3Nov
Walking Barefoot – Health Benefits

A common question I get from some of my clients…

Is walking barefoot good or bad for your body?

After doing plenty of research I have learned that surprisingly, there are many health benefits to going barefoot that folks may not know about.

Health Benefits of Walking Barefoot Facebook Image

According to the Journal of Environmental and Public Health, some of the health advantages of going barefoot include increased antioxidants, reduced inflammation, increased circulation and improved sleep. When you are walking barefoot, also know as “Earthing”, you are drawing negatively charged electrons from the earth which studies show improve health. You also develop muscle strength in your feet, legs and hips according to experts. You will strengthen your calf muscles as well as improve walking and running form.

By walking barefoot you will have better posture by elongating your body and strengthening your spine. It can bring you Peace of Mind…”When you’re fully barefoot, you’re awarefoot – studying the ground and your surroundings for everything. Until your skin grows strong (about 2-3 weeks) you’re hyper-vigilant, looking at the ground for any sign of danger. Going barefoot means that from this step forward, you are now one with the terrain, not just a spectator. Focusing on your steps, rather than your problems, helps empty the mind and put you at ease. Consider it forced quieting of the mind (which all of us could use). This gives you a great sense of peace or mindfulness, as you’re now focused purely on the run (or walk), not on the troubles you’ve left behind.”

There are also of course, hazards to going barefoot like stepping on a sharp object, injuring the skin (blisters), picking up a bacteria, or fungal infection, or contracting hookworms (parasite found in animal feces). Another concern is the lack of support offered from going barefoot and the damage it may have on your body. You could have achilles tendonitis or calf strain from muscles being overworked.

Overall, walking barefoot can be a valuable aspect to a healthy lifestyle.. Throughout history humans mostly walked barefoot or with shoes made of animal skin. When going barefoot it is probably best to start with a soft surface like grass, dirt or sand. Allow your muscles and joints to become more stable and the skin on the bottom of your feet to thicken before walking on hard cement or asphalt.

peace,

Dawn

Resource: http://fitness.mercola.com/sites/fitness/archive/2013/06/14/barefoot-running-bad-or-beneficial.aspx
http://www.runbare.com/10-reasons-to-go-barefoot/

14Sep
Foods That Help With Arthritis

Foods That Help With Arthritis (And Some That Hurt)

Inflammation of the joints, better known as “Arthritis” is the breakdown of cartilage in joints and can occur in almost any joint in the body. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It affects the joints when there is excessive stress, wear and tear to the cartilage.

Osteoarthritis commonly occurs in the hips, knees, and spine. It also affects the fingers, thumb, neck, and large toe. Although there is no known cure for arthritis, a healthy eating plan can greatly reduce the painful symptoms. Foods with high omega-3 fatty acids such as fatty fish (salmon, sardines) and also, walnuts, flax seeds and pumpkin seeds, and tofu. Fatty fish also contains vitamin D, which helps prevent swelling and soreness.

foods that help with arthritis

Eating vegetables that have high vitamin C content can help to build collagen. Collagen is a key component in cartilage. Foods that are high in vitamin C include sweet peppers, broccoli, kale, cauliflower, mustard greens, red cabbage. Green tea contain antioxidants that help reduce the pain caused by inflammation. Extra virgin olive oil which is a “good” monounsaturated fat and can decrease the body’s production of enzymes that cause inflammation. Turmeric is a spice that may help the body decrease inflammatory chemicals. Decreasing the production of these chemicals also helps manage the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis.

There are also some foods you should avoid that could trigger joint pain and inflammation flare-ups. These foods include:

*Fried and processed foods such as fried meats and frozen meals/prepared foods can cause inflammatory flare-ups in joints. Cutting back on fried and processed foods can help restore the body’s natural defense.

*Dairy products contain a protein that may irritate the tissue around the joint. Cutting out dairy may greatly reduce the painful symptoms of arthritis.

*Red meats (if you have gout) and saturated fat, sugar and refined carbs can also cause an inflammatory flare-up.

There are other methods to help relieve some of the pain associated with arthritis: strengthening exercises, physical therapy, walking and swimming. Hot and cold compress to the painful joint may also be helpful by reducing the swelling and pain caused by inflammation and increasing circulation.

And of course, good old fashion massage. Massage helps soothe aching joints and maintain range of motion by loosening stiff joints and reduce swelling caused by arthritis.

peace,

Dawn

 

Ref: Osteoarthritis Health Center:

http://www.webmd.com/osteoarthritis/guide/osteoarthritis-basics
http://www.symptomfind.com/nutrition-supplements/foods-that-help-arthritis/
http://www.lifescript.com/health/centers/osteoarthritis/articles/

28Jul
Strengthen Your Liver

Strengthen Your Health by Strengthening Your Liver…

Did you know your liver is the second largest and one of the most important organs in your body? It is responsible for performing over 500 functions making it key to healthy living.

strengthen your liver
Lemons are an amazing help to your liver!

Improper diet along with a build up of toxins can cause the liver to weaken and become sluggish making it a factor in many health conditions, including: allergies, arthritis, asthma, bad breath, chronic fatigue syndrome, cravings for sweets, depression, environmental illness/multiple chemical sensitivities, fatigue, fibromyalgia, headaches and migraines, hepatitis, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, hypoglycemia, hormone imbalances, immune system disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, overweight or obesity, poor digestion, recurring nausea and/or vomiting, skin diseases, and ulcerative colitis.

Of course there are other factors involved in these conditions so it is important to see a physician if you suffer from any of them. The liver is resilient and has the ability to regenerate itself when given proper vitamins and nutrients it needs to function properly.

If you are feeling sluggish on a regular basis and want to boost your immune system, strengthening your liver would be a good place to start. You can do this with a good liver detox(there are a few different methods you can use to detox your liver).

One method that I use to keep my liver healthy is one whole (organic) lemon in a glass of water in the morning before breakfast. This helps flush the liver and helps maintain proper function, and also gives me energy. There are also certain foods that help maintain proper liver function. To learn more check out this article I found on ways to boost your liver.

peace,

Dawn

24Jun
Reflexology and Plantar Fasciitis

As a massage therapist, one of the most common foot issues I see when providing reflexology is plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heal pain and discomfort in foot.

The plantar fascia is a flat band the runs from the bottom of the heal to the ball of your foot. This band does not stretch easily so when it goes beyond its ability to stretch it will become weak, swollen and inflamed, and will begin to tear.

reflexology and plantar fasciitis
There are a number of ways to relieve some of the pain and discomfort caused by plantar fasciitis. If you have inflammation, it is important to try to heal as quickly as possible to avoid scar tissue build up.

-Ice or cold compress helps by reducing inflammation. Cold compress slows down nerve and cell function in the pain area and numbs the nerves. This reduces pain and inflammation.
You can also roll a frozen can of juice/beverage on the bottom of your foot as a way to ice massage your foot.

-Soaking in warm water with epson salt helps by drawing inflammtion out of the sore muscles and relaxing the muscle.

-Reflexology is an ideal way of relieving the pain caused by plantar fasciitis. Reflexology can provide relief by breaking up adhesions in the muscle, ligaments, and tendons in the foot. Stretch and massage movements on the calf up to the knee also helps release tension on the bottom of the foot.

Another important factor in treating platar fasciitis is to wear shoes that offer support to your foot. Try to avoid shoes that bend in the middle. They do not provide enough support and will stretch the plantar fascia.

peace,

Dawn

 

Resources:

http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/plantar-fasciitis-topic-overview
http://www.aidmyplantar.com/?REF=MPE_PFIce
http://www.banyanstudio.net/dianakhoury/2010/09/reflexology-for-plantar-fasciitis/

13Apr
Eastern Medicine vs Western Medicine

I have always had the idea of the body being a natural healer. Your body will heal itself providing the proper nutrients and holistic care methods it needs to return to a balance state. This is basic eastern medicine theory. Traditional Chinese Medicine or TCM favors a holistic approach and views the body as a whole. Eastern Medicine vs Western Medicine is an important question.

TCM  approaches the root of the problem whereas Western medicine takes a more conventional approach and will find an immediate cure for the issue. I believe there is a need for both Eastern and Western Medicine. Western medicine can be effective for acute immediate emergencies. TCM will focus on the long term effect for ridding the body of disease and cleansing your body naturally which takes longer. Both can be useful depending on how one views and uses the treatment.

There are many alternative methods to healing. One method that I prefer is acupuncture. Acupuncture is a form a TCM that involves insertion of needles (very thin) to meridians throughout your body. Acupuncture is a way to unblock chi or energy and bring balance to your body. You can see more on acupuncture HERE.

Another alternative method of healing I truly enjoy and cannot be without are essential oils. Did you know that many of the pharmaceutical drugs on the market today are the synthetic version of different plants? Essential oils that come from plants are made up of the same compounds our bodies are made of which makes it easier for our bodies to process and respond to. Here are some comparisons of essential oils and over the counter drugs.

If you have any questions about using essential oils or how reflexology can improve your overall well being please give me a call today at (904) 314-6058.

peace,

Dawn