A space for Vestibular Warriors to elevate wellness and support vibrant health with their vestibular something and beyond.
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tap into your superpower, Vestibular Warrior

12/10/2020

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I’ve been thinking so much lately about perspective and mindset when it comes to our vestibular somethings.  How many times have you accomplished something with your vestibular something that you thought was impossible, then looked back, only to realize that if you hadn’t taken every agonizing step along the way, you never would have gotten there?

When things were hard, heck, when they seemed impossible because the vestibular symptoms were relentlessly crashing… I found that it was my mindset that kept me going.

It created a beautiful opportunity for me.
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The vestibular stuff was so damn hard in the moment.  There just wasn't any relief anywhere and I felt like I was trudging in mud and it just kept on raining.  Then pouring.  Then hailing.  I wanted to know when the storm would lift.

I learned I had to create my calm in the storm and focus on all I could do.  I had to focus on how the vestibular stuff was helping me learn and grow and get to know myself better.  I had to learn how to better take care of me and truly fuel my health every single day.  I had to learn that there was a light in the tunnel and when I really started to believe it, everything changed.  

In the below video I talk about relentlessly charging forward and how my mindset saved me.  It became the light in the tunnel.
​

​I’m going to encourage you to recognize this chapter of your life but put the label on it that you want.  Maybe something like “My Healing Journey” or “My Awakening”.  I think you’ll find that much more helpful than a title like “My Nightmare”.  I hope that you see my point.  I’m encouraging you to add the bliss to this chapter even if you can’t quite feel it yet.  You are writing this chapter, not your vestibular something.  I know it often doesn’t feel that way, but what if you were to operate on that mindset.  What would you write? 

​If you’re like me maybe you will just open your laptop, start writing and see what flows.  
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OTHER RESOURCES:​
Em's book: Uncovering Bliss: A Journey with a Vestibular Condition and Beyond
​Vestibular Migraine Guide To Thrive
Nutrition Consultation with Em
​Vestibular Warrior Wellness Hub + Resources

YouTube Videos [Vestibular Warrior]
Bliss Out Vibes Podcast for Vestibular Warriors
​Contact Em
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Fear & the "What If" Game of Vestibular Somethings (+ news for you!)

10/8/2020

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vestibular migraine help
​I think vestibular somethings and fear are probably best friends.  I imagine that all vestibular conditions carry fear with them.  I mean, they completely upset our lives (to varying degrees), take us out of our grounded state, and make us feel entirely disrupted. 

The fearful questions danced in the back corners of my mind constantly, but I didn’t dare entertain them long…

What if this vestibular stuff never goes away?

What if I feel like this forever?

What if I get lost in the derealization darkness?

What if I lose my hope?

I do not play the ugly “what if” game with my vestibular something anymore.  I will lose that game because the questions always sting regardless of the answers. I learned along my journey that it would have been way easier to fall in the darkness of the vestibular stuff, but that’s not where my light was guiding me.  It was harder to get up every day and climb out of the darkness and keep moving forward, but my fear lived in that dark hole and I didn’t dare visit long.  I started to play a new “what if” game.

What if I do overcome my vestibular something?

What if I help others do the same?

What if it is one of the best things that happens to me?

What if it was just a piece in the puzzle to all I'm meant to do in this life? 

Guess what happened… my fears began to shapeshift.  My biggest fear wouldn’t be about my vestibular something and it what it could do, but rather about me and what if I didn’t take a stand against it.  I feared not fueling my health and putting up a fight and demanding more for my wellness and my future.  I feared how mad I’d be at myself for not giving it my all to get my life back.

​
(Vestibular Warriors, that was a glimpse from my upcoming project Creating Bliss.  Get excited!!  Good things coming your way.)

OTHER RESOURCES:​
Em's book: Uncovering Bliss: A Journey with a Vestibular Condition and Beyond
​Plant-Based Guide to Thrive 
Nutrition Consultation with Em
​Vestibular Warrior Wellness Hub + Resources

YouTube Videos [Vestibular Warrior]
Bliss Out Vibes Podcast for Vestibular Warriors
​Contact Em
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4 Years Later: Vestibular Neuritis + Vestibular Migraine Recovery // Reflection

10/6/2020

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vestibular migraine recovery
Hey Vestibular Warrior.

As we approach my 4 year anniversary of my vestibular something hitting, I’m reflecting on all that’s gotten me where I am today along with all the goodness I want to create for you in the weeks and months to come.

My vestibular something (vestibular neuritis + vestibular migraines):
-changed the way I fuel my health and elevate my wellness
-encouraged me to cleanse out toxic energy
-made me want to uncover bliss in this life and get to know myself better 
-gave me the opportunity to help other Vestibular Warriors on their journeys
...and this continues to evolve.  

How’d it happen?

nourishing plant-powered diet
VRT aka my life with a baby + toddler 
relentless trudging through darkness 
talks with the universe 
working with holistic doctor
craniosacral + chiropractic work
meditation upon meditation 
medical medium protocols 
running again 
migraine med as hammer 
cleansing toxic energy 
following dreams 
plant oils for support
supplements to promote health 
connecting with Vestibular Warriors
believing in healing...

It’s been a journey and I'm so glad to connect with you on the path.

-Em :)

OTHER RESOURCES:​
Em's book: Uncovering Bliss: A Journey with a Vestibular Condition and Beyond
​Plant-Based Guide to Thrive 
Nutrition Consultation with Em
​Vestibular Warrior Wellness Hub + Resources

YouTube Videos [Vestibular Warrior]
Bliss Out Vibes Podcast for Vestibular Warriors
​Contact Em
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Hey, Vestibular Warrior.  This is your fresh start.

10/6/2020

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vestibular migraine success story
This is it.  Today’s the day.  Wherever you are on your journey with your vestibular something, you get to start fresh today.  You decide how you respond to every symptom that touches your system today.  Your reaction is your choice.  I know it may feel soul crushing.  I know that it may be so heavy that you’re not sure how you could even hold any control in this storm.  But you do.  Even if you haven’t uncovered it yet. 

How you move forward today can change your whole world because today’s the day that your vestibular something no longer defines you.  It may be a part of you, but it’s certainly not all of you.  What lights you up inside?  What goals do you have?  What dreams sit in your heart?  Who do you want to spend more time with?  What brings you happiness?  What would you do if you weren’t dealing with your vestibular something?  Whatever your answers are to those questions, the time to focus on that light in your life is now in whatever capacity you can.

Write those things on a piece of paper or a sticky-note and put it somewhere that you see every day.  That’s your happy reminder of all that you’re fighting for.  Those items are the bliss you will look at each day to light you up inside even when you’re overwhelmed by your vestibular something, maybe still feeling very lost on the path, or possibly in healing mode relentlessly trudging forward. 

 Keep going.   
My fresh start happened in moments of following the light within me.  Moments when I concluded that my vestibular something was not going to define my life (or at least not in a way that I didn’t determine).  I wanted it to make me a better me, to help me become more in tune with myself, and discover what I wanted out of this life [hint: I want to help other Vestibular Warriors thrive!].  Now that’s not something discovered overnight and it’s an ever-evolving journey, but around eighteen months in with my vestibular something I really started to open up more about my journey.  I knew I would write a book about it because I had connected with many Vestibular Warriors who desperately wanted to feel understood.  I knew I wanted to empower others and in turn that only helped me too.  It helped me heal.  And now it helps me thrive…

​My fresh start happened in the moments that I started to find bliss in this life again after getting sucked into the vestibular darkness.  Sitting with my boys (a toddler and a baby at the time) and feeling a gratitude radiating from my soul that I was their mother.  Letting their love brighten my soul because even if I felt like the vestibular stuff had broken me, the pieces were still there.  I could still provide love.  Somewhere in the mess I was still me… I was getting to know myself better. 

My fresh start happened when the symptoms were no longer down pouring each day.  I found moments when I could breathe and regain my composure.  I realized I was healing.  I knew healing was possible and had refused to believe anything other than that, but when I really started to feel it, my heart opened. 

Let your heart open, Vestibular Warrior.  This is your fresh start.

My mission is to inspire and empower Vestibular Warriors around the world in elevating their wellness and supporting vibrant health as they navigate this human-experience with a vestibular something and beyond.  

I hope that this space is light along your journey...

-Em

OTHER RESOURCES:​
Em's book: Uncovering Bliss: A Journey with a Vestibular Condition and Beyond
​Plant-Based Guide to Thrive 
Nutrition Consult with Em
​Vestibular Warrior Wellness Hub + Resources

YouTube Videos [Vestibular Warrior]
Bliss Out Vibes Podcast for Vestibular Warriors
​Contact Em
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Healing Comes Through Habits // 4 Years Later:  Vestibular Something Recovery + Creating My Health

9/10/2020

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vestibular migraine success story
Almost four years ago, I lost my wellness in a flash.  I blinked and it was gone without warning or explanation.  I sat in front of my computer in an intense panic trying to figure out what the hell had just happened.  
Why did I feel off kilter?
Why was I no longer grounded?
Why were my eyes struggling to focus on my computer screen?
So many whys...

I've shared my story extensively on Vestibular Warrior YouTube, the mind and body experience in my book and all things holistic wellness in this space, but my mission now - 1,409 days later - is to share what created the health I have today.  It probably goes without saying that sharing is therapeutic and I know if you've journeyed or are journeying with a vestibular something then you know the weight of it.  

It was shackles that I had to learn to break free from.  Shackles that I no longer carry.  Once in a while I feel a pang - a reminder of the weight of the vestibular something - and it only further ignites my fire to elevate my wellness every day through the actions I take.  

Because my recovery did not happen overnight.  It happened in the new health habits that I created and committed to over and over (and over) again.  Even when I wasn't sure what was helping, I made a promise to myself to commit to my health habits every day: eating to nourish my body, supplements to fill the gaps and extra support where needed, pure plant oils for emotional and physical support, movement to cleanse and release the trauma... and other healing modalities along the way (e.g. craniosacral work, energy work, chiropractic work, writing, meditation).  

Daily health habits while trudging in survival mode.
Determination to heal the root cause.
A belief that we are meant to thrive in this life.
An intuition that there had to be a greater meaning to this vestibular insanity (as it felt in the derealization).
vestibular migraine success story
I deeply believe that health happens in our habits. 

diet

For me it was hours, days, months and years of embracing a plant-powered diet and learning it was the foundation of my healing.  I started to touch recovery around 18 months in.  I felt myself stepping through my glass window [derealization] and my eyes seeing the world as they once had.  (Vestibular migraines are trippy, huh?)  I felt the light in my soul start to shine bright as I realized that all those moments of habits that I had made a part of my life had carried me to recovering my wellness.  There was no quick fix- just a rebuilding.  

supplements

Beginning in the fall of 2016 I started taking supplements consistently for the first time in my life.  I took the Vegan doTERRA Lifelong Vitality Pack for three years [I share all of the supplements I took in my Vestibular Warrior Guide To Thrive].  I know my body needed extra love.  Vestibular conditions don't happen overnight even if the symptoms appear out of the blue.  I knew my body had been drained from this health crisis.

pure plant oils

In December 2016 I bought my first kit of pure plant oils.  I was in the deep darkness with the vestibular storm and I needed a natural healthcare system.  I certainly had no idea what I was doing when those beauties arrived but oh boy did I learn!  I bought The Essential Life book and just started learning, experiment, building confidence, creating empowering vibes in every facet of the vestibular darkness.  This habit became (and continues to be) a huge light in my life.  It's why I share the oils lifestyle today.

medical medium

I first stumbling across Medical Medium in 2017.  I incorporated bits and pieces of the protocols, mostly the diet.  I said goodbye to white sugar and gluten and was awakened in learning about the vestibular something being an invader.  That the magic was in not feeding it.  This made sense to me with my vestibular neuritis diagnosis, which then triggered vestibular migraines.  My vestibular something was a beast that I refused to feed.  

Earlier this year, after reading Cleanse To Heal, I decided to dive into the protocols completely.  All year long I have followed the supplement routine for vestibular conditions/migraines, drank celery juice each morning for the last 7 months, and have entirely focused on whole plant foods.  

It has been blissfully liberating.  At the same time that I dove in deeper with Medical Medium protocols I was weaning off my migraine medication.  Honestly, I believe it made it all possible.  I was healing my body from the inside out and its been a game changer in my healing journey. [I share my whole Medical Medium experience here]

healing extras

Along the way, I've spent so many moments meditating, talking to the Universe (let's be real, pleading in many moments), some talk therapy, more holistic work, connecting with Vestibular Warriors, opening up about my vestibular something, writing my book, drinking adaptogenic tea, using CBD for support, breathing, letting go, running, foam rolling, feeling my feet on the grass connected to this earth...

Moments.
Habits.
Over and over again.

I'm sure you get my point by now...  Let those healing habits be a light in your life.  Let them be the promise you make to yourself that you believe in healing and thriving with a vestibular something and beyond.  And if you need to refine or create them, now is the time to start.

Healing comes through habits and you have control over those.  What a beautiful thing, friend.  Even in the heartbreak of a vestibular something there is light.

Keep following it.

OTHER RESOURCES:​
Uncovering Bliss: A Journey with a Vestibular Condition and Beyond
​Vestibular Warrior Wellness Hub + Resources
​Nutrition Consultations 

YouTube Videos [Vestibular Warrior]
Oils Routine for Vestibular Warriors
Bliss Out Vibes Podcast for Vestibular Warriors
​Contact Em
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Essential Oils For Vestibular Warriors:  Fueling Health + Empowering Support

9/8/2020

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essential oils for migraines
Hi out there in the Universe... how are things in your world?

As we enter the last quarter of 2020, I’m going to be sharing more about the holistic toolkit that has been a big part of my healing from vestibular neuritis + vestibular migraines over the last almost four years.  Having recovered my wellness, I can see very clearly what played a big role in my being where I am today.  I rarely experience any vestibular symptoms and I'm so freaking grateful for it because of course that wasn't always the case.

My mission is to help and support other Vestibular Warriors in healing and thriving.  I believe in vibrant health now and into the future, and now - this present moment wherever this post is finding you - is the time to take serious ownership of your health with the vestibular stuff and beyond.
⁣  This is a huge opportunity and one I couldn't fully understand when I was in the darkness of the vestibular stuff, but retrospect displays a bright light on how damn important holistic support has been in my recovery.  It's also beautiful support now and into the future.  You've probably guessed that I'm talking about essential oils.  

Now, when I say essential oil, I have to explain because most of the stuff out there is pure junk, packed with synthetic ingredients, and not really made of plant at all.  I'm only talking about Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade Oils [check out my free basics guide here].

⁣
Rolling an essential oil on my spine in the morning is much more than simply a means to boost my immune system. It’s a statement about taking ownership of my health and being proactive rather than reactive. Every one of my decisions in the beginning with the vestibular stuff felt reactive. Reacting to every symptom, every feeling, every doctor’s appointment, every disappointment... I was so over it.⁣
⁣
I no longer live in a reactive mode. I’m now very protective of my wellness and operate on the mindset that I can influence my health. That I should be acting to elevate my wellness every single day, because that is how I uncover my bliss. Essential oils grounded that mindset for me.⁣
⁣
Also, I have experienced how having a natural toolkit promotes my glowing wellness. I was sinking in the mud when those oils arrived, but I made the instinctive decision to start sharing essential oils with others and it has become a part of finding myself in the storm and uncovering my bliss.
vestibular migraine recovery
I'm sharing a few of my favorite oils for Vestibular Warriors.  Of course there are others.  I've got a happy cabinet filled with blissful plant magic as my family's healthcare system at home, but these ones are are few that I think every Vestibular Warrior can benefit from.  I'm going to tell you the why + how-to-use for each and I encourage you to dive in, and get excited!  Of course if you're looking for more support, don't hesitate to reach out and I can create a kit of oils catered to you. [However, if you want to purchase my favorites, visit here.]
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Let's break it down:
​
BASIL- top uses: dizziness (with migraines), mental fatigue, nausea, earache
-I talk about this oil in this post and how I used to use it to assist when attacks hit out of the blue.

PEPPERMINT- top uses: promote alertness/energy, for memory issues, migraines, stomach discomfort.
-I use this oil all throughout the day as needed.
-Paired with Basil essential oil, it's a powerhouse combating vestibular migraines.  I talk about it in the below video on Vestibular Warrior YouTube.
HELICHRYSUM- healing, regenerating; top uses: shock, nerve damage, tinnitus, earache
-I apply this oil on the bone behind my ears and back of the neck for any discomfort.

BALANCE BLEND- stabilizing + centering, top uses: stress, anxiety, neurological conditions, grief, promotes tranquility; made of: Spruce Leaf, Ho Wood Leaf, Frankincense Resin, Blue Tansy Flower, Blue Chamomile Flower, and Osmanthus Flower essential oils in a base of Fractionated Coconut Oil.

SERENITY BLEND- calming, warm; top uses: insomnia & sleep issues, stress, tension, calm fears, nervousness, muscle tension, use as part of a bedtime routine; made of: Cedarwood, Lavender, Marjoram, Roman Chamomile, Sandalwood.
-I apply this oil on my pulse points at bedtime and feet bottoms to relax and unwind. It's also wonderful in the moment with nervousness to apply on the back of the neck and inhale from cupped hands.
​
​CHEER BLEND- resilient; top uses: disconnected feelings, anxiety, depression, blood sugar issues; made of: cinnamon, clove, ginger and wild orange
-I would use this blend as much as needed when derealization was crashing my world.  It would bring me into the moment and it's uplifting.  I talk about Cheer + Peppermint it in the video below.
And another to show you how I use oils:
I hope that you found this post helpful.  If you're a Vestibular Warrior interested in purchasing these oils, you can get them here. [If you are outside the US, doTERRA ships around the world.  Reach out to me here and I'll help you order.]  You'll then hear from me welcoming you to the essential oils life.  I'll provide you some resources to jump in and of course I'm here to support you on your healing journey.

Rooting for you!
​-Em
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​OTHER RESOURCES:​
Em's book: Uncovering Bliss: A Journey with a Vestibular Condition and Beyond
​Plant-Based Guide to Thrive 
Nutrition Consult with Em
​Vestibular Warrior Wellness Hub + Resources

YouTube Videos [Vestibular Warrior]
Bliss Out Vibes Podcast for Vestibular Warriors
​Contact Em
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Regressions & Setbacks In Vestibular Migraine Recovery [My Experience]

6/27/2020

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vestibular migraine recovery
I'm here to talk about something that I think is really important when it comes to vestibular migraine healing and recovery: regressions and setbacks.  It's something I have experienced many, many times along my journey since 2016.

The first year I was just trudging through darkness relentlessly (I was most likely suffering from vestibular neuritis, which triggered vestibular migraines). 

There was no path.  I was just going and I wasn't even sure where I was going.  Healing, I hoped.  Praying I'd get back to me, wherever she was.  I certainly didn't recognize the girl in the mirror.  Derealization came with me as I floated my way through life... always floating, which still makes me cringe.  I haven't revisited these moments in a while and I always feel a pang in my heart when I do.  Basically, my symptoms were constantly flooding my mind and body and I didn't have a moment of relief. [note: I share my whole journey in Uncovering Bliss if that interests you]

If you're journeying with a vestibular something, then you probably understand the darkness completely.

By the end of year one, I was starting to find the light that would guide me as I healed.  I was deeply embracing a holistic approach, but healing was slow.  I had moments - brief moments - when I could gasp for air.  I'd say I hit 80% by that first year, but that wasn't without several setbacks and regressions.  In that second year the regressions were in full force.  I'd be dancing along at my 90% better, feeling so damn good and alive and then BAM!  The symptoms would return without any notice or explanation.  It hurt my heart. 

In many ways the regressions were harder than when my symptoms were full-force all-the-time because in the darkness I sort of got used to it (not easy by any stretch, but familiar).  When I had seen the light and felt a bit of relief, it felt so blissful that losing that bliss was a slap in the face.  More like getting run over by a truck.  Emotionally and physically it hurt.  It freaking stung and then I had to fight my way back out of it.

I was in the throes of a vestibular migraine cycle- something I wouldn't really understand until I could process everything once I was further along.


My first day without any symptoms was over 18 months in.  But even after that blissful day, there were more setbacks.  I know I'm very lucky that I can say I've hardly experienced any vestibular symptoms in the last two years.  

Last week I felt a twinge of it and it only ignited my memory on how real regressions are.  I am so thankful that it never turned into a full attack and it passed within the day.  I woke up the next day rattled by the glimpse of it and anxious, but driven to take on the day and push forward.  I went grocery shopping and felt the ground beneath my feet and smiled that I was standing.  It had passed in a flash- just a glitch in the Matrix (as my friend told me).  That shows how much healing I've really done.  It didn't take days or weeks to come through.  Hours rather than days...

My plan has always been to heal myself... Thank you, Universe.  ​
My point in sharing all this is that healing is not linear.  One of my worst attacks was around eighteen months in.  I also started to touch recovery soon thereafter.  That's just the way it goes.  

These days I know that regressions mean I need to look at how I'm feeding my health.  

How am I eating?
Am I getting into nature?
What is fueling my soul each day?

These things really matter.  They are the foundation of my health and wellness.  
vestibular migraine attack
 My experience last week inspired me to dive into a third round of the 3:6:9 Medical Medium Cleanse.  Here I am on day 8 (of 9) and glad I've pushed through it.  Mentally it's been a game this round, but I feel like I'm coming out stronger than ever. [my full Medical Medium journey can be found here]

I hope I've kicked the pain migraines to curb and of course want to eliminate any vestibular something, but time will tell.  If I experience another glitch, I know what I need to do.  I believe in healing.

Also, I'm almost off my migraine medication, down to the last dosage and just need to say goodbye.  The weaning could also account for the migraine experience. It's been eight months of slowly weaning.  I'll be sharing more about that soon.

So, here's to setbacks and regressions...  Maybe they are just showing us when we need to take a turn on the bumpy path.  Stumble, but get back up.  It might sting, but the bliss is on the other side.

OTHER RESOURCES:​
Em's book: Uncovering Bliss: A Journey with a Vestibular Condition and Beyond
​Plant-Based Guide to Thrive 
Nutrition Consult with Em
​Vestibular Warrior Wellness Hub + Resources

YouTube Videos [Vestibular Warrior]
Bliss Out Vibes Podcast for Vestibular Warriors
​Contact Em
0 Comments

Healing Vestibular Migraines, Getting Back Into Running and My 25k training plan

6/13/2020

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vestibular migraine recovery
Em here.  I'm holding the best damn burrito in Seattle in the above picture.  This plant-powered goodness has been fueling me these days (plus chips + guac, of course).

​I can't begin without commenting on the amount of chaos and pain happening in the world right now.  So many in Seattle are showing support, working towards racial equity, and I'm so thankful to be in this city.  My mission each day is to bring more love into the world.  There needs to be BIG change.  My heart aches for so many.  I also recognize that most of the people I connect with in this space are Vestibular Warriors.  Healing does start with the kindness we show ourselves and how we nourish our minds and bodies.  We can in turn bring kindness into the world.  Let the spark ignite within you, so together we can create change.


As I write this post I feel like I've gone back in time.  In 2013 I created my first blog Love A Latte where I shared my life as a plant-based eater, runner and my journey into motherhood.  I just talked about my life and a lot of that was all the running I was doing.  I'd wake up before work and run.  I'd put together training plans and share all about them connecting with others who were passionate about health + wellness.  Man, it was so much fun!  The blogging world was such a different place back then.  I just recently stopped paying for my old site- felt like the right time to let it go considering I hadn't written on it in three years.  Also, the vestibular something changed my world.  I feel like a new me in so many ways (which I'm sure you understand if you too are a Vestibular Warrior). 

My heart feels happy just to let the words flow and share with you my next adventure.  Running is a best friend of mine.  It brought me back to life in 2018 when I was starting to recover my wellness after the vestibular storm.  I slowlyyy got back out on the trails.  I placed no expectations on myself and just craved being out in nature again.  I'd run for a few minutes and then walk some.  I'd walk some more and then run when I felt up to.  I felt the ground beneath my feet and over weeks of taking to the trail a few days a week, I was just running again.  It was an awakening.  It built up my confidence after it had been shattered by vestibular neuritis + vestibular migraines.  

I had one of my worst attacks in the summer of 2018.  Running was my comeback.  I remember listening to books like Girl, Wash Your Face and Bite Me: How Lyme Disease Stole My Childhood, Made Me Crazy, and Almost Killed Me and music like Macklemore and Daft Punk...and uncovering a heck of a lot of bliss as I felt my body working for me.

Fast forward two years, I've recovered my wellness (and still working to heal and thrive each day) and I'm really excited to set my next goal.  I also thought it would be fun to get back in the blogging groove.  In July I'm diving into getting a Plant-based Nutrition Certificate with eCornell just to take things up a notch.  I love learning about plant-based nutrition and I thought it would be a beautiful addition in my nutrition consulting.  Along with that 6-week program I want to start hitting the trails again.  Basically getting my body in shape to begin training (see below) in August for a race come November.

Here's my training plan.  I'm sharing it to make myself accountable, but also because I love to read about others training adventures, so thought there might be someone else out there who enjoys reading about mine.  I know this space is typically dedicated to just to vestibular condition healing, but a big part of the healing is moving beyond the vestibular storm.  This is me doing just that.  I should also mention that I've been a runner the last decade+.  I started running my last year of college and it's been a love of mine since.  I've run a few half marathons, one full and a few shorter races.  But ultra running, that's the dream... Rich Roll is someone I certainly look up to.
25k beginners training plan
I was tempted to just start training for a 50k.  I have daydreams about just being out in Pacific Northwest nature, endless trails and just enjoying the bliss all around me.  I know I shouldn't just dive back in like that though.  All in good time... I did buy this book though and had to start reading it just because I like to mentally prepare myself (and I find it thrilling).  Come January I'll start looking for ultra races.  
vegan ultrarunning
I have no idea what this training will look like!  I feel like a new running-me post-vestibular stufffff.  
I know how to take better care of my health now.
I know how to nourish and fuel my body from the inside out (hey plants!).
I know how to use my holistic toolkit of pure essential oils and supplements for extra support.
And I feel so thankful for all the incredible people I've connected with along the way...

So here I go!  I'll be back soon to update you.
​-Em

OTHER RESOURCES:​
Em's book: Uncovering Bliss: A Journey with a Vestibular Condition and Beyond
​Plant-Based Guide to Thrive 
Nutrition Consult with Em
​Vestibular Warrior Wellness Hub + Resources

YouTube Videos [Vestibular Warrior]
Bliss Out Vibes Podcast for Vestibular Warriors
​Contact Em
0 Comments

My Experience Following the Medical Medium Simplified 3:6:9 Cleanse [to support healing of vestibular migraines]

5/11/2020

3 Comments

 
medical medium simplified 3:6:9 cleanse
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Hi there!

On May 1st I jumped into the Medical Medium Simplified 3:6:9 Cleanse detailed in the book Cleanse to Heal by Anthony William.  Being home more during this time  of Coronavirus encouraged me to take the step.  I was able to be prepping food in my kitchen for my meals and rest a bit more as needed, and the timing just felt right. 

I want to take this time to heal my body completely from my vestibular something.  As I wean completely off my migraine medication I want to be deeply supporting my body on a holistic level.  I still deal with pain migraines occasionally and my joints are sometimes achy and tight.  Further, I deal with moderate acne here and there (nothing like I did at 15 though!) and I know this is telling a story of what needs to be cleansed from my body inside.  I know this is my body talking to me.  

I'm not going to give all the details of the cleanse because it can be found in the book which I talked about lots in this blog post and in this video.  I'm documenting this journey not only for myself but for all the incredible Vestibular Warriors out there fighting for their health.

I believe in healing.

Medical Medium Cleanse to Heal

I encourage you to do your own reading of Cleanse to Heal before diving into any of the cleanses from the book.  There is so much goodness to soak in from the book and diving into a cleanse without the knowledge behind it isn't the way to go.  Knowledge is power, friends.  There are a few cleanse variations and you cater it to what works best for you.  After all, we all cleanse and detox differently because what we're healing from is not identical on the inside.  
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​I know that so many Vestibular Warriors relate to my story (which I detail in my book) and I hope by continuing to share my story, others are empowered along their journeys.  My heart is moved by Anthony's latest book and it's certainly one that I will need to read more than once and will be a resource for life.

Medical Medium Simplified 3:6:9 Cleanse

Below you will find diary-like entries of what I experienced along the cleanse, how I felt and anything else I felt drawn to share.  I do not share everything I ate, but rather give a glimpse.  Note that I was also taking many of the supplements recommended for those dealing with vertigo/tinnitus/migraines.  (I had been taking several of the supplements the past three months as they were recommend in Medical Medium Thyroid Healing which discusses vestibular symptoms, but adjusted my dosage based on Cleanse to Heal's exact recommendations.)

Again, please read the book before diving in so you fully understand the why + how behind the cleanse.  And I hope you enjoy the YouTube video I put together on my experience!

Day 1

It being May 1st it felt like a really good day to start the cleanse with a fresh month!  I said to myself it's only 9 days without the things that I know will be hard to give up (radical fats like avocados and nut butters, cacao, matcha lattes) and I really want to give my body this gift.   Day 1 went by in a flash of deliciousness.
vestibular migraine recovery
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I texted a good friend to let her know I was jumping in and make myself accountable. The first three days are not meant to be drastic- more like a warm up.  I'd say I've been living in warm-up mode the last few months (and much of my healing journey) so nothing about it was intense for me.  If anything it was me getting in my typical groove of waking up and having lemon water, then moving to celery juice, smoothie and a nourishing plant-based meal (that's a spinach pesto that I dipped the potatoes in).  Something I know I'll need to focus on is making sure to get the lemon water throughout the day.  That pink smoothie was heaven (made of 2 bananas, frozen dragon fruit, wild blueberries and water).

Day 2

I woke up feeling really good today.  I read books to my youngest and drank my lemon water.  Eventually I made my celery juice.  Thirty minutes later I was ready for breakfast!  By lunch I was hungry for a smoothie (cherries, bananas, wild blueberries + an orange) and then craving a solid meal, and the falafel patties hit the spot.  I spent the afternoon reading more of Cleanse to Heal and relaxing with my boys.  Potato pizza boats for dinner. My skin was really clear today (no blemishes).  I know that this is the more lax period of the cleanse and my body is gearing up for the upcoming days.
medical medium cleanse for vertigo
vestibular migraine recovery

Day 3

I felt at ease today.  No intense cravings and more of a gratitude for committing to this cleanse.  I woke up thankful I had stuck with it.  Nights tend to be the hardest- not because I'm truly hungry as I'm eating plenty of food, but more because nights are when I turn to my raw nut/date pies and cacao smoothies and all the dessert-like stuff.  But tonight I felt satisfied and thankful.
celery juice for migraines
vestibular condition healing

Day 4

Today the celery juice amount jumped to 24 oz.  I easily got it down and was looking forward to a hearty breakfast!  Boy did I enjoy that oatmeal with wild blueberries and maple syrup.  It felt like an indulgence and delicious.  We went on a hike after and I was glad to have eaten a big bowl.  I enjoyed the leftover stuffed-peppers for lunch and made a pot of portobello mushroom stew.  The stew was packed with veggies (carrots, garlic, celery, onion, potatoes), but I was missing my curry dishes packed with more flavor.  

Let's just say tonight I'm feeling a bit irritable as I type this, but I look at this as part of the cleansing process.  It's a physical and spiritual experience and I'm in for the ride.  I'm about to read in Cleanse To Heal about the emotional side of cleansing. 

​I'm feeling it tonight.
medical medium for migraines

Day 5

I'm feeling the detox today. 

​I woke up tired in a way that I can tell my body is fighting something.  Drinking the 24 oz. of celery juice wasn't enjoyable this morning like it normally is.  All I can think is that it feels like toxins are dying off.  That sums it up.  I had a big bowl of oatmeal with wild blueberries and maple syrup again this morning and it definitely hit the spot.  It's amazing to me with just making the shift of cutting radical fats (nuts, seeds, avocados), matcha lattes and basically my vegan desserts is creating this change.  It's eye-opening to experience how my body really did need the break from those items so it could detox.  I can imagine that cutting all the trouble maker foods all at once for someone would create quite a storm of emotions.  My little shifts are definitely taking me on a journey and even though I'm really feeling the cleanse today, I'm looking forward to what the next 4 days will bring.  I almost can't imagine the shift yet.

It's mid-afternoon now and it's funny what a few hours will do.  I went for a walk with my boys and made a delicious mango/berry parfait and I'm feeling so much more at ease and energized.  It's definitely a flow of energy that I'll keep on moving through.

Day 6 

Getting down the celery juice was not so enjoyable today.  I feel like the toxins/pathogens must be dying off or finding their way out.  I truly never felt terrible, but I'm so in tune with my body that I feel the shift.  Today I'm definitely missing chocolate and my bean burritos with avocados.  I had no idea cutting radical fats (for this cleans) would be hard.  I went food shopping today and boy am I looking forward to Sunday.  I went to bed hungry even though I had eaten plenty of goodness.  I just wasn't craving the nightly apple.  I worked on my website into the night and my mind was happily distracted.
medical medium cleanse for migraines
medical medium cleanse for migraines

Day 7

I woke up this morning feeling rejuvenated. 

​Like any struggle from the last 24 hours was faded... and I was stepping through the light.  Like a weight had been lifted.  I made a sweet potato stew from the book for dinner and worked late into the night on my holistic nutrition schooling.  I'm so close to completing my certification to become a Certified Holistic Nutritionist!!!  I felt surprisingly energized at 12am as I continued to work away.  And then grateful for sleep. 

Day 8

I spent the day working outside on our deck while the boys played outside.  The day passed quickly in the sunshine.  That smoothie bowl was heaven and it was my fuel to power through the day without feeling drained.  Oh the beautiful power of fruit.  I made a curry cauliflower dish from the book that was not really something I'd typically make and it was surprisingly satisfying.
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Day 9

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As I sit here writing about day 9, I can't believe it's here.  Looking back it seems easier than it felt in all the moments.  But today I woke up energized and feeling quite fantastic.  I drank a melon smoothie (cantaloupe + watermelon) as we drove to the trail and it tasted so damn good.   We went on an unintentional 5 mile hike with our boys.  We didn't realize the trail wasn't a loop and had to turn back (and repeat the 2.5ish miles), but the boys were such champs.  I was the one who had a freak out moment in my head of "All I've had today is celery juice, melon smoothie, orange juice...can I do this?"  It's funny because I felt really good, but my mind was having those thoughts while my physical body was like "hell yes, you feel awesome".  The 4+ hour hike was great because I was out in nature with my favorite people and not home thinking about what I couldn't eat.  

Our bodies are incredible.

We are meant to feel really freaking good.

We are meant to uncover bliss.

This has been a beautiful experience with ups and downs, and my mind & body is thanking me for taking the leap.

​Thanks for following along on my journey.
​-Em
OTHER RESOURCES:​
Em's book: Uncovering Bliss: A Journey with a Vestibular Condition and Beyond
​Vestibular Warrior Wellness Hub + Resources

YouTube Videos [Vestibular Warrior]
Oils Routine for Vestibular Warriors
​Em's Routine When Symptoms Heighten
​
Migraine Vegan Diet

Bliss Out Vibes Podcast for Vestibular Warriors
​Contact Em
3 Comments

Why I'm Following Medical Medium Cleanse to Heal Protocol (for Vertigo and Migraine)

4/26/2020

1 Comment

 
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 Hi there,

It's about time I post during this chaotic time that we're in...  As I type this from my Seattle home, I'm filled with a deep gratitude for the days and weeks I've spent with my family at home and in nature, yet I'm simultaneously heartbroken about the status of the world and ache for the many people hurting.  But there's a light in that ache, and it's the love and kindness that is being shown by people right now in this time of Coronavirus.  The earth - our home - is getting a chance to heal.  The sky has never looked more beautiful.  And there's a calm in between the chaos.  I have so much to say about how I feel about everything that's happening, but my overall message is simple:  I am and always will be for empowered wellness.  This relates hugely to this space I've created for Vestibular Warriors.  

I believe in healing.

I know that we can make lifestyle shifts that are monumental when it comes to our wellness (and the wellness of this planet). 
​
I believe that we are meant to thrive in this human-experience.

Anthony William says it perfectly in his latest book:
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This is the perfect time for Vestibular Warriors to go deeper with their healing.  There is no better time than now to go inward and focus on your wellness.  It's a beautiful thing to uncover the root cause and take the steps to heal from the inside out.  Health starts on an individual level.  When I'm kind to myself and focus on fueling my health- mind, body & spirit, I can then shine light to those around me.  Wellness is a light that we can keep sharing and shining for one another.  

It's a gift that we should share with one another.  

A few days ago I started diving in with Medical Medium Cleanse to Heal by Anthony William.  I'm not new to Medical Medium, but the last few months I have been incorporating more of the protocols in my wellness routine: drinking celery juice every morning and taking recommended supplements.  I can completely tell that it has taken my healing to another level.  It's not something that happens overnight, but in the moments, days and weeks of committing to fueling my body in an incredibly intentional and thoughtful way.  

My goal is to touch complete freedom from the vestibular stuff.  While I do feel like I've recovered my wellness after the vestibular storm (read Uncovering Bliss: A Journey With a Vestibular Condition and Beyond for my whole story and the mind & body experience) and I rarely experience vestibular symptoms, I'm still weaning off my migraine medication and I do get the occasional twinge of symptoms.  I'm getting so close to being off my migraine medication (all posts on that here) and I know that freedom from it is in sight. 

I'm ready to take this next step and for me it's part of uncovering bliss every single day.  

The below is an excerpt from Cleanse to Heal in the section especially important for Vestibular Warriors:
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The biggest change that I'm making with following this book is that I'm incorporating the supplement list for vertigo/migraines.  I have already been taking a majority of these supplements for the last few months, but I'm now learning that I need to change the dosage on most of them.  Basically I need to up the amount I'm taking a bit, which makes sense to me.  I'm taking it slow and embracing the cleansing process.  

One of the supplements I started taking more of is L-lysine and I have noticed that I've had moments where I've felt like I want to jump out of my skin.  Sort of odd to describe but I connected with another Vestibular Warrior who felt the same way.  I've also been tired in a happy way.  Like my body is getting the goodness it needs and figuring out what to do with it.  I love drinking celery juice each morning and I feel lucky that I can make it happen every day.  I was drinking about 16oz each morning the last 10ish weeks, but Cleanse To Heal recommends working up to 32oz, and I'm up for the challenge!

Along with embracing this protocol, I know that right now it's especially important for me to focus on the good and what I want to bring into this world.  So, here I am at the (sort of) beginning of this next step and I'm excited to share it with you.  I want to help others feel empowered on their healing journey.  That's why I share all I do on Vestibular Warrior YouTube and why I'll continue to.

If we haven't connected on Instagram, I would love to!  I make a point to share a lot of my journey there and we can root for one another along the way.

-Em

OTHER RESOURCES:
​
Em's book: Uncovering Bliss: A Journey with a Vestibular Condition and Beyond
​Vestibular Warrior Wellness Hub + Resources

YouTube Videos [Vestibular Warrior]
Oils Routine for Vestibular Warriors
​Em's Routine When Symptoms Heighten
​
Migraine Vegan Diet

Bliss Out Vibes Podcast for Vestibular Warriors
​Contact Em
1 Comment

Following Medical Medium Protocols [for vestibular condition] + Update on Weaning off Migraine Medication

2/28/2020

0 Comments

 
medical medium vestibular migraines
Hi there.

How to even start this post... Well, I'm here to tell you about diving into the Medical Medium protocols, what that even means, why I'm doing it, and what my goals are.  I I figure I should just start from the beginning.,,

Three and a half years ago my world went sideways.  Enter: vestibular neuritis + vestibular migraines.  [visit my FAQ page for all the details on my journey]

I was lost.  I was terrified.  I had no idea what was happening to my mind and body.  The symptoms were all-consuming, overwhelming, and soul-crushing- feeling like my world was titled, my eyes not focusing right, raging anxiety, mental fatigue, dizziness, floating feeling, and it goes on).  My search for answers started immediately and I share that experience of recovering my wellness in my book Uncovering Bliss: A Journey with a Vestibular Condition and Beyond.

And now, I'm ready to tackle the root cause and find complete freedom from the vestibular stuff.  This has always been the goal really, but recovering my health has been a process.  It happened one step at a time, crawling along most of the time, and involved taking 10 steps forward and 5 steps back over and over again.  Around two years in, I started using the word "recovered" and for me that means that most days I feel pretty fantastic.  I get occasional migraine pain and I'm in the process of weaning off my migraine-preventive medication (read all about that here).  My goal is to be med-free and thriving with vibrant health.  

I believe that we are meant to thrive in this human-experience and that is my passion and overall message to the incredible Vestibular Warriors that I connect with.
medical medium vestibular migraines

Why Medical Medium?

For starters, if you haven't heard of Medical Medium be sure to visit the website and listen to the podcast.  Also, I found this article from Goop fascinating and it really helped me piece together what probably happened to me. 

Medical Medium is all about deep healing.  Getting at the root cause.  I freaking love the message.  Our bodies are not out to get us; we can and are meant to heal.

Medical Medium is not new to me.  Holistic healing has been my passion all along.  When I was first hit with vestibular neuritis in October 2016 one of the first books I bought was Medical Medium: Thyroid Healing because it talks about vestibular conditions, the underlying cause and how to heal.  It was a lot to take in.  It made sense to me, but my symptoms were so intense that trying to comprehend everything that was potentially happening within me was hard.  I incorporated a few of the protocols- cutting gluten, sugar and processed foods from my diet (I already didn't eat dairy or eggs which are also recommended to eliminate).  I followed the diet for a period of six months along with my version of the migraine diet and it honestly did help.  I felt better, but I still had a ways to go.  This framework of eating is still the basis for my diet, but I'm not perfect by any stretch.  I've been following a plant-based diet the last decade and it is a beautiful part of my life.

I still did not understand how deeply rooted my vestibular something was and why it hit in the beginning.  I was in survival mode, getting through life as a mom of two young kids (newborn and 2 year old when it hit), working, keeping up with life and just trudging through the darkness of my vestibular condition.  So I followed the diet guidelines and was incorporating many other holistic pieces (pure essential oils, craniosacral work, working with a holistic doctor, meditation, etc.) but for whatever reason my Medical Medium focus sort of got put on the back burner.    

Here I am, years later and so grateful to be where I am, no longer drowning in symptoms and I'm ready to really focus on the root cause.  Let's talk Epstein-Barr virus.

I dusted off the Medical Medium Thyroid healing book from the cupboard and gave it a refresher read.  Logically, it makes perfect sense to me.  I was kicking myself wondering why it took me so long to bring this knowledge into my focus.  Medical Medium's stance is that pathogen/viruses are at the root of all symptoms.  That lines up completely with me.  Something caused vestibular neuritis- it didn't just poof out of thin air.  The virus/pathogen inflamed my vestibular nerve and then started to wreak havoc on the nervous system.  [Again, if this is brand new to you, read this article]

As I read through the stages of Epstein-Barr virus, I just kept nodding my head.  I had mono at 17 and just over a decade later BAM- the vestibular stuff hits. (By the way, you don't need to have had mono for any of this to have taken place)  I read through the symptoms, what it would feel like, and I just kept saying "yes, yes, yesss...".  

That's why I'm jumping into the protocols and I'm so excited.  I've been celery juicing that last few weeks and it's my new favorite way to start the day.  I've been sticking with my plant-based smoothies but incorporating Medical Medium recommended things like Hawaiian spirulina, barley grass, dates, lots of bananas).  I've been eating lots of nourishing plant-based goodness and it feels wonderful.

My next step is the supplements, which I plan to do another post on once I have more to report.  I'm very much catering this plan to me.  We are all different and the underlying cause of our vestibular something often vary; although, may be very similar.
medical medium vestibular migraines

Weaning off migraine medication

I'm four months into weaning off my migraine-preventive medication and down by 1/2 of my original dosage.  It feels gooood. [read past posts on this topic here]

I don't have much to report other than this last month I felt like my body was speaking to me to go down by a little bit more of my dosage, and so I did.  I'm taking it slow and steady but this last month made a slightly bigger jump.  Since I've been embracing really clean eating and bringing in some new supplements, I just felt ready.  That being said, I plan to continue to take it slow as I do not want to shock my body in any way.  I'm in this for the long game!

What's To Come

In writing my book and sharing my YouTube videos, a lot of what I talk about is in retrospect.  I think there is something really special about that because my perspective has evolved over the course of the last few years of this vestibular journey.  It's given me an opportunity to shine light to those in the darkness of the vestibular stuff.

But now, I want to share in the moment. 

I want to give an honest account of what it looks like beyond recovering my wellness into what it looks like to heal from the inside out.

I hope you're listening, Universe.  I plan to heal myself.  I believe we should all be empowered to do the same.  I'm putting it out there so that you know my drive from the start.

I'd love to connect with you on your journey!
-Em

OTHER RESOURCES:
​
Em's book: Uncovering Bliss: A Journey with a Vestibular Condition and Beyond
​Vestibular Warrior Wellness Hub + Resources

YouTube Videos [Vestibular Warrior]
Oils Routine for Vestibular Warriors
​Em's Routine When Symptoms Heighten
​
Migraine Vegan Diet

Bliss Out Vibes Podcast for Vestibular Warriors
​Contact Em
0 Comments

Vestibular Migraine is just a label; health is a lifestyle

2/26/2020

0 Comments

 
vestibular migraine diagnosis
​I did not have a diagnosis for 21 months.  I self-diagnosed long before a doctor slapped a label on my symptoms.  That being said, I started healing long before the vestibular neuritis + vestibular migraine sticker.  I believed from the beginning that I could have an impact on my health.  Honestly the diagnosis didn’t give me anything other than an easier way to sum up what I was experiencing.  It definitely didn’t give me all the answers.  I don’t want another Vestibular Warrior to think that they need a definitive label to start healing.  Embracing nourishing real plant-based food, making lifestyle shifts (for me, using oils and other holistic support), going to therapy (if desired), exploring alternative approaches… does not require a vestibular migraine (or other vestibular something) diagnosis.  It just requires the longing to feel better. 
 
In my case, I had been vegan for many years prior to getting hit with vestibular neuritis.  I lead what I would consider to be a pretty healthy life.  I later learned that even within my perception there was much room for learning and growth.  For a period of six months (that first year) I cut out sugar, gluten, processed foods, all keeping within my plant-based framework.  I used many supplements, pure essential oils and CBD.  I went and got craniosacral and chiropractic work each week, meditated, did yoga, pleaded with the universe… but it wasn’t a complete cure.  It got me 90% of the way there, which is pretty freaking amazing when I started out being overwhelmed with symptoms 24/7 for over a year.  When I finally did get my diagnosis, the only change was that a neurologist prescribed me medication.
 
In my opinion, health is not simply a destination. 
 
I started using the word “recovered” because most days I feel wonderful and as if the vestibular whirlwind never happened.  But creating my health is a daily project.  I’d never say, “I recovered from vestibular migraines and now I can eat like crap, forget my holistic wellness routines and just move on”.  That’s absolutely not the truth.  Health comes through all the choices I make every single day.  And it’s fun and empowering, and the journey to uncover the root cause continues (my why for diving into Medical Medium).
 
We have the power to create (and recreate as needed) our health.  Our experiences are not identical and that’s because the underlying cause of our vestibular somethings is not identical (although may be very similar).  If you don’t like how you feel today, then know that you can make a change.  It won’t always be easy, but look at it as an opportunity. 
 
An occasion to be much more than just a vestibular something label. 
 
A chance create your wellness and be you.

OTHER RESOURCES:
​
Em's book: Uncovering Bliss: A Journey with a Vestibular Condition and Beyond
​Vestibular Warrior Wellness Hub + Resources

YouTube Videos [Vestibular Warrior]
Oils Routine for Vestibular Warriors
​Em's Routine When Symptoms Heighten
​
Migraine Vegan Diet

Bliss Out Vibes Podcast for Vestibular Warriors
​Contact Em
0 Comments

Healing Vestibular Migraines: my wellness plan + weaning off migraine medication (month four)

1/29/2020

0 Comments

 
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Hi there!

Oh man do I have a lot to say this month.  Mostly because I'm just so darn excited to share it with you and I feel like I'm onto something.  My soul is radiating the vibes of healingggg.  If you're new here, be sure to visit my FAQ page and the Vestibular Warrior Wellness Hub to get a glimpse of my journey with a vestibular condition (vestibular neuritis + vestibular migraines) and beyond, but then come back here!  I'm so happy to connect with you.

This month has been good; although, I feel like I have a bit more to report on the migraine-preventive (amitriptyline) weaning process.  I'm down by a third of my original medication dosage and I'm so happy with how my body is responding.  I did have a few days of feeling off and it was a sign to me to be really kind to myself, lots of plant-based eats, celery juicing (started this month!), cleansing supplements (I use doTERRA + started HUM Nutrition this month), pure plant oils, move + mediate workouts and CBD (non-psychoactive) for support.  I'm feeling really good.  It's awesome to see that listening to my body and responding accordingly with my toolkit is powerful.  Nothing like putting my toolkit to work!

[visit here to read all posts on my experience with weaning off migraine-preventive medication]

eating to heal

vestibular migraine healing
This month I've been diving into Medical Medium protocols.  I had read one of his book's during the first year with my vestibular something, and most of the foods promoted are a part of my vestibular migraine diet plan.  I saw he had a podcast episode on healing migraines and it struck me as something I wanted to revisit (listen to the episode here).  In short, the mindset is that a virus is at the heart of vestibular migraines.  Honestly this hits home for me, especially because my story involves vestibular neuritis which triggered vestibular migraines.  

My mission has always been to heal from the inside out.  I believe that my body (and yours by the way!) is meant to find its blissful balance, but environment, stress, toxins and lifestyle can throw things out of whack.  Especially as I'm weaning off my medication, I want to get to the root cause more than ever.  I'm so thankful to feel how I do today.  There was a time when my symptoms were 24/7 for months and months on end, so in comparison to that I'm on cloud nine.  That being said, even though I've recovered my wellness, I want to be free from the vestibular stuff.  And once I find that freedom, I want to help other Vestibular Warriors do the same.  Actually, my mission is to help other Vestibular Warriors every step of the way (my why for writing my book Uncovering Bliss: A Journey with a Vestibular Condition and Beyond).

Some Medical Medium basics on an anti-viral diet include cutting gluten, dairy, eggs, white sugar and processed foods.  I've embraced a vegan diet since 2009, and it changed my life, so animal products are not a part of my diet.  But I have a sweet tooth and if you follow me on Instagram you've probably noticed.  So my biggest shift is staying away from white sugar and processed foods (even vegan ones).  This doesn't mean forever but I recognize that in times of deep healing it's important, and so often necessary.

Bring on the celery juice!  If you Google "Medical Medium celery juice" you're bound to come up with a heck of a lot of information.  This article is a good starting point.  I'm jumping on board with this and I'm excited to see where it takes me.  I've been starting my day with either celery juice or cucumber juice, and then having a sweet smoothie to soothe my cravings.  The recipe posted below is from Oh She Glows second cookbook and it includes a banana, dates, cacao, hemp seeds...and it's freaking delicious.  
vestibular migraine healing

healing vestibular migraines

While a nourishing diet is my driving force, I absolutely turn to other things for beautiful support.  Particularly this month I've refined my plan.  I took a slightly bigger jump in decreasing my medicine dosage and that made me pinpoint exactly where I needed a bit of self-care.  Here are other things that have been making a splash:

Pure plant essential oils- no surprise here, but the Balance blend has been my BFF.  You can guarantee that if you're near me you'll be smelling these oils (which make up Balance): Spruce Leaf, Ho Wood Leaf, Frankincense Resin, Blue Tansy Flower, Blue Chamomile Flower, and Osmanthus Flower essential oils in a base of Fractionated Coconut Oil. [oils routine for Vestibular Warriors here]

Kait Hurley move + meditation workouts- movement for me is a must.  If I feel a sway or glitch (as I call it) or a spike in anxiety, I know it's time to get moving.  I always feel better afterwards, without fail.  These workouts are about sweating and then meditating, and it feels glorious.  When I started these workouts 15 months in with my vestibular something, I would wobble through every move.  I started with the restorative workouts and then worked my way up.  They are definitely an obsession of mine, so much so that I talk about them in the chapter on anxiety in my book.

CBD fruit chews (250mg)- Living in Seattle I feel like I have a lot of accessibility to CBD, but this wasn't the case when I was back east.  I was ordering CBD online and now I can go to the stores.  I've tried a variety of CBD forms (creams, vape, tinctures) and this month I got a package of fruit chews for my birthday and I love them.  I tend to eat one before bed and I can feel the calm set in and it's a beautiful thing.  I had a day with migraine pain and I came home and ate one of the chews and my pain went down, and almost disappeared.  I was really impressed.  That being said, you have to know the quality of what you're putting in your body.  There's a bunch of junk out there...and that's for another discussion.

Meditation- Dr. Joe Dispenza and Elizabeth Stanley, PhD are my inspiration right now.  I listened to Elizabeth on Jessica Murnane's podcast (listen here) and it's a really powerful episode on trauma, which so many of us that have journeyed with a vestibular something can relate too.  And most of us have experienced some sort of trauma throughout our lives.  The more I meditate, the more I crave it.  

I hope that gives you a look into what healing vestibular migraines looks like for me.  Be sure to check out the latest on Vestibular Warrior YouTube as well.
Talk to you next month!
-Em

OTHER RESOURCES:
​
Em's book: Uncovering Bliss: A Journey with a Vestibular Condition and Beyond
​Vestibular Warrior Wellness Hub + Resources

YouTube Videos [Vestibular Warrior]
Oils Routine for Vestibular Warriors
​Em's Routine When Symptoms Heighten
​
Migraine Vegan Diet

Bliss Out Vibes Podcast for Vestibular Warriors
​Contact Em
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weaning off amitriptyline for vestibular migraines (month three) + facing fear

12/30/2019

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coming off amitriptyline for migraines
Hi out there.

Woah I've been blogging a bit over the holiday break.  It feels good to write.  My mission over the next few months is to finish up my holistic nutritionist certificate so I'll be buried in books.

Another month has passed by and it's time for me to check in on the process of weaning off my migraine-preventive medication (amitriptyline).  If you're just jumping in, visit my initial post, month one and month two.  Also, I recommend reading the book Heal Your Headache to gain a better understanding of the migraine-preventive medication often offered to those struggling with migraines (vestibular migraines in my case) and why.  

Although it's happily been an uneventful month as I slowlyyy wean off the medication, I think the emotional component is something that I'll slowly need to work through.  The medication has been a security blanket sort of speak.  At 21 months in with the vestibular stuff I started the medicine to tackle the spontaneous attacks that would happen.  As I've mentioned in the past, in my mind I was 90% better at that time, but the random vestibular migraine attacks were crushing my soul.  I'd be riding high at my 90% better, so thankful for the progress I'd made, and then BAM- the symptoms (see below) would reappear and intensify.  The first 18ish months had been constant symptoms (with great improvement over that time) so the feeling associated with each of these attacks was deep and it hurt.

As someone who believes in the power of holistic wellness with all my heart, going on a medication for migraines was a big decision.  It's one I discuss more in my book.

Below are the vestibular migraine symptoms I experienced most intensely during episodes:

DISSOCIATIVE SYMPTOMS- this was my biggest symptom and the worst; it included derealization (disconnected from my environment) and depersonalization (disconnected from my body)
ANXIETY- this spike was often my telltale sign of what was to follow
LIGHTHEADEDNESS- feeling like I might faint (this is a symptoms I experienced throughout my twenties along with derealization)
PHOTOPHOBIA- sensitivity to light or intolerance of light; big box stores and/or florescent lights were the hardest to handle
VERTIGO- feeling like my world was spinning even though I was still
VISUAL ISSUES / DIMINISHED EYE FOCUS- difficulty focusing my eyes and my world appearing skewed (although I could completely see)
SPACIAL DISORIENTATION- suddenly needing to make sense of where I was; feeling unaware of my body's position
NAUSEA- this symptoms made a strong appearance at times causing vomiting

NECK PAIN- this would often happen before other symptoms made a strong appearance; turning my neck would become difficult and painful to the touch

As I've reduced my dosage this month, I've been keeping up with my holistic support (full routine here).  I'll give you a glimpse of what my days (with my natural toolkit of oils) looks like as well as some of the other blissful things that fuel my soul.  It has provided me peace of mind as I reduce the dosage, using oils to support my mind & body as well as following my vestibular migraine diet plan.  Although, with the holidays I've certainly indulged in plenty of chocolate.  Chocolate (vegan) has never been an issue for me and for that I'm thankful.  Coffee on the other hand has certainly not always been a friend of mine.

Ok, onto the holistic goodness! [visit my favorite oils for Vestibular Warriors to get yours]

ADAPTIV OIL BLEND:
-I apply this blend on my wrists and back of my neck throughout the day, and it smells dreamy!
-WHY: the oils' properties help boost mood, assist in centering, increase feelings of tranquility, soothe and uplift, and reduce feeling of anxiousness and tension

COPAIBA OIL: 
-I take a few drops of this oil in a veggie capsule morning and night (or use the softgels); I also will apply this oil to my temples if I feel any migraine pain trying to break through
-WHY: the oil's properties support the health of the cardiovascular, immune, and digestive systems when ingested, powerful antioxidant benefits when taken internally, internal use helps calm, soothe, and support the nervous system, and it promotes clear, smooth skin and reduces the appearance of blemishes

PEPPERMINT OIL:
-I apply this oil on my temples and dab underneath my nose to wake up in the morning.  I'll also apply it to my temples throughout the day, as needed.
-WHY: It is cooling and soothing and its properties combat migraines.  Woohoo.

And I talk all about the supplements I take in my Vestibular Warrior e-book and on this page.
your oils
coming off amitriptyline for vestibular migraines
I've been starting my days with a matcha latte which is pure fuel for my soul.  I've been using Good Mylk Ceremonial Matcha Latte powder + oat milk.  I confess that I have quite a love for going to coffee shops on my work lunch hour and treating myself to a matcha latte, but my goal is to make them more at home.  I think my wallet will appreciate the effort.  I try to make green juice (this recipe) during the workweek and drink that before the latte or midday.  It's a way for me to get a punch of goodness.

So the fear piece- weaning off the medicine means that I really need to be in touch with triggers.  The medicine took me from 90% to 100% most days, and I've had very minimal vestibular symptoms the last 1.5 years.  I do get migraine pain here and there, but the vestibular storm has been quite quiet.  Man that's a beautiful thing to be able to say.  In no way am I looking to disrupt that.  I want to do what is best for my wellness and ultimately I do not want to rely on a medication for life.  I want to figure this out.  As I write this I very much feel like I'm confessing something to a journal, so I hope it comes through the emotion I have wrapped up in this decision.

I don't have any set plan for what officially getting completely off the medication will look like.  I'm going with the flow and reducing by no more than 5mg each month.  Of course we're all different, so check in with your doctor before making any changes.  There's a variety of migraine medications/dosages and our bodies react in different ways.  I wish I knew exactly what it will look like, but that's impossible, so my plan is to be intentional with my wellness routine, listen to my body and keep plugging through it. 

Onto another month!  Also, a new episode is up on the Bliss Out Vibes podcast.  It's about time, right?
​
​-Em
coming off amitriptyline for migraines

OTHER RESOURCES:
​
Em's book: Uncovering Bliss
​Vestibular Warrior Wellness Hub + Resources

YouTube Videos [Vestibular Warrior]
Oils Routine for Vestibular Warriors
​Em's Routine When Symptoms Heighten
​
Migraine Vegan Diet

Bliss Out Vibes Podcast for Vestibular Warriors
​Contact Em
0 Comments

Vestibular Warrior Talk: My Thoughts as We Approach Another Year

12/29/2019

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vestibular condition support
Hey Vestibular Warrior.

I've been thinking about the vibe I want to bring into the New Year.  I like that approach more than setting any exact resolution/goal; although, I do have things on my mind.  But just setting the tone for myself and the energy I want to carry into 2020 is powerful.  Living with vestibular somethings, we often do not know what the next day (or moment) will bring.  For me it's been monumental in my life finding my calm in chaos and realizing that the light that will guide me through the ups and downs is within me; it's within my power to create my glowing wellness.  Further, that means that I am responsible for taking ownership of my health.  

That's a lot to take on when you're journeying with a vestibular condition which creates a general feeling of powerlessness.  I know that feeling intimately and it used to be the energy that felt soul-crushing.  I was reacting to every symptom, every emotion, every doctor's appointment, every sway/floaty feeling/glitch... you understand.  

As we turn the corner into a brand new year, my mission is to continue to create my wellness.  It's one thing to say it and another battle to actually follow through.  I thought I'd share the pieces of bliss I'm taking into 2020, and I hope it gets you thinking what vibe you want to take with you.  After all, while we do not have control over every detail of life, we do have a choice in how we approach it.

uncovering bliss each day

What brings you happiness?  What makes your heart happy?  What makes your soul sigh relief at the knowledge that there is so much beauty in this world?  This may be something you really have to meditate on.  When my symptoms were storming my system and I felt like I didn't have a moment of relief, stopping to smell the roses was just not part of my schedule.  I was in pure survival mode.

However, something I've realized as I've healed from vestibular neuritis and took control of vestibular migraines, is that uncovering bliss daily is a must.  Taking pure pleasure in the small moments that make up this life is not only essential to healing, but a component of what makes up this life.  It's the secret that should be screamed.  Here are some examples from my life, so you can think on your bliss.

-Interacting with my boys and getting a glimpse of life through their eyes
-Walking the streets of Seattle with a matcha latte and listening to my favorite music playlist
-Dying my hair pink and feeling comfortable in my own skin... even with the occasional sway, migraine or other symptom; always grateful for the progress I've made
-Hearing from a fellow Vestibular Warrior that my book was a light in their day

The key was finding bliss before I was through my vestibular something.  I honestly don't know if I'll ever be completely through it, but I refuse to not find the bliss in this life as I journey along.

mindset

This is the game changer.  This is the one that changed my world.  For 21 months I didn't have a solid diagnosis.  I had self-diagnosed myself with vestibular neuritis the first year and it wasn't until that one-year mark that I started to piece together the vestibular migraine component.  I didn't have a doctor that had provided me any guidance on diagnosis.  I was working with a chiropractor that specialized in craniosacral work and another that was a holistic nutritionist.  My mission was to heal from the inside out and I decided I didn't need a label for my vestibular something in order to do that. 

Where can your mindset shift your reality?  I think this is a question we can ask ourselves most days.  It's sort of the glass half-full or half-empty conversation.  It rings true though that our mindset creates our reality.  That's why I call us Vestibular Warriors because it's empowering.  It demonstrates our strength and resilience.  

A goal of mine this year is to wean off my migraine-preventive medication.  Of course I have fear wrapped up in that.  But what if I just look at it as an opportunity to get to know myself better?  To better pay attention to my body speaking to me.  When I need extra support, I'll turn to diet, oils, movement + meditation, the support of vestibular warriors and most importantly my mindset and how it will guide me every step of the way.

release the emotional weight

When I was in the worst of the storm with my vestibular something, there was a lot of emotion and trauma that I just couldn't process in the moment.  It's only in looking back over the journey that I see clearer how I was trudging through the motions.  Sometimes when you're trudging, it's hard to really feel how an experience is shaping you.  That was certainly the case for me.  Around two years in I started to find a grounded state.  I felt my soul coming back to life and at that point I was finally ready to start opening up about the experience.  That inspired my creation of Bliss Out, the Vestibular Warrior YouTube channel and ultimately was my fuel to write my book Uncovering Bliss unfolding my journey.

I say all this to encourage you to process the emotional component of your vestibular something. 

​Maybe that means sitting in a meditation even when you feel like you're floating away.

Maybe it means opening up to someone (even if just a journal) about your vestibular something and how it makes you feel.

Maybe it means taking part is some sort of therapy (so many kinds out there!) and doing something for you.
Picture

connections

My whole purpose and the driving force behind everything I share is that I don't want another Vestibular Warrior to feel alone.  I want to spread hope and resilience.  I want other Vestibular Warriors to know that this community understands your fears, your heartbreak and pain, but this community also will inspire you to rise up regardless of everything your vestibular something has thrown at you.  Listen to this song and then come back to this post.

I run Vestibular Warrior on Facebook which is all about holistic support & mindset to thrive with our vestibular somethings and beyond.  I'd love to connect with you.

nourishing diet

In the next few months I'll be finishing up my holistic nutrition studies and will be able to call myself a Holistic Nutritionist.  The process of jumping back into studying has been as a gift to myself.  I believe that food is meant to heal our minds & bodies and help us find our balanced state.  In my experience it hasn't been the entire piece of recovering my wellness, but it plays an important role.  Embracing a plant-based diet a decade ago changed my life.  I literally felt negativity fall away from my essence as I learned to love my body.  Also, because I am working on getting off my migraine medication (that I started 21 months in to break the cycle), I know that diet will be ultra important and I plan to keep within my Vestibular Migraine Diet (vegan-friendly version).  

The quickest way to change how you feel about yourself is to look at how you're feeding your body and soul.  I think it's commonly the last piece we look at to shift our wellness when it should be the very first piece.  
vestibular neuritis help
I hope that you resonate with this post and I'd love to hear your thoughts.  I wish you all the best on your wellness journey as we dance into 2020.

Sending good vibes your way.
​
-Em

OTHER RESOURCES:
​
Em's book: Uncovering Bliss
​Vestibular Warrior Wellness Hub + Resources

YouTube Videos [Vestibular Warrior]
Oils Routine for Vestibular Warriors
​Em's Routine When Symptoms Heighten
​
Migraine Vegan Diet

Bliss Out Vibes Podcast for Vestibular Warriors
​Contact Em
0 Comments
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