Better than Energy Drinks

I feel like I’m seeing a LOT of commercials for energy drinks on television lately. But I’ll be honest: energy drinks scare me a little. I imagine that they’re full of sugar or caffeine, or both — giving you a quick jolt of energy, sure, but in the long run, probably not that great for your health. But I do suffer from that mid-afternoon slump. Around two o’clock, I start to slow down and think about napping. I suspect it might be a hold-over from my radio days, when I’d get off the air at two and it would be … Continue reading →

Massage for Infants

A friend of mine has been teaching infant massage classes in Cape Fear, North Carolina. Massage is beneficial at just about any age, but can have some special benefits for an infant. The benefits of infant massage include: A stronger bond between parent and child. Ideally, you want to find fifteen minutes every day to massage your baby. But if you can only find time once a week, you’ll both still benefit from the time together. Longer, deeper sleep for the baby (which means more restful nights for the parents, too). Relieve discomfort from gas, colic, and constipation. Massage can … Continue reading →

Massage for Cancer Patients

There is a common misconception that massage is NOT safe for cancer patients. Despite a total lack of evidence, many people believe that massage can spread cancer cells around the body. There is no evidence that this is true. In fact, massage can be very beneficial for cancer patients! Reducing side effects. Studies have shown that massage (manipulation of muscles and other soft tissues) can reduce pain, nausea, fatigue, and anxiety in cancer patients. Improving patient well-being. Cancer isn’t just difficult physically — it can be emotionally traumatic as well. Massage can help improve a cancer patient’s state of mind … Continue reading →

Chiropractic Care: Cautions

Chiropractic care — like many health treatments — is not for everyone. The people who are most likely to benefit from chiropractic care are: People who have been experiencing pain for three weeks or less People who have no damage in the nerves leading from the spine to the legs In general, chiropractic treatments are very useful for treating back pain and addiction. However, there are some conditions that don’t mix well with spinal adjustment. Avoid (or postpone) visiting a chiropractor if you: Have an infection. Wait until you’re healthy before seeing a chiropractor. Are experiencing inflammation. Again, wait until … Continue reading →

Chiropractic Care: What to Expect

My brother has been going to the chiropractor for years. I had the opportunity to accompany him, and watched his adjustment. From an outsider’s perspective, it looked uncomfortable, even sometimes painful. I was pretty sure that a chiropractic treatment was not something I was interested in. Fast forward a few years — I was working at a radio station and we were doing a fundraiser for a local charity. A chiropractor stopped by with a sizable donation and offered free adjustments to the on air staff. The morning show hosts took a turn, and then the doctor turned to me. … Continue reading →

Chiropractic Care

Back pain is all too common. It is one of the most common complaints at doctor’s offices all around the country! Many people turn to a chiropractor for their back problems — but do you really know much about chiropractic care? Humans have been practicing chiropractic healing for thousands of years — at least as far back as ancient Egypt! The oldest school of chiropractic thought believed that out of place bones along the spine (known as subluxations) are to blame for most diseases. This belief was picked up by Daniel David Palmer, who founded the modern practice of chiropractic … Continue reading →

Two More Qigong Moves

Check out the first two qigong moves and the next two qigong moves. Here are two more moves to give you a full fifteen minute qigong routine. Scooping the earth: stand with your feet wide and your toes turned outward. Rest the back of your left hand on your lower back. Extend your right arm parallel to the floor with your palm facing downward. Bend your right knee into a lunge and lean forward from your hips while you reach your right hand towards the floor. Shift your weight to the center, then to the left side as you scoop … Continue reading →

More Qigong Moves

If you liked your first experience with qigong, you may be looking for more meditation moves to try. Here are a few more! Rocking: stand with your feet about hip-width apart and your knees unlocked. Step forward about a foot with your right foot. With your arms at your sides, bend your elbows about ninety degrees. Keep your palms facing each other. Rock forward, bending your right knee and extending your arms upward as you inhale. Your hands should circle up and away from you. Rock back onto your left knee and circle your hands down as you exhale. Flex … Continue reading →

Give Qigong a Try

If you’d like to try qigong — a form of active meditation whose name means “energy work” — here are a few moves to get you started. The big cat stretch: start on your hands and knees. Place your hands directly beneath your shoulders and your knees directly below your hips. Tuck your head down to look at your belly button and round your spine. Take a breath, then exhale. As you exhale, lower your hips towards your heels and let your arms extend forward. As you inhale again, return to all fours. As you exhale again, lift your head … Continue reading →

What is Qigong?

Looking for an exercise that can give you more energy, more stamina, and a stronger immune system? You might want to look at qigong. Qigong means energy work. It is a form of active meditation that focuses on graceful, flowing movements. The results are in: qigong makes a difference. Studies from UCLA found that qigong can lower stress hormone levels and enhance nervous system activity. Healthy adults in the study who practiced qigong had ten percent more energy compared to those who practiced tai chi. Stress-related headaches may also be relieved or eliminated entirely. A Swedish study found that women … Continue reading →