These stretches are great for releasing tension in the hips and lower back. As always, go gently and slowly, using the breath. Always got to 80 % stretch ensuring no over stretching. Hold stretches for at least 1 minute, and for extra restorative benefits, you can use props, pillows etc. to support yourself and really let go into the stretch.

Source: https://realpositiveexperience.com/ease-sciatica-back-hip-pain-stretches/

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Dr. Gabe Mirkin, the man behind RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) has retracted his recovery guidelines, stating that while ice reduces inflammation to temporarily relieve pain, in doing so it also reduces our innate healing response and leads to delayed recovery, reduced strength, speed, endurance and coordination – and can even cause tissue death and permanent damage.

Chinese Medicine supports the body’s healing response to promote circulation and speed recovery. CM uses deeply-heating therapies such as moxa and infra-red heat lamps that feel great and help a patient feel their best sooner.

Read Dr Mirkin’s new viewpoint on the use of ice based on new evidence from research.

http://www.drmirkin.com/fitness/why-ice-delays-recovery.html

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Acupuncture has existed as a natural therapy for treating a wide range of health complaints for many centuries. Acupuncture has only been in the West for the past 30 years and so little is understood about it. Over the past decade acupuncture has gained wider western acceptance – by the public and the orthodox medical community – as a valid modality for relieving pain. – See more at: https://acupuncturerichmond.com.au/what-i-treat/

Acupuncture is a safe natural therapy that involves the gentle insertion of very fine acu-needles into the skin with the objective of treating your “illness” (imbalance) by stimulating your body to restore well-being – i.e. move towards homeostasis (balance)

As it has grown in popularity medical curiosity has sought to scientifically establish how acupuncture actually works. When I look at how the majority of practitioners explain acupuncture the term ‘Qi” (pronounced “Chi”) is widely used and described as the body’s energy. Blockage in the flow of Qi (energy) is considered the cause of pain. To a westerner this somewhat intangible concept of Qi (energy) is not readily understood and thus acupuncture can potentially be discounted as a beneficial therapy.

How does acupuncture work?

At Acupuncture Richmond I explain acupuncture in terms of actual western biological physiology and anatomy. A more tangible approach ensures you understand the influences acupuncture can have on your body and therefore recognise the role treatment will play in restoring you to health.

Meridians are really our micro circulation

From my perspective Qi is actually oxygen. We all know that for our body to be vital and healthy all our cells, tissues and organs need an adequate and consistent supply of oxygen. The blood circulation system is the means by which your body delivers both oxygen and nutrients to your body’s tissues (organs, skin, muscles, joints..). In Chinese medicine the meridian system carries qi throughout the body. Actually, the meridian system is the capillary beds (micro-circulation) that exist all over the body. So when you feel pain there is really a problem with the proper flow of blood through the micro-circulatory system to the tissues in the region of pain. In many cases this blockage is inflammation. When tissues do not receive sufficient nutrients and oxygen they will deteriorate over time and release pain messages to let you know something is wrong.

Acupuncture stimulates blood and oxygen flow

Stimulating an acupuncture point at or in most cases away from the region of pain has the effect of establishing proper blood flow and thus reducing pain. The establishment of proper micro-circulation will also allow for your body to repair the damaged/painful tissues much faster and more thoroughly.

Research has shown the pro-circulatory effects of acupuncture – read more

How does inserting an acu-needle into the body restore health and treat disease?

Acupuncture specifically treats impaired blood flow in the body, which can lead to pain and/or organ dysfunction. Your health and vitality is determined by the functioning of the vascular (blood vessel) system particularly the micro-circulation (capillary beds). If blood flow is impaired there is greater chance of developing pain or disease. Additionally, the body will not heal without proper blood flow. Acupuncture facilitates the opening up of the blood vessels and causes an increase in blood flow.

Acupuncture’s therapeutic effects do not stop there. Acupuncture not only restores optimal blood micro-circulation. It has other beneficial effects that function to reduce your pain even faster.

Acupuncture is able to stimulate a down regulation of the nervous system which is over stimulating the brain with intense and constant pain messages. Acupuncture activates nocicepter fibers, sensory nerves and proprioceptor fibers that travel from the tissues to spine and to the brain. An acu-needle insertion causes the body to release enkephalins (your body’s natural pain killers) and halts the brain’s pain signal to a particular area. This process has been demonstrated in a number of studies

In summary acupuncture works by

• Re-establishing the proper micro-circulatory blood flow through a painful/compromised body region/organ, which
• provides for adequate oxygen and nutrients to be supplied, and
• releases your body’s natural painkillers to downregulate pain signals

If you have any questions or would like treatment for a particular pain or health condition contact us. Andrew is here to help you.

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