ChiSpree » Tag: Holistic health & wellness http://www.chi-spree.com Living Better for Less Fri, 19 Dec 2014 21:51:11 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.9.3 About the Encyclopedia – Start Here http://www.chi-spree.com/about-the-encyclopedia/ http://www.chi-spree.com/about-the-encyclopedia/#comments Fri, 21 Mar 2014 20:08:39 +0000 http://www.chi-spree.com/?p=934 Welcome to the ChiSpree Wellness Encyclopedia!   This encyclopedia was developed to assist you in understanding what wellness is, to provide information on a variety of holistic methods and services that can contribute to a person’s well-being.   While many non-medical wellness based approaches have been shown to be very helpful in preventing and reversing […]]]>

Welcome to the ChiSpree Wellness Encyclopedia!

 

This encyclopedia was developed to assist you in understanding what wellness is, to provide information on a variety of holistic methods and services that can contribute to a person’s well-being.

 

While many non-medical wellness based approaches have been shown to be very helpful in preventing and reversing some medical conditions, the information in this encyclopedia is not intended to take the place of any medical treatment. It is always a good idea to consult with your physician prior to beginning any new wellness routines. If you believe you have a medical condition of any kind, please seek help from a qualified medical professional as soon as possible to be treated.

 

We will try to help you go beyond the mere absence of disease and expand your personal well-being as far and high as you would like to take it. Explore the encyclopedia, try new services, and find Your Way to Wellness!

 

If you have any suggestions for helpful articles, please contact us!

 

Thank you,

ChiSpree Team

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The Value of CranioSacral Therapy http://www.chi-spree.com/the-value-of-craniosacral-therapy/ http://www.chi-spree.com/the-value-of-craniosacral-therapy/#comments Thu, 23 Jan 2014 02:39:57 +0000 http://www.chi-spree.com/?p=5870 CranioSacral Therapy is a gentle approach for releasing restrictions deep within the body to help relieve pain and dysfunction. In the early 1900s osteopathic physician William Sutherland discovered that cranial sutures were designed to express small degrees of motion throughout life. He originated and taught a system of manipulating cranial bones called cranial osteopathy to […]]]>

CranioSacralCranioSacral Therapy is a gentle approach for releasing restrictions deep within the body to help relieve pain and dysfunction. In the early 1900s osteopathic physician William Sutherland discovered that cranial sutures were designed to express small degrees of motion throughout life. He originated and taught a system of manipulating cranial bones called cranial osteopathy to osteopathic physicians for many years.

As a result of his extensive research beginning in the 1970s John Upledger D.O. developed a body of work focused on normalizing the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. He named his method CranioSacral Therapy and began teaching his therapeutic techniques to non-osteopaths.

The CranioSacral practitioner evaluates the craniosacral system using subtle palpatory skills and gently encourages the client’s body to self-correct. By enhancing the body’s innate self-healing mechanisms, CranioSacral Therapy helps to alleviate headaches, migraines,fibromyalgia, TMJ Syndrome, scoliosis, stress related disorders, chronic pain and many other conditions.

CranioSacral Therapy is done lying on a massage table with the client wearing loose, comfortable clothing. Many individuals experience a sense of profound relaxation and well-being along with therapeutic benefits.

 

Our brain and nervous system affect every other part of our body. Maintaining proper alignment of the spine and skull can play a dramatic role in a person’s health. Contact the Author, or browse our Merchant Directory to find local holistic merchants in your area.

 

Author: Joy Athans R.N., H.H.P. of San Diego, CA

 

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Creating Healthy Relationships http://www.chi-spree.com/creating-healthy-relationships/ http://www.chi-spree.com/creating-healthy-relationships/#comments Sun, 12 Jan 2014 04:19:06 +0000 http://www.chi-spree.com/?p=5621 Relationships, romantic, or not so romantic… are a cornerstone of life. When we are young we are led by hormones and romance stories to believe that the perfect someone is out there, if we could only find him or her.  And if we could just find that one true love, we would live happily ever […]]]>

Relationships, romantic, or not so romantic… are a cornerstone of life.

Hearts

When we are young we are led by hormones and romance stories to believe that the perfect someone is out there, if we could only find him or her.  And if we could just find that one true love, we would live happily ever after.  In truth, we are taught next to nothing about how to create and grow a healthy, loving relationship.  What we learn is a hodgepodge of more or less functional and mostly subconscious examples from our parents, movies, and our own random experiments.

Great relationships start with authenticity and emotional honesty, and grow through real listening and empathy.  A relationship coach can help you learn and master these and many other skills necessary for the happiness that begins at home.  And if your relationship is struggling, a relationship coach can help you discover the unmet needs and emotional blocks that are keeping you from a life full of love.

 

Our relationships are an important component of an overall healthy lifestyle. If you’re in a relationship, or even if you’re single, bringing as much love into your life as possible is a foundation to health. Contact the Author, or browse our Merchant Directory to find local holistic merchants in your area.

 

Author: Greg Young – Love Coach Greg of San Diego, CA

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Weight loss – without dieting? http://www.chi-spree.com/weight-loss-without-dieting/ http://www.chi-spree.com/weight-loss-without-dieting/#comments Mon, 30 Dec 2013 21:53:34 +0000 http://www.chi-spree.com/?p=5354 Did you know that when you feel hungry, you might actually be THIRSTY! According to one study, 37% of Americans’ thirst mechanism is so weak, they consistently mistake thirst for hunger. What if each time you felt like going for your favorite snack, you reached for a glass of water instead? Consider this – drinking […]]]>

Did you know that when you feel hungry, you might actually be THIRSTY!

water-in-glassAccording to one study, 37% of Americans’ thirst mechanism is so weak, they consistently mistake thirst for hunger.

What if each time you felt like going for your favorite snack, you reached for a glass of water instead?

Consider this – drinking more water is a key factor in burning more fat!

 

 

1.  Drinking pure, clean water is a very effective natural appetite suppressant.

2.  Low water intake (dehydration) will increase fat deposits.

3.  Hydration (increased water intake) will reduce fat deposits

 

Most importantly, lack of proper hydration leads to less fat being converted into usable energy.  More usable energy means more movement, more oxygen and greater vitality.

 

If you aren’t drinking enough water, kidney function will decrease and the liver will have work overtime.  One of your liver’s primary functions is to metabolize stored fat into usable energy.  When the liver has extra work to do it can’t metabolize as much fat, so more fat is stored.

 

Once your body is sufficiently hydrated to metabolize stored fat, water then helps you eliminate the acid waste and toxins that accumulate along with fat deposits.  Staying hydrated is extremely important to ensure that toxins are eliminated through sweat, urine and bowel movements.

 

How much to water to drink?  A good rule of thumb is to drink “1/2 your weight in ounces”.

Say you weigh 130 lbs.  Your goal is to drink 65 ounces, or approximately 2 quarts per day minimum.  More if you workout, live in a hot/dry environment, spend time in the sun or have excess fat to flush out.

If you are chronically dehydrated, you’ll be urinating a lot at first.  That’s OK.  You are flushing out toxins and getting your kidneys and bladder back to their natural, healthy state.

When you’re hydrating with clean, anti-oxidant rich, micro-clustered alkaline water, you can say good-bye to constipation and that draggy, sluggish feeling for good!

 

Water makes up more of our bodies than any other component. Staying hydrated is a mandatory foundation to health. Contact the Author, or browse our Merchant Directory to find local holistic merchants in your area.

 

Author: Suzanne Finder – Thrive Water Systems of San Diego, CA

 

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Swollen Ankles, Feet, or Hands? One Simple Answer that Works! http://www.chi-spree.com/swollen-ankles-feet-or-hands-one-simple-answer-that-works/ http://www.chi-spree.com/swollen-ankles-feet-or-hands-one-simple-answer-that-works/#comments Mon, 30 Dec 2013 03:18:16 +0000 http://www.chi-spree.com/?p=5301 The best treatment for fluid retention is to drink plenty of fresh, purified water. When the body doesn’t get enough water, it goes into survival mode and retains as much as possible.  The stored water shows up as swollen feet, legs and hands. Diuretics are a temporary solution at best.  They will release stored fluids, […]]]>

The best treatment for fluid retention is to drink plenty of fresh, purified water.

water-in-glassWhen the body doesn’t get enough water, it goes into survival mode and retains as much as possible.  The stored water shows up as swollen feet, legs and hands.

Diuretics are a temporary solution at best.  They will release stored fluids, but essential nutrients get flushed out, too.  The body, still in threat mode, will replace the lost fluids and you’ll be back where you started!

Only by giving your body plenty of water (not juice, soft drinks or coffee) can it return to a healthy balance.  From there excess water will be released naturally.

Teach yourself to drink water throughout the day, especially when you aren’t thirsty.  Start gradually.  Your goal is to reset your “thirst-o-meter”.

How much water you should drink depends on your weight.  The rule of thumb is to drink “1/2 your weight in ounces”.

Say you weigh 130 lbs.  Your goal is to drink 65 ounces, or approximately 2 quarts per day at minimum.  More if you workout, live in a hot/dry environment or spend time in the sun.

If you are chronically dehydrated, you will be urinating a lot at first.  That’s OK.  You are flushing out toxins and getting your kidneys and bladder back to their natural, healthy state.

Water makes up more of our bodies than any other component. Staying hydrated is a mandatory foundation to health. Contact the Author, or browse our Merchant Directory to find local holistic merchants in your area.

 

Author: Suzanne Finder – Thrive Water Systems of San Diego, CA

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8 Keys to Understanding the Small Intestine & Digestive Health http://www.chi-spree.com/8-keys-to-understanding-the-small-intestine-digestive-health/ http://www.chi-spree.com/8-keys-to-understanding-the-small-intestine-digestive-health/#comments Fri, 13 Dec 2013 05:01:29 +0000 http://www.chi-spree.com/?p=4253 Acupuncture for wellness   1. The Physical function of the Small Intestine The Small Intestine is a semi-permeable barrier that has a basic function of sorting the food we eat into: •       Something to be used by the body •       Something to be passed out as waste. The outer […]]]>

Acupuncture for wellness

 

Digestive Health1. The Physical function of the Small Intestine
The Small Intestine is a semi-permeable barrier that has a basic function of sorting the food we eat into:
•       Something to be used by the body
•       Something to be passed out as waste.
The outer surface of this barrier is composed of a mucous layer and is colonized by beneficial bacteria, and elements of the immune system.  Beneath this mucous layer are the epithelial cells of the Small Intestine. These cells are joined together by Tight Junctions, which are like a protein version of stitching.
Chinese Medicine describes the Small Intestine function thusly:
The Small Intestine presides over the division of solids and liquids
The Small Intestine directs the fluids to the Urinary Bladder and the Kidneys.
It governs the separation of the pure from the impure :
Most importantly, the Small Intestine is responsible for absorbing the nutrients from food. These nutrients enter into the Liver to be processed and then assimilated into the flesh and blood.

2. Dysfunction of the Small Intestine Function: Leaky Gut
Naturally, problems will develop when this barrier is not functionally intact. This is a condition known as “Leaky Gut Syndrome.” Instead of only allowing the purified essence of the food into the Liver, Impure substances enter as well. These impure substances can trigger inflammation, as the body tries to defend itself. These particles will get tagged by the antibodies of the immune system. This can lead to food allergies, and food sensitivities and the inflammation can set the stage for arthritis.
Major contributing factors to “leaky gut” are antibiotic use that decimates the colonies of beneficial bacteria and allows an overgrowth of Candida, and NSAID’s such as ibuprofen and aspirin.

3. The Mental function of the Small Intestine
In Chinese Medicine there is an understanding that there are mental & emotional functions coupled to each of the 12 organ systems. The mental functioning of the Small Intestine is analogous to the physical function of separating the pure from the impure. This involves a mental “sorting function”.  If your life involves a lot of sorting and separating, this taxes the energy of the Small Intestine system.  Typically, administrative work involves handling what is important vs. wasting time dealing with unnecessary tasks. An executive assistant’s job, for example is to act as a filter for the executive, and to provide the executive with only the necessary and important information, and to screen the less important calls, etc.

Such work can be a contributing factor to a decrease in the function of the small intestine. Conversely, a poorly functioning Small Intestine, will impair one’s ability to discern what is useful from the waste.

4. The Small Intestine & the Heart
The Small Intestine is a yang organ that is connected to the outside environment, even though it is inside the body. It is receiving all the food, drink, medication, drugs & chemicals from the outside that are put in the body through the mouth. Every yang organ has a yin (internal) counterpart. The Small Intestine’s yin counterpart is the Heart.  In these yin /yang organ pairs, a disease can transfer directly from one organ to the order.
Modern clinical research is bearing out this observation.  Congestive Heart Failure is associated with chronic inflammation, increased permeability of the wall of the small intestine and increased endotoxins from bacteria absorption.

5. The Small Intestine and the Liver
What the Small Intestine allows to pass into the body goes directly into the Liver. A second connection with the Liver has to do with circadian rhythms of the body. The time of the Liver is 1-3 am, which is the polar opposite of the Small Intestine, (1-3pm).
If the Small Intestine is leaky and allowing impure toxins into the Liver, the Liver will then have more work to do to clear these toxins. If the leaky gut is long-standing and the Liver is chronically overloaded, toxins will then begin to spill into the Blood. The Blood will then shunt the toxins into the Lymphatic system, leading to an overburdened immune system.
A chronically toxic overloaded Liver and Lymphatic system sets the stage for weight gain, inflammation, arthritis, fluid retention, food intolerances, heart disease and more.

6. Small Intestine and shoulder pain
Figure 2. highlights points on the Small Intestine Meridian. Long-standing energy blocks in the Small Intestine meridian can be felt as musculoskeletal pain around the shoulder and neck, and can lead to problems in the organ; conversely, problems in the organ can be felt along the pathway of the Small Intestine meridian. The Small intestine meridian passes over and around the shoulder blade and up the side of the neck. This is a common area to carry stress.

7. Acupuncture’s role in the Healing process
Releasing blockages in the meridian system with acupuncture has a profound impact on the internal organs. Releasing the physical tension in the body has a synergistic effect that optimizes the other necessary changes that need to happen in order for true healing to occur.  These changes should be approached in stages.
•       Changes to the diet to remove offending & allergenic foods (allergy testing can be instrumental in identifying  these)
•       If Candida is present, it is necessary to stop promoting the growth of Candida by eliminate sugar & refined carbohydrates.
•       Detoxification
•       Rebuilding the intestinal flora
The process takes time and it is critical to take a holistic approach. Depending on the severity of the damage of the intestinal lining it can take from 4-9 months for full recovery. Failure to identify and eliminate allergenic foods will slow down the process. If Candida is present then it is imperative to change the environment that allows for it and to eliminate any overgrowth that may be present. Chronic toxic overload needs to be addressed as well through detoxification.  Once those changes happen, then it is time for rebuilding the intestinal microflora. Acupuncture can be used throughout all the stages of the process to maximize the results and increase the effectiveness of the internal work.

8. Psychospiritual Speculations
The ancient Chinese spoke of the organic oneness of body, mind and spirit. This understanding is preserved in the classical texts and in the traditional names of the Acupuncture Points. Sometimes the function of a point is suggested by it‘s name, other times its anatomical location is suggested. Often times both are referred to.  On the small intestine, there is a specific point that is invariably reactive on nearly 99% of patients I’ve worked with. The point is located on the Scapula, SI 11, and the chinese name is 天宗,Tian Zong, Heavenly Ancestors.
Heavenly Ancestors reminds us that in this life we are not only dealing with our own personal issues and karma, but we are also working through the karma we have inherited from our ancestors. It is weight we carry on our shoulders. As we grow and mature and begin to take personal responsibility for our destiny we gain the energy to properly assimilate life into our being and honor our deep inner self. We can then develop the strength to carry what is truly ours and to let go of what is not. This takes a big load off of the small intestine meridian, which then allows more energy to flow to the Small Intestine organ which can then get back to the work of assimilating our life and creating the person we wish to be in the world, and by doing that we are doing our part to create the world we wish to be a part of.

Footnotes:
1. Soulie De Morant, Chinese Acupuncture, Paradigm, 1955

2. Fratkin ,Jake Paul; OMD LEAKY GUT SYNDROME A Modern Epidemic, California Journal of Oriental Medicine

3Altered intestinal function in patients with chronic heart failure. Sandek A, Bauditz J, Swidsinski A, Buhner S, Weber-Eibel J, von Haehling S, Schroedl W, Karhausen T, Doehner W, Rauchhaus M, et al.J Am Coll Cardiol. 2007 Oct 16; 50(16):1561-9. Epub 2007 Oct

4. There is a sequence to the flow of energy through the 12 meridians; this sequence is what creates the Circadian rhythm in the body.  Each meridian has a 2 hour window when its qi is flourishing. The time for the peak of energy of the Small Intestine is from 1-3 pm. Imbalances in the Small Intestine system can manifest as a deep collapse of energy at this time. The Liver has a peak of Energy at the opposite time, 1-3 am.
Leaky-Gut.docx

 

Acupuncture can be an effective treatment for many common conditions and injuries including muscular and skeletal conditions and injuries, headaches, some respiratory and heart conditions, sleep disorders, stress, and many others. Try acupuncture as a natural, safe, time-tested treatment. Contact the Author, or browse our Merchant Directory to find a local Acupuncturist in your area.

 

Author: Justin Burkett, L.Ac. of San Diego, CA

 

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Is Antiperspirant Really Bad for You? http://www.chi-spree.com/is-antiperspirant-really-bad-for-you/ http://www.chi-spree.com/is-antiperspirant-really-bad-for-you/#comments Fri, 13 Dec 2013 03:59:57 +0000 http://www.chi-spree.com/?p=4267 Beautiful and healthy inside and out!   When selling my natural deodorants, people often expect me to lecture them on how bad antiperspirant is for you. I can tell I disappoint them when I don’t launch into claims about how  commercially made antiperspirant causes breast cancer and the Aluminum Zirconium causes Alzheimer Disease. I don’t […]]]>

Beautiful and healthy inside and out!

 

Natural BeautyWhen selling my natural deodorants, people often expect me to lecture them on how bad antiperspirant is for you. I can tell I disappoint them when I don’t launch into claims about how  commercially made antiperspirant causes breast cancer and the Aluminum Zirconium causes Alzheimer Disease. I don’t do this because whether antiperspirants definitely cause disease isn’t clear cut. Nevertheless, I argue against using antiperpirants because solutions that work better than antiperspirants against body odor exist.
Antiperspirants Can Cause Granuloma

There is one condition caused by commercially sold antiperspirants that is proven,   Granuloma, characterized by rashing and bumping under the arm.  According to Wikipedia, Granulomas form when the immune system attempts to wall off substances that it perceives as foreign but is unable to eliminate. This is consistent with the way antiperspirants work. Antiperspirants all contain some form of aluminium.  According to the website Discovery Fit and Health, aluminum ions  enter cells under your arm and swell when you sweat, blocking further sweat from escaping.

When the aluminum ions are drawn into the cells, water passes in with them. As more water flows in, the cells begin to swell, squeezing the ducts closed so that sweat can’t get out.

So, it makes sense that some bodies see these aluminum ions as foreign entities and develop a permanent sensitivity to them.  A study at Walter Reed Institute of Research confirms that it is possible to develop an acute hypersensitivity reaction to an aluminum zirconium complex.

Why Use Antiperspirant?

What I ask customers is why would they choose to use antiperspirant when there is something that is more effective, more natural and has simpler ingredients?

The answer for me is clear, I use my own deodorant.  It works better for me and I don’t rash from it. Furthermore, I personally:

-don’t trust that big corporations are putting only healthy things into our products.
-think it is wise  to keep body care products as chemically free as possible, read my Safe and Simple article here.
Most Important, Don’t be too Afraid

Remember though that fear and stress is also unhealthy so I don’t agree with anyone who sells products based on fear because:

our fear about things  is already too great.
breeding fear is rarely in anyone’s best interest.
can be deadly and debilitating
already making good people do bad things.
I am not comfortable in selling anything to anyone by instilling fear or generating negative energy. I want people to come to healthy living easily and openly because it is a natural progression of their life. I know some people are convinced that antiperspirant deodorants filled with all their crap can cause some very specific serious illness and I suspect there is some truth to that.

 

Taking care of the outside of our bodies can have big effects on how we feel, our confidence level, and our health. Be beautiful on the inside and out! Contact the Author, or browse our Merchant Directory to find local holistic beauty merchants in your area.

 

Author: Brenda McFarlane of ZirYab’s Body Brew of San Diego, CA

 

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The Efficacy of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine http://www.chi-spree.com/the-efficacy-of-acupuncture-and-chinese-herbal-medicine/ http://www.chi-spree.com/the-efficacy-of-acupuncture-and-chinese-herbal-medicine/#comments Fri, 13 Dec 2013 01:29:47 +0000 http://www.chi-spree.com/?p=4245 Acupuncture for wellness   As of January 1, 2014, according to the Essential Care and Benefits Bill (passed by the state of California in April 2012) portion of the Affordable Care Act, every insurance (except Medicare, Medi-Cal and Tricare) company must cover acupuncture services for the treatment of pain and nausea, regardless if the acupuncture is dispensed by an M.D. […]]]>

Acupuncture for wellness

 

accupoints croppedAs of January 1, 2014, according to the Essential Care and Benefits Bill (passed by the state of California in April 2012) portion of the Affordable Care Act, every insurance (except Medicare, Medi-Cal and Tricare) company must cover acupuncture services for the treatment of pain and nausea, regardless if the acupuncture is dispensed by an M.D. or by a licensed acupuncturist. Even at this late date of November 20, 2013, many state agencies are unclear about the logistics of the process. Yet, acupuncture is to date a covered benefit for several insurance companies and many are enjoying the benefits of this medicine dispensed by acupuncturists, who are primary care physicians in the state of California. The purpose of this article is to inform those of us that are not familiar with the healing benefits of this medicine.

Above all, the objective and the value of any medicine is the resolution of the patient’s imbalance with the least amount of harm to the patient. The bottom line needs to be returning the patient back to normal and/or healthier than before the illness occurred with little to no side effects. Chinese medicine delivers both the primary goal of effectiveness of natural medicine as well as a comparatively low cost to accomplish the results. In most cases, with Chinese medicine the ailment has been relieved, education and experience in the arena of preventative medicine has been achieved, and the relaxation of the mind, body, and spirit has been initiated. Acupuncture also produces homeostasis and relaxation in the body which is integral to the healing process. This ancient energy medicine sets in motion a life long standard and intention of wellbeing and longevity.

Acupuncture is an advanced, refined method, not an alternative or complementary
form of medicine. In most of the thousands and thousands of treatments at
Vibrational Healing Arts and acupuncture clinics all over the world, acupuncture
(with Chinese medical herbs as needed) has been a stand alone medicine. Using,
for example, 36 gauge sterilized stainless steel needles placed strategically, a
multitude of conditions including back pain from herniated discs can be successfully
treated in six to twelve treatments. Numerous illnesses from anxiety to alopecia,
pain to PMS, and insomnia to interstitial cystitis encompass the range of
acupuncture success stories.  A vital part of the Chinese medicine practitioner’s
or any physician’s responsibility, is to determine whether or not the patient requires
a different or an additional style of medicine to complete the healing process. For
example, the patient may be advised to go immediately to the emergency room, to
get adjustments from a chiropractor, or receive sessions with a psychotherapist.

At the initial intake, consultation, examination and acupuncture treatment, there is a course of action established with qualitative and quantitative markers to assess pain levels, range of motion, levels of inflammation, frequency of recurrence of the condition, etc. Lifestyle and nutritional modifications and guidelines are agreed upon to meet each patient’s individual needs. Generally, two acupuncture treatments are recommended per week at the beginning. As the patient improves based on the markers, treatments decrease to once per week, every other week, and then on an as needed basis. At Vibrational Healing Arts, the success rate is a conservative 75%. Some conditions that have not been completely reversed with acupuncture in this office have included post-surgical complications, severe inflammatory conditions that require cortisone injections, back pain in elderly obese patients on several medications, broken bones, and severe ligament tears. No single medicine successfully treats every condition. The key is to discern what medicine is the most appropriate for the individual patient.

Chinese herbal medicine, often used as an adjunct to acupuncture, is designed to target a range of disorders from the common cold to infertility. The collection of herbs that comprise the Chinese herbal pharmacy are specific in their botanical nature and function. When prescribed by a properly trained herbalist, the side effects are minimal to nonexistent. Minimal side effects may include slightly increased urination or bowel movements (not diarrhea). A low percentage of patients that experience  mild nausea while taking herbs are instructed to reduce the initial dosages and take the herbs with food. A few of the conditions treatable with herbs are colds, flu, cough, asthma, immune related imbalances, indigestion, constipation, diarrhea, IBS, Crohn’s, hair loss, shingles, dermatitis, PMS, migraines, Meniere’s, hypertension, anxiety, low energy, anemia, hot flashes, night sweats, pain, sprains, female and male infertility and insomnia.

Acupuncture has been recorded in history as the primary medicine in several countries for over three thousand years. Because the mechanics of this energy medicine are not yet fully understood, acupuncture has often been dismissed. Gravity and the applications of the three laws of motion existed long before Isaac Newton discovered them. In addition, Newton’s laws of motion are not applicable to quantum mechanics particle/wave dualities. Under scrutiny of the scientific method; particles behave as waves, waves as particles, and as neither and both. A new paradigm of viewing and operating in the quantum world is slowly being accepted. We may find the answers to how acupuncture works in the realm of quantum theories. In fact, physicists who are also acupuncturists find agreement with these ideas. In the interim, acupuncture continues to prove its effectiveness.

 

Acupuncture can be an effective treatment for many common conditions and injuries including muscular and skeletal conditions and injuries, headaches, some respiratory and heart conditions, sleep disorders, stress, and many others. Try acupuncture as a natural, safe, time-tested treatment. Contact the Author, or browse our Merchant Directory to find a local Acupuncturist in your area.

 

Author: Jackie Bensinger, L.Ac. of San Diego, CA

 

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Chiropractic Care – What it is (and Isn’t…) http://www.chi-spree.com/what-is-chiropractic/ http://www.chi-spree.com/what-is-chiropractic/#comments Mon, 28 Oct 2013 04:21:09 +0000 http://www.chi-spree.com/?p=2854 Chiropractic for wellness   So much misinterpretation of the word and the profession has happened that speaking about what is not chiropractic first is more relevant. Getting a massage is not chiropractic, having electrical stimulation is not chiropractic, using hot packs is not chiropractic, taping muscles and limbs is not chiropractic, taking supplements is not […]]]>

Chiropractic for wellness

 

Healthy Body Chiropractor

So much misinterpretation of the word and the profession has happened that speaking about what is not chiropractic first is more relevant. Getting a massage is not chiropractic, having electrical stimulation is not chiropractic, using hot packs is not chiropractic, taping muscles and limbs is not chiropractic, taking supplements is not chiropractic and stretching tight muscles is not chiropractic. These are various modalities you may see in a chiropractor’s office and they are certainly beneficial to the body, but when we say Chiropractic – from the Greek meaning ‘done by hand’- we mean improving how well the nerve system conducts messages between the brain and the body by aligning the spine.

For example, through modern science we know that the spine protects the spinal cord and nerves – that ‘communication highway’ carrying messages between the brain and the body. That connection is what controls and coordinates every single function in your body; from feeling sensations to moving voluntary muscles to doing all the automatic things like digesting food, beating the heart, fighting infections and healing cuts.

A poorly aligned spine damages that communication by interfering with how the spinal cord and nerves work.

A properly  aligned spine allows that brain-body communication to function at its best – meaning you not only feel better, but function better on the inside.

Do this test. Take one hand and squeeze around the other forearm just above the wrist. Go ahead, give it a good squeeze and hold. Now, you would agree that you’re not actually touching the blood vessels, yet you are stopping blood flow to the hand. Over time this will lead to the loss of function of your hand.

That same process happens in the spine. When bones are out of alignment they don’t actually touch the nerves but they squeeze the tissue around the nerves and interfere not with blood flow but nerve flow. And depending on where in the spine this is happening, a different nerve will be damaged which could cause problems in the hand, leg, fingers, toes, heart, lung, kidneys… anywhere.

In short, WHAT chiropractors do is align the spine. WHY they align the spine is to relieve the tension and stress on the nerve system. This affects every system and cell in the body.

 

Chiropractic care can be an effective treatment for many common conditions and injuries including muscular and skeletal conditions and injuries, headaches, some respiratory and heart conditions, sleep disorders, stress, and many others. Try chiropractic as a natural, non-invasive, time-tested treatment. Contact the Author, or browse our Merchant Directory to find a local Chiropractor in your area.

 

Author: Dr. Harry Heeder, Doctor of Chiropractic of San Diego, CA

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What are Health and Wellness; Sounds Simple Right? http://www.chi-spree.com/what-is-health-wellness/ http://www.chi-spree.com/what-is-health-wellness/#comments Wed, 12 Jun 2013 07:17:00 +0000 http://www.chi-spree.com/?p=262  What is wellness?   Health and Wellness are very broad ideas with a multitude of considerations. According to the World Health Organization, health is defined as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”. For some, health has been considered simply to be the absence […]]]>

 What is wellness?

 

Health and Wellness are very broad ideas with a multitude of considerations. According to the World Health Organization, health is defined as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”. For some, health has been considered simply to be the absence of disease and pain, but it can be so much more. Beyond simply having no illnesses, true health brings in aspects of life satisfaction, happiness, and living up to ones potential; it can include whatever is important to you. Of course, that state of physical health and being free of disease is a top priority, and any ailments should be addressed by a qualified professional, but once this is achieved, the sky is the limit!

The idea of wellness brings a notion of individual balance into the picture of health. What contributes to a person’s wellness is very personalized and unique, but in general, wellness practices and topics can be broken down into three primary categories. These are Physical, Mental, and Nutritional. All three have effects on each other and must be in balance for a person to feel like they have achieved their own state of optimal wellbeing. Many lifestyle related health conditions can be greatly improved or even cured through leading a healthy lifestyle. Below are some examples of what topics fall under each broad category. You will notice that some topics or ideas fall under more than one category. This demonstrates the idea that our bodies and minds are part of a connected whole and that we can be affected in multiple ways through the choices and actions that make up our lifestyle.

Physical:

 

Mental:

 

Nutritional:

 

Traditional Medical practices like Ayurveda and Chinese Medicine for example, hold more of a holistic viewpoint of the human being. This way of thinking about the person as a whole individual with emotions, feelings, energy levels, aspirations, motivation, etc. goes well beyond just a physical absence of disease. A more modern approach can be achieved through a Lifestyle Coach, or Holistic Health Practitioner. Work with your health care provider to have regular screenings and checkups that are right for you. Make a plan with them and involve the services of other professionals to help you get where you want to be. True Health and Wellness can go as far as you want to take it; it’s really up to you where you want to go. Start making a list of your aspirations and begin setting Goals to get you there!

 

For assistance with your health goals, seek the help of a holistic health practitioner, traditional medical practitioner, lifestyle coach.

Browse our Merchant Directory to find great services that fit your needs.

Author: Tony Montijo, BS. Kinesiology, CPT, CES

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