Almost all ailments or conditions are viewed within the profession as being amenable to homeopathic treatment. Homeopathy is best known, however, for its ability to treat chronic ailments. Skin diseases, chronic gastric and intestinal disorders, chronic fatigue syndromes, migraines, asthma, allergic disorders, menstrual complaints, other hormonal disorders, arthritis, psychological disorders, and so on are viewed as being potentially improved by the application of Homeopathy. Gross structural and pathological changes are not viewed as being strongly influenced by Homeopathy.
Homeopathy versus Conventional Medicine
Homeopathy looks at symptoms as a way the body tries to repair itself, whereas conventional medicine sees a symptom as something wrong which must be set right. For example, if you develop a cough, a conventional medicine practitioner may give you ways to suppress the cough (a lozenge, medicine, etc). On the other hand, a homeopath will give you a remedy that will cause a cough in a healthy person, and thus stimulate the ill body to restore itself.
In conventional therapy, the aim often is to control the illness through regular use of medical substances, even if the medication is nothing more than vitamins. If the medication is withdrawn, however, the person returns to illness. There has been no cure. A person who takes a pill for high blood pressure every day is not undergoing a cure but is only controlling the symptoms. Homeopathy's aim is the cure – the complete restoration of health.
Because not all symptoms are alike, homeopaths look for the one substance that will cause similar symptoms in a healthy person. Conventional practitioners, on the other hand, often treat all symptoms alike. To homeopaths, a healthy person is a person who is free on all levels: Physical, emotional, and mental.
Source: National Center for Homeopathy
Friday, October 3, 2008
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Decide to Be Healthy, Not Thin
If you add up the number of people unhappy with their bodies, the percentage on a diet, or the billions of dollars spent on diet programs, books, foods and supplements, the figures all show that our society has become obsessed with weight. But if so many Americans are concerned with their weight, how can more people than ever be overweight?
A Desire to Be Slim Can Backfire
Nearly two-thirds of adult Americans are now overweight, increasing their risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and cancer. Nearly one-third is obese.
To solve the obesity epidemic that threatens our health, some health experts argue that we should pay much more attention to our weight. Yet research shows that an obsession with becoming thin, contrary to what you might expect, creates more of a health problem.
When we try to control our eating with external rules, like a fad diet, our obsession and preoccupation with food increases. In America, where food is so widely available around the clock, a fixation with food is a foolproof recipe for overeating.
Better Health Should Be Your Goal
Rather than making weight loss your be-all and end-all goal, focus on choices that improve your health. Hoping for weight loss is okay, but making weight loss the goal almost always guarantees that you will give up healthier eating and more exercising, if those good habits don't bring the desired weight loss.
It's easy to make health your goal. For example, decide that you will lead a less sedentary life - no matter what you look like. Try to walk at least an hour a day. For cancer prevention, the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) also recommends that you get an hour a week of vigorous exercise, like tennis.
Some people may need to do more to resist society's pressures than create goals for themselves. The stress and isolation in today's culture cause many to feel "out of balance." Instead of knowing how to nurture themselves and set personal limits, people may choose unhealthy habits like eating, smoking, or excessive shopping to cope.
If you're overwhelmed with stress, try changing how you respond. For example, when you feel under pressure, instead of ordering a pizza and splurging, call a good friend, read a new book, or take a walk.
The Facts About Weight Management brochure from the American Institute for Cancer Research has more tips on living a healthier life. Call AICR at 1-800-843-8114, ext. 111, and ask for your free copy.
Source: Ever Green Ever Healthy Features by the American Institute for Cancer Research, www.aicr.org. Reprinted by permission.
A Desire to Be Slim Can Backfire
Nearly two-thirds of adult Americans are now overweight, increasing their risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and cancer. Nearly one-third is obese.
To solve the obesity epidemic that threatens our health, some health experts argue that we should pay much more attention to our weight. Yet research shows that an obsession with becoming thin, contrary to what you might expect, creates more of a health problem.
When we try to control our eating with external rules, like a fad diet, our obsession and preoccupation with food increases. In America, where food is so widely available around the clock, a fixation with food is a foolproof recipe for overeating.
Better Health Should Be Your Goal
Rather than making weight loss your be-all and end-all goal, focus on choices that improve your health. Hoping for weight loss is okay, but making weight loss the goal almost always guarantees that you will give up healthier eating and more exercising, if those good habits don't bring the desired weight loss.
It's easy to make health your goal. For example, decide that you will lead a less sedentary life - no matter what you look like. Try to walk at least an hour a day. For cancer prevention, the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) also recommends that you get an hour a week of vigorous exercise, like tennis.
Some people may need to do more to resist society's pressures than create goals for themselves. The stress and isolation in today's culture cause many to feel "out of balance." Instead of knowing how to nurture themselves and set personal limits, people may choose unhealthy habits like eating, smoking, or excessive shopping to cope.
If you're overwhelmed with stress, try changing how you respond. For example, when you feel under pressure, instead of ordering a pizza and splurging, call a good friend, read a new book, or take a walk.
The Facts About Weight Management brochure from the American Institute for Cancer Research has more tips on living a healthier life. Call AICR at 1-800-843-8114, ext. 111, and ask for your free copy.
Source: Ever Green Ever Healthy Features by the American Institute for Cancer Research, www.aicr.org. Reprinted by permission.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Probiotics During Pregnancy May Reduce Infants Allergies
By Greg Arnold, DC, CSCS, August 26, 2008, abstracted from “Impact of maternal atopy and probiotic supplementation during pregnancy on infant sensitization: a double-blind placebo-controlled study” in the August 2008 issue of Clinical & Experimental Allergy
The mother’s diet plays a very important role in the health of her newborn baby. Specific nutrients in the mother’s diet known to help infant health include vitamin C1, vitamin E2, vitamin B-33, and calcium4. The health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids for infants include helping improve eye and brain health5, helping maintain a healthy blood pressure6, improving eye-hand coordination7 and even helping with long-term lung health8.
A recent study9 has found that probiotics, suggested in previous research to possibly play a role in pregnancy health10, may also help with infant allergies. These allergies cost our healthcare system $7 billion per year11. In the study, 171 women with newborns12 were given either probiotics containing lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium lactis (1 × 1010 colony forming units each per day) or placebo from the first trimester of pregnancy to the end of exclusive breastfeeding. The researchers collected breast milk immediately after birth to measure for levels of inflammatory proteins that included IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, IL-10, IL-6, IL-4 and IL-2. They also tested allergy sensitivity in the infants by performing the skin prick test (SPT).
The researchers found there were no significant differences overall in the infants’ risk of allergies between the two groups (29% of probiotic infants vs. 31% of placebo infants). However, a significant risk reduction was seen in infants breastfed for more than 2.5 months by mothers with allergies. Specifically, only 26% of the at-risk infants in the probiotic group were sensitized for allergies while 50% of at-risk infants in the control group were sensitized.
While stating that “probiotics belong among the promising means of combating the allergy epidemic”, the reduced risk of allergies in infants through probiotic supplementation led the researchers to conclude that “the critical period of pregnancy and breastfeeding may be the window of opportunity in allergy prevention.”
Greg Arnold is a Chiropractic Physician practicing in Danville, CA. You can contact Dr. Arnold directly by emailing him at mailto:PitchingDoc@msn.com or visiting his web site at www.CompleteChiropracticHealthcare.com
Reference:
1 Hoppu, U., M. Rinne, et al. (2005). "Vitamin C in breast milk may reduce the risk of atopy in the infant." Eur J Clin Nutr 59(1): 123-8
2 Beyrouty P. Co-consumption of selenium and vitamin E altered the reproductive and developmental toxicity of methylmercury in rats Neurotoxicity and Teratology. Available online 19 January 2006
3 Ieraci A. Nicotinamide Protects against Ethanol-Induced Apoptotic Neurodegeneration in the Developing Mouse Brain. Public Library and Science – Medicine 2006; Volume 3 Issue 4 printed online ahead of print
4 Chan G. Effects of Dietary Calcium Intervention on Adolescent Mothers and Newborns: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Obst Gynecol 2006; 108(3, Part 1):565-571
5 Jacobson JL. Beneficial Effects of a Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid on Infant Development: Evidence from the Inuit of Arctic Quebec. Jou Ped 2008; 152: 356-364.e1
6 Damsgaard CT. Fish Oil Affects Blood Pressure and the Plasma Lipid Profile in Healthy Danish Infants. J. Nutr. 2006;136 94-99
7 Dunstan JA. Cognitive assessment of children at age 2K years after maternal fish oil supplementation in pregnancy: a randomised controlled trial. Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed. doi: 10.1136/adc.2006.099085
8 Olsen SF. Fish oil intake compared with olive oil intake in late pregnancy and asthma in the offspring: 16 y of registry-based follow-up from a randomized controlled trial. Am Jou Clin Nutr 2008; 88(1):167-175
9 Huurre A. Impact of maternal atopy and probiotic supplementation during pregnancy on infant sensitization: a double-blind placebo-controlled study. Clin Exp Allergy 2008; 28(8): 1342-1348. Published Online: May 8 2008. DOI:
10.1111/j.1365-2222.2008.03008.x
10 Ponzetto A. Pre-eclampsia is associated with Helicobacter pylori seropositivity in Italy. J Hypert 2006; 24(12): 2445-2449
11 “Allergy Facts and Figures” posted on http://www.aafa.org/display.cfm?id=9&sub=30
12 Piirainen T, Isolauri E, Lagström H, Laitinen K. Impact of dietary counselling on nutrient intake during pregnancy: a prospective cohort study. Br J Nutr 2006; 96:1095–104
The mother’s diet plays a very important role in the health of her newborn baby. Specific nutrients in the mother’s diet known to help infant health include vitamin C1, vitamin E2, vitamin B-33, and calcium4. The health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids for infants include helping improve eye and brain health5, helping maintain a healthy blood pressure6, improving eye-hand coordination7 and even helping with long-term lung health8.
A recent study9 has found that probiotics, suggested in previous research to possibly play a role in pregnancy health10, may also help with infant allergies. These allergies cost our healthcare system $7 billion per year11. In the study, 171 women with newborns12 were given either probiotics containing lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium lactis (1 × 1010 colony forming units each per day) or placebo from the first trimester of pregnancy to the end of exclusive breastfeeding. The researchers collected breast milk immediately after birth to measure for levels of inflammatory proteins that included IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, IL-10, IL-6, IL-4 and IL-2. They also tested allergy sensitivity in the infants by performing the skin prick test (SPT).
The researchers found there were no significant differences overall in the infants’ risk of allergies between the two groups (29% of probiotic infants vs. 31% of placebo infants). However, a significant risk reduction was seen in infants breastfed for more than 2.5 months by mothers with allergies. Specifically, only 26% of the at-risk infants in the probiotic group were sensitized for allergies while 50% of at-risk infants in the control group were sensitized.
While stating that “probiotics belong among the promising means of combating the allergy epidemic”, the reduced risk of allergies in infants through probiotic supplementation led the researchers to conclude that “the critical period of pregnancy and breastfeeding may be the window of opportunity in allergy prevention.”
Greg Arnold is a Chiropractic Physician practicing in Danville, CA. You can contact Dr. Arnold directly by emailing him at mailto:PitchingDoc@msn.com or visiting his web site at www.CompleteChiropracticHealthcare.com
Reference:
1 Hoppu, U., M. Rinne, et al. (2005). "Vitamin C in breast milk may reduce the risk of atopy in the infant." Eur J Clin Nutr 59(1): 123-8
2 Beyrouty P. Co-consumption of selenium and vitamin E altered the reproductive and developmental toxicity of methylmercury in rats Neurotoxicity and Teratology. Available online 19 January 2006
3 Ieraci A. Nicotinamide Protects against Ethanol-Induced Apoptotic Neurodegeneration in the Developing Mouse Brain. Public Library and Science – Medicine 2006; Volume 3 Issue 4 printed online ahead of print
4 Chan G. Effects of Dietary Calcium Intervention on Adolescent Mothers and Newborns: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Obst Gynecol 2006; 108(3, Part 1):565-571
5 Jacobson JL. Beneficial Effects of a Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid on Infant Development: Evidence from the Inuit of Arctic Quebec. Jou Ped 2008; 152: 356-364.e1
6 Damsgaard CT. Fish Oil Affects Blood Pressure and the Plasma Lipid Profile in Healthy Danish Infants. J. Nutr. 2006;136 94-99
7 Dunstan JA. Cognitive assessment of children at age 2K years after maternal fish oil supplementation in pregnancy: a randomised controlled trial. Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed. doi: 10.1136/adc.2006.099085
8 Olsen SF. Fish oil intake compared with olive oil intake in late pregnancy and asthma in the offspring: 16 y of registry-based follow-up from a randomized controlled trial. Am Jou Clin Nutr 2008; 88(1):167-175
9 Huurre A. Impact of maternal atopy and probiotic supplementation during pregnancy on infant sensitization: a double-blind placebo-controlled study. Clin Exp Allergy 2008; 28(8): 1342-1348. Published Online: May 8 2008. DOI:
10.1111/j.1365-2222.2008.03008.x
10 Ponzetto A. Pre-eclampsia is associated with Helicobacter pylori seropositivity in Italy. J Hypert 2006; 24(12): 2445-2449
11 “Allergy Facts and Figures” posted on http://www.aafa.org/display.cfm?id=9&sub=30
12 Piirainen T, Isolauri E, Lagström H, Laitinen K. Impact of dietary counselling on nutrient intake during pregnancy: a prospective cohort study. Br J Nutr 2006; 96:1095–104
Monday, September 29, 2008
Suicide is the second leading cause of death among college students.
Approximately 1,100 U.S. college students take their own lives each year. You can help reduce this number and perhaps even save the life of a friend or classmate.
The best way you can prevent a friend or classmate from taking his or her own life is to know the warning signs and how to respond.
Warning Signs
There is no foolproof way of determining whether a young person is considering suicide, but the following signs could be an indication:
* Sudden worsening in school performance
* Fixation with death or violence
* Unhealthy peer relationships
* Violent mood swings or a sudden change in personality
* Signs of an eating disorder
* Difficulty adjusting to gender identity (if gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender)
* Depression (Depression and suicide have many common warning signs. While most depressed people are not suicidal, most suicidal people are depressed. )
* Sadness or anxiety
* Feelings of guilt, helplessness or hopelessness
* Feelings of worthlessness
* Feelings of being out of control
* Trouble eating or sleeping
* Withdrawing from friends and/or social activities
* Loss of interest in hobbies, work, school, etc.
* Increased use of alcohol or drugs
* Anger
Warning Signs of Suicide That Need Immediate Attention
* Talking openly about committing suicide
* Talking indirectly about “wanting out” or “ending it all” and saying such things as:
I wish I were dead.
You will be better off without me.
What’s the point of living?
Soon you won’t have to worry about me.
Who cares if I’m dead, anyway?
* Taking unnecessary or life-threatening risks
* Giving away personal, prized possessions
* Neglecting personal appearance and hygiene
* Obtaining a weapon or other means such as prescription medications to hurt him- or herself.
How to Respond
* Take a suicide threat seriously.
* Talk to your friend, express your concern, and be willing to listen. Having someone to talk to can make a big difference. Be persistent if your friend is reluctant to talk.
* Do not attempt to argue anyone out of suicide. Let the person know you care and understand and that he or she is not alone. Let the person know that depression can be treated and problems solved.
* If your friend tells you he or she has a detailed suicide plan or the means to hurt him- or herself, stay with your friend until he or she will go with you to see a responsible adult who can help.
* If you have talked with a friend or classmate and you think that person is in danger, but the person refuses to get help, talk to a responsible adult who understands young people and can intervene. If your friend refuses to talk with you or you do not know the person well enough to talk personally, seek out a responsible adult who can help.
* Don’t be afraid of being wrong. Even the experts have difficulties determining who is at serious risk of suicide. A friend with problems that may be warning signs for suicide perhaps may not actually be suicidal, but he or she will still need help. You can help by talking to your friend and assisting your friend to find a qualified person who can help solve his or her problems.
Sources: “College Students,” Suicide Prevention Resource Center, www.sprc.org; “For Students,” The Jed Foundation, www.jedfoundation.org; “When You Fear Someone May Take Their Life,” American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, www.afsp.org.
Are you or someone you know…
…experiencing self-destructive feelings?
Talk to a responsible adult, contact your school’s counseling center, or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-TALK (8255). The toll-free hotline is available 24/7. The people who answer the phone will help you.
The best way you can prevent a friend or classmate from taking his or her own life is to know the warning signs and how to respond.
Warning Signs
There is no foolproof way of determining whether a young person is considering suicide, but the following signs could be an indication:
* Sudden worsening in school performance
* Fixation with death or violence
* Unhealthy peer relationships
* Violent mood swings or a sudden change in personality
* Signs of an eating disorder
* Difficulty adjusting to gender identity (if gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender)
* Depression (Depression and suicide have many common warning signs. While most depressed people are not suicidal, most suicidal people are depressed. )
* Sadness or anxiety
* Feelings of guilt, helplessness or hopelessness
* Feelings of worthlessness
* Feelings of being out of control
* Trouble eating or sleeping
* Withdrawing from friends and/or social activities
* Loss of interest in hobbies, work, school, etc.
* Increased use of alcohol or drugs
* Anger
Warning Signs of Suicide That Need Immediate Attention
* Talking openly about committing suicide
* Talking indirectly about “wanting out” or “ending it all” and saying such things as:
I wish I were dead.
You will be better off without me.
What’s the point of living?
Soon you won’t have to worry about me.
Who cares if I’m dead, anyway?
* Taking unnecessary or life-threatening risks
* Giving away personal, prized possessions
* Neglecting personal appearance and hygiene
* Obtaining a weapon or other means such as prescription medications to hurt him- or herself.
How to Respond
* Take a suicide threat seriously.
* Talk to your friend, express your concern, and be willing to listen. Having someone to talk to can make a big difference. Be persistent if your friend is reluctant to talk.
* Do not attempt to argue anyone out of suicide. Let the person know you care and understand and that he or she is not alone. Let the person know that depression can be treated and problems solved.
* If your friend tells you he or she has a detailed suicide plan or the means to hurt him- or herself, stay with your friend until he or she will go with you to see a responsible adult who can help.
* If you have talked with a friend or classmate and you think that person is in danger, but the person refuses to get help, talk to a responsible adult who understands young people and can intervene. If your friend refuses to talk with you or you do not know the person well enough to talk personally, seek out a responsible adult who can help.
* Don’t be afraid of being wrong. Even the experts have difficulties determining who is at serious risk of suicide. A friend with problems that may be warning signs for suicide perhaps may not actually be suicidal, but he or she will still need help. You can help by talking to your friend and assisting your friend to find a qualified person who can help solve his or her problems.
Sources: “College Students,” Suicide Prevention Resource Center, www.sprc.org; “For Students,” The Jed Foundation, www.jedfoundation.org; “When You Fear Someone May Take Their Life,” American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, www.afsp.org.
Are you or someone you know…
…experiencing self-destructive feelings?
Talk to a responsible adult, contact your school’s counseling center, or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-TALK (8255). The toll-free hotline is available 24/7. The people who answer the phone will help you.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Pumpkin Fun Facts
Pumpkin (pepon) is a Greek word for “large melon”.
Pumpkins are a fruit.
Pumpkins are a type of squash. They are members of Cucurbita family (cucumbers, zucchini, etc.).
Pumpkins contain potassium and Vitamin A.
Pumpkins are grown on 6 of the 7 continents (not on Antarctica).
Pumpkin flowers are edible.
Pumpkins are 90% water.
Sources: www.cobbranch.com/Pumpkin%20Patch/pumpkinpatch_facts.php; www.pumpkin-patch.com/facts.html
Pumpkins are a fruit.
Pumpkins are a type of squash. They are members of Cucurbita family (cucumbers, zucchini, etc.).
Pumpkins contain potassium and Vitamin A.
Pumpkins are grown on 6 of the 7 continents (not on Antarctica).
Pumpkin flowers are edible.
Pumpkins are 90% water.
Sources: www.cobbranch.com/Pumpkin%20Patch/pumpkinpatch_facts.php; www.pumpkin-patch.com/facts.html
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Welcome Brandi!
We are ever so delighted to welcome Brandi Bowman, licensed nutritional consultant, to Triune! Brandi comes to Philadelphia from Florida where she studied a broad range of dietary lifestyles, earning her Bachelor’s degree in Holistic Nutrition from Clayton College of Natural Health. As an introductory offer, she is offering a Complimentary Phone Consultation as well as 50% off your initial consultation. Start that healthy eating diet you have been thinking/talking about for months now! CAll us(215)627-6279.
Check out what Brandi has to say about Nutritional Counseling
Who can benefit from Nutritional Counseling?
Anyone looking for ways to maximize their nutritional intake from the foods they eat and learn about other healthy options. I’d also love to help guide those individuals seeking the best possible diet for stabilizing blood sugar, cholesterol issues, hypertension, diabetes, issues with weight gain/loss, attention and focus issues, candida, anemia, osteoporosis, and other health issues that can benefit from eating and avoiding foods that effect those conditions. (I am not a doctor nor am I claiming to treat or cure these conditions).
There are some very simple, yet not so commonly known healthy eating tips that I’d love to have the chance to share with my clients at Triune. Something as easy as, adding a nutritional supplement or two can really charge up your already healthy diet.
What can I expect at my initial consultation?
During our first visit I will come up with a tailored made list of foods for you to enjoy and those foods that aren’t beneficial for reaching your goals. Let’s come up with the best plan for you to get the most out of your meals and feel great doing it! I’m here to guide you on your path to wellness.
Will changing my eating habits be complicated?
Altering your diet may feel a little strange and adventurous at first. It is my goal to make healthy eating simple and convenient. I find that making healthy living too complicated by over emphasizing reading labels and strictly eating organic tends to sway people from taking the first step towards eating healthy. I understand that living in a city like Philadelphia where we are surrounded by places to enjoy meals out with friends it’s unlikely that we will say NO simply because the kitchen isn’t serving 100% organic foods. I’m also well aware of the high prices of organic produce. Buying organic when possible should also mean buying only what you know you and your family will consume in a few days. This will help minimize waste, cost, and optimize nutrition values in those fruits and vegetables.
Check out what Brandi has to say about Nutritional Counseling
Who can benefit from Nutritional Counseling?
Anyone looking for ways to maximize their nutritional intake from the foods they eat and learn about other healthy options. I’d also love to help guide those individuals seeking the best possible diet for stabilizing blood sugar, cholesterol issues, hypertension, diabetes, issues with weight gain/loss, attention and focus issues, candida, anemia, osteoporosis, and other health issues that can benefit from eating and avoiding foods that effect those conditions. (I am not a doctor nor am I claiming to treat or cure these conditions).
There are some very simple, yet not so commonly known healthy eating tips that I’d love to have the chance to share with my clients at Triune. Something as easy as, adding a nutritional supplement or two can really charge up your already healthy diet.
What can I expect at my initial consultation?
During our first visit I will come up with a tailored made list of foods for you to enjoy and those foods that aren’t beneficial for reaching your goals. Let’s come up with the best plan for you to get the most out of your meals and feel great doing it! I’m here to guide you on your path to wellness.
Will changing my eating habits be complicated?
Altering your diet may feel a little strange and adventurous at first. It is my goal to make healthy eating simple and convenient. I find that making healthy living too complicated by over emphasizing reading labels and strictly eating organic tends to sway people from taking the first step towards eating healthy. I understand that living in a city like Philadelphia where we are surrounded by places to enjoy meals out with friends it’s unlikely that we will say NO simply because the kitchen isn’t serving 100% organic foods. I’m also well aware of the high prices of organic produce. Buying organic when possible should also mean buying only what you know you and your family will consume in a few days. This will help minimize waste, cost, and optimize nutrition values in those fruits and vegetables.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Getting a Better Night’s Rest
Sleep is crucial to human health, and particularly a healthy nervous system. Sleep favors muscular and nervous relaxation, while lack of sleep promotes muscular and nervous tension. Sleep deprivation studies on medical students show that even one poor night’s sleep can cause a pattern of tender points similar to that which is seen in patients with fibromyalgia.
Sleep deprivation can lead to chronic drowsiness and inability to concentrate, as well as impairment of memory and physical performance. Perhaps more important is the fact that sleep deprivation can impair the immune system, leading to greater susceptibility to illness. Most people have experienced the onset of the common cold the day after a very late night or restless sleep. Additionally, the only time some of our muscles such as those in our spine can completely relax is during a phase of sleep called “delta sleep.”
“For people suffering from physical ailments, a good night’s rest can definitely speed the healing process,” says Michael Wiles, DC, MEd, dean of the chiropractic program at Northwestern Health Sciences University. “Unfortunately, many people find it difficult to get enough sleep or to sleep well. Sometimes poor habits are the cause of a poor night’s sleep, but other times, it is because people sleep in a posture that puts a strain on their bodies.”
Dr. Wiles offers these guidelines about sleeping positions that are the most comfortable for the spine:
In general, sleep in a position that allows for the three natural and normal spinal curves to be maintained with minimal strain, therefore, the ideal sleeping posture is essentially the fetal position, on your side with your knees drawn up. Often, in this position, people tend to roll forward into a “half-fetal and half-tummy” position. Prevent this by placing a small pillow between the knees or thighs;
Sleeping on the back is also an acceptable position but it is important to place a small pillow under the lower back region in order to support the natural curve in that part of the spine. Failure to do this can result in a restless sleep and a morning back-ache;
An appropriate pillow is essential to a restful sleep. It is very important that your neck and head are supported in a position with little or no distortion. There are many commercially available posture pillows, and it is possible that one of these may fit your head and neck properly. In any case, one pillow is usually sufficient unless you have breathing problems requiring more height. Finally, you cannot support your head and neck without a pillow so make sure that you always use a pillow;
If you are suffering from an acute bout of back pain, sleeping on your back with a cushion under your lower back and one or two pillows under your knees should help you get through the night more comfortably.
Source: Natural News Service, Northwestern Health Sciences University.
Sleep deprivation can lead to chronic drowsiness and inability to concentrate, as well as impairment of memory and physical performance. Perhaps more important is the fact that sleep deprivation can impair the immune system, leading to greater susceptibility to illness. Most people have experienced the onset of the common cold the day after a very late night or restless sleep. Additionally, the only time some of our muscles such as those in our spine can completely relax is during a phase of sleep called “delta sleep.”
“For people suffering from physical ailments, a good night’s rest can definitely speed the healing process,” says Michael Wiles, DC, MEd, dean of the chiropractic program at Northwestern Health Sciences University. “Unfortunately, many people find it difficult to get enough sleep or to sleep well. Sometimes poor habits are the cause of a poor night’s sleep, but other times, it is because people sleep in a posture that puts a strain on their bodies.”
Dr. Wiles offers these guidelines about sleeping positions that are the most comfortable for the spine:
In general, sleep in a position that allows for the three natural and normal spinal curves to be maintained with minimal strain, therefore, the ideal sleeping posture is essentially the fetal position, on your side with your knees drawn up. Often, in this position, people tend to roll forward into a “half-fetal and half-tummy” position. Prevent this by placing a small pillow between the knees or thighs;
Sleeping on the back is also an acceptable position but it is important to place a small pillow under the lower back region in order to support the natural curve in that part of the spine. Failure to do this can result in a restless sleep and a morning back-ache;
An appropriate pillow is essential to a restful sleep. It is very important that your neck and head are supported in a position with little or no distortion. There are many commercially available posture pillows, and it is possible that one of these may fit your head and neck properly. In any case, one pillow is usually sufficient unless you have breathing problems requiring more height. Finally, you cannot support your head and neck without a pillow so make sure that you always use a pillow;
If you are suffering from an acute bout of back pain, sleeping on your back with a cushion under your lower back and one or two pillows under your knees should help you get through the night more comfortably.
Source: Natural News Service, Northwestern Health Sciences University.
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