Berryessa Hills Chiropractic, Acupuncture & Orthopedic Massage Therapy

Children & Chiropractic

2010-02-15T14:15:00.000-08:00

A Winning Combination.

How does chiropractic care work?

The answer to this is simple if I explain a few things about how the body works! When a joint in the spine or the cranium doesn't move properly (a condition called a subluxation), it has the potential to irritate the nervous system. It's the nervous system that run's our body, carrying instructions from the brain to distant body parts. If this communication system is disrupted, the affected body part may or may not function properly. Chiropractic care removes the source of irritation, allowing the body to heal and operate properly.

Once the locked joint is released with a procedure called an 'adjustment', the nerve irritation disappears and restores proper communication between the brain and organ systems.

Is chiropractic care safe for children or babies?

Many children visit chiropractors these days, I see many children at my office for chiropractic adjustments especially those who are active in sports such as soccer, badminton, tennis, softball, basketball, gymnastics etc.

What pediatric conditions can a chiropractor help?

There are a wide range of conditions that a chiropractor can help with in children such as:

Neonate-Infant:

Colic/Irritability
Poor sleep
Nursing problems
Reflux/spitting up
Constipation
Asymmetrical head shape
Torticollis/head tilt
Sutural ridging
Sleep apnea or snoring
Asymmetrical crawl or gait

Toddler and Preschool-Age Child:

Ear infections
Chronic upper respiratory infections
Asthma
Growing pains/foot or leg cramping
Bed-wetting
Incontinence (bowel or bladder)
Pervasive developmental disorders including Autism, sensory integration disorder, ADD, ADHD, learning disabilities

School-Age Child and Adolescents:

Back pain
Neck pain
Headaches
Scoliosis
Gait abnormalities
Extremity injuries (chronic ankle sprains, knee pain, shoulder pain, etc)
Constipation
Abdominal pain
Chronic upper respiratory illness

It's important to remember that Chiropractic Physicians have a scope of practice that ranges from manual adjustments, exercise and postural advice, herbal and nutritional supplements, and lifestyle and dietary advice.

Chiropractic Physicians and medical physicians complement each other; as a team, they provide complete health care for your child.

"To your Health" Magazine January 2010 issue for more information.

"To buy or Not to buy Organic?" PART 1

2010-01-01T22:03:00.000-08:00

Hello Readers! Let's begin this year with information about your FOOD CHOICES. I would like to work with each and every one of you on your diet choices and teach you how those choices affect your lifelong health and the health of your loved ones.

This year I would like to promote healthy food choices infused with a diet rich in organic produce, healthy grains and chemical free products and services. This week let's learn about the term "Organic".

Organic foods are those produced without using synthetic pesticides, petroleum or sewage-sludge based fertilizers, bioengineering or ionizing radiation.

Organic meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products must come from animals fed organic feed and no antibiotics or growth hormones.

100% Organic 100 percent organically produced ingredients
Organic 95% of the ingredients are organically produced
Made with Organic Ingredients 70% of the ingredients are organically produced

One of the questions I've recently struggled with is which foods I should buy organic vs nonorganic. Fruits are among the most nutritious foods on the planet. They contain almost no fats and are loaded with fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants

FRUITS YOU SHOULD BUY ORGANIC

Apples
Strawberries
Cherries
Apricots
Cantaloupe
Grapes
Peaches
Pears
Red Raspberries

FRUITS YOU CAN BUY NON-ORGANIC

Bananas
Blueberries
Grapefruit
Kiwi
Tangerines
Watermelon
Blackberries
Canned Peaches

Please keep these in mind next time you're in your grocery store and watch what you put into your shopping cart!

Promoting Immune Health Beyond Vitamin C

2009-12-01T00:00:00.000-08:00

As the winter approaches, we all know the importance of getting a good night sleep, drinking plenty of fluids and taking our Isotonix® Vitamin C. Recently, research has discovered what the ancient Asian healers have known for thousands of years-- that unique nutrients not found in our typical diet can promote healthy and effective immune function. For instance, certain mushroom species such as Shitake and Maitake are now being investigated for their immune properties. After all, mushroom survival depends on a protective immune system, with the ability to resist and adapt to varied hostile environmental challenges.

Research on specific mushroom compounds known as beta-glucan polysaccharides have resulted in some intriguing findings. Healthy immune responses with beta-glucan supplementation result in healthy immune cell function involving: T-cells, B-cells and natural killer cells. These mushroom compounds can be provided as certified organic whole food ingredients, known as Mycofusions™, which combines the mushroom compounds with the antioxidant power of high ORAC grains. In addition, a patented extract of a specialized medicinal Maitake mushroom, known as Maitake Gold 404®, can also provide a rich source of mushroom beta-glucans. Studies have demonstrated that the ability of macrophages (important immune fighting cells) to engulf and destroy harmful microbes are promoted by the addition of Maitake Gold 404. (1)

Elderberry used for centuries by Native Americans and European herbalists are receiving new attention by 21^st century scientists. These blue/black berries are loaded with antioxidant compounds such as anthocyanins. Research with elderberry extracts are demonstrating a supportive role for immune responses to seasonal stress.

Double blind placebo controlled human trials with elderberry extracts are showing safe and effective results. (2)

Human trials with Andrographis, a Chinese herb used for centuries in many Asian countries and India, are also revealing the ability to maintain general health during seasonal stress. (3, 4)

Our Immune™ Maximum Defense Formula combines all of these unique nutrients in the right combinations for promoting healthy immune defenses-- in times when the immune system needs it most!

Stress & the Immune System

2009-11-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

Stress and the immune system

Easing up on yourself over the holidays is important because the connection between stress and illness is real, says Simon A. Rego, PsyD, an assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and associate director of psychology training at Montefiore Medical Center in Bronx, N.Y.

“The controversy that stress causes disease is pretty much over. We’re now teasing out how stress does it,” he says. In fact, a new study explains how stress may weaken the immune system. Each cell contains a tiny “clock” called a telomere, which shortens each time the cell divides. To counter this effect, the body also produces an enzyme, telomerase, which protects the cell and prevents further shortening by adding more DNA to the end of the telomere.

So far, so good -- but under stress, the body pumps out cortisol, a hormone that suppresses this protective enzyme. The study found that people under chronic stress have shorter telomeres, which, researchers say, means they are more vulnerable to a host of ailments.

Health effects of stress

How to reduce the wear, tear, and misery that holiday stress can inflict? When your holiday to-do list stretches longer than Santa Claus’s beard, eliminate whatever is unnecessary. Doing so may reduce your risk of:

-Heart disease, including heart attacks

-Skin conditions, including psoriasis and shingles

-Digestive disorder flare-ups, such as symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn’s disease

-Immune disorders, including flare-ups of multiple sclerosis and lupus

-Anxiety, depression, and insomnia

-Worsening pain, if you already have a pain disorder such as arthritis, back pain, and muscle spasms

Food & Exercise for Kids!

2009-10-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

Getting Your Kids Off to a Healthy School Start

Need some more basic tips on keeping kids healthy? Follow these guidelines:

Healthy lunches for kids

• Primary colors. Load up their lunchboxes with a colorful mix of fruits and vegetables to keep them energized and ready to learn. Apples, pears, berries, dried fruit, baby carrots, cauliflower, and edamame are easy to pack -- and fun to eat.

• Fluid motion. Drinking plenty of fluids helps active children stay hydrated. But not all drinks are created equal. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, kids who drink one can of soda a day increase their obesity risk by 60%. Offer water and limit soft drinks (some can pack 150 calories per 12-ounce can).

• The whole truth. Whole grains are an important part of a healthy diet for kids. Offer whole grain, low-sugar cereals at breakfast and low-sodium whole grain snack bars or crackers in their lunch box. Try making sandwiches with whole grain bread (look for "100 percent whole wheat" on labels to get the most grains).

• Dairy queen. Strengthen their bones and brains with non- or low-fat dairy foods, including yogurt and flavored milk (choose products with no more than 30 grams of sugar).

Exercise for children

• Class action. Don't assume your child is getting enough physical activity at school. Giving kids a chance to move and get their heart rates up before studying makes it easier for them to learn. Ask your child's teacher about having the class do jumping jacks, run in place, and other quick exercises in between classroom activities.

• Power hour. Make sure your kids run around for at least an hour each day. Don't have a full hour for exercise? Try short 15-minute bursts of running, jumping, or games that encourage these activities to keep them interested and active.

Back to School Tips for parents, kids & teachers!

2009-09-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

How do illnesses spread among school children?

Colds and flu are typically spread from person to person from respiratory droplets. Viruses enter the body through the eyes, mouth, or nose. A sneeze can spray thousands of infectious particles into the air at 200 miles per hour, and they can travel 3 feet. If children don't cover their mouths and spray other children or an object, such as a doorknob, and other children touch it and wipe their noses or mouths, they're more likely to get sick.

What's the best way to help my child prevent picking up an illness at school?

It's important to teach kids to wash their hands before eating and after playing outside and using the restroom. Hand washing is one of the best ways to prevent illness. If parents enforce that at home, we'll reinforce it at school. Talk to your kids about covering their mouths with a tissue when they cough and sneeze, and send them to school with a bottle of antiviral hand gel and instructions to use it often.

Can I send my child to school if he's not feeling well?

If your child has a temperature higher than 100˚ F, body aches, and extreme sleepiness or is coughing or vomiting, you need to keep him home until he is free of those symptoms for 24 hours. If he's not really sick, but something seems off, let the school nurse know and ask her to monitor your child.

Health Benefits of Orthopedic Massage Therapy

2009-08-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

Are there health benefits associated with massage?

Many types of massage offer benefits beyond simple relaxation. Here are just a few of the health problems that may benefit from massage. Ask your doctor before using massage for any health condition, though.

Back Pain. Many studies have shown the effectiveness of massage therapy for back pain. Massage Therapy can also be combined with Chiropractic care and/or Acupuncture treatments for greater relief of back or neck pain.

Headache. Another type of pain -- headache -- also responds to massage therapy, as shown by more than one study. Massage therapy can reduce the number of migraines a person has and also improve sleep.

Osteoarthritis. In the first clinical trial looking at the effectiveness of Swedish massage for knee osteoarthritis, participants who received a one-hour massage either one or two times a week had improvements in pain, stiffness, and function. The control group had no such change.

Cancer. Used as a complement to traditional, Western medicine, massage can promote relaxation and reduce cancer symptoms or side effects of treatment. It may help reduce pain, swelling, fatigue, nausea, or depression, for example, or improve the function of your immune system.

Anxiety. A review of more than 12 studies shows that massage helps relieve depression and anxiety. It lowered levels of cortisol by up to 50%. And massage increased levels of neurotransmitters that help reduce depression.

Can You Prevent Back Pain?

2009-07-01T00:57:00.000-07:00

Can You Prevent Back Pain?

Prevention

The prevention of back pain is, itself, somewhat controversial. It has long been thought that exercise and an all-around healthy lifestyle would prevent back pain. This is not necessarily true. In fact, several studies have found that the wrong type of exercise such as high-impact activities may increase the chance of suffering back pain. Nonetheless, exercise is important for overall health and should not be avoided. Low-impact activities such as swimming, walking, and bicycling can increase overall fitness without straining the low back.

Specific exercises: Ask us about how to perform these exercises.
- Abdominal crunches, when performed properly, strengthen abdominal muscles and may decrease tendency to suffer back pain.
- Although not useful to treat back pain, stretching exercises are helpful in alleviating tight back muscles.
- The pelvic tilt also helps alleviate tight back muscles.
Lumbar support belts: Workers who frequently perform heavy lifting are often required to wear these belts. There is no proof that these belts prevent back injury. One study even indicated that these belts increased the likelihood of injury.
Standing: While standing, keep your head up and stomach pulled in. If you are required to stand for long periods of time, you should have a small stool on which to rest one foot at a time. Do not wear high heels.
Sitting: Chairs of appropriate height for the task at hand with good lumbar support are preferable. To avoid putting stress on the back, chairs should swivel. Automobile seats should also have adequate low-back support. If not, a small pillow or rolled towel behind the lumbar area will provide adequate support.
Sleeping: Individual tastes vary. If the mattress is too soft, many people will experience backaches. The same is true for sleeping on a hard mattress. Trial and error may be required. A piece of plywood between the box spring and mattress will stiffen a soft bed. A thick mattress pad will help soften a mattress that is too hard.
Lifting: Don't lift objects that are too heavy for you. If you attempt to lift something, keep your back straight up and down, head up, and lift with your knees. Keep the object close to you, don't stoop over to lift. Tighten your stomach muscles to keep your back in balance.

Fruits & Veggie Wash!

2009-06-01T18:20:00.000-07:00

The Healthy Way to Cleaner Fruits & Vegetables!

You can make this mix at home just as easily! Try this recipe to clean your fruits & vegetables that are often packed right at the fields. This wash can help remove harmful chemicals & wax from used during processing!

FRUIT & VEGGIE WASH

1 TBSP lemon juice
2 TBSP Baking Soda
¾ cup Vinegar
8 oz water
10 drops grapeseed extract

Combine the above ingredients to create a fresh, clean spray to wash those fruits & veggies!

Acupuncture For Low Back Pain Research

2009-05-20T20:40:00.000-07:00

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=104200910

Highlights of the Article

The latest study, sponsored by the National Institutes of Health, finds that a seven-week course of acupuncture helped many patients ease the pain of chronic lower back pain. The study is published in the Archives of Internal Medicine.

The patients who volunteered for the study all ranked their chronic low back pain as at least a 3 on a scale of zero to 10. Researchers divided the patients into several groups. Some received the usual care for their back pain: medicine and checkups at their doctors. Other groups had the usual care — and also got acupuncture.

"Most people got better," explains researcher Dan Cherkin, a senior investigator at Group Health Center for Health Studies in Seattle. "It's just that the people who got acupuncture were more likely to do better."

About 40 percent of the usual care group saw improvements. About 60 percent of the acupuncture group improved.

Here come the Summer Sandals!

2009-04-08T20:51:00.000-07:00

Keep your feet healthy by learning to recognize and treat common foot problems.

Bunion
A bony bump at the base of the big toe, a bunion causes that toe to deviate toward the others. Throwing foot bones out of alignment and producing the characteristic bump at the joint's base, a bunion can be very painful due to pressure or arthritis, and may also lead to corns. Pain relievers, pads to cushion the bunion, custom shoe inserts, or surgery may help, as will wearing roomy shoes and avoiding high heels.

Corns and Calluses
Friction causes the thick, hardened, dead skin of corns and calluses, which form to protect sensitive skin. Appearing cone–shaped, corns point into the skin, and usually occur on areas that bear little weight. Calluses may appear anywhere there's friction, and are more diffuse. Both may be caused by ill–fitting shoes and will fade when friction stops. Moleskin pads can help relieve a corn; calluses can be trimmed or surgically corrected.

Gout
A form of arthritis, gout is characterized by sudden pain, redness, swelling, and stiffness, usually in the large joint of the big toe. Gout can also occur in the foot, ankle, or knees. and is caused by too much uric acid (UA) in the blood, which can form hard crystals in joints. Attacks can last days or weeks, and may be treated with anti–inflammatories or UA–lowering medication. Talk to your doctor about diet changes that help break down UA.

Plantar Warts
Plantar warts are tough, horny growths that develop on the soles of the feet. Contagious, they're caused by a virus entering through broken skin, and often spread via public pools and showers. Plantar warts are harmless and can be left untreated, but in many cases they're too painful to ignore. Topical salicylic acid may help, while burning, freezing, laser therapy, and surgical removal are more aggressive options for more severe cases.

Athlete's Foot
A fungal infection that can cause peeling, redness, itching, burning, and sometimes blisters and sores, athlete's foot is mildly contagious, passed by direct contact or by walking barefoot in areas such as locker rooms, or near pools. The fungi then grow in shoes, especially tight ones without air circulation. Athlete's foot is usually treated with topical antifungal lotions or oral medications for more severe cases.

Fungal Nail Infection
Occuring when microscopic fungi enter through a break in the nail, a fungal infection can make your nails thick, discolored and brittle. If left untreated, the nail infection won't go away — and can be hard to treat. Thriving in warm, wet places, the fungi can be spread from person to person. Topical creams may help mild cases.

Hammertoe
When toe muscles get out of balance, they can cause painful toe problems. While some people are prone to hammertoe, other risks include tight footwear. Hammertoe generally causes the middle joint of the toe to bend downward, with toes appearing raised near the foot. Well–fitted footwear with the correct amount of space in the toe box, shoe supports, and surgery may offer relief.

Ingrown Toenail
A toenail that has grown into the skin, an ingrown toenail can result in pain, redness, swelling, even infection. Cutting nails too short or not straight across, injury to the toenail, and wearing tight shoes are culprits. For mild cases, soak the foot in warm water, keep it clean, and wedge a small piece of cotton under the corner of the ingrown nail to lift it off the skin. Minor surgery can remove all or part of the nail.

Flatfoot (Pes Planus)
Flatfoot is characterized by the sole of the foot coming into complete or near–complete contact with the ground. It may be inherited, caused by an injury, or by a condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Flatfoot symptoms are rare, though weight gain, ill–fitting shoes, or excessive standing may cause pain. Treatment includes foot–strengthening exercises, and shoes with good arch support or orthotics.

Sinus Pain?

2009-04-01T21:09:00.000-07:00

A Natural Treatment for Stuffy noses, Allergies & Colds!

Got a stuffy nose from allergies or a cold? Nasal irrigation may help. Here's how it works: you pour a saline solution into one nostril. As it flows through your nasal cavity into the other nostril, it washes out mucus and allergens. Here are the steps.

Step 1: Decide What You'll Need
To do nasal irrigation, you'll need a container and saline solution. You can buy prefilled containers, or opt for a bulb syringe or neti pot. All are available at drugstores. Some people cup their hands and sniff the saline solution into their nostril, though that may be harder to do for a beginner.

Step 2: Mix the Saline Solution
If you choose a prefilled bottle, skip this step. Otherwise, you can buy a saline solution powder and follow the directions on the label or make your own. Start with one to two cups of warm (not hot) tap water. Add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of non-iodized salt and a pinch of baking soda to soften the effect of the salt.

Step 3: Get in Position
If you are using a squeeze bottle, neti pot, or syringe, lean forward over the sink, at about a 45-degree angle. Tilt your head so that one nostril is pointed down toward the sink. Don't tilt your head back.

Step 4: Pour in the Saline Solution
Place the spout of a neti pot or the tip of a syringe or squeeze bottle just inside your nose. The tip should go in no further than a finger’s width. Keeping your mouth open, squeeze the bulb syringe or bottle or tilt the pot to pour the water into your nostril. Remember to breathe through your mouth, not your nose.

Step 5: Let It Drain
The salt water will run through your nasal passages and drain out of your other nostril and maybe your mouth. You should spit it out and not swallow it. But if some does go down your throat it won’t hurt you.

Step 6: Clear Your Nose and Repeat
Gently blow your nose to clear out the remaining solution. Repeat the procedure with your other nostril. After you’ve finished, be sure you discard any remaining solution and thoroughly clean the items you used. Store them in a clean dry place to use again.

Manual Therapy & Acupuncture for TMD

2009-03-25T23:38:00.000-07:00

Clinical Research

TMD - Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction

Symptoms include:

Pain
Limited range of motion for mouth opening
Crepitus (the grating, crackling or popping sounds and sensations experienced under the skin & joints)
Clicking sounds

A recent study, titled "Effectiveness of Combining Manual Therapy and Acupuncture on Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction: A Retrospective Study" showed favorable results.

Participants of the study included 15 men and 34 women with the average age of 30.47. With 20 minutes of Acupuncture followed by muscle release & manipulation techniques of the medial pterygoid masseter and temporalis muscles on the involved side or both sides after Acupuncture.

Results - This combination treatment showed a significant decrease in pain

36.9% after 1 week
70% after 4 weeks

Reference: The American Journal of Chinese Medicine, Vol.35, NO. 2, 203-208

Women's Health & Acupuncture!

2009-03-22T19:42:00.001-07:00

Chinese medicine, including Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs, is a natural, safe and effective approach to restore and maintain the body and mind to their optimal functions and lead to a person’s overall health and wellness. It has been used for centuries in the treatment of gynecological conditions in all the phases of a woman’s life. Acupuncture, frequently combined with Chinese Medicine, is widely recognized worldwide to be effective in the treatment of:

Menstrual Irregularities
Infertility
Frequent Miscarriage
Morning Sickness
Breech Fetal Presentation
Postpartum Recovery
Lactation Difficulties
Menopausal Syndrome

Call for a complimentary consultation to discuss with our specialist how Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine may be able to help you, your friends and your family.

Tips for Bone Health!

2009-03-16T17:21:00.000-07:00

Patients are encouraged to:

Drink fewer caffeinated beverages, which can interfere with calcium absorption. Calcium is essential to our bone health.

We should have plenty of natural light to supplement the production of Vitamin D and if not achievable by natural light then we recommend taking 400-800 IU of Vitamin D daily (see our wide selection of vitamins for your health at www.drssandhu.nutrametrix.com. Order now!

During daily exercise you should be doing some weight bearing exercises, such as, walking, lifting weights, dancing or playing tennis to help with bone stability and health

Cigarette Smoking and excessive alcohol intake are both discouraged as they have detrimental effects on bone health. We offer an effective "Quit Smoking" program @ Berryessa Hills Chiropractic, Acupuncture & Massage and invite you to visit our site http://www.mychirospa.com/quitsmoking.htm for more information!

Anatomy & The Chiropractic Adjustment

2009-03-09T22:21:00.000-07:00

Chiropractic Adjustments are performed by Chiropractors for many different conditions and pain areas such as:

Increases Range of Motion of Joints & Muscles for healthy movement & comfort
Increases & continuously improves muscle function & strength
Reduces Pain & Stress on muscles & joints

Anatomically, Chiropractic Adjustments:

Reduce irritation & compression on joints & nerves
Decreases pressure on joint capsules that become entrapped in facet joints, joints between pairs of vertebrae that are highly sensitive.
Create flexibility in fibrous tissues of painful areas

Yoga Series: Menopausal Hormone Shifts

2009-03-01T23:41:00.000-08:00

Menopausal hormone shifts can rearrange your body & mind in unnerving ways. Let Yoga bring you back into balance. Longtime yogis know that the regular practice of yoga leads to calmness, mental clarity, strength & focus. Yoga assists in replenishing energy reserves and soothing the nervous system.

The Fog Free Zone: Bridge Pose.

Place a few folded blankets on the floor
You should be face up
Lie back over them so that your upper back and shoulders reach the floor and your hips are supported with the layers of blankets (i.e raising the hips).
Place the soles of your feet together (knees are bent and hips are open)

Things Your Doc may miss - but Shouldn't!

2009-02-24T01:00:00.000-08:00

Earwax

Sometimes the gooey stuff gets impacted in your ears and this can lead to pain or hearing loss. When your doc routinely checks your ears, ask about earwax.

Tip: Using Qtips or swabs for cleaning your ears may actually lead to impaction. Instead use a soft towel to wipe out and clean your ears.

2. Moles

Any mole should be examined during a routine checkup because it's critical to catch skin cancer early! Make sure you pay attention to moles for the size, color, texture etc. and consult with your physician for any changes that you observe.

3. Oral Cancer

The Human Papillomavirus - the leading cause of cervical cancer. Ask your dentist for a 5 minute oral cancer screening at your checkup.

Yoga Series: Legs-up-the-wall Pose

2009-02-16T23:37:00.000-08:00

Place a few folded blankets about 4 inches away from a wall
Sit on the edge with your LEFT hip close to the wall
Lean back onto the blankets & bring one leg up on the wall and then the other leg
Keep your buttocks as close to the wall as possible

Tips: if your hamstrings and/or low back are tight, then feel free to have your buttocks away from the wall and you will still feel the stretch. Eye pillow, one hand on your belly and the other on your heart. Close your eyes and breathe through your nose. Several minutes.

Yoga Series: Reclining Bound Angle Pose

2009-02-12T23:32:00.000-08:00

Come to a seated position
Place the soles of your feet together, allow your legs to open (open hip frog pose)
Lean back onto the folded blanket which supports your low back as you lie back on it
Place blanket under your neck

Tips: Place a pillow under your neck, an eye pillow over your baby blues, and relax in this pose for several minutes with your arms stretched out on either side. Enjoy!

Imagine a Stress Relief Tool @ your Fingertips!

2009-02-05T23:27:00.000-08:00

Yoga. The practice of yoga is something you can incorporate into your everyday life and be able to control your stress levels rather than have them control you!

The simple poses and quick results allow you to fit your favorite yoga poses into your busy schedule while rejuvenating your senses and uplifting your spirit.

Stay Tuned for specific Yoga Poses that I recommend for your daily yoga practice!

Top 8 Reasons to Get Fit Now!

2009-01-29T23:17:00.000-08:00

Using Aerobic Exercise to Get Fit!

During aerobic exercise you move large muscle groups & your breathing becomes deeper and faster which increases the Oxygen in your blood. Your body releases endorphins which are natural painkillers that promote well-being.

You lose weight!
Increases stamina - so overtime you will have reduced fatigue
Avoid getting sick! Aerobic exercise stimulates your immune system
Reduce chances of heart disease, High Blood Pressure, Stroke, certain types of cancers etc.
Manage Chronic Conditions
Be independent longer because of better health
Strengthens your heart and boosts your mood!
Cleaner arteries, live longer!

Treat Yourself to a Detox Menu to Cleanse & Nourish your Body

2009-01-22T22:52:00.000-08:00

DAY 1

Breakfast

Water w/ Lemon
Unsweetened Dry Fruit, nuts or seeds

Lunch

Herbal Tea
Rice & Lentils
Lettuce Salad

Dinner

Bowl of mixed fruit
Broccoli, kale, onions & chickpeas sauteed in olive oil
Baked sweet potato

DAY 2

Breakfast

Water w/ Lemon
Fruit Smoothie or large bowl of fresh fruit w/ yogurt, optionally add hemp seeds

Lunch

Mixed Greens Salad w/ balsamic vinegar
Raw vegetables w/ black bean stew

Dinner

Carrot-Ginger soup
Brown rice w/ steamed spring greens, flax oil
Herbal tea

DAY 3

Breakfast

Water w/ Lemon
Leftover Rice w/ Lentils
Piece of Fruit

Lunch

Leftover baked sweet potato
Mixed salad w/ balsamic vinegar
Leftover black bean stew

Dinner

Veggie stir-fry
Leftover brown rice
Herbal Tea

SNACKS!

Yes, you can snack!

Almond Milk
Fresh Fruits
Oatmeal
vegetable juices
Salads

What is Osteoporosis?

2009-01-15T13:30:00.000-08:00

In Bone & Joint Health let's discuss a major topic of interest:

Osteoporosis means "porous bones" is a condition in which bones become weak and/or brittle. Often caused by a lack of phosphorus, calcium and other minerals.

The most common problem of Osteoporosis are fractures, most commonly seen in the hip, wrist and/or spine. It's very important to maintain high levels of bone & joint health to ensure long lasting health of these structures in the body.

Symptoms: In the early stages of Osteoporosis there are usually no symptoms but in the later stages when bones have weakened:

moderate to severe back pain
stooped posture, loss of height
fractures of hip, wrist and/or spine

How does it work?: When bones have fewer minerals than normal they begin losing the internal support system. In a process called remodeling, bone is constantly breaking down and regenerating. A full cycle of bone remodeling takes about 2-3 months. At a younger age our bodies create bone faster than it breaks down, therefore allowing more bone mass and density as opposed to in your mid 30s when bone remodeling changes and you create less than you break down.

How do I keep my bones Healthy?:

low impact regular exercise ex: jogging, walking, swimming
Calcium with Vitamin D (need Vitamin D to aid in Calcium absorption)

Lifestyle Changes:

Posture! Create a regular habit of maintaining great posture - we specialize in Postural alignment in our clinic through Chiropractic myofascial manipulation. This treatment includes soft tissue release techniques to help improve your posture through natural joint therapy.

Avoid injuries/trauma! Maintain a healthy & safe home environment. Wear flat shoes. Possibly get arch/sole supports for your shoes.

Nutrition! Use Isotonix supplements available at our office for Calcium & Vitamin D. The Isotonix advantage is that this form absorbs much more of the Calcium into your intestinal tract as opposed to a "pill form". We carry the Isotonix form of our supplements to maximize your absorption allowing for increased benefit from the supplements.

Common CAM Treatments

2009-01-08T19:40:00.000-08:00

For more detailed information on the following topics, please visit our clinic website @
www.mychirospa.com

Chiropractic
Acupuncture
Naturopathy
Ayurvedic Medicine
Homeopathy

Chiropractic: We specialize in Chiropractic care which is a discipline that focuses on the relationship between the body's spinal structure & function. Through Chiropractic adjustments - manipulation to the spinal joints as well as other areas of the body, we are able to correct alignment changes which can affect the overall health of our patients.

Acupuncture: Our clinic also specializes in Acupuncture care. Through Acupuncture care we aim to restore & maintain health through stimulation of specific areas of the body.

What is CAM?

2009-01-01T12:00:00.000-08:00

CAM is "Complementary & Alternative Medicine". Complementary & Alternative Medicine are two different categories.

Complementary Medicine is used together with conventional medicine (medical care)
Alternative Medicine is treatment that is implemented instead of conventional medicine.

Integrative medicine actually is a combination of these. Combining Complementary & Alternative medicine creates a branch of medicine called "integrative medicine".