Dreamclinic Named to Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Companies

dreamclinic massage

Dreamclinic continues to gain recognition locally and nationally. Dreamclinic just made the 2016 Inc. 5000 list. The Inc 5000 is a well-established, prestigious list for the fastest growing privately-held businesses in the nation. In order to qualify for inclusion on the Inc. 5000 list for 2016, a company must have had at least $2 million in revenue by the last year of a three-year period, ending in 2015, and must also be a U.S.-based, privately-held and independent entity, meaning it is not a subsidiary or division of another company.

This is the second year in a row that Dreamclinic has been recognized for exceptional growth in the marketplace. Inc. 5000 has measured our growth at 90% over the past three years and we are projected to continue growing. “We are honored to make the list and we know this speaks volumes to the quality and genuine caring mindset of our entire team, “ said Larisa Goldin, Dreamclinic CEO. “We must also recognize that our growth has been fueled by our awesome customers who recognize the Dreamclinic commitment to excellence in therapy and continue to be super-loyal year after year.”

In making Inc. 5000, we are pleased to share the same spotlight with previous recipients like Facebook, LinkedIn and Pandora Radio as we continue on as one of the fastest growing wellness businesses dedicated to empowering individuals and organizations through services and education that promote a natural approach to health.
Award winners are invited to join the Inc. 5000 Conference and Gala in San Antonio, Texas from October 18-20, 2016 to celebrate their impressive growth with opportunities to network and a conference that features motivational speaker and best-selling author Tony Robbins.

Dreamclinic’s mission is to serve as a trusted business entity providing services and education that promote a natural approach to health. See our Inc 5000 ranking here. 

 

 

Monroe Institute Excursion Workshop

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Monroe Institute Excursion Workshop: April 29-30, July 22-23

Join Dreamclinic and Rob Sandstrom for an enjoyable “headphones-on” weekend workshop designed to introduce you to the mind expanding process of Hemi-Sync*. Learn to achieve expanded states of consciousness, not ordinarily available in everyday life.

The Monroe Institute® Excursion Workshop is an intensive 2-day program offering you opportunities to engage in consciousness exploration, self-discovery, and personal transformation. Based on the first two days of the 5-day residential Gateway Voyage® program, the Excursion Workshop introduces you to Focus 10 and Focus 12, two expanded consciousness states which enable you to better understand your Total Self and to access your untapped inner resources.

Dates: April 29-30, July 22-23
Time: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm both days
Location: Dreamclinic Bel-Red 15436 Bel-Red Road Redmond WA 98052
Cost: $250. Space is limited, reservations taken on a first-come basis.
Learn more or register today!

Manage Stress to Reduce Muscle Tension

Neck PainIf you’ve ever suffered from a tension headache, neck discomfort, or lower back pain, you know how much of an effect stress can have on the body. When we become stressed, our adrenaline rises, making us more likely to be on guard against what the body perceives as danger. When this stress happens, our muscles tense up as a reflex reaction. While the body does this as a way of protecting us against injury and pain, chronic tension in reaction to stress has the opposite effect.

Chronic stress causes the body to be in a frequent state of alertness, which in turn causes our muscles to be tense and taut for extended periods of time. This can trigger other reactions in the body and may even lead to disorders or disease. These reactions may include tension headaches and migraines, a tight and tender jaw, cramps in the stomach and back, and digestive issues, among others. If not treated, the muscle tension leading to aches causes us more stress and perpetuates the cycle. It can also lead to other issues such as irritability, fatigue, and depression.

While millions of people suffer from chronic pain due to daily stresses, in some cases, the tension in our muscles may be the result of an injury. It’s important that this injury is treated properly in order to keep it from turning into a chronic condition. Some may react by avoiding physical activity for fear of pain or reinjury, however, disuse of the body only increases muscle tension and atrophy. The best way to recover from an injury is to maintain a moderate level of activity that’s been recommended by a physician. Relaxation techniques, massage, and acupuncture may also be particularly helpful during this time.

To help manage your stress, reduce muscle tension, and eliminate chronic pain, follow these five tips:

Get enough sleep: Between seven and eight hours a night is ideal for making us less vulnerable to the stress that can cause headaches and digestive issues.
Eat a healthy diet: Eat plenty of fresh produce, fiber, and lean protein, and drink at least eight glasses of water a day. Avoid too much caffeine, which can interfere with sleep.
Exercise: At least 30 minutes of exercise a day triggers the production of endorphins that help us relax and combat stress.
Meditate: 20 minutes of daily meditation has been shown to reduce the severity of muscle tension by 28 percent and feelings of anxiety by 44 percent. Other relaxation techniques such as yoga and deep breathing may also be helpful.
Get a massage: Regular massage will not only release tension in the muscles, but improve a sense of calm and well-being that can counteract stress long after the massage is over.

If you’re feeling the pain of stress, schedule an appointment with one of our licensed massage therapists, who can design a custom plan for your specific needs.

 

Chinese Medicine for the Treatment of Constipation

Acupuncture for constipation, Redmond Acupuncture, Bellevue AcupunctureConstipation is a condition that may be distinguished by a number of symptoms, including stomach aches, infrequent bowel movements, and unusually hard stools. An estimated 42 million Americans persistently suffer from the condition, making constipation one of the most common Gastro-intenstinal issues in the United States. Occasional bouts of these symptoms are typically nothing to worry about. However, chronic constipation may lead to more serious complications such as colonic conditions and urological disorders, while having an overall negative impact on quality of life.

At the core of constipation is an imbalance in the body that causes these uncomfortable symptoms. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) recognizes three main roots of constipation: an excess of cold in the body, an excess of warmth, and the disruption of qi, the vital force that keeps our energy flowing smoothly. While many may reach for over-the-counter laxatives to provide quick relief, practitioners of TCM understand that each of type of constipation needs to be treated differently. What’s more, prolonged use of these laxatives may form a dependency that can cause changes in the colon, possibly even leading to cancer.

The proper treatment of constipation depends on its cause. Those suffering from an excess of cold may find herbal remedies to be especially effective. These may include but are not limited to rhubarb, aloe, and bitter orange. A 2011 study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that an ancient six-herb formula was 82 percent more effective in increasing the number of bowel movements, while significantly lowering the number of laxative tablets needed.

In most causes of constipation, acupuncture may help alleviate the condition by opening the channels through which our qi flows. A variety of acupuncture points can be employed, depending on the needs of the patient.The most commonly used are known as tianshu (towards the middle of the stomach), da chang shu (lower back), daheng (mid outer stomach), and neiting (base of the second toe). These have been shown to help move qi into the lower abdomen, cool the intestines, and soften the stool. A 2010 study found that stimulating a combination of acupoints had a 68 percent effectiveness rate on symptoms of constipation, with tianshu perhaps being particularly useful.

As with all medical treatments, it’s important to meet with a qualified practitioner to determine the cause of your symptoms and help design a plan specifically for your needs. If you suffer from chronic constipation, acupuncture and other forms of TCM may be just what you need to find relief from the condition for good. Schedule an appointment today.

Dry Needling for the Management of Muscle Pain

Adult male physiotherapist is doing acupuncture on the back of a female patient. Patient is lying down on a bed and is covered with royal blue towels.

Known by many different names, dry needling is a variation of acupuncture that’s recently been gaining popularity in Western cultures. The difference between the two treatments comes down to the philosophy. Unlike traditional acupuncture, which uses energetic pathways called meridians to improve the flow of qi, dry needling incorporates the scientific study of the musculoskeletal system. Instead of inserting needles into acupoints that correspond to the area being treated, needles are inserted into tender and irritated muscle tissue. When stimulated, these trigger spots (known as “ashi” points) are released.

Here’s how it works: When the needle is inserted into the tissue, the tiny injury causes the body to produce a local healing response. This prompts the production of chemicals in the the neural pathways, which block the pain by disrupting the messages that are sent to the central nervous system. The trigger points, in turn, are able to relax and the tissue is restored to normal function.

The effectiveness of the treatment has been confirmed by numerous studies. A review of these studies, published in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy in 2014, found that dry needling can decrease pain immediately after treatment and possibly up to four weeks. It can address several conditions, including tendonitis, headaches, whiplash, lower back pain, and sports-related injuries. In fact, it’s been found to be so effective that NFL teams are even incorporating it into their sports therapy routines.

While dry needling is effective in addressing muscular pain, during the treatment the trigger point are may feel somewhat uncomfortable, indicating that the therapy is working. “Generally speaking, the greater the injury, the more intense the treatment will be,” writes Andrew Nugent-Head in the Journal of Chinese Medicine. The muscles may be slightly weakened directly after treatment, but the patient will see immediate improvement in range of motion and joint use.

Physical therapists and other health professionals have used dry needling for many years with good results and  Acupuncturists are specifically licensed in the use of acupuncture needles to perform dry needling.  In Washington State, there is new legislation restricting Physical Therapists from doing dry needling, although this may not be so in other states.  If you are unable to receive dry needling at a facility where you have done so in the past, look for a licensed Acupuncturist.  If you think you may benefit from the treatment and have not tried it in the past, it’s important to search out a qualified practitioner who has the breadth of training and education to provide treatment that’s effective and safe.  Schedule an appointment today to have a plan designed for your needs.

3 Science-Approved Reasons to Meditate

6174344321_a6b3b6aa69_bOnce considered a practice only for “granola-eating hippies,” meditation has gone completely mainstream. It’s been revered for its life-changing benefits, as well as being cited as a frequent (if not daily) practice of some of the happiest and most successful people in the world.

And it’s not just a bunch of hype. From improving our quality of sleep to our overall happiness, even science backs up the positive impact it can have on our lives. Here are five science-approved reasons to start meditating today.

You’ll Sleep Better
Sleep is essential to the function of our brains. Without enough proper rest, we can be prone to headaches, higher levels of stress, and lower productivity. However, meditation has been shown to increase our levels of melatonin, which is the chemical that helps us fall and stay asleep. In fact, the practice may even be able to help those with serious sleep disorders. A study on mindful meditation found that those who suffer with chronic insomnia were able to reduce their symptoms, with 79% maintaining a better quality of sleep six months after treatment.

You’ll Increase Your Happiness and Reduce Stress
One of the biggest reasons to meditate is that it helps us gain a clearer understanding of what’s going on in our minds. By doing so, we can more easily recognize negative thoughts and emotions, and learn how to let them go. By refusing to let negativity consume us, we can also significantly lower our dangerous levels of stress. A study conducted at Harvard Medical School found that engaging in meditation not only lowered the “fight-or-flight” response that we feel when we’re stressed or afraid, but it also had positive effects on heart rate and blood pressure.

You’ll Improve Your Relationship
Oddly enough, your private moments of meditation may just be the best thing you can do for your relationships with other people. The practice can help you better recognize your own emotions and have more compassion for those around you. These two things combined can help you feel less angry and more loving, creating lasting harmony in your relationships. A study from UC San Francisco looked at the effects of meditation on marital relationships in particular. Those who practiced meditation had a better emotional understanding of the facial expressions in their partner and were, therefore, better able to resolve conflicts and provide support.

If you would like more information on starting a personal meditation practice, please visit Shambhala

Photo credit: Some rights reserved by Nickolai Kashirin

Reflexology for Migraines

reflexology massageWhile it’s safe to say that everyone experiences the occasional headache, more than 10 percent of the world’s population suffers from debilitating migraines. It’s not just pain that’s felt when these migraines occur, but also symptoms such as nausea, lightheadedness, and sensitivity to light. According to the Migraine Research Foundation, more than 90 percent of sufferers experience these migraines so severely that they’re unable to function normally during an attack.

Traditional treatment for migraines involves both over-the-counter pain relievers and heavier prescription drugs. But for those looking for a more holistic approach, reflexology for migraines may be able to bring immediate migraine relief.

For many, applying pressure to specific areas of the feet can release blocked energy and encourage the corresponding organs to begin functioning as they could. While there are several points along the feet that can serve to relieve these symptoms, the primary one is known as Tai Chong. This is especially important because it runs along the meridian of the liver, which is key of ensuring that energy is running smoothly through the body.

One study, conducted as far back as 1995 by the National Board of Health Council in Denmark, found that 16 percent of people who underwent reflexology were completely cured three months after treatment. Of those who weren’t completely cured, 65 percent reported a significant decrease in symptoms. Another trial out of Denmark studied migraine sufferers who’d been ineffectively treated with morphine, ketogan, and albergin. Each of these participants received an average of 12 reflexology treatments. While 10 percent reported feeling just slightly better, 75 percent said they either felt significant improvement or they no longer suffered from migraines at all.

For those looking to see if foot reflexology may alleviate their migraines, focus on the Tai Chong point on the top of the foot, in the webbing between the big and second toes. If you’re experience migraine symptoms on both sides of your head, this can be done on both of the feet. If you’re only feeling symptoms on one side of your head, focus on the foot that’s on the opposite side of your body. Feel for where the bones of those two toes intersect. Slide and press your thumb into the depression between those bones, holding for about a minute.

The Tai Chong pressure point can be very powerful. For this reason, it’s not advised for those who are pregnant, unless under observation. If you’re interested in learning more about reflexology, or to have a treatment plan designed specifically for your needs, schedule an appointment with a licensed therapist today.

4 Steps to a Better Night’s Sleep

According to Sleep Disorders and Sleep Deprivation, an estimated 50 to 70 million U.S. adults chronically suffer from sleep problems, which can negatively affect health over a period of time. As explained in the book, “the cumulative long-term effects of sleep loss and sleep disorders have been associated with a wide range of deleterious health consequences including an increased risk of hypertension, diabetes, obesity, depression, heart attack, and stroke.”

Despite the risk of side effects and dependence, Americans are still spending roughly $100 million dollars a year on over-the-counter sleep medications. While these may provide temporary relief, these are not intended for long-term use. In fact, Dr. Meir Kryger, a professor of sleep medicine at Yale, warns against using anything that isn’t addressing the cause of the problem. “I’d say 99 percent of the products being sold for sleep enhancement are a waste of money.” Instead, he recommends ways to improve your sleep by optimizing your environment and relaxation.

If you’ve been struggling to get at least seven hours a night, don’t go straight to the pills. Try these four steps leading up to tucking yourself into bed.

2 Hours Before: Lower Lights
Bright lights trigger our brains to be alert, while lower levels signal the sleep hormone melatonin. Dim the lights around your home roughly two hours before bedtime. If you plan to read, use a low-wattage light bulb. At around an hour before, turn off all electronics, which emit blue light that harms healthy sleep.

1 Hour Before: Wind Down
It’s impossible to go from 60 to 0 without slowing down in between. The same goes for your sleep. Set yourself up for a good night’s rest by winding down an hour before bed. Spend 20 minutes prepping for the next day (packing your lunch, selecting an outfit, etc.), 20 minutes taking care of personal hygiene, and finally 20 minutes of relaxation in bed.

30 Minutes Before: White Noise
It’s important to drown out outside noise, but you don’t want your bedroom to be so quiet that any tiny sound will wake you in the night. This is where white noise comes in. Before settling into bed, turn on a fan or an air conditioner. These come with the added bonus of being able to help regulate the temperature of the room, which should be between 65° and 75°F.

20 Minutes Before: Breathing and Meditation
One of the most effective ways to fall asleep quickly is to focus on deep breathing. This reduces heart rate and blood pressure, priming the body for sleep. After turning off all the lights, lie down in bed. Place your hands on the lower part of your stomach. Breathe in deeply for five seconds, hold for three, and exhale for five. Do this between 10 and 15 times, concentrating on the up-and-down movement of your hands. This 20 minutes is also a good time for mindful meditation. Focus on the different aspects of your life, making sure to look at just one thing at a time. Give each issue the attention its needs, then let it go.

If you’re still struggling with a sleep disorder, acupuncture may be another solution. Learn more about how the treatment can help.

3 Easy Breathing Techniques for Stress Relief

It’s been said there are only two things we can be certain about: death and taxes. Well, we think it’s about time to add stress to that list. The truth is, if you’re alive, you’ve got stress. Stress is a natural reaction to experiences that can have a wide array of effects. We usually think of stress in a negative way, but it can actually be useful in bad or dangerous situations. (Think fight-or-flight response.)

Unfortunately, stress isn’t typically so good. While it can be beneficial to us in the short term, chronic stress can cause a number of symptoms that affect our health and wellness. The hormones that get triggered can lead to anything from digestive disorders to depression to higher risks for heart disease.

It can be easy for everyday troubles to set off these hormones. When you start to feel yourself getting tense, put your health first by trying one of these breathing techniques for stress relief. Each of these are perfect for beginners (ie: you don’t have to have years of yoga under your belt in order to do them correctly) and they can be done quietly in almost any location.

Abdominal Breathing
Place your right hand on your chest and your left hand on your stomach. Fill up your lower lungs (not your chest), being mindful to breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. Do this eight to 10 times, then add a second step: After inhaling into your lower lungs, continue inhaling into your chest. Feel the tension leave your body as you exhale slowly. Do this another 10 times. This technique can lead to an immediate reduction in heart rate and blood pressure, and could be particularly useful before a stressful event.

Progressive Relaxation
Close your eyes and focus on tensing and relaxing individual muscle groups. Start at the bottom of your body with your toes and feet, moving up until you reach the face and jaw. Do this while maintaining deep, slow breaths. As the muscles tense, breathe in through your nose for a count of five (start at three if five feels too difficult), then breathe out through your mouth as the muscles release. This technique is wonderful for nixing tension from head to toe, and can be done nearly anywhere — even while driving.

Breath Counting
Sit in a comfortable position with your spine straight and your head just slightly forward. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Let them come naturally without trying to manipulate them. Next, breathe in through your nose, then count to one as you exhale through your mouth. Repeat, counting to two as you exhale, and so on up to five. (Don’t worry about counting while you inhale.) Once you’ve reached five, begin a new cycle. Continue to start new cycles after reaching five, until your mind has wandered to the point that you find yourself counting up to eight or more. This breathing technique should have the same effect as meditation, leaving you centered and refreshed.