Too Much Food, Sun, and Sangria? Time to Freeze + Detox

Medical Gaslighting: When You're Not Being Heard (And What You Can Do About It) Have you ever left a doctor’s office feeling dismissed, doubted, or even ashamed of your symptoms? You’re not alone. This experience has a name: medical gaslighting. What Is Medical Gaslighting? Medical gaslighting happens when a healthcare provider downplays, ignores, or questions a patient’s symptoms. It's when you're told: "Your labs are normal, so there's nothing wrong." "It's probably just stress." "You're overreacting." "You just need to lose weight." Over time, this can make patients doubt their own experiences, feel crazy, and worst of all—delay necessary care. Who Does It Happen To? While anyone can experience medical gaslighting, research and real-world experience show it disproportionately affects: Women (especially in perimenopause or menopause) People with complex, chronic, or invisible illnesses Patients with mental health histories But there are specific groups that suffer even more, often because their symptoms are complex, not well understood, or don't show up clearly on lab work: People with tickborne illnesses like Lyme and co-infections, who often get misdiagnosed or told it's all in their head Those with mold toxicity, whose symptoms can range from brain fog to skin rashes to debilitating fatigue Autoimmune patients, who may bounce from doctor to doctor for years without a proper diagnosis People with hormonal imbalances, especially women with fluctuating estrogen, progesterone, or thyroid levels Those dealing with heavy metal toxicity, which conventional medicine often doesn’t test for Patients with gut issues, where symptoms like anxiety, depression, or irritability are misattributed to mental illness instead of the microbiome These patients are often prescribed antidepressants or painkillers without deeper investigation, leaving the real issues unresolved. Why Are So Many People Put on Antidepressants and Painkillers? When a provider isn’t willing or equipped to get to the root cause, they often reach for the quickest fix: a prescription. That might mean: Antidepressants for fatigue or mood swings Opioids or pain meds for chronic body pain Sleep aids for insomnia Proton pump inhibitors for stomach issues These drugs may dull symptoms temporarily, but they rarely solve the actual problem. Worse, they can create dependency or mask worsening issues. Why Doctors Don't Always Dig Deeper This isn’t always about bad intentions. Many providers are: Overbooked with 7-10 minute appointments Under-trained in functional or root-cause medicine Working within insurance systems that don't reward comprehensive care Additionally, practitioners will often label a patient’s symptoms as "stress-related" simply because they don’t understand what’s happening—or they don’t want to invest the time and energy it would take to investigate further. This quick dismissal is frustrating, invalidating, and can seriously delay appropriate treatment. But here’s the truth: Your symptoms are valid. Your lived experience matters. And you deserve better. The Best Practitioners Have Been There Themselves Some of the most compassionate, thorough practitioners are the ones who’ve been through it themselves—those who’ve been gaslit, misdiagnosed, and left to figure it out on their own. They understand the importance of listening, of asking the right questions, and of not dismissing even the smallest detail. We do that here at Valley Cryo because Jenny has personally walked that road. After facing her own chronic illness and being dismissed by traditional providers, she took matters into her own hands, did the digging, and healed herself. That lived experience now drives how we care for every person who walks through our doors. What Can You Do If You Feel Gaslit? Document everything: Keep a symptom journal and bring detailed notes. Bring a support person: A second set of ears can help you feel more grounded. Ask direct questions: “What could be causing this?” "What else can we test?" Don’t be afraid to get a second opinion Work with a practitioner who listens: Functional and integrative providers often have the time and training to explore more deeply. You Deserve To Be Heard At Valley Cryo, we understand how exhausting and frustrating it can be to feel unheard or dismissed. That’s why we approach wellness differently—with curiosity, compassion, and commitment to digging deeper. If you’ve felt medically gaslit in the past, know this: It wasn’t your fault. You’re not imagining things. And healing is still possible when you have the right support team in your corner. Ready for a different kind of care? Come talk to us. Valley Cryo | Charlottesville, VACall or text to schedule: [insert number]www.valleycryo.com

How to Heal Gut Dysbiosis Naturally: Herbs, GI-MAP Testing, and Red Light Therapy If you're bloated, foggy, inflamed, and still feel "off" despite eating clean—your gut is talking. Are you listening? 🦠 Gut Dysbiosis Is Not One-Size-Fits-All “Dysbiosis” is a buzzword in wellness—but what does it actually mean? It’s simply an imbalance in the gut microbiome—the trillions of organisms that live in your digestive tract. But dysbiosis comes in many forms: Overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria Loss of beneficial species Fungal overgrowth (like candida) Post-antibiotic gut damage Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) Viral persistence Parasites You can’t treat them all the same way—and that’s where people often go wrong. 🧪 GI-MAP: Powerful, But Misunderstood The GI-MAP is one of our favorite tools at Valley Cryo. It gives us an inside look at what’s happening in the large intestine—the lower part of the gut where most elimination occurs. It tells us: Which good vs. bad bacteria are present How well you’re digesting food If you’re inflamed If your immune system is activated If parasites, viruses, or candida are showing up in the gut But here’s the catch: The GI-MAP is not a test for SIBO. SIBO happens in the small intestine—an area the GI-MAP doesn’t assess. So if you’ve got severe bloating, gassiness, or discomfort after meals and your GI-MAP comes back “normal,” it doesn’t mean your gut is fine. You may still have SIBO, and that requires different testing and a different protocol. 🦠 What About H. pylori? The GI-MAP does screen for Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium that lives in the stomach lining. And while many people carry it without symptoms, for others it’s a major disruptor—causing: Bloating Acid reflux Nausea Poor iron and B12 absorption Inflammation and fatigue It’s not always black and white. We look at symptoms, strain virulence, and overall gut function before deciding whether H. pylori needs to be treated. If it does, we use gentle, targeted protocols to restore balance without nuking the entire microbiome. 🚨 Common Symptoms of SIBO & Gut Dysbiosis If you’re experiencing any of the following, your gut might be sending distress signals: Digestive Symptoms: Bloating (especially after meals) Excessive gas or belching Constipation, diarrhea, or both Abdominal pain or cramping Acid reflux or heartburn Undigested food in stool Systemic & Inflammatory Symptoms: Fatigue and low energy Brain fog or difficulty concentrating Skin issues like acne, eczema, or rosacea Joint pain or stiffness Histamine intolerance (runny nose, rashes, itching) Metabolic or Nutrient Symptoms: Unexplained weight gain or loss Food sensitivities Nutrient deficiencies (iron, B12, D, etc.) Sugar cravings or blood sugar crashes Mood & Hormonal Symptoms: Anxiety or depression Irritability or mood swings Worsening PMS or cycle irregularity (yes, the gut impacts hormones!) Even just one or two of these symptoms can point to underlying gut imbalances. The longer they go unchecked, the more they can disrupt hormone health, immune function, and detox pathways. 🌿 So... What Do You Do About Dysbiosis? Once we know what type of dysbiosis you’re dealing with, we build a personalized protocol. This might include: 1. Herbal Antimicrobials For bacterial or fungal overgrowth: Oregano oil Berberine Neem, thyme, allicin Used in 4–6 week “kill” phases, followed by repair. 2. Immune + Natural Killer Support When viruses or stealth pathogens are present, we support the body’s internal army: Reishi, astragalus, olive leaf, larch 3. Probiotics Broad-spectrum or targeted strains—but only when the gut is ready. In inflamed or SIBO-prone guts, we may delay probiotics initially. 4. Fermented Foods (If Tolerated) Raw sauerkraut, kefir, kimchi can reintroduce helpful microbes—but only if they don’t cause gas or bloating. If they do, we wait. 5. Binders, Bile & Drainage Support We help open detox pathways with: Magnesium, bitters, bile salts Castor oil packs Charcoal or clay (as needed) 6. Red Light & Infrared Therapy Emerging research shows that red and near-infrared light can support gut healing by: Reducing intestinal inflammation Modulating the microbiome Improving gut barrier integrity Enhancing cellular energy (ATP) in the gut lining At Valley Cryo, we use these therapies regularly in gut-healing protocols to reduce systemic inflammation and support microbial balance. 📚 Source: Liang, J. et al. Photobiomodulation Improves Gut Dysbiosis and Intestinal Barrier Function. Frontiers in Microbiology, 2021. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2021.661706/full 💡 Final Thought: You Don’t Need a Gut Reset. You Need a Gut Strategy. If your gut is inflamed, your brain foggy, your belly bloated, and your mood off—it’s not just “normal aging” or bad luck. It’s a call for a deeper look. At Valley Cryo , we use advanced gut testing, functional nutrition, and proven protocols to help your gut heal—for real. 👉 Ready to Heal Your Gut? 📞 Call Valley Cryo 540-217-2831 and ask for Jenny 🌿 Personalized gut healing is just one test and one plan away. 📍 Charlottesville, VA

"Hate the Mirror? Dread Swimsuit Season? Let’s Talk About Why (and What to Do About It)" Brutal honesty, no fluff. You're not lazy—you’re likely hormonally stuck, inflamed, and starving yourself. Let’s fix it the right way. Do you avoid full-length mirrors? Tug at your shirt to cover your stomach? Hate the way you look in swimsuits, no matter how hard you work? You're not alone—and more importantly, you're not broken. Here at Valley Cryo, we see it all the time: strong, determined women doing everything "right"—lifting heavy, walking 10k steps a day, eating clean—but still struggling with stubborn belly fat, low energy, mood swings, and a body that no longer feels like their own. Sound familiar? Here’s the truth no one told you: You can’t outwork a hormone crash. You won’t build muscle eating like a bird. And it’s not your willpower—it’s cortisol, estrogen, progesterone, and thyroid dysfunction. You’ve likely been told to try harder. Eat less. Work out more. But what your body really needs is healing, support, and balance—not punishment. 🔬 The Real Problem: Hormones + Metabolic Chaos In menopause or perimenopause, estrogen drops. Cortisol rises. Your metabolism tanks. You lose muscle. You gain fat—especially in the midsection. Then you restrict calories and overtrain, making it all worse. That’s why we take a whole-body approach: Functional Nutrition (Stop starving. Start fueling.) Hormonal Testing & Referrals Cryotherapy & Infrared Sauna (Reduce inflammation + reset stress hormones) Ozone Steam & Red Light Therapy (For detox, healing, and cellular repair) Compression & Lymphatic Flow (De-puff and de-bloat) 💡 You Don’t Need Another Detox. You need strategy, support, and someone to tell you the truth—then walk you through the solution. You deserve to feel confident again. 👉 Ready to Start? Stop guessing. Stop hiding. Start rebuilding. 📞 Call Valley Cryo 📍 Charlottesville, VA 🌐 [Insert your website or booking link here] 💬 Or DM us “READY” on Instagram to take the first step.

The Forgotten Factor in Fatigue – Mitochondrial Dysfunction and How to Fix It If you wake up tired, struggle with brain fog, or feel like you just can’t recover from workouts the way you used to — your mitochondria might be to blame. Mitochondria are the powerhouses of your cells. They take the food you eat and the oxygen you breathe and convert it into energy your body can use (ATP). But when your mitochondria aren’t working properly, your whole system suffers. Signs of Mitochondrial Dysfunction: Persistent fatigue despite rest Slow recovery from exercise Brain fog and poor concentration Increased sensitivity to stress Low motivation or mood changes Hormonal imbalance Cold hands/feet and low body temp This isn’t just about feeling tired. Poor mitochondrial function is now linked to chronic illnesses including autoimmune disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, mold illness, and even long COVID. What Causes Mitochondrial Damage? Chronic stress and high cortisol Nutrient deficiencies (B vitamins, CoQ10, magnesium, carnitine) Mold and mycotoxins Chronic infections like Lyme or Epstein-Barr Environmental toxins (pesticides, plastics, heavy metals) Overtraining or under-eating How Valley Cryo Supports Mitochondrial Health: We take a whole-body approach to healing your energy systems. At Valley Cryo, we offer cutting-edge therapies that support mitochondrial repair and performance: Red Light Therapy – Increases ATP production, improves mitochondrial function, and reduces inflammation Ozone Steam Sauna – Delivers powerful systemic oxygen, promotes detoxification, and boosts antioxidant defenses Full-Body Cryotherapy – Stimulates cellular regeneration and reduces oxidative stress Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy – Delivers oxygen directly to cells under pressure, enhancing mitochondrial efficiency Compression Therapy – Improves lymphatic drainage and circulation, reducing the burden on energy systems Functional Nutrition Consults – Identify and address nutrient gaps, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial cofactors Many of our clients come to us with extreme fatigue, burnout, or post-viral issues — and after consistent treatments, report improved energy, focus, recovery, and overall resilience. We also collaborate with functional and Lyme-literate doctors who can run deeper testing if needed. You Don’t Have to Settle for Low Energy If your labs are normal but you still feel exhausted, it’s time to dig deeper. Supporting mitochondrial health is often the missing piece — and we’re here to help. 📍 Visit us at Valley Cryo in Charlottesville📞 Call or message to learn more about energy-focused programs Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Valley Cryo partners with experienced functional health providers to guide personalized strategies for energy, detox, and hormone support.

Blog Title: Mast Cell Mayhem – Understanding Histamine Overload and How Valley Cryo Can Help If you’ve ever felt itchy for no reason, struggled with brain fog, or reacted to foods you used to tolerate, you might be dealing with mast cell activation — and you're not alone. Mast cells are a key part of the immune system. When working properly, they help fight infection and injury. But when they become overactive or dysregulated, they can cause a cascade of symptoms that leave people feeling inflamed, anxious, reactive, and exhausted. Common Symptoms of Mast Cell Activation: Flushing or facial redness Itchy skin, scalp, or hives Heart palpitations Lightheadedness or dizziness Brain fog and fatigue Food and chemical sensitivities GI upset, bloating, or nausea Anxiety or a sense of “doom” These symptoms often wax and wane, making it hard to get answers — and even harder to be believed. What Triggers Mast Cell Issues? Mast cells can become activated due to a wide variety of root causes: Tickborne illness (Lyme, Bartonella, Babesia) Mold exposure or mycotoxins Viral or bacterial infections Chronic stress and trauma Environmental toxins (perfumes, chemicals, EMFs) Gut dysbiosis and leaky gut Histamine-rich or high-oxalate diets Hormone imbalances (especially in menopause) Genetic predisposition (e.g., MTHFR or HNMT mutations) Many of our clients don’t just have one of these — they have several stacked together. How Valley Cryo Supports Mast Cell Stability You don’t have to suffer endlessly or live on antihistamines. We take a full-body, functional approach: Red Light Therapy – Calms inflammation and supports mitochondrial function. Ozone and Infrared Sauna – Supports detox and immune regulation. Functional Nutrition Consults – Targeted support for DAO levels, low-histamine diets, and gentle gut healing. Supplement Support – Quercetin, Vitamin C, DAO enzymes, and more. We also work alongside functional medicine providers who can help assess your root causes, labs, and tailor advanced interventions. Don’t Settle for Feeling “Crazy” or “Sensitive” If your body is reacting to everything, that’s not normal — it’s a signal. You deserve a care team that listens and a plan that works. 📍 Visit us at Valley Cryo in Charlottesville📞 Call or message us to start your mast cell recovery journey

Blog Title: What To Do After a Tick Bite – Valley Cryo's Functional Approach to Early Intervention Ticks are tiny, but the symptoms they can leave behind are anything but. At Valley Cryo, we regularly see clients who feel overlooked and dismissed after a tick bite — often told their tests are normal, even as their bodies clearly aren’t. The truth is: standard testing often fails to catch early or chronic tickborne illness. That’s why we approach tick bites proactively, with tools to stabilize the body before symptoms spiral. The Problem With Standard Care: Most conventional doctors will only act if a bullseye rash appears or a Lyme test turns positive. But: Only 30–50% of Lyme patients ever develop a rash Common tests like ELISA/Western Blot miss up to 50% of true infections Tickborne illnesses include more than just Lyme — like Bartonella, Babesia, Ehrlichia, and others Meanwhile, symptoms like fatigue, anxiety, brain fog, rashes, tingling, and joint pain start to set in — and often worsen over time if left untreated. Valley Cryo’s Functional First-Aid for Tick Bites: We believe the best time to act is early — before inflammation spreads and disrupts the gut, hormones, or nervous system. Here's how we help clients: 1. Detox Pathway Activation We support the liver, kidneys, and lymphatics right away using: Ozone therapy Infrared sauna Coffee enemas PEMF and red light therapy These therapies help your body eliminate pathogens and their byproducts more effectively. 2. Mast Cell and Histamine Support Many clients develop sudden sensitivities to foods, chemicals, or light/sound after tick exposure. We use natural mast cell stabilizers like: Quercetin DAO enzyme support Functional nutrition guidance 3. Antimicrobial Herbals While waiting on testing or clinical clarity, we often suggest safe, broad-spectrum herbals like: Japanese Knotweed Cryptolepis These are gentle but effective in targeting early infections. 4. Biofilm Busters Some pathogens form protective biofilms. We use enzymes like lumbrokinase or nattokinase to help break these down and improve antimicrobial access. The Takeaway Untreated tickborne infections can progress into chronic Lyme, which is far more complex and difficult to manage. At that stage, symptoms often become entrenched and may affect multiple systems in the body — turning what could have been a short-term illness into a lifelong condition. Early support can make a tremendous difference. If you've had a recent tick bite (or chronic unexplained symptoms), don’t wait for the “right” test result. The best functional medicine providers know to treat based on symptoms, not just labs. Valley Cryo is here to support you through detox, stabilization, and recovery — with modern tools and compassionate care. You don’t have to wait until things get worse. Let’s start your healing today. Reach out to schedule a functional intake or treatment session. Your body will thank you. Disclaimer: This blog is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before beginning any treatment. At Valley Cryo, we follow the research and clinical strategies of leading Lyme-literate MDs to support our clients functionally and holistically. We also collaborate with a functional medical doctor to ensure that your care is both evidence-based and individually tailored.

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HEAVY METALS: THE HIDDEN TOXINS IMPACTING YOUR HEALTH You don’t have to live next to a factory or work with chemicals to have toxic metals in your body. Today, heavy metal exposure is more common than most people realize — and it could be silently interfering with your health, even if you're not experiencing obvious symptoms. At Valley Cryo, we specialize in supporting your body's ability to detox naturally and safely, using state-of-the-art tools like ozone steam, infrared sauna, and red light therapy. 🔍 What Are Heavy Metals? Heavy metals are elements like: Mercury Lead Arsenic Cadmium Aluminum These metals accumulate in your tissues — especially your brain, liver, kidneys, fat cells, and bones — over time. They're found in dental fillings, tap water, non-organic foods, personal care products, air pollution, and even cookware. ⚠️ The Problem? You Might Not Have Symptoms (Yet) Many people with heavy metal buildup feel fine — until they don’t. These toxins disrupt your: Mitochondrial function (→ fatigue) Hormones (→ estrogen dominance, adrenal dysfunction) Brain chemistry (→ anxiety, brain fog) Detox organs (→ liver, lymph, kidneys) And they increase oxidative stress, which accelerates aging and inflammation. 🧬 Our Heavy Metal Detox Approach at Valley Cryo We don’t rely on harsh chelators or guesswork. Instead, we support your body’s natural detox systems using proven, non-invasive therapies: 💨 Ozone Steam Sauna Ozone delivers powerful oxygenation and immune modulation, helping neutralize pathogens and activate cellular detox. Combined with steam, this therapy opens pores and mobilizes toxins from deep tissues. 🔥 Infrared Sauna Penetrates deeply to stimulate sweat glands and gently pull out heavy metals through the skin — one of the safest and most effective detox pathways. 🔴 Red Light Therapy Enhances mitochondrial energy (ATP), improves circulation, and supports lymphatic movement — critical for processing and clearing toxins from the body. 🙋‍♀️ Who Benefits from Heavy Metal Detox? You might benefit if you: Feel "wired but tired" Struggle with hormonal imbalances Have mystery symptoms despite clean labs Want to support recovery from mold, Lyme, or chronic illness Simply want to age well and stay resilient 💡 You Don’t Need to Wait Until You’re Sick to Detox Detox isn’t just for crisis. It’s for prevention, energy, clarity, and vitality. At Valley Cryo, we believe your body is wise — it just needs the right tools to release what no longer serves it. Ready to explore heavy metal detox? Call or message us to schedule your personalized plan. Located in Charlottesville, VA Valley Cryo | Whole Body Resilience, Backed by Science

Beyond Chemo: Integrative Support with Oxygen and Ozone At Valley Cryo, we’re honored to walk alongside many clients navigating cancer — whether they’re currently undergoing chemotherapy or exploring ways to support their recovery naturally. Two of the most powerful tools we offer are oxygen therapy and ozone therapy. These aren't just wellness trends — they are integrative, science-backed therapies that support the body at the cellular level. When used alongside conventional cancer treatments, they can help reduce inflammation, ease fatigue, and strengthen the immune system. 🔹 Oxygen Therapy: Fueling the Healing Process Oxygen is critical for energy, detoxification, and cellular repair — all essential during cancer treatment. With options like EWOT (Exercise with Oxygen Therapy) and mild hyperbaric oxygen, we help the body: Rebuild mitochondrial function Increase oxygenation to tissues Support detox pathways Improve energy, clarity, and resilience Many clients report clearer thinking, deeper sleep, and faster recovery after sessions. 🔹 Ozone Steam Sauna: A Powerful Detox Tool Ozone is a highly active form of oxygen with antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. In our HOCATT ozone steam sauna, ozone is delivered gently through the skin while the body relaxes in a warm steam chamber. Benefits include: Enhanced detoxification Immune system modulation Circulation and lymphatic stimulation Support for hormonal and metabolic balance It’s gentle but effective — ideal for those with weakened immune systems or ongoing fatigue. 🔹 Oxygen + Ozone = Synergy When used together, these therapies create a powerful, non-invasive support system during and after cancer treatment. They help oxygenate cells more efficiently, reduce oxidative stress, and support whole-body resilience — which is essential for healing. 🧠 Why We Recommend This in Cancer Care Whether you're in active treatment, in remission, or working to prevent recurrence, these therapies help restore balance to a stressed body. We work with each client to create a plan that supports their goals — physically, mentally, and emotionally. You are not your diagnosis — and your body still holds immense power to heal. Let us support you with natural, integrative therapies that work with your treatments, not against them. 🗓 Book a consultation at Valley Cryo today.