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Try a Super Snack!:
Try mixing dried cherries and walnuts for a 'super snack.' The walnuts are naturally high in Omega-3 fatty acids and the dried cherries help to alleviate pain.
Heat/cold for Lowback Pain:
Try a hot pack on your abdomen while icing your lowback. It softens and relaxes you while stopping the inflammatory response in your lowback area. Please check with your doctor before applying heat to your abdominal area if you have IBS, current of past cancer issues, crohn's disease, or any other condition that might preclude heat. (or ask me and I will let you know if you need to check with your ND, PCP, D.O. LaC)
Doctor of Osteopathy or Doctor of Chiropractic Care?:
I endorse both. If you have a bulging disc or severe spinal issue, I suggest seeing a D.O. They have medical and osteopathic training and work beautifully with recovery from spinal and bone issues.
Healthy and want to have some maintenance work done on your body? I suggest seeing a qualified Chiropractor. There are, though, many Chiropractors that have multi-level training and work as well with skeletal health as a D.O. I was surprised to learn that 50% of the Chiropractors in Washington State are Scientologist. If you have concerns about working with anyone in the healthcare field, do a phone call interview with the office manager or one of the staff.
Multi-modalities on the same day:
This is another common question. From doing over 9,000 professional massages, I feel that it is best to have 24 hours between massage and acupuncture/D.O appointments/Chiropractic adjustments/P.T or any other modality. The body continues to process the treatment for 24 - 48 hours follwing the session, often new issues, aches and pains, will emerge in the day(s) subsequent to that treatment. I feel that you make a great deal more progress giving your body time to re-balance between treatments and modalities.
Water vs. sports drinks:
I am often asked which is better after a therapeutic treatment. Water is still the the best hydrater out there! Drinking water encourages the body to continue the clearing process that was begun in the session. Room temperature water is better for you following a massage than cold water, as the temperture energetically works more efficiently with the body. Please check with your doctor or health care coordinator about the use of sports drinks and the best time to use them. Drinking water from thicker plastic bottles are far healthier than some of the less dense bottled water containers. I use purified water in a special plastic water bottle from the health food store. Dr. Emoto has done studies correlating the use of healing words and colors in association with drinking water. For further reading on this please read Dr. Emoto's book, 'The Healing Power of Water.'
If you have had a real workout or deep massage that moved toxins in your body, a good, low sugar sports drink for electolyte balance will help prevent soreness, pain, and cramping.
Vascular Flush (aka contrasting hydro):
This is alternating hot & cold packs to help alleviate any residual inflammation in the body. You can do this 1 -2 x daily for about 15 minutes each time. Please make sure that you are wrapping the hot and cold packs appropriately to avoid any cold or heat burns. For the hot packs I suggest that you wrap the hot pack in a pillow case, and then in a thick towel. Make sure that you do no overheat or overmicrowave the pack.
For cold packs, I place them in a large sealed baggie, and then put a pillow case over that.
Ice Packs:
Used for acute injuries. An acute injury is one that is new and usually quite painful. The ice decreases the inflammation so that the body can begin to heal, it also help to decrease the amount of scar tissue in the musculature. Should you have an acute injury, please be assessed by your Primary Care Provider prior to receiving a treatment. Is is important to have a diagnosis and find out what the PCP recommends prior to scheduling treatment with anyone.
To Detox or not to detox, that is the question?
This is one of the most common questions in my practice. If the body is in crisis, my feeling is that you support the body, rather that create more stress. It is always advisable to ask the healthcare provider that coordinates your healthcare what they think. Before proceeding with a detoxifying therapy, always check with your ND, LaC, PCP, NP. This is especially crucial if you have serious medical problems.
Ice Massage:
I like to fill dixie cups 3/4 full with water and place them in the freezer. You peel down the paper and rub the ice around the inflamed area until you feel a warming sensation. This is great for sports related strains/pains/discomfort, especially around the major joints of the body.
Salt Bath: (our new favorite is Berts Bee's Therapeutic Bath Salts!)
Great following a Swedish or Deep Tissue Massage to help draw out any of the enzymes from the body that have migrated to the superficial epidermis(skin). The salt combines with the lactic acid from the skin, and is quite refreshing. You can do this anytime---there are bath shops with a wide variety of salts in combination with Aroma Therapies. Please make sure that you are not allergic to any of the essential oils before using them in a bath or shower. Some essential oils are not meant to be used 100%, but are cut with olive oil or another base.
Arnica & Ice:
This is a great combination for runners and athletes, as the Arnica gel works beautifully with ice/cold. Apply the Arnica gel (again making sure that you are not allergic to it), then applying the ice pack. You can do this before and after a sporting event. Arnica is also available in tablet form, please check with your doctor before adding any oral medications to your other pharmaceuticals, vitamins, or homeopathy.
Anti-inflammatory Diets:
Often times, my clients take a multi-pronged approach, for instance using vascular flush and adhering to an anti-inflammatory diet which can be give to you by a qualified Naturopath, Acupuncturist, and traditional Medical Doctors. Make sure that you check with them so that there are no contraindications with any other medications you are taking. It is important to stay with the program that they prescribe, as each person's physiology is vastly different.
Bach's Rescue Cream: Great for treating trigger points and for addressing areas of pain/sensitivity/discomfort. You can apply this amazing cream as directed for all day relief of the physiological as well as the somatic issues. Please read all instructions carefully prior to use, or check with your primary care physician, naturopath, or herablist.
Bruising:
An Aromatherapists suggested Chamomille oil for bruising with the skin intact. Please go to: http://www.aromanotes.com for amazing cold-pressed oils. Also, Arnica gel (Arniflora) is also helpful with bruising associated with sports, post acupuncture, or injury. Again, please do not apply remedies to broken skin. For remedies that can be taken internally (please check with your pcp prior to taking anything!), please see my listing under supplements under therapeutic links.
When trying anything new, especially topical, please try a small patch of skin and observe it for about 45 minutes to an hour. If you are taking any medications or supplements from, your ND, MD, DC, LaC, please check with them prior to adding anything new to your daily supplements. Arnica tablets (please check with your doctor before taking this!), and arnica gel/cream also help significantly with Bruising!
Aromatherapy & essential oils:
Please check out http://www.aromanotes.com for information on essential oils that help with everything from bruising, to alleviating rashes, and nervous tension and stress. Please utilize the guidelines and suggestions offered by the Young Living Aroma Therapy specalists. Remember to always check with your doctor or health coordinator prior to adding anything to your health regiment. If you are pregnant, please check with your doctor, or the above link to make sure there are no conradindications to healthy, full-term pregnancy.
Ice and Stretching:
In the days following a treatment, you can aid your musculature in some gentle daily stretching. (see Therapeutic Articles in the menu) Ice for 15 - 20 minutes, and then gently stretch your tight muscles and fascia (followed by ice for several minutes). If you are working with your doctor or any health care provider for any medical reason, please check with them prior to any stretching. I suggest a personal trainer, or qualified instructor to show you effective ways to access specific muscle groups through movement and stretching.
Did you know that for a small percentage of people that ice acts as heat and heat acts as ice? This is called an antidotal response. If you do have this response to ice and heat, please communicate with your healthcare provider so the appropriate treatment can be suggested and applied.
Dead Sea Mud & Shea Butter Bars:
My recent aftercare discovery. The Dead Sea mud, pulls the toxins from the skin and the Shea Butter moisturizes and nourishes. What a combination! French women have been using Shea Butter for years, their flawless complexions and beautiful skin are legendary.
(should you wish to purchase one, I keep them stocked in my office for $9.00each, price includes shipping and handling. I email you a Paypal invoice and ship to directly to you!)
Detoxifying FootPatches:
http://www.verseo.com/detox.html |
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