Kristin Henningsen, MS, RH (AHG), E-RYT, IYT,  is a clinical herbalist, yoga therapist, writer, & educator, who first fell in love with plants in the desert southwest.  There she was inspired to complete her graduate work, researching the Ethnobotany of the region.  In addition to studying Indigenous herbal medicine in the Southwest, she has worked in academia and for non-profit organizations in the field of botanical research all over the country.  

Inflammation is a hot topic these days. It’s a natural process, but it remains mysterious. It’s a local response to cellular damage that includes, in large part, capillary dilatation, penetration by white blood cells, redness, heat, pain, swelling, and stiffness. The body uses it to initiate the elimination of wastes and of damaged tissue. Still, it’s the enemy of conventional and alternative practitioners alike because, if not checked, it can do a lot of long-term damage.

We live in a chaotic and stimulating world. The pace of life perpetually accelerates, and our whole civilization becomes more and more frantic. We are a nation of insomniacs, unable to shut off our mental chatter. And for those in chronic pain, the situation is only worse. The pain makes sleeping yet more difficult, sleep deprivation emboldens the pain and the cycle continues. Officially, insomnia is, “difficulties initiating and/or maintaining sleep, or non-restorative sleep, associated with impairments of daytime functioning or marked distress for more than 1 month.” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that in excess of one-quarter of us report occasional sleep problems, while nearly 10% suffer from chronic insomnia. If we look just at adults, though, the numbers look more dramatic. The National Sleep Foundation sys that 58% of American adults experience symptoms of insomnia a few nights a week or more.

Interpersonal neurobiology (IPNB) seeks to explain how the nervous system and the brain develop. IPNB seeks to explain how the mind, brain, and relationships act together and how they change throughout life. Also known as relational neurobiology, it developed in the 1990s and has gained credence in the following decades.  

This post discusses IPNB and its practical implications in managing daily living. It will cover what lessons you can learn through PCC's course and how this knowledge is beneficial.  

PCC's 200-hour yoga teacher class certifies people for yoga teaching. The course also lays a solid legal and foundational basis to take the 300-hour yoga teacher certification course and become a 500-hour RYT. Taking PCC's 200-hour yoga teacher class also equips you with pertinent knowledge to make your students reach their wellness potential.  

Brandy Cummings, MS, CN, NC, CKNS, BCHN, CGP

Brandy is a graduate of Bauman college, earned her MS in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine, and is a current doctoral student studying Clinical Nutrition at the University of Western States. Additionally, she is Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition, a Certified Nutritionist in Washington state, a Certified AIP Coach, a Certified Gluten-free practitioner, a Certified Ketogenic Nutrition Specialist, and has passed her Certified Nutrition Specialist exam. 

Brandy specializes in epigenetics and  environment-rooted disorders and conditions such as mycotoxin and biotoxin illness, parasitic infections, lyme disease and coinfections, and how these can impact a person’s life from preconception to postpartum and beyond. She has coined this phase of one’s life as the Pan-natal® phase and clearly defines an up-to-date, effective, and life-changing health journey and roadmap so that people can not only impact their health and well being, but also their children, and future generations to come. 

Brandy’s mission in life is to improve the health of future generations and believes the ultimate in preventative medicine is to support the lives of parents before their children are born. Brandy is the owner of Pivotal Origins where she supports families 1:1 as well as teaches classes in her local community. Brandy is also the lead Nutritionist with The Self-Esteem Project which focuses on improving the health of communities through animated education nutrition content in K-6 schools. 

Red Castle Games is a Portland-based board and card game store that's been serving the city for over 10 years! Now, Red Castle games is offering it's regulars and new customers food and drink for a full gaming experience! Amanda, Red Castle Games Cafe manager, and Matthew, the business' founder and owner, participated in PCC SBDC's Restaurant Business Builders training program in 2022. Since then, Red Castle Games Cafe has opened its doors and hired 7 employees! Watch the video below to hear Amanda share more about her experience working with the PCC SBDC and launching Red Castle Games Cafe.