This is a very common complaint both for people coming to yoga / pilates classes and for acupuncture / massage therapy. Stress is so often held in the shoulders as a protective response to stress and over months and years can lead to chronic upper back pain.
Thankfully this is very easy to remedy and to prevent. Acupuncture and Tuina massage work with or without a combination of relaxing cupping therapy is not only an effective way of relieving this kind of stress but is also a very rlaxing and enjoyable treatment. But what happen after therapy? If you go back to your old habits then over time the same chronic pain will begin to develop. With a few simple yoga stretches and Pilates movements this can be easily avoided. Yoga Eagle pose is the most effective to target that tight area between the shoulder blades. Add to this a Pilates spine stretch and the effects can be miraculous in preventing future pain. Both these simple exercises can be done sitting in a chair or even in the driving seat if your car is (fully) stopped in traffic. If you have time at home to do a short 5 to 15 minute routine with some additional simple exercises (Swan dive, Spine Twist, Cat Pose, Dolphin Pose) then not only will the results on the upper back be better but your mood will also lift, you will breathe better and sleep better. If you would like to discuss this or a similar issue, please don't hesitate to contact us on 086 408 2428 or [email protected] If you have a medical issue please consult with a medical professional. This blog is informational only and is not intended for self-diagnosis or as a substitute for professional medical advice.
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A sensation of burning in the eyes can have several causes both from a western medical and from a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective and the two diagnoses may or may not be related.
In Chinese medicine the Liver is said to be associated with the eyes and therefore any condition affecting the them may be an indicator of a disturbance in the energy of this organ. Energy is said to rise from the Liver into the eyes causing them to burn, itch, become red, or feel gritty and dry. This rising of energy may be caused by excessive anger or frustration, perhaps repeated over an extended period, or may be alcohol or food related. It may also occur as a result of illness in the western anatomical equivalent of the energy system described by the term Liver in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Treatment for this kind of symptom is relatively simple in Chinese medicine and involves the use of acupuncture points on the body to draw energy down from the eyes, to calm and 'smooth' Liver energy and to strengthen other organs or energy systems that have been affected by Liver energy. Clearing heat may also be involved if there are heat symptoms. Calming mood and addressing emotional issues through acupuncture may also be involved. If you would like to discuss this or a similar issue, please don't hesitate to contact us on 086 408 2428 or [email protected] If you have a medical issue please consult with a medical professional. This blog is informational only and is not intended for self-diagnosis or as a substitute for professional medical advice. It is definitely cold and flu weather again. Most people who regularly have acupuncture or who practice yoga will experience far less of these annoying symptoms. People training with Joe Pilates were also famous for being particularly resistant to colds and flus. So what's the secret?
Acupuncture stimulates a response from your bodies immune system, thereby strengthening it. The tiny pin-prick which you hardly feel is nevertheless registered by your bodies immune system, fortifying it in cold and damp weather. Pilates and yoga work with movement of the body, thereby causing the flow of lymph around the body and giving you an immune system boost. Yoga particularly, because of the inverted postures has a particularly beneficial effect. For more info, don't hesitate to contact me at [email protected] Liam B. |
AuthorLiam Byrne, Yoga & Pilates Instructor, Acupuncturist, Physical Therapist, Sports Massage Therapist, Archives
January 2016
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