Herniated discs are painful, frustrating, and surprisingly common, but what most people don't realize is how closely disc health is tied to lifestyle, nutrition, posture, and overall inflammation.

In this episode, Dr. Holly Carling and Alicia break down the different types of herniated discs, why they happen, and how disc degeneration develops over time. Dr. Carling explains the major contributors such as dehydration and poor nutrition to smoking, inactivity, excess sugar, and spinal misalignment, and why supporting collagen, hydration, and nutrient density is essential for long-term disc health.

You'll also learn how acupuncture works to reduce inflammation, relieve nerve compression, improve circulation, and support true healing rather than simply masking symptoms.

In this episode:

• The four main types of herniated discs and how they present

• Why aging is not the only cause of disc degeneration

• The role of hydration, protein, vitamins, and minerals in disc repair

• How sugar accelerates collagen breakdown and joint degeneration

• Lifestyle factors that weaken discs (posture, smoking, inactivity, obesity)

• Nutrient deficiencies that impact bone, disc, and connective-tissue integrity

• How acupuncture reduces inflammation, pain, muscle tension, and nerve irritation

• Why holistic care (acupuncture + nutrition + supplementation) supports long-term healing

For full show notes, resources and links head to: https://vitalhealthcda.com/podcasts/

The Vital Health for You Podcast is for everyone. Get to know us more by connecting with us at our website or on our Facebook page.

*Disclaimer: The statements made in this episode about specific products have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. All information provided is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other healthcare professional.

We all know we're supposed to slow down when we eat… but does savoring your food actually change anything? According to Dr. Holly Carling: absolutely.

In this episode, Dr. Carling and Alicia take you deep into the science and sensory experience of savoring your meals. You'll learn how slowing down boosts dopamine, increases satisfaction, improves digestion, prevents overeating, and even strengthens emotional well-being.

Dr. Carling breaks down how the brain, taste buds, smell, texture, and even sound work together to create flavor and why savoring activates parts of the brain that fast eating never reaches. You'll also learn about umami, kokumi, and how richness, warmth, and mouthfeel influence satisfaction on a neurological level.

Whether you want to improve digestion, stop overeating, enjoy your favorite foods more fully, or build a healthier relationship with food, this episode will change the way you experience every bite.

In this episode:

• The neurological benefits of savoring: dopamine, reward pathways, memory, emotional balance

• How the gustatory cortex processes flavor (and why slowing down enhances it)

• Why aroma, texture, temperature, and even sound shape your eating experience

• What umami really is and how it helps food feel comforting and grounding

• The meaning of kokumi, the Japanese word for richness and deep satisfaction

• How savoring improves digestion through saliva, enzyme signaling, and taste-bud activation

• Why slowing down reduces bingeing and increases fullness cues

• How savoring can make "treat foods" less harmful and more satisfying

For full show notes, resources and links head to: https://vitalhealthcda.com/podcasts/

The Vital Health for You Podcast is for everyone. Get to know us more by connecting with us at our website or on our Facebook page.

*Disclaimer: The statements made in this episode about specific products have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. All information provided is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other healthcare professional.

Migraines can take over your life leaving you unable to work, parent, or even think clearly.

In this inspiring testimonial episode, Dr. Holly Carling and Alicia share one woman's story of lifelong migraines that began before kindergarten and how, after starting acupuncture and nutritional care, she experienced dramatic relief within just two months.

Dr. Carling explains why migraines are rarely caused by one single factor and what truly drives lasting healing. From liver and hormonal imbalances to toxicity and nerve compression, she unpacks how addressing the root causes, not just the pain, can transform quality of life.

You'll also hear why her gentle acupuncture style earned her the nickname "Angel Fingers," and why compassion and persistence matter as much as clinical skill in helping patients heal.

In this episode:

• A powerful testimonial from a migraine patient who found lasting relief

• Why migraines often begin early and why that matters

• The most common root causes: liver stress, hormones, toxicity, allergies, and neck issues

• The role of acupuncture and nutrition in restoring balance

• Dr. Carling's personal story of overcoming her own migraines

• What makes her gentle acupuncture technique so unique

For full show notes, resources and links head to: https://vitalhealthcda.com/podcasts/

The Vital Health for You Podcast is for everyone. Get to know us more by connecting with us at our website or on our Facebook page.

*Disclaimer: The statements made in this episode about specific products have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. All information provided is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other healthcare professional.