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Diving into Neurodevelopmental Disorders

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neurodevelopmental disorders

In today’s current world there is a trend being seen with one in four kids growing up with neurodevelopmental disorders. These disorders are hard to diagnose due to the varying degree and severity of symptoms. Leading to many kids getting misdiagnosed or not diagnosed at all.

Neurodevelopmental disorders are classified as sensory processing disorder. This is seen when the function of the nervous system is altered where the brain has trouble receiving and responding to information that comes in through the senses. This can present in a lot of different ways including delayed development, incorrect responses to tasks or questions, inability to focus or sit still, forgetfulness, tantrums, colic, digestion issues, asthma, allergies, ect.

Another category of the neurodevelopmental disorders is ADHD in which the body actually gets overstimulated and goes into exhaustion. Due to this, the body responds to all stimuli by overworking the musculoskeletal system as its defense mechanism. This can cause symptoms like attention difficulties, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness.

The big issue with all these kids is dysregulation of the nervous system. 

In our nervous system we have two different modes that we can live in; a parasympathetic mode aka the brake pedal and then a sympathetic model aka the gas pedal. Your body ideally should stay in the parasympathetic mode where the body promotes growing, digestion, and rest. While the sympathetic mode is only needed for when the body is put in danger and you get an adrenaline rush. A huge thing that we see with these kiddos is they can get overwhelmed and stuck into this gas pedal mode. This can take all their energy and put it towards excessive muscle movement and prevent them from actually getting to digest food, rest, and develop. 

Chiropractors are specifically trained to detect any nervous system disruptions that are present in kiddos. The spine actually encases the spinal cord and nerves come out at every single level of the spine. Misalignments in the spine can alter how the nervous system functions in many ways. It can alter how a sensation is perceived, how then the sensation is processed, and can alter the body response to be different. Also having these issues in the spine will lead to being the stimulation of the fight or flight mode. Leading to dysfunction and miscommunication in the body. The main goal of chiropractic is to relieve any stress on the nervous system in order to process information better and have a higher overall function level in the body. 

The leading cause of this dysfunction in the nervous system is stress. When looking at kiddos there are three forms of stress that affect their body which include physical, emotional, and chemical. Physical stress is the most commonly thought of when looking at kids. Normal kids as they grow and develop are running around and falling down 20 times a day, affects their spine and nervous system. Another physical stress that is not often thought about is birth trauma. The process can be beautiful and natural but can be a lot for a little baby’s body. Up to 60-120 pounds of traction is applied to the baby’s neck and spine during a natural vaginal birth with a doctor assisting head out.  This causes trauma in the spine and in turn the nervous system. Emotional stress includes any family, school, or relationship issues. Kids may not be able to know exactly what is going on but can get worked up and put their bodies into a stressed and sympathetic mode. Lastly, chemical stress is anything that kids eat or put on their body, that the body in turn has to process. 

For these kids it is important to get their nervous system checked allowing them the best environment in order to develop to their fullest potential and handle all the day to day stress. Get them out and exercising to help their body develop needed motor skills to allow full development. Good nutrition is always needed in order to fuel the body and grow new cells. 

Wondering if chiropractic care is right for you child? Learn more about pediatric care at Impact Chiropractic.

Home Ergonomics Using an Anthro Standing Desk

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Anthro standing desk

In our last blog, we discussed at home ergonomics that can help to save your body while forced to sit for long periods of time. One amazing ergonomically friendly option that was not discussed is using a standing desk. 

This past week Impact has actually gotten to test out an Anthro Desk converter and give you all our feedback.

First off the converter comes in a large package with some assembly required. However, unpacking and putting the desk together was a lot easier than anticipated. The structure is definitely a little heavy but allows it to be structurally sound.

The Anthro Desk converter is a platform that is made to put on top of a table with the gas spring mechanics to allow the platform to adjust at different heights. Due to the gas spring moving the platform up and down was very easy even with multiple items on top. One additional aspect that was nice of the converter was that it was very versatile to different heights allowing everyone to use it despite how tall or short. 

Overall, we would recommend this product for individuals that sit and work on the computer for more than 6 hours a day. It is a small price to pay for saving the body the strain and stress of working in a chair day after day and helping to form good habits of a great posture 

Link:

AnthroDesk.com 

AnthroDesk: ErgoSpring Standing Desk Converter – Extra Wide

At-Home Ergonomics

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Ergonomics of Sitting

As the years go by, our society has become more and more sedentary. Currently what that means for the majority of the population is sitting 5 days a week for 40 hours as demanded by their jobs. If you haven’t heard yet, sitting is the new smoking. It may be hard to think that sitting for long periods could actually be an occupational health hazard due to the lack of muscles and effort that is needed. We will dive into how it really does affect your body and how to prevent sitting from impacting your health by implementing proper at-home ergonomics. 

How is Sitting Harmful

Sitting can affect circulation

A fixed working position squeezes the blood vessels in the muscles, reducing the blood supply to the working muscles just when they need it the most. Insufficient blood flow can also lead to blood pooling, especially in the lower legs. Pressure on the underside of the thighs from a seat that is too high can further aggravate this. The result can be swollen or numb legs and eventually varicose veins. 

Sitting can make your body prone to injury

Although sitting involves less muscular effort than other physically demanding jobs, it still causes fatigue within the body. Sitting requires the muscles to hold the trunk, neck, and shoulders in a fixed position. An insufficient blood supply accelerates fatigue and makes the muscles prone to injury when trying to go from sitting to performing simple tasks such as lifting, bending, and exercising.

Sitting can decrease mobility

Limited mobility, seen in individuals who undergo prolonged sitting, contributes to injuries in the parts of the body responsible for movement: the muscles, bones, tendons, and ligaments. We see sitting reduces the body’s movement and makes muscles more prone to pull, cramp, or strain when suddenly stretched. Another factor is the steady, localized tension on certain muscles of the body. The neck and lower back are the regions usually most affected. 

Sitting can damage your spine

Sitting is seen to add a steady compression on the spinal discs that hinders their nutrition and can contribute to their premature degeneration. Poor posture while sitting can also alter the structural integrity of the spine encouraging degeneration to occur at a faster rate.  As prolonged sitting continuously deteriorates the spine it is seen more and more stress is in turn added onto the nervous system. 


Common Poor Positions

poor home ergonomics slouching

The couch slouch

We all have done it before. Lounging on the couch, sitting right on the edge, our spine curved and our head supported on the back edge. This specific posture affects the spine severely. The largest aspect is the fact that a lot of compression is added into the disks that render their function of support and cushion purposeless. The structural integrity is also compromised as the spines’ natural curves are forced into unnatural positioning. The added effect of doing work on a laptop in this position adds more strain to the neck and altering the curvature in that region as well. 

poor home ergonomics crossed legs

The crosser

We all know who is guilty of this. The individual that sits in the car, on the couch, and in the restaurant with one leg crossed under the other. The positioning of the leg has the biggest effect in the pelvic region. This causes the pelvis to rotate putting stress on the spine that sits on top of it. With the pelvis always being rotated in one specific position it starts to stay crooked, causing tension in ligaments and muscles that attach on and around the area. 

Ergonomics

Positioning

For proper home ergonomics, feet need to be placed flat on the floor to support the legs. Back needs to be straight with shoulders back allowing the spines natural curves to support the body. The screen needs to be raised in order to meet at eye level and take any strain off of the neck. For each major joint such as the hips, knees, and elbows the positioning is best when they are at a range close to 90 degrees. 

 Varying these positions is the essence of “good sitting”. So, a good sitting position is one that allows an individual to change their body positions frequently and naturally within acceptable parameters, and when they want without being restricted by the work station. 

Support

When setting up your workstation, books or a platform can be put under the monitor in order to get the screen at eye level. If you are working on a laptop it is recommended to put the laptop on the platform at eye level and purchase a separate keyboard for you to type on. A fully adjustable chair is necessary so that positioning can accommodate the wide variation in individual sizes to allow for both elbows and knees to sit at 90 degrees. If needed, a platform can be put under the feet to allow for feet to be placed flat under the legs. If sitting in your chair has uncomfortable cushions underneath, you can help to soften the surface or a lumbar support can be used to allow a more comfortable good posture. 

Ready to start improving your posture and working on your spinal health? Schedule an appointment to start your journey to better health!

Important Information About the Coronavirus

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As you know, at Impact Chiropractic we take your personal health and safety very seriously. You may have some growing concerns about the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), and we wanted to put your mind at ease. We have always followed the CDC and Dept of Health’s recommendations and standards for healthcare providers. However, we want to outline some of the standard and additional precautions we have taken during this time: 

  • Chiropractic tables are disinfected between each patient. If you would like a private room outside of the adjustment bay, please make your request with any of our assistants. This may add additional time to your scheduled appointment, so please plan accordingly.
  • Multiple times a day we disinfect the toy area, rehab equipment, door handles, and commonly used surfaces. Additional disinfecting wipes have been added by the traction units for patients to use as well.
  • Hand-washing and sanitizing is your best self-defense against the spread of germs. The Chiropractors at Impact Chiropractic sanitize their hands between each patient they come in contact with. We do have sterile gloves in each room as well. Please request prior to your adjustment if you would like the doctor to wear them.
  • We are grateful to have added another phenomenal Chiropractor at the perfect time. Because of this, we are able to accommodate more patients and your time spent in the office should be decreased. However, many patients are choosing to increase their wellness plans at this time. Adjustments help to boost the immune system and it is one of the best proactive decisions you can make at this time of concern. Please let our team know if you would like to increase the frequency of yours and your family’s adjustments during this pandemic.
  • If you would like to schedule your appointments at our slower times, please talk with our Chiropractic Assistants and they will do their best to help accommodate the schedule.
  • Besides our internal air purification system, we will also be diffusing On Guard in the office during patient hours. On Guard is a powerful proprietary blend of essential oils that supports healthy immune function and contains cleansing properties. 
  • Professional cleaning. Please take comfort in the fact that not only do we clean and sanitize the office between patients, we also hire professional cleaners weekly for intense deep cleaning.
  • Please stay home if you are not feeling well, especially if you have a fever, are coughing or sneezing or are experiencing shortness of breath. Because adjustments boost the immune system, we understand your desire to come for your appointments. Instead, we request that you please stay home if you are not feeling well (especially if you have a fever, coughing, sneezing, or respiratory issues). However, we would be happy to accommodate you in our private adjusting room. We will ask that you wear a mask into the office and not use any of the rehab equipment. Our team will direct you to a private, sterile adjusting room in the east wing of our building. Please call ahead if this is your case so that our doctors can better prepare themselves to see you at a proper time (last patient of the day.) 
  • Be cautious and if your child is coughing, sneezing, or having respiratory issues, please do not allow them to roam around the office and please keep them out of the toy area.
  • Help us by being vigilant. If you have traveled to any of the countries where there are outbreaks of the virus, please follow guidance on the CDC website.
  • We have advised all team members to wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, particularly after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing their nose, coughing or sneezing.
  • We have hand sanitizers stocked in every room and at each of the front/back desks and rehab area.
  • Any staff members who are ill will be sent home. 
fort collins chiropractic office

We are closely monitoring updates from the Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization regarding COVID-19. We will continue to seek guidance from these agencies and public health officials, and we will update you as new information becomes available.  

Doctor means teacher. Therefore our doctors are passionate about providing information on how to prevent disease and prolong and enhance your quality of life. If you would like more information on current immune boosting protocols we have been speaking about, please read the following:

-Blog on the Top 5 Tips to Boost your Immune System

-Dr. Elise’s IG Highlight video on Supplements for her Kids

We are committed to making our clinic a safe and enjoyable place for all. Thank you for being such a valued patient of our Impact Chiropractic family.  

Best in Health,

Dr. Elise Rigney, DC

Owner

Top 5 Tips and Tricks to Boost Your Immune System & Prevent the Coronavirus

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The coronavirus has quickly become a household name as we see daily news reports describing every detail.

As the coronavirus approaches, people are asking how they can support their normal, natural immunity and prevent coronavirus from afflicting their family. We are giving you our top 5 tips and tricks in order to keep your immune system functioning at top capacity during the coronavirus.  

child getting chiropractic adjustment to boost immune system and prevent coronavirus
  1. Chiropractic

One of the best ways to stay healthy this year, especially as the coronavirus continues to spread, is to make sure that your nervous system is functioning at the highest level possible. Chiropractic goals are to remove any interference on the nervous system that causes dysfunction to the muscles, organs and all systems of the body. Our immune system, like every other system in the body, is coordinated and controlled by the nervous system. A functioning immune system protects us from infectious diseases by providing adaptive measures to overcome the ill effects of bacteria and viruses.

One study performed by Dr. Ronald Pero, Ph.D., chief of cancer prevention research at New York’s Preventive Medicine Institute measured the immune systems of people under chiropractic care as compared to those in the general population and those with cancer and other serious diseases. His initial three-year study was comprised of 107 individuals who had been under chiropractic care for five years or more. The chiropractic patients were found to have a 200% greater immune competence than those people who had not received chiropractic care, and they had 400% greater immune competence than those people with cancer and other serious diseases. The immune system’s superiority of those under chiropractic care did not appear to diminish with age(1)

Another study published in the Journal of chiropractic research compared the health of two hundred children under chiropractic care and the health of two hundred children under medical care. It was found that the children under chiropractic care had fewer ear infections, fewer allergies, fewer cases of tonsillitis and needed less medical treatment. 

Overall, showing that chiropractic aids in boosting the immune system and preventing diseases from settling in the body.

2. Vitamin D3

Vitamin D, coming in two forms 2 or 3,  is a nutrient that can either be digested through food or synthesized from exposure to sunlight. Vitamin D 2 comes from plant sources while Vitamin D 3 comes from animal sources as well as through sun exposure. Vitamin D 3 is seen to be more readily metabolized in the body and will increase overall absorption. This nutrient has so many benefits within the body including bone health, regulating blood sugar, hormone support and more importantly aiding the immune system. Vitamin D can modulate the immune response due to the fact vitamin connects to the immune cells themselves (B cells, T cells, and antigen-presenting cells). Basically stating that it overall can boost your immune system. Not shockingly we see a deficiency in vitamin D is associated with increased autoimmunity as well as increased susceptibility to infection. Vitamin D deficiency is very commonly seen with it being reported in 2018 that 42 percent of Americans lack in the nutrient(2).  

Vitamin D levels between 60 and 80 ng/ml are optimal functional levels within the body(3). When looking at how much Vitamin D should be taking in on a daily basis it varies from person to person. On average an individual is recommended 5,000 IU daily. For individuals that are deficient in the nutrient, immune-compromised or postpartum 10,000 UI is recommended(4). Please consult a health care provider before increasing dosage. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, meaning that it does not dissolve in water and is absorbed best in your bloodstream when paired with high-fat foods. For this reason, it’s recommended to take vitamin D supplements with a meal to enhance absorption. When buying Vitamin D supplements it is important to look for solutions that are specifically D3 and it’s best to include the other fat-soluble vitamins: A, E, and K2. These vitamins are important in their own right and help balance out the vitamin D, making it more easily absorbed but also preventing levels from getting too high(4).

We sell Metagenics Vitamin D 3 drops for both adults and children at our clinic!


3. Colloidal silver

Colloidal Silver is a solution that has silver particles suspended in a liquid solution. Silver has been used for centuries due to its antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties to overall boost the immune system. Colloidal silver can be taken orally when fighting a sickness to help the body fight off any invaders. The solution can be used for ear infections by dropping the solution into the ear canal. Colloidal Silver can also disinfect a cut or wound by applying the solution topically. Orally taking the solution can help boost your immune system and be preventative for diseases such as the coronavirus. 

Oral dosage is based on the concentration of the solution and is demonstrated below(5):

4. Elderberry

Elderberry is one of the most commonly used medicinal plants in the world. Elderberries are the dark purple fruit of the elderberry shrub. They are highly sought after for being a rich source of antioxidants known as anthocyanins. Traditionally, Native Americans used it to treat infections, while the ancient Egyptians used it to improve their complexions and heal burns. The antioxidants work by clearing the body of free radicals that damage cells at the DNA level. It also has antiviral properties that may prevent or reduce the severity of certain common infections. Elderberry also exerts anti-inflammatory effects, reducing swelling and pain by tempering the body’s immune response. 

Elderberry can be used as a preventive measure to enhance the body’s immune system. Many commercial syrup manufacturers recommend 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of elderberry syrup taken four times daily. Elderberry lozenges (175 mg) can be taken twice daily(8). To ensure quality and safety, only buy supplements that have been certified by an independent certifying body, such as the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP), NSF International, or ConsumerLab.

5. Decrease Stress 

When we’re stressed, the immune system’s ability to fight off antigens is reduced. Stress and anxiety can trigger your flight-or-fight nervous system response and release a flood of chemicals and hormones, like adrenaline and corticosteroid, into your system. These hormones suppress the effectiveness of the immune system leaving you more vulnerable to viral infections and frequent illnesses That is why we are more susceptible to infections when we are in this stressed state.

 Combating the daily stress of our lives comes from leading an overall healthy lifestyle. This can help to improve mood, increase memory, prevent diseases and overall boost immune and body function. Components of leading a healthy lifestyle include diet, sleep, and exercise. Lifestyle is the way in which an individual lives long term rather than in a short period of time. 

When looking at diet we are not talking about the next craze of starving yourself. It is how you eat on a consistent basis. Including lots of fruit and veggies, lean meat and whole grains. Supplying your body with the necessary nutrients to perform daily functions. A big component of diet also includes looking at what you don’t eat. When you consume sugar your ability to fight off bacteria and viruses is reduced by 40-75 percent. The major problem comes from the American population consuming sugary snacks every few hours and never letting their bodies’ immune system get to 100 percent. 

 Sleep is essential for your body to recover and heal from the day to day stressors. The recommended sleep varies depending on age group, life stressors, and health. School-aged children are recommended from 9 to 11 hours, teenagers from 8 to 10 hours, Adults 7 to 10 hours and seniors from 7 to 8 hours(6). Not getting enough sleep weakens immune function, causes memory issues and allows diseases to set in. 

Lastly movement and exercise can aid and support the function of the immune system in different ways. One big way is that exercise affects our immunity is it slows down the release of stress hormones. Physical activity also helps flush bacteria out of the lungs and airways. This may reduce your chance of getting a cold, flu, or other illness. Lastly, exercise can cause change in our antibodies and white blood cells. White blood cells are the body’s immune system cells that fight disease. These cells circulate more rapidly, so they could detect illnesses earlier than they might have before. 

Taking care of your body is super important in order to keep stress under control and help enhance the overall immune system function. 

  1. https://www.drrobyngraber.com/research.html
  2. https://www.cantonmercy.org/healthchat/42-percent-of-americans-are-vitamin-d-deficient/
  3. https://drwillcole.com/definitive-guide-boosting-vitamin-d/
  4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18541590
  5. https://sovereignsilver.com/silver101/safety-toxicity/#maintainingsafedose
  6. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/press-release/national-sleep-foundation-recommends-new-sleep-times
  7. https://www.verywellhealth.com/elderberry-for-colds-and-flu-can-it-help-89559

Your 2020 Horoscope: Essential Oils and Self Care

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Watch out, 2020 is the year of prosperity!!! As we enter March, we welcome International Astrology Day on March 19th, 2020. In honor of the coming holiday, we will dive into finding what’s in store for your coming year and how to get the most benefit from it. Then we’ll discuss the perfect self care for your sign and what essential oil can help ensure you have the best year yet. 

So, what exactly is “self care”? Self-care is any activity that we do deliberately in order to take care of our mental, emotional, and physical health. Although it’s a simple concept in theory, it’s something we often overlook. Making sure to take time for yourself this year will help you be able to face what’s ahead! However, what self care looks like to you might look totally different than to somebody else. We’ll dive into specifically what self care you need according to your sign to have the best year possible. 

An amazing form of self care is incorporating essential oils! Essential oils are concentrated compounds that are extracted from plants. Not only do they smell absolutely amazing, but each one offers a unique benefit to the body and the mind. Utilizing the oil best suited for you in 2020 will elevate your experience this year and help you to truly thrive. We’ve identified which oil or blend is best for your sign in 2020, and you can pick up any of these DoTERRA oils or blend in our office at your next visit!

aries essential oil horoscope

Aries: This year is about finding balance in all aspects of your life: Being able to find the perfect mixture of family, romance, career, and self care. During this year you will feel very stable and secure. Be on the lookout for any opportunities that you may need to take the initiative on. Add in meditation and the essential oil “Balance” to get the most out of your year of stability. 

Meditation is the practice of clearing the mind and finding true awareness. Many benefits follow the practice of meditation, including controlling anxiety, bringing clarity, generating kindness and overall promotion of emotional health. Add in meditation daily in order to start the day with the needed attitude to ensure healthy and balanced choices.  

Balance is a perfect grounding blend. It offers a tranquil aroma that promotes whole body relaxation. Finding harmony in the mind, body and emotions. Use Balance for an extra benefit by soothing sore muscles. 

Taurus: This year is all about stability when facing all different avenues of life. Your challenge this year will be to not take on too much. Know which opportunities fit in your newly secure life and which ones will throw off your perfectly zen state of mind. Impulsive decisions are not in the cards for you this year, especially when it comes to your finances, love life, or career. Go with the flow as things come up and enjoy having absolute balance. Add in deep tissue massages and the essential oil “Serenity” to get the most out of your year of stability. 

Deep tissue massages utilizes the manipulation of soft tissues to release any tension held in the body. Utilize massages this year to optimize mobility and muscular relaxation, overall helping to balance everyday stress with some much needed self care. 

Serenity is a calming aroma, which creates a relaxing environment. Add this essential oil throughout the day during stressful times or to increase a tranquil meditation. Use Serenity for an extra benefit of reducing tension headaches. 

gemini essential oil horoscope

Gemini: This is the year of revitalization. Gear up to make some exciting new changes in different aspects of your life. You get to set the pace of how this year will go, either turning up the excitement or slowing it down for your needs.  Don’t be afraid to jump on opportunities that come your way. Add in yoga and the essential oil “On Guard” to get the most out of your year of refresh.

Yoga is both a spiritual and physical practice. The practice utilizes breathing, meditation, and exercise to gain a multitude of benefits. These include decreasing chronic pain, optimizing mobility, and increasing energy, mental clarity, and muscular strength. Adding yoga into your workout routine will help add a new exciting element to your life, refreshing your body and mind in order to make the most out of your year.

On Guard is a strong cleansing blend that helps to boost the immune system. This promotes improvement in circulation, skin clarity, and respiratory function. Utilize to add some refreshing uplifting energy into your life 

cancer horoscope essential oils

Cancer: This is the year of exciting changes in your life. There are multiple areas of your life that need a new and fresh perspective, and 2020 is the year to grab on to any and all new fun opportunities. Don’t be afraid to try something new or spice up a regular routine. Add in a new workout routine and the essential oil Rosemary to get the most out of your year of change. 

Try starting a new workout routine or add in some fresh new classes. This helps break old habits and forms new ones. Join a yoga studio, take a hike, go horseback riding, kayak down local rapids, or start a new lifting program. Don’t be afraid to really embrace a new form of movement in your body. 

Rosemary is an energizing scent that has a wide range of benefits. Utilize to get a full body detox, gain mental awareness, or help to grow your hair super strong. Add in this blend in order to help enhance having the fun filled year of firsts. 

leo horoscope essential oil

Leo: This year is a year of fun twists and turns! Don’t shy away from any new challenges. Lean into these new experiences with full force and enjoy. It may be scary at first, but will be so worth it in the end. This is a good year to shoot for the moon and really go for your goals. As all this excitement is happening, make sure to draw the line and know when and what is too much for you to handle. Add in making a vision board or the essential oil “Vetiver” to get the most out of your year of twists and turns

Vision boards are tools that help clarify, concentrate, and form life dreams. Creating a vision board has actually been shown to increase the success of achieving goals. It may be the motivation you need in order to fully embrace your exciting new year.

Vetiver is an exotic and empowering blend. Make sure to add in Vetiver to stay mentally grounded and strengthen the nervous system as you navigate the excitement of this year.  Use as an added benefit in order to rejuvenate your entire system. 

virgo horoscope essential oil

Virgo: This is your year to be impulsive in all avenues of life. You typically tend to go the more conservative route, but in 2020 make sure you go for it. If there are any opportunities you have been on the fence about, make sure to jump on them. Your life will be enriched with all the new changes that come in the current year. Add in a spontaneous getaway trip or the essential oil Thyme to help give you the confidence to be as impulsive as you want. 

Weekend getaways can be a fun and spontaneous trip that have so many benefits! Not only does it help to mentally and physically recharge the body, but will help you be more productive when returning to normal day to day. Don’t be afraid to look at this coming weekend and book yourself some much needed fun!

Thyme is a warming aroma that has cleansing and purifying properties. Using thyme can help to reduce stress and decrease blood pressure, in turn enhancing courage and physical endurance to help you make those impulsive decisions this year. 

libra horoscope essential oil

Libra: This is the year to really enjoy and have as much fun as possible. Look to really have a blast with both family and in romance this year. Don’t be afraid to try something new in order to find enjoyment in finances and your career as well. 2020 will not have many large events to look forward to, so your goal is to have fun with the little things while rejuvenating for the coming years. Add in lots of romantic dates or girls night out for some good self care and the essential oil “Wild Orange” to pump up the fun this year. 

Make sure to add in lots of fun outings this year. Have a blast attending brunches while sipping mimosas, having a romantic date, or just grabbing some coffee with a friend. Being able to add these small excursions will make sure you make the most out of your year while also helping you to increase your sense of self worth and belonging. 

Wild Orange is an uplifting and energizing oil. It has many benefits including boosting immunity, relieving stress and aiding in digestion. Adding in this oil can give you the exciting boost you need to take on the year and simply have fun.

scorpio horoscope essential oil

Scorpio: This is the year of liberation and moving forward in your life. Right now, there are restrictions that are holding you back in certain aspects of life. Your job is to identify them and make sure to get rid of any unnecessary baggage. Not only can this help move your life in the right direction, but your positive energy can help to move others’ lives forward as well. Self care for you this year is unfollowing anyone that brings you down on social media and taking a technology break. Adding in the essential oil Lemon can also help accentuate your new found freedom. 

Technology is a wonderful tool to stay up to date with all your friends and family, however, it can have a very dramatic effect on our self worth and feelings. In order to really get the liberation you need in 2020, make sure to take a technology break. This allows you to lead your life without comparing it to everyone else’s, boosting your confidence and self worth. Before taking your break, make sure to unfollow any toxic people you follow. Breaking these ties will help you live your most empowering year yet. 

Lemon essential oil offers invigorating properties while being very versatile. Use this oil to refresh or uplift your mood while making these changes in your life. It also has added benefits of cleansing the body and increasing circulation.  

sagittarius horoscope essential oil

Sagittarius: This is your year to meet all your resolutions. No more putting off those new workout regimens or healthy habit changes. Make sure to set your goals and be ready to take steps to meet them! This may mean letting go of any baggage that is holding you down. Be on the lookout for any new opportunity that comes into your life and embrace it. Add in the self care practice of journaling and the essential oil of lemongrass to help find the motivation to crush your resolutions. 

Journaling is the habit of writing down feelings, inspiration, or just events of your life. By writing everything down, you are forced to slow down and process everything that’s happening in your life. It’s a way to help channel feelings and emotions in order to find creative and healthy outcomes. Journaling is the perfect self care to help you keep your resolutions and find the motivation to achieve them all. 

Lemongrass has a potent and smoky aroma. Aiding in reducing inflammation, promoting sleep, and overall relaxing the body. Add in your daily routine to find a clear and calm mind in order to take on the year and make it your own. 

capricorn horoscope essential oil

Capricorn: This is a year of peace for you. In the last few years, you have been running around and exhausting yourself. It’s time to finally take a step back and make sure you are taking care of your body as it should be. In 2020, don’t be afraid of using the word NO when responding to requests. Find time for yourself and release any stress that has been weighing you down. Add in self care in the form of bubble baths and lavender essential oil in order to get the most zen 2020 possible.  

Adding bubble baths into your routine not only will be relaxing but will force you into taking some much needed alone time. It will be hard to take the time for yourself in the beginning, but you will see the mental and physical benefits if you do. Add in fun aspects to make your self-care even more rewarding, from candles to a glass of wine or a really good book. 

Lavender is a very soothing oil and is the perfect aroma to help find peace. The biggest benefit lavender offers is reducing stress and anxiety to help promote sleep. This oil is perfect to add into your bubble baths to enhance your overall zen. Use lavender for an added benefit of healing scars, rashes, and acne. 

aquarius horoscope essential oil

Aquarius: This is the year of showing off all your amazing skills. You will shine in your career and in relationships, showing everyone how amazing you can truly be. Don’t shy away from letting your true talents be utilized. You have worked too hard to keep them hidden from the rest of the world, but 2020 is the year to try a new hobby with all your successful energy flowing. Add in the self care exercise of taking an art class and the essential oil cedarwood to enhance your year of shining. 

Go ahead and sign up for an art class and explore a new hobby. From pottery throwing, painting, drawing, or even stained glass making, there is a class for you. This endeavor will push you out of your comfort zone to help stimulate creativity and add fun into your daily routine. Take time for yourself to explore a new avenue and nourish your mind. You will be pleasantly surprised by how fast your skills grow and shine through.

Cedarwood is a warming and woody scent. Using cedarwood helps to amplify positive energy and encourage courageousness as you step into the limelight. There are also added benefits of improving sleep and healing skin! Make sure to add cedarwood into your routine to get the most out of your year.

pisces horoscope essential oil

Pisces: This is the year of adventure for you. In 2020, make sure to be brave enough to take big steps forward in all aspects of life. In past years you may have been playing it safe, but be ready for things to ramp up in 2020. Changes will occur without you having to take much initiative, so be sure not to shy away. Add in more time outdoors as well as the essential oil peppermint to get the most out of your year of excitement

For self care this year, make sure you get outside and enjoy that fresh air. Hiking, rafting, skiing, or just walks around the neighborhood will give you the small adventures you crave. Being outside has the added benefits of boosting your energy, increasing vitamin D, clearing your mind, and increasing creativity. Sounds like the perfect setting in order to spark something new to spice up your daily routine!

Peppermint is a vibrant scent that helps to wake up the mind and the body. It has lots of benefits to the body, including aiding in digestion and relieving headaches, while also helping mental focus and recharging the mind. Make sure to use this oil in order to really dive into your next adventure in 2020. 

Ready to dive into some serious self-care? Stop by the Impact office to pick up the essential oil that’s right for you and let us know how your new self-care routine is going!