In the latest episode of The Adventures of V-Man, Vinnie searches around the office and warehouse for the ghost of Dherbs!

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In the latest episode of The Adventures of V-Man, Vinnie hits Switzer Falls Trail to do some forest bathing!

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It’s no secret that being in nature puts a smile on your face. There’s something about the towering trees, crashing waves, chirping birds, fresher air, or echoing canyons that make you feel alive. Nature is calming and the stress and worry of the world is nowhere to be found. Spending time in nature aids with clearer thinking, stress reduction, and it even improves energy, rejuvenating the senses. 

What Is Forest Bathing?

Is there a scientific explanation for this feeling a person gets when they put themselves in the elements? In Japan, forest bathing, or shinrin-yoku, is a common practice that involves bathing in the forest’s atmosphere. This term emerged in the 1980s and it became somewhat of an eco-antidote to the technology boom. In the 1990s, researchers began studying this eco-therapy for the potential benefits we now know. It doesn’t require the person to find a pond or stream and physically bathe in the water; rather, the whole purpose is to connect with the atmosphere via the senses. Opening the self to this experience allows the person to bridge the gap between the natural world and the self. 

Forest bathing is an extremely unique experience, so our content writer, Vinnie, had to try it, naturally. Now, anyone can participate in forest bathing on their own, but the initial experience with a guide offers a little clarity on how to approach the therapy. It’s not simply for adventurous people who feel confident in the wilderness. Forest bathing is for anyone seeking solace or stress relief from a busy lifestyle. Let Vinnie tell you about his experience below. 

Forest Bathing In LA

It’s almost a foreign concept to think that forests exist in Los Angeles, CA. A mere 30 minutes outside of the densely populated city, you can find hikes that put you in a forest. It may not be as impressive as the towering sequoias in central California, but it is relaxing nonetheless. I got in contact with Ben Page, a forest bathing guide and author of Healing Trees: A Pocket Guide To Forest Bathing. He agreed to lead a walk along the Switzer Falls Trail in the Angeles National Forest, and encouraged me to bring a few coworkers along for a more communal experience. 

Two of my coworkers and I arrived at the trailhead to meet Page, where he gave us a quick explanation of how the walk would go. In a matter of minutes, we started along the trail and listened to his story on how he became a forest bathing guide. It’s quite an interesting profession, and I almost equate it to a fusion of guided meditation and sound bathing. If you recall from one of the first episodes of The Adventures of V-Man, sound bathing involved listening to various sounds that promote stress reduction and relaxation. The sounds of the forest, including the rustling leaves in the wind and the trickling stream, are not the only tranquil aspects of the therapy, as you’ll find out below. 

Therapy Off The Trail

After walking down the easy trail that slithered its way through the shaded valley, Page veered off the path towards the stream. He found an open space to set up and he began by inviting us to sit down, close our eyes, and experience the space. After settling into the moment, Page sent us off on our own for a few minutes to listen to our surroundings. Could we notice anything new by simply listening? Were there more sounds than the obvious rustling leaves and water?

We returned to the circle after Page howled, coyote-calling us back. It seems silly to observe with your hearing, but it was quite a unique experience. By remaining silent and intently listening to the surrounding world, you can hear more than you would by simply being in the space. I noticed the subtle creaks of trees, while my coworkers heard some faraway birds chirping and a mysterious creature running through the fallen leaves. The beauty of forest bathing is that each person’s experience is different. I am going to hear, see, smell, or taste different things than another person. Page explained that the fragrance of the forest offers an aromatherapy of phytoncides. These are aromatic plant compounds that increase the amount of natural killer cells, which are white blood cells that support optimal immune function. 

Page seemed to be on a completely different wavelength than the rest of us. I feel like, given his experience and time as a forest bathing guide, he approached the tasks on a deeper level. The things he noticed were more spiritual, profound even, than our observations. I don’t think there is a right or wrong way to engage with the therapy. The most important thing is to be in the moment and give yourself a break from the outside world. 

Forest Bathing Takeaway

We completed a few more tasks that lasted for a couple hours. You can learn more about them by watching the video included in this article. To conclude the therapy, Page brewed a tea from the North American bay leaf and we enjoyed some cookies and dried mango in a circle. To a random passerby, this conclusion ceremony may have given off cult vibes, but it was quite peaceful. It brought closure to the experience and I was happy to have shared it with friends. I can only hope that they also got something out of this unique therapy. 

You can bathe in any forest’s atmosphere by yourself, or you can seek out guides to help you experience a more instructional therapy. If you live in the greater Los Angeles area, reach out to Ben Page. He regularly does walks around Los Angeles, and his deep knowledge on the subject sheds a unique light on the entire experience. You can find more about him below. 

Website: www.integralforestbathing.com

Instagram: @integralforestbathing

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In the latest episode of The Adventures of V-Man, Vinnie hits Soma Acupuncture in Atwater Village!

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You know what they say about acupuncture, right? It’s a jab well done! Alrighty then, thank you for indulging that pun. Now we can proceed with a legitimate adventure that was truly a unique experience for Vinnie, our content writer. 

In the latest episode of The Adventures of V-Man, Vinnie went to Soma Acupuncture to receive an acupuncture therapy session. Acupuncture involves the insertion of tiny, thin needles through the skin at specific points. It’s a key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that works to enhance overall wellness. People also use acupuncture to balance the flow of energy, also known as chi or qi. Western practitioners of acupuncture believe that it helps to stimulate nerves, connective tissues, and muscles, aiding with pain and stress relief. 

The Philosophy Behind Acupuncture

The Chinese philosophy of acupuncture can be complicated, in that it isn’t necessarily based on science and medicine. The belief is that the human body is filled by chi, which flows to all the right places if a person is in good physical health. When a person is not in good physical health, chi is inhibited and cannot properly flow throughout the body. By relaxing the body with needles in specific acupuncture points, chi flows better and mental and physical health improve. Acupuncture’s purpose is to help patients achieve balance, providing relief from many ailments. 

I’m going to be completely honest and tell you that I have no idea if internal balance was achieved after I received acupuncture therapy. What I can tell you, is that I was in a state of complete relaxation. It was as though the therapist, Sarika Connor, cast a spell on me. Let it be known that no witchcraft of any kind was performed during this therapy. The cameraman, however, was very nervous the entire time because he has a fear of needles. Connor tried to show him how painless it was, but he declined the offer. 

Soma Acupuncture

Soma Acupuncture is a mere stone’s throw away from the Dherbs office building, which is one of the primary reasons we chose to reach out to it. Supporting local businesses and shedding a light on them is a beautiful thing! Connor is such a lovely and lively personality and has a deep passion for her practice. She was in a terrible car accident and improved her condition by receiving regular acupuncture sessions. She was able to regain full range of motion in her shoulder, so she decided to switch professions and become a licensed acupuncture therapist. If it could help her that much, she thought she could use it to help so many others. 

Upon arriving at the facility, we talked about whether or not I had specific pain or sore areas in my body. At the time, I experienced some knee pain in my right knee, so she catered the session to benefit that area. I received acupuncture once before, but there was no discussion of my personal ailments, or aches and pains. It was like a general once-over that didn’t benefit me. Connor took the time to ask me about my health and tailor the session to fit my needs. 

The Treatment

It’s completely understandable to have a fear of needles, but acupuncture needles are so tiny that you barely feel them enter the skin. The sensation is like a small prick that lasts for half a second. The craziest thing happened, though, when she placed a needle in the center of my forehead and one in each ear. That combo put me into a completely relaxed state and I felt like I could instantly fall asleep. 

Then I was jolted into the present when she hooked some of the needles up to an electrical stem machine. It uses electrical pulses to mimic the signals that come from neurons, which are cells in the nervous system. The goal is to target muscles or nerves. In my case, Connor targeted my right knee. One of the needles did fall out and when she re-inserted it back into my shin, I felt the electrical pulse shoot up my entire right side. I laughed nervously because of the intensity. Connor apologized and tried her best to hold in her laughter. There’s nothing wrong with laughing at my pain, people. After that, I drifted off into a state of half-sleep/half-wake, a limbo or relaxation. 

Conclusion

When the therapy was over, I felt as though there was more mobility in my right knee. It was also less painful from when I first walked into Soma Acupuncture. It’s an incredible feeling to receive immediate gratification in regards to therapies. It’s like the relief I got when I received chiropractic therapy from Dr. Bobbi Jones at Zen Wellness LA. Because of the improvement within the timespan of the therapy, I believe that people are more inclined to return and receive regular treatments. 

Acupuncture is an easily accessible therapy that can benefit almost anyone. Whether you are dealing with stress, sore joints, or recovering from an injury, acupuncture may provide some much-needed relief. Make sure you discuss your situation with the acupuncture therapist so that they know how to treat you during the session. If you live in the Los Angeles area, contact Sarika Connor at Soma Wellness because she’s very attentive and informed about her profession. Tell her that V-Man from Dherbs sent you! Happy needling!

You can find out more about Soma Acupuncture by visiting:
Website: www.somaacuwellness.com
Instagram: @somaacupuncture

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The common theory is that surfing originated in Hawaii, but the Polynesians are responsible for its creation. The Polynesians brought surfing to Hawaii during their voyages, and it became an integral part of Hawaiian culture. Since its origin days, surfing has traveled around the globe, thousands of miles from the birthplace. Any place with a coastline and a wave has surfing, and surfers roam the globe in constant search of new waves to ride.

In the latest episode of The Adventures of V-Man, our content writer, Vinnie, donned his wetsuit and jumped in the chilly waters of Malibu, CA. Fortunately, there were no sharks during the making of this adventure. Well…at least we didn’t see any. That is a valid fear that many people have, and shark stories remain a never-ending topic of conversation in regards to the ocean and surfing. The focus of this adventure is not about what lies beneath, though. Let Vinnie share his love for surfing with you below. 

Why Surf?

To be completely honest, I don’t think I ever had a choice. Growing up in Hawaii predisposes you to some sort of involvement with ocean activity, be it paddling, surfing, sailing, or kayaking. I started surfing at the spry age of five and have been riding waves ever since. That doesn’t make me a professional or incredibly “sick at carves and airs, bruh,” but it does mean I have a deep passion for the sport. 

Surfing is attractive to many people and it’s brought me a lot of joy over the years. Like any sport, evolution is always possible and you can learn or appreciate it more over time. No two waves are the same, so there is always a learning curve or adjustment period when paddling out to a new spot. How does the wave break? Where is the peak? What are the reef/rock formations that you have to avoid during the rides? No surfer is immune to answering these questions, and the mental aspect of surfing is one of the reasons I love it so much. 

Surfing At Malibu

Each surf spot has a different vibe, depending on the crowd of course. Some advanced spots, which are more localized, can be unfriendly to newcomers and beginners. Other spots are easy going and the unwritten rules of the ocean don’t mean anything. The latter describes most spots in the Malibu area. People catch waves without looking if other people are coming their way and collisions are frequent. That’s part of surfing at those breaks, but there are ways to avoid the commotion. 

I surf the Malibu area because it’s cleaner-looking water than Venice Beach, Santa Monica, and other neighboring areas. The waves also break differently near Malibu. The rides are longer and the waves have more shape, compared to the beach break closeouts of many South Bay surf breaks. I take a longboard out to Malibu because I don’t want to compete for waves on a shorter board. Believe me, that takes all the joy out of surfing.

As is evident in the video, the waves were not very big the day that I went surfing. In fact, they are rarely bigger than shoulder-height, but it’s always a fun time. Any day that I can jump in the ocean is a great day. There’s something cleansing, communal, and rewarding about being in the ocean. Even though surfing is a solo activity, there’s a familial vibe out in the water, unless you are the one taking all the waves. Nobody likes that guy. 

Does Surfing Have Health Benefits?

The simple answer is: yes. Anytime you can incorporate movement into your life, you are doing the body a favor. Surfing strengthens the back and shoulder muscles because of the paddling involved. The primary muscles that you build include the trapezius, oblique, pectoral, deltoid, lat, bicep, tricep, lumbar, and rectus abdominis muscles. Some argue that it is also a cardiovascular exercise, but it’s more strength training than anything. Many surfers incorporate additional cardiovascular training into their regimen in order to be better conditioned for consistent paddling. 

When it comes to riding the waves, core strength is necessary. Stability is key when you’re on the board, which requires strong core, legs, and glutes. Surfing is not just about muscle building, though. Surfing is an excellent outlet to reduce stress and built-up tension in the body. Spending time in the ocean soaking up the sunshine is a great way immerse yourself in the natural world. That’s why I continue to do it. Sometimes, the waves are irrelevant and it’s nice to be present in the water. There are no distractions that pull you out of the experience. It’s just you and the ocean that exist in a beautiful relationship until you end it by paddling in. 

Conclusion

Although surfing works different muscle groups, it also requires mental dexterity. You have to learn which waves to paddle for and when to paddle for them. There are signs that indicate a set of waves is coming your way, so you do have to pay attention to the ocean’s movement. Is the current pulling you away from your lineup? There are myriad lessons to learn in surfing, but that’s why it’s so easy to love. It takes time to master the craft and you can continue surfing throughout a lifetime. Start chasing waves before it’s too late. Maybe I’ll see you out in the water one day. 

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In the latest episode of The Adventures of V-Man, Vinnie plunges into an ice bath and finds ultimate relaxation in an infrared sauna.

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Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is the therapy people don’t realize they need. Although it isn’t a modern therapy, it has risen to popularity within recent years. A handful of celebrities and athletes regularly enter hyperbaric chambers to maintain optimal body function. During the therapy, a person enters a vacuum of pure oxygen flow with increased atmospheric pressure to promote oxygenation into the body’s tissues. 

In the latest episode of The Adventures of V-Man, our content writer, Vinnie, entered the hyperbaric chamber. He was fortunate enough to go to Beverly Hills Hyperbaric Center, located in West Los Angeles, CA, to try out the therapy. If you watch the accompanying video, you’ll notice that the therapy is quite relaxing. It’s not like last adventure when Vinnie jumped in an ice bath (click here to watch). Vinnie will tell you more about the therapy below. 

Who Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy For?

Historically, hyperbaric oxygen therapy was used as an alternative treatment to over-the-counter drugs and invasive procedures. The military developed it to treat deep-sea divers in the field who suffered from “the bends.” The pressurized atmosphere and inhalation of pure oxygen promoted widespread healing throughout the body. To this day people still use it for that reason, but they also use it to oxygenate the body’s tissues to promote wound healing and cell regeneration. It’s a therapy that can be used to remedy lyme disease, but anyone can use it to expedite recovery or enhance cellular function.

I feel like the film team on my latest adventure was very hesitant to do this therapy. Supposedly, Michael Jackson slept in a hyperbaric chamber every night, and that scared them. Professional athletes like Tim Tebow and Terrell Owens notoriously received hyperbaric therapy. And it was evident that it’s a very popular therapy among celebrities when we arrived at Beverly Hills Hyperbaric Center. Pictures of all the famous athletes and actors that received hyperbaric oxygen therapy at the facility adorned the the walls. Maybe I’ll be on that wall one day…

Beverly Hills Hyperbaric Center

Upon arriving at the facility, I was greeted by Gonzo, who gave me the full rundown of everything there was to know about hyperbaric oxygen therapy. His enthusiasm about the therapy and its benefits was infectious. If the chamber was a car and he was the salesman, he would’ve had an easy sale with me. I was excited and ready to slide into the glass tube that looked like a space pod from the future. 

The chamber is essentially a glass tube with a bed that slides out on a track. For someone who is claustrophobic, it looks very intimidating, and the thought of being in a tight, enclosed space is frightening. According to Gonzo and Dr. Barry, who gave an interview after the therapy, many people who have claustrophobia have no issues with the therapy. The benefits outweigh the fear of being in the chamber, which is very comfortable. 

Going In The Hyperbaric Chamber

Before I entered the chamber, Gonzo gave me a piece of gum to chew. The reason for this is to aid with popping ears as the pressure changes in the chamber. I lay on the bed, Gonzo pushed the bed in the chamber, and sealed the door behind me. I had a blanket, a couple pillows, and the ability to watch whatever Netflix show/movie I wanted. Gonzo communicated with me via a little communication system in the chamber. He was a very attentive assistant who made sure I was comfortable throughout the therapy. 

I was thankful he gave me the gum because it helps tremendously when trying to pop your ears. The initial 10-12 minutes feel like taking off on an airplane. As Dr. Barry later explained, the atmospheric pressure changes so the person can breathe pure oxygen. Oxygen only comprises about 21% of the regular atmosphere, but breathing pure oxygen allows the body to absorb it at a rapid rate. Of course, you don’t feel this, but it’s happening. As Dr. Barry said, “It feels like nothing is happening, and it’s the easiest therapy to do.”

That sentiment may cause skeptics to avoid this therapy, but many studies have proven its efficacy for treating various health ailments. For instance, Dr. Barry knew of someone who was completely cured of lyme disease after receiving consecutive treatments. The pressurized oxygen penetrates deep tissues and plasma, which stimulates the production of healing chemicals. Essentially, this therapy helps the body heal itself from the inside out. And all I had to do was watch Netflix for this healing to take place!

Conclusion

It’s interesting to participate in a therapy that doesn’t seem to do anything in the moment. You can take a nap, watch a movie, or read in the chamber, so it’s not as involved as chiropractic or stretch therapy. Don’t think that this therapy is a complete waste of time because it has amazing benefits for your insides. A high percentage of people have poor circulation, but this therapy is a great way to enhance blood flow, which is one way it accelerates healing. If you want instantaneous relief or a therapy that you feel in the moment, this is not for you. For people who need help recovering from an illness or injury, regular sessions may accelerate your recovery. If you live in the Los Angeles area, visit Beverly Hills Hyperbaric Center. Dr. Barry will take care of you!

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Immersing the entire body in a large tub of near-freezing water is not everyone’s go-to favorite thing to do. Nonetheless, ice bath therapy has received a lot of attention from celebrities, athletes, trainers, and health influencers for its reported benefits. What are the secrets and benefits of this frigid therapy? Our content writer, Vinnie, will tell you all about them by recapping his latest fire & ice therapy session.

What Is Ice Bath Therapy?

If you’re familiar with Wim Hof, a.k.a. The Ice Man, the philosophy of soaking in cold water is to put the body into a fight or flight state. With the rush of endorphins and adrenaline, the natural instinct is to stress and jump out of the water. Remaining in the ice bath not only helps the body adapt to stress, but it also works to improve circulation, enhance immune function, and reduce inflammation. 

On my most recent adventure, I went to Remedy Place in West Hollywood, California. The entire facility is one of the most tranquil places I’ve ever been to, especially on The Adventures of V-Man. The entire facility houses various healing modalities. From hyperbaric oxygen therapy pods and infrared saunas to massages and ice baths, Remedy Place has it all. I opted to experience the one-two punch combo therapy that is fire and ice. This combo immerses the body in ice cold water for three to six minutes, followed by a 45-minute infrared sauna session. 

Arriving At Remedy Place

Am I allowed to say that everyone in this facility was beautiful? Entering this building was like wandering into a place where beautiful people congregate. Sorry, but I’m allowed to admire, right? Anyways, that says nothing about the facility. Remedy Place is chic, modern, dimly lit and intended for healing the body. The knowledgeable and friendly staff member, James, gave me a tour of the facility before showing me to the ice bath station. 

Typically, for the fire and ice therapy combo, a person starts with the ice bath therapy and then transitions to the infrared sauna. It’s possible to reverse the order, but James did not recommend that for my first go around. One doesn’t just change and enter the ice bath, though. The mind is not ready for that shock. For this reason, the person engaging in the therapy goes through an 11-minute breath work session. 

The Ice Bath Therapy

I mentioned Wim Hof earlier in the article. The breath work is similar to that of Wim Hof’s teachings, in that the goal is to oxygenate and alkalize the body. During this breathing, which essentially a form of guided meditation, you essentially prepare the body for the cold. The idea behind it is so that the mind can take over and make it so the body can handle the cold. I sat near the ice bath and practiced the breathing exercise. 

Before I knew it, it was time to submerge in the ice water. In the video, the water doesn’t look cold, but the tub of water remains at a cool 39º F by an electric cooling system. There is no ice in the water, but trust me when I tell you that it’s brisk. James, my ice bath coach, queued up a song that I wanted to listen to for motivation. And then I plunged in, leaving all but my head submerged in the water. My first instinct was to get out immediately because it was freezing. James encouraged me to recall that breathing to help calm my mind and just sit still in water. 

At one point, my forearms started to cramp a little, so I lifted them out of the water. James noticed that I started shaking after a while, so he suggested that I exit the water. I made it five and half minutes out of the maximum six-minute time limit. No big deal. I felt like I was ready to run through a wall after emerging from the cold. I was energized, hyped, and felt rejuvenated. 

Infrared Sauna Therapy

It was a very interesting transition to transfer from such an electrifying state to an immediate state of relaxation. The intense cold was lively and exhilarating and the sauna brought me down several levels. It was the fanciest sauna that I ever sat in. There was bluetooth capability! So I started up a podcast and relaxed in the space. 

One of the greatest things about the infrared sauna is that you can stay in there for a while without experiencing any feelings of discomfort. I didn’t feel like my breathing suffered from the heat or anything like that. The infrared sauna uses infrared light to heat the space, and this light can benefit the cells in the body more easily than a traditional sauna. Infrared saunas use infrared light to optimize the body’s ability to relax and promote detoxification. It’s not oppressive or uncomfortable; rather, the infrared sauna experience is restorative, especially after an ice bath session. I could have gone to sleep in there. That’s how relaxing I felt during that therapy. 

I felt like a new man after leaving Remedy Place and encourage people to check out the facility if they live in Los Angeles, CA. They have memberships, but all of the therapies are available for individual purchase. Please check them out and see how the other healing modalities can assist you in achieving the healthiest body possible. We are only on this planet for a limited time, so treat the body well and help it recover whenever possible. 

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In the latest episode of The Adventures of V-Man, Vinnie plunges into an ice bath and finds ultimate relaxation in an infrared sauna.

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The post Adventures Of V-man: Fire + Ice Therapy appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.