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Saturday, November 6, 2010

Is Yoga Good Or Bad For You?

Yoga has been around for about 5,000 years. It was created in India. It came to the United States in 1893. Yoga is thought by some to be a religion. It is not. It is a technique that uses poses to observe the breath, to quiet the mind and to learn focus. It is a mental, verbal and physical practice.
The postures are referred to as Asnan, the breathing techniques are called Pratyahara and the concentration techniques are called Dharana. Hatha Yoga is the type of Yoga typically taught at fitness facilities. Hatha Yoga is a slow-paced gentle Yoga that is a good intro to the basic Yoga poses. It is good for strength training, flexibility training, posture training and to develop mind-body awareness.
Vinyasa Yoga is also popular. It is a more fluid, vigorous practice. Ashtanga Yoga is often called "Power Yoga". It too is practiced by many people in America. It is a very vigorous, athletic type of Yoga best for the advanced student. Bikram Yoga referred to as "Hot Yoga" has 26 poses students do in a room that is 90 to 100 degrees. The thought is that the muscles will be loosened by the warm room so further stretching can occur.
Keeping your body toned and flexible is very important. The poses offered in Yoga can do that if done correctly. Most Yoga practices do not work your cardiovascular system. Power Yoga may be able to challenge your cardiovascular system if the instructor formats her routine in a manner which encourages the aerobic effect.
There are some safety precautions that will help you avoid being injured in your Yoga practice. Some of the poses can place too much strain on the spine. Your neck has smaller vertebrae than your lower back so caution should be used with neck motions. The lower back although stronger also can be injured if the poses are done incorrectly or you already have a bad back.
Forward flexion of the neck (bringing your chin toward your chest) should occur by simply letting go in the back of the neck. No straining or pulling should occur from the muscles in the front of your neck. Your head is pretty heavy and favors going forward so just allowing it to do so is the best way to do forward flexion.
Extension of the neck (bringing your head backwards) needs to be done by lengthening the neck not tilting the head back. Your eyes should be looking forward or slightly rolled upward. In the past some yoga positions like the Cobra had your neck tilted way back which is very hard on your cervical spine.
Neck rolls should always be avoided they place a lot of strain on your neck. Small tipping or turning of your head with each motion returning to an upright position before going to the next position is safer for your neck.
Inverted poses like the Plough are very tough on your neck. They put a lot of pressure on your cervical spine. Misalignment can occur as well as injury. If you already have neck issues they will be aggravated. Even poses that are indirectly inverted (where your head is lower than your heart, but you are not completely upside down) like the Down dog, Standing forward fold or Child pose is unwise for those with glaucoma, ear problems or heart and circulatory issues. Women should not practice inverted poses during menstruation or pregnancy. The most problematic poses are the Plough, Shoulder stand, and the head stand.
Poses that use unsupported forward flexion (bending your torso toward your thighs) puts a lot of stress on the lower back. Most people do not have the strength in their lower backs to do this without injury. The idea is to stretch the back of your legs and to strengthen your back but many people never get to the back strengthening benefit because their backs are injured while doing the pose.To add to the problem many poses like the Sun Salutation require you to have your legs completely straight.
To help ease the strain on your back during the Sun Salutation pose keep your legs shoulder width apart. For the Standing Forward Fold keep a slight bend in your legs and support your back by placing your hands on your thighs. When doing forward folds in a seated position focus on feeling the stretch behind your legs and not on trying to lay your chest on your thighs. Lengthen and extend your spine.
Make sure that you do not feel pain when doing your poses. It is wise to watch a few classes before you take one to make sure the instructor does not push students to go past their comfort zone. An instructor should not touch you and try to push your body past its abilities.
So Yoga is a good thing if done with caution and a very bad thing if you push yourself past your capabilities.
By Lynn Hahn
My name is Lynn Hahn. I'm certified by the American Council on Exercise as a fitness instructor and a Lifestyle and Weight Management Consultant. I'm also a certified Third Degree Black Belt in American Kenpo.
I produce and create very effective fitness DVDs designed for women. Come and visit my website http://www.getrealfit.org to get more fitness information and to see my products.

The Gaiam Yoga Mat

Yoga is an exercise that almost everyone should take up sometime or another. Yoga will build your strength and flexibility if you decide to do it on a regular basis. Another fantastic aspect is the inner peace it will bring to your mind. To get the very best yoga exercise you need a proper yoga mat. One of the best ones on the market is the Gaiam yoga mat.
The Gaiam yoga mat is made by the company of the same name. It is based out of Colorado. Their tagline is "Lifestyle Company." The main thing that comes to mind when speaking of a these items is the fact that each and every one is made up of recycled material. They understand that a yoga mat won't last forever, so they make quality mats out of recycled materials. This is a huge plus in the world of yoga.
They come in a variety of shapes, colors and thicknesses. To purchase the one that is right for you, it is best to think about your body type, along with how intense your yoga workouts are going to be. A mat that is at least 4-millimeters thick is usually the standard for most yoga enthusiasts. However if you are a very thin person - or someone who is more on the fragile side, then it is ideal to look into thicker ones. Of course Gaiam makes several designs and thicknesses, so you will have more than enough to choose from.
The company offers several different options to purchasers. If you are a web shopper no problem, simply visit their website up and take a look around. More often than not you will also come across some great discounts on the mats. Gaiam yoga mats have a feel and texture unlike any other yoga mat available. The traction available on these products is second to none as well, providing excellent traction even the slipperiest of floors.
There are tons of product options available to people who participate in the art of yoga. These mats are second to none, and we hope that this article helps sway you to at least take a look at the different mats that the company has to offer.
For more information, visit us at Gaiam Yoga

Jeff Lander - EzineArticles Expert Author

Yoga in the Car

Switching Signals
When an output buffer switches, it generates noise to the power network. In addition, there are other effects such as cross-talk and power noise inductive and capacitive coupling to the signals. This, in turn, creates the fluctuation on current. After a IO switching simulation, the designers can perform FFT analysis on the outputs of the IO drivers (Near End) and the inputs of the receiver IOs (Far End). The resulting noise spectrum indicate the potential problematic frequency components. In the meantime, the designers should run the identical simulation except idealizing the power and ground supplies to the drivers and receivers IOs. This way, we can isolate the PG noise and the crosstalk noise. Afterward, the designers can perform targeted correction on package and board layout as well as IO re-design.
Although the primary factor is the board design, the source of the noise is the IO. The higher frequency components of the power noise can only be addressed with on-chip decap or package decap as the on-board decap is too large to address the high frequency range.
Non-switching Signals
Even thought an output buffer is idle, it may contribute to EMI radiation. Assuming an output buffer is idle and the current output state is high. If there are noise to the power supply connecting to the last stage of the output drivers, the output of this buffer will vary along with the noise. The source of this power supply noise may be external or internal. External source may be global power delivery network noise and internal source may be inter-domain coupling (core power supply to IO power supply) and/or SSN.
The first phase of the Apache EMI development is to deliver a CPM encapsulating the inter-domain coupling noise. Subsequently, the designers can incorporate the IO spice circuit to the CPM along with the package and board model to perform a system-level simulation. This implementation is available now for vectorless CPM and it will be available in Sept. for vector CPM.
The first phase doesn't consider the potential noise coupling within the IO cells. The second phase is to continue to complete the model by characterizing the IO cells. This is planned for early October.
Matt C. Elmore is a Certified Yoga Instructor, Internet Marketer, and Electrical Engineer. His passions include health, love, the pursuit of happiness, yoga, dance, and travel. Matt Elmore Yoga

Ashtanga Yoga: Live The Truth, Tell The Truth and Be The Truth

Surrendering to the truth can be a daunting task, especially where one has experienced hardship in life. The type of surrender that offered here through Patanjali, will lead one to a place of equanimity, contentment and peace of mind, forever.
The mind is a fickle thing. It is quick to judge, it clouds the perception, it categorizes other people's actions and stories to fit in neatly with what you have experienced and then places a good/bad label on the action, the story, the person, the race, or the country.
How does it feel to be the recipient of judgment? We've all been in that situation at least once.
In Patanjali's book of Yoga Sutra's, are the Eight Limbs of Ashtanga Yoga. These eight limbs describe how to live in peace, how to unveil the true Self and how to eliminate fear disconnection and suffering. Truth orSatya, under the first of the eight limbs (the 2nd Yama) means honesty and sincerity. It is to live a life of authenticity, compassion and virtue. Have you ever found yourself involved in gossip, accusation or blaming? Is there ever a twinge of guilt, shame or remorse afterward?
Non-truth damages the other, and it also damages the Self. Judgment is never seen with clarity, and leaves one with a nasty feeling of disassociation. Faulty perception leads to turmoil during an emotional time of conflict. The mind is capable of defending something known to be wrong, but it can justify that wrong if we want to win bad enough. Winning in that way, as we've probably all discovered, is only a veil over the greater loss.
Satya or truth, is what is left over when the mind is put aside.
This is not as difficult as it might seem. The mind can be lost when one is digging in the garden in the sunshine, or working on that old Chevy in the garage, or putting together a model airplane as part of your collection, or painting out in the forest.
The mind can be put aside during yoga and meditation practice. A little practice every day leads to greater awareness of truth. All it takes is to remain quiet and still, observing mind's activity but not subscribing to it, by gently moving the thoughts of the mind aside while connecting to the spark that animates every living thing.
Surrendering to the truth is to 'let go' of the disorder of the mind; to let go of automatic judgment, misconception, the distortion of the truth, and to let go of fear.
To be watchful, thoughtful and grounded in truth dispels fear and eliminates individual suffering.
This we practice in yoga.
In my classes we practice this with eyes closed, with blankets, with gentle music or chanting, and with internal inquiry. Ultimately we feel wholly connected with all that exists.
When one lives in truth, one will only accept truth. Sometimes this means that dysfunctional friendships may drift away, or maybe friendships will strengthen as both parties grow and encompass Satya. What we do know is that Satya, or truth is always with us, it is the core of our being, the seed of the universe from which we came.
It is up to each individual in their own time, to uncover this great state of being; to live the truth, to tell the truth and to be the truth.
Heather L. Johnston, is a Registered Dental Hygienist and a Certified Yoga Instructor in Cambridge Ontario, who helps health oriented adults find rest and relaxation through the practice of yoga and meditation. Please visit Heather at: www.YogaRestores.com for tips, articles and books.

Heather L Johnston - EzineArticles Expert Author

Beach Yoga for Your Home Practice

Why the beach yoga style is the best for your home practice? Because this style of yoga has several key features that are ideally match home opportunities. What is the difference between the home yoga practices and yoga studio exercises? A set of exercises and the order of execution should be organized so that you can perform them anywhere. This style of practice called beach yoga, because you do not need anything except a beach towel for doing your exercises.
1. You can do your exercises without outside assistance.
One of the main features of beach yoga is the ability to do your practice independently. You don't need a trainer help and you can not worry on this score. All beach yoga workflows are written so that you could easy handle it yourself.
2. You don't need any accessories or sports equipment.
It often happens that you miss your yoga practice, because you do not have much time to visit the studio. However, many people think that yoga will certainly need belts, box steps, blocks, cushions and mats. You don't need nothing except the desire to work on your body. The execution of classic asanas of hatha yoga requires nothing. Any beach yoga posture has modification for beginners to perform your exercises without additional devices. You may need only a beach towel.
3. Short execution time of required number of exercises.
And one more remarkable feature of beach yoga is that all workflows are no longer than 25-30 minutes. Therefore it will be quite enough to do it at home a few hours before bedtime or early in the morning immediately after waking. There are a number of short sequences to perform at work, during a break. You can get the ability to effectively use your time and do not miss your yoga even on a business trip.
All these features allows you to "bring your Yoga with you" and enjoy the practice, no matter what your level of congestion. This is the best set of exercises which performance will continually improve your Yoga practice. You can learn to devote your time to yourself and your health, without thinking about the daily problems.
Namaste!
Author: Deniel Manakini @denielmanakini

Yogic Traditions in Practice

There are many ancient traditions, many of which are retained in the classical teachings even today. However, in western application most are modified and adapted to suit the current lifestyle but the principles are adhered to nevertheless.
In India it is seen as natural to seek a spiritual Guru at some stage following maturity, usually after a period as a householder and adherence to the general cultural practices and values required for daily living. It is not a foreign concept for the spiritual aspirant to look forward to commencement of a new stage of life as a renunciate or to devote time to philosophic studies and cultural refinement. In the classical eras the spiritual stage of life was perceived as a fine reward after practical effort.
It is common for Indian parents to encourage a child's early memories of previous incarnations. This is in stark contrast with western parents who will often chastise any child who speaks of 'imaginary' or 'make-believe' events unrelated to the present. Occasionally an exceptional soul instinctively attracted to the spiritual life will initiate a spontaneously programme of intense meditation as a child. Such an inspired child requires exceptional care and tutoring.
In conjunction with spiritual care and teaching in the home, centres of spiritual teaching called Ashrams were established for the purpose of spiritual training and meditation and this continues. As with the monasteries of the west, part of their function was concerned in healing through herbs, food as well as and yogic health practices. No doubt much of the classical training is incorporated into the national health education system today.
Until comparatively recently there were no formal yoga classes nor was Yoga taught in the schools in India. Parents are seen serve as the initial spiritual guides for children in a training that begins with learning ethical and moral principles.
Practising the physical disciples of Hatha Yoga has certain formal simple preparations and traditions including the following...
Prior preparation includes attention to hygiene that bowels, kidneys and stomach are empty. Clothing must be as light as possible. Barefoot when entering the ashram or place of practice is symbolic of shedding contact with worldly activities.
Firstly a natural environment in the fresh air if possible with Incense, flowers, natural water, lakes, gardens etc all assists.
A personal mat made of natural fibres placed directly upon the earth or floor serves as a personal space.
North/South polarity is used for Relaxation in prone position.
East or North facing positing is used for practising meditation.
Mala - A string of beads or mala is usually encouraged as a personal sacred rosary for prayer and mantra - this held in the hands for meditation. The Guru will usually magnetize or impregnate the beads with his influence to assist the chelae, but after this, only the chela touches the mala.
Yoga Practice is recommended at dawn, midday, sunset, midnight or 6, noon, 6, midnight
Vegetarian diet is obligatory in India and with all serious students of Yoga.
Fasting at special times and prior to spiritual festivals is universal.
If suffering illness - herbs and foods and water are taken as medicines.
Reading and studying the wisdom teachings and sacred writings is imperative for personal understanding and in the classical tradition the beautiful Upanishads are used as a focus for the mind.
Included here is a beautiful quotation for contemplation upon life and the values we place upon our own experiences of the soul through its many successive incarnations
And thus shall ye think of all this fleeting world
A star at night, a bubble in a stream
A flash of lightning in a summer cloud
A flickering lamp, a phantom - and a dream. Katha Upanishad
In a relationship as a chela or student of a Guru, the aspirant is expected to demonstrate to his teacher and mentor, loyalty and devotion. In turn the chela is to dedicate his talents to helping serve mankind. In the system there are many other strong traditions and customs that still prevail but are unfamiliar to those outside.
Generally in society, as when greeting the Guru or Acharya, greetings in India are not by touch, but by the customary gesture of placing the two palms of the hands in the prayer position and slight bow of the head in sign of respect for the god or higher self within the other person. This gesture is usually assumed to indicate appreciation at the conclusion of teaching or in private practice as a sign of devotion to one's higher self, one's teacher, to Nature itself or to God.
Understanding some of the customs allows respect for the age old traditions that have reason and design. Westerners should ensure that they comprehend the purpose before adopting any custom that is not in tune with their personal inclination or their own birth culture.
Sally Janssen is a writer, and Yoga teacher well known both in Australia and abroad for her skill in demonstration of the Hatha Yoga practices and her wisdom in applying the principles of Raja Yoga -the study of the mind and consciousness.
More details at http://www.essence-of-yoga.net
Her book "Mental Fitness: A Complete Self-help Guide" explains the principles of mental fitness that can be applied by us all. The book may be found here: http://www.mentalhealthandfitness.com/blog.

Yoga For Weight Loss - 3 Steps To See Results

More and more people are turning to yoga as a form of exercise, and as a way of losing or maintaining their weight. It's estimated that over 16 million people practice yoga in the US alone and that figure continues to increase as more and more people become aware of the benefits yoga can offer.
While weight loss is not one of the core concepts of yoga, it's certainly true that regular practice of asanas can assist in weight control, but to see any real benefits there are 3 key concepts you need to be aware of. Specifically you need to ensure that you are practising the right style of yoga, that you are practising on a regular basis, and that you embrace yoga as part of a healthy lifestyle.
1. Style of yoga
There are many different styles of yoga, and some are far more valuable for weight loss than others. Static forms of yoga where postures are help for extended periods of time to build strength and balance, such as Iyengar yoga, will have minimal weight loss value. A faster, more flowing vinyasa form of yoga however, such as Ashtanga will get the heart and lungs working, the blood pumping, and will burn far more calories. So if one of your main goals from yoga is helping you lose weight, look for Ashtanga or Power Yoga classes.
2. Frequency of practice
It almost goes without saying, but popping along to a yoga class once a month really isn't going to do much good, whether you want to lose weight or get any of the other benefits yoga can offer. Ideally you want to be practising yoga on a daily basis, but realistically you should aim for 2 good sessions of at least an hour, preferably 90 minutes, every week. If you can attend 2 90 minute classes each week, and find some time to practice sun salutations at home you will start to notice the benefits quite quickly.
3. Part of a lifestyle
Yoga is a lifestyle choice. All the benefits that yoga can offer, from weight loss, increased strength, flexibility and balance to reducing stress, improving self esteem and confidence, and aiding with relaxed sleep will mean nothing if you goggle a hamburger right after class, don't get enough sleep, and fail to practice what you're taught. The good news however, is that over eating is often largely emotionally triggered. Since yoga will help improve your self esteem and confidence, it is also likely to help you control your snacking, and you may well find that you'll be able to keep your weight under control much easier as your yoga progresses.
Following these 3 key points - choosing the right style of yoga, practising on a regular basis, and including your yoga as part of a healthy lifestyle - will give you the best possible results.
Whatever the goals of your yoga practice, remember that yoga is about unity, and learning control of your mind and body. Yoga isn't about rushing or forcing anything, so be patient, take your time, enjoy your yoga practice and the results will follow.
Learn the REAL SECRETS to losing your ugly body fat in just 14 days! Watch this free weight loss video to see how you can see results FAST!
For more information about weight loss yoga and for articles, videos and reports on all aspects of healthy living, health and fitness visit go-for-fit.com

Yoga, Chiropractic and HIV-AIDS

Chiropractic has 33 principles that comprise its' philosophy. The 1st principle is that there is intelligence in the universe (Universal Intelligence). This intelligence is present in all matter and gives matter all properties and actions.
The expression of universal intelligence through matter is the chiropractic meaning of life. This is the 2nd principle.
This intelligence is present in the body and it's called innate intelligence (principle #20). There are many functions of innate intelligence. It adapts the body to it's environment and maintains health (principle #23), and does everything in the body that we don't have to think about such as digestion, assimilation, excretion, healing of wounds, immune system function, and thousands of other activities.
Innate intelligence operates through the nervous system (principle #28). Interference with this innate intelligence, results in lack of harmony or disease (principle #29 & #30). Interference in the body is due to subluxation in the spinal column (principle #31). A vertebral subluxation is a misaligned vertebra causing interference with nerve messages between your brain and your body. Doctors of chiropractic specialize in locating, analyzing and correcting vertebral subluxations. Subluxations can be caused by trauma, toxins( impurities through diet, breathing, exposure to toxins, etc,.) and thoughts( that can result in stressful responses).
Most of the chiropractic work done with HIV/AIDS patients is new and very clinical. Clinical studies indicate chiropractic can: 1) boost immune system function, 2) help with secondary symptoms (i.e. peripheral neuropathy), 3)address quality of life issues (reduction in stress, the prevention of disease and symptoms). All of these are self empowering HIV/AIDS patients to live a more positive quality of life. This in turn increases life expectancy.
Chiropractic has been proven on a very introductory scale.
In Psychoimmunity and the Healing Process : A Holistic Approach to Immunity and AIDS, the use of chiropractic is highly recommended:
Chiropractic alignment of the body, specifically to alleviate stress and tensions placed upon the medulla oblongata and the coccyx, is important in cases of AIDS and immune dysfunction. Adjustment of the medulla oblongata allows for clear flows of energy along the neurological pathways which help stimulate immune system. Correct alignment of the coccyx, which is the reflex point for the adrenals, helps with proper functioning of endocrine system and nervous system; by helping to "ground" and center an individual, it promotes calm and reduces stress.
To alleviate stress upon the medulla oblongata, we suggest alignment of the entire cranial area- in particular loosening and alleviating tension at the sagital suture and the temporal mandibular joint. Pg. 127
*(Make note of the anatomy and the reduction of stress)
PNI (psychoneuroimmunology)
There is a new science, deeply rooted in western empiricism, called Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI). This is a science that blends immunology, neurology, and endocrinology. It started, accidentally, with the discovery of experimental conditioning of the immune system. Robert Ader and Nicholas Cohen were studying taste aversion in animals by pairing a saccharin flavored solution with a nausea-producing drug, that coincidently suppressed the immune system. After conditioning, (the drug no longer given) suppression of the immune system was still created when given saccharin, and in turn higher mortality rates. Conditioning of the immune system was also demonstrated with other animals.
PNI has been getting increased attention do to its sound research. No one has done more then Dr. Candice Pert. She is a pharmacologist and research professor at Georgetown University in the Depart of Biophysics and Physiology. Dr. Pert also was Chief of Brain Biochemistry at The National Institute of Health for 13 years. She has done research that proves the nervous, immune, and endocrine systems have a "multidirectional network of communication, linked by information carriers known as neuropeptides. There are many well-studied physiological substrates showing that communication exists in both directions for every single one of these areas and their organs.".
Dr. Pert goes on to state,
A number of brain loci , many within emotion-mediating brain areas, are enriched with many types of neuropeptides receptors, suggesting a convergence of information processing at these nodes. Additionally, neuropeptide receptors occur on mobile cells of the immune system: Monocytes can chemo tax to numerous neuropathies via processes shown by structure-activity analysis to be mediated by distinct receptors indistinguishable from those found in the brain. Neuropeptides and their receptors thus join the brain, glands, and immune system in a network of communication between brain and body, probably representing the biochemical substrate of emotion.
Ultimately, she has proven that emotion can have an effect on immune function! Not only that, but she also concluded that the body is the subconscious mind! Do you think that anyone self empowered, with a good self image, and feeling good about themselves isn't health. Think again. PWA (people with AIDS) have this battle daily, minute to minute, moment to moment.
Chiropractic's role can now be viewed as a mind /body therapy. Whereby, working with the nervous system, we effect the emotions and the whole PNI network systems. This, in conjunction with Yoga, represent a powerful model of self healing.
There is plenty of anatomical information that can correlated to the effects of Chiropractic. Harvard educated Medical Doctor, Herbert Benson 's first book, The Relaxation Response, written in the seventies, concerned the physiology of meditation. Meditation has allowed it's practitioner to perform so called "super human" feats, like lowering heart, respiratory, and metabolic rates, and decreases in response to pain, muscle tension, and stress response. He concluded that meditation's power came from alteration in the nervous system from sympathetic to parasympathetic pathways. The parasympathetic system counterbalances the "flight or flight" (sympathetic) response. The sympathetic system response is what happens in time of stress.
"When stress prevents the molecules of emotion from flowing freely where needed, the largely autonomic processes that are regulated by peptide flow, such as breathing, blood flow, immunity, digestion, and elimination, collapse down to a few simple feedback loops and upset the normal healing response." (Pert, pg 242-243)
It is common knowledge that stress can play a big part in health, especially PWA. Stress engages the sympathetic nervous system to release glucocoticords (steroids). Long term consequences of steroid use include diabetes, osteoporosis, suppression of immune system (making people susceptible to infections and cancer), peptic ulcers, internal bleeding, elevated cholesterol, impotence, interruption of menses, and ulcers just to name a few.
Anatomically Chiropractic seeks to balance the nervous system allowing for the parasympathetic nervous system to respond correctly. This allows the whole system to function at optimum, including the immune system. As mentioned earlier, in Psychoimmunity and the Healing Process : A Holistic Approach to Immunity and AIDS, the parasympathetic system is referred to indirectly. The coccyx isn't only a reflex point for the adrenals, but located directly in front of it is the Ganglion Impar, a nerve center for the parasympathetic system. The authors also make mention of the medulla oblongata. The medulla oblongata is the control center for the vagal nerve. This "wandering" nerve is the parasympathetic innervation to the heart, lungs, stomach, esophagus, stomach, entire small intestine, proximal half of large intestine, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and upper portions of the ureters. ( This same anatomy is used in yoga, discussed later).
There are many techniques that seek to provoke a parasympathetic response. One technique is Sacral Occipital Technique discovered by Major Bertrand De Jarnette, D.C. Logan technique is another one that works with the sacrotuberous ligament to indirectly effect the Ganglion Impar. Dr. John Upledger found CranioSacral technique, which also evokes a parasympathetic response.
In many ways, Yoga and Chiropractic share similar philosophies and anatomy. Yoga calls the life force (innate) Prana. Prana is in matter, but it is not matter. Prana is conserved through the charkas, which are centers of energy. There are seven charkas, six of which correlate to neurological plexuses. There is the Muladhara, which corresponds to the sacral plexus. The Swadhisthana is equivalent to the prostatic plexus. The Manipura corresponds to the solar plexus. The Anahata is analogous to the cardiac plexus. Parallel to the laryngeal plexus is Vishudda. Ajna is located between the eyebrows and corresponds to the cavernous plexus. The pineal gland is anatomically equivalent to the Sahasrara, which is the Crown Chakra.
Nadis are nerve channels through which prana flows. The Sushumna nadi is the spinal cord; and the Pingala nadi and Ida nadi are correlated with the sympathetic nervous system and parasympathetic nervous system, respectively. Asanas and pranayama are designed to purify nadis. When these nadis are blocked prana cannot flow freely and poor health results.
Chiropractic and yoga also address lifestyle issues as well. Chiropractic and yoga firmly believe that you are what you eat. A pure and moderated diet is the best possible guarantee of physical and mental health, bringing harmony and vitality to body and mind. In Chiropractic philosophy there is a concept of limitation of matter (principle #24). Innate intelligence works 100% of the time and is perfect, however the material it works in is not. The material is the body and it (unfortunately) has a tendency to get old and breakdown. In order to be at optimum health, innate intelligence must have an optimum medium to work in. An optimum body, via good nutrition, would give innate intelligence as close to perfect medium as physically possible.
B.J Palmer, the developer of chiropractic, wrote in his book, Palmer's Law of Life (vol.36, 1958):
The yogis of India have the right principle, mentally.
The sincere yogi would make an excellent Chiropractor for getting sick well, if he had knowledge and ability to correct the intermediary adjustment to restore power of internal Innate, to perfect greater understandings. Yogis assume what is, to each, the most relaxed posture, which they assume for hours or days. In this way, they attain the peace and poise of plenty, and become "In Tune With the Infinite" (Sheldon).pg 22
Another mutual concept is exercise. Exercise is essential of health. There must be a certain amount of activity for our bodies to be healthy. Unfortunately, I believe the American society has put an overemphasis on exercise to the point of stressing the body to induce subluxation(s). Yoga is not a stressful exercise. It lets everyone work at their own pace and endurance. Ironically enough, during the asanas, posture is continually focused on. This prevents subluxation(s) and the impingements of vital energy. This brings up another similarity. The idea of positive thought is also inherent in Chiropractic philosophy. There are three things that can induce a subluxation(s). They are trauma (bodily harm), toxins (poor nutrition, environmental, self induced (ie cigarette smoking)), and thought. Negative thoughts can cause stress on the body; there by causing muscle tension and possibly a subluxation. Subluxations cause impingement on vital energy.
There are five main principles found in Yoga philosophy. 1) Proper relaxation, which entrains the body to release muscle tension, conserve energy, and to let go of all worries and fears. 2) Proper exercise: this is done through yoga postures called asanas. These work systemically on all parts of the body by stretching the muscles and ligaments, thereby keeping the spine and joints flexible while improving circulation. 3) Proper diet with natural foods. It keeps the body light and supple, while giving a high resistance to disease. 4) Positive thinking and meditation. This helps to remove negative thoughts and calm the mind. 5) Last, but not least, is proper breathing. Proper breathing is breathing fully and rhythmically thereby making use of all lung capacity, eventually increasing oxygen intake. (Side note: it is interesting that the sacral pump's function would be increased if both posture and breathing were practiced more). Yoga breathing exercises called pranayama, trains a person to recharge the body and control the mental state by controlling the flow of life force called prana.
Having given a brief synopsis of both Yoga and Chiropractic philosophies, I will concentrate on the yogic idea of prana and innate intelligence, how they are controlled and related. Innate intelligence is in living matter and prana is in all matter. Intelligence is divided into universal (which everything possesses) and innate (which only living matter possesses). Prana is not divided into living and non-living, but all things are energy (vibrating at a different rate). Innate intelligence relates to distinctly organized matter called living. Since matter without innate is not living, innate intelligence is considered the source of all living activity. Prana is the life force in matter, but is not matter (as is innate intelligence). Prana flows along the neuro pathways (as does innate intelligence). If this flow of energy is interrupted disease will result. This energy has been called by many different names by many different cultures (IE chi, vital energy, life force, qi, etc...). Regardless of what one calls it, the fact remains without it there is no life.
I will focus on three aspects of yoga: postures (asana), breath control (pranayama), and meditation (dyhana). These are 3 of the 8 stages of Yoga.
In Yoga, breath is life. There are two functions of proper breathing. One is to bring more oxygen to the blood and thus to the brain. Two, in order to control prana.
Your breathing pattern is a reflection of your mind. If you are in a flight or fight situation (angry or scared), your breath will be shallow, rapid and irregular. The opposite is also true, when you are relaxed or in deep thought, your breathing pattern changes. It becomes slow, deep and regulated. Yogic breathing teaches how to control prana and thus control the mind.
Since state of mind is reflected in the quality of the breath, controlling the breath is also controlling the state of mind. "The practice of pranayama quickly induces the relaxation response and its accompanying enhancement of immunity." According B.S.K. Iyengar (founder of Iyengar Yoga), the practice of asana and pranayama balances the nadis and the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.
Candice Pert helps to validate the effects of pranayama:
Conscious breathing, the technique employed by both the yogi and the women in labor, is extremely powerful. There is a wealth of data showing that changes in the rate and depth of breathing produce changes in the quantity and kind of peptides that are released from the brain stem, and Vice versa. By bringing the process into consciousness and doing something to alter it - either holding your breath or breathing extra fast- you cause the peptides to diffuse rapidly throughout the cerebrospinal fluid, in an attempt to restore homeostasis, the body's feedback mechanism for restoring and maintaining balance.....The peptide-respiratory link is well documented: Virtually any peptide found anywhere else can be found in the respiratory center. This peptide substrate may provide the scientific rationale for the powerful healing effects of consciously controlled breath patterns.
Let's talk anatomy. The Reticular Activating System (RAS) is located in the midbrain. It is responsible for keeping the brain awake. It receives direct and indirect input from many other brain centers, most or all sensory systems, and from chemicals circulating in the blood.
When the RAS becomes quiet, brain waves in all regions slow down. To reduce the RAS activity, there must be a decrease in sensory stimulation. Decrease in sensory stimulation will increase stimuli that inhibit the RAS.
There are areas that actively inhibit the RAS. One is the solitary tract nucleus in the medulla. This nucleus can be activated by stimulating the baroreceptors (blood pressure indicators). These receptors, located in the carotid sinus and aortic arch, when stretched, by increase in blood pressure, send nerve signals to the solitary tract nucleus. The solitary tract nucleus then sends signals that activate parasympathetic nuclei and inhibit sympathetic nuclei. Ultimately resulting in a slowing of the heart and dilation of blood vessels, which cause blood pressure to fall. (This will be revisited in the discussion of asana).
Now let's discuss the respiratory center. It's comprised of three groups of neurons located in the medulla oblongata and pons. (1) The dorsal respiratory group which is responsible for inspiration. (2) Ventral respiratory group which does both, inspiration and expiration. (3) The pneumotaxic center group helps control rate and pattern of breathing. The dorsal respiratory group of neurons plays the most fundamental role in the control of respiration.
All or most of its neurons are located within the nucleus of the tractus solitarius, although additional neurons in the adjacent reticular substance of the medulla probably also play important roles in respiratory control. The nucleus of the tractus solitarius is also the sensory termination of both the vagal and the sensory termination of both the vagal and the glossopharyngeal nerves, which transmit sensory signals into the respiratory center from the peripheral chemorecpetors, the baroreceptors, and several types of receptors in the lung. Guyton pg. 525
The release of peptides in the respiratory center would have a direct effect on the parasympathetic system. This helps activate the relaxation response.
"Our intention as we work with the breath is to regulate it so as to calm and focus the mind for meditation" In meditation the breath becomes still and the mind becomes still.
"That is why it is important that the conscious mind go on a vacation, be vacant, open, receptive, to permit something new to come through the void to make itself known"The Glory Of Going On. B.J. Palmer 1961,PG 87
With this statement, B.J. Palmer is telling us to quiet the mind. How do we accomplish this? We accomplish this through art of meditation. Meditation allows us to turn our senses inward and stops the internal chatter of the educated mind. When the mind is focused on a single thought, internal chatter stops. (Control of the senses is central to the Yoga discipline).
On a mind/body/spirit level, B.K.S Iyengar says, "Meditation is integration-to make the disintegrated parts of man become one again. When you say that your body is different from your mind, and your mind is different from your soul, that means you are disintegrating yourself. "(The Tree of Yoga, pg143).
Meditation can be of several different forms. Transcendental Meditation, pranayama, chi gong, tai chi, knitting, adjusting, and the list goes on. Anything that focuses the attention on a single action, idea, or emotion can be called meditation. Athletes, very focused in their sport, call it the zone. Stilling the mind, focusing attention and stopping extraneous thought, you begin to understand your true nature. You discover the wisdom and tranquility that lie within. This wisdom is the innate intelligence.
Many sages and gurus have practiced meditation. Jesus meditated for 90 days in the desert. He was in touch with his innate and universal intelligence to such a great degree, his presence had a healing effect. This is the greatest example of our bodies true healing capabilities. Buddha meditated to gain enlightenment under a bodhi tree. Several studies have been done on meditation. These studies have been through various disciplines and researchers.
One such study, by Herbert Benson of Harvard Medical School, in 1981 studied the Tibetan Monks tradition called tumo. Tumo is the ability to withstand cold, by raising internal body temperature through meditation. It is practiced by sitting naked in the snow, while being wrapped in a wet sheet at high altitudes. The here lama monks were all able to raise their body temperature to prevent hypothermia or frost bite.
Other studies referenced to in Michael Murphy's book, entitled The Future Of The Body: Explorations into the Further Evolution of Human Nature, documents remarkable control of the body. Alleviation of pain (something we see a lot of), lowered blood pressure, heart rate, respiration, muscle tension, lactate, and metabolism are a few of the physiological effects. Synchronization of brain waves between right and left, and between front and back could be the reason for meditation's behavioral effects. These are documented as enhanced sensory, perceptual, reaction time, motor skills response and cognitive abilities, including concentration and attention.
In 1978, Robert Keith Wallace studied Transcendental Meditators. He studied the effect of meditation on aging. He tested three simple variations: blood pressure, acuteness of hearing, and near point vision. These three deteriorate as body biologically ages. Biological age shows how well a person's body functions compared tothe average of the population. Wallace found out that meditators were biologically 20 years younger than their counterparts.
Candice Pert believes," ... the most effective method for reducing stress is meditation, because it allows us, even without conscious awareness, to release emotions that are stuck in modes that subvert a healthy mind-body flow of biochemicals." (pg 293). "Meditation, by allowing long buried thoughts and feelings to surface, is a way of getting the peptides flowing again, returning the body, and the emotions, to health". (Pert pg.243)
T.K.V. Desikachar seems as though he was talking to PWA. He writes," Dhyana (meditation) strengthens self sufficiency. Yoga makes us independent. We all want to be free, although many of us are dependent on psychologists, gurus, teachers, drugs, or whatever. Even if advice and guidance are helpful, in the end we ourselves are the best judge of our own actions. No one is more interested in me than me. With the help of dhyana (meditation) we find our own methods and systems for making decisions and better understand our behavior." (The Heart of Yoga, pg83)
B.K.S Iyengar has developed a series of passive poses called restorative postures (asanas). These poses are extremely effect at engaging the relaxation response. "The relaxation response experienced during Savasana, meditation, pranayama, and the restorative poses promotes healthy immune surveillance and responsiveness."
The restorative poses are modifications of classical poses. The muscles remain quiet. The poses are held in alignment with props. The poses are the reclining hero's pose, child's pose, supported bound angle,
supported half plow, supported bridge, supported two legged inverted staff, legs up the wall.
The last four poses are example of poses the have a physiological effect of producing the relaxation response. Roger Cole has a Ph.D in health psychology. He is also a yogi. He states," The fact that a full blown relaxation response, comprised of so many diverse, mutually reinforcing physiological processes, can be elicited all at once by stimulating a single area of the brain is very important for our understanding of how to practice relaxation. It means that the ability to relax, the wiring if you will, is built into all of us. Our mission, then, is not to create relaxation, but to allow it- to release an ability we already have. The secret is to set up the circumstances for relaxation, then to remain passive and allow the process to unfold of its own accord."
The parasympathetic nervous system is activated by head down postures, muscle relaxation, slight pressure on the eyeballs. and exhalation. The head down postures stimulate baroreceptors in the carotid sinus and aortic arch. "These receptors. When stretched by increase blood pressure, send nerve signals to the solitary tract nucleus in the brainstem. The solitary tract nucleus, in turn sends signals that activate one or more brainstem parasympathetic nuclei and inhibit one or more sympathetic nuclei. The result is slowing of the heart and dilation of the blood vessels, which cause blood pressure to fall. At the same time, the solitary tract nucleus also promotes relaxation in other parts of the nervous system" (see figure 1).
Dr. Cole proves that the physiology is there, and can be obtained through Yoga restorative poses. He also proves that exhalation activates the solitary tract nucleus. The solitary track nucleus actively inhibits the medullary RAS. This also refers back to the pranayama.
YOGA
Yoga means union. The union of the individual soul with the Universal Spirit is yoga. But this is too abstract a notion to be easily understood, so for our level of understanding I say that yoga is the union of body with the mind and of mind with the soul. Ninety per cent of us are suffering in some way, physically, mentally or spiritually. The science of yoga helps us to keep the body as a temple so that it becomes as clean as the soul. The body is lazy, the mind is vibrant ad the soul luminous. Yogic practices develop the body to the level of the vibrant mind so that the body, and the mind, having both become vibrant, are drawn towards the light of the soul
Having discussed the physiological and anatomical effects of each, of the three limbs, of yoga, The secondary benefits and testimonials are just as compelling. Stress for PWA is greatly increased by additional factors: side effects of medicine cocktails (diarrhea, neuropathy, liver dysfunction, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, nausea, digestive problems), discrimination, disclosure, racism, and homophobia.
A May study at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that PWAs with more than average amounts of stress got sick two to three times faster. And a study released last summer from the University of Miami, Florida, reported that the stress hormone nor epinephrine was significantly lower in PWAs who attended weekly stress management group sessions. Even better, the study also showed that the same group had higher levels of CD8 cells, which are known to help control the HIV virus.
Catholic priest, Father Joe Pereira, of the Archdiocese of Bombay, has been practicing yoga for over 27 years. In 1981, he founded Kripa Foundation. He believes if we reconnect with the Divine Presence that resides within us, we can heal ourselves. This is what his 24 centers help people understand through Yoga. He started with addicts and has expanded to include PWA.
When asked about his results with HIV positive people. He replied, "...I can only say this much: at my therapeutic communities, when you emphasize yoga and meditation, people who are worried and tense about being HIV-positive drop this anxiety and live their lives. And we've found that those who are living life with a sense of joy and well-being and have taken a Western Blot test have so far tested negative."
When Mary Schatz M.D addressed the question can yoga halt or reverse the progression of AIDS? Her answer was "no one knows..... Yoga's stress management and anxiety reducing aspects are useful in many chronic and incurable diseases and would certainly be appropriate in this, one of life's most stressful situations. Practice of asana and pranayama can help maintain the health of unaffected organs and tissues. Finally, a yoga practice offers something positive for the AIDS patient to do to help counteract feelings of depression, helplessness, and despair."
River Huston is an AIDS activist, published poet and author. She has used Yoga to combat fatigue, headaches, and nausea associated with her weekly intravenous drug treatment for an AIDS related auto immune condition attacking her bone marrow)."It's about going deep under the waves - the hurricane that's HIV- and finding a stillness. As debilitating and emotional as HIV is, yoga helps me transcend it so that I can rediscover myself. Then I remember I'm not HIV; I am not the face of AIDS. I am me."
Yoga has a great many immune boosting techniques. It is useful to boost the immune system, cope with secondary effects and to address lifestyle issues.
In clinical trials, Chiropractic has shown great potential to boost immune function. A clinical study, conducted at Life University by several Chiropractors, demonstrated CD4 cell levels increased 48% compared to control group. Both groups were monitored with Rand Corp. SF-36 to determine quality of life as rated subjectively. The adjusted group exhibited greater subjective improvement than the control group.
Several other preliminary studies also show the promise of immune system boosting. In 1991 Patricia Brennan, PhD conducted a study that demonstrated an increase of polymorph nuclear (PMN) and monocytes following a thoracic adjustment. Dr. Pero states in his research, "Chiropractic patients in the study had 200% greater immune competence than people who had not received chiropractic, and 400% greater immune competence than people with cancer or other serious disease."
Chiropractic can also help with secondary symptoms. These secondary symptoms are usually the primary reason chiropractic care is sought out. In his article, Craig Martin D.C states," 80 % of those patients reporting some degree of neuropathy (i.e. numbness, tingling and/or burning in either one or both of the extremities), report significant decrease in these symptoms post-care.
Patrece Frisbee D.C, of Stratogen Health of Miami Beach, a multidisciplinary clinic, reports 80% of her patients are HIV positive, " and they need extensive chiropractic care because of the wide array of side effects that accompany the powerful prescribed medications."
The vertebral subluxation is comprised of five components.
1) Spinal kinesiopathology - the inability to comfortably turn neck, hips, or back in every direction.
2) Neuropathophysiology - Impingement of nerves creating numbness, tingling, pain or pins and needles.
3) Myopathology (tight, spastic, weak, sore, and/or overly sensitive muscular responses.
4) Histopathology Swelling, tenderness, painful spots, and other soft tissue changes.
5) Pathophysiology - muscles, joints, ligaments, and organs show wear and tear and premature aging.( This has proven true in numerous low back pain studies ). These are usually the reasons people see chiropractors. Adjustments alleviate these components, providing a powerful medium to combat primary ,as well as secondary symptoms.
Quality of life is an issue, that has a profound effect on HIV/AIDS patients. Increasing quality of life symbiotically decrease stress, as I will demonstrate, plays a major part in life expectancy.
Testimonials of Chiropractic HIV/AIDS patients are good indicators to quality of life issues. Dr. Craig Martin best describes chiropractic's role in lifestyle:
My own clinical experience has led me to believe that people with AIDS are looking to be educated as to how they can best help themselves with infection. As a Chiropractor, I attempt to provide useful information for leading an immunopositive lifestyle. This includes recommendations on exercise, nutrition, rest, attitude, education and personal habits.
Dr. Johnathan Tinsley


Low Back Pain Home Remedies - L4 Nerve Root Impingement - Bulging, Herniated and Protruding Discs

Do you ever suffer from low back pain?
Are you looking to stop the pain you currently have?
1.) Introduction
At home remedies can work more than you think, when it comes to reducing back pain due to nerve root compression and herniated discs. Let's face it though, sometimes we have no choice but to have surgery, but many times you can avoid it by taking the right measures. When it comes time for you to reduce your back pain, then it is time that you read through this free article.
2.) At Home Remedies & Conservative Treatment Can Actually Work!
We will talk about some treatment options you can use at home, and we will talk not only about the benefits but the negative aspects as well. It is important to look at both sides of the coin so you can find the best treatment option for yourself.
A.) Rest: When you lay down, you take stress off of your spine. This can be helpful to off load your compressed disks in your lower back. However, if we rest too much, our muscles begin to fatigue and this is not good for our backs either. Usually, a physician will give you a certain amount of days that you can rest and when possible there is a 2 day rule, unless you have a very serious problem.
B.) Hot & Cold Therapy: This method of pain relief can be effective, however, the problem is that you need to use it while you are in a supine (face down position) most likely. Or, you can somehow figure out a way to strap the ice to yourself to help cool you off. Heat can actually calm achy muscles as well. - Either way, the hot and cold therapy you will be using will most likely fade away within minutes, leaving you to have to return to either warm them up again or cool them down...
3.) A Powerful Pain Reduction Method
When it comes down to pain relief, people should not over look the use of a well designed, low profile low back support.  If you have back pain then it is time for you to realize the benefits of these kinds of supports.
Low back braces can help reduce your back pain by helping to biomechanically off load your lower herniated disc or pinched nerve.  This is important and all of this can be done with a low profile design that can be hidden by the use of only a t-shirt! - These kinds of supports also help promote good posture.  Not only does this look good, to have good posture, but it will also help you to avoid making movements that will hurt you further.
For more information, you should contact your brace specialist.  They can help you find the right brace for your needs.
*This is health information.  We have seen back supports work time and time again, but we do have to recommend that you speak to your doctor about medical advice.  
The Brace Super Store
If you would like to take your stability and pain relief to the next level (affordably) then visit us online today at http://www.drbraceco.com DR. Brace Co. is an education based site, created by true brace specialists, that can provide helpful information and meaningful support. If you have questions come to our site and let us know, or call toll free 1-888-564-4888. We will respond

Various Spine Treatment Options

There are various spine treatment options available to treat people who have undergone a spine injury, or have continuous back pain. The options include surgery, decompression therapy, physical therapy, spine injections, spinal manipulation and medication.
1. Spine surgery is generally resorted to as a last resort when the pain does not respond to other treatment options and in emergencies. There are different operations performed to treat different types of spine injury.
Disectomy is surgery where a part of a disc is removed while foramenotomy helps in providing relief from nerve pressure. Laminectomy helps in providing relief from spinal pressure whilespinal fusion surgery stops any motion in between vertebrae. Another spine surgical option is spine disc replacement where a disc is replaced for relief from pain.
2. In case of decompression therapy, the intervertebral discs are decompressed using a pelvic and thoracic harness while lying on a computerized table. In a typical case, the patient will have to undergo 20 such treatments over a span of seven weeks to experience relief from pain.
3. With physical therapy, the therapist uses heat or ice packs for relief from pain. They may also use lontophoresis where a small electric charge delivers medication through the skin to the bone to treat the pain. In some cases, the therapist may suggest some stretching, light aerobics or strengthening exercises to help treat the condition.
4. While spine injections help diagnose pain, spinal injections like epidural steroidal injection to the lower and injections to the sacroiliac or facet joints help reduce pain. The different injections serve different purposes to reduce spine pain.
5. With spinal manipulation, the chiropractor uses slow pressure or twisting or rapid movements to make adjustments to the head, shoulders, hips and to promote healing. Sometimes, the patient may require some heat, electrical current or ultrasound for spine relaxation before the adjustment.
6. Medication does not actually stop spine injury; however it does reduce pain. Aspirin or acetaminophen reduces minor pain while non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen reduces pain by blocking joint inflammation. Sometimes narcotic pain medications like morphine or muscle relaxants are prescribed to reduce pain.
It is based on the extent of spine injury and the amount of pain that the patient experiences that the doctor decides on the best spinal treatment option to use to treat pain.
Houston Spine Surgeon of Houston offers a full range of diagnostic and spine treatment services for back pain and spinal disorders. The Spine Center of Houston is at the leading edge of minimally invasive spine surgery.

Bulging Disc Surgery - Safer Treatments and Alternatives

Millions of Americans suffer back pain daily. In the majority of cases, pain occurs when muscles or ligaments stretch, strain or tear. In some instances, patients experience pain due to a bulging or displaced disc. Many medical experts agree that reparative surgery, such as bulging disc surgery, is not the only viable option available to resolve this condition. Professionals estimate 90% of persons afflicted with this injury, heal with alternative treatments within 6 months.
Bulging Disc Definition
Between each vertebra lies a shock-absorbing cushion known as a disc. The disc consists of a gel like substance covered by a tough outer layer. Under certain circumstances, the disc can shift backward, putting pressure on spinal nerves, which results in pain. A disc may tear or rupture causing leakage of the cushioning inner fluid, also contributing to pain. The irritated area becomes inflamed, further contributing to symptoms.
Health care providers uses various terms describing the condition including:
Black, Herniated, Collapsed, Prolapsed, Degenerative, Ruptured, Slipped, or Protruded Disc
A bulging disc can occur anywhere along the spine. Symptoms vary according to what location of the spine is affected. Generally, patients experience back pain, numbness or tingling in an extremity, muscular weakness, diminished reflexes or paralysis.
The event is the result of excessive spinal straining, twisting motion, age or obesity. Health care providers make a definitive diagnosis based on an individual's symptoms and by using a CT or MRI scan. Physicians treat the cause and the symptoms using various options before considering intervention with bulging disc surgery.
Medications
In order to reduce inflammation, irritation and mild to moderate pain, health care professionals prescribe a combination of over-the-counter or prescription anti-inflammatory medications with bed rest along with heat/ice applications or topical ointments. Muscle relaxant medications minimize the effects of painful muscle spasms created by the irritation and tension.
Physical Therapy and Exercise
Physical therapists treat and educate patients to obtain spinal endurance, flexibility and strength.
Physicians often recommend patients consult with a physical therapist, which use numerous treatment methods to alleviate the spinal pressure and subsequent pain associated with bulging discs.
Chiropractic
Chiropractors, like physicians, formulate treatment based on symptoms and diagnostic testing, which may include x-rays, CT or MRI scans. The practitioner acquires a patient's medical history, list of symptoms and diagnostic test results. They test muscle tone, reflexes and nerve function to determine the location and severity of the condition.
Chiropractors are highly trained professionals who treat improper spinal alignments that impinge upon health and physical function. Similar to physical therapists, chiropractic treatment requires numerous sessions incorporating hot/cold treatments, electrical stimulation, and exercise. A chiropractor's skill and knowledge includes spinal manipulation and methods of traction to realign the spine.
Many individuals prefer chiropractic care because remedies involve non-invasive methods without the use of medications.
Decompression Traction System
Traditional traction methods involved wearing a harness attached to a weight system. Weight increments increased gradually in an attempt to stretch the spine, alleviating pressure.
Modern decompression traction, or DTS, consists of a fully-clothed patient lying on a table in a desired comfortable position. Harnesses and weight are still utilized, but under a carefully controlled computer-generated environment. A computer program initiates gentle stretching and release cycles. The amount of force exerted increases gradually and then allows a period of relaxation, inhibiting muscles from resisting and attempting to spasm.
Acupuncture and Acupressure
Acupuncture is an ancient form of Chinese medicine that involves placing fine needles into various parts of the body to stimulate natural healing processes. Traditional acupuncturists use extensive evaluation and testing techniques to determine ailment locations.
Acupuncturists, chiropractors and physical therapists commonly use acupressure. The method involves applying concentrated deep massage directly to the tissues involved in the condition by using the thumbs and fingertips.
Time
Effective healing from any type of injury requires time. Numerous methods enhance the healing process without the need for bulging disc surgery.
There are alternatives to bulging disc surgery, therefore, consult with a trained health care professional for proper diagnosis and treatment options. Further articles detailing each treatment method can be found at http://spinal-decompression-phoenix.com including helpful advice on how to pick the correct care provider.
About the Author: Aiden "Camelback's Doc" Copper has been a health care consultant for seven years after graduating cum laude in 2002 in Tucson, Arizona. His contributions to patient education has earned him recognition among his peers as an up and coming pioneer in comparative studies and medical literature.

24 Hours to a Healthy Pain Free Lower Back

Those twinges that come every now and then in the lower back are not a respecter of nationality, position or age. They hear nobody and know nobody. They just come right in at anytime that they desire even to the point of ruining your own precious life.
NASA has come up with a 24 hour back pain remedy. This was developed to assist the astronauts after returning from weightlessness, they found that gravity put pressure on there backs. However, they advised that the first time you feel the ache, the primary step is to be properly assessed by your care provider.
Vitamin D, found in fish with small bones, vitamin can also be obtained from fortified milk, cereal grains and sunlight exposure. However, it has its own risks such as darker pigmented skin and digestive disorders. For those who are advanced in years, there should just be minimal sunlight contact.
* Willow Bark The part of a salix alba tree has been discovered to have properties that can relieve aches.
As i have found out lower back pain can really be debilitating and can change your life. It is vital that this pain not be left alone like some other pains that over time heal themselves. Lower back pain may go away for a short while but will return when you least expect it.
Do something about it straight away before its to late and you loose years of sport, playing with your kids, or just the freedom of movement.
Your spine is like a building pillar without support it will eventually fold under pressure. This is when your core muscle strength is important. Think of your core muscles as supporting beams, should they not be looked after eventually the building will crumble.
C Southwood
NASA uses it, the Army uses it. Now available to the public.
http://www.squidoo.com/healthy-back

How To Get Immediate Back Pain Relief - First Aid

To rest flat in bed is the first line of back pain relief. What causes back pain anyway? It is an acute ache in the back often associated by stress. In any kind of stress, to stop working and resting for a while must be the immediate response. Same goes with any kind of pain in your back. After doing the first line of relief, what other steps must be done?
It is important to know what factors triggered the pain in your back. Did you suddenly feel it while walking or running? Did your back ache while sitting and working in front of the computer? Or you might be bending forward or backward before your back ached. All that were noted were caused by muscle strain. What happens is your muscle and nerves intertwine. There might be sudden blockage of blood flow and hardening of the muscle. After resting for a while, you may apply painkillers or ointments that will relax the muscles. You can take pain relievers too; but before that, check if resting is enough to soothe pain. When you lie flat in bed, avoid bumpy pillows; these will just add stress to your back.
Back pain relief can be achieved by doing the above tips. It is crucial that you react to the pain right away. Do not delay your actions. Delayed treatment may cause aggravating circumstances and may affect other parts of the body. If all else failed, don't hesitate to consult your doctor and follow the required treatments and medications.
Yan Gutman
ACT NOW! you owe it to your back
You can get IMMEDIATE AT-HOME Back Pain Relief

Yan Gutman - EzineArticles Expert Author

Back Pain When You Stay Long In Front of the Computer By Glen Wood

With so many things to do at the office, like deadlines that need to be met, continuous follow-up with clients through online mediums and other tasks that require full attention, there are many office workers who tend to ignore that they are already developing back pains from sitting for a long time and spending so much time in front of the computer.
There are other factors that contribute to the aggravation of one's pain, hence the reason why over 1000,000 Americans suffer from back pain, especially on the lower area, every day. Aside from sitting for long periods of time, this can also be gained when you lift things the wrong way, sleeping at the wrong position or carrying poor posture. Pain can also be caused the psychological stress that contributes to further physical pain, especially on the back area.
To treat this, you can opt to drink medications or apply healing creams on the affected part. You can also choose to get massage therapy and chiropractic services. For people who are tight on the budget, they choose to stay at home and get as much rest as they can. If you have so many things to do, you cannot afford to take a break. If this is the case and you don't have enough money to spare on medications, you will benefit from learning even the simplest yoga techniques.
As a beginner and a very busy person in this instance, you can start with the Yoga form known as Cobra. This is done by laying out flat on your stomach. Your palms should be placed down on the ground at shoulder level and begin to straighten your arms. You should hold this still while keeping a relaxed state and your elbows back and in. When you feel comfortable at this position, begin raising your body until your back is arched, and then hold it for about 15 seconds. After this, begin lowering your upper body slowly to the ground.
Glen Wood - The Yoga Teacher. Glen is a yoga expert whom loves to teach you how to lose your neck, shoulder and back pain with yoga.
Dedicated to unlocking the Real Secrets of Back Pain.
Free Video Reveals No 1 Secret to Losing Your Back Pain with Yoga. Go here for more information.
http://www.goodbyetobackpain.com/secrets has the tips and guides you need to be successful in losing your Back Pain today tomorrow and whenever you have the need. Our guides are methods that work and are in use by many former Back Pain Sufferers. Join us at http://www.goodbyetobackpain.com/secrets for your FREE video.

Treatment Of Lower Back Pain When Injections, Medication, or Even Surgery Don't Work

Many of us know of someone that has experienced some sort of back pain or may have even experienced it themselves. Back pain is something can appear due to an injury or in many cases can appears insidiously. The problem with either case is that back pain is caused by something. Many people when experiencing back pain take a few different courses of action to reduce the pain. The first is they will take over the counter drugs to mask the symptoms and hope they don't return. For others, they go to their primary doctor who again prescribes medication that is usually not the answer. If medication doesn't work many primary doctors immediately refer you for an MRI and then for pain management treatment which includes injections. These injections are expensive, invasive, and require you to have a 4-6 inch needle injected into the spine. All these treatments have been proven to be less than successful and in some cases risky. In a small amount of cases, patients may require surgery and unfortunately depending on the surgeon you see, he may or may not recommend surgery.
We are writing this article to discuss other options. First there is chiropractic or even physical therapy. Both have proven successful for many conditions but not all. My goal is to be able to show you that when pain arises there are many options, however, I recommend you choose those with less risk and little side effects. Over the past 10 years the most popular treatment being recommended for back issues is a procedure called Spinal Decompression Therapy. The treatment is not for everyone but many patients with acute or chronic pain will successfully be treated with this medical approach. Decompression involves no pain, no medication, no injections, and if successful will avoid surgery for many. It is typically used for bulging or herniated disc patients but can be used for joint pain and other ailments. Simply the patient is placed either on their stomach or back where they are strapped in by the waste or feet by the medical staff. The patient is then treated for 20-30 minutes where the table separates while stretching the body in an axial pull motion. The separates the discs, joints, and even stretches the muscles in a manner that no medical doctor or any doctor can do. The treatment feels good and most patients will get off the table with immediate relief. Because the problem with the spine has a lot to do with our daily habits of sitting and the fact that we stand, the body may again experience pain within minutes or hours depending on the case. All patients are encouraged to go through 25-30 treatments to ensure success. Typically, if a patient fails decompression, you can assume that surgery may now be an option but no sooner unless medical necessary.
Spinal Decompression is all over the internet and in some cases on TV. It is performed in select medical offices and unfortunately many doctors do not have the training to do this treatment but still perform in their offices. My suggestions are to make sure your doctor is trained, has been doing this for years, and ask your questions.
Dr. Howard Golden Chiropractor in Atlanta, GA
http://www.horizonhealthcaregroup.com

Back Pain - Understanding What Causes Back Pain

It is an unfortunate fact that every year millions of people struggle with back pain and desperately need to get relief from that pain. Understanding the hidden causes of back pain and what treatments are available is very important.
As with many medical conditions some of the treatments that patients receive only address the symptoms and not the source of the pain. Of course treating the symptoms can provide some pain relief, but usually it is only a temporary solution. To get more lasting relief from the condition, it is important to understand the underlying causes.
Anyone experiencing lower back pain, or any other physical condition or injury could well be suffering from a muscle imbalance. Although it is often the case that a sudden movement, for example lifting a heavy object, will cause what seems like instant pain, when quite often the source of that pain has been developing for several years.
Over a period of time, muscle groups within the body get out of balance. This imbalance affects the alignment of the bones and joints in the spine, forcing your body to react in a dysfunctional way. This causes increasing wear and tear on your muscles, ligaments, tendons, bones, cartilage and spinal discs.
Your back and neck joints are a complex area of your body because of the way that the bones articulate. The shoulders, neck and lower back can all have problems with pulled muscles, disc problems, arthritis, and other issues. Each area of pain affects the way we move and work in our daily environment.
The causes upper back pain?
The most common causes of back and neck pain are sudden trauma caused by an injury, or muscle imbalance. Other than a sudden fall or similar accident these conditions do not happen overnight. Although the symptoms may come on very quickly, the underlying cause may have been 'simmering' for months or even years.
What are the symptoms?
There is a wide range of pain symptoms ranging from localized pain to pain which radiates throughout the neck and back. There may be pain in the arms, or pain when moving your upper body, or pain and stiffness when you get out of bed in the morning. Sometimes a pain which originates in your legs will travel up into the shoulders and neck.
How is back pain diagnosed?
Most of us will try to treat back pain with paracetamol or ibuprofen. If that doesn't bring relief then you must get medical help. A painful back condition can be diagnosed by a doctor, a physical therapist, or a chiropractor. It is possible that you may need to see several medical professionals before your condition is fully understood and treatment is recommended.
What treatments are there for back pain?
You may be prescribed Cortisone injections, muscle relaxant pills or anti-inflammatory drugs. Resting in bed is often advised. There are also manipulative therapies, the administering of hot packs on the sore areas, electrical stimulation such as Tens Machines, and therapeutic exercises. Surgery would only be advised as a last resort where an injury can not be treated by other means.
Sometimes traditional treatments are not successful because they do not deal with the source of your back pain. If your pain is a physical problem and it will require a physical solution. Pills or injections can not create the postural balance in your body, which is necessary to take the pressure off the nerve or make the joints work better.
How to decide which treatments work best?
To begin with you need to try to discover what may have caused your back pain in the first place. Only then can you decide what steps to take with self-treatment or to have your back pain accessed by a doctor or chiropractor. Obviously a physical injury must be attended to right away.
Using strategic bodily assessment, your individual muscle imbalances can be identified, and a targeted corrective program can be designed for your specific needs. The ultimate goal is to achieve a more balanced body and take the stress off the muscles, joints, and ligaments, and obtain relief from your back pain.
To learn more about back pain, it's causes & successful treatments visit: http://www.backpainrelief-treatment.com where you can pick up your free ebook.

Friday, November 5, 2010

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