Surviving the Holidays Without Losing Your Mind (or Your Immune System)

Welcome to the most wonderful—and occasionally most chaotic—time of the year! At McElwee Natural Healing, we believe you can glide through the holiday season with your immunity intact and your sanity (mostly) in one piece. Here’s your official survival guide—part practical, part pep talk, and 100% judgment-free (we’ve all hidden in the bathroom with a plate of fudge).

Fortify Your Immune System

Let’s be honest: The holiday season is basically one giant germ-sharing festival. Between the hugging, the double-dipping, and the little ones your immune system takes a hit. We offer a variety of whole food supplements to keep those germs at bay. 

• Congaplex, Conga-immune, and Echinacea are great defenses for this time of year. 
• When those bugs break through we have a variety of supplements to restore balance of bacteria and defend against viruses. 
• Elderberry Syrup is also a great supplement to get you feeling better in no time.
• And don’t forget to get plenty of Vitamin C + Zinc. This dynamic duo can keep viruses on the sidelines. 
• Of course, getting plenty of sleep and staying hydrated is always recommended. 

Quick hack: Keep a bottle of herbal immune spray in your purse or pocket. Every time someone coughs in your direction, give yourself a dramatic spritz like you’re blessing the air. 

Emotional Wellness—Because… Family

Ah, family. The people who love you most…and know exactly which buttons to push before the turkey is even carved.

• Set the boundary, love the boundary, marry the boundary. “I’d love to debate politics, but I’m on pie duty!” works every time. Repeat as needed.
• Create an exit line. “I think the dog needs to go out” works like magic even if you don’t have a dog!
• Two-minute breathing break. Excuse yourself to the bathroom, lock the door, inhale for 4, hold for 4, exhale for 8.
• Laugh on purpose. Laughter actually boosts immune cells.
• And if none of that works we offer a variety of supplements to take the edge off. Calm Five, Ashwagandha, and Anxie-Tone just to name a few.

It’s ok to say no!

You’re not actually required to attend every event, win every argument, or eat every cookie (okay, maybe that last one is negotiable). The holidays are supposed to be about light—in the world and in your heart. Give yourself permission to:

• Say no to the third party in one weekend
• Leave the dishes for tomorrow
• Hide with the kids and play Legos (they’re the best therapists and they don’t judge)

So, may your immune system stay stronger than your uncle’s opinions, may your heart stay lighter than Aunt Linda’s “famous” fruitcake, and may you make it to January with your sparkle (and your spleen) intact.

Happy Holidays from all of us at McElwee Natural Healing—now go forth and jingle all the way… calmly and with excellent boundaries.

And remember, if you do catch the plague or the family drama gets too real, contact us for a visit!

Vaccine Shedding: What You Need to Know

At McElwee Natural Health and Healing Center, we’re committed to empowering our community with knowledge to make informed health choices. One topic that often sparks curiosity and concern is vaccine shedding. In this blog, we’ll explore what vaccine shedding is, how it occurs, who may be susceptible, what it means for you, and natural ways to protect yourself.

What Is Vaccine Shedding?

Vaccine shedding refers to the process where a person who has received a live attenuated vaccine (a vaccine containing a weakened form of a virus or bacteria) releases that weakened pathogen into their environment. This can happen through bodily fluids, such as saliva, nasal secretions, or, in rare cases, feces. The shed virus is typically less virulent than the wild-type virus, but there’s concern that it could potentially affect others who come into close contact with the vaccinated individual.

It is believed that shedding is specific to live attenuated vaccines, such as those for measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), varicella (chickenpox), rotavirus, and oral polio (not used in the U.S. since 2000). It is also believed that Inactivated or non-live vaccines, like those for COVID-19, flu (injected), or hepatitis, do not involve live pathogens and thus cannot cause shedding. However, through muscle response testing we are able to identify components in the covid vaccines in individuals who have not been vaccinated. 

How Does Vaccine Shedding Occur?

When a person receives a vaccine, the weakened virus replicates in their body to stimulate an immune response. During this replication period, small amounts of the weakened virus can be released through bodily fluids or skin contact. The duration and likelihood of shedding depend on the vaccine:

• MMR Vaccine: Shedding is rare but may occur in the 7–14 days post-vaccination, primarily through respiratory secretions.
• Varicella Vaccine: Shedding can happen if a vaccinated person develops a rash, typically within 1–6 weeks after vaccination.
• Rotavirus Vaccine: Shedding is more common in infants, occurring in stool for up to a month after vaccination.

The shed virus is usually much weaker than the natural virus and is believed to rarely cause significant illness in healthy individuals. However, clients at McElwee Natural Health and Healing Center who have resonated with a vaccine shed often exhibit autonomic nervous system blocks or switches which affect their healing process. 

Protect Yourself from Vaccine Shedding

If you’re concerned about vaccine shedding, here are natural and practical steps to support your health and reduce potential risks:

1. Strengthen Your Immune System
   A robust immune system is your body’s best defense. Focus on:
   • Nutrition: Eat a diet rich in whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Foods high in vitamins C, D, and zinc (like citrus fruits, leafy greens, and nuts) support immune function.
   • Supplements: Consider immune-boosting supplements like elderberry, echinacea, or probiotics, but consult with a naturopathic practitioner to ensure they’re right for you.
   • Sleep and Stress Management: Prioritize 7–9 hours of quality sleep and practice stress-reducing techniques like meditation or yoga to keep your immune system strong.
2. Practice Good Hygiene
   Simple hygiene practices can minimize potential exposure:
   • Wash hands frequently with natural, non-toxic soap.
   • Avoid touching your face, especially after contact with someone recently vaccinated with a live vaccine.
   • Clean shared surfaces, especially in households with infants or immunocompromised individuals.
3. Be Mindful of Close Contact
   If someone in your household receives a live vaccine:
   • Limit close contact (e.g., sharing utensils or close physical proximity) during the shedding period, especially if you’re immunocompromised.
   • For rotavirus vaccine, practice diligent diaper-changing hygiene to reduce exposure to shed virus in stool.
4. Support Detoxification
   To help your body naturally process any potential exposures:
   • Stay hydrated with filtered water to support your body’s detox pathways.
   • Incorporate detoxifying foods like garlic, cilantro, and cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, kale).
   • Consider gentle detox practices like dry brushing or infrared sauna, under the guidance of a natural health practitioner.
5. Stay Informed and Communicate
   If you’re concerned about shedding in your community or household:
   • Ask about vaccination schedules for close contacts, especially in settings like daycare or healthcare facilities.
   • Discuss your concerns with a trusted healthcare provider who respects your holistic health approach.

What Does Vaccine Shedding Mean for You?

For most healthy individuals, vaccine shedding poses minimal risk. Our bodies are able to protect themselves against the vaccine. However, as mentioned above the vaccines can affect the autonomic nervous system of any individual causing a disruption in their healing. Because of this, it is the policy of McElwee Natural Health and Healing Center that individuals who have been recently vaccinated or been around those who have, should schedule a virtual visit and limit their presence in the office for two weeks following exposure. 

A Balanced Approach to Health

At McElwee Natural Health and Healing Center, we encourage a proactive, informed approach to wellness. In Western medicine vaccine shedding is considered to be a rare phenomenon but we have seen differently. Understanding the full risks empowers you to make choices that align with your health values. By strengthening your immune system, practicing good hygiene, and staying informed, you can protect yourself and your loved ones while navigating this topic with confidence.

For personalized guidance on supporting your immune system or addressing vaccine-related concerns, schedule a consultation with our team. Together, we’ll create a natural health plan tailored to your unique needs.

Uncover the Hidden Barriers to Healing

At McElwee Natural Health and Healing, our mission is to empower you to achieve vibrant health by addressing the root causes of your wellness challenges. Many people struggle with persistent symptoms like fatigue, digestive discomfort, or chronic pain, often without understanding why. These issues may stem from hidden barriers that conventional medicine frequently overlooks. Nutrition Response Testing (NRT) offers a powerful, non-invasive, and personalized solution to uncover these obstacles and restore your body’s natural ability to heal. In this blog, we’ll dive into how NRT works, its scientific foundation, and how it can transform your health journey.

What is Nutrition Response Testing?

Nutrition Response Testing is a holistic, non-invasive method that assesses your body’s neurological reflexes to identify imbalances and stressors. By using muscle testing, NRT evaluates how your body responds to specific stimuli, revealing areas of dysfunction in organs, glands, or systems. This approach taps into the body’s innate intelligence, allowing us to pinpoint the underlying causes of health issues and create a tailored plan to support healing.

NRT is performed by gently testing the strength of a muscle—typically your extended arm—while introducing stimuli like vials containing samples of foods, toxins, or pathogens. A weak muscle response indicates stress in a corresponding body system, guiding us to the root of your health challenges. We use this technique with precision and compassion to help you achieve lasting wellness.

The Scientific Basis of Nutrition Response Testing

The effectiveness of Nutrition Response Testing rests on the body’s intricate neurological and energetic communication systems. Your nervous system acts as a control center, constantly monitoring and responding to internal and external stressors. Each organ and gland is connected to specific reflex points on the body’s surface, known as autonomic reflex points, which can be assessed for signs of stress or dysfunction. NRT leverages this connection by testing muscle strength in response to stimuli, a practice rooted in applied kinesiology and backed by decades of clinical use.

When your body encounters a stressor—such as a toxin, nutrient deficiency, or allergen—it triggers a subtle disruption in the nervous system’s signaling. This disruption weakens the muscle response during testing, providing a measurable indicator of imbalance. For example, if your liver is stressed due to heavy metal exposure, placing a vial containing a trace of that metal near your body may cause a temporary weakening of your arm muscle. This response isn’t random; it reflects the body’s bioenergetic feedback, allowing practitioners to identify specific barriers with remarkable accuracy.

While NRT may seem unconventional compared to standard diagnostics, its principles align with the growing field of functional medicine, which emphasizes the body’s interconnected systems and innate healing capacity. By combining clinical observation with this biofeedback approach, NRT offers a safe, non-invasive way to listen to your body’s unique needs, setting it apart from one-size-fits-all medical protocols.

Hidden Barriers to Healing

Hidden barriers are underlying issues that disrupt your body’s ability to heal itself. These can include nutritional deficiencies, toxic exposures, food sensitivities, immune challenges, or even emotional stress. Unlike conventional medicine, which often focuses on managing symptoms with medications, NRT seeks to uncover and address these root causes. For example, chronic symptoms like fatigue, bloating, or joint pain may signal deeper imbalances that standard tests miss.

Here are additional examples of hidden barriers NRT can detect:

• Hormonal Imbalances: Stress on the adrenal glands or thyroid, often caused by chronic stress or nutrient deficiencies, can lead to symptoms like weight gain, insomnia, or low energy.
• Parasitic or Fungal Overgrowth: Hidden infections, such as candida overgrowth or parasites, can disrupt digestion and cause systemic inflammation, manifesting as brain fog or skin issues.
• Electromagnetic Stress: Exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) from devices like cell phones or Wi-Fi can subtly stress the nervous system, contributing to anxiety or poor sleep.
• Scar Interference: Old surgical scars or injuries can disrupt energy flow in the body, leading to unexplained pain or organ dysfunction.

• Nutritional Deficiencies: Lack of nutrients like vitamin B12, magnesium, or omega-3s that impair bodily functions.
• Toxic Exposures: Heavy metals (e.g., mercury, lead), pesticides, or mold toxins that overload detoxification pathways.
• Food Sensitivities: Foods like gluten, dairy, or soy that trigger inflammation or digestive distress.
• Immune Challenges: Chronic infections or immune stressors that drain energy and resilience.

Some of these barriers often go undetected because they don’t always show up on blood tests or imaging. By addressing them, NRT helps restore balance and promotes lasting healing. 

NRT stands out from conventional medicine because it’s non-invasive, requiring no needles or machines, and highly personalized, addressing your unique biochemistry. Unlike symptom-focused treatments, NRT creates a customized roadmap for healing through targeted nutrition, supplements, and lifestyle changes.

Benefits of Using NRT for Healing

NRT offers numerous advantages:

• Non-Invasive and Safe: Suitable for all ages, with no invasive procedures.
• Highly Individualized: Tailored to your body’s specific needs.
• Root-Cause Focused: Addresses underlying issues for lasting results.
• Natural Support: Emphasizes whole-food nutrition and lifestyle changes.

Clients at McElwee have reported reduced pain, improved digestion, and increased energy, showcasing NRT’s ability to unlock the body’s healing potential.

What to Expect at McElwee Natural Health and Healing

Your NRT session at McElwee begins in a warm, supportive environment. After discussing your health history, we perform muscle testing to identify barriers. You’ll receive a clear explanation of the findings and a personalized plan, which may include dietary adjustments, supplements, or lifestyle changes. Our team, led by Robyn McElwee, guides you with expertise and compassion, empowering you to take charge of your health.

Nutrition Response Testing is a game-changer for anyone seeking to uncover the hidden barriers preventing true healing. Unlike conventional medicine, which often focuses on symptoms, NRT digs deeper to identify root causes like nutritional deficiencies, toxins, food sensitivities, or immune challenges. At McElwee Natural Health and Healing, we’ve seen firsthand how this non-invasive, personalized approach transforms lives, helping clients overcome chronic issues and reclaim their vitality.

Ready to Begin?

If you’re tired of feeling stuck or want to address the root of your health challenges, Nutrition Response Testing could be the answer. Contact McElwee Natural Health and Healing today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward unlocking your body’s natural ability to heal. Your journey to vibrant health starts here.