Endocrine System Issues Archives

Chronic Stress & the Three Stages of Adrenal Fatigue

August 18, 2017 | Adrenal Fatigue

Stress is a natural and healthy reaction to everyday life problems. Cortisol, also known as the stress hormone, is healthy and necessary when released at appropriate times. Stress factors such as mental/emotional stress, sleep cycle disturbances, blood sugar imbalances, and inflammation trigger the release of cortisol. In appropriate doses, this is a healthy response, but when these factors compound for prolonged periods of time, cortisol is released too frequently and causes physical, mental and emotional symptoms. Without a proper balance between cortisol and DHEA (the hormone that balances cortisol), cortisol becomes a burden on the body. Overtime, this can result in adrenal fatigue. Chronic stress release of cortisol takes its toll on the body in three stages of adrenal fatigue: Hyper, Dominant, or Hypo. Stage 1: Hyper-Cortisol The first stage of adrenal fatigue is characterized as being in constant alarm. At any point in the day, a person will feel stressed and wired, … Continued

Creating a Personalized Supplement Program

March 21, 2017 | Uncategorized

Why take vitamins to supplement our diets? Isn’t it enough just to eat properly? We’d like to think so, but the unpleasant truth is that the nutritional value of our food supply has been seriously compromised. Reasons for this include:Use of pesticides, herbicides and GMO’sInferior diets fed to livestockFood processingNon-sustainable farming practices which over time depletes soil nutrientsCreating a well-rounded supplement program has become imperative to maintaining optimal health. A high quality, broad spectrum multi-vitamin can go a long way in replacing vital nutrients which likely are not being obtained from your diet.Due to our current toxic load, it’s also a great idea to take an antioxidant. Some of these can be obtained in a multi-vitamin such as vitamins C & E but there are many other types. For maximum effect, find a supplement which provides a combination of things. PhytoMulti, contains a broad spectrum of plant based antioxidants such as … Continued

Stress Relief and Better Sleep – 6 Tips

February 22, 2017 | Stress Relief

The American Institute of Stress estimates that 75 – 90 percent of all visits to primary care physicians are for stress related problems. Many times this chronic stress leads to insomnia. Here are some tips to help you manage your stress and enjoy a better nights sleep. 1) No TV or other electronics for 1 hour before bed- instead read positive books 2) Make sure bedroom is dark to help your body make melatonin (sleep hormone). Don’t use bright clocks. 3) Lay on your right side- this makes the left nostril more dominant for breathing and supports your calming nervous system. If you are cold first lay on your left side as that supports more right-side nostril breathing and brings heat to the body. 4) Extended exhale breathing-focus on making your exhales longer than your inhales. This supports our parasympathetic nervous system (calming). 5) Body scan-Bring your awareness to your … Continued

Treating Allergies May Aid Insomnia

October 6, 2016 | Allergies

When most people think of allergies they think of itchy eyes or sinus congestion. But did you know that allergies can also cause your brain to be overstimulated leading to insomnia, anxiety or stress? Histamines, which are typically responsible for allergy symptoms, are also stimulatory neurotransmitters (brain chemicals). Our bodies naturally have histamine circulating but when a foreign substance such as a toxin or insect bite is introduced the body may produce large amounts of histamine.Histamine is an important neurotransmitter but when it increases other neurotransmitters may be affected. With an increase of histamine the body produces epinephrine (adrenaline) to help lower histamine. This extra epinephrine may lead to anxiety or insomnia and over time adrenal fatigue.Classical anti-histamine medicines cause drowsiness as they are blocking the influx of histamines. Long term use of allergy medications also comes with potential side effects such as fatigue. Histamine is not only involved in … Continued

Day 7 of 7- Congratulations on finishing your detox

January 15, 2013 |

Congratulations! You’ve finished your 7 day detox. While we all had a reason for doing this detox, I hope you’ve realized: • Taking an active role in your health will make a difference. • Eating right, and choosing to live healthier, is easy if you have a plan. • Making better choices in your lifestyle can give you more energy. • The benefits of detoxification: 1. Weight Loss 2. Hormone Balance 3. Increased Energy 4. Healthier connections to food • The importance of detoxification.

Day 6 of 7- Almost there!

January 14, 2013 |

Hopefully with one day to go on your detox you are feeling healthier and more energetic. By now I’m sure you have found a few new favorite recipes from the patient guide. I’ve personally enjoyed the rice and beans and the stuffed peppers. I also juiced this weekend and mixed my shake with pomegranate, carrot, ginger, and apple juice. Very yummy.

Day 5 of 7-Day Detox – Feel The Increased Energy!

January 13, 2013 |

Have you noticed an increase in energy? I noticed that yesterday and today I have a lot more energy.

Day Four of Seven – Food Never Tasted So Good!

January 12, 2013 |

I would imagine everyone is excited to be eating again. I’ve noticed that food tastes better and my sense of taste is stronger now that I’ve completed the first two days of the detox. There’s nothing like the real thing!

7-Day Detox Program: 2 days down

January 11, 2013 |

We are in day three of our group 7-day detox. Great work in making it past those first two days. They are the hardest! I had an extremely busy day yesterday so I actually ate a few pieces of celery in the afternoon and did an additional shake. How did you do?

Fatigue and underactive thyroid function

September 22, 2012 |

If you are wondering why you are tired all the time you can do a temperature test to see if it may be due to an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). This test is an easy way to determine thyroid function using basal body temperature (the body’s temperature at rest).

Christina Garten

22:48 09 Feb 20

Hidden little 'gem' tucked away in the corner of 86th/Westfield Rd, in Indianapolis. Kim and Rosa are two of the best instructors I've ever had. Charlie is great too, I'll never forget a restorative class he taught. You know it's good when they can talk you into a pose, without using too many brain cells. Don't know your left from right that's ok, they've taught me so much over the years. When I'm practicing in my living room I can hear their cues in my head. If you are over the hype or want a change of pace, this place has it all. No pressure, no sales gimmicks, just straight up honest to goodness yoga for all levels.

Sarah Shaffer

16:06 08 Feb 20

This space offers a vast array of health-forward services. I have loved using the infrared sauna as a means to detoxify. The staff are welcoming and help to explain each service. Recently, I purchased a private yoga session for my significant other to learn more holistic techniques to support with stress management and chronic back pain. Easy and convenient parking (free)-I'd highly recommend!

Caitlin Murphy

18:59 11 Jan 20

I've been going to see Sara for acupuncture at Dragonfly for several weeks now and have been very happy with my experience there. I am new to acupuncture and was a little apprehensive, but Sara put me right at ease. She was a nurse for several years so I appreciate how she has experience with both Eastern and Western medicine. She always explains things before she does them and asks a lot of questions to maximize my benefit. I have personally noticed an improvement in my sleep, temperature regulation, decrease in headaches, and overall mood. Dragonfly is conveniently located and it's been easy to book appointments that work with my schedule. They also have a wide variety of other health services available and yoga classes, but I have not taken advantage of those yet.

Stephen Kenney

00:02 13 Aug 19

I have never been flexible, but in my later years I began to experience pain. Kim's yoga class was just what I needed. Even though there are things I still can't do, just trying them helped me feel better. She's very encouraging and very patient. Don't think you can't do this. Try it!

Rosa O'Connor

18:16 12 Aug 19

Dragonfly 360 is a warm & welcoming place to come to practice yoga. One of the oldest in the city, it has a true vibe of the real and total essence of the ancient discipline. The space is a sanctuary that receives all who arrive with an embrace; new students or seasoned yogis. We are blessed to have this place to gather, to make new friends, to share with old yoga buddies, to laugh and to cry together. With utmost gratitude I say thank you to Melanie and Erin!

Lisa Jackson

18:40 11 Aug 19

Why oh why oh why would Dragonfly 360 fire their very best teacher? Mike Camps Sunday and Wednesday classes were great. Wonderful atmosphere and fantastic music (not the standard yoga gong bells...instead Bruce Springsteen, Santana, Alexi Murdoch, Gary Clark Jr, Mac DeMarco...terrific class and cohesive student group ;this was my “church” on Sunday mornings. He’s been relieved of his classes for no good reason that we know. Ill informed business decision on part of owner/manager. Very disappointed am done with Dragonfly.

Etelka Froymovich

08:28 11 Aug 19

I am very disappointed in the business decision that was made by the studio to part with our favorite teacher. Unique class with wonderful Sunday morning yogies. I was a Sunday morning participant for 14 years. It may been a business decision but it is very poor customer service . As they say all good thinks come to an end .

Julia Whiteker

20:02 08 Aug 19

I have been going to Dragonfly 360 (and All People as it was know previously) for eight years. My absolutely favorite yoga teacher has been teaching classes there for ten years and his Sunday morning class is a touchstone in my life. I literally learned to how to relax my muscles and accept my body in that class. Today I learned that the studio has decided to fire that teacher. I'm so upset and confused. The class was almost always full. They said it was a business decision. I'm heartbroken.

Susan Holewinski

20:28 14 Jul 19

Dr. Melanie and her staff are so pleasant and helpful. She uses science to support your nutritional needs. The yoga teachers are sensitive the the students' needs. I always look forward to visiting the calm and serene environment of Dragonfly 360.

Angie Garrett

23:19 15 Mar 19

I go to Dragonfly 360 Yoga & Wellness for both naturopathic services with Dr. Melanie and acupuncture with Sara. They are both amazing at what they do and they seem to be genuinely interested in helping you feel better.

Kelsey Gmelich

18:20 15 Mar 19

I would highly recommend Dr. Melanie to anyone looking to find out the root cause(s) of their health struggles and treat them holistically. Dr. Melanie actually listens to you (which you don't often find in a doc) and runs testing to determine exactly where to start and what imbalances to address. I have felt terrible for the past 5 years and my doctors never listened-they did some minor testing and never went in depth to really find out what was going on. Dr. Melanie is different- she doesn't just give you a quick fix band-aid, she really tries to heal the root causes of your health issues. She has helped me balance my hormones, heal my digestion, and we are now working on my adrenals. My cycles are regular again and I no longer have depression/anxiety now that my hormones are balanced and I feel so much better. If no one else will listen to you when you say you don't feel well/right, go to Dr. Melanie. You know your body better than anyone, so don't hesitate to take a proactive stance and work with someone who cares.

tyler rich

18:29 14 Mar 19

DragonFly 360 has been a great help for me personally. I have used their NAET (allergy elimination) therapy it was great to help me tolerate and be able to eat foods that i had some reactivity with, i have also had success with their acupuncture and zero balancing services. The staff is always personal and professional. Thank you Dr. Melanie and your whole staff!

Lisa Mayer

03:12 10 Aug 18

This place has changed my life. I've had to avoid casein (milk) for over two years because I would wake up with trouble breathing. Not only did the NAET treatments (you can find articles on them on psychology today as well as the NAET website) cure me of my milk intolerance, Dr. Melanie also recommended all natural remedies to help my body heal. She has truly been the answer to our prayers that I would heal from food intolerances. If you're suffering like I was, you don't have to. Take a chance on her. Thank you, Dr. Melanie!

semhar dagnew

08:32 29 Jun 18

I am so happy l found you doctor, you have been an answer to my problem’s . My next would be to bring my kids to you!

Roxanne Smith

14:46 17 Mar 18

I am happy to write a review for Dr. Melanie because what she does is so amazing. I have been going to her about twice a month for a few years for NAET treatments. My many allergies are now gone and as a singer/performer she and I have discovered that her treatments clear up my voice!--stress and emotions affect my ability to sing my best and I rely on Dr. Melanie as my "voice whisperer" lol. I will come in with raspiness in my voice and every time I leave her office my voice is clear as a bell. It's truly amazing--often she uses NAET for emotions and finds the hidden cause that is always a surprise and a physical relief. I highly recommend her for improving your health in ways you can't even imagine.

Cynthia Lantigua

23:25 21 Aug 17

"Dr. Melanie is amazing, she doesn't try to rush through an appointment in 15 minutes, you feel like you have her undivided attention. She also demonstrates an exceptional understanding of nutrition and how the different vitamins, electrolytes, etc. affect your body and presents options to correct through either diet changes or supplements or both. She appears very competent in other naturopathic treatments as well. Her use of NAET therapy on me made me a believer! The results were immediate and something I could see myself! (I would never have believed it had I not tried it myself.) My husband is now seeing her as well for GI problems and general fatigue."

Krista Wright

16:54 28 Feb 17

I could not be more pleased with the choice I made to practice yoga at Dragonfly 360. There are classes for every level, the instructors are knowledgable, attentive, and sensitive, and the atmosphere is warm and inclusive. Most importantly to me, the integration of spiritual practice is a strong component of the classes. You will be affirmed in mind, body, and spirit by your practice at Dragonfly 360.

Endocrine System Issues