Cryotherapy, the practice of exposing the body to extremely cold temperatures for a short duration, has gained popularity in recent years. While it may seem counterintuitive to subject oneself to such harsh conditions, there is growing evidence to support its potential benefits for both physical and mental health.
Facial Massage: A Natural Approach to Wrinkle Reduction
In Portland, wrinkles are more likely to be seen as a badge of honor than an issue to address. And luckily, we don’t have year-round intense sun to worry about. Nonetheless, facial massage, a time-honored beauty practice, has gained popularity in recent years as a potential alternative to invasive anti-aging treatments. It may not erase wrinkles entirely, but regular facial massage can help to improve skin elasticity and promote a more glowing complexion. It also feels great.
Best Home Tools: Foam Rollers
Foam rolling, a self-massage technique that involves using a cylindrical foam roller to apply pressure to muscles and fascia, has gained significant popularity in recent years. This practice, often used by athletes and fitness enthusiasts, offers a wide range of benefits for individuals of all ages and activity levels.
Unlocking Your Core: A Deep Dive into Psoas Massage
The psoas (SO-az) is a deep-seated muscle that plays a crucial role in our overall health and well-being. Located deep within the core, the psoas connects the spine to the femur, influencing posture, mobility, and even our emotional state. Psoas massage, a specialized form of bodywork, focuses on releasing tension and improving the function of this vital muscle.
The Siesta: A Power Nap Rooted in Biology
Strength Training for Beginners: Grow Your Own Muscles
Strength training, often associated with bulging biceps and chiseled physiques, offers a wealth of benefits for everyone — regardless of your age or fitness level. Whether your goal is to increase muscle mass, improve athletic performance, or simply enhance overall health and well-being, strength training can help you get where you want to go. And yes, it can be fun!
A Thera Cane Might Be Your New Best Friend
Stretch It Out: A Beginner's Guide to Flexibility
The Sugar Blues & How to Live Without It
Sugar, once a rare luxury, has become an everyday ingredient in modern diets. Its excessive consumption has been linked to a myriad of health problems, including obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and dental issues. Are you ready to break free from the sugar blues? There are tasty and healthy alternatives!
A Prickly Path to Pain Relief: The Best Spiky Mats for Self-Massage
Spiky mats, also known as acupressure mats or pin mats, have gained popularity as a self-care tool for pain relief and relaxation. These mats are designed to stimulate the body's acupoints through gentle pressure, promoting blood flow and reducing muscle tension. Let's look at the science behind spiky mats, explore the benefits, and help you select the ideal mat for your self-care routine.
The Benefits of Our Whole-Person Approach
Chiropractic care at Parkside Clinic isn't limited to spinal adjustments for pain relief. Our holistic approach offers a much broader spectrum of benefits. By addressing the body's interconnected systems and your wellness habits, we aim to go beyond symptom management to optimize your overall well-being.
Pillow Talk: Posture, Comfort, and Spinal Health
A good night's sleep is essential for overall health and well-being. One crucial factor in achieving quality sleep is the pillow you choose. The right pillow can provide optimal support for your head, neck, and shoulders, promoting proper alignment and reducing pain. Let’s explore the importance of sleep posture, the things to consider when selecting a pillow, and recommendations for finding the best pillow for your individual needs.
After the Auto Accident: How Chiropractic Care Can Help
Car accidents are a frighteningly common occurrence. In the United States in 2022, there were almost 6 million crashes reported. And even a seemingly minor fender bender can leave you with lingering pain and discomfort. Traditional medicine often focuses on treating the symptoms of an auto accident injury—such as pain and inflammation—with medication. However, there is a growing body of research that suggests that chiropractic care is a safe and effective way to help people heal from auto accident injuries.
Wellness Apps and Gadgets
Technology has seeped into every aspect of our lives, including our pursuit of health and wellness. From fitness trackers to mindfulness apps, numerous digital tools can significantly enhance your journey toward a healthier, happier you. Let's explore some of the most effective apps and gadgets. The most powerful app for health might be the humble timer.
Spinal Health Might Influence Gut Bacteria
The human body is a complex ecosystem where various systems interact in intricate ways. So amazing! One such fascinating connection is between spinal health and the gut microbiome. While this relationship has been explored for centuries in traditional medicine, recent scientific advancements have shed light on the underlying mechanisms.
The Healing Power of Laughter: Jokes, Giggles, and the Science of Feeling Good
We don't often think of laughter when we think of health, but laughter has profound effects on our physical and mental well-being. Laughter is a powerful tool that can boost our immune system, reduce stress, and even alleviate pain. Laughter exists cross-culturally, across the lifespan, and has even been documented in apes and rats. In this article, we'll explore the science behind laughter's healing properties and discuss the whys and the ways to bring more laughter into your daily life.
Beyond Relaxation: Using Massage to Enhance Immunity and Soothe Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and weakened immunity are common concerns during the Pacific Northwest winter. Multnomah County states that one in five Oregonians report symptoms of SAD, such as fatigue, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and excessive sleepiness. A weakened immune system can make individuals more susceptible to colds, the flu, and other illnesses. Fortunately, holistic approaches like massage, acupuncture, and self-care can significantly improve SAD symptoms and help stregnthen our immunity.
Rise and Shine: Get Up and Get Down
Summer in the Pacific Northwest is a magical time of year, which brings an opportunity to dry out and get some much-needed sunshine. Summertime means picnics, concerts and movies in the parks, working in the garden, playing on the beach, and other activities that all have one thing in common: getting up and down from the ground.
Tennis Elbow: Understanding and Overcoming the Pain
Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a common condition characterized by pain on the outside of the elbow. Despite its name, tennis elbow doesn't exclusively affect tennis players. Anyone who performs repetitive gripping or wrist-bending motions is at risk. This includes artists, craftspeople, clerks, and anyone who frequently sits at a computer.
Acupuncture for Insomnia and Sleep Apnea
Sleep is vital to our good health. "Sleep hygiene", the practice of protecting one's sleep through healthy habits and routines, has become a buzz term that reflects the stress and anxiety of modern life, and the growing awareness of how they can negatively impact our precious sleep. Two of the biggest sleep disorders, insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), are discussed in this article, along with a natural and effective solution that is available in our clinic: acupuncture.