Strengthen your mind-body connection with somatic exercises
A rising wellness trend on social media, somatic exercises are designed to improve your muscular system, provide pain and stress relief, and increase emotional awareness while supporting posture and balance.
First coined by movement theorist Thomas Louis Hanna, PhD, somatic movement is defined as an exercise that draws particular attention to how the body experiences movement. During these exercises, the goal is to move the body slowly and with compassion.
Examples of somatic exercises include grounding exercises, breathwork, body scans, meditation, yoga, and dance. Practitioners of somatic movement are encouraged to move with minimal effort, be patient and persistent, and wear comfortable clothing to help support the process.
Mindful exercises, such as those included under the umbrella of somatic movement, have been shown to reduce stress and alleviate symptoms of ADHD as well as chronic pain.
Manuka honey: a sweet source of antioxidants
With its decadent notes of toffee and caramel, manuka honey stands on its own stirred into a pot of chamomile tea or drizzled over wholegrain toast.
This flavorful honey—which is harvested in Australia and New Zealand—is made by bees that pollinate the tea tree bush. The resulting honey is a rich source of antioxidants (more than other types of honey) and has impressive antibacterial and antimicrobial benefits.
In addition, manuka honey is being studied for its ability to help with wound healing and tissue regeneration in addition to its ability to sooth sore throats. Manuka honey is also a prebiotic (also known as food for your gut flora) and could potentially reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease.
Nettle for hair growth—fact or fiction?
Despite its prickly name, stinging nettle (Urtica urens) contains a large number of bioactive compounds—many of which are beneficial for the scalp. Topical application of nettle extract is thought to improve blood circulation, which is essential for scalp and hair health.
Although stinging nettle is touted as an ingredient that encourages hair growth, much of the research done has highlighted its anti-inflammatory properties. Preliminary studies have found that nettle extract could relieve itchy scalp eczema (in fact, many eczema medications include nettle in the formula). Similar findings were reported in a study that found stinging nettle can be used in conjunction with NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) to relieve inflammation.
When it comes to hair growth, the jury is still out. One study recommended topical use of nettle extract for hair loss but to first consult your physician, especially if you are taking medications.
Boost collagen production using red light therapy
Looking to rejuvenate the appearance of your skin using non-invasive methods? Check out red light therapy, a procedure that uses red LED lights to stimulate collagen production. Specifically, red light therapy targets fibroblast cells, which are responsible for creating collagen, a type of protein found in connective tissue that also plays a role in wound healing.
Current research on red light therapy shows that, while the treatment has the potential to reverse signs of photoaging, there is still much to learn about how it works. In addition to increasing collagen production, it is also thought to increase blood circulation and reduce inflammation.
Red light therapy is typically performed by a trained professional, but new at-home models are making it easy to recreate the spa experience at home—although results may not be as notable. Always shield your eyes and talk to a dermatologist prior to use.
This article was originally published in the March 2024 issue of delicious living magazine.
