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Pancreatitis Support

Milk thistle, dandelion & low-fat digestive enzyme support for pancreatic recovery

importantDigestive & Gutdogs

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Sunaras provides educational wellness content only. This is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individual responses to herbs vary. Always consult a qualified healthcare practitioner for personalised guidance.

Milk Thistle (Silymarin)

Silymarin from milk thistle seed protects pancreatic and hepatic cells from oxidative damage — pancreatitis generates a massive local inflammatory response with reactive oxygen species that cause secondary liver injury. Milk thistle's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory silymarin complex reduces this oxidative cascade and supports recovery of both the pancreas and liver.

⚠️ Not for use during an acute pancreatitis attack — veterinary emergency care is required first. Can interact with medications metabolised by CYP450 enzymes. Not for cats at standard doses — seek veterinary guidance for feline pancreatitis.

European Herbalism

Dandelion Root

Dandelion root supports bile flow and liver function — secondary hepatic involvement is common in canine pancreatitis ('hepatic lipidosis triad'). Its bitter sesquiterpene lactones and taraxacin stimulate bile production and flow, supporting fat digestion recovery after pancreatitis-related digestive enzyme impairment.

⚠️ Avoid in acute pancreatitis phase. Not recommended in pets with bile duct obstruction or gallstones. Some dogs have reactions to plants in the Asteraceae family.

European Herbalism / Traditional Chinese Medicine

Chamomile

Chamomile's bisabolol and chamazulene reduce inflammation in the peritoneum and GI tract surrounding the pancreas. Its antispasmodic action reduces intestinal cramping and nausea that accompany pancreatitis, and its gentle action on the GI mucosa is appropriate for the sensitive post-pancreatitis digestive system.

⚠️ Steer away from very strong concentrations. Safe for most dogs. Cats: may use in very diluted form (1 tbsp strained chamomile tea over food). Monitor for any allergic reaction — rare but possible.

European Herbalism

Full profile

Ultra-Low Fat Boiled Chicken and Rice (Dogs)

The cornerstone of canine pancreatitis recovery feeding is ultra-low fat, easily digestible food. Fat triggers the most potent stimulus for pancreatic enzyme secretion — reducing fat to below 10% of calories dramatically reduces the workload on the inflamed pancreas and allows healing. Plain boiled chicken breast and white rice is the gold standard recovery food.

Preparation:

  • Boil skinless chicken breast in plain water (no salt, no seasoning, no onion/garlic).
  • Shred finely.
  • Cook white rice separately in plain water.
  • Mix 1 part chicken to 2 parts rice.
  • Feed small amounts (25% of normal daily ration) every 4–6 hours.

Dosage:

  • Small frequent meals — 25% of normal ration size, fed every 4–6 hours, increasing to normal meal size over 5–7 days as recovery progresses

Integrative Veterinary Medicine

Boiled Pumpkin or Sweet Potato (no skin)

Cooked pumpkin and sweet potato provide easily digestible complex carbohydrates with very low fat and gentle soluble fibre. The soluble fibre (pectin) supports gut motility recovery and provides prebiotic substrate for beneficial bacteria, which are disrupted by pancreatitis and its antibiotic treatment.

Preparation:

  • Boil pumpkin or sweet potato in plain water until very soft.
  • Mash to smooth consistency (no lumps that could upset the recovering gut).
  • Serve plain with no butter, oil, or seasoning.

Dosage:

  • 1–2 tbsp mixed into recovery food (chicken and rice) once or twice daily during recovery phase

Integrative Veterinary Medicine

Bone Broth (fat-skimmed, no onion/garlic)

Fat-skimmed bone broth provides glycine, proline, and collagen peptides that support intestinal epithelial healing and gut lining integrity, which is compromised by the intestinal inflammation associated with pancreatitis. The warm aromatic liquid also stimulates appetite in post-pancreatitis dogs who are often anorexic.

Preparation:

  • Homemade or commercial bone broth with zero onion, garlic, leeks, or chives.
  • After making, refrigerate until fat solidifies on surface — skim off all fat before serving.
  • The remaining broth should be virtually fat-free.
  • Serve warm.

Dosage:

  • 2–4 tbsp warm fat-skimmed bone broth over recovery food at each meal; also offered separately as a warm drink to encourage fluid intake

Traditional Veterinary Nutrition

Canine Pancreatitis Recovery Protocol

Dogs

  • A structured ultra-low fat dietary recovery protocol for dogs following pancreatitis.
  • The critical principle is that fat is the primary trigger for pancreatic enzyme hypersecretion — keeping dietary fat below 10% of calories is the most effective single intervention for preventing recurrence.
  • Dogs with pancreatitis have a lifelong predisposition to recurrence if high-fat feeding resumes.
  • This protocol is for the recovery phase after veterinary stabilisation — do not attempt dietary management without veterinary assessment of the acute attack.

Foods:

  • Ultra-low fat boiled chicken breast and white rice (primary recovery food)
  • Fat-skimmed bone broth (no onion/garlic)
  • Boiled pumpkin or sweet potato (mashed)
  • Chamomile-ginger tea (2 tbsp over food)
  • Milk thistle (once recovery from acute phase — not during acute attack)
  • Veterinary probiotic (daily)
  • Digestive enzyme supplement (only if EPI confirmed by vet)

Timing:

  • Days 1–2 post-vet discharge: Small amount (25% of normal ration) boiled chicken + rice every 4–6 hours. Add 2–3 tbsp fat-skimmed broth to each meal.
  • Days 3–5: Increase to 50% normal ration size. Add 1 tbsp mashed pumpkin per meal. Continue broth. Start chamomile tea (2 tbsp over food).
  • Days 5–10: Increase to 75% then normal ration. Maintain ultra-low fat permanently if recurrence risk is high.
  • Long-term: Switch to a commercial veterinary low-fat diet (< 10% fat DM). No fatty treats, table scraps, or high-fat foods ever again. Annual lipase monitoring with your vet.

16:8 Intermittent Fasting Protocol

Western Integrative Medicine

  • The most researched fasting protocol — eating within an 8-hour window and fasting for 16 hours daily.
  • During the fasting window, the body depletes glycogen and switches to fat oxidation, increasing AMPK activity, insulin sensitivity, and autophagy.
  • Benefits include reduced fasting insulin, improved metabolic flexibility, reduced inflammation markers (CRP, IL-6), and weight management.
  • The eating window is typically 10 am–6 pm or 12 pm–8 pm depending on lifestyle.

Foods:

  • Fasting window (16 hours): water only, black coffee, plain herbal tea, sparkling water
  • Breaking the fast: start with protein and fat — not carbohydrates (blunts the insulin spike after fasting)
  • Eating window (8 hours): normal anti-inflammatory whole foods
  • Avoid: fruit juice, BCAA supplements, bone broth with calories during fasting window — these partially break the fast
  • Electrolytes during fasting window: pinch of sea salt + a few drops of lemon juice if hunger is severe

Timing:

  • 12 pm (break fast): Wild salmon + 2 eggs + spinach + avocado — protein-fat first meal
  • 3 pm: Main nourishing meal — baked chicken + sweet potato + roasted vegetables
  • 6 pm (final meal): Light protein dinner — fish or chicken + non-starchy vegetables only

12 pm — Breaking the Fast

Salmon & Egg Break-Fast Plate

  1. Break your fast with protein and fat — not carbohydrates. This prevents the sharp insulin spike from carbohydrates after a 16-hour fast, maintaining the metabolic benefits.
  2. Scramble eggs slowly in butter on low heat until creamy.
  3. Sauté spinach in olive oil 1–2 minutes. Plate everything with sliced avocado.
  4. Eat slowly. After 16 hours of fasting, the digestive system needs gentle reintroduction — avoid large portions immediately.

3 pm — Main Meal

Herb-Roasted Chicken with Sweet Potato & Vegetables

  1. Preheat oven to 200°C. Toss sweet potato and vegetables with 2 tbsp olive oil, garlic, and herbs.
  2. Rub chicken with remaining olive oil and herbs. Place on tray with vegetables.
  3. Roast 22–25 minutes until chicken is cooked and vegetables have caramelised edges.
  4. Squeeze lemon over everything before serving.

6 pm — Final Meal (fasting window begins after this)

Light Fish Dinner with Green Vegetables

  1. Pan-sear fish in olive oil 3–4 minutes per side over medium heat.
  2. Steam or roast asparagus and courgette alongside. Wilt spinach in the pan.
  3. Plate and squeeze lemon over everything. Keep the meal light — you want digestion complete before sleep for better overnight autophagy.
  4. Drink herbal tea 30 minutes after. After this, fasting window begins — water, black tea, and herbal tea only until 12 pm tomorrow.

5:2 Modified Fasting Protocol

Western Integrative Medicine

  • Five days of normal eating and two non-consecutive restricted days (500 kcal for women, 600 kcal for men) per week.
  • The calorie-restricted days trigger the same metabolic benefits as full fasting — AMPK activation, reduced IGF-1, increased autophagy — but are more sustainable for most people.
  • The two fasting days should not be consecutive (e.g.
  • Monday and Thursday).
  • On fasting days, the goal is maximum nutrient density within the calorie limit.

Foods:

  • Fasting days: 500–600 total calories divided between 2 small meals
  • Fasting day proteins: eggs (70 kcal each), white fish (120 kcal per 150g), tofu (80 kcal per 100g)
  • Fasting day vegetables: unlimited non-starchy — broccoli, spinach, courgette, cucumber, celery
  • Non-fasting days: normal anti-inflammatory Mediterranean eating — no restriction
  • All days: minimum 2L water, black coffee and herbal tea allowed without breaking fast
  • Avoid: fasting on consecutive days, exercising strenuously on fasting days

Timing:

  • Fasting day breakfast (~150 kcal): 2 eggs any style (140 kcal) + unlimited herbal tea
  • Fasting day dinner (~350–450 kcal): white fish + steamed broccoli + leafy salad with lemon dressing
  • Normal day template: full Mediterranean anti-inflammatory meals without calorie restriction

Fasting Day — Breakfast (~150 kcal)

Two-Egg Fasting Breakfast

  1. Boil, poach, or scramble eggs without added oil or butter on a fasting day.
  2. Season lightly with sea salt. Drink plenty of water.
  3. Black coffee can be taken before this meal — it extends the fasting window's metabolic benefit.
  4. Total: approximately 140–150 kcal. Remaining 350–450 kcal budget is for dinner.

Fasting Day — Dinner (~400 kcal)

Fasting Day White Fish Plate

  1. Steam or bake fish in foil with lemon, herbs, and a tiny amount of olive oil. 15 minutes at 180°C.
  2. Steam broccoli and courgette 5–7 minutes until tender but not mushy.
  3. Dress salad with lemon juice only (no oil) to keep calories low.
  4. Total plate: approximately 335–370 kcal. Well within the 500 kcal fasting day budget.

Non-Fasting Day — Dinner (unrestricted)

Mediterranean Salmon with Legumes

  1. Roast vegetables with 2 tbsp olive oil at 200°C for 20 minutes.
  2. Pan-sear salmon in remaining olive oil 3–4 minutes per side.
  3. Toss chickpeas or lentils through the roasted vegetables.
  4. Plate and squeeze lemon over. Normal day — eat to comfortable fullness.

Circadian Rhythm Eating (Solar Fasting Protocol)

Ayurveda

  • Aligned with Ayurvedic principles of Agni (digestive fire) and modern circadian biology — the digestive system is strongest between 10 am and 2 pm (peak sun, peak metabolic enzyme activity) and weakest after sunset.
  • Eating after dark suppresses melatonin, increases insulin resistance by 20–30%, and disrupts circadian-regulated metabolic processes.
  • This protocol concentrates the largest meal at midday, uses a light early breakfast (or skips it), and ends all eating by 6–7 pm for a 14–16 hour overnight fast.

Foods:

  • Morning (optional, light): small amount of soaked nuts or fruit — never a heavy meal before 9 am when Agni is still awakening
  • Midday (main meal, 11 am–2 pm): largest meal of the day — all food groups, full nutrition
  • Evening (before 6 pm, very light): easily digestible — soup, cooked vegetables, small amount of protein
  • After 6–7 pm: only herbal tea, water — fasting window begins with sunset
  • Avoid: eating after 7 pm (reverses circadian metabolic benefits), heavy breakfast
  • Turmeric
  • Amla (Indian Gooseberry)
  • Licorice Root (Yashtimadhu)
  • Pippali (Long Pepper)
  • Cardamom
  • Bitter Melon

Timing:

  • Morning 8 am (optional, very light): 30g soaked almonds + 1 small banana + ginger herbal tea
  • Midday 12–1 pm (main meal): Substantial kitchari or grilled fish + rice + roasted vegetables + ghee
  • Evening before 6 pm (light): Clear vegetable soup or congee — never a heavy meal

Morning (8 am) — Optional Light Breakfast

Soaked Almond & Ginger Awakening

  1. The night before: place almonds in a bowl, cover with water, soak overnight at room temperature.
  2. In the morning: drain almonds and peel the skins off (they slide off easily after soaking — peel is astringent).
  3. Eat almonds slowly and chew thoroughly. Digestive enzyme activity is still low at 8 am.
  4. Drink ginger tea alongside — ginger gently awakens Agni without overstimulating digestion.
  5. Keep this meal very small — the purpose is to gently start digestion, not to fully feed.

Midday (12–1 pm) — Main Meal at Peak Agni

Golden Kitchari — Ayurvedic Complete Meal

  1. Rinse mung dal and rice until water runs clear.
  2. Heat ghee in a pot over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add ginger, turmeric, and coriander. Stir 30 seconds.
  4. Add dal and rice, stir to coat in ghee and spices. Pour in water or broth.
  5. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and cook 25–30 minutes until dal breaks down into a thick, porridge-like consistency.
  6. Stir in cooked vegetables 5 minutes before end. Season with sea salt.
  7. Eat this as the main meal of the day, mindfully, sitting down, without screens. Agni is strongest now.

Evening (before 6 pm) — Light Closing Meal

Light Vegetable Broth Soup

  1. Simmer vegetables in broth with spices 15–20 minutes until very soft.
  2. Blend half or all for a smooth soup if desired. Stir in ghee at the end.
  3. Eat before 6 pm. This should be light and easy to digest — the digestive system is slowing down.
  4. After this meal: only herbal tea and water. The 14–16 hour overnight fast begins here.

72-Hour Autophagy Reset Fast

Western Integrative Medicine

  • An extended 72-hour fast activates deep cellular autophagy (cellular self-cleaning) — the process in which cells break down and recycle damaged organelles, misfolded proteins, and dysfunctional mitochondria.
  • The first 16–24 hours triggers glycogen depletion and ketogenesis; hours 24–72 see peak autophagy and a significant reduction in circulating IGF-1 and inflammatory cytokines.
  • After 72 hours, the immune system undergoes partial renewal (Valter Longo stem cell research).
  • This is an intensive protocol — not for weekly use.
  • Once per month or per quarter for immune reset is appropriate.

Foods:

  • During fast (72 hours): water only, electrolytes (sea salt + potassium from lemon), plain black coffee, plain herbal tea
  • No calories during the fast — bone broth, BCAA supplements, and sweetened teas partially break autophagy
  • Electrolyte maintenance: ½ tsp sea salt + squeeze of lemon in 1L water each day prevents low sodium, headache, and heart palpitation
  • Breaking the fast correctly is critical — refeeding syndrome is a risk after extended fasting. Start with bone broth, not a large meal
  • Not appropriate for: pregnant women, diabetics on insulin, anyone underweight, or anyone with a history of eating disorders

Timing:

  • Evening before Day 1 (pre-fast final meal): high-fat, high-protein — sustains energy into the fast
  • During fast (Days 1–3): water + herbal teas + black coffee + sea salt electrolyte water
  • Breaking the fast (end of Day 3): bone broth first, then 2 hours later soft scrambled eggs and avocado

Evening Before the Fast — Final Pre-Fast Meal

High-Fat, High-Protein Pre-Fast Plate

  1. This meal should be substantial but not overly large. Eat until satisfied, not stuffed.
  2. Roast salmon and vegetables at 200°C for 20 minutes with olive oil.
  3. Scramble eggs in remaining olive oil. Serve everything together.
  4. After this meal: stop eating. The fast begins now. Last coffee or herbal tea allowed until bedtime.

During the Fast (Days 1–3) — Fasting Drink Protocol

Electrolyte Fasting Water

  1. Mix electrolyte water each morning. Drink at least 2.5–3L of fluid daily during the fast.
  2. Sip throughout the day rather than drinking large volumes at once.
  3. Hunger peaks at hours 16–20 and again at hour 36 — these are temporary. After hour 48, many people experience a significant reduction in hunger.
  4. If feeling weak, dizzy, or experiencing heart palpitations: increase sea salt immediately — this is low sodium, not low blood sugar.
  5. Do not exercise intensely during hours 24–48 — light walking only. Light exercise is fine after hour 48.

Breaking the Fast (End of Hour 72) — Refeeding Protocol

Bone Broth Refeeding Sequence

  1. CRITICAL: Do not break an extended fast with a large meal. Refeeding syndrome is a medical risk with electrolyte imbalance.
  2. Start with 200ml warm bone broth. Sip slowly over 20 minutes.
  3. Wait at least 2 hours before eating anything else. Let the digestive system re-activate gently.
  4. First solid meal: 2 scrambled eggs + ¼ avocado + a little cooked spinach. Small portion.
  5. Wait 4 hours before eating a fuller meal. Eat only until moderately satisfied — do not eat a large meal to 'make up' for the fast.
  6. Day after the fast: normal eating resumes. The cells have completed their autophagy cycle.

OMAD — One Meal A Day Protocol

Western Integrative Medicine

  • The most condensed fasting protocol — all daily nutrition consumed within a single 1–2 hour eating window.
  • The 22–23 hour fasting window maximises autophagy, ketogenesis, and AMPK activation.
  • Requires careful nutritional planning to deliver complete macro and micronutrients in a single meal.
  • Best suited to people who have already adapted to 16:8 or 5:2 fasting.
  • Not recommended as a starting point — build up to it over several weeks.
  • Ideal eating window: 5–7 pm (dinner) to preserve social eating and performance throughout the day.

Foods:

  • The single meal must contain: 1.6–2g protein per kg bodyweight, 50–80g healthy fat, adequate fibre (25g minimum), all major micronutrients
  • Start with bone broth (10–15 minutes before the main meal) — re-engages digestive enzymes, provides collagen and electrolytes
  • Main protein: 250–350g salmon, chicken thighs, beef, or eggs
  • Healthy fat: 2–3 tbsp olive oil, ½ avocado, nuts/seeds
  • Complex carbohydrates (optional, especially for active people): 150–200g sweet potato, 1 cup legumes
  • Vegetables: minimum 400g — 4+ different colours
  • Finish: 20–30g dark chocolate + herbal tea

Timing:

  • Pre-meal (10–15 min before): 200ml bone broth — re-activates digestive enzymes, begins appetite signal
  • Main OMAD meal (5–7 pm): complete nutrient-dense plate — protein + fat + vegetables + optional complex carb
  • Post-meal: 20g dark chocolate + herbal tea — antioxidants + gentle digestive support

Pre-Meal (10 minutes before eating)

Digestive Activation Bone Broth

  1. Warm broth gently. Do not boil.
  2. Drink 10–15 minutes before the main OMAD meal.
  3. This re-activates the digestive enzyme cascade that has been dormant for 22+ hours, preventing the digestive distress that can come from eating a large meal after a long fast.

Main OMAD Meal (5–7 pm) — Complete Nutrition in One Plate

Complete OMAD Nourishment Plate

  1. Preheat oven to 200°C. Bake sweet potato whole 40 minutes (or use pre-cooked from the day before).
  2. Toss broccoli and capsicum with 2 tbsp olive oil, garlic, herbs. Roast 20 minutes alongside the potato.
  3. Pan-sear salmon or chicken in remaining oil, 4 minutes per side for salmon, 6 minutes for chicken. Finish chicken in oven if needed.
  4. Wilt spinach/kale in the hot pan 1 minute.
  5. Assemble the full plate: protein, roasted vegetables, leafy greens, avocado, pumpkin seeds. Squeeze lemon over everything.
  6. Eat slowly over 45–60 minutes. Chew thoroughly — digestive enzyme activity needs this time after a 22-hour fast.
  7. Serve yoghurt or kefir alongside for probiotics.

Post-Meal (30 minutes after eating)

Dark Chocolate & Chamomile Digestive Close

  1. Wait 20–30 minutes after the main meal before eating chocolate — this is a digestive rest period, not an extended eating window.
  2. Eat chocolate slowly, letting it melt.
  3. Sip chamomile tea. The eating window closes after this.
  4. The 22–23 hour fasting window now begins again.
How to Make This

Chamomile and Ginger Digestive Recovery Tea (Dogs)

A gentle anti-nausea and anti-inflammatory blend supporting the recovery phase after canine pancreatitis. Ginger's gingerols reduce nausea and stimulate GI motility (which may be depressed after pancreatitis), while chamomile reduces intestinal inflammation and spasm.

Preparation:

  • Steep 1 tsp chamomile flowers + ¼ tsp dried ginger root in 250ml boiled water for 8 minutes.
  • Strain very thoroughly.
  • Cool completely to room temperature.

Dosage:

  • Add 2–3 tbsp to food or water twice daily during recovery.
  • For small dogs (under 5kg): 1 tbsp.
  • Offer alongside the low-fat recovery diet.

European Herbalism

Dandelion Root Liver Support Tea (Dogs)

Dandelion root tea supports liver recovery from secondary hepatic involvement in canine pancreatitis. The bitter compounds taraxacin and taraxacerin stimulate bile flow and liver detoxification, aiding recovery of fat digestion capacity.

Preparation:

  • Simmer 1 tsp dried dandelion root in 250ml water for 10 minutes.
  • Strain well and cool completely.

Dosage:

  • Add 2–3 tbsp to wet food once daily during recovery phase.
  • Use for 3–4 weeks post-pancreatitis attack.

European Herbalism

How to Make This

Milk Thistle Glycerite (Dogs)

A glycerin-based milk thistle extract providing concentrated silymarin for hepatic and pancreatic protection during recovery. The glycerite format is alcohol-free and safe for dogs.

⚠️ Consult vet before starting — pancreatitis requires medical management. Not a substitute for veterinary treatment. Avoid in acute attack phase.

European Herbalism

Digestive Enzyme Supplement (Pancreatic Insufficiency)

Chronic pancreatitis in dogs can progress to exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), where the pancreas no longer produces sufficient digestive enzymes. Powdered porcine pancreatic enzyme supplements (containing lipase, protease, amylase) replace these lost enzymes, allowing normal fat and protein digestion.

⚠️ Use only under veterinary supervision — EPI diagnosis requires TLI (trypsin-like immunoreactivity) blood test. Do not supplement enzymes without confirmed deficiency. Mouth sores can develop from residue — ensure powder is well mixed into food.

Veterinary Nutritional Medicine

How to Make This

Dog Pancreatitis Recovery Electrolyte Broth

A fat-free, electrolyte-rich broth blend supporting hydration and recovery from canine pancreatitis. Dogs with pancreatitis are frequently dehydrated from vomiting and reduced food/water intake — this palatable warm broth encourages fluid intake while providing gut-healing compounds.

Preparation:

  • Combine 90ml fat-skimmed bone broth (no onion/garlic) + 2 tbsp cooled chamomile tea + small pinch (⅛ tsp) slippery elm powder, whisked smooth.
  • Serve warm.

Dosage:

  • 30–60ml warm blend offered by spoon or mixed into soft recovery food 2–3 times daily during recovery phase.
  • Always alongside adequate fresh water.

Integrative Veterinary Medicine

How to Make This

Frankincense & Rose Hip Regenerating Serum

A luxurious regenerating serum drawing on ancient Persian healing wisdom, combining frankincense resin's boswellic acids with rose hip's trans-retinoic acid to reduce inflammation, promote cellular renewal, and improve skin tone.

How to make:

  1. Combine rose hip and jojoba oils in a small dark glass bottle.
  2. Add vitamin E oil and swirl to mix.
  3. Add all essential oils.
  4. Cap tightly and shake well.
  5. Allow to rest for 24 hours before first use.

Apply: Apply 3–4 drops to clean, slightly damp skin. Press gently into skin using fingertips — do not drag. Allow to absorb for 2 minutes before applying moisturiser.Morning and/or evening

Persian Medicine

Bodywork

Lymphatic drainage massage

gentle manual technique targeting neck, armpit, and groin lymph nodes to support immune clearance and detoxification

20–30 min session, 2–3x/week or monthly with a trained therapist

Full guide & log

Bodywork

Acupuncture

TCM needle therapy at condition-specific meridian points to restore Qi flow and reduce systemic inflammation

6–12 weekly sessions recommended initially

Full guide & log

Thermal & Detox

Sauna therapy

infrared sauna at 50–60°C for 20–30 min, 3–4x/week

promotes detoxification through sweat, reduces inflammatory markers, and supports immune function

Full guide & log

Thermal & Detox

Cold plunge / contrast hydrotherapy

30–60 seconds cold shower or cold plunge after sauna

activates the vagus nerve, reduces inflammation, and boosts circulation

Full guide & log

Movement

Yoga

30–45 min daily practice of poses suited to your condition

combines breathwork, stretching, and mindfulness to regulate the nervous system and reduce stress hormones

Full guide & log

Mind & Stress

Meditation

20 min daily

body scan, breath awareness, or loving-kindness practice to lower cortisol and support the mind-body healing response

Full guide & log

Mind & Stress

Breathwork

diaphragmatic breathing or pranayama (e.g. alternate nostril, 4-7-8) for 10–15 min daily

regulates the autonomic nervous system and reduces systemic inflammation

Full guide & log

Nature

Grounding / earthing

20–30 min of barefoot contact with grass, soil, or sand daily

shown to reduce cortisol, normalise circadian rhythm, and lower inflammatory markers

Full guide & log

Nature

Forest bathing (Shinrin-yoku)

60–90 min slow, mindful walk in a forested or green environment weekly

clinically shown to reduce stress hormones and blood pressure

Full guide & log

Sleep

Sleep hygiene

maintain a consistent sleep/wake time, keep bedroom dark and cool (18–20°C), avoid screens 1 hour before bed

7–9 hours of quality sleep is foundational to all healing

Full guide & log

Sleep

Morning sunlight

10–20 min of direct sunlight exposure before 10am daily

anchors circadian rhythm, boosts vitamin D synthesis, and regulates serotonin

Full guide & log

Mind & Stress

Journaling

10–15 min daily reflective writing

symptom tracking, emotional processing, and gratitude practice to reduce psychological stress load

Full guide & log

When to see a doctor

Consult a healthcare provider if your symptoms are severe, persistent, or worsening, or before starting any herbal protocol.

Sunaras provides holistic health education. Always work with a qualified healthcare practitioner.

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