Natural Pain Relief for Tight Muscles

You may be wondering why you feel back pain if you have tight quadriceps. Chances are, a couple of things are going on: Your tight quadriceps muscles are tilting your pelvis forward and your weakened hamstring muscles are putting pressure on your back. Quadriceps muscles are a group of four muscles that cover the front and sides of your thighs. They provide the force you need to run, walk, jump, kick, and complete most lower-body movements. The main function of the quadriceps is to keep your knee stable and help you straighten it. When your  quadriceps muscles get tight, they can create a chronic posture problem for you.Two forces may be at play. They may even be happening at the same time:

  • Tight quads can lead to lower back pain because they pull the pelvis down.
  • Tight quads naturally lead to weak hamstring muscles. These are the quads' opposing muscles, located at the back of your thigh. Stress and pressure on the hamstrings can cause back pain.

Both scenarios can affect your pelvic alignment. If your alignment is off, your posture may suffer and the pain may increase. When the quads (and especially the rectus femoris) get really tight, they pull on the hip bone. The pelvis tips downward, or forward. (Technically, this position is called the anterior tilt of the pelvis.) When your quads are too tight, and the pelvis is pulled down in front, there is a corresponding lift up in the back. And this can hurt. If you sit a lot at home or work, you can probably feel your "sitting bones." These small bones need hamstring muscles to stay attached to your hip. Generally, good posture (and good hamstring tone) helps pull down your pelvis in the back. This is a good thing because it helps keep your pelvis in a comfortable position.

Tight quads set off a "chain reaction" in your body as the pelvis moves down in front and up in the back while the hamstring stretches. The reaction? Pain, and often lots of it.If you don't strengthen your hamstrings and stretch your quads, the hamstrings may lose their ability to support your ideal pelvic and spinal positions. If you have this problem, we can help you with using Rossiter stretching and Myoskeletal Alignment techniques. 

Since the source of chronic pain for many arises from very common imbalances and dysfunctional patterns in the musculoskeletal system, most chronic pain can be relieved with a combination of skilled manual therapy and effective stretching. This approach brings more effective natural pain relief than with traditional massage techniques alone.

Aromatherapy is an Effective Method for Detoxification of the Body.

February 27, 2024

In Robert Tisserand’s book, Aromatherapy, he relates a case study of a twenty- nine year old client with heavy cellulite on her thighs, hips, and buttocks. She was treated with massage and the essential oils of rosemary, fennel, geranium, juniper, lavender, bergamot, and chamomile. During a three-week period, the client came in twice per week for aromatherapy-based massage of her problem areas. After three weeks she had only a small patch of cellulite left, which was cured by changing her sitting position at the piano to allow adequate circulation. Massage with essential oils improves rate of absorption of essential oils. Blood flow is increased and the temperature of the skin is raised, allowing for faster intake of essential oils into the blood stream. This was proven by Jäger in 1992 when a blood sample taken five minutes after a massage application of essential oils found linalyl acetate and linalool in the blood stream. Aromatherapy works best when using synergetic blends of two or more essentials oils. You can choose any two or more of any essential oil to add to fractionated coconut oil. The percentage of essential oil used can range from one to 3% depending on the health of your client. For every one ounce of carrier oil add five drops of essential oil to create a product with 1% essential oils. Creating detoxifying massage oil is very simple.

Peruvian Chocolate

February 14, 2024

Most chocolate is grown on the west coast of Africa. But small batches of chocolate also come from the jungles of Peru. And the difference is astounding. Peruvian cacao is not only sweet like regular milk chocolate…It’s also one of the healthiest and highest antioxidant foods on the planet.

  • Being 12x healthier than blueberries…
  • 15x better than kale…
  • And 37x healthier than even broccoli. (based on ORAC antioxidant levels)

This delicious chocolatey gift has been the food of emperors for nearly 2,000 years. And the growing process was finally perfected during the late Incan empire.
Which is what gives us this unique Peruvian chocolate that not only tastes delicious, but can also…

  • Promote healthy and stable blood sugar
  • Reduce free radicals & fight inflammation, thereby slowing down aging in the body
  • Make you fall asleep faster and STAY asleep through the night
  • Even help prevent brain aging
  • And even contains compounds known to improve your mood

One of the most nutritionally complex foods on the planet, Cacao, is also a great source of magnesium, dietary fiber, calcium, zinc, iron and potassium. It is great with smoothies/drinks, cereals, yogurt, oatmeal, baked goods, cookies, ice-cream, trail mix, granola bars, coffee, snack foods, or as a fantastic chocolate chip substitute in any recipe for a tasty and fun meal! It tastes great with Coconut or Almond milk!

A Simple and Delicious Way to Make Aromatic Chicory Coffee

February 7, 2024

Chicory coffee is an aromatic and healthy drink that can be made at home. Chicory has many valuable properties and is used as a natural substitute for coffee. It is rich in vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that have a beneficial effect on our health.

To make chicory coffee, you will need:

  • Ground chicory – 2 teaspoons.
  • Water – 1 cup.
  • Milk to taste.
  • Sugar to taste.

First of all, heat the water in a saucepan or kettle to a boil. Then add the chicory to the hot water and mix thoroughly. Place the saucepan over low heat and bring to a boil. After that, remove from heat, cover and let steep for 5-10 minutes.

While the drink is steeping, you can prepare a cup. Add milk and sugar to the cup according to your taste. Using a beater or spoon, whisk the milk with the sugar until foamy. Set aside.

Once the chicory has been infused, strain the drink through a sieve or coffee filter. This way, you will get rid of the sediment and get a smooth and rich taste of coffee.

Pour the finished chicory into a cup, add the whipped milk with the sugar and stir gently.

Chicory coffee is ready! You can enjoy the aroma and taste of this healthy drink at any time of the day.

Instructions for making chicory coffee at home

To make chicory coffee, you will need the following ingredients:

  • Chicory (ground)                            2 teaspoons
  • Boiling water                                   200 ml
  • Sugar or sweetener (to taste)    optional
  • Milk or cream (optional)               according to your taste

Instruction:

  1. Boil water in a kettle or saucepan.
  2. Put the chicory in a coffee cup or mug.
  3. Pour boiling water over the chicory and stir to combine.
  4. Let the coffee steep for 5-7 minutes.
  5. If you want to add sugar or sweetener, do it now and stir again.
  6. If desired, add milk or cream for a richer flavor.
  7. Your chicory coffee is ready to drink!

You can enjoy your chicory coffee at any time of the day. Try adding a little cinnamon or vanilla to give the drink new flavors. Now you know how easy and quick it is to make delicious and aromatic chicory coffee at home!

Choosing the right chicory plays an important role in making delicious and aromatic coffee. Chicory can be bought in the store in powder or granule form. There are several factors to consider when choosing chicory.

Rose Petal Tea

February 1, 2024

A characteristic feature of rose tea is the presence of a very bright rich aroma and a unique taste. At the same time, its beneficial effect on human body should not be underestimated. In ancient times, doctors prescribed this healing drink to restore the performance of the heart and brain function.

Rose petal tea has many healing properties:

  • It is used as an antiviral agent and kills bacteria;
  • It is used as a disinfectant, and recommended for respiratory problems, flu and colds;
  • It can be used as an adjuvant for inflammation and stomatitis;
  • It can relieve pain and spasms in the stomach and intestine;
  • It can be taken for blues and depression relief;
  • It removes toxins from the human body;
  • In case of eye inflammation, in particular conjunctivitis, lotions can be applied.
  • It helps insomnia and has a beneficial effect on the intestinal microflora.
  • It reduces pain during menstruation and helps regulate the menstrual cycle in women.

From rose petals, our body can obtain such important substances as:

▪ Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant;

▪ Zinc – for healthy hair, nails and skin;

▪ Iron – for hemoglobin;

▪ Magnesium – for the functioning of the heart and nervous system;

▪ Chromium is a carbohydrate breakdown.

The Preventive Effect of Ginger (Zingiber officinale)  Essential Oil for Multiple Sclerosis

January 25, 2024
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disorder that affects the protective sheath of fibers in the central nervous system (CNS). It is the most common chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system in young adults. Demyelination and early neurodegeneration are two distinct characteristics of Multiple Sclerosis. This abnormal condition can develop into a complex pattern of physical or cognitive disability, and neurological defects. Demyelination of axon myelin sheath and destruction of the axons within the central nervous system are some of the characteristics of this disease. The exact cause of Multiple Sclerosis is not known, but, genetic factors and environmental exposures can be introduced as a reason.

There has been no decisive treatment for Multiple Sclerosi yet. The use of herbal medicines in Multiple Sclerosis  patients has increased dramatically over the past decade. Treatment with medicinal herbs has been shown useful for treating various disorders since ancient times. Previous studies have suggested that herbal remedies have many therapeutic effects on various disorders, including cancer, diabetes, and neurogenic diseases.

Ginger or Zingiber officinale Roscoe (Zingiberaceae) is a routinely used spice. Also, it has been recommended for the treatment of various illnesses in traditional Asian medicine, such as stomach ache, nausea and diarrhea, and joint and muscle pain. The ginger extract also has antioxidant neuroprotective and anxiolytic effects. It contains over 400 different types of compounds; however, the greatest healing effect of ginger is due to its gingerols, shogaols, zingerone, and paradols. Ginger and some of its derivatives can be used to treat some autoimmune disorders, such as Multiple Sclerosis.

Tea Tree Oil for Oral Care

January 18, 2024

Microorganisms cause various infections and diseases in the human body and are largely pervasive in the nature of contamination, directly or indirectly leading to the transmission of infectious agents. A considerable number of bacterial species have been identified as inhabitants of the oral cavity. Infection control is a major topic of interest in both medical and dental healthcare settings. Although there are many procedures for sterilizing or disinfecting endodontic instruments, they still have some shortcomings. Herbal products have been used in folk medicine since ancient times, spanning both Eastern and Western healing traditions. According to the World Health Organization, herbal medicine is considered a plant material or preparation that consists of raw or processed components from one or more plants with therapeutic values. The presence of phenolic compounds attributed to the antimicrobial activity of several essential oils. Two of my favorite essential oils to support oral health and cleanliness are tea tree and myrrh. A recent laboratory study showed that tea tree essential oil significantly reduces endodontic bacterial colonies, suggesting it helps promote oral cleanliness.

The Effects of Essential Oils on the Nervous System

January 14, 2024

Essential oils have been used in different cultures around the world since ancient times. Since they demonstrate a range of biological activities, such as antiparasitic, antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antiaging, and neuroprotective properties, they are used in traditional and complimentary medicines, aromatherapy, massage therapies, cosmetics, perfumes and food industries. Approximately seventy recent studies were selected to report the outcomes such as antistress, antianxiety, analgesic, cognitive, and autonomic effects. Thus according to these studies essential oils showed promising effects on the nervous system, which can be further applied to their use in functional foods, drinks, and alternative therapy.

Effect of Lavender and Ylang Ylang Oil (LY pads) on Decrease Blood Pressure.

January 13, 2023

Hypertension is one of the most dangerous diseases. However, medicine for hypertension may cause adverse effects. Thus, alternative treatments may be beneficial to patients.

Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils for therapy.The odorant molecule of an essential oil binds the receptor and sends a signal to the brain, which is the center controlling body function. Aromatherapy has advantages for both physical and mental health, such as pain relief, insomnia and anxiety reduction, immune function enhancement, and hypertension improvement.  Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and ylang ylang (Cananga odorata) are fragrant plants. The major components of lavender oil are linalool and linalyl acetate, while linalool is the major component of ylang ylang oil. These substances affect the central nervous system, resulting in relaxation and stress reduction  and have a positive association with hypertension therapy.

Cardiovascular protective effect of cinnamon and its major bioactive constituents.

January 5, 2023

Cinnamon from the bark of Cinnamomum species is one of the most important spices used worldwide in food and as a traditional medicine for centuries. It has substantial benefits for human health including its protective role on cardiovascular diseases. The genus Cinnamomum is widely distributed in the world, with around 250 known species and the main species of commercially cultivated cinnamon are Cinnamomum verum (Ceylon Cinnamon), Cinnamomum burmannii (Korintje Cinnamon), Cinnamomum cassia (Saigon Cinnamon) and Cinnamomum loureiroi (Royal Cinnamon). Ethnobotanical reports state that the most consumed part of the plant is the bark. The main constituents of cinnamon are cinnamaldehyde and trans-cinnamaldehyde that are present in the essential oil. These compounds besides contributing to the cinnamon fragrance have biological properties.

Pages