Yoga and Wellness

What is Yoga? Yoga is a way of life, an integrated system of education for the body, mind and inner spirit. This art of right living was perfected and practiced  in India  thousands of years ago but, since yoga deals with universal truths, its teachings are as valid today as they were in ancient times.

Yoga can be practiced by anyone regardless of age,gender, or physical ability. It will enhance your studies and reduce stress, and help you to enjoy your free time. If you do suffer from any specific medical condition it is best to check with your doctors before taking up asana practice.

Asana benefits:

Physical benefits focuses on increasing and maintaining flexibility of the spine, toning and rejuvenating the nervous system. The gentle stretching, twisting and bending movements bring flexibility to the other joints and muscles of the body, as well as massaging the glands and organs. Circulaion is also improved, ensuring a rich supply of nutrients and oxygen  to all the cells of the body.

Mental benefits: steady postures free the mind from disturbances caused by physical movement, promoting steadiness of mind, balanced emotions, and an improved outlook on life.

Pranic benefits: Asana work in much the same ways as acupuncture or shiatsu, but the yogic system of pranic balancing is more subtle. To gain the benefit, you must practice asana regular over a period of time, but once you  feel the benefits, they will last longer. The different poses put pressure on vaious points, purifing and strenthening the nadis.

Massage available at Family First Chiropractic, located at 142 Erickson Drive, Red Deer. Call 403-347-3261 to book today!

Massage Therapy and Headaches

A remedy that many find effective, but not so many seek out, is massage. Massage Therapy can help relieve muscle spasms, improve blood flow and circulation, and promoting relaxation. It has been shown to be helpful in bringing relief for tension headaches and preventing migraines.

Massage has two roles when it comes to treating migraines and tension related headaches:

1. In a proactive role, massage treatments are performed on a regular basis to help the body maintain an optimal level of relaxation and stress-relief. This approach reduces the chances of migraine attacks and tension headaches significantly by relaxing muscle spasms and trigger points.
2. In a comfort role, massage is done to ease the pressure brought on during a migraine or tension related headache. By focusing on the neck, shoulders, and head, massage can decrease the pain and discomfort brought on by migraine or tension headaches.

A study found that in adults with migraine headaches, massage therapy decreased the occurrence of headaches, sleep disturbances and distress symptoms. It also increased serotonin levels, believed to play an important role in the regulation of mood, sleep and appetite.

Guy Lacoursiere, RMT practices at Family First Chiropractic and Wellness, located at 142 Erickson Drive. Call 403-347-3261 to book an appointment or visit us online.

Is CranioSacral Therapy for me?

Do you struggle with pain and stress that won’t go away? Maybe you feel constantly “charged” and can’t relax enough to experience a full night of uninterrupted, restful sleep. Or perhaps you can’t dial down your stress levels or take your mind off of your physical pain and discomfort long enough to incorporate self-care into your daily life. 

Do any of these symptoms feel uncomfortably familiar to you?

-       Head and neck pain

-       Headaches and tmj dysfunction

-       Inability to concentrate

-       Chronic pain

If this is you, please know that you are not alone.  CranioSacral therapy can gently give you relief from physical pain issues and emotional discomfort, allowing you to fully experience your life in a new way.

Jeanette Raskin CST, RMT takes appointments Tuesdays, Wednesday evenings, and Saturdays.

Call 403-347-3261 to book your appointment now.

Breathing

Now that the Christmas season has past and we are getting back to our regular schedules we need to remember something we probably rarely think about. Our breathing.

Breath is essential to life. It is the first thing we do when we are born and the last thing we do when we leave. What we may not realize is that the mind, body, and breath are intimately connected and can influence each other. Our breathing is influenced by our thoughts, and our thoughts and physiology can be influenced by our breath.

There are many benefits to a regular practice of simple deep breathing. Reduced anxiety and depression, lower/stabilized blood pressure, increased energy levels, muscle relaxation, and decreased feelings of stress, to name a few.

Breathing exercises can be as simple as sitting on a chair with our feet on the ground and noticing our breath. Just becoming aware of how we breathe can have an impact on it. We can sit for a few minutes or longer. The body will benefit from any time spend consciously breathing.

So take some time and sit and breath. Your body will thank you for it.

Jeannette Raskin practices at Family First Chiropractic, 142 Erickson Drive, Red Deer, Alberta.  403-347-3261. www.family1stchiro.ca. 

What happens during a CranioSacral Treatment

So, what happens during a CranioSacral therapy treatment?

Before the treatment - If this is your first appointment, we will first work through your medical history and your expectations from this CranioSacral Therapy treatment. You will then lie down comfortably - fully-clothed. If it is a child (under 16) or infant, you may be present during the entire treatment.

I will then use a light touch (about the weight of a nickel), beginning at the feet, to assess where restrictions and other related problems are in your body.  Once this is completed, I continue to work through other parts of your body.

During the treatment - Most people feel a general sense of relaxation (in fact many people fall asleep early in the treatment). Some people also feel heat, cold or a stretching of tissues in particular parts of the body.  The treatment generally lasts about an hour for adults and 30 minutes for infants and children.  This can vary depending on the person.

Following the treatment - Some people report that they feel as if somebody had moved things about in their body. You will normally feel tired after the treatment, but after a short rest and a glass of water, you will be well capable of driving home.

The amount of treatment needed depends on the condition, severity and age of the client.  Some people need as few as one treatment to notice changes.

Jeannette Raskin is located at Family First Chiropractic. To book an appointment with her give us a call at 403-347-3261. 142 Erickson Dr Red Deer. www.family1stchiro.ca