Dr. Geri Greenberg: She provides 5 Healing Methods in One office

 

 

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Powerful Combination of Chiropractic and Acupuncture Helps You Get Out of Pain and Back to Your Normal Activities

Sometimes pain is so bad that you can’t do the things you used to do such as housework, driving, playing sports. Or you simply can’t sleep from pain and anxiety. Either way it’s limiting your pleasure in life.

Maybe the traditional route of drugs, surgery, or Physical Therapy isn’t for you. What you really want is a natural solution that makes it possible for you to play with your grandkids again, enjoy your work, have a good night’s sleep, eat well, hike, dance or get back to whatever brings you joy in life.

To help return to normal activities as quickly as possible, Dr. Geri Greenberg provides 5 healing methods in one office. Chiropractic. Acupuncture, Deep Muscle Therapy, Chinese Herbology, and Traditional Chinese Medicine. With this combination, Dr. Geri treats her patients holistically so they experience quicker healing in a calm environment.

            One Doctor   5 healing methods    Over 25 years Experience

Some of the conditions that respond well to these treatment methods are:

  • Anxiety/Stress Reduction
  • Arthritis/Joint Problems
  • Back pain/ Sciatica
  • Headaches/TMJ/Allergies/Bells Palsy
  • PMS/Menopause Regulation
  • Energy/Qi Balancing
  • Sports Injuries/Tendonitis (wrist, elbow ,knee, ankle)

A Truly Exceptional Health Professional !

I have been treated by Dr. Greenberg for over 20 yrs. She is amazing at assessing my condition and always applying just the right treatment to relieve my pain, stiffness and other ailments.  Her excellent communication skills and calming presence makes it a pleasure to visit her office.  The integration of Acupuncture, Chinese medicine/herbs with her Chiropractic expertise yields truly amazing results. My highest praise to Geri Greenberg for being there for me.            Glenn

Call or text Dr.Geri at 818-324-1539  for an appointment. 

Or, if you’re not sure that you’re ready for treatment yet, call for a free consultation.

 

Spring-the Season of the Liver

The ancient Chinese observed the seasons, their cyclical climatic changes, and the benefits of living in harmony with them.  Spring  is the beginning of the seasons and represents growth, the birth of new ideas, and the smooth flow of plans and decisions.  The Spring season correlates with the element Wood, which governs the liver/gallbladder meridians. The Wood element in nature refers to the growing structures: roots,trunk and limbs of trees, as well as the spine, limbs and joints in the human body.  Imbalances of this meridian may manifest as:  spinal problems, poor flexibility, arthritis, headache, neck pain, allergies, eye problems and indigestion. The liver is the seat of the emotions, so stagnant blocked liver qi (energy) may lead to indecision, irritability, feeling of weak rootedness, or easy to anger. The color associated with Spring/Liver Meridian is green and so many of the foods that nourish the liver are green: cooked zuccini, asparagus, string beans, celery, swiss chard, as well as soups, berries, baked apples and mint tea. Stagnation of the liver meridian may be balanced with outdoor exercise, sitting with your feet in the grass, and with seasonal Acupuncture/Chiropractic tune-ups.  Also, very effective are Specific Chinese Herbal formulas to harmonize  and activate smooth liver qi.

In Spring all living things are restored by the new light which illuminates plans and paths ahead.

Autumn the Season of the Lung

The ancient Chinese believed that the seasons have a profound cyclical effect on human growth and well-being.  Autumn is the season of the harvest, gathering the seeds and wisdom we’ve learned this year for continued growth in the spring.

It’s also a time for eliminating what is unnecessary, and storing up only what is needed for winter. As spring was an expansive time  fall is a contractive, simplifying time.

Autumn is the season of the Lung organ.  In Chinese medicine weakness of the Lung causes difficulty with respiratory disorders- asthma, frequent colds and lowered immunity, sinus headaches, skin ailments, (the skin is regarded as the third lung),and dryness- constipation.  Also, unresolved sadness and grief, can deplete the lung energy.

The pungent quality of some foods and spices help to open and expand the lung energy to clear grief and respiratory problems. Pungent foods are: garlic, ginger, horseradish, radish, daikon radish, cabbage. They can be used uncooked if you run cold in nature but if you run warm they are best eaten after being cooked. Since Autumn is a dry season, foods that help moisten are: cooked pears, apples, squashes, along with persimmons, almonds, barley, millet and soy.

Balanced lung qi (energy) is reflected in the ability to have boundaries,  knowing what to let in  and what to keep out, when to say yes, when to say no, and finally when to hold on and when to let go.

Acupuncture and particular Chinese herbal formulas are  helpful at this seasonal change for optimal balance.

See you for your Autumn tune-up.          Call or text for appointment:  (818) 324-1539

Balancing Emotional Health with Acupuncture & Chinese Herbs

Ideally, all the organs & meridians of the body operate in balance and emotions are calm and appropriate to life’s situations. However, when the Qi/energy in our meridians get our of balance, some people may experience anxiety, worry nd other difficult emotional states.

In Chinese Medicine these imbalances may manifest as follows:

Liver Meridian qi flow imbalance: can cause us to experience excessive anger , irritability, frustration, impatience or depression.  Balanced liver/qi energy will help us to be relaxed, patient, emotionally even and feeling a smooth flow of plans going forward.           

Heart meridian imbalance: may cause us to experience anxiety, panic attacks, palpitations and insomnia.  Balanced -creates calm and relaxed emotions.  

Spleen meridian imbalance: excessive worry, tendency to overthink.  When balanced we have clear crisp thinking at a normal pace.   

 Lung meridian imbalance: can cause us to experience prolonged frief, sadness, or melancholy.  When balanced- general feeling of flow, able to move through our feelings with contentment.     

Kidney meridian imbalance:  can manifest with excess fear and worry, loss of will and determination.  When balanced we are calm and able to proceed forward with ease and confidence.

The combination of Acupuncture and specific Chinese Herbal Formulas help to restore optimal Qi/ energy flow and balance emotional health.

Foods that Lower Cholesterol- Research from the Journal” Progress in Cardiovascular Diseases”

 

These  foods have each been proven to reduce cholesterol and heart disease risk.

-Nuts

-plant protein obtained either from soy-based foods such as tofu, soy milk, and beans, peas, chickpeas, lentils

-soluble fiber, such as oats, barley, psyllium, eggplant, okra, apples, oranges and berries

 

 

 

Top 15 Anti-inflammatory foods

Anti-inflammatory foods

Top 15 Anti-Inflammatory Foods

Small, gradual changes are typically more sustainable, easier for the body to adapt to and can make you less likely to go back to your old ways. So rather than emptying your pantry and sailing off to the Mediterranean, you can pursue an anti-inflammatory diet one step at a time.

By adding in the anti-inflammatory foods that fight inflammation and restore health at a cellular level, you can begin to repair the body without any drastic changes. Once you find foods that heal your body and satisfy your palate, you can remove the inflammation-causing offenders without feeling deprived. Let’s take a look at 15 of the best anti-inflammatory foods you can add to your diet.

1. Green Leafy Vegetables

The produce drawer is the first spot in your refrigerator or pantry to fill when fighting inflammation. Fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants that restore cellular health, as well as anti-inflammatory flavonoids. If you struggle to consume added portions of green leafy vegetables, try this delicious anti-inflammatory juice that incorporates greens alongside some of the strongest anti-inflammatory foods in the list.

Swiss chard nutrition, for example, is extremely high in the antioxidants vitamin A and C, as well as vitamin K, which can protect your brain against oxidative stress caused by free radical damage. Eating chard can also protect you against the common vitamin K deficiency.

2. Bok Choy

Also known as Chinese cabbage, bok choy is an excellent source of antioxidant vitamins and minerals. In fact, recent studies show that there are over 70 antioxidant phenolic substances in bok choy. These include something called hydroxycinnamic acids, which are robust antioxidants that scavenge free radicals. (5) A versatile vegetable, bok choy can be made in many dishes outside of Chinese cuisine, so make it one of your go-to anti-inflammatory foods.

to see more https://draxe.com/anti-inflammatory-foods/

Natural Ways to Calm Stress

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What is Stress?

Stress is the body’s reaction to pressure, tension, and change. Recognizing the early signs of stress and learning to deal with them can make an important difference in the quality of life.  Life without stress can be dull and uneventful. Life with too much stress can be debilitating and distressful.

Signs of Stress: Cold hands, rapid breathing, rapid heartbeat, headaches, neck and low back pain, muscle tension, spasm, poor sleep,  decreased immunity leading to susceptibility to illness.

Natural Ways to Calm Stress:  Walking, swimming, yoga, Tai chi, meditation, and short naps. Practicing slow hobbies like: gardening, painting, music, photography, making sand castles, and reading.

Reducing Stress Through the 5 Senses

Seeing- when we look in the distance vs. at our computers or phones, we balance our eye muscles and at the same time “get out of our heads”, relaxing our minds and clearing our inner and outer vision.

Hearing-listening to soothing music, to the sounds of nature, or our deep breaths in silence, naturally calms us.  I recommend the CD by Jon Kabat-Zinn: Mindfulness, Meditation  and the soothing music CD by Carlos Nakai- Canyon Tryilogy- which you hear on this website and in the office.

Taste Certain foods and herbs are naturally calming: berries, bananas, apples to name a few and also chamomile and mint tea.

Touch– the entire body is represented on the ears, so massaging the ears is an easy way to relax.

Smell- we can see and hear something at a long distance, but our sense of smell is 10,000 times more sensitive than our other senses.  Lavender calms the mind and anxiety, grapefruit and mint- clear frustration, lift our spirits, and help us re-focus. Put 6-10 drops of Aura Acacia Essential oil in a spray bottle with 6 oz of water. You can spray the lavender spritz on your pillow or mint or grapefruit  in the air around you at work or the car.

Acupuncture, Acupressure, and Chiropractic, release muscle tension, blocked circulation and qi/energy flow, thereby harmonizing and balancing the body and emotions,   creating a deep sense of calm…naturally.

Nutrients & Easy Brain boosting techniques

brain-nutrientsNeurobics- easy ways to boost mental faculties for the long and short term.

1.Use your non-dominant hand to do basic everyday activities, like brushing your teeth or hair.

2. Look at various colors: surrounding yourself with numerous different colors stimulates the vision center of the brain more than dull colors.

3.Learn a new instrument: both playing music and listening to music improves auditory function.

4.Walk barefoot: walking around in shoes is a sensation your brain is accustomed to. So surprise your brain by taking off your shoes and feeling   the grass or sand sensations.

5.Write a journal: writing and observing how you feel and what’s around you, the sights and sounds, wakes up your brain to the intricacies of life and strengthens it.  Also, the act of writing engages more of the brain than typing does.

6.Memorize a poem, or song or write a speech: recite it or sing it out loud. This stimulates short and long term memory.

7.Try new food: tasting new food, texture and different tastes engages the brain.

8.Laugh- watch more comedy, practice laughter yoga ( laughing with a friend or group) for no reason, just that stimulus releases dopamine a key component in memory, focus and attention.

9. Write a gratitude list: at days end, write 3 things from the day that you appreciated.

10.Close your eyes: and do an activity such as eating or dressing with your eyes shut.  This stimulates the senses and ability to focus.

11.Take up a new hobby, talk to a new person:  google :www. meetup.com  and you’ll find groups that meet with hobbies of all kinds- walking, photography, art, music, learning a new language…etc.

12.Rearrange your house: moving around furniture forces your brain to readjust its spatial expectations. Take a different route to work or your daily errands or explore somewhere new. This gets the mind out of its comfort zone and stimulates it.

 

Summer the Season of Yang

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Summer: The Season or Yang/ Fire element

The Summer, in Chinese Medicine, belongs to the Fire element. Fire ignites all of life, creating activity, warmth and connection with people, just as the summer season does.  Fire energy in nature and in us encourages expansion and abundance. The heart, mind and spirit are ruled by the fire element. When the fire element is in balance, the heart is strong, the mind is calm and sleep is sound. When unbalanced, there may be signs of depression, anxiety, nervousness, heartburn, insomnia, burning the candle at both ends or burnout. Deficiency of fire can leave us feeling cold and not able to feel life’s’ zest.

Acupuncture and herbs help to balance the fire element.

Summer, cooling (yin) foods are:

Watermelon, cantaloupe, citrus, peaches, apricots, cucumber, asparagus, broccoli, bok choy, white mushrooms, spinach, and Asian pears

-Avoid foods that are hot or create heat: spices, garlic, hot peppers, lamb

-Avoid heavy outdoor activity 10 am-2pm, try a nap at that time, the body naturally cools when we rest

-If you do get overheated use the acupressure point at the outer elbow crease or spray water with a few drops of lavender oil in it on your legs  and feet

-Beverages:  Mint or Chrysanthemum tea cooled or fresh Coconut juice from Whole Foods- high in electrolytes. water with slices of lemon and or cucumber

Take time to nourish your spirit -sitting with your feet in the grass or sand while taking some deep breaths.

See you soon for your summer tune up, balancing treatment 

Got Leg Cramps?

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Sometimes cramps come on due to prolonged sitting, standing, or driving causing congestion of circulation in the low back and legs. Deep muscle therapy and Chiropractic are beneficial to normalize circulation. Also deficiency of magnesium/potassium, dehydration from the  heat, or after an illness cause cramping.

Eating foods that are naturally high in minerals,  drinking coconut water, a natural electrolyte and taking  magnesium before bed help sleep and naturally relaxes the muscles.

 

 

13 Anti-Aging Herbs & Spices

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Herbs and Spices add flavor and additional health benefits to our meals.

1.Basil: contains flavonoids that boost our longevity and immune system. (best benefits when raw as in pesto, on top of eggplant/zucchini- after  it’s cooked,  with drizzle of balsamic and olive oil on tomatoes and fresh mozzarella)

2.Cardamom relieves indigestion and detoxifies the body. Especially helpful in winter after a meal, usually found in Chai tea.

3.Cinnamon keeps blood sugar steady, preventing insulin spikes that may lead to wrinkles and blemishes. Tasty on yams, in morning coffee and oatmeal.

4.Cumin is a good source of iron and boosts digestion. Great in lentil soup and  as a topper to avocado toast.

5.Fennel seeds boost digestion as a tea and to chew a few after a meal.

6.Ginger benefits digestion  when cooked with fish. a few fresh slices steeped with lemon and honey are helpful for cold/flu prevention and as an anti-inflammatory/expectorant for cough, and relieves muscular aches and pains brought on by exercise.

7.Mint eases digestion, promotes detoxification, clears sinus and headaches from colds/flu and moves qi/energy when we’re feeling a bit stuck.

8.Oregano has antimicrobial properties as does Olive leaf both can be found in capsules for cold/flu prevention.

9.Parsley is a diuretic used as a tea, and found in Bieler Broth:2- Zucchini, 3 stalks-Celery, handful- String beans and handful-parsley, steamed then blended as a soup for liver and blood detoxification and helpful during colds and flu. It is also packed with iron.

10. Rosemary boosts mood and memory. A few sprigs in a baggie kept at your desk to inhale especially in the afternoon for focus.

11. Sage helps regulate bile flow to benefit digestion.

12. Thyme an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, relaxes the muscles of the trachea and bronchi opening up the airways. Cough Recipe: 1/2 tsp fresh grated ginger, 1/2 tsp turmeric, 1/3 tsp thyme 2 tsp honey, juice of 1/2 lemon. Let herbs steep in boiling water for 5 min then strain and add honey and lemon. Potent combination to relieve lung congestion and  inflammation.

13.Tumeric reduces pain and speeds healing. Tasty on butternut/acorn squash and yams.

Winter the Season of the Kidney

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The ancient Chinese believed that the seasons have a profound cyclical effect on human growth and well-being. That we are influenced by climatic changes and should live in harmony with them. In winter, the cold and darkness drive us to seek inner warmth, reflection, and rest.  Chinese medicine’s view of kidney meridian functions are: for immune support, the force of the will, the capacity for sharp thinking and perception, along with the western view of fluid metabolism. This meridian also influences the bones, hair, and ears.  Problems with those areas reflect a imbalance in the kidney meridian system.

Foods that nourish the Kidney organ and meridian are: warm hearty soups, whole grains, roasted nuts (black walnuts- look like the brain and actually nourish the brain and kidneys). Beans look like the kidney shape and also nourish the kidney ( especially black beans). Root vegetables -yams, carrots, sweet potatoes warm and build our grounded energy/qi in the winter. Limiting raw cold vegetables (better for summer season).

By nourishing and restoring the kidneys with rest, food, specific constitutional warming herbal formulas, and seasonal acupuncture tune-ups, the body is better prepared for the next season-spring, the time of new growth, plans, visions and horizons.

New Research on Low Back Pain

 

 

 

 

 

New Research has found that on MRI examination of the lumbar spine, many people without back pain, have disc bulges. Given this discovery, people with low back pain, and disc bulges may frequently be a  coincidental finding and as a result conservative care may be recommended for initial treatment.

Even having a lot of back pain does not by itself mean surgery is warranted. Surgery has been found to be helpful in only 1 in 100 cases.

This study also found that degenerative disc changes are part of the normal aging process rather than a pathological process requiring surgical intervention.

According to Mayo Clinic, most disc changes are no more significant than gray hair or crows feet.  In other words, they are not necessarily the cause of the back pain but are just a natural part of the aging process. So the next time you hear someone say, “I have a slipped or bulging disc and I need surgery”, you might encourage the person to seek out Chiropractic or Acupuncture care before medications, shots, or surgery.

Tips for helping TMJ

 

 

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TMJ- temporomandibular joint  pain affects over 10 million Americans and can involve difficulty chewing, jaw muscle stiffness and painful popping or clicking.

JAW EXERCISE: touch the tip of your tongue to the roof of your mouth, where the roof and teeth meet. Keep your tongue in place and open your mouth slowly for several repetitions. This helps align and release the jaw muscles.

Deficiencies in calcium and magnesium are commonly found in people with TMJ problems. The International Dental Association’s Research found that when those supplements were routinely taken, 70% of patients experienced pain relief. Magnesium rich foods: cashews, avocados, almond or sesame butter, sunflower seeds, rice.  Calcium rich foods: bananas, coconut, yogurt, spinach.

Acupuncture, mild muscle therapy and gentle Chiropractic can greatly reduce the pain and tension of the TMJ, stimulating muscle release, flow, and function.

 

Do your energy levels go up and down? See what acupuncture meridians may need balancing.

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In Chinese Medicine the Meridian Clock is one of the diagnostic tools used to determine where the body imbalances lie. Each meridian comes into its highest action  at a certain time of day. So if you notice fatigue at a certain time or you awaken at a specific time and can’t go back to sleep those are indicators of an imbalance in those meridians. The combination of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs help to tonify and balance those meridians.

Probiotics and Digestive Support

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The healthy digestive system includes a population of both “good” and “bad” bacteria that live in symbiotic harmony with each other. The “bad” bacteria in the gut can result from ingestion of antibiotics that kill the good bacteria as in chronic urinary tract infections,  overindulgence in sugar that feed the “bad” bacteria . and  acute or chronic illness resulting in imbalance and causing digestive strife.

The “good” bacteria can be replenished by Probiotics: yogurt, kefir, kimchi, and aged parmesian cheese.  As well as Prebiotics, which nuture probiotics : artichokes, asparagus, oatmeal, brown rice, quinoa.  Other digestive harmonizing foods are: papaya and cucumber.

Digestive teas best taken warm vs cold or hot: fennel seed, dill seed,  peppermint, ginger, parley and slippery elm.

 

 

 

Breathing & Calming the mind

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Jon Kabat-Zinn recorded my favorite guided breathing CD set. The CD’s  are secular and easy to follow. It comes with a set of 4 CD’s but my favorite is “sitting meditation” .  Another CD is the “body scan”  during which he guides using the breath, to relax all parts of the body, and is best  used lying down. 

Here’s an example : Find a comfortable position. Feel your body and consciously soften any obvious tension. Bring your attention to feel the sensations of your breathing.  Take a few breaths and sense where you can feel the breath most easily, as coolness in the nostrils, or movement of the chest, or the rise and fall of the belly. Then let your breath be natural.  Feel the sensations of your natural breathing, relaxing into each breath as you feel it. After a few breaths your mind will wander. When you notice this, gently bring your attention back to the next breath.  You will find that when your attention is focused on the breath it helps to quiet your whole body and mind.

Helpful  books for calming the mind are: Wherever you go there you are- by Jon Kabat-Zinn, 100 ways to keep your soul alive- by Frederic & Mary Ann Brussat,  Sacred time by Gary Eberle, Flow- by Mihaly Csikazentmihalyi  and The extraordinary power of ordinary things- by Larry Dossey

 Soothing and centering music: Canyon Trilogy by Carlos Nakai ( played in the office) Windham Chill 1&2, Narada Collection 3,  Narada Sampler 3 and Acoustic Therapy Relaxation

Aromatherapy: In a spray bottle put 6 oz of water and 6-10 drops of essential oil ( Aura Acacia best ) spray on pillow case and sheets before bed or on a scent ball ( you can get at office)  to plug into wall.  Lavender- calms mind and decreases agitation. Mint, grapefruit- clear frustration, lift spirits and focus concentration

AcuCalm Acupuncture Stress Reduction Clinic now offered 7-8 pm  Tues or Wed eves once a month. To find when the  next session is go to drgerigreenberg.com  and click on acucalm tab.

Healthy Holiday Gift Ideas

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1.From stress reduction to pain relief Acupressure, Acupuncture and Chiropractic support our bodies, immune systems and lift our spirits.  Stress reduction and Energy Balancing gift certificates are available to soothe family & friends in this Holiday Season. 

2.Essential Oil Collection: Pure essential oils contain many health benefits including reducing stress, relieving pain,  killing germs and again lifting spirits. Lavender- is calming;   Peppermint- kills germs, clears sinuses, and moves qi/energy  invigorating us. Eucalyptus: also kills germs, clears lungs & sinuses especially good with sinus steamer. These three are good for a personalized started kit.

3.Tea Gift basket: Many teas soothe the nerves and provide valuable antioxidants. Create a basket of your favorite teas and a small jar of honey or stevia. Camomille, Chai, Peppermint, Ginger all come decafinated if your gift recipient is sensitive to caffeine.

4.Organic Skin Care: Heated winter air can be very drying, even on young skin. Give your loved one a new scented lotion to enjoy. Be sure to read the label, look for the fewest ingredients possible and check for ingredient names you recognize and can pronounce.

5.New Organic Sheets: Fresh. soft sheets can be a real luxury that not only feels good but also helps you sleep well, investigate bamboo or cotton sheets. The fibers are very soft.

6.Relaxing music CD or Meditation CD: My favorite Meditation Cd’s are by Jon Kabat-Zinn: he gives a guided tour of the body using the  breath to bring a deep sense of relaxation. Some of my other favorite calming CDs are by: George Winston, Liz Story, Jim Chappell, Michael Hedges, David Lanz, Eric Tingstad, and of course the artist  I play in the office and on this website:  Carlos Nakai

7. Fun food ideas: herbal olive oils & vinegars- Trader joes- 3 flavored olive oils ( basil, lemon, pepper),  Tjoes’ – mustard Miscellany- (basil,chablis, provencal)    Tjoes ” Nut Quartet”,  prepackaged cranberries & nuts, pumpkin or sunflower seeds in a pretty jar,  Tjoes”- Yellow & Red Thai Curry Sauces, and Humus Quartet and veges.

Scalp Acupressure & Acupuncture

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There are more acupressure/acupuncture points on the head than in any other part of the body. Most of the bodies’ meridians have either direct or indirect routes to and through the head. The muscles and fascia of the scalp, though often ignored, can become so tense causing compression of the delicate nerves and blood supply manifesting as irritability, anxiety,  eye fatigue,pain, headaches, TMJ and unclear thinking.

Scalp acupressure/acupuncture, rebalances energy leaving one with a sense of calm and vitality.

Incorrect vs. Correct head posture for cellphone use

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Flexing the head and neck ( in Left photo) to look down at the cellphone, requires constant contraction of the neck extensor musculature creating an unbalanced posture.

Bringing the phone up to eye level relieves the stress on the neck. Note: it’s important for the upper arm to be relaxed.

 

Recognize your Strengths

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Recognize your strengths

A water bearer in China had two large pots hung on the ends of a pole, which he carried across his neck. One of the pots had a crack in it; the other pot was perfect.

At the end of the long walk from the stream to the house, the perfect pot would always be full of water, but the cracked pot would arrive only half full.

For two years this went on every day, with the bearer delivering only one and a half pots of water to his house.  The perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments, but the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its imperfection, and miserable that it was able to accomplish only half of what it had been made to do. 

After two years of what it perceived to be bitter failure, the cracked pot spoke to the water bearer one day by the stream, “I am ashamed of myself, because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your house.”

The bearer said to the pot, “Did you notice that there are flowers on your side of the path, but not on the other pot’s side? That’s because I have always known about your flaw, so I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back, you water them. For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate the table. Without you being just the way you are, there would not be this beauty to grace the house.

 Each of us has our own unique flaws, and it’s these that make our lives together so very interesting and rewarding. We’ve  just got to accept ourselves for what we are and everyone else for what they are, and look for the good in all people.

To find out your strengths ask yourself: When do you feel most alive?  Which new skills do you learn very easily?  What do you look forward to?  What do look back on with fondness?   — “100 Ways to Happiness” Dr. Timothey Sharp

 

 

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