Overcome your sinusitis today!
Forty million Americans suffer from sinusitis. You may have experienced acute sinusitis in which the nasal cavities of the nasal passages become inflamed, mucus is built up and it blocks drainage. This maybe following a cold, and you have symptoms such as painful pressure behind cheekbones, headaches, nasal congestion etc… For some people this is not a temporary problem. If you have chronic sinusitis, you spend majority of each year experiencing symptoms such as fatigue, facial pain, headaches, mucus secretion, bad breath, post nasal drip, and etc.
1. Get steamy
Take a hot shower or better yet try steam treatment to help rid you of the inflamed mucus. The steam you breathe can be enhanced with sinus-clearing essential oils. Try adding Eucalyptus, lavender, oregano or peppermint to a large bowl of steaming-hot water. Drape a towel over your head and the bowl, and breathe deeply for 10 minutes. You’ll feel relief within that time.
If you are short on time, apply a warm wash cloth over your eyes and cheekbones for relief.
1. Get fit
Aerobic exercises at least three times a week can help drain sinuses naturally, which then reduces inflammation and risk of an infection. Physical activity helps cleansing you of toxins and relieve accumulated stress. Dawn’s info or link?
1. Flush the sinuses
Make sure you use a saline solution that does not contain preservatives; they can impair your nasal function. To make your own preservative-free saline solution, add one table spoon of non-iodized salt to one pint of distilled water and rinse your sinuses, and nasal passages with it daily.
1. What to eat
Eating lots of fruits and vegetables and staying away from sugar, dairy products, wheat, alcohol, and foods that can increase mucus inflammation is key in staying healthy, and avoiding those sinusitis episodes all together. Take your natural anti-inflammatory (e.g. fish oil). Try adding garlic, onions, horseradish, hot pepper and ginger added to any soup broth to open up the sinuses. Drink lots of hot herbal tea.
1. Killer immune system
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. If you exercise, eat right and your nervous system is functioning properly, you shouldn’t be suffering from any aches, pains, tiredness etc…
Your brain controls everything and it communicates with all of your organs through the nervous system/spine. If you have an abnormal neck curve, you have a low resistance immune system which in majority of cases does not cause any symptoms. So get your immune system checked before it’s too late. Also check out this post about Immune System!
Is your sinusitis life-threatening?
In addition to being painful, a chronic sinusitis can be dangerous and in rare cases causes blindness or even death. You may have tried anti-biotics for your sinus infection; unfortunately antibiotics kill the helpful bacteria in your gastro-intestinal system and can cause a variety of other problems if taken frequently. Before your sinusitis becomes more than just a head and face pain, prevent it.
Call 949.387.1333 in order to avoid sinusitis being a detrement to your health! We serve Orange County, Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, or Irvine.
How can Chiropractic Help with Blood Pressure?
Most people come to chiropractors in hopes of getting rid of the aches in their back and neck. In my office however, we educate patients on all other benefits of chiropractic. Your posture is a representative of your spine and your spine is extremely important; it holds and protects your nervous system. Your nervous system is THE MOST important organ system in your body because it controls EVERYTHING! one of the most VITAL things it controls is your heart. Sometimes due to the stresses that we have in our lives, some sudden, and some overtime, the spine will shift out of place and shuts down the nerve into a specific organ or musculoskeletal unit. Irregular heart beat, high blood pressure, or difficulty breathing often times are caused by these shifts in the spine. Most postural dysfunctions are asymptomatic, but often times patients who come in with high blood pressure with have an abnormal posture or misaligned spine in their neck and mid back area. Chiropractic care can help regulate blood pressure the natural way and without ANY medication! Check this video about natural ways of controlling blood pressure, and once you are ready to put your health first and help yourself to natural ways of lowering your blood pressure, give us a call at 949.387.1333 for a consultation.
6 natural ways to beat allergies
Here are top 6 ways to beat your allergies this spring:
1. Correct your ‘allergy posture’
Your brain communicates to every cell in your body through your nervous system. The information gets sent down into your neck and then the rest of your body. If you have a misalignment in your neck that is blocking life and energy into the rest of your body, the communication is stopped. The goal of chiropractic care is to located these blocks that are causing major stress on your body and thus enable the immune system to communicate more effectively with the nervous system.
2. Eat allergy-fighting food
Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids help fight inflammation and can be found in cold-water fish, walnuts and flaxseed oil. Garlic, onions, ginger, turmeric, citrus fruits like lemon and oranges also contain natural anti-histamines.
3. Aqua therapy
This natural allergy remedy simply involves drinking lots of liquids to help flush out mucus. However, when you hydrate, you also need minerals to hold onto the water.
Hot liquids can help rid your of congestion. Mint and Green tea work well and contain lots of anti-oxidants that will keep you young as a ‘side-effect’ too. Stay away from black tea, coffee, milk, alcohol and anything with preservatives and additives in it.
4. Beneficial Bugs
Healthy gut flora is essential for wellness of the immune system. Probiotics are the natural and beneficial bacteria in your gut that contribute to your overall health. Disturbed flora can deplete your gut of normal flow of good bacteria. Probiotics can replenenish your source of good bacteria in your gut, and stimulate your immune system in order to prevent you from developing allergies and treating them.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar contains many healing properties and is often used to ease the symptoms of sinus infection as well as to treat allergies developed from exposure to pets, foods, and various environmental agents. In addition to being rich in vitamins E, A, B1, B2 and B6, apple cider vinegar contains potassium, calcium, and magnesium. It reduces the amount of mucus in the sinus cavities, soothes sore throats, and will shorten the duration of colds.
6. Raw local honey
There are reports that eating honeycomb that comes from the area where you live can relieve symptoms of allergy. The theory is that by chewing a little honeycomb made by local bees you can desensitize yourself to local pollens. Try it daily before allergy season starts so that you build resistance against it. A spoonful a day will keep allergies away!
Call us if you have any questions 949.387.1333
Allergies and Immune System
Allergies are ‘abnormal’ responses of your immune system to substances that are typically harmless. Now why would your brain and nervous system send wrong information regarding these harmless substances to your immune system and most likely the rest of your body? The answer is miscommunication and interference with your nervous system.
Think of the immune system as a well-trained and disciplined bio-weapon that protects the body from harmful substances, with the help of a two-way communication from the brain/nervous system, it identifies and destroys foreign and trouble invaders. If your brain and nervous system are having a hiccup communicating which substances are harmful and which are not, you end up sneezing, coughing, and getting teary eyed every time a harmless substance enters your body.
There are many reasons why your immune system would not be functioning at its best. The main one is having a nervous system that is not functioning correcting. Your spine holds and protects your nervous system; thus make sure your spine is alligned and your immune system is communicating well with the rest of your body! At Wellness Choice Center, our Newport Beach office, we can determine if there is a lack of communication between your nervous system and immune system; and this is one of many ways we help patients with allergies on daily basis. Call us at 949.387.1333 if you have any questions.
Mid-back and ulcers…
Patients come into our Costa Mesa office asking if I can help them with their midback pain, only to find out that I’ll be asking them questions about their digestion and will be linking it to their middle back pain. You should know that your brain and spinal cord are part of the most important system in your body- your nervous system! Nerves go through the spine and then to EVERY cell in your body, all organs, muscles, joints, vessles, etc.. Most of the nerves that come out of the middle portion of the spine control and regulate activities of the digestive system. So if you come in with poor posture, hunched midback and or some midback pain, I will be asking you whether you are constipated or if you have regular and balanced digestive system. Call 949.387.1333 for a free consultation.
Disc Decompression Therapy
We treat hundreds of new cases of disc herniation and lower back pain that is associated with nerve entrapments weekly in our Costa Mesa/Newport Beach wellness practice. I spend a lot of time looking for and reading research articles as well as most modern health and wellness trends. Disc Decompression therapy is one of the most commonly used system and protocol for herniated discs, pinched nerves, sciatica, nerve entrapment and simple lumbalgia. The protocol includes decompression therapy, streches, exercises, physical therapy, chiropractic adjustments, as well as a nutritional guide.
Only a handful of physicians use exercise as part of therapy or healing protocol which is saddening. At our office in Orange County, exercise is a major part of healing, strengthening, and pain management. Patients who do Spinal Decompression in our office are on a specific and individualized exercise program to better help their progress. In a lot of cases, we work with personal trainers who are highly educated and trained in working with clients who are in pain or have disabilities.
To find out if you are a candidate for care at our office in Newport Beach, give us a call at 949.387.1333
3 reasons why you’re not losing weight
Can’t lose weight? Jump start 2009 with a detoxification program!
If you are having trouble losing weight and it’s become more and more difficult to lose weight, you are not alone. Many people try few days or weeks of dieting without being able to keep the weight off, and or speeding up their metabolism. Each year by not taking the right steps, you gain a few pounds, and each year it becomes more difficult to lose the pounds; thus your body stays in a toxic-overload state. Here are 3 most common reasons why you are having trouble losing weight or keeping it off.
1. Eating Habits:
Obesity in America is no longer surprising news. Most of the food we buy and even fruits and vegetables that we consume are extremely overloaded with chemical toxins, dangerous artificial sweeteners, cancer-causing preservatives, and lots of unhealthy substances. If you’re not getting rid of this waste in your body, your cravings won’t go away; you will not be able to lose this extra weight. When you have a toxic system, you are fatigued day after day, can’t sleep properly, you have a low metabolism and therefore you can’t motivate yourself to exercise, all of which contributes to excess weight year after year. A toxic system is your worst enemy and cleansing yourself of the toxins can be the only solution to optimal health. Call 949.387.1333 to schedule a free consultation and see if a detoxification program can help you get your optimal health back.
2. Your Workouts:
If you eat super healthy, do a detoxification once a year, workout somewhat regularly and still difficult for you to lose weight, it is likely that you have hit a plateau. It’s not about going to the gym every day it is about the right kinds of cardio and strength training for your body and specific to your goals. Try www.WorkingYourBody.com
3. A Misaligned Spine:
Is your neck tight and does your upper back carry tension and stress most of the time? What you may not know is that not only your back muscles but also your nerves in that area are affected. The nerves in your neck control metabolism, immune system, thyroid, sleeping patterns, and a healthy brain. If you feel that you are not at your optimal health, it may have to do with a stretched spinal cord. Insomnia, stress, thyroid malfunction, and low metabolism all lead to over eating, lack of motivation for exercise, and thus weight gain and an accelerated aging process. Call us at 949.387.1333 for a consultation to check your nervous system for any interference.
It is my goal to make 2009 the healthiest year for all of my patients and the individuals I come across with.
Recovery and Rejuvenation Post-holidays
Recovery and Rejuvenation Post-holidays…
Holidays can be a heavy burden on anyone’s body. Average individuals can gain anywhere from 2-6 pounds and they begin to feel the effects of large consumption of food, alcohol, rich sweets, lack of exercise, and dehydration. The good news is you’re not alone in the overindulgence during the holidays.
A detoxification or cleansing program can not only be a great start to the New Year, but also help you rid yourself of all the toxins you have collected throughout the year and during the holidays. To keep all of your organs functioning at their best, an annual internal cleansing is beneficial. The food we consume contains a range of harmful toxin substances that can cause fatigue, headaches, indigestion, musculoskeletal pain, inflammation, skin breakouts, bloating and last but definitely not least weight gain. Are you suffering from these symptoms? Are you at your 100% optimal health? Could you use a little push? Are you feeling sluggish, irritable, or unable to focus? Have you gained a few pounds over the holidays and would like to get healthy again?
If you are ready to make the commitment for better health and optimal wellness…
Your body is overwhelmed with all the toxins, having to unload the toxins, and boost your immune system at the same time; it can get weak and tired. Personally I have gone through multiple cleanses within the past few years and have had amazing results. Just recently through my research I came across a company that offers cleansing of all 8 major organ systems in the same 21 day purification program. Many of my patients have started cleansing beginning of 2009 and more are joining. If you are interested in the program, have questions or more importantly want your optimal health back, give us a call at 949.387.1333 or visit my website.
In the mean time…
Hydrate:
Drink a ton of water, and non-caffeinated herbal teas.
The recommended amount is no longer eight glasses a day. It is your body weight divided by 2 in oz. of water. For example, if you weigh 100 lbs/2=50 oz of water.
To make it a fun experience, add a slice of cucumber or strawberry to your water.
Exercise:
There is no substitution for an active life style. Make it your goal in 2009 to get fit, lose weight, become healthy and strong. Learn to love moving your body. Play outside. Need help? Visit www.workingyourbody.com
Fiber, Fruits and Veggies:
Eat plenty of fiber found in brown rice, fresh fruits and vegetables. Eat foods that are naturally detoxifying such as beets, radishes, artichokes, cabbage, broccoli, and seaweed.
Keep it simple:
Lower your intake of dairy products, red meat, sugar, complex carbohydrates, processed food, and diet drinks. Going for smaller portions is a great start to a healthy purification without starvation.
Relax:
Enjoy a nice walk outside, take a long bath, try a yoga pose, and breathe!
Good luck with your New Year Resolutions, and Detoxification Programs and Happy 2009!
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is associated with tingling, numbness and or pain the hand, fingers, or wrist. Compression of the median nerve inside the carpal tunnel can cause these symptoms. The Carpal Tunnel itself is a small tunnel that is formed by the alignment of eight carpal bones in the wrist. A group of tendons, ligaments, and the median nerve run through this tunnel. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is associated with pressure of the median nerve and it is most commonly seen in individuals who perform repetitive tasks, such as computer work. Pressure on the median nerve can be caused by three ways:
1. Bad diet: American diet is typically high on fat, red meat, salt, and lots of other inflammatory substances. An inflammatory diet will promote water retention all over from internal organs to the lining of ligaments and tendons. An inflammatory diet can cause water retention in the Carpal Tunnel, and thus put pressure on the median nerve. This is also known to be the cause of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in pregnant women due to their higher water retention throughout pregnancy.
2. Overuse: each of the eight carpal bones in your hand can become subluxated or misaligned relative to each other due to overuse, or repetitive work. Ligaments become overstreched, and muscles in the forearm become tight.
3. Trauma: it is often the cause of misalignment of the carpal bones or the attachment of forearm and hands. Falls that involve hyperextension or hyperflexion of the wrist can cause symptoms associated with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
The medical approach may include a splint, anti-inflammatory drugs, diuretics, and in extreme cases injection of corticosteroids for temporary relief. Surgery is the last resort, and recovery can take months with no guarantee that you have rid yourself of the symptoms.
Chiropractic approach is less invasive, and involves finding the source of symptoms, as well as addressing them. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is one of the most commonly misdiagnosed conditions. Nerve entrapments that cause the same symptoms in hands and lower arms can happen in the neck region. Nerves that branch out of the upper part of spine go into arms, hands and fingers; thus involvement of the nerves in the neck is not uncommon. After a complete examination, neurological and orthopedic tests, and x-rays, I can determine the actual cause and place of nerve entrapment, and relieve pressure accordingly. To make your visit wholesome and more effective, I recommend life style and dietary changes, as well as stretches, strengthening exercises, and other physical modalities to be done at home. Chiropractic approach, is a complete and excellent choice for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, and should be considered before more invasive treatments.
Please call us at 949.387.1333 if you are suffering from symptoms associated with Carpal Tunnel to see if you qualify for a free consultation.
More on Chiropractic & Kids
What conditions in children can improve with chiropractic care?
Spine plays an extremely important role in protecting the nervous system, visceral organs, immune system and etc… Thus entrapment or pressure on the spinal nerves can cause a variety of conditions. Chiropractic care has been shown to help with such conditions some of which are as follows: Otitis media (chronic middle ear infection), colic, persistent earaches, asthma, ADD/ADHD, headaches and bed wetting. Call 949.387.1333 to see if Chiropractic Care can benefit a condition your child has.
How are children’s spinal problems evaluated and treated?
After a careful and extensive evaluation and multiple neurological and orthopedic exams specifically designed for young children, misalignments can be found. Chiropractors who are trained to evaluate pediatric patients will use gentle light finger-tip adjustments to correct spinal malfunctions.
What if our child doesn’t have any symptoms?
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. The importance of a healthy spine and nervous system is paramount for your child’s future. Symptoms are always the last thing to show, and the first thing to go away; the same way you can have a cavity without any toothache, your child may have asymptomatic misalignments. Prevention is the best line of defense with regards to health. Regular chiropractic care in both children and adults have shown to help with improving immune system. Call 949.387.1333 to see if your child qualifies for a free spinal screening.
Is chiropractic care safe for children?
Proper adjustment provided by a chiropractor who is well trained and specializes in pediatric care is both safe and effective.
The best time to get your spine checked is when you’re an infant. If you have children, bring them in for a free spinal screening. Call us at 949.387.1333 to make an appointment.
