Early preparation for those of you who want to get ready. At the end of this week there will be 2 contests opening, one for becoming a follower of the blog, and one for ideas of what you'd like to learn about for your health. Be creative, and have fun.
My healthy thought for the day: pressure. I feel a lot of it right now, and most people have some of it every day. Pressure can be invigorating, or overwhelming, intense or withering. The main thing about pressure for me is acceptance. I have to accept the pressure as a part of life, and I have to accept that how I deal with it is my own. I have a fabulous book I bought a while ago, that was just a little inspiration book.
Sometimes, we fail. It doesn't have to defeat us, or even slow us down. I'm trying to learn to be happy that when I'm failing, I'm still going, stumbling right along.
Tomorrow's post will be about "women's needs," so guys, you have the day off. :) See you then!
Monday, January 24, 2011
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Pain in the head
Most of us have had our share of headaches, and one of the frustrating parts can be figuring out how to treat it. Have you felt a headache coming on, took medicine and had it do nothing? How about had a headache that was terrible and you tried so many things that by the time it went away you didn't know what actually worked? Headaches are one of the most common causes of doctor visits, massage appointments or chiropractic needs outside of illness, so here's a good place to start. Most headaches aren't illness, they're symptoms of another problem. Before I continue, I want to state clearly: I am not a medical doctor, I am not diagnosing your illness, there are excellent doctors who will listen and help you. Here is a checklist to help you determine what might be causing that pain in the brain. Keep in mind that we are all different; by answering these questions for yourself, you will become more aware of what triggers, helps, or worsens the headache for you. Knowledge is the first step.
Onset:
Gradual or immediate? Gradual is often associated with tension headaches, while sinus and migraine headaches tend to come on more quickly.
Morning, evening, night? If your headaches occur at the same time of day it could be a cluster headache or a type of migraine that reacts to something you do. Tension headaches generally get worse at the end of the day or you wake with one if you've slept in a poor position. Migraines can also begin in the morning, but most commonly you don't actually wake with one.
Caused by something? Did you just eat, lean over, exert yourself, or change temperatures rapidly? These can all indicate a specific type of headache.
Accompanying symptoms:
Migraines tend to have other symptoms such as nausea, sensitivity to light or sound, or fatigue.
Sinus headaches will frequently have other sinus issues present, scratchy throat from drainage, runny nose, congestion, and in almost all cases the headache will feel worse when you lean over forward and sometimes when you lie down (increase in pressure).
Tension headaches will frequently feel worse in some area, but the area may be hard to locate. Tension headaches will also almost always have referral pain or cessation of pain when using trigger points. (More on this later)
If you can determine what causes your headaches, what type of headache you have, or even just what makes them go away these can all help with your ability to overcome the headaches.
Things to try:
From your doctor - There are a large number of possible medications for headaches or migraines now, if your doctor diagnoses your specific type of headache. It might be beneficial to have medications on hand until you learn how to prevent your headaches. Your doctor can also help you by providing some other aids if they're willing, including oxygen, muscle relaxants, or shots for inflammation.
From your chiropractor/massage therapist - Locate your trigger areas when you are having a headache and let your practitioner know where they are. Most bodywork professionals will have tests at their disposal of some sort to help you in determining how to ease the pain.
For yourself - When a headache begins, try the following 4 tests to know how to best proceed.
1. Lean over and stand up. Extreme pain in the front of the face while forward - possible sinus, dizziness when standing back up - possible migraine.
2. Locate 3 points to check for tenderness.
First draw a line from the top of your temple to the top of your ear, press along that line - if the pain worsens or lessens it's likely a tension headache and may involve jaw problems.
Second check the base of your skull in the rear by your neck for tenderness, the sub occipital muscles back there can cause compression in your skull with the dura.
Third carefully check under your ear and down about 1.5" towards your chest (careful not to press hard or long as you don't want to compromise blood vessels). These side and front neck muscles (scalene and SCM) can frequently cause tension headaches as well.
Once you begin to understand the headaches you will be better able to find your own treatments and get the information to your doctor or health practitioner.
Please remember that herbs interact like medications - if you are taking blood pressure, birth control, antidepressants or other long term medications check with your doctor before using herbs.
Natural headache helps - Feverfew, White Willow bark (low dosage), relaxation techniques (meditation, breathing, etc), Ice (properly covered no more than 20min), heat to related muscles (areas where trigger pain was found), vitamin B (can also help prevent in some cases), Fennel (fresh is best), green apples, and peppermint. Topical treatments work very well for most types of headaches.
There are far more options for specific headache types, and many possible ways to reduce your chances of getting them. As always, I'd love your comments and questions either here or in email. God bless, be well, and see you tomorrow!
Onset:
Gradual or immediate? Gradual is often associated with tension headaches, while sinus and migraine headaches tend to come on more quickly.
Morning, evening, night? If your headaches occur at the same time of day it could be a cluster headache or a type of migraine that reacts to something you do. Tension headaches generally get worse at the end of the day or you wake with one if you've slept in a poor position. Migraines can also begin in the morning, but most commonly you don't actually wake with one.
Caused by something? Did you just eat, lean over, exert yourself, or change temperatures rapidly? These can all indicate a specific type of headache.
Accompanying symptoms:
Migraines tend to have other symptoms such as nausea, sensitivity to light or sound, or fatigue.
Sinus headaches will frequently have other sinus issues present, scratchy throat from drainage, runny nose, congestion, and in almost all cases the headache will feel worse when you lean over forward and sometimes when you lie down (increase in pressure).
Tension headaches will frequently feel worse in some area, but the area may be hard to locate. Tension headaches will also almost always have referral pain or cessation of pain when using trigger points. (More on this later)
If you can determine what causes your headaches, what type of headache you have, or even just what makes them go away these can all help with your ability to overcome the headaches.
Things to try:
From your doctor - There are a large number of possible medications for headaches or migraines now, if your doctor diagnoses your specific type of headache. It might be beneficial to have medications on hand until you learn how to prevent your headaches. Your doctor can also help you by providing some other aids if they're willing, including oxygen, muscle relaxants, or shots for inflammation.
From your chiropractor/massage therapist - Locate your trigger areas when you are having a headache and let your practitioner know where they are. Most bodywork professionals will have tests at their disposal of some sort to help you in determining how to ease the pain.
For yourself - When a headache begins, try the following 4 tests to know how to best proceed.
1. Lean over and stand up. Extreme pain in the front of the face while forward - possible sinus, dizziness when standing back up - possible migraine.
2. Locate 3 points to check for tenderness.
First draw a line from the top of your temple to the top of your ear, press along that line - if the pain worsens or lessens it's likely a tension headache and may involve jaw problems.
Second check the base of your skull in the rear by your neck for tenderness, the sub occipital muscles back there can cause compression in your skull with the dura.
Third carefully check under your ear and down about 1.5" towards your chest (careful not to press hard or long as you don't want to compromise blood vessels). These side and front neck muscles (scalene and SCM) can frequently cause tension headaches as well.
Once you begin to understand the headaches you will be better able to find your own treatments and get the information to your doctor or health practitioner.
Please remember that herbs interact like medications - if you are taking blood pressure, birth control, antidepressants or other long term medications check with your doctor before using herbs.
Natural headache helps - Feverfew, White Willow bark (low dosage), relaxation techniques (meditation, breathing, etc), Ice (properly covered no more than 20min), heat to related muscles (areas where trigger pain was found), vitamin B (can also help prevent in some cases), Fennel (fresh is best), green apples, and peppermint. Topical treatments work very well for most types of headaches.
There are far more options for specific headache types, and many possible ways to reduce your chances of getting them. As always, I'd love your comments and questions either here or in email. God bless, be well, and see you tomorrow!
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Checking in
We're more than two weeks into the new year, how are you doing? Personally, it hasn't been my greatest start, but I do believe I'm working out the kinks. I need more time reflecting, exercising, and breathing too. I think I'll start, right now. In.... Out.... tomorrow can and will be great, I have a plan, the plan is good, follow the plan, etc, etc, etc. (Edited last words for any squeamish followers :) )
My mantra for this week, with its many meetings, appointments, and needs is, don't give up or in. A friend came up to me a couple of days ago and said she drank her water, to her and all of us, "Great Job, those small steps change more than we know!" See you tomorrow.
My mantra for this week, with its many meetings, appointments, and needs is, don't give up or in. A friend came up to me a couple of days ago and said she drank her water, to her and all of us, "Great Job, those small steps change more than we know!" See you tomorrow.
Monday, January 17, 2011
The power of touch
I have known people who say they never like to be touched, and I've known those that can't get enough. Personally, I run an interesting middle line. When my husband and I were dating, it drove him crazy that I didn't like to hold hands, but I'm also a massage therapist, so... Let's talk touch. Touch is actually a survival need, and the need is not limited to humans. Primates are found to have the same need. If you have a minute check out this experiment. It's part of a tactile experiment done in the 50's that illustrated the needs of nurturing and touch.
Soft Monkeys
So touch is important, but that's not to say that we don't all have different ways and needs to receive this. Some people who aren't used to a lot of contact prefer the smaller things, handshakes, pat on the back, helping hands, while others like almost all contact. I was reminded myself about touch today when my daughter was lying down for her nap, and HAD to be touching my skin. It was a comfort and security for her, and in our particular stage, she needed that. After getting herself comfortable and touching my neck just the right way, her eyes closed and she fell swiftly to sleep.
My challenge to all of us today, is to be a little more open to the touch need. Reach your hand out today, or if it's comfortable, let someone else touch you. Being receptive to touch is a capability that we can learn and that can help us to have more tools when we feel alone, afraid, or sad. Part of why it can be hard to be receptive to touch can be a fear of rejection, past history, or low self-esteem, but by partaking in human touch, we awaken in ourselves a very real sense of our connection to each other.
I hope you have a great Monday and I'll see you tomorrow.
Soft Monkeys
So touch is important, but that's not to say that we don't all have different ways and needs to receive this. Some people who aren't used to a lot of contact prefer the smaller things, handshakes, pat on the back, helping hands, while others like almost all contact. I was reminded myself about touch today when my daughter was lying down for her nap, and HAD to be touching my skin. It was a comfort and security for her, and in our particular stage, she needed that. After getting herself comfortable and touching my neck just the right way, her eyes closed and she fell swiftly to sleep.
My challenge to all of us today, is to be a little more open to the touch need. Reach your hand out today, or if it's comfortable, let someone else touch you. Being receptive to touch is a capability that we can learn and that can help us to have more tools when we feel alone, afraid, or sad. Part of why it can be hard to be receptive to touch can be a fear of rejection, past history, or low self-esteem, but by partaking in human touch, we awaken in ourselves a very real sense of our connection to each other.
I hope you have a great Monday and I'll see you tomorrow.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Fresh, dried, capsules, oh my!
I have had people ask me frequently about the different forms of herbs. Which is the most effective, which is most potent, which is safest, etc. The form in which you take your herbs may vary depending on your desired outcome.
Capsules - These are an easy form to take herbs or herb combinations, as long as you don't have problems taking pills. The pros of this form are you know how much you are receiving, it's easy to add to your routine, and they can be kept for a while when stored properly. Standardization (the pills will be labeled as standardized) means the pills contain a standard level of specific parts or nutrients of the herbs. Frequently, standardized herbs are the way to go, but I know of occasional testing where standardized still didn't deliver, so I prefer to go by brand. I also really like an expiration date, that tells me these herbs are not old. Some companies don't provide these because they don't have to, but I prefer them.
Loose - Loose herbs can be fresh or dried, and be added directly to foods, made into teas, or made into topical treatments. The value of fresh herbs is that they are the most complete in their herbal value, because like all plants, once picked they begin to loose nutrients. The problems will be that they will begin to rapidly loose their medicinal value if not stored properly. It can also be difficult to get enough of the herb to have the desired benefit. (It's like taking vitamin C pills vs. an orange. The pill has a large set amount equal to MANY oranges and can be stored, the orange provides additional benefits though.) Dried herbs can only be stored for a limited time, for most herbs about a year. Loose herbs are a great form for direct treatment of something, a daily additive to foods, or to have living in a garden or pot.
Tinctures - Most often steeped to concentration in alcohol, but they do have some in glycerin are also available. These provide rapid and concentrated herbs for specific ailments. The carrier will breakdown overtime, and the tincture often does not taste good. I do recommend these for specific treatments because it's easy to absorb and be put to use in the body.
Powders are also available, but I seldom recommend these. Herbs breakdown very quickly in powdered form, and even more so when exposed to light. It's difficult to use them in an effectively and timely manner in powders, especially if you do not know how fresh the powder is.
There are a great many book about specific herbal remedies, suggestions and supplements, and if you're following the advise of one of these books or consulting a herbalist, you will probably be guided to a specific form, otherwise, use your best judgement! See you tomorrow!
Capsules - These are an easy form to take herbs or herb combinations, as long as you don't have problems taking pills. The pros of this form are you know how much you are receiving, it's easy to add to your routine, and they can be kept for a while when stored properly. Standardization (the pills will be labeled as standardized) means the pills contain a standard level of specific parts or nutrients of the herbs. Frequently, standardized herbs are the way to go, but I know of occasional testing where standardized still didn't deliver, so I prefer to go by brand. I also really like an expiration date, that tells me these herbs are not old. Some companies don't provide these because they don't have to, but I prefer them.
Loose - Loose herbs can be fresh or dried, and be added directly to foods, made into teas, or made into topical treatments. The value of fresh herbs is that they are the most complete in their herbal value, because like all plants, once picked they begin to loose nutrients. The problems will be that they will begin to rapidly loose their medicinal value if not stored properly. It can also be difficult to get enough of the herb to have the desired benefit. (It's like taking vitamin C pills vs. an orange. The pill has a large set amount equal to MANY oranges and can be stored, the orange provides additional benefits though.) Dried herbs can only be stored for a limited time, for most herbs about a year. Loose herbs are a great form for direct treatment of something, a daily additive to foods, or to have living in a garden or pot.
Tinctures - Most often steeped to concentration in alcohol, but they do have some in glycerin are also available. These provide rapid and concentrated herbs for specific ailments. The carrier will breakdown overtime, and the tincture often does not taste good. I do recommend these for specific treatments because it's easy to absorb and be put to use in the body.
Powders are also available, but I seldom recommend these. Herbs breakdown very quickly in powdered form, and even more so when exposed to light. It's difficult to use them in an effectively and timely manner in powders, especially if you do not know how fresh the powder is.
There are a great many book about specific herbal remedies, suggestions and supplements, and if you're following the advise of one of these books or consulting a herbalist, you will probably be guided to a specific form, otherwise, use your best judgement! See you tomorrow!
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Massage and Fitness
I was privileged to write an article about massage and weight loss, and I thought some of you might like to read it. I'd love comments as always!
Exercise and weight loss goals can be improved through massage. Massage is generally touted for its relaxation and enjoyment properties, but it has great benefits for fitness and weight loss as well. Our bodies naturally gain or lose weight based on conditions that we set within, and to a small degree by our outside environment. The efficacy of this process can be affected by nutrition, hormones, exertion, and disease, and will be reflected in the ease of changing it. When trying to achieve a higher fitness level, or weight loss, you are working to raise metabolism and overcome the body’s tendency to store calories. Strengthening and improving muscle function is a process that involves creating small tears and repairs to muscle tissue. Massage benefits this process through circulating oxygenated blood for the repairs, removing the byproducts from the injury, and maintaining full range of motion with less soreness.
Understanding how massage can help with weight loss and athletic fitness requires a basic understanding of what massage does. Massage is the manual manipulation of soft and connective tissues. A therapist uses techniques ranging from pressure points, broad circulation strokes and deep fiber mending strokes. Overall, massage improves circulation, decreases blood pressure, aids detoxification from tissues, relieves pain, and can improve immune function. Massage, like exercise, can expand joint range of motion, improve mood, and help the body to reduce stress hormones or chemical byproducts. Weight loss resulting from massage can be linked to many of the specific effects of massage. The circulation and removal of byproducts, such as, lactic acid for example, helps in muscle recovery and strengthening. Improved range of motion, elevated mood and pain reduction can help you to be more active, increase endorphins and lower the body’s sympathetic response that leads to creation of fat cells. Massages that are advertised to immediately reduce weight usually remove only water weight, and will not be a long-term solution.
It’s important to understand that weight loss and improved fitness are goals that will take time, effort, and persistence. When you’re working to improve what you are, any assistance, whether it be fitness programs, nutritional changes, or massage, enhance your abilities to succeed. Aided by these changes, and above all else, your attitude will determine your success.
Humor and embarrassment
Totally fluff post today. Laugh, have fun, even if at my expense today. Laughing increases endorphins, lowers stress hormones, burns calories, improves mood, and if you laugh out loud, may do all of those for others that hear you. This post is about laughter, and AN ANNOUNCEMENT... 2 upcoming sweepstakes!! Be on the lookout to enter.
Back to fun, I'm including some funny links, all about technology, I've seen recently, and then I'm going to tell you an embarrassing and funny story from my life. Up front I just want you to know, I no longer have the shirt.
Blackberry's not working
It Will Never Work
Country Tech Support
No more tech support, now the confusion of airplanes and embarrassment. I was traveling as a teenager with my mom. I'd been on airplanes often and never had any problems, so we sat in different rows. As the plane took off, I, without warning, vomited all over my shirt. The luggage was in the row with my mother and I didn't want to get up and walk down the isle, so I rang the stewardess button and asked her to get my mother from a couple of rows back. The poor gentleman next to me, sat there, still reading his paper, until my mom came up with the bag. She asked if he would trade her seats for a while, and helped me change. After changing, I still felt queasy, so I took out the airlines "bag". My mother suggested I visit the restroom. (Why is it that I didn't think of that? Apparently the stomach problems made my brain also stop working.) So I went to the bathroom and my lack of brain became a bigger problem. I entered the restroom and they had "bags" available in there as well. Now I was confused, do I throw up in the toilet? Or are they concerned about lingering smells? Do I throw up in the bag? If I throw up in the bag, do I leave it in the trash? If I do leave it in the trash, wouldn't that cause a bigger smell problem than the toilet? Why would they put a sick person through all this? Anyway, I finished my business and went back to my seat, where, not surprisingly, the gentleman had decided that my mother could just have his seat, and we finished the flight. To all stewardesses and stewards everywhere, I apologize for the "bags" but just so you know, it would be easier if there were signs. (Please vomit here.)
Thanks! See you tomorrow.
Back to fun, I'm including some funny links, all about technology, I've seen recently, and then I'm going to tell you an embarrassing and funny story from my life. Up front I just want you to know, I no longer have the shirt.
Blackberry's not working
It Will Never Work
Country Tech Support
No more tech support, now the confusion of airplanes and embarrassment. I was traveling as a teenager with my mom. I'd been on airplanes often and never had any problems, so we sat in different rows. As the plane took off, I, without warning, vomited all over my shirt. The luggage was in the row with my mother and I didn't want to get up and walk down the isle, so I rang the stewardess button and asked her to get my mother from a couple of rows back. The poor gentleman next to me, sat there, still reading his paper, until my mom came up with the bag. She asked if he would trade her seats for a while, and helped me change. After changing, I still felt queasy, so I took out the airlines "bag". My mother suggested I visit the restroom. (Why is it that I didn't think of that? Apparently the stomach problems made my brain also stop working.) So I went to the bathroom and my lack of brain became a bigger problem. I entered the restroom and they had "bags" available in there as well. Now I was confused, do I throw up in the toilet? Or are they concerned about lingering smells? Do I throw up in the bag? If I throw up in the bag, do I leave it in the trash? If I do leave it in the trash, wouldn't that cause a bigger smell problem than the toilet? Why would they put a sick person through all this? Anyway, I finished my business and went back to my seat, where, not surprisingly, the gentleman had decided that my mother could just have his seat, and we finished the flight. To all stewardesses and stewards everywhere, I apologize for the "bags" but just so you know, it would be easier if there were signs. (Please vomit here.)
Thanks! See you tomorrow.
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