The Pattern Library

Boost your mental well-being with natural dopamine optimization. Learn how specific herbs and lifestyle changes support serotonin, and how to help balance neurotransmitters without pharmaceuticals. Natural Dopamine and Serotonin Boosters There's real science behind targeted herbal support. Here's what we cover: Mucuna Seed Extract, which converts to dopamine and may help with Parkinson's disease symptoms Griffonia, which supports healthy serotonin production 5-HTP, which aids

Weddings, moves, new jobs, and loss all count. Take the Holmes and Rahe Stress Scale to see how much change your nervous system has absorbed in the past 12 months.

Have you ever felt like you experience the world a little more intensely than everyone else — like your emotions run deeper, your senses are sharper, and you need more quiet time to recover from a busy day? You might be a Highly Sensitive Person. Take this self-assessment to find out.

This past weekend, April and I presented at the Geneseo Health & Wellness Expo — and one thing was abundantly clear: people are stressed. We set up a Heart Rate Variability (HRV) station at our booth, and the readings told a story. Person after person stepped up, and the numbers confirmed what I see in the clinic every day: our nervous systems are working overtime. What we saw at the Expo Healthy Heart Rate Variability What Exactly Is HRV? Heart Rate Variability measures the

8 week transformation to feel calmer and more at ease

Hygge is more than ambiance. It’s a seasonal practice that aligns with your biology. Here’s how to embrace it—and support your whole-body health through the darker months.

The holiday season can bring great joy and quality time with loved ones. Full schedules and to-do lists can also deplete our energy and shift our priorities. This is a perfect time to reflect on boundaries.

In functional medicine, we talk a lot about root causes — about getting underneath the symptoms to what’s really going on. But here’s the thing: finding the root isn’t the hardest part. Changing what feeds it is.

This month at the clinic, we're hosting a theme. You've heard of No Shave November right? Well in a slip-of-the-tongue during our Monday...

You’ve heard it before, but sleep is so important! Here's why getting adequate, high-quality sleep is crucial: Research has found that there is no magic number when it comes to how much sleep to get. The amount of sleep each individual needs depends on age, genetics, activity level, and other factors. However, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine has found that 7-9 hours of sleep is a good range for most adults. sleeping woman Sleep is critical for many body functions. Thi

In case you’ve missed my recent posts about neuroplasticity, a quick refresher: Neuroplasticity refers to the brain's remarkable capacity...

If you were to estimate, what portion of your day is your mind filled with a sense of urgency versus curiosity? Many individuals live their lives in a perpetual state of urgency, constantly rushing through their days. The weight of expectations to excel. The urge to accomplish tasks efficiently and effectively. The anticipation of what the future may hold. However, there is an important point to consider: The sense of urgency you're experiencing could potentially impact your

Do you ever experience moments when your mind seems to be holding you back from moving forward? Perhaps it is... Thoughts of unease and...

There are alternative ways to quickly boost your energy levels besides relying solely on caffeine and sugar. Say what? Here are my top 5: Move Engaging in physical activity is a highly effective method to stimulate blood flow and boost your energy levels! Take a stroll around the neighborhood, engage in some energetic jumping jacks, or even just rise from your seat for a few minutes and gently shake out your limbs. Breathe Oxygen is vital for your cells to produce energy effi

Summertime is typically when people's mood is the best. There's sun, warmth, fresh fruits & veggies, vacations & lots of playtime, but what if your mood is still low? Many people believe that mood is only impacted by serotonin levels in the brain, this is not the complete picture. The chemical balance of your entire body, including your gut, thyroid, and immune system, affects your mood since they are all connected to your brain. Nutrients and hormones play a crucial role in

You've heard of dopamine, yes? It's a neurotransmitter in the brain that is responsible for feelings of pleasure, motivation, and reward....

May is Mental Health Awareness month, and with some new laws passed in Oregon recently, I wanted to shed a little light on "Magic Mushrooms". Magic mushrooms are called such because they contain a psychoactive ingredient called psilocybin. While magic mushrooms are taken for their mind-altering effects, psilocybin is being studied for its potential benefits in the field of mental health. The New England Journal of Medicine has recently published the biggest clinical trial of

Navigating the maze of melatonin supplements can certainly be bewildering. With so many variations in dosage strengths and forms—from...

Have you heard the exciting news? QC Natural Health now offers health coaching services to help support your journey towards a healthier lifestyle! I am so happy to introduce you to Monica! Monica is NASM Certified Personal Trainer, GGS Certified Pre/Post Natal Coach, and an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, taking a special interest in women's health. She helps her clients feel their best through individualized food and lifestyle changes that meet their unique needs. Toget

Although they go largely unnoticed, B vitamins are of immense benefit to our well-being. This collection of essential nutrients work in...