These stretches can make a BIG difference for the low back and hips 🙂 Acupuncture can correct the flow of qi through the region. If stretching hasn’t been enough, it’s time to come in for some acupuncture.
Stretch gently and hold until the muscle relaxes.
People are advised to self quarantine (that means “stay at home”) if they exhibit any of the following symptoms. Apprised of these symptoms, your doctor may advise that you receive coronavirus testing.
According to the Center for Disease Control:
Rolling with the changes of COVID19 has been a challenge this year. The best way to get through this time is to wear a face covering. Face coverings project your exhallation back at you (the one exhaling). This limits the risk of contagion by 80% with physical distancing. Face coverings are a kindness and a responsibility of yours for others.
The best way to take care of your health is to limit your exposure to others with physical distancing of 6 feet, sterilize doors and surfaces, and wash your hands often (and thoroughly, especially before touching your face.) And require that others around you wear face coverings as well.
When it comes to mental health during this time of pandemic: Knowledge of what can help to limit your exposure and following through with compliance in those items should greatly reduce your concern. Knowledge is power and the follow through on taking all steps for precaution should set your mind at ease.
Continuing with: physical exercise, stretching, eating healthy well balanced meals with proper portion sizes, and keeping up with therapies such as acupuncture, chiropractic, and others is the best way to keep your immune system optimal. Optimizing your immune system is a proactive defense against any contagion.
Eat first! Make sure you have something to eat at some point in the day.
Plan for an hour with your acupuncture appointment. Community style sessions run anywhere from 35 min to a little later to accommodate schedules.
Avoid caffeine. Caffeine and theobromine (chocolate) can interfere with your body’s ability to slow down and relax. Relaxation helps the body to accept free flow of qi (energy) which is what acupuncture is all about!
Self assessment: think over any previous injuries, supplements, medications, recent diet and physical activity. These are all variables in your life that influence the current state of your system.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Especially for community style it is important that sleeves can be pulled up comfortably past your elbows and pant legs past your knees. These are the areas where acupuncture needles will be inserted.
Silence your cell phone. For obvious reasons, your body needs to be able to relax. Dings and rings can not only disturb your relaxation, but others as well.
Know what you’d like improvement with 🙂 Your acupuncturist can bring about general balance to your system. To make greater use of your treatment time, it’s best to know ahead what your top three concerns are. The more concise you can give your practitioner information, the better served you will be with your treatment time still available.
Elimination and hydration: acupuncture has a couple of side effects that are widespread. Namely, relaxation and the need to urinate afterward. It sounds funny, but it’s true! Make sure you
Here are a couple of our favorite relaxing albums in the acupuncture clinic:
Chad Lawson: Chopin Variations
Moby: Long Ambients 1 calm. sleep. (free to download!)
You have heard of Tai Qi as a way to help with physical balance, energetic balance, arthritis and overall wellness. Tai Qi is a form of Qi Gong (“energy work”). This particular form of Qi Gong is elegant and creates a lot of Qi movement. Because this form is mainly arm movements, it’s much easier to learn than Tai Ji Quan! Click on the link and try this at home!
Try acupressure on these 4 points on your left and right side. Then when you’re ready, add the three points on the left and right foot as well for a total of 7.
Pictures below show these 4 points: 3 on the face and near the ankle. It’s a great approach for self care with sinus congestion! For the full article, click on the pictures below.
