Cerebral spinal fluid facts from Jeannette Raskin CST RMT

Cerebral spinal fluid facts

Jeannette Raskin RMT, CSTwww.family1stchiro.ca
practices at Family First Chiropractic and Wellness
403347-3261

Cerebrospinal fluid immerses the brain and spinal cord in essential nutrients, cleanses the brain and spinal cord of waste material, and flows throughout the body contributing to whole-body biochemical equilibrium. Imbalance of the autonomic nervous system can decrease the production of cerebrospinal fluid, which can lead to nutrient loss and toxicity of the brain or spinal cord, as well as biochemical and cellular stress throughout the body.
Cerebrospinal fluid is produced in four interconnected cavities within the brain, called ventricles. The autonomic nervous system controls the amount of cerebrospinal fluid that is created. Nerve fibers from two parts of the autonomic nervous system send signals to the ventricles.
The two autonomic nervous system parts are: the sympathetic, referred to as the “fight or flight” or “stress response” division; and the parasympathetic, called the “rest, digest and renew” or “healing” division.
The autonomic nervous system can become imbalanced due to things like infection, chronic pain, disease or stress. This can increase sympathetic division signals sent to the ventricles, which can lessen cerebrospinal fluid production by as much as 30%. On the other hand, parasympathetic signals sent to the ventricles increases cerebrospinal fluid production so the system can create the maximum amount for a healthy brain, spinal cord and body.
Reducing the body’s “stress response”, especially when a stressful state is chronic, helps to rebalance the autonomic nervous system. This can increase parasympathetic signals sent to the ventricles, which optimizes cerebrospinal fluid production. Then the brain, spinal cord and body as a whole can receive ideal levels of nutrition and cleansing.

Craniosacral Therapy is an effective method that can lessen stress, balance the autonomic nervous system, and optimize cerebrospinal fluid production and flow leading to optimal health, healing and well-being.

Low back stretches for Guy Lacoursiere RMT

One of the most common questions I get from my massage clients is “what stretches can I do to minimize my lower back pain?” So here are the top 7 stretches I give to my clients.

1. The hamstring floor stretch.

Hold for 30 seconds twice for each leg.

2. Knee to chest stretch.

This helps strengthen and relax your glutes. Hold for 20 seconds for each leg twice.

3. Spinal stretch.

This was a favorite of mine when I suffered sciatica. Hold for 20 seconds and repeat on the other knee. Do this as many times as you like but don’t overdo it.

4. The piriformis stretch.

Hold for 30 seconds and repeat with the other leg.

5. The hip flexors stretch.

Hold for 30 seconds and then switch and repeat.

6. The quadriceps lying down stretch.

Hold for 30 seconds on each side. Do this one twice on each side.

7. The total back stretch.

Hold this for 30 seconds and then try this:

Hold for 10 seconds on both sides.

With any luck, this will have your lower back feeling great again!

Guy Lacoursiere practices at Family First Chiropractic and Wellness- 142 Erickson Drive, Red Deer.T4R 2C3   403-347-3261 www.family1stchiro.ca

5 tips to take care of yourself

Take Care of yourself….How? 5 tips anyone can do.

You've heard people say, "You need to take care of yourself." And somehow that is supposed to fix everything?

When you are a massage therapist, your work is to help people take care of themselves. Massage therapists encourage people to take care of themselves, too. The question is HOW?

When taking care of one's self, here is a few key points:

1. Get adequate sleep - most people need between 6-9 hours of sleep per nite. People try to function on 3-4 hours of sleep, but this inhibits tissue repair and depletes the immune system among other things.

2. Stay active - take a walk instead of a drive to the mail box, or park further away from stores an walk a few dozen extra steps. Build in activites that get you out in the sun for 15-30 minutes minimum per day. Both vitamin D and exercise help to improve your mood.

3. Take your vitamins/nutrients- whether in food, bodily soaking, liquid or powder/pill form, when you are stressed your electrolytes and other essencial nutrients get used. For example, go rock climbing in a gym for an hour or two with no breakfast....you will be ravenous by the time you are done because of all the calories/nutrients you consume in that one short hour or so.

4. Eat appropriately for your daily activities -massaging is a high calorie drain nearly the same as rock climbing or other exercise. For everyone, and especially therapists, eat a good breakfast high in un-greasy protein to diminish your sugar cravings, set aside time to eat a good lunch and you will be prepared for a light dinner (so you don't feel like gorging right before bed).

5. Take time to smell the roses - when you are stressed, the body is acting like it is running from a tiger (or some animal that is trying to eat you). Your body is in fight or flight mode....

This is the equivalent to running a marathon all day every day - your body will begin to give out after a while of running full out all the time.

When stuck in fight or flight, the mind is reviewing the situation and looking for escape as if you were faced with a tiger chasing/cornering you. This is the 'racing mind' when you try to sleep. Its a fabulous function if you were to actually be faced with a tiger, because you wouldn't want to be caught napping by the hungry tiger (you probably wouldn't wake up too happy when the tiger takes a leg). But when its a test, a bill, or a paper due, its an imaginary tiger and won't actually kill you, but your body still reacts the same...

Do what you can to resolve the situation, set a timeline or accomplish what can be done today and make a ToDo list for what is waiting on tomorrow. Once everything that can be done is...

Smelling flowers and enjoying scenery, relaxed conversation, massage, down-time will help reduce that stress or take you out of fight or flight.

So schedule your massage and Take Care of yourself.
All of our staff and practitoners at Family First Chiropractic and wellness are here to help you through your journey, please call us a 403-347-3261 to book an appointment today.

 

A parents night before christmas

A parent's night before Christmas- Brought to you by the parents of Family First Chiropractic, 142 Erickson Dr, 403-347-3261 www.family1stchiro.ca
 

'Twas the night before Christmas when all through the house
I searched for the tools to hand to my spouse.
Instructions were studied and we were inspired,
In hopes we could manage "Some Assembly Required."
The children were quiet (not asleep) in their beds,
While Dad and I faced the evening with dread:
A kitchen, two bikes, Barbie's town house to boot!
And, thanks to Grandpa, a train with a toot!


We opened the boxes, my heart skipped a beat....
Let no parts be missing or parts incomplete!
Too late for last-minute returns or replacement;
If we can't get it right, it goes in the basement!

When what to my worrying eyes should appear,
But 50 sheets of directions, concise, but not clear,
With each part numbered and every slot named,
So if we failed, only we could be blamed.

More rapid than eagles the parts then fell out,
All over the carpet they were scattered about.
"Now bolt it! Now twist it! Attach it right there!
Slide on the seats, and staple the stair!
Hammer the shelves, and nail to the stand."
"Honey," said hubby, "you just glued my hand."

And then in a twinkling, I knew for a fact
That all the toy dealers had indeed made a pact
To keep parents busy all Christmas Eve night
With "assembly required" till morning's first light.

We spoke not a word, but kept bent at our work,
Till our eyes, they went bleary; our fingers all hurt.
The coffee went cold and the night, it wore thin
Before we attached the last rod and last pin.

Then laying the tools away in the chest,
We fell into bed for a well-deserved rest.
But I said to my husband just before I passed out,
"This will be the best Christmas, without any doubt.

Tomorrow we'll cheer, let the holiday ring,
And not have to run to the store for a thing!
We did it! We did it! The toys are all set
For the perfect, most perfect, Christmas, I bet!"

Then off to dreamland and sweet repose I gratefully went,
Though I suppose there's something to say for those self-deluded...
I'd forgotten that batteries are never included!

 

Christmas Baking Elbow injuries.....

Christmas baking Elbow (tennis elbow or Lateral epicondylitis)

So you have been busy baking all those holiday treats and now you are experiencing

• Pain on the outer part of elbow (lateral epicondyle).
• Point tenderness over the lateral epicondyle – a prominent part of the bone on the outside of the elbow.
• Gripping and movements of the wrist hurt, especially wrist extension and lifting movements.
• Activities that use the muscles that extend the wrist (e.g. pouring a jug of Santas milk, lifting with the palm down) are characteristically painful.
• Morning stiffness.

You may have some Christmas baking elbow.  This is an overuse injury.  Massaging the arm above and below the elbow, as well as the attachment points in and around the elbow can help ease the pain you are experiencing.  So come in from the cold, you deserve a break after all that baking, and get a relaxing massage. 

 

Come and try our massage therapist at Family First Chiropractic and wellness, located at 142 Erickson drive, Red Deer
call 403-347-3261 to book an appointment
www.family1stchiro.ca

How many CranioSacral sessions do I need?

How many CranioSacral sessions do I need?

The most important step is to make an initial appointment. From that point it becomes evident how many sessions are required depending on your condition and how well you respond to the treatment. Some people may need just two sessions to relieve the main symptoms of their conditions whereas others may need four or five sessions inside a month followed by maintenance sessions for some time afterwards.  I find that in general infants and children heal quite quickly.  As well, if the problem is more acute and not chronic our bodies release the injury more quickly.

One of the things that I am very conscious of is to not generate a level of dependence on myself, the therapist. As result I am always happy when the client decides that they have got what they needed from the therapy for the present and rebook when they feel they need another session - or indeed, they are happy to move on.
To book and Appointemtn please call Jeanette raskin at 403-347-3261. Jeannette practices at Family First Chiropractic and Wellness, 142 Erickson Drive, Red Deer
www.family1stchiro.ca

 

A drug-free way to alleviate a headache

How to find pressure points to cure headaches

Getting rid of headaches by applying slight force or pressure to certain pressure points is called acupressure. Acupressure is derived from the ancient Chinese healing method of acupuncture. Pressure points are clusters of nerves located at various points on the body, which help regulate blood circulation. Headaches -- especially those brought on by anxiety, the common cold or menstruation -- are caused by a tightness and stiffness in the neck and face muscles that inhibit blood circulation. Stimulating the pressure points by massaging them will help relax the tight muscles and increase blood circulation, thus relieving the headache.  Now, we'll learn where those points are and what to do. Get ready to say goodbye to your headache

• Locate your temples. They're on either side of your head about 1 inch (2.54 centimeters) behind your eyes. Place your thumbs on your temples and simultaneously massage them by gently rotating your thumbs in a counter-clockwise direction.
• Place your thumbs at the back of your neck, on the base of your skull on the two sides of your spinal column. Tilt your head back a bit and press your thumbs in while pushing slightly upward.
• Find the meaty part on the back of your hand. It is just above the webbing between the thumb and the index finger. Using your other thumb, squeeze the muscle by pressing down hard.
• Using your index fingers, gently massage the inside ends of your eyebrows just above the bridge of your nose.
• Place your index finger between your big toe and your second toe. Move your finger up about 1 inch (2.54 centimeters) to where the bones of your toes meet the inside of your foot. Press that point straight down

To make an appointment for a massage or chiropractic care please call Family First Chiropractic and Wellness, 142 Erickson Dr.

 403-347-3261

www.family1stchiro.ca

Pressure Points and Labor....what you can do

Pressure Points to Induce Labor

Many women find themselves, as their due dates draw near, searching for ways to jump start labor. 

What is acupressure?

An age-old practice, stemming from Asia, is acupressure. Acupressure is derived from acupuncture. With acupuncture, needles are placed in various locations throughout the body to help relieve stress and pain. Acupressure uses a similar technique except needles are replaced with finger pressure.Certain locations on the body have been found to be somewhat effective at not only naturally inducing labor but assisting with the pain and discomfort associated with labor. Before you learn what and where the acupressure sites are, you need to understand when it is appropriate.

Before trying acupressureAnyone interested in acupressure should not attempt to do so until it is safe to deliver the baby. There is no universal agreement on when it is “safe”, but most physicians advise nothing prior to 38 weeks. Some say that no matter what you try, your body will not go into labor until it’s ready. There is no guarantee that this is the case and no mom wants to risk their baby’s health. Also, any woman interested in trying acupressure to help initiate labor should ask their health care provider first.

Pressure points:The first area on the body used for stimulating labor is located between the thumb and index finger. This point is actually the “webbing” between these two areas. Techniques vary, but this pressure point can be pressed and rubbed for several seconds or simply pressed firmly for approximately one minute and then released. This technique can also be used during active labor to relieve pain.

The next area of the body used for stimulating labor is the ankle. This area actually has two different pressure points. The first pressure point is located on the outside of the ankle, just behind where the bony prominence is. Just like the first mentioned location, techniques vary but the pressure point can be rubbed or pressed for several seconds or one minute. The other ankle pressure point is inside the leg, above the ankle. This area may be difficult to find but it is more sensitive to touch than the rest of the leg.Another area is located on the back, above the buttocks and lower back. This area can also be pressed or massaged as tolerated.

The final area commonly used for initiating labor is located on the neck, the large muscle between the neck and the shoulder. This area can be pressed or massaged as tolerated.

Acupressure does not work for all women and may not be tolerated by all. Massaging or pressing on these areas should not cause pain and if it does cause pain, should be stopped immediately.

Nearing the end of your pregnancy can become very frustrating but don’t lose hope. Women do not stay pregnant forever and your baby will be here sooner than you think.

This Blog brought to you by Family First Chiropractic and Wellness 142 Erickson Drive, Red Deer
403-347-3261
www.family1stchiro.ca
 

 

 

Grocery Shopping with kids!

Grocery shopping with kids!

For all those single kid moms out there, you might think its hard to shop with your kid in tote...its not...once you have shopped with 3, shopping with one is a walk in the park. Shopping alone is now a vacation, I look forward to it, I stroll through, taking my time and enjoying the time off, yeah I am going to squeeze every loaf of bread instead of grabbing the closest one, I might price compare, and usually end up getting everything on the list, instead of bailing half way through because you think you might actually throw your own temper tantrum right there in the cereal isle...Shopping with 1 kid is enjoyable, you can treat them if they behave, and you can still contain them when they miss behave, while getting your groceries. 2 kids start presenting a issue, if one misbehaves you can still handle it, if both start misbehaving people start staring, but the fearless (ultimately frustrated) mother you are, you press on, with a "this too shall pass" chant. Now for shopping with 3, your completely out numbered, and they have started a pack mentality, most shopping carts have one seat, some 2, at least one is running around like the feral child they are. You grab the basics, not looking at nutritional value, just bang for your buck, and hope that when you're home you can slop together an acceptable meal. A daycare in your local grocery store...just a thought!

Brought to you by Family First Chiropractic and Wellness 142 Erickson Drive, Red Deer

403-347-3261

www.family1stchiro.ca

20 Activities for you and the kids this Summer!

20 Great Activities for You and The Kids This Summer
   
     1. Go on a walk at the beach, in the woods or in your town and take pictures to make an album or collage. Have a theme
     2. Make your own fruit pops.
     3 .Camp in your backyard. Bring flashlights and snacks, of course.
     4. Make your own kite.
     5. Create a backyard mini-golf course.
     6. Paint rocks!
     7. Collect bugs and make them a habitat
     8. Make a nature journal from pressed flowers, leaves and your own sketches.
     9. Create an outdoor scavenger hunt - don't forget to draw the map!
    10. Have fun with water games.
    11. Ten open-ended PLAY ideas.
    12. Don't be afraid to get a little dirty.
    13. Go for a shapes walk! What shapes do you see? (Rooftops, signs, dog houses and more)
    14. Don't forget to hit some yard sales - they can teach your kids to reuse, recycle, repurpose and more!
    15. Create a weekly Game Day at home.
    16. Find rainy-day ideas online.
    17. Download a CD from Kiboomu : sing, dance and spin around!
    18. Find craft ideas from around the world!
    19. Learn to respect our earth this summer: talk, create and work together to reduce waste
    20. Let up your home to be a learning place!

What is Lymphatic Drainage?

It is a specialized therapy, which is designed to improve the functioning of the lymphatic system. This is primarily achieved through gentle, rhythmical circling movements of the skin, which stimulate the contractions of the lymphatic vessels. Techniques are performed with hands and fingers using a light-touch, which is simulating, gentle, through a wave-like movement. The subtle manual maneuvers activate lymph and interstitial fluid circulation as well as stimulate the functioning of the immune and parasympathetic nervous systems. A well functioning lymph system contributes to healthy body tissue and plays an important part in the body's immune system responses. 

In a nutshell having a Lymphatic Drainage can be compared to using a plunger on a slow or stopped up drain. If there is a clog in a drain, the water may go through the drain but it may not be draining to it’s full draining capacity, if at all. But after using a plunger the drain, drains to it’s full capacity.

What is the Importance of Lymph Drainage for good health?The predominant fluid in your body is lymphatic fluid. This fluid carries nutrients from the food you eat and oxygen from the air you breathe. It also carries toxic poisons, bacteria, cholesterol and viruses away from the cells in your body. Our lymphatic system is primarily responsible for carrying disease-fighting material to cells. When the lymphatic system is blocked, we become defenseless against attacks by virus, fungi, and bacteria.Many immune processes occur in the lymph nodes. If the pathways become congested, blocked, damaged or severed, then fluids can build up in the connective tissue leading to edema and swelling. This can lead to abnormalities in the cells and tissues. If there are any abnormalities in the tissues, then it is the role of the lymphatic system to transport the damaged cells, inflammatory products and toxins away from the area. The quicker this happens, the faster recovery will be. This is where Lymphatic Drainage can make a difference, the gentle technique enhances and stimulates the lymphatic system to drain stagnant fluids, detoxify, regenerate tissues, filter out toxins and foreign substances. Lymphatic Drainage is recommended for both the face and body.

Some Benefits of Lymphatic Drainage

¨ Detoxification of the entire body

¨ Relief of chronic pain

¨ Minimizes lines and wrinkles

¨ Restores hydration of the skin and Stimulates the overall skin

¨ Promotes the healing of fractures, torn ligaments, sprains, and lessens pain.

¨ Reduction in fluid retention and edemas (swelling) of various origins

¨ Helps with post-cancer treatments including Radiation therapy

¨ Regeneration of tissue, including burns and wounds

¨ Enhances body contouring and reduces cellulite

¨ Reduces swollen ankles and legs during pregnancy.

¨ Aids in stress reduction by causing deep relaxation

¨ Aids in the reduction of insomnia

¨ Relieves congestion, for those who suffer sinus and allergies

¨ Helps with some forms of constipation

¨ Reduces puffy eyes and “bags” under the eyes

¨ Before and after facial surgery (including cosmetic surgery)

¨ Builds and strengthen collagen fibers and increases tone and enhance facial contouring

¨ Rids the face or body of excess fluids and/or toxins

Brought to you be Family First Chiropractic and Wellness, 142 Erickson Dr. Red Deer 403-347-3261 www.family1stchiro.ca