Maintaining Joint Health through the Winter

As the temperature decreases, joint pain can increase.  Here are a few tips to keep your joints happy!

Keep moving!  I am sure that you have heard the expression…if you don’t use it, you lose it.  Well, that is definitely true for your joints.  Cartilage gets nutrients from the fluid around the joint.  If you aren’t moving your joints, the cartilage can suffer. 

Keep your joints warm.  Some studies have shown that changes in temperature can affect the pressure in your joints. 

Feed your body what it needs.  Studies have shown that increasing your intake of Omega-3’s, Vitamin K, and Vitamin C can reduce overall inflammation in your body.  Decreased inflammation can mean decreased pain.  You can also take supplements like Chondroitin (1200 mg), and Glucosamine (1500 mg) to help ease joint pain.  

About the Author: 

Lori Mace is the owner and Chiropractic Doctor of Eugene Chiropractic Group, located at SpringWell Health Center in Eugene, Oregon. She is a knowledgeable, compassionate physician who offers a unique approach to healing that helps people reach their optimal health and meet their personal goals. 

Doctor Mace specializes in Graston Technique, comprehensive treatments for most skeletal-muscular conditions including, but not limited to neck pain, back pain (acute and chronic), herniated discs, sports injuries and personal injuries, such as whiplash and other accidental injuries, pre-natal and post-natal care, essential oils, and medical nutrition. 

Visit her website: www.EugeneChiropracticGroup.com for more information about her specialties and services. 

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Pregnancy Massage - Some Interesting Facts

As a massage therapist, I have always enjoyed working with women before, during, and after the birth of their babies and I am always interested in learning more and more about the many benefits and science behind prenatal massage and postnatal massage.

Last week I attended a great talk by Leslie Stager, one of the foremost authorities on pregnancy massage. 

The talk was entitled "Myths and Realities" and here are a few of the tidbits that I took away:

* Massage in the first trimester is fine and wonderfully helpful!

* Because miscarriage rates in the first trimester are so common (22-24%), there had been a perception that there was an association between the two. The truth is that a healthy pregnancy is very difficult to dislodge. If it were otherwise, there wouldn't be demand for abortive technologies.

* Massage of the ankles during pregnancy is commonly thought to be something to be avoided because of acupuncture points associated with the uterus. Receiving massage of the ankles is NOT a concern if just a couple of specific acupressure points are avoided. Acupressure stimulates specific and intentional points that can help support labor labor if it has already begun or is ready to start.

* Reflexology also supports pregnancy and labor and not miscarriage.

* The biggest concern with massage during pregnancy is due to increased blood volume and the possibility of blood clots. During a pregnancy massage care is taken to not work deeply in the thigh and calf areas for this reason. Lighter, flowing massage strokes are safe and soothing.

* Massage during the perinatal period is overwhelmingly supportive to the well being of Mama and Baby!

You can experience the benefits of Prenatal Massage by visiting us here at Essence of Bliss Massage in SpringWell Health Center! Call us today to schedule an appointment: 541-343-3455

About the Author:

Sarananda Davis, LMT #7612

Sarananda is the owner of Essence of Bliss Massage, a reputable and reliable source for therapeutic massage in Eugene, Oregon, located at SpringWell Health Center. She is a Licensed Massage Therapist with over 10 years experience who specializes in Therapeutic Swedish and Deep Tissue, Prenatal Massage, Reiki and Raindrop Therapy.

Visit her website: EssenceofBlissMassage.com  for tips and discussions on massage therapy, nutrition, prenatal care, labor and birth issues and how to care for your family naturally!

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Warming Stew for Cool Fall Days

Fall has officially settled in. The leaves are changing and the air is cooling down. This leads us to choose warming foods and herbs, and grounding, yummy root vegetables.

With this in mind, I would like to share with you one of my favorite fall-time recipes for a soup that's perfect for one of those days when it's cold outside and you are looking for something, warm, hearty, and delicious. The prep time for this recipe is about 30 minutes, and the cook time is 20-40 minutes. It is also completely vegan and full of ingredients that are great for the body. 

Green Lentil Stew with Kabocha Squash 

1 Medium Onion
1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
1 Cup Dried Green Lentils
5 Cups Water
2 Cups Spinach
1 Cup Chopped Celery
3 Tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar
1/2 Teaspoon Sea Salt (Himalayan or Celtic)
2-3 Cloves Garlic, chopped (this was not in the original recipe, but I'm a fool for garlic, and it made a great spice!)
2 Cups Chopped Winter Squash (Kabocha) 

In a large soup pot, sauté the onions in the olive oil over medium heat until the onions are soft/transparent. (Be careful not to heat these too quickly, as you do not want to burn the olive oil. Burning oil is no good for your health, and if it does burn, do not breathe the smoke, as that is toxic to the body.) Add the water, lentils, and apple cider vinegar to the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and add the spinach, celery, & squash. Let this simmer for 20-40 minutes, tasting it for readiness. Enjoy!

Such a delicious and warming meal on a cool, fall day!

 Note: It is important to look for organic ingredients (as much as possible) to avoid ingesting any unhealthy anti-nutrients, which may effect the body's ability to use the nutrients in the food. For more information about choosing organic foods, visit my website. 

Click here for more recipes!

It is nice to diffuse the oils of cinnamon, nutmeg, orange, clove, and pine on these cooler days as well. These oils are perfect for fall and make your house smell amazing. You can pick up these oils from SpringWell Health Center in Eugene, Oregon or call us to learn more about how to order your own therapeutic-grade essential oils at 24% off retail price.

 

About the Author:  

Rachel Hoffman founded GoodnessMeGoddess.com, a site and business committed to sharing information about non-toxic living, essential oils, nutrition, and total wellness. Visit to learn more about what chemicals & ingredients to avoid in your beauty and personal care products as well as find whole-food recipes, books and other natural-care products.

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