For all parents who are looking for loving, effective ways to relate to their children and create a harmonious home - Hornsby Community College will be running the following Parenting workshops in Term 3, 2011:
13 Aug Love in Action: An approach to Discipline
A home of harmony and cooperation is possible for any family given the right tools. In this introduction to LOVE IN ACTION parenting, early childhood educator Galit Fisher works with parents of children under 12 to show them a recipe for a more loving way to resolve family conflict. Galit reveals ways to talk with children in a way that brings out the best in them. Come and join an interactive workshop where discussion is encouraged. Carers and teachers are also invited.
27 Aug Love in Action: Discipline and Temperaments
Understanding your child's temperament (and your own) is the key to creating a harmonious home and resolving family conflict. This LOVE IN ACTION workshop, run by popular parenting expert Galit Fisher, will give parents tools to bring greater cooperation and more effective communication between parents and children. Learn how to bring out the best in your children by making the most of their natural abilities and how to recognise what your child's needs are when they act out or refuse to cooperate.
10 Sep Love in Action: Discipline, emotional wounding and communication
Better behaviour is easily achieved when you speak your child's language. In this practical LOVE IN ACTION workshop popular parenting expert and teacher Galit Fisher will teach you to identify what your child most values and the most effective way of communicating. When a child feels loved and heard the result is a more harmonious home, with greater cooperation and less conflict. Share your parenting challenges in this interactive workshop.
Time: 2 - 5pm
Cost: $65 per person
Location: 45 Hunter St, Hornsby
For details and to enrol visit www.hkcc.nsw.edu.au or phone 9482 1189
This post is brought to you by Lois Nethery, acupuncturist and Chinese medicine herbalist at Ocean Acupuncture in Curl Curl on Sydney's Northern Beaches.
Ocean Acupuncture is a natural medicine centre of independent health practitioners. The views expressed in this blog are the author's only and do not necessarily reflect the views of the other Ocean Acupuncture practitioners.
The information presented in this blog, and on the Ocean Acupuncture website, is for interest and educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for health or medical information or advice. For health or medical advice, please consult your health professional.
05 June 2011
01 June 2011
Energy goes deep in Winter
A funny thing happened on May 31st...
I was in the clinic and had felt the fifth person's pulse for the day. The position of the pulse that relates to "Kidney" energy had been sunken and low on all of those people. Young pregnant women, elderly people - same feeling on the Kidney pulse.
Then I realised it was one day until Winter, when the Kidney and Water element dominate. At this time it's said that energy turns inward, contracting and shrinking away from the outside world.
Acupuncturists two thousand years ago wrote about this - the connection between the movement of energy in nature and corresponding movement of energy in the body. In Winter, everything slows, sinks down, condenses and goes into storage. The exact same energetic tendency can be felt in the body, because we are a microcosm of the outer natural world.
I was amazed that those ancient observations still held true in modern people, with all our artificial heating and lighting, unseasonal food, sedentary indoor jobs and so on. That the Kidney pulse can respond to Winter's onset (albeit one day early!) - in human bodies that have so many weird artificial conditions imposed on them - suggests to me that the natural forces that surround, support and nurture us are more powerful and subtle than we give them credit.
(See other articles on staying healthy and vibrant in Winter)
This post is brought to you by Lois Nethery, acupuncturist and Chinese medicine herbalist at Ocean Acupuncture in Curl Curl on Sydney's Northern Beaches.
Ocean Acupuncture is a natural medicine centre of independent health practitioners. The views expressed in this blog are the author's only and do not necessarily reflect the views of the other Ocean Acupuncture practitioners.
The information presented in this blog, and on the Ocean Acupuncture website, is for interest and educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for health or medical information or advice. For health or medical advice, please consult your health professional.
I was in the clinic and had felt the fifth person's pulse for the day. The position of the pulse that relates to "Kidney" energy had been sunken and low on all of those people. Young pregnant women, elderly people - same feeling on the Kidney pulse.
Then I realised it was one day until Winter, when the Kidney and Water element dominate. At this time it's said that energy turns inward, contracting and shrinking away from the outside world.
Acupuncturists two thousand years ago wrote about this - the connection between the movement of energy in nature and corresponding movement of energy in the body. In Winter, everything slows, sinks down, condenses and goes into storage. The exact same energetic tendency can be felt in the body, because we are a microcosm of the outer natural world.
I was amazed that those ancient observations still held true in modern people, with all our artificial heating and lighting, unseasonal food, sedentary indoor jobs and so on. That the Kidney pulse can respond to Winter's onset (albeit one day early!) - in human bodies that have so many weird artificial conditions imposed on them - suggests to me that the natural forces that surround, support and nurture us are more powerful and subtle than we give them credit.
(See other articles on staying healthy and vibrant in Winter)
This post is brought to you by Lois Nethery, acupuncturist and Chinese medicine herbalist at Ocean Acupuncture in Curl Curl on Sydney's Northern Beaches.
Ocean Acupuncture is a natural medicine centre of independent health practitioners. The views expressed in this blog are the author's only and do not necessarily reflect the views of the other Ocean Acupuncture practitioners.
The information presented in this blog, and on the Ocean Acupuncture website, is for interest and educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for health or medical information or advice. For health or medical advice, please consult your health professional.
Kristie's winter recipes
Go to Kristie's website to see delicious recipes for Banana Cacao Porridge and Coconut Quinoa Curry
This post is brought to you by Kristie Ussher, acupuncturist and Chinese medicine herbalist at Ocean Acupuncture in Curl Curl on Sydney's Northern Beaches.
Ocean Acupuncture is a natural medicine centre of independent health practitioners. The views expressed in this blog are the author's only and do not necessarily reflect the views of the other Ocean Acupuncture practitioners.
The information presented in this blog, and on the Ocean Acupuncture website, is for interest and educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for health or medical information or advice. For health or medical advice, please consult your health professional.
This post is brought to you by Kristie Ussher, acupuncturist and Chinese medicine herbalist at Ocean Acupuncture in Curl Curl on Sydney's Northern Beaches.
Ocean Acupuncture is a natural medicine centre of independent health practitioners. The views expressed in this blog are the author's only and do not necessarily reflect the views of the other Ocean Acupuncture practitioners.
The information presented in this blog, and on the Ocean Acupuncture website, is for interest and educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for health or medical information or advice. For health or medical advice, please consult your health professional.
Dressing for warmth and vitality in Winter
Everyone needs to dress well in Winter, but especially if you get cold hands and feet. The following tips will help your circulation and nourish your body's deepest energies.
We Westerners tend to layer on the beanies, scarfs and jackets in Winter and let our feet exist in a state of chilled numbness! You will feel much more comfortable by turning this thinking on its head, so to speak.
Feet
Start with your feet - notice them when you're outside in Winter. If you're like most people, you've probably ignored them up to now. But if you tune in to your feet you might be surprised to notice that they feel quite stiff and numb in the cold weather.
The best remedy for this is to make sure you wear closed-in shoes and warm socks. If you have especially cold hands or have any menstrual problems, including fertility issues*, then it's probably a good idea to wear two pairs of socks. And don't knock it 'til you try it - it's really comfortable and cosy!
(*Cold feet can drain the Kidney energy - the Kidney system is fundamental to fertility)
Legs
The next place to consider is the legs. If you're nice and warm with just long pants then that's probably enough. But I find in the clinic that when people hop up on the table, their legs and feet are often extremely cold to touch. In this case, you'll notice the difference if you switch from skirts to pants, and if you're still cold then try cotton tights or leggings under the pants. Really, it makes an incredible difference and you need to try it to see if it works for you.
Having a layer of insulation now around your feet and legs, you'll be feeling much more protected from the elements and your state of mind will probably be more serene too.
Lower back
The third place to notice is your lower back. If there's a gap in your clothing then this is chilling your Kidneys and is bad news. Try a cotton singlet tucked in to cover this area. This will also continue that layer of insulation right up the trunk and provide a great core of snug warmth for when you go out in the elements.
Chinese Medicine Theory - Kidneys, Yin and the lower body
Winter relates to the Water element and the Kidney organ energy system. The lower back is traditionally said to be the "residence of the Kidneys", which is why we will often use acupuncture points to strengthen the Kidneys when helping people with lower back pain.
The whole lower portion of the body, including legs and feet, is closer to the Earth it and so it belongs to Yin, which relates to coolness and Winter. So this is the reason why looking after the Yin and Kidney areas of the body helps you adjust to the demands of the season.
If you look after these three areas then you'll have less need for jackets and hats and will feel cosy in the chilliest of Sydney Winter winds (though do keep protecting your neck with a scarf). You should also notice that your hands are remarkably warmer, and this is a great sign that your body is already getting into a better state of balance.
(See other articles on staying healthy and vibrant in Winter)
This post is brought to you by Lois Nethery, acupuncturist and Chinese medicine herbalist at Ocean Acupuncture in Curl Curl on Sydney's Northern Beaches.
Ocean Acupuncture is a natural medicine centre of independent health practitioners. The views expressed in this blog are the author's only and do not necessarily reflect the views of the other Ocean Acupuncture practitioners.
The information presented in this blog, and on the Ocean Acupuncture website, is for interest and educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for health or medical information or advice. For health or medical advice, please consult your health professional.
Dress like a mountain!
The easiest way to remember how to dress in Winter is to think of a mountain - at the base it's quite warm, and as you go higher it gets colder and colder.We Westerners tend to layer on the beanies, scarfs and jackets in Winter and let our feet exist in a state of chilled numbness! You will feel much more comfortable by turning this thinking on its head, so to speak.
Feet
Start with your feet - notice them when you're outside in Winter. If you're like most people, you've probably ignored them up to now. But if you tune in to your feet you might be surprised to notice that they feel quite stiff and numb in the cold weather.
The best remedy for this is to make sure you wear closed-in shoes and warm socks. If you have especially cold hands or have any menstrual problems, including fertility issues*, then it's probably a good idea to wear two pairs of socks. And don't knock it 'til you try it - it's really comfortable and cosy!
(*Cold feet can drain the Kidney energy - the Kidney system is fundamental to fertility)
Legs
The next place to consider is the legs. If you're nice and warm with just long pants then that's probably enough. But I find in the clinic that when people hop up on the table, their legs and feet are often extremely cold to touch. In this case, you'll notice the difference if you switch from skirts to pants, and if you're still cold then try cotton tights or leggings under the pants. Really, it makes an incredible difference and you need to try it to see if it works for you.
Having a layer of insulation now around your feet and legs, you'll be feeling much more protected from the elements and your state of mind will probably be more serene too.
Lower back
The third place to notice is your lower back. If there's a gap in your clothing then this is chilling your Kidneys and is bad news. Try a cotton singlet tucked in to cover this area. This will also continue that layer of insulation right up the trunk and provide a great core of snug warmth for when you go out in the elements.
Chinese Medicine Theory - Kidneys, Yin and the lower body
Winter relates to the Water element and the Kidney organ energy system. The lower back is traditionally said to be the "residence of the Kidneys", which is why we will often use acupuncture points to strengthen the Kidneys when helping people with lower back pain.
The whole lower portion of the body, including legs and feet, is closer to the Earth it and so it belongs to Yin, which relates to coolness and Winter. So this is the reason why looking after the Yin and Kidney areas of the body helps you adjust to the demands of the season.
If you look after these three areas then you'll have less need for jackets and hats and will feel cosy in the chilliest of Sydney Winter winds (though do keep protecting your neck with a scarf). You should also notice that your hands are remarkably warmer, and this is a great sign that your body is already getting into a better state of balance.
(See other articles on staying healthy and vibrant in Winter)
This post is brought to you by Lois Nethery, acupuncturist and Chinese medicine herbalist at Ocean Acupuncture in Curl Curl on Sydney's Northern Beaches.
Ocean Acupuncture is a natural medicine centre of independent health practitioners. The views expressed in this blog are the author's only and do not necessarily reflect the views of the other Ocean Acupuncture practitioners.
The information presented in this blog, and on the Ocean Acupuncture website, is for interest and educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for health or medical information or advice. For health or medical advice, please consult your health professional.
Bowen Therapy - The Gentle Healing Touch
What is Bowen Therapy? Most people only hear about it through word of mouth, yet it is one of the most profoundly relaxing and healing therapies around. It was developed in Australia, in Victoria by Tom Bowen in the 1960’s. Today it is a flourishing therapy and available in many countries in the world.
I have been a Bowen therapist for almost ten years yet I still find it hard to describe it to someone who asks what it is! It is much better to try a treatment to understand the feeling of it and how it works on the body’s systems.
You lie on a treatment couch, like when you go for a massage, only you don’t need to get undressed as we are able to work through light clothing. It is non-invasive and very gentle, which makes it so unique.
We make rolling type pressure ‘moves’ on very precise points on the body on muscles and tendons, in a sequence, to allow the body to go into a deep state of relaxation. Even people who find it very hard to relax can’t help but relax during a Bowen treatment.
When the body is deeply relaxed it then has the ability to heal itself. It’s about the client surrendering to the healing process which is about to take place. We therapists are just facilitators, you actually do all the healing yourself.
Each muscle has a receptor which sends a message to the brain after it has been ‘swtiched on’ and the message comes back from the brain to tell the muscles to relax and reset into it’s correct position. When the muscles are relaxed they can allow fresh blood to come in to fill the muscles, heal, and allow the lymphatic system to flow better and it also clears energy blocks in the body.
It can help you with muscular-skeletal disorders, stress and tension, bronchial problems, general relaxation and body balancing and stimulates lymphatic drainage.
All in all, it is the most beautiful experience and most people say their treatment was ‘Amazing’.
Sonia Barton is a Bowen Therapist and works from Ocean Acupuncture. If you would like more information on how Bowen therapy can help you with, you can go to her website: www.BowenEnergyWork.com.au
Tel: 0431 911 329
This post is brought to you by Sonia Barton, Bowen Therapist at Ocean Acupuncture in Curl Curl.
Ocean Acupuncture is a natural medicine centre of independent health practitioners. The views expressed in this blog are the author's only and do not necessarily reflect the views of the other Ocean Acupuncture practitioners.
The information presented in this blog, and on the Ocean Acupuncture website, is for interest and educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for health or medical information or advice. For health or medical advice, please consult your health professional.
I have been a Bowen therapist for almost ten years yet I still find it hard to describe it to someone who asks what it is! It is much better to try a treatment to understand the feeling of it and how it works on the body’s systems.
You lie on a treatment couch, like when you go for a massage, only you don’t need to get undressed as we are able to work through light clothing. It is non-invasive and very gentle, which makes it so unique.
We make rolling type pressure ‘moves’ on very precise points on the body on muscles and tendons, in a sequence, to allow the body to go into a deep state of relaxation. Even people who find it very hard to relax can’t help but relax during a Bowen treatment.
When the body is deeply relaxed it then has the ability to heal itself. It’s about the client surrendering to the healing process which is about to take place. We therapists are just facilitators, you actually do all the healing yourself.
Each muscle has a receptor which sends a message to the brain after it has been ‘swtiched on’ and the message comes back from the brain to tell the muscles to relax and reset into it’s correct position. When the muscles are relaxed they can allow fresh blood to come in to fill the muscles, heal, and allow the lymphatic system to flow better and it also clears energy blocks in the body.
It can help you with muscular-skeletal disorders, stress and tension, bronchial problems, general relaxation and body balancing and stimulates lymphatic drainage.
All in all, it is the most beautiful experience and most people say their treatment was ‘Amazing’.
Sonia Barton is a Bowen Therapist and works from Ocean Acupuncture. If you would like more information on how Bowen therapy can help you with, you can go to her website: www.BowenEnergyWork.com.au
Tel: 0431 911 329
This post is brought to you by Sonia Barton, Bowen Therapist at Ocean Acupuncture in Curl Curl.
Ocean Acupuncture is a natural medicine centre of independent health practitioners. The views expressed in this blog are the author's only and do not necessarily reflect the views of the other Ocean Acupuncture practitioners.
The information presented in this blog, and on the Ocean Acupuncture website, is for interest and educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for health or medical information or advice. For health or medical advice, please consult your health professional.
Apple and Goji Berry Crumble (Gluten-free)
This warming dessert will fill the room with vanilla and spice aromas. It's gluten-free, low in fat and has no cane sugar.
This is the version I made, adapted by using what I had at hand, based on one of Kristie's favourite blogs - Teresa Cutter "The Healthy Chef". I really wanted to use goji berries so I had a look at a very decadent Apple Goji Strudel recipe to see how to include them - that recipe uses plenty of brown sugar and butter, if you're that way inclined!
It's apple season - they're fresh, juicy and plentiful and great value. Goji berries nourish the Yin of the Kidney and Liver, making them a great winter food. They're good for Kidney-based conditions such as lower back pain or fertility issues, and they are especially known to benefit the eyes and vision.
4 large fuji apples, cored and cut into chunks
125 ml orange juice
Zest from 1 lemon
120g dried Goji berries, rehydrated *
1/2 cup almond meal **
1/4 cup shredded coconut
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
20g plain-flavoured oil (I used rice bran oil)
25g honey
Combine the apples, orange juice and lemon zest in a saucepan.
Cook over a low heat for about 20 minutes until the apples are soft and liquid has evaporated.
Fold the Gojis through the warm apple and place into a baking dish or individual ramekins ***.
Combine almond meal, coconut, oil, vanilla, cinnamon and honey until all are coated.
Sprinkle over the apple and goji.
Bake in a moderate 175 C oven for 20-30 minutes until golden.
Serve with honey cinnamon yoghurt and enjoy! ****
* Goji berries are now in many health food stores but also at Chinese supermarkets - there are several in Dee Why. The Chinese name is Gou Qi Zi (pron "Go Chee Tze"). They look like red sultanas. To rehydrate, soak in boiling water for 5-10 minutes. Strain and sip the soak water - it's a powerhouse of antioxidant, Yin-nourishing goodness!
** A great place to get almond meal is Saini Emporium in Dee Why, an Indian grocery. It's a treasure trove of beautiful spices, curry pastes and curious goodies! Everything is sold in bulk quantities so it's excellent value.
*** I accidentally cooked my Gojis with the apple. It still tasted great, but they will be prettier if folded in as per the recipe as they lose some redness when cooked.
**** My preferred supermarket yoghurt is Farmers Union Greek Style Natural Yoghurt as they use S. Thermophilus and L. Bulgaricus cultures, which are supposed to be best for the intestinal flora (1). Add about half a teaspoon of cinnamon and a heaped teaspoon of honey to a cup of yoghurt (adjust to taste). I also had some liquid left over from the cooked apples so I reduced this to a syrup and added to the yoghurt, which gave a subtle citrus zing!
(1) See the Specific Carbohydrate Diet website at http://www.breakingtheviciouscycle.info/
This post is brought to you by Lois Nethery, acupuncturist and Chinese medicine herbalist at Ocean Acupuncture in Curl Curl on Sydney's Northern Beaches.
Ocean Acupuncture is a natural medicine centre of independent health practitioners. The views expressed in this blog are the author's only and do not necessarily reflect the views of the other Ocean Acupuncture practitioners.
The information presented in this blog, and on the Ocean Acupuncture website, is for interest and educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for health or medical information or advice. For health or medical advice, please consult your health professional.
This is the version I made, adapted by using what I had at hand, based on one of Kristie's favourite blogs - Teresa Cutter "The Healthy Chef". I really wanted to use goji berries so I had a look at a very decadent Apple Goji Strudel recipe to see how to include them - that recipe uses plenty of brown sugar and butter, if you're that way inclined!
It's apple season - they're fresh, juicy and plentiful and great value. Goji berries nourish the Yin of the Kidney and Liver, making them a great winter food. They're good for Kidney-based conditions such as lower back pain or fertility issues, and they are especially known to benefit the eyes and vision.
4 large fuji apples, cored and cut into chunks
125 ml orange juice
Zest from 1 lemon
120g dried Goji berries, rehydrated *
1/2 cup almond meal **
1/4 cup shredded coconut
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
20g plain-flavoured oil (I used rice bran oil)
25g honey
Combine the apples, orange juice and lemon zest in a saucepan.
Cook over a low heat for about 20 minutes until the apples are soft and liquid has evaporated.
Fold the Gojis through the warm apple and place into a baking dish or individual ramekins ***.
Combine almond meal, coconut, oil, vanilla, cinnamon and honey until all are coated.
Sprinkle over the apple and goji.
Bake in a moderate 175 C oven for 20-30 minutes until golden.
Serve with honey cinnamon yoghurt and enjoy! ****
* Goji berries are now in many health food stores but also at Chinese supermarkets - there are several in Dee Why. The Chinese name is Gou Qi Zi (pron "Go Chee Tze"). They look like red sultanas. To rehydrate, soak in boiling water for 5-10 minutes. Strain and sip the soak water - it's a powerhouse of antioxidant, Yin-nourishing goodness!
** A great place to get almond meal is Saini Emporium in Dee Why, an Indian grocery. It's a treasure trove of beautiful spices, curry pastes and curious goodies! Everything is sold in bulk quantities so it's excellent value.
*** I accidentally cooked my Gojis with the apple. It still tasted great, but they will be prettier if folded in as per the recipe as they lose some redness when cooked.
**** My preferred supermarket yoghurt is Farmers Union Greek Style Natural Yoghurt as they use S. Thermophilus and L. Bulgaricus cultures, which are supposed to be best for the intestinal flora (1). Add about half a teaspoon of cinnamon and a heaped teaspoon of honey to a cup of yoghurt (adjust to taste). I also had some liquid left over from the cooked apples so I reduced this to a syrup and added to the yoghurt, which gave a subtle citrus zing!
(1) See the Specific Carbohydrate Diet website at http://www.breakingtheviciouscycle.info/
This post is brought to you by Lois Nethery, acupuncturist and Chinese medicine herbalist at Ocean Acupuncture in Curl Curl on Sydney's Northern Beaches.
Ocean Acupuncture is a natural medicine centre of independent health practitioners. The views expressed in this blog are the author's only and do not necessarily reflect the views of the other Ocean Acupuncture practitioners.
The information presented in this blog, and on the Ocean Acupuncture website, is for interest and educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for health or medical information or advice. For health or medical advice, please consult your health professional.
Preventing sports injuries in Winter
Winter, according the Chinese, is a time to conserve our energy. The cold weather and long nights are designed to help us stay indoors and rest. This doesn’t mean we need to give up our usual exercising, but we should adjust our routines slightly to fit with the season.
Winter is a great time to seek indoor activities. Things like yoga, Pilates, tai chi and qi gong are great activities that you can do from the warmth of indoors.
If, like me, you do really enjoy getting outdoors and exercising, regardless of the temperature, there are plenty of things you can do to prevent injury and protect yourself from getting ill.
The most common sporting injury is sprains and strains. A sprain is an injury involving ligaments or a joint capsule, whereas a strain involves muscles or tendons. Common sprain sites include ankles, thumbs and wrists. Common sites for strains include calves, hamstrings and groin.
The easiest way to reduce this risk is to ensure you do a proper warm up and cool down/stretching regime. This will warm up the muscles and increase blood flow and oxygen to the muscles to reduce the chance of injury.
In the winter months it’s important to dress appropriately for outdoor training (this is not the time for shorts and singlets!). Layering of clothes is the best method, ensuring you don’t go lighter than long tights/top no matter how warm you get whilst exercising.
Once you have stopped exercising, and are sweating, it is important pop on a jumper and preferably a scarf immediately. You may feel hot and be sweating, but this is the most crucial time to avoid getting ill. When we are exposed and sweating our acupuncture channels are ‘open’ and easily susceptible to being invaded by the cold winter air. This can cause muscle stiffness or colds, amongst other things. Take yourself indoors out of the cold air to finish your session with a good stretch for 10-15 minutes post session.
If you do find yourself with sporting injuries, acupuncture is a great way to minimise recovery time. Acupuncture can increase blood flow to the injured area to promote quicker healing time (this is especially important in problems with tendons and ligaments as they have a limited bloody supply as it is, and generally take longer to heal than soft tissue injuries).
If you have any questions on how acupuncture can assist with well-being and sports injuries please don’t hesitate to contact the clinic to discuss.
This post is brought to you by Belinda Boylan, acupuncturist and Chinese medicine herbalist at Ocean Acupuncture in Curl Curl on Sydney's Northern Beaches.
Ocean Acupuncture is a natural medicine centre of independent health practitioners. The views expressed in this blog are the author's only and do not necessarily reflect the views of the other Ocean Acupuncture practitioners.
The information presented in this blog, and on the Ocean Acupuncture website, is for interest and educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for health or medical information or advice. For health or medical advice, please consult your health professional.
Winter is a great time to seek indoor activities. Things like yoga, Pilates, tai chi and qi gong are great activities that you can do from the warmth of indoors.
If, like me, you do really enjoy getting outdoors and exercising, regardless of the temperature, there are plenty of things you can do to prevent injury and protect yourself from getting ill.
The most common sporting injury is sprains and strains. A sprain is an injury involving ligaments or a joint capsule, whereas a strain involves muscles or tendons. Common sprain sites include ankles, thumbs and wrists. Common sites for strains include calves, hamstrings and groin.
The easiest way to reduce this risk is to ensure you do a proper warm up and cool down/stretching regime. This will warm up the muscles and increase blood flow and oxygen to the muscles to reduce the chance of injury.
In the winter months it’s important to dress appropriately for outdoor training (this is not the time for shorts and singlets!). Layering of clothes is the best method, ensuring you don’t go lighter than long tights/top no matter how warm you get whilst exercising.
Once you have stopped exercising, and are sweating, it is important pop on a jumper and preferably a scarf immediately. You may feel hot and be sweating, but this is the most crucial time to avoid getting ill. When we are exposed and sweating our acupuncture channels are ‘open’ and easily susceptible to being invaded by the cold winter air. This can cause muscle stiffness or colds, amongst other things. Take yourself indoors out of the cold air to finish your session with a good stretch for 10-15 minutes post session.
If you do find yourself with sporting injuries, acupuncture is a great way to minimise recovery time. Acupuncture can increase blood flow to the injured area to promote quicker healing time (this is especially important in problems with tendons and ligaments as they have a limited bloody supply as it is, and generally take longer to heal than soft tissue injuries).
If you have any questions on how acupuncture can assist with well-being and sports injuries please don’t hesitate to contact the clinic to discuss.
- give us a call on (02) 9938 2182
- email us at info@oceanacupuncture.com.au
- choose a practitioner at http://www.oceanacupuncture.com.au/about-us.htm and contact them directly
This post is brought to you by Belinda Boylan, acupuncturist and Chinese medicine herbalist at Ocean Acupuncture in Curl Curl on Sydney's Northern Beaches.
Ocean Acupuncture is a natural medicine centre of independent health practitioners. The views expressed in this blog are the author's only and do not necessarily reflect the views of the other Ocean Acupuncture practitioners.
The information presented in this blog, and on the Ocean Acupuncture website, is for interest and educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for health or medical information or advice. For health or medical advice, please consult your health professional.
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