britt's picks // herbalist & acupuncturist

If you’re looking for an herbalist and/or acupunturist in NYC, I cannot recommend Paul Kempisty enough. I first started seeing Paul a few years ago, when I was struggling to regulate my menstrual and ovulation cycles in the hopes of one day becoming pregnant. He came highly recommended by multiple friends, and I’m so glad that I ended up going to see him at his practice in Soho. If you’re not familiar, acupuncture is the stimulation of sensitive and powerful acu-points around the body with filiform needles, and has been practiced for thousands of years. Modern science believes that the positive effects on health are achieved by stimulation of the nervous system which in turn regulates the immune system, hormone function, causes pain reduction and so much more.

I’ll admit that I was initially a bit wary of the entire process- I had never gotten acupuncture before, and didn’t know what to expect. But Paul is extremely passionate and knowledgable, and made me feel comfortable throughout the entire treatment process. I love that after meeting with a patient and determining their individual needs and goals, Paul works with you to construct a comprehensive treatment and education plan that works best for you. Not to mention his impressive resume- Before pursuing his formal acupuncture education, he studied aromatherapy and Reiki, eventually becoming a Reiki Master. Paul has a Master's Degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine, studied advanced herbal medicine with a Daoist priest in New York City’s Chinatown, and even traveled to China to continue studying in the specialties of Oncology and Gynecology!

It’s Paul’s belief that what we put into our bodies makes a significant impact on our immediate and long term experience of life and health, and because of this, he has shared herbs, dietary advice and vitamin supplements with his patients from the very beginning of his career. I enjoyed getting to experience the effects of both acupuncture and herbs, and found them to work together in harmony for the body. It’s pretty remarkable how the right combinations can have such incredible results for so many different conditions.

Since herbs are clearly a passion of Paul’s, I’m happy to say that he recently launched his own line of herbal remedies, Peekay’s Herbs, which offer effective herbal formulations for the entire family. I’ve gotten the opportunity to try several of his custom blends, and from the Calm Down (provides stress, sleep & mood support) to the Eleven Mushrooms for Fun Guys & Gals (a great overall remedy for immune support, energy levels & mental serenity) to the Let’s Make a Baby (which provides fertility support for men & women) , there’s truly something for every ailment. Plus, he even makes gentle herbal remedies for kids, which came in handy when my son came down with a cold recently. The Kid’s Cold & Flu and Seasonal Support tinctures helped reduce his symptoms, and not to mention, he absolutely loved the flavor! Definitely check out Peekay’s if you’re looking to add some effective herbal remedies to your medicine cabinet!

fave products // sun potion he shou wu

 
 

My Sun Potion experiment began with Ashwagandha, and since I liked what I saw and how I felt after using it, I decided to add another transformational herb to my routine. He Shou Wu, one of the most revered herbs in Chinese medicine, is known as a Taoist herb and Jing tonic for its use as a longevity, beauty, and rejuvenation food. Continued use is believed to tonify and nourish the hair, skin, nervous system, sexual center, Shen (spirit), and Jing (primary essence/life force). It's also said to help reduce cholesterol, tonify the endocrine glands, promote red blood cells, and improve immune function. All pros in my book, and I'd been having some breakage issues with my hair, due to coloring and hot tools, so I was hoping this would help in that regard as well. I mix a serving of He Shou Wu into my coffee along with Ashwagandha and collagen, for a powerful morning boost. The taste is hardly noticeable, but I actually enjoy the warming, slightly spiced notes it adds to my coffee. I'm happy to report positive changes in my hair, skin, and nails since starting use of He Shou Wu, and am definitely sold on its large range of health and spirit boosting properties. As is the case with all powerful Sun Potion foods, they're best consumed in small, regular doses over a long period of time, so stick with it to see for yourself all of the worthwhile improvements that can be made. 

fave products // nutrafol supplement

My hair has been through a lot. From the chic platinum blonde pixie cut I rocked for a while, to the (almost) daily styling with hot tools and products on set, its strength is definitely put to the test. While I consider my hair to be in pretty great condition, all things considered, I have been noticing some light breakage at the front/center of my head (where my hair parts) as well as near the crown. I personally try not to use any damaging tools or products on my hair, and make it a point to always hydrate with a nourishing oil. Due to the nature of my work, however, it's impossible to completely avoid the culprits. That's where Nutrafol comes in. My hair colorist introduced me to this natural, drug-free hair supplement a while back, and it's a true game changer. Nutrafol works to: 1) Rebalance- helps rebalance harmful levels of stress hormones to reduce follicle damage; 2) Repair- supports hair follicle restoration & helps reduce micro-inflammation; 3) Revitalize- helps revive follicles, increase scalp circulation, & improve follicle function; and 4) Regrow- supports your hair's growth cycle & helps you grow healthier hair. Change doesn't happen overnight, but trust me- if you stick with it, you'll notice a dramatic difference in the quality of your hair. By using the beneficial properties of potent therapeutic plant botanicals (like ashwagandha, biocircumin, collagen, and hyaluronic acid), Nutrafol is able to achieve what vitamins & minerals alone are not: your strongest, fullest, and healthiest hair!

fave products // collagen

 
VP collagen.jpg
 

By now I'm sure you've heard of collagen and its anti-aging properties, but do you know what it actually is and how it can help you? Let me give you a  little collagen 101 (with the help of The Coveteur). Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. It's found in your bones, muscles, skin, and tendons, providing structure and strength to the body. In your skin's connective tissue, collagen aids in providing a firm and supple layer, as well as renewing skin cells. Skin elasticity relies on collagen, and it's what gives your skin a firm, youthful appearance. As we get older, our collagen production decreases, which can create deeper creases, enlarged pores, and less elasticity of the skin. To combat this, topical supplements containing peptides, vitamin C and retinol can work to boost that productivity.

You may also choose to ingest collagen orally, and by doing so can help build connective tissue in your hair, skin and nails, as well as regulate your body's metabolism. Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides are a great bioavailable type of collagen- the molecules are small enough so that they're able to get quickly absorbed and used by our bodies, which is key. This supplement dissolves quickly and easily in water, and has absolutely zero taste. I mix a serving into my coffee for an added health and protein boost. Other than improving hair, skin, and nail health by increasing skin's elasticity and reversing the signs of aging, collagen is a huge proponent of joint and bone health. It's essential for mobility and can help with the regeneration and healing of tendons, bones, and joints. It also helps reduce achiness and pain in the joints! Furthermore, collagen can aid in digestion by providing reparative and soothing properties that help you digest food and improve the absorption of nutrients. Talk about a bang for your buck! Since starting to incorporate collagen into my diet, I've noticed healthier skin, stronger nails, and quicker recovery of sore muscles and achy joints after workouts! I highly recommend adding collagen to your daily routine. 

fave products // sun potion ashwagandha

 
 

I'd been hearing a lot about Sun Potion supplements lately, and decided to do some investigating of my own to determine whether or not they were worth the hype.  These transformational foods use medicinal plants, superfoods, and tonic herbs to aid in the achievement of health, happiness, and overall well-being. Sounds good so far- I mean, who doesn't want to feel better by simply using roots found in our natural world? Sun Potions commits to sourcing organic and wildcrafted products to maintain a pure, high quality standard. These potent, healing substances are said to have the ability to transform both consciousness and health.

I decided to begin with Ashwagandha, a vital Ayurvedic herb believed to have many healing properties including tonifying the immune system, inspiring vigor and strength, and relieving various forms of stress. It's known as an adaptogen for its ability to harmonize various physiological functions, as well as to help balance hormones. Ashwagandha's highly potent root, sourced from small organic farms in India, undergoes a cold-water extraction creating a powder that mixes easily into water, coffee, tea, or smoothies. I've been mixing it into my morning coffee, along with He Shou Wu and collagen, which makes for a healthy & potent start to my day. I hardly taste the herb at all, but if anything it adds a welcome creamy, spiced note to my coffee. I've noticed a positive response related to my immune health, as well as my brain function and emotional balance throughout the day. I've felt more present and aware, and am able to react to situations in a more beneficial way. The immune-fortifying and invigorating properties of Aswaganhda make it an antioxidant powerhouse, one that I'm pleased to welcome to my daily routine.

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