Spectrum Blog

Handy Medicinal Teas

Handy Medicinal Teas

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By Bek Walker

There’s something so soothing about the ritual of making tea, and taking the time to enjoy a nice hot cup of it, don’t you think?

Well, if you’re not already into it, herbal teas come with some extra benefits and qualities that can be wonderful aids in times of unwellness or general lowness.

Here are some of my favourite medicinal teas that are great to have handy!

Ginger
If you are feeling chilly, try a cup of ginger tea to warm you up!  Ginger root tea is useful for temporary cases of feeling cold, such as if you feel yourself coming down with a  cold, as well as if you suffer from poor circulation generally.  It can also be a great way to start the day, as it gets your whole system going, and stimulates and soothes digestion and nausea.   Regular use of ginger tea can also help to regulate menstruation and alleviate menstrual cramps.

Cinnamon & Raspberry leaf
This is a great one for cases of gastroenteritis.  Sipped regularly through a bout of gastro, not only does this help to maintain hydration, but the tannins in this tea have a direct antiviral action in the gut, with additional astringent properties that help to ease diarrhoea and soothe and heal the gut lining.  Best had without any sweetener or with a natural sweetener such as stevia, as sugar will have an osmotic effect that could exacerbate diarrhoea.

Calendula
A wonderful tea for where there is lymphatic congestion, resulting in such issues as skin problems and menstrual issues.  In fact, Calendula is known to have a particular affinity for clearing pelvic congestion, often helping to regulate menstruation and ease excessive menstrual bleeding.

Yarrow, Elder & Peppermint
A great tea for the common cold.  This combination of herbs is great for helping to clear upper respiratory congestion, and useful for where there is also fever.  It also supports the healing of the mucous membranes that line our respiratory tract.

Nettle
A very nutritive and cleansing tea.  Nettle is full of vitamins and minerals including iron, so makes a wonderful tea for someone lacking in energy and vitality.  It also helps to gently detoxify the system, and so can be beneficial in all sorts of skin conditions.

Roasted Dandelion Root
Dandelion root is a great alternative to coffee.  It has an earthy bitter flavour and can be enjoyed with milk or milk substitute if desired.  Dandelion root tea can help ease indigestion, support good digestion generally and promote good liver health.

So if you are yet to try any of these, why not look into adding one or two of these to your pantry this winter!

Check out our flu season survival guide

https://spectrumchiropractic.com.au/flu-season-survival-guide/

Here’s how to avoid dry skin in winter https://spectrumchiropractic.com.au/how-to-prevent-winter-dry-skin-and-stimulate-your-metabolism-too/

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When was the last time you felt joy in your body?

When was the last time you felt joy in your body?

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By chiropractor  Dr. Graham Taylor

We are sensory beings, designed to feel sensations. Not all sensations are pleasant and indeed some people do live with chronic and terrible pain, physical or emotional.  But joy and bliss are also part of the array of feelings we are designed to feel. When we get a hint of happiness or pleasantness do we pay scant regard to it or do we stop for a moment, breathe deeply, smile and let bliss wash over?

Remember the phrase “Stop and smell the roses? I don’t know who coined it but I checked Wiktionary and it explained, “To relax. To take time out of one’s busy schedule to enjoy or appreciate the beauty of life”. Thank you Wikipedia. Interesting that also in that column of related terms was “gather rosebuds” and “seize the day”.

The other day I was walking-trotting along one of our amazing beaches; the dog was smiling, sun shining and for the first time in a while I did not have any niggles or stiffness in any of my joints (usually there is a bit of something somewhere). I thought “Wow. How good IS THIS?!” A thought from somewhere told me I should really celebrate this, just drop thoughts of doing stuff and allow myself to be in this moment.  So I did. With my super-busy life, usually I don’t remember so vividly these events over a week later. I’m sure it’s so clear because I actually disciplined myself to be more present.

But is it really necessary we have all our ducks in a row to say, “Right-o  it’s ok to be happy now”? I don’t know if it’s meant to be perfect before we stop and appreciate things. I think there are a couple of layers to this; one being to have the presence of mind to make time for dropping in to feel happiness and appreciation – another is to take that next step of letting stress layers fall to one side to allow oneness with what we are experiencing. For example when you go to an amazing waterfall, are you the person who melts into the beauty or do you run around with a selfie stick?

Joy and bliss are true and valid feelings we as humans are designed to feel, if only we would allow ourselves to get out of the way. Sure, there is a lot of heavy stuff in the world right now. I don’t mean to make light of that at all. If we want to help we could find something in our power to do so – it could be praying or meditating or it could be making a donation. Some recent events have proven the power of positive people when aligned as one.

Recently I was invited to join a men’s group, we work in similar fields. We have done a trip on a wild river and we talk and share online. It has been amazing to see the opening of these men’s hearts – we – us, a bunch of guys in business with a lot of busy-ness!!  Our early conversations were more about how to be successful in business whereas now we are talking about how we feel, what stresses us out, etc. We are taking some time out to stop and appreciate what we care deeply for. And guess what? We are feeling more connected than ever before. We are sharing our successes, fears and un-kowns. I think we needed the group focus to give us the permission to do that, because the common presumption in 21st century life seems to be “do a lot of stuff and have a lot of stuff”.

Hugging is a great way to enliven our sensory world. Dr. Darren Weisman, creator of The LifeLine Technique says the best way to hug is do it heart to heart. “Of course” I thought. But how often do we do what I call a “Hollywood” hug i.e. hurried and awkward when really we get more value if we put our heart on our beloved’s heart and smooch in for a proper greeting, that’s when we feel a connection with our beloved and with ourselves, because we actually stop a moment and FEEL 🙂 .

What about the way we hold a presence with someone? Have you heard the saying, “Yeah, what – I’m listenin’ at ya”.  So do we listen to them in order to formulate a reply or do we listen so we understand their position? I read that somewhere the other day and realized there is actually a big difference.

My direction here is to encourage us to chill a bit, listen to our inner self, listen to our loved ones and even try to appreciate another’s view. Also to suggest a reminder of the importance of connecting with love and gratitude for all that is and all we have.

When I look back on my half hour on the beach the other day I realize at that special moment in time with just me, Jasper the dog, the sea and sky – I felt like the wealthiest man alive. There will be more of these balmy days before Winter sets in so let’s open our hearts for some warming.

 

Here is an article to help you to ensure that your habits are supporting your wellbeing https://spectrumchiropractic.com.au/wellbeing-of-mind-body-and-spirit/

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What is your health philosophy?

What is your health philosophy?

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By chiropractor Dr. Annika Jende

Did you know you had one? Most of us don’t, but it reflects in our health choices – even if we don’t know we have choices! So here are some insights that will allow you to get to know your philosophy.

At one end of the extreme, we have

Reactive or Symptom driven health management.
At this level, the body gets treated according to how it feels. It gets attention when it hurts or gets uncomfortable in some way. The sentiment is that health is down to germs, genes and sheer luck. The body is regarded as a tool for pleasure (at best) and as an unpredictable enemy (at worst) that can and attack or strike down completely out of the blue. You are a victim of your body.
Chiropractic: You come in (often when the medicine hasn’t worked) when it hurts and stop coming when it stops hurting.
Substances: It is highly likely that you drink several units of alcohol and use other substances like cigarettes, sugar, fizzy drinks, caffeine and extended screen time every day.
Food: food is eaten for convenience, and there is no sense that food is the body’s fuel.
Water: is for washing.
Typical sentences are: “My grandfather smoked/drank/ate sugar/was obese his whole life and he lived to be 94!” “I know I smoke/drink/eat sugar, but without it life is just not worth living. I might get hit by a bus tomorrow anyway.” “What do you expect at my age!”
The problem with this approach is that by the time symptoms occur, the disease process is quite a way down the track. This is not just spinal issues – for example cancer doesn’t start hurting until it is way down the track.
I am convinced that people who operate at this level have no idea what “feeling good in your body” actually feels like!

The Preventive or Function driven health management:
At this level, you realize that below the level of symptoms, things might be not quite right even if there is no pain or obvious symptoms. You may notice, for example, that you are not be able to move your neck properly to do the reversing. You probably go to the dentist regularly because you know that cavities can happen without hurting; and you have your regular checkups with your GP for cholesterol etc. The body is regarded like a vehicle: something that will work better if it’s checked up regularly, but accidents still happen.
Chiropractic: You come for chiropractic care not just to get out of pain, but to regain your function (such as range of movement), stop coming once that is achieved and then come in for checkups once every 6 months.
Substances: You likely have several units of alcohol on the weekend, and probably during the week on occasion too.
Food: is eaten for pleasure.
Water: You have your 6 glasses a day as recommended.
Typical sentences: “well, I know I eat McDonald’s, but I exercise lots!” “Everything in moderation” “Is my neck out again?!”
The problem with this approach is that once symptoms emerge or tests are positive, the disease process has already started, so it’s not really a preventive approach at all.

The Proactive or Lifestyle driven health management:
You see your health as important in allowing you to do what you value most – parent, work, athletic pursuits, thinking clearly, sleeping better etc. You see healthcare as an investment to a long and healthy life. The body is treated much like a cherished pet: good food, good exercise, lots of water and what else is needed to keep it happy and healthy, so it can be a source of joy. You choose your health team carefully, which is likely to consist of both natural therapies and orthodox practitioners. Should you get unwell, you trust that your body is quite capable of getting well again, and you will decide which practitioners on your team are going to help you get there. You are loath to take prescription medication and will do so only when you have done your research and have decided this is the best course of action.
Chiropractic: You attend for chiropractic care regularly because you know that not only will you have less pain, bounce back from injuries faster and have more freedom of movement, but you know that you can also improve your general health (immune system, breathing, digesting etc) by attending and you bring in your family to give them the best possible chance to be their best and get the most out of life.
Substances: If you drink, it will be an indulgent pleasure of one or two glasses once, maybe twice a week. You aren’t prepared to spend a day hung over, because you will miss out on experiencing that day.
Food: is eaten for joy. And if giving up gluten or dairy is going to make you feel better, you just get on with the business of changing your diet. Your food is fresh and prepared from scratch.
Water: You only drink filtered water, and you drink it with pleasure.
Typical sentences: “I feel so much better now that I am having regular chiropractic care/doing yoga (or Pilates or other exercise)/ taking my supplements”.
The problem with this approach is that it takes more effort and responsibility and probably finances to pursue it.

Spiritual or growth level of health management:
At this level, health is appreciated as something that will define your path in life, the crucial element to allow you to fulfill your highest potential. The body is understood to be a partner in life, with its’ own needs and ways of communicating. When a health issue does present itself, it is seen as an opportunity to learn and grow as a person and to improve your understanding how to take better care of it. The body is seen a source of wisdom.
Chiropractic: You attend regularly, and it is part of your health regime which also includes several other modalities. You love feeling good in your body. You get excited when Graham and Annika have been to yet another seminar, because you know that you can now explore the next wellness frontier.
Substances: You wouldn’t dream of partaking of something that would harm your body – why would you want to harm your precious time-space traveling partner? It’s the only body you’ve got!
Food: Is eaten to nourish body and soul and is organic.
Water: Is blessed before it is drunk.
Typical sentences: “When I got that cold I realized that I had overdone it and just needed to rest. Next time I will make sure I schedule in time to rest and recoup  after a yoga weekend.” ” My knee really hurt, but then I realized that I was being inflexible about this issue, and once I was able to see it from their point of view, the pain went away”
The problem with this approach is that, while you have an excellent team that can help you, the ultimate responsibility for your health and wellness rests with you. It’s a lot of effort, but you really know what “feeling good” feels like.

The vast majority of orthodox medicine is symptom driven and function driven (probably because most people are) which essentially amounts to “sickness care”. Integrative GPs like Dr. Draper and all natural therapies practitioners I am aware of are at least at the proactive level (health care!) and a minority are at the spiritual growth level – a supreme example is Louise Hay, of which most of you will have heard.

Keep in mind that it is a continuum, so that you probably fluctuate between two levels depending on stress and whatever else you may have going on in your life. If nothing else, I hope this little article has provided some food for thought to see if you are really happy with your choices.

I would like to acknowledge Dr. Martin Harvey, whose webinar I took part in, for the seeds of this article.

 

Here is an article on how to ensure your habits support your wellbeing https://spectrumchiropractic.com.au/wellbeing-of-mind-body-and-spirit/

Muscle Memory

Muscle Memory

Spectrum Blog

By  Don Foote

We are products of our day to day activities; whether we are on the tools or at a desk, we are creating memory in our physical bodies. This repetitive behaviour works the muscles continuously in set patterns which do not work the body in an even way. Generally we are overworking one set of muscles while others are not working much at all – making injury inevitable. You may notice, for instance, that you are continually rubbing one part of your neck. This could be fatigued muscles trying to fight against the stronger more used or contracted muscles or the reverse where the muscles you are using continuously have become so overloaded with lactic acid due to continual contraction that they feel painful all the time.

Either way, there is a condition which I call “motor-sensory amnesia” which is the condition where the message from the muscle to the brain gets lost in transition, for example in the case of the contracted muscle the message is interpreted as “just noise”. Corrective exercises allow the correct message to get through hence restoring normal function and a more balanced you. Generally corrective exercises are simple exercises that make a huge difference to how you feel – so next time you come in ask about them!

Are scars part of what is stopping your muscles from working properly? Check out this article https://spectrumchiropractic.com.au/scars/

Fats

Fats

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By chiropractor Dr. Annika Jende

Fats are actually an essential component of our bodies – our brains, for example, are 90% fat, and, let’s face it, for most of us, our brains are pretty important. Every single cell has a membrane that consists of two fat layers. Cholesterol similarly is an extremely important component in our bodies, too – which is why we make about 80% of it, rather than relying on our diets to provide it.

Fats make you feel full, whereas carbohydrates make you feel hungry and cycle your blood sugar.  BUT we do need to make sure we get the right sort of fats, so here’s the summary:

The bad and the ugly:
Man-made fats, such as margarine, are full of TRANS-fats, which the body does not recognize but they do end up in cell membranes in preference to omega 3’s. This makes the cell membranes BRITTLE and AGES the cells faster. Vegetable fats that have been heated more than once become cancer-causing – and keep in mind that a lot of fats are heated in the extraction process. Fast food outlets will often use the same fat for A WHOLE WEEK before it gets replaced. YUK!!!

The good: So, saturated fats:
Like butter/ghee and coconut oil. Yes! I use coconut oil for any frying, because it is saturated and hence can be heated and cooled many times without changing its structure. Butter and coconut oil also have a particular oil in them that is otherwise only found in breastmilk (coconut oil is actually a component of most baby foods), and it has all sorts of fantastic antifungal and other properties. A lot of people recommend having a tablespoon a day. Heating butter is a bit tricky because of the protein portion in it oxidizing, so ghee (clarified butter) is a better choice – unless you’re not going to heat the butter all that much.

Other fabulous fats are macadamia nut oil (great for the brain), avocado, sweet almond … try them all with their different flavours and textures (or blend them and use them as cheap and fabulous body lotion, just add a little essential oil!). Olive oil is not good for everyone, so use different oils to get their various benefits. Just a word of caution: These oils should be cold-pressed and should not be heated. And please don’t buy “vegetable”  oil! Also, as far as I know, canola oil is severely denatured by the time it gets to the consumer, so steer clear of it, too.

Another good – and in fact, essential! – oil are the omega 3. Also known as fish oils. Except you should get them from small (coldwater) fish to minimize contamination with mercury and other pollutants (Sardines, anyone? Mackrel?) Salmon is farmed in Australia, and it only gets the pink colour from an artificial compound they get fed just before they are harvested – personally, I minimize salmon intake. If you decided to buy fish oils in capsules, please check in with us – cheap fish oils are often full of contaminants, and  there are only a few brands I know of that keep their product really clean, and that test up ok consistently. Other fabulous sources of omega 3 is chia seeds, walnuts (beware of rancidity) and grass-fed beef.

Summary:
•    Use coconut oil or ghee for frying
•    If the oil is liquid at room temperature, don’t heat it.
•    Use cold-pressed oils cold, and vary them.

 

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Is your bathroom killing you?

Is your bathroom killing you?

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By  Bek Walker

You may not realize the cocktail of chemicals that can be found in the average bathroom – and we’re not just talking about cleaning products here – everyday personal care products can contain known carcinogens and chemicals that have the potential to harm your health over time.  In fact, research suggests that your greatest risk of chemical exposure is in your own bathroom!

It’s also weighty to consider the environmental consequences of the choices we make, and that some the chemicals in the products we use do not break down in the water treatment process, and therefore end up threatening water quality, ecosystem balance and wildlife.

So let’s find out what some of the top offenders are, so you can start making more conscious choices about the products you decide to use.

Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is used as a preservative and disinfectant in all sorts of personal care products, however is a toxin that affects brain and nervous tissue, can cause skin and respiratory  irritation, and depresses immune function.

Parabens
Parabens are used as preservatives in products such as toothpastes, moisturizers and deodorants, however they mimic hormones in the body, interfering with the body’s natural chemical messages, and disrupting healthy hormonal function. (Parabens are found in all breast cancer tumours – AJ.)

Phthalates
Phthalates are a solvent and fragrance ingredient used in many cosmetics and personal care products.  They have been banned in the EU, with toxic affects to the immune, reproductive and respiratory systems, and an endocrine disruptor.

Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLS)
SLS is used for its ‘foam factor’ in many shampoo, bubble bath and  liquid soap products, but is also found in toothpaste and mouth washes.  The way it works is by breaking surface tension and separating molecules, so even though this helps to get a lather, it also is an irritant to skin, gums and mucous membranes.  Another issue with SLS is that it can be contaminated with dioxane, a known carcinogen and nervous system toxin that we cannot metabolize or detoxify easily.

Fluoride
Fluoride in the form of sodium fluoride is a toxic waste product that is used as a rat poison.  Fluoride also competes with iodine in our body, often displacing it, and harming thyroid function.

Mercury
Mercury is used as a preservative in products such as mascara, and can build up in our bodies having a negative effect on brain and nervous system tissue.

Triclosan
In antibacterial agent in deodorants, toothpastes, antibacterial hand wash, mouth washes.  Toxic dioxins are produced during its manufacture, it is stored in breast milk and in fish and can break down in water to create a member of the dioxin family (known carcinogens).

Toluene
A common solvent in nail enamels, hair gels, hair spray, and perfumes.  It is a neurotoxin and xeno-oestrogen and can damage the liver, disrupt the endocrine system and cause asthma.

These are just some of the major ones.

So check your labels, and go for products and brands that are made from organic and plant-based ingredients instead of synthetic chemicals, and avoid anything with “fragrance” or “perfume”.  There are some wonderful new companies arriving on the scene that are offering some truly beautiful and natural products.  Just beware of marketing hype and make sure any natural claims are for real.

By making more conscious decisions about the personal and cleaning products you decide to use, you will be reducing your toxic load and protecting your future health, as well as the health of the planet.

Image by AdoreBeautyNZ from Pixabay

Mattresses

Mattresses

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By chiropractor Dr. Annika Jende

I am often asked how to decide what mattress to purchase. It is a vexed issue! Especially when you consider that you probably don’t spend so much time anywhere else.

If you go for anything with a pillow top on it, it doesn’t really matter what’s underneath, because you’ll be lying on the pillowtop, and pillow-tops go soft really quickly and provide no support.

Based on my own experience, if you get onto a mattress and you go “aaaahhhh….” it’s probably too soft. If you get on and you feel “hm, that’s a bit hard” you’re probably on the right one for you.

So: err on the side of firmness. You can always put soft items on top of your mattress if you like a bit more softness.

Personally, I’d go for a commercial mattress. Not only are they designed to last, they are also much cheaper (you can get one for about $600) than any of the other options.

The other consideration is that there are many options for natural fibre mattresses. Personally, not sleeping on a mattress that “gasses off” is definitely a consideration!

The Chiropractor’s Association of Australia and the College of Chiropractors and Osteopaths each endorse a mattress, and much research has been put in to each one of those, so check them out, too.
I wish you many good nights’ sleep.

PS: And remember that mattresses don’t last more than 15 years maximum. I’ll never forget the patient who continued to wake up sore despite my best efforts. His mattress was “a good one”, but eventually owned up that it was 30 years old….

 
Wallets and Handbags

Wallets and Handbags

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This is for the gentlemen:
If you put your wallet in your back pocket and then sit on it, that side of your pelvis will be elevated, and your pelvis and spine then has to compensate for this. If you do this often enough and for long enough, your spine will eventually adopt this as the most efficient position, which then in turn makes your spine more vulnerable  to injury when you are not currently sitting on your wallet. I have been reliably informed by gentlemen that it is perfectly possible for a wallet to  travel in a front pocket.

This is for the ladies:
Carrying handbags is a similar story. If you carry a handbag on the shoulder, that shoulder hitches up and causes strain to the neck (where the hitching-up muscles are). If you put the strap over the head (eg. carrying the bag on your right hip and the strap goes around your neck on the left), this will put pressure on the spine at the base of the neck and put it out (personal experience!!).

Ideally, bags should be carried with the least amount of leverage on the body, ie. closest to the centre of gravity, which would meaning carrying your bag in front of your belly (with both hands). Failing that, go for a backpack type handbag, which has the advantage of leaving your hands free.
Also: Handbags end up full regardless of size! SO: Go for a little one!!! The less weight you lug around, the less strain (as little as 5 kg makes a difference to wear and tear in your joints).

 
Sunscreen

Sunscreen

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By Chiropractor Dr. Annika Jende

Have you ever read the ingredients list on the sunscreen you use?

A good rule of thumb is: don’t put anything on your skin that you wouldn’t eat, because it enters your blood stream through the skin (this is why nicotine, HRT and painkiller patches work). Most sunscreens have a whole lot of ingredients with a lot of x, y and z in them, and as a rule they are not good to ingest, nor to put on your skin. Benzoates for example cause cancer!

My current favourite sunscreen is called Ethical Zinc. It uses the zinc to reflect the sun, and it doesn’t use nanoparticles to do so.

On a slightly different note, have you noticed how a lot of people end up with melanomas on their right temple? Or that we all seem to age faster on the right side of our faces and on the right hand?  The reason for this is driving! The UV rays do penetrate the window, and do their damage over time. The melanoma on the right temple happens because we drive with the window slightly open, and the sun hits us right there.

 

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Scars are important

Scars are important

Spectrum Blog

By Chiropractor Dr. Annika Jende

Scars are meant to be fine lines that are hardly visible. If you have scars that are red, raised or tender, it means that the scar is posing problems.

It works like this: the body is held together by a fine mesh, called “fascia”, that goes through cells, around groups of cells, around organs, through bones and muscle, and it holds everything in place. (When you prepare a  roast chicken and you have to run your finger between the skin and the meat to put the garlic in, you are poking your finger through fascia). This web is so fine and so dense that if you took everything else away, we’d still recognize you (the only other two systems that that is true of is the nerve supply and the blood supply)! In other places it makes up big, fat tendons like the ones on the outside of your thigh and knee.

So whenever there is cutting through the fascia, this fine mesh is disturbed, and because it’s the structural foundation of the body, everything else has to somehow make itself fit in. So if the fit doesn’t, you get the red, raised or tender situation. Furthermore, the fascia has electric properties, so areas very remote from the scar may be affected – in fact it has been shown that the acupuncture meridians are areas of extra high speed electrical conductivity (the Chinese worked this out 5000 years ago – how??).

And no, it makes no difference whatsoever how old the scar is – I have worked on scars that were decades old that suddenly became more user-friendly!

I use a simple and painless (yes!) technique that allows the fascia to line up again. Acupuncture is also particularly good. If you have a recent scar or know that you are about to acquire one (eg. through surgery – the only people who consistently do good scars are plastic surgeons…) use homoeopathic Arnica and Hypericum to speed the healing and use Vitamin E and/or rosehip oil to gently massage it. And if you have any old scars, draw them to my attention if you haven’t already.

Image by Alison Cave from Pixabay

 
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