Seasonal Superfoods for a Healthier You
Seasonal Health through better eating
With fall almost over and winter on the way, your personal health is
even more important than ever. It’s flu season once again, and that
means sniffles, sneezes, and a compromised immune system. In addition to
exercise and making sure to get enough sunlight every day, there’s a
lot you can do for your body from the inside out. Seasonal Superfoods
are one of the tastiest and easiest ways to make sure you stay healthy
this winter, but check with your local Chiropractor or Physician to rule out any allergies you may have before enjoying:
Brussels Sprouts
These are an excellent source of Vitamin K, which aids in blood
coagulation and calcium binding. Also containing Folate and Iron, this
member of the cabbage family is an excellent all-a-rounder. Though your
mother may have steamed them and dipped them in mayonnaise, a light
drizzle of olive oil and bake in the oven results in an excellent crispy
shell and subtle nutty flavor.
Squash
Containing the highly sought after Omega-3 Fatty Acids of fish fame
are enough to put squash on the list, but did you know they also contain
a significant amount of Vitamin A? Vitamin A aids in a number of
important functions, not the least of which is immune system functions
and visual health. There’s a number of excellent ways to prepare these
fruits depending on the type. A local favorite is hollowed out, oven
baked, brown sugar smothered Acorn Squash. It’s one of the most surefire
ways to get children to eat their vegetables.
Sweet Potatoes
These root vegetables share similar properties to our previous
entries. As a great source of Vitamin A and Iron these come recommended,
but I bet you weren’t aware that they also have anti-inflammatory
properties. When you get stiff joints
and you’re hungry to boot, roasting lends them an earthy, smokey flavor
while the perennial favorite, sweet potato pie, brings out the natural
sugary taste that gives them their name.
When those family get together’s start occurring more regularly,
don’t forget that what you eat can have a major impact on how you feel.
There’s a lot of wonderful seasonal foods to explore, with a variety of
benefits to enjoy, so keep your taste buds and your body happy and
healthy this holiday season. For more information about how your diet
can impact your health, contact your local Chiropractor.
Chiropractic for Chronic Headaches
Victims
of chronic headaches can begin to feel helpless in the throes of their
pain. They cannot think, they are distracted at work, and they cannot
enjoy their relaxation time. They may have tried all sorts of pills or
therapies without consistent relief. However, there is a solution. A chiropractor in Vancouver WA can help many types of chronic headache pain.
Types of Headaches
By necessity, many headache sufferers become expert in pain symptoms. Some of the more common are:
- Headaches with pain centered in the nose region – these are often caused by allergies or other sinus problems.
- Pain over the front-top of the head, almost like the skin is on fire.
- Strong temple pain, often accompanied by sensitivity to light or sound – this is often the symptoms of a migraine headache.
Headaches can be caused by a variety of reasons including stress,
lack of sleep, or muscle tightness. Often, a visit to the chiropractor
can help with all of these problems.
How Does Chiropractic Work?
Chiropractic manipulates the bones and joints in order to restore
balance to the body. This is done through a variety of methods,
including physical therapy, massage therapy, and exercise programs. For
instance, one cause of a headache is an out-of-joint condition in the
neck. The neck muscles strain in an attempt to bring the bones back to
their natural position. Restoring the proper position through
chiropractic relieves the stress on the muscles and lessens the headache
pain.
Quick Headache Relief
Understandably, chronic headache patients hope for a quick relief to
their pain. Many patients report immediate relief to some or all of
their pain after their first visit. To complete therapy, they may come
back several times over the following few weeks in order to help the
body recover. In addition, many patients of chiropractic in Vancouver WA
return on a regular monthly basis to maintain their body in healthy
balance and help prevent future headaches. If you suffer debilitating
head pain, please contact a chiropractor you trust.
Chiropractic: the Sportsperson’s Best Friend
As
far as physical health is concerned, weekend warriors can be their own
worst enemy. They spend the entire work week looking forward to their
time off, and then charge into their high-octane activities like there
is no tomorrow. Unfortunately, they often end up paying the price on
Monday. If this situation sounds familiar, consider a chiropractor in Vancouver WA to get you back up to par.
Why Use Chiropractic?
In his famous Tarzan novels, Edgar Rice Burroughs describes the
unique ability of the ape-man to wake instantly from a deep sleep and
spring into action. Unfortunately, the body does not work that way.
During sleep or inactivity, the body goes into a goes into a state of
altered consciousness where sensory activity is inhibited, along with
the full activity of nearly all the voluntary muscles. Bringing the
muscles to activity requires a wakeup process. This can be enhanced by
proper warm-up activities.
Unfortunately, not all sportspersons respect the need for proper
warm-up. In addition, many push themselves too hard during their weekend
activities. This can cause the body to be put out of balance. Symptoms
of this imbalance can include:
• Pain in the neck or back
• A lump in a muscle or joint
• Headaches
High-Impact Sports
The need for chiropractic increases for high-impact sports. These can include:
• Soccer
• Football
• Racquetball
• Tennis
• Martial arts
Sports and Chiropractic Care
In each of these sports, the muscles are called on to make quick,
powerful movements. For example, a proper racquetball hit requires a
drop in the knees, a twist of the back, and a swing of the racquet arm.
These all affect vulnerable areas of the body.
For these reasons, many feel they should abandon their favorite
sports for such low-impact activities as walking or bike riding.
However, this is not strictly necessary when chiropractic is available.
Fast Pain Relief
Many patients experience immediate relief after only a single visit for chiropractic in Vancouver WA.
A regimen of visits helps maintain balance after an injury. Otherwise,
regular monthly visits keep the body in fine-tuned condition.
Adaptogens: Nature’s Stress Relief, Part II
This second part of the two-part series on adaptogens will continue listing seven powerful, commonly used adaptogens. Part one
discussed what adaptogens are, how the effect the body, and went over
the benefits of rhodiola, ashwagandha, and ginkgo biloba. Part two will
focus on the benefits of astragalus, licorice root, eleuthero root, and
goji berries. Feel free to contact Back to Health Chiropractic for more information on nutrition in Vancouver WA.
Why Care About Adaptogens?
To recap, adaptogens are powerhouses in fighting the stress reaction
in the body. Stress reactions can result from the traditional, emotional
stress that may first come to mind when you think of stress. However,
they also fight the effects of environmental stressors such as poor
diet, pollution, and overexertion, as well as the internal negative
effects of oxidation. Each adaptogen has its specific strengths and are,
therefore, taken for specific results—but all of them have multiple
positive health benefits and reduce the impact of stress on the body.
Astragalus
Serious research is just getting underway on astragalus and its ability to increase the production of telomerase. Telomerase
is an enzyme having to do with the replacement of DNA. The research
being done suggests that the function of telomerase may have a lot to do
with a cell’s response to viruses such as HIV
as well as those in the case of cancer. Besides fighting bacterial and
viral infections and cancer prevention, astragalus has also been used as
a tonic to clean the liver. It is a good way to combat a cold, fight
fatigue, fight high blood pressure, and strengthen the kidneys as well
as the immune system. In Chinese medicine astragalus has long been used
in increase vitality and improve energy.
Licorice Root
You may only think of black licorice candy when this root comes to mind. Besides flavoring foods, licorice root
is helpful for soothing stomach and digestive conditions. Additionally,
it is antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and helps prevents
autoimmune disorders. It has been used in Chinese medicine, in
combination with other herbs, to strengthen the adrenal function—which
in an important way to fight the effects of stress.
Eleuthero Root/Siberian Ginseng
Not strictly a ginseng, eleuthero root
is more commonly known as Siberian Ginseng. Though the misnomer is
common, it is not to be confused with Panax ginseng, which is commonly
just called “ginseng.” People take this root for anti-inflammatory,
antioxidant, and antidepressant effects. It is also thought to improve
immune function, increased memory and cognitive function, as well as to
fight against fatigue.
Gojo Berry
The goji berry, or wolfberry, originally comes from China. This adaptogen is packed full of nutrients,
making it a “super food.” It has been used in Chinese medicine for
heart health and protect eyes sight from age deterioration.
Additionally, it has been used to combat fatigue, diabetes, and high
blood pressure. Goji berries are being studied for their preventative
effects from cancer. They are also a strong antioxidant, fighting
against free radical damage in the body—a major cause of aging.
This list of adaptogen is a stepping off place to get started
researching the benefits of these potent herbs. The benefits vary for
each. What all adaptogens have in common is a wide range of
health-boosting benefits. The long list of benefits makes them well
worth looking into.
Adaptogens: Nature’s Stress Relief, Part I
What
exactly is an adaptogen? When the body is stressed it sets off a
certain response. The type of stress—diet related, physical, emotional,
or circumstantial—all create basically the same metabolic reaction. This
reaction can be lessened when taking adapotgenic herbs. Additionally,
each of these herbs creates a variety of positive effects. Different
herbs work in different ways, so each one is taken to elicit specific
results. They tend to be used for things such as minimizing aging,
improving memory, increasing energy, improving immunity, and lessening
fatigue.
In this two-part blog we will discuss the benefits of seven amazing adaptogens. For more specific information on nutrition in Vancouver WA you can give us a call.
What Is an Adaptogen?
So let’s start with a definition. What exactly is an adaptogen?
Google defines it as: “(in herbal medicine) a natural substance
considered to help the body adapt to stress and to exert a normalizing
effect upon bodily processes.” Herbal supplements categorized as
adaptogen have been gaining popularity in the West, though ancient
practices such as Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda have been using many of
them for centuries as a way to improve health.
The idea of how adaptogens work is in its name. They help your body
adapt to stressors in the environment. One way adaptogens help the body
is through reducing the production of stress hormones. They also have an
effect on DNA replication, producing proteins that the body uses to
manage the effects of stress.
Which Adaptogens Do What?
Of course each person reacts differently, so it is important you
consult a physician about any medical concerns you may have. This blog
article is not meant to replace or offer medical advice. With that in
mind, here are some common—but far from all-inclusive—uses for
adaptogens:
Rhodiola
This little power house grows in colder climates and is well know throughout Central Asia. Rhodiola has been shown to reduce fatigue while increasing mental acuity and concentration. Additionally, Rhodiola has been shown to reduce mild to moderate depression.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha,
also known as Indian ginseng, is well known in Ayurvedic medicine. Its
benefits are many and could have an article written on this one herb
alone. Here are a few documented benefits of Ashwagandha: Improved
immunity, reduces anxiety and depression, lowers cholesterol, works as
an anti-inflammatory, lowers blood sugar, inhibits the growth of tumors,
reduces ADHD, imporves liver function, and combats signs of aging. With
a list like this, the question is more: Why not take Ashwagandha?
Ginkgo Biloba
This herb has gained populatiry in the West over the last couple of
decades for its ability to improve memory and cognitive function. Ginkgo biloba
has been shown to improve blood flow to the brain. This is especially
of interest for people suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Additional studies suggest that ginkgo biloba may decrease the symptoms
of PMS as well as help with vascular diseases and pain caused by blood
clots.
Stay tuned for our second part of Adaptogens: Nature’s Stress Relief,
where we will discuss the benefits of licorice root, eleuthero root,
astragalus, and goji berries.
Massage: What Can it Do for You?
Everyone
knows massage feels good and reduces stress. Even a back rub from a
friend can do wonders in making us take a deep breath and relax. But did
you know massage can have other benefits to your health? Massage in Vancouver, WA
can improve immune function by moving lymph around. The loosening of
muscles improves range of motion and flexibility which help the body
better resist injury. Massage can speed up healing after and injury or
surgery. It can also help reduce pain. Massage has so many health
benefit it is a great idea for everyone to try.
Improved Immune Function
The lymphatic system moves fluid between the body’s organs and the
blood system. As the lymph passes through the lymph nodes it is cleaned
of pathogens and abnormal cells. The lymph is moved around the body by
muscle contraction. Many people work in offices these days, where they
do not get much exercise. This lack of muscles contraction means
lymphatic fluid sits still. Not moving this fluid means the body’s
tissue is not getting cleansed. Toxins can build up, making a person
feel even more lethargic and allowing infection to grow. During a
massage this fluid is moved toward the lymph nodes where can be cleaned.
A person’s blood circulation is aided during massage as well. A
person relaxes and breathes deeply during a massage. Their blood and
lymph are assisted in circulating through the body. This brings oxygen
and nutrients to the organs where they are needed. Organ function is
improved, which improves immunity and overall health.
Reduce Risk of Injury and Shorten Healing Time
Massage relaxes muscles. Areas where knots have formed are softened
and smoothed out. When a muscle is relaxed the the joints and bones
attached to it can move more freely and without restriction. Muscles
that are too tight cause bones to be pulled out of place. That is often
why a person goes to picks something up and suddenly gets a kink in his
or her neck. Tight muscles can also get so tight they pinch nerves or
cause certain motions to become painful to preform. Having a massage
therapist keep muscles relaxed and limber makes it less likely for these
kind of injuries to occur.
Massage can also help a person heal faster after an injury or
surgery. Massage aids in moving fluid, or swelling, out of an area.
Swelling makes healing take longer, so moving the fluid out of an injury
site will speed up the body’s progress. Massage also breaks up the
formation of scar tissue. Scar tissue is less flexible so not allowing
it to form will improve range of motion. Often after an injury or
surgery a person is less active. This inability to move the injured area
often causes the muscle to shrink. Massage helps to prevent this. By
applying circulation, movement, and stretching massage keeps the injured
area active and supple.
Decreases Pain
There are several ways massage can help reduce pain. Muscle tension
and spasms are often painful. Massage relaxes both muscle tension and
spasms. It also causes the body to release endorphins which are the
body’s natural painkillers. Additionally, the improved circulation and
relaxed muscles go a long way in aiding people who suffer migraines and
back pain—both of which are frequently cause by muscle tension.
Why You Should Use A Chiropractor
If you have had an accident, suffered an injury, or are otherwise experiencing any sort of pain, an experienced chiropractor in Vancouver, WA
could be exactly what you need. A chiropractor office will offer many
different services that you can take advantage of, including sports
injury recovery, accident injury recovery, and simple regular treatments
to keep you fit. A good health clinic can even offer nutrition advice
that you can take advantage of as well. If you are experiencing any sort
of discomfort within your everyday life as you go about your daily
routines, there are many reasons you should choose a chiropractor for
treatment.
Recognized Field
Chiropractic care is a recognized field that is highly valued within
alternative medicine. It is a highly effective treatment for millions of
people all over the world, and can help you recover from your injuries
much faster than traditional methods would. No matter the type of
injury, be it a sprained ankle from sports or a muscle injury from some
strenuous activity, a chiropractor will be able to design a treatment
suited to your specific needs and help you through the recovery process.
Personal Treatment Plans
One thing that a chiropractic clinic can do far better than
traditional treatments is design a treatment plan that is customized for
you personal lifestyle. Many other clinics have treatment plans that
are designed for the population in general and do not take into account
personal needs and requirements. Because of this, you may not get the
treatment you need to recover completely. At a chiropractic clinic, you
and your chiropractor can work together to form a treatment plan that
will work for you and your unique lifestyle.
Reduction in Stress
If you see a chiropractor, you will know that chiropractic care can
help reduce stress in your daily life. This is because it helps your
body achieve a balance that it would not normally have as you go through
the daily stresses of your life. With regular chiropractic care, you
can lower your average stress level and experience a much happier life
overall. You will also be much healthier in the long run if you do not
have stress to weigh you down.
Injury Services Offered By A Chiropractor
A chiropractor in Vancouver, WA
will offer you many different options for injury recovery. Injury
services are designed to help you bounce back and recover from a variety
of different issues. You do not want to be out of service for too long,
as you most likely have many professional and social responsibilities
that need to be taken care of in a timely manner. Injury makes
accomplishing these tasks more difficult. A chiropractor will offer
injury services so you can get back to your daily routine without too
much worry or concern. There are many injury services that cover a wide
range of injury situations that you may be going through.
Work Related Injury
Injury on the job can be detrimental to your health, especially if
your job depends on a lot of physical strength and activity. Work
injuries, depending on the severity, can keep you out of action for a
long time. This means you miss out on wages that you would otherwise
have access to. The important thing with work injuries is to not rush
back, as you risk more injury in the long run. A chiropractor who offers
injury services will be able to get you back to work as soon as
possible so you don’t miss out on wages.
Sports Injuries
If you live an active life and participate in numerous sports, your
chances of injury are higher. Whether it be something common like a
twisted ankle or something severe like a broken extremity, a
chiropractor who offers injury services can help get you back to your
sport as quickly as possible. Many times, muscle soreness and body
adjustments can help you heal more quickly from sport-related injury. If
you suffer an injury due to sports activity, a chiropractor who offers
injury services can help get you the treatment you need.
Automobile Accidents
An automobile accident is a terrifying thing to go through. More
often than not, you will sustain some form of injury from the accident,
be it from whiplash or something even more serious. Auto accident
injuries can take a while to recover from, as they come in many forms,
but a trained chiropractor who offers injury services will be able to
treat your injuries and help you through the recovery process as quickly
as possible. The main thing is to take recovery slow and build your
strength back. A chiropractor will be able to set a treatment plan that
works for you and gets you back to your lifestyle before too long.
Tips For Finding A Chiropractor
When
it comes to your health, there are a number of options and programs
that are available to you to follow. Each will tell you of the benefits
of using the program and how your lifestyle will change. Chiropractic
care has been around for a long time and will continue to benefits
millions of people in their quests to live a healthier lifestyle. It is
not a fad that is doomed to fail. If you are in the market for a trusted
chiropractor in Vancouver, WA,
there are a few different things you can do to narrow your search.
Finding a chiropractor you can trust can be complicated, especially if
you are unfamiliar with the process. However, there are methods you can
use.
Recommendations
The first strategy you should use is to acquire recommendations from
friends and family member who you can trust. Getting recommendations
from people you know is a great way to find a good chiropractor who you
can trust. There are so many offices out there that it can be difficult
to narrow your list down. That is why getting recommendations is the
best way to go. Friends and family can also tell you who to avoid if
they had a bad experience with a chiropractor.
Talk With Candidates
Once you have formed a list of a few different chiropractor offices,
you will want to talk to these choices and determine which one is the
best fit. Make sure you communicate well with the doctor on hand. You
will be forming a good relationship with the chiropractor you choose, so
you want to be sure that you are choosing one that you can communicate
with without any trouble. There is nothing worse than getting into an
appointment and experiencing some form of miscommunication. Your
chiropractor should be easy to talk to and develop a plan with.
Medical Details
You will want to make sure that your insurance covers the
chiropractor you choose. Most offices will honor the majority of
insurance options, meaning you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding
one that your insurance will back up. If you do not have insurance, you
will want to work with an office that will work closely with you to set
up a payment plan that fits for everyone involved.
The Best Vegetables To Eat For Weight Loss Results
Vegetables
are a main part of the diets of millions of people around the world.
They are very good for your body, boosting your immune system and giving
you energy you may not otherwise have. Nutrition is very important to
everyone in the world, and vegetables are a huge part of having good
nutrition. Many weight loss in Vancouver
professionals also say that vegetables can help you reach a body weight
you are happy with. If you want to lose weight and be healthy while
doing it, there are several vegetables that you can focus on introducing
to your diet.
Cucumber
While one of the most common and, perhaps, boring vegetables,
cucumbers can greatly help those who are interested in weight loss. The
cucumber is extremely low in calories and contains a lot of water inside
of it. Cucumber can be sliced and served by itself, or introduced in
salads alongside other varieties of vegetables. If you like, you can
even grill cucumbers before eating to give them even more flavor.
Broccoli
Broccoli is another vegetable that is perfect for weight loss.
Broccoli contains absolutely no fat at all, while including good
carbohydrates that are slow to release, meaning you will have more
energy overall once you have eaten a few. Broccoli can also be prepared
in numerous ways, from boiling to steaming to grilling.
Spinach
Spinach is widely available and has significant health benefits for
humans. You can include it with a sandwich or a salad, or even cook it
in sauces that will give it a little flavor. Spinach contains many
antioxidants that will give you energy and promote lower cholesterol and
a healthy heart.
Carrots
Carrots contain a good amount of antioxidants that promote healthy
vision and a healthy immune system. Carrots can be prepared in a wide
variety of ways as well. You can put them in salads, eat them raw, or
chop them up and mix them with other ingredients.
Celery
Celery is similar to cucumbers in that it contains a lot of water and
hardly any calories. Celery makes a fantastic snack when you are on the
go, as it can be eaten raw or cooked with other ingredients, and it
contains a lot of antioxidants that fight cancer and promote a healthy
immune system.
Nuts That Can Be Great For Your Health
Introducing
a variety of nuts to your everyday snack routine can be a great way to
maintain a healthy lifestyle. Many experts have gone on record to say
that nuts are fantastic choices for those interested in nutrition in Vancouver.
Nuts have been linked to a number of health benefits, including lower
cholesterol, heart health, weight control, and even cancer prevention.
While some people tend to stay away from nuts due to fat and calorie
intake, a small handful every once in a while can actually give you a
lot of benefits and lead to you enjoying a healthy lifestyle.
Walnuts
Walnuts contain the most antioxidants of all the nuts. These
antioxidants protect your body from cellular damage and premature aging.
Walnuts are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are a huge part of
battling inflammation. If you do not enjoy too much seafood in your
diet, walnuts can be especially beneficial to you, as they are a great
way to get these healthy, unsaturated fats.
Almonds
If fiber is one of your concerns, introduce a few almonds into snack
time. Almonds have about three grams of fiber for every ounce, and they
also contain the most vitamin E, which is a very powerful antioxidant.
Almonds are fantastic for those worried about blood sugar levels as
well, as people who snack on almonds can see cholesterol levels and
insulin resistance decrease over time. Almonds raise the amount of good
bacteria in your gut as well, which can help boost your immune system.
Cashew
For iron and zinc intake, the cashew is your best option. Iron helps
with the delivery of oxygen to all of your cells, which prevents anemia.
Zinc is a crucial component of immune system and vision health. Cashews
also contain large levels of magnesium, which helps fight memory loss
in those who suffer from it.
Pecans
Pecans are fantastic for your heart, and can improve your heart
health over a period of time. They are among the nuts most rich in
antioxidants, and can contribute greatly to lowered cholesterol. Some
reported a thirty-three percent decrease in their cholesterol levels.
They can also contribute to your brain health, keeping your mind sharp
and aware for a longer period of time, as well as prevent age related
brain deterioration. Pecans have also been noted to help fight and
prevent Lou Gehrig’s disease.
Basic Nutrition Advice To Keep In Mind
Proper
nutrition can be intimidating for someone who is unfamiliar with the
finer points of dietary science. However, if you are interested in
eating better overall and increasing your health, knowing how your diet
can affect your body is the first step. For many people, an improved
diet goes together with a more active lifestyle and better health
overall. Getting started with proper nutrition in Vancouver
is only the first step to overall health. You will also want to mix in
massage therapy and other methods offered by a professional health
clinic. You can use these basic nutrition tips to help you get started
on the road to better health.
Do Not Overeat
Stuffing yourself full of whatever you can find is not the best way
to handle a diet. You should focus on finding a good balance between
hunger and fullness that leaves you comfortable but not starving. Food
is energy for your body, but too much food can limit you and make you
feel even worse in the long run. Only eat what your body requires and
you will feel a lot better about yourself and your lifestyle.
Natural Food is Best
Try to focus your diet on things that grow and come around naturally.
You want to input fruits, vegetables, beans, and lean sources of meat
into your diet, and stay away from processed foods and other items that
come from the factory. This is not always an easy thing to do, so be
sure to check labels to find out what is being put into the food you
eat. Processed foods and too much sugar can have negative effects on
your metabolism and will leave you feeling rotten in the long run.
Avoid Artificial Toxins
Artificial sweeteners are very bad for you. You should think of these
as toxins that slow your body’s metabolism and have other negative
effects on your health. Diet sodas and other sugar free products should
be taken away from your diet completely, as they provide nothing but
negative effects on your body.
Other advice includes drinking a lot of water and limiting your
portion sizes. Eat slowly and enjoy the meal, as there will be less of
it, even though you should be satisfied afterward. Overeating and
portion sizes are enemies of a proper diet, so controlling your intake
and knowing what you are eating is always preferable. There are many
more details to a healthy diet, but the above tips should help you get
started.
Massage Services You Can Use
Muscle
pain is very common for many different people. In a lot of cases, this
pain can be eased by a professional massage from a professional massage in Vancouver
therapy service. Massages promote relaxation, calmness, and well-being.
Pain comes in a variety of different forms, whether it be muscle pain,
neck stiffness, or lower back pain. Massages can aid you in the healing
process and even enhance your muscle function over an extended period of
time. If you are feeling more pain and pressure by the day, it may be
worth your time to go in for one of the many massage services that are
available to you through a professional clinic.
Regular Massage
A regular massage is one that is designed to ease any muscle pain you
may be experiencing. This could be a onetime appointment, or you could
set up a regular schedule to make sure you are always cared for. The
effects you may experience include a reduced danger of certain diseases,
as well as an enhanced healing process that can make you feel like
brand new once again. Regular massages can even decrease your blood
pressure and improve your circulation, which would make you much
healthier overall. Introducing regular massage therapy into your life
can do great things for your overall well-being.
Education
Many massage therapy clinics also offer educational talks so you can
learn more about caring for your body and improving your overall
lifestyle so you can be healthier for a long period of time. These
classes can help you understand how your lifestyle can affect your body
and your wellness. If you wish to improve your lifestyle, these
educational talks can be a great benefit.
Nutrition
A nutrition guide is also typically offered by a massage therapy
clinic and can help you increase your health even more. Eating right and
choosing the best foods for your body can go a long way to improving
your health and wellness. It can also help you with recovering from any
injuries you sustain and with aches and pains you may experience. If you
have nutrition questions, or simply want to increase your knowledge of
dietary health, a nutrition guide can help you out quite a bit.
Chiropractic Visits During Pregnancy
Is it safe?
There have been no known risk factors seen when women see a chiropractor in Vancouver
while pregnant. All chiropractors are trained to work with a variety of
types of patients, including those who are pregnant. If you have any
concerns, ask your chiropractor for his or her experience in the
subject. You may also ask to see their credentials as some have sought
out more training in a specified filled. Abbreviations to look for are
DACCP: Diplomat with ICPA reflecting highest level of advanced training,
CACCP: Certified with the ICPA reflecting advanced training, Member of
ICPA reflecting special interest, Webster Certified : trained to work
specifically with pelvic balance in pregnancy. Offices that do have a
number of patients who are pregnant will most often than not have a
table specifically made for the pregnant body so that not to put too
much unnecessary pressure on the abdomen and baby.
Benefits of seeing a chiropractor
Many women find that sometime during their pregnancy they begin to
have back problems. From simple aches and pains to pinched nerves, there
are endless amounts of problems that may arise due to the baby pushing
on the spine and all the nerves. With seeing a chiropractor, you will be
able to relieve more of the pain and perhaps tension and pressure on
your back, control symptoms of nausea by helping to position baby in
another area, reduce the time that labor and delivery takes and can also
prevent a mother from having to have a cesarean delivery.
Help for Breech babies
Studies have shown that babies who are in a breech position after 37
weeks, have benefited from their mothers seeing a chiropractor. The
reason being, adjustments help to realign and position the body, thus
while pregnant, a chiropractor would help to readjust the pelvis and
reduce the pressure which allows for the most desirable fetal
positioning.
Chiropractic care is a great way to remain healthy and fit during
pregnancy. It can have significant benefits for the child as well as the
mother. Readjustments can make the baby more comfortable in the womb,
which may result in a birth that is far less complicated.
An Overview Of TMJ Disorders
What does TMJ stand for?
TMJ stands for “Temporomandibular Joint”. The Area located anteriorly
to your ear and medial to the opening of the ear canal. When you move
your mouth to do things such as open and close it to chew, you can place
your finger on the location stated above and feel a notch moving. That
is where the joint is, connecting the lower jaw to the temporal bone of
the skull.
What is the cause of TMD?
There are no definitive reasons that a Temporomandibular Disorder
will occur, however, science shows that the muscles of the jaw and the
other connecting parts of the joint itself are weakened. This could be
caused from accidents such as injuries to the jaw, the temporomandibular
joint itself, or the muscles of the head and neck such as a heavy blow
to the head and neck or whiplash. If you have experienced anything like
this, seek help from a professional as soon as you can.
Other possible causes that are less noticeable or thought of as hazardous to the jaw itself are:
Grinding or clenching of teeth as well as stress causing pressure to build up on the joint
Dislocation of the ball and socket joint through force
Arthritis or osteoarthritis due to the fact that your joints become inflamed and will then shy away from the proper location
Signs and symptoms
Pain or tenderness in the face, joint area, neck and shoulders
Pain in the ear or around it when chewing, speaking, or opening up your mouth too wide
Jaws that get “stuck” or “lock” in the open- or closed-mouth position
Unusual sounds in the jaw joint when opening or closing the mouth which may be accompanied with pain
Unusual sounds when chewing, such as a popping noise
The feeling as though the upper and lower teeth are not fitting
together properly, like your jaw is out of line. Most common if you have
had a blow to the face like in high impact sports.
Swelling, especially near the joint on the side of the face near the ear
Other symptoms may include toothaches, headaches, neck aches,
dizziness, earaches, hearing problems, upper shoulder pain and tinnitus
which is the ringing you hear in your ears.
Prevention
Other than taking precautionary measures while playing high impact
sports, there is not much you can do to prevent the disorder from
happening. If you know that you grind your teeth, you may want to talk
to your dentist about ways to control or limit the amount of grinding
and pressure, something as small easy as wearing a mouth guard at night
could be a quick fix.
Coping with Stress and Depression
As the weather outside becomes gray and work becomes dauntingly slow,
despite the holidays, we can have a tendency to become overwhelmed with
seasonal depression or stress. But there are ways to cope with this
that are much more simple than one might think. It starts by simply
living a healthy lifestyle.
First of all, you need to understand that this is something everyone
experiences at least once, if not many more times, in their life.
Although you may feel hopeless and unfulfilled with things that used to
bring you joy, there is hope! It is simply a condition and everyone has
the means to overcome it and avoid it in the future. It is strongly
advised for someone who is depressed to seek help from a professional.
However, there are additional day-to-day things you can do to cope with
or prevent it, which is what this post will focus on.
It is important to get daily exercise in order to get your blood
pumping, improve your circulation, contribute to detoxification, provide
an outlet for your frustrations, and release the body’s natural
feel-good chemicals.
Eating right is another way to keep your mind and body healthy.
Indulging on fatty, over-processed, and sugar-filled foods will not only
weigh you down, but cause fatigue and harmful chemicals to be released
in your body. It is important to get a nutritional diet filled with
nutrients and all parts of the food group. This includes lean meats,
dairy, whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and plenty of water! Some of
the most common nutrient deficiencies that have been connected to mood
disorders are omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, B vitamins, zinc, folate,
chromium, iron, iodine, and amino acids. It is also important to note
that these nutrients are absorbed much better when they are provided by
foods, rather than taking store-bought vitamins. Foods that contain
these nutrients can easily be found online or through your doctor.
Meditation is another way that many people find relief from the
stresses of everyday life. Take the time to relax, breathe in deeply,
and focus on your own mind and body for a little bit each day. This will
allow more oxygen to your brain and body as you breathe in deeply,
which will also help to combat some of the physical pains that often
come from stress, depression, and mood disorders.
Make sure you are getting at least eight hours of sleep each day,
limiting alcohol consumption, getting natural sunlight, and taking some
time each day to do something fun for yourself! In addition to
exercising, laughing is another easy way to boost the levels of the
natural feel-good chemicals in your body. When we’re faced with a long
and stressful to-do list on a daily basis, it can be easy to forget to
do things for ourselves, but nonetheless, it is actually very important
for your physical and mental health.
So if you’re starting to feel down in the dumps lately, or more
on-edge than usual, try incorporating these things into your daily life,
it certainly won’t hurt to try!
If your experiencing physical pain from stress, you should also
consider visiting a chiropractor. We offer a variety of services that
will surely relieve your pain and get you back on track with a healthy
body. For chiropractic care in Vancouver, Washington, contact Back to
Health Chiropractic for an appointment!
Health Maintenance – Winter Cold and Flu Guide
Winter is here! And if it hasn’t hit you already, be prepared; tis the season for the cold and flu.
Contrary to what many people think, however, the cold weather is not
the reason for our increased susceptibility to some of these nasty
viruses, but rather, the fact that winter often brings a bit of slacking
when it comes to our health. If you’re being extra conscious of your
daily health routine, you may be more immune than some others. But for
many, neglecting your health will result in a suppressed immune system,
meaning increased vulnerability to the cold and flu.
Avoid Getting Sick By Strengthening Your Immune System
Some of the common causes for a suppressed immune system may be
unhealthy eating, vitamin D deficiency, insufficient sleep and exercise,
and high stress.
Some of the harmful foods we tend to overeat include sugar and
grains. These foods should be eaten in moderation because they are
highly detrimental to your immune system, which lies mostly in your gut.
As always, it’s important to eat a balanced, nutritional diet. Vitamin
C, antioxidants, and probiotics are excellent things to look for in
food, especially when you’re trying to avoid a cold. And keep in mind
that vitamins and nutrients are best absorbed through food, rather than
pills.
Most importantly, wash your hands! Especially when you’re around anyone who’s sick.
What To Do When You Think You’re Sick
Studies have been shown that vitamin D, otherwise known as the
sunshine vitamin, can not only help you prevent a flu or cold, but also
help get rid of it faster. If you aren’t able to get regular access to
the sun, you might want to consider enriching your diet with vitamin D3
supplements.
Zinc has also been proven to help, and should be taken at the first
sign of a cold or flu, as well as the other nutrients mentioned above.
If you’re looking for a hot beverage that will contribute to the cause,
try drinking some green tea.
What To Do When You Know You’re Sick
It is best to try to avoid some of the over the counter medicines, if
you’re able to. Some of these medications can actually slow down your
healing process by interfering with the body’s natural way of combating
the virus. For instance, a slight fever and fatigue occur naturally; it
means your body is fighting off the cold, so interfering with that will
only make it take longer. As long as your fever is not more than 102,
you should let your immune system do its magic and simply rest as much
as possible while getting all the nutrients you can and drinking plenty
of water.
If you’re temperature is above 102, and you’re experiencing shortness
of breath, uncontrollable cough, and/or pain around the eyes or ears,
you should call your physician.
Overall, Be Healthy!
Your fate this cold and flu system really lies in your own hands. Get
lots of sleep, drink lots of water, exercise, get some sun, eat
healthy, and take some time to relax and laugh each day to maintain good
mental health. And don’t forget to wash your hands of course!
The Benefits Of Body Weight Exercising
Body weight exercising is a great way to stay in shape if you have no
access to a gym or other exercise equipment. Even if you do have access
to these things, body weight exercise may be a better choice for you.
By using your own body weight as resistance, you get a number of
benefits that other styles cannot compete with.
Convenience
Time is the great exercise killer. Many people who are too busy to go
to a gym or dedicate themselves to an intense, equipment-filled workout
may find that body weight training is a perfect fit. Not only can you
exercise anywhere and any time, but the workouts are generally fifteen
to thirty minutes long. This is because it is so easy to move from one
exercise to the next. Body weight training is very versatile and
eliminates the traditional two-hour workouts.
Tailored to Suit Your Needs
Another great benefit of body weight exercising is that your routine
can be easily modified to fit your unique body type. If you cannot do
regular push-ups, do wall push-ups, then slowly introduce greater
resistance as you build up more strength. This works for every muscle
group. Your body type is unique, and with body weight exercising, your
workout routine can be unique as well.
Mix it Up
Regular weight training and cardio routines can get very boring over
time. You end up doing the same exercises over and over again. With body
weight training, there are many different exercises available for each
muscle group, as well as different blocks that are designed to vary your
set and rep counts. By mixing up the exercises and introducing a more
varied approach, you keep your muscle groups from getting comfortable
and keep your interest level high.
Combine Cardio and Strength
In between strength exercises, you can do cardio workouts like
jumping jacks or burpees, which will keep your heart rate up and get you
a full body workout that other methods cannot compare to. This is
especially helpful if you don’t have time to go for a run every day or
climb on a Stairmaster for thirty minutes.
Affordable
With body weight exercising, you don’t need to purchase an expensive
gym membership. You won’t need to spend large amounts of money on any
equipment either. There may be a few minor pieces, such as a pull-up
bar, that you will want to invest in, but the overall cost will be
minuscule compared to other exercise programs and methods.
Low Injury Risk
One of the worst exercising experiences is being sidelined for months
because of an injury. Since body weight resistance routines do not
require heavy, awkward equipment, the risk for injury is minimal. Most
exercises work with natural body movements that keep your muscles active
and healthy.
Remodeling:
When you’re in a motor vehicle accident, your head and body are
violently thrown. This causes ripping and tearing of your muscles,
tendons and ligaments. The body naturally heals on its own. The body
will send out cells that produce collagen fibers. If left to heal
naturally without care, the collagen fibers will randomly place
themselves and produce tight scar-like tissues. Here it Back to Health
Chiropractic we use the most advanced chiropractic and massage treatment
to help remodel the collagen tissues back to their elastic nature. By
manipulating the small intricate muscles, tendons and ligaments, they
return back to the normal resiliency they were prior to the accident.
Chiropractic adjustments, if done correctly, have proven to be the most
effective treatment to remodel the damaged tissue back to its normal
elasticity. The chiropractic adjustments are capable stretching these
fibers to their normal para-physical limit. No other therapy has been
proven capable. This is the key to proper healing of the intricate
tissues that surround the spine. In conjunction with chiropractic
adjustments, we use massage therapy to help rehabilitate the larger
tissue damage in the larger muscles, tendons and ligaments. By using
both chiropractic and massage therapy we help the body heal and remodel
as near to pre-accident status as possible.
Degeneration:
If the body does not receive proper care, these tight scar fibers
will cause the joints in your spine to wear down faster than normal.
This wearing and tearing is called degenerative arthritis. If left
untreated, the arthritis produces degenerative spurs. The arthritis will
also degenerate the discs in the spine. The discs play an important
role in the spine. They act like little shock absorbers in your spine.
As you walk, jump and run they cushion the vertebrae. As degenerative
arthritis is produced in the body, your body’s range of motion
decreases. It is important to realize that life is motion. The
degeneration of the vertebrae and discs can cause your vertebrae to fuse
together if left untreated for a prolonged period of time. If the
vertebrae become fused together there is no motion. It is important to
your health that you receive the proper care to prevent this
degeneration from taking place.
Posture:
The body’s posture is drastically changed due to ripping and tearing
of the muscles, tendons and ligaments. Your posture is extremely
important to your health… at Back to Health Chiropractic, we use many in
office and home therapies to help restore your posture to its original
or better than original state.
Reinnervation:
The ripping and tearing of the muscle, tendons and ligaments also
causes another problem, reinnervation… If left untreated the body will
produce new nerve endings in the damaged area. This is called
reinnervation. This causes your pain threshold to decrease. The lower
pain threshold means that it takes less stimuli to produce pain. This is
the cause of chronic pain. It is ever so important to repair these
tissues as quick as possible to prevent reinnervation from taking place.
Nerve Pressure:
The ripping and tearing of the spinal tissues also cause pressure on
the nerves coming from the spinal cord out through the vertebrae. This
abnormal pressure can cause many problems. First and most prominent is
pain. The other important factor is if this pressure is great enough, it
can affect different organs in the body. If the nerves have pressure on
them, they don’t communicate as well to the organs of your body. This
lack of communication can have detrimental effects on your health. Here
at back to health chiropractic, we use the latest techniques and
adjustments to eliminate this nerve pressure to allow your body to be in
the best health possible.
New Tissue:
The first 45 days after an accident are when most of the scar tissue
is formed. This is a golden period to help the remodeling of the tissue.
Though the tissues can be remodeled after this period, it is best to
treat them as quick as possible. The sooner you get chiropractic and
massage therapy treatment, the better the results will be.
Most Auto insurances pay 100%. You do not need a M.D. referral to a chiropractor to use your auto insurance.
Injury Recovery Methods at Back to Health Chiropractic
People who live an active lifestyle are more likely to suffer
injuries, and those injuries can be frustrating to go through. If you
have sustained an injury, be it from work, sports, or accident, you will
want to utilize recovery methods that can get you back to one hundred
percent as soon as possible. With Back to Health Chiropractic, your
wellbeing and comfort are the top priority, and we will put you on a
path to recovery that works best with your unique situation. The
professionals on our staff know how to diagnose and properly treat many
different injuries, and we can help you heal and recover from injuries
you never thought possible. There are several different methods to use
when recovering from injury.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is primarily focused on relieving you of your pain
and suffering and getting you back to performing your daily activities
in comfort. As you recover, physical therapy treatments evolve to build
on the functions you have and slowly introduce more resistance to the
injured areas. Under the direct supervision of a trained physical
therapist, it is usually possible to make a full recovery. Physical
therapy can even shorten your recovery time, as exercising your injured
joints, ligaments, or tendons will prevent them from becoming stiff and
help them gain strength faster.
Massage Therapy
Massages can contribute a lot to the recovery process. Not only will a
massage enhance relaxation and muscle function, but it can also help
with the mental aspect of recovery. Massages are known to help with
sleeping and strengthening your immune system, which can go a long way
in helping you fully recover. If your joints are sore after a physical
therapy session or are aching from an old injury, a massage can restore
functionality and help you go about your daily activities in far less
pain. Our specialists at Back to Health Chiropractic are trained in all
aspects of massage, meaning you will leave feeling refreshed and in less
pain than when you came in.
Exercise
A personalized exercise program is essential to recovering from
sports-related injuries. Rather than let your joints and ligaments get
stiff, which will prolong your recovery time, it is best to slowly ease
into exercising. This will shorten your recovery time and work to
strengthen your body. Remaining as active as possible is always better
for your recovery time, and our specialists at Back to Health
Chiropractic can help you form an exercise program that will work best
for you.
Natural Ways To Treat Arthritis Pain
Arthritis pain is a condition featuring inflammation in the joints
that causes stiffness and pain. It typically gets worse with age, as the
joints suffer more wear and tear and aging factors. While the condition
is typically treated with anti-inflammation medications, there are
several techniques you can use at home that may provide relief.
Weight Loss
Reducing the strain on your joints can go a long way to relieving
your pain. Losing weight can contribute a lot to the amount of pressure
your joints are exposed to on a daily basis. Extra weight makes it more
difficult for your knees, hips, and feet. By losing the weight, you can
also prevent future damage from occurring.
Exercise More Often
Regular movement helps your joints maintain flexibility and motion.
However, there are varying degrees of exercise, and some forms, like
running, can actually do further damage. Stick to low-stress exercises
like swimming to reduce the strain on your joints and keep the
flexibility intact.
Heating and Cooling Methods
Warm showers or baths in the morning can help with the stiffness in
your joints, thus relieving a little pain every day. An electric blanket
or heating pad at night can keep your joints loose throughout the
evening hours and provide relief as well. If your joints are causing you
bad pain, an ice pack or bag of frozen vegetables can do a lot to help
you.
Meditation
Meditation and relaxation techniques can actually be very beneficial
to your overall health. By reducing your stress and increasing your
relaxation, you can better cope with arthritis pain. Those who suffer
from other conditions on top of arthritis, like depression or bipolar
disorder, are even more likely to experience benefits from regular
meditation and relaxation techniques.
Massage Therapy
Massage therapy is excellent for joint and muscle pain, and can be a
huge benefit for those who suffer from arthritis. Massages can take
stress from the joints and loosen them up, while also improving your
range of motion. Many massage therapists are trained for working with
arthritis patients, and will work directly with you to improve your
condition.
The Benefits Of Massage Therapy
Massage therapy, once relegated to spas and resorts, has become a
main component of the alternative medicine movement. There is good
reason for this, as massage therapy offers a number of benefits that can
improve your overall health dramatically. Whether you are an athlete
preparing for or recovering from the strenuous daily workouts, or worker
who wants some relief from the stresses of an average day, massage
therapy can help you and your body feel refreshed and rejuvenated.
It Relieves Stress
Stress can come in many different forms and have weird effects on
people. Many illnesses and muscle pains are linked to stress, and its
presence is only growing in the fast-paced world around us. Massage
therapy cannot completely eliminate stress, for obvious reasons, but it
can help manage it. A relaxing massage can lead to lower anxiety, better
sleep, and more energy, all of which can help you manage your stress
and keep your attitude positive as you go about your day.
It Helps With Muscle Pain
Muscle pain affects everyone as some point, whether it be from
lifting heavy machinery all day or from sitting at a desk for too long.
Massage therapy relieves tension in these muscles and helps them to
relax, which means less pain for you. With less pain, your range of
motion increases, letting you perform more actions and perform them at a
higher level than before. This is especially beneficial for athletes,
as their bodies take a lot of strain from daily activity. If you are
experiencing muscle pain, give massage therapy a try. It can help with
your pain and give your muscles the relief they are craving.
Injury Recovery
If you have recently been injured, massage therapy can be a very
helpful part of your recovery process. Car accidents or sports injuries
can be detrimental to your body’s overall health, and massage therapy
can contribute to you getting back where you want to be.
If you feel like your life has become too stressful, or your muscle
pain has become unbearable, make an appointment with a massage therapist
and try it out for yourself. You can relieve your stress, help your
muscles recover, and increase your overall health. With frequent visits,
you may find that there are even more benefits you would not have known
of otherwise.
How a Chiropractor Helps
If you have experienced chronic pain in certain areas of your body,
like your back or shoulders, for a long time, chiropractic treatment
could be beneficial for you. Chiropractic treatment services have come a
long way in providing relief and health benefits for a lot of different
people. Do not suffer through your pain or put on a brave face.
Treatment from a professional chiropractor can get you back to moving
around pain-free and living the life you want to live. Here are only
some of the benefits offered from regular chiropractic treatment.
Immune System Functionality
Chiropractic treatment can increase your immune system functionality.
This could be the biggest benefit of chiropractic care. Your overall
health is closely related to the performance of your immune system,
meaning that if the immune system is working better, you will be much
healthier overall. You may even suffer fewer colds due to chiropractic
work.
Pain Management
With chiropractic care, you can locate and provide attention to
nervous system stress, which can significantly help with pain
management. A chiropractor can also strengthen the muscles surrounding
your nerves and give you advice on how to properly care for you body,
reducing overall pain in the process.
Increased Range of Movement
With the pain in your body under control, not to mention muscle work
being done, you should see increased range of motion in your daily life.
Your flexibility will increase, letting you move and stretch more, and
you will then be able to do more things day to day.
No Drug Use
Since chiropractors only use natural methods to treat their patients,
you won’t have to deal with any pain killers or drug side effects. The
overuse of medications and drugs can lead to serious problems for you in
the future. With chiropractic care, you do not have to worry at all
about any of those issues.
If you have ever wondered how chiropractors can help you and increase
your overall health, make an appointment today. You can greatly affect
how your body goes about the day, decrease pain, increase flexibility,
and improve your overall health.
