseen. Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine are both phenomenal ways to address any of the physical, mental or emotional issues that may be sprouting up as we transition back into our longer, warmer and brighter days.