A No-medication Approach To Knee Pain

As a young active woman, I thought I would not have to worry about knee problems for decades. My knees started to ache for some reason.

It was negligible in the beginning and would disappear after a few days. Then, it became worse and I just couldn’t ignore it anymore. I also heard a strange grinding sound that definitely was not normal.

Living with knee pain is not easy at all. I never realized the huge role the knees play in my overall mobility. Even if I was just walking straight for a few minutes, it would just start to hurt.

I tried to incorporate exercises that I thought would help but at some point, I realized I needed expert advice. This is when I opted for South Yarra physio service to solve my knee pain professionally. 

My last visit to the doctor led me to consult a physiotherapist. I was not interested in treating my pain with medication, especially since I was experiencing chronic pain.

Instead, I wanted to learn how to live with the pain, understand where it comes from, and figure out how to overcome or treat it. A visit to the physiotherapist seemed the best way to achieve those goals. 

My First Meeting With The Physiotherapist

When I sat down at the clinic for the first time, I was very excited to talk about my pain and to understand more about it. True enough, I had to answer many questions about myself, my lifestyle, exercise routine, and the history of the pain.

I felt a bit ashamed having waited so long to have asked for help, especially as I talked about how many months I tried to ignore the pain or deal with it using very ineffective methods. 

My physiotherapist told me that I was not alone, that many people did exactly the same. After all, I was young and active, and knee pain just is not common with people like me. Interestingly, there are many causes of knee pain, and some of them are not related to old age at all.

While we did talk about possible reasons for my knee pain, we did not come to any definite conclusion. But my physiotherapist’s assessment ruled out serious conditions like arthritis, so it was most likely due to injury or my lifestyle.

How My Knee Pain Was Treated By My Physiotherapist

During this first visit, we touched on possible treatment approaches. I was surprised when I was asked about my daily habits and schedule because my treatment was personally tailored to that. This is because, beyond my visits to the physiotherapist, I needed to continue the exercises at home.

This also helps ensure that I will not stop when the sessions become less. The goal is to introduce movements and changes that will reduce the pain and treat it long-term. Here were some of the steps that were introduced.

1. Increasing Range Of Motion

Most of the time, the pain is due to stiff knees. It will also manifest in weakness and worse mobility. To reduce the pain, I had to do exercises that will very slowly improve my range of motion. The intensity increased over time until I did not feel any stiffness or movement limitations. 

2. Strengthening The Muscles

I did not realize that knee pain can be due to inhibited thigh (quadriceps) muscles. Adding exercises to make these muscles stronger also pushed the pain away. 

3. Releasing Soft Tissue Restrictions

Other causes of knee pain can be scar tissue, inflammation, or muscle imbalance. What they all have in common is the possibility of a tight issue. By releasing these restrictions on the soft tissue, they will loosen up and reduce the pain almost magically.

4. Bracing Or Strapping

While this was not necessary in my case, I learned that using a tape or a brace can help the knee greatly. It will stop the pain and inflammation and allow the source of the pain to be identified and addressed. 

5. Modifying Activity

My physiotherapist believes the pain stemmed from bad posture and walking behavior. I was simply putting too much stress on the knee to a point it started to hurt a lot.

It might have started from an injury or years-long poor walking stance, but whatever the reason was, one of the strategies was to change my activities. The goal is to reduce the inflammation and swelling by modifying my activity and avoiding stress on the knee.

Conclusion

My physiotherapist handled my pain professionally and effectively so that I could easily move around the house without all the aching.

And because I learned so much about how my habits and even my posture, including how this contributes to knee pain, I am now armed with the knowledge to keep knee pain at bay.

Everything you Need to Know About Chin-Up Bars

When you go to the gym as a beginner, you will probably see that chin-ups are something the more advanced clients do. If you have been neglectful of your fitness, chin-ups will be something you may not be able to do. Chin-ups are quite a challenge to execute, and even people who can do them love to hate them.

For some, they can only watch and see others do it while harboring no illusion that they can make one rep yet. However, chin-ups can do you a whole lot of good when it comes to building muscle strength in the upper body and improving on posture and appearance.

Equipment that You Need:

The only equipment you will need for a chin-up is a stable, stationary horizontal bar, preferably made of steel. The aim of the chin-up is to target your upper back and arm muscles and lift your body from a stationary hanging position. You have to develop strength with minimal movements.

There have been similar exercises that use minimal momentum as a conditioning program. Chin-ups are one of them but it develops upper body strength from a stationary position.

Step by Step on How to Perform the Chin Up

  • Place a bench or a steeper under the pull-up bar. The pull-up bar should be at an adequate height above the ground. Step onto the stepper.
  • Reach up and grab the bar with palms facing up and grip it tight. Use both hands.
  • Stretch your spine and keep it long. Lift your chest and tighten the abdominal to create stability. A rigid body helps the entire upper body be pulled up in the chin up. Lift the chest to the bar by pulling your elbows past the rib cage.
  • When you have reached the top stop briefly or pause. Lower your back to the starting position slowly. Going down slowly keeps the tension in the back longer, which helps give the body strength and definition.

What are the Muscles Chin Ups Work Out?

1. Back Muscles

The latissimus dorsi is a chest muscle at the back and is the biggest muscle involved in the chin-up. This is a big muscle that is located in the lower to middle back and runs along to the shoulders.

This muscle is the part which you feel sticking out of your torso. It tends to be visible when well-developed. The lats pull on your arms and move towards your body, which is integral to the chin-up movement.

Another back muscle that is also affected is the lower trapezius. This muscle is a small area that is located between your shoulder blades and your spine. It helps to start the pulling movement in the chin up. Other muscles targeted by the chin-up are the rhomboid major and teres major.

The rhomboid has a major and minor part, and these are small muscles located in your shoulder blade. They pull your shoulder blades closer together, which makes it retract down to your back. At this point, it affects the latissimus dorsi. The rhomboids start at the bottom of your shoulder blades and end into the shoulder.

2. Biceps

The Biceps are another part that greatly benefits from chin-ups. According to studies, chin-ups are one of the most effective exercises for the biceps, and there are few exercises that are better at conditioning it. You need a lot of arm strength when you pull yourself up the bar.

As you pull yourself toward the chin-up bar, you also flex your elbow and pull your hands towards your shoulders. This is the main role of the biceps in a chin-up exercise.

3. Chest Muscles

The chest muscle is also called the pectoralis major and is a muscle targeted in a chin-up exercise. According to a study that measures electrical activity in muscles, the chin-up activates the chest muscles as you pull yourself up. However, the major movements are still being done by the back and biceps muscles.

4. Abs

Your abs are also at work in a chin-up exercise since it keeps your body aligned and straight. It also controls your torso and legs to prevent your body from swinging.  

Final Thoughts

Chin-ups are hard but you need an extra challenge if you want to get fit. Another great thing about chin-up bars is they can be installed in your home.

In fact, you can buy the best chin up bar in Australia in many online stores. Mastering the chin-up will be a feather in your fitness cap that will not only give you great muscles but immense health as well.

Leave Your Hair In The Care Of Your Favorite Melbourne Hairdresser

If you are like me and you like to regularly get new hairdos or change your look, then you are likely in the hair salon quite often for haircuts and other hair design treatments.

In the beginning, I thought getting a cut and getting it blow-dried or straightened was enough. But my favorite experienced hairdressers in Melbourne have taught me the importance of taking care of my hair.

Getting A Haircut: A Different Experience

I have been to hairdressers who have quickly cut my hair and then end it at that. They do not consider the status of my hair beforehand and nor put a second thought as to how it will look the next day.

It may look wonderful immediately after the cut, but that was it. A really great hairdresser will provide full service from the second you sit on the chair.

Not only do they simply want your money and then move on to the next customer, but they truly focus on how they can improve your look and your hair.

My locks are always a mess, with my hair quite brittle and weak after frequent blow-drying and other unhealthy practices. They really need some love and care from a professional.

Whenever I visit my favorite hairdresser, they provide full service. Instead of just cutting my hair, I get a consultation first as to what look suits me, based on the shape of my face, how dense and thick my mane is and my lifestyle.

The latter means if you are the type of person who likes an easy to maintain haircut, then you will not end up with a style that needs regular blow-drying.

Beyond cutting my locks, they will also look at the condition of my hair and scalp, as well as the style and color I prefer.

Only then can a cut and design be decided. I would always sit there with the knowledge that my hairdresser is a professional and that my hair is in good hands.

Get A Hair Treatment Along With A Haircut

At my favorite hairdresser’s, a hair care treatment is recommended and can be booked for a few more bucks. This is part of the shampoo, conditioner, and scalp massage that complements the haircut.

Beyond that, there are other few treatments my favorite hairdresser offers, from a simple masque to the popular keratin treatment. These procedures do not only make my hair look shiny and beautiful; it also enhances any look I get.

A Keratin Relaxing Treatment is the most recommended even if you are not subjecting your head of hair to chemicals or other procedures. Basically, you will be feeding your hair with keratin, which is the primary protein of your hair, nails, and skin.

A Kerastase Ritual is like a professional washing and conditioning for your hair. What makes it stand out compared to other hair treatments is that you get some rejuvenating scalp massage.

This allows the proper absorption of the hair treatment you want to have done. It is not just good for your hair, but it is also very relaxing for you as a customer.

The best thing about getting hair treatment is that you get supple, healthy, and shiny hair that will only highlight your new hairdo.

It is possible because these expert hairdressers will give you the right tips and products so that you can continue with your hair pampering at home.

By following the recommendations of your hairdresser, you find the right products and develop the right hair care routine to keep nourishing it at home.

The Right Hairdresser Watches Out For Your Hair

Do not be fooled by hairdressers who only want your business, not truly giving you the full hair care treatment when you get a haircut.

Getting the right service will keep your locks healthy, beautiful, and shiny, and will make your new hairdo look great.

How Commercial Cleaning Can Impact Employee Health and Productivity

Employees are a business organisation’s most important asset. Without the people driving the business, it would be almost impossible to ensure the success of the company.

It is for this reason that companies have to invest in professional commercial cleaning services in Melbourne.

This is one of the most important steps in safeguarding their employees’ health and ensure overall business productivity.

While it is true that in-house cleaning services can clean a company’s premises, only a professional cleaning service can do a much better job.

It is very important to realise that the cleaners you employ may not have the necessary training to guarantee a more judicious cleaning job.

For example, they may only clean those areas that many people use. These can include the restrooms, the pantry, and the hallways.

They may also clean the lobby or reception areas of offices. The problem is that these are not always the problematic areas.

Ordinary cleaners will only look at areas that are very visible. They may not look into the air conditioning vents and the area behind cabinets and doors.

The thing here is that many of these in-house cleaners do not perform a very thorough cleaning of your establishment. This can pose a threat to the health of everyone in your facility.

Dust particles that accumulate in airconditioning vents can get airborne. Employees can inhale these particles and irritate the lining of their airways.

In susceptible individuals, this can lead to airway problems such as bronchial spasms, asthma, and upper airway inflammation. The employee can phone in sick.

This means you may have to make the necessary adjustments in your staffing to account for the sick employee.

Unfortunately, this can have an effect on those who are present in the office, too. If you make changes to your staffing, there is a chance that the others will get overworked.

This can lead to stress. We already know how stress can have a negative impact on almost everything that we do.

It strains relationships and narrows down our focus. In other words, we become less productive because of stress.

Professional cleaning services make sure to remove all microscopic particles that have the potential to cause health concerns in employees. This is one of the best ways you can guarantee their optimum health.

At the same time, you are also ensuring that they remain productive in driving your company’s bottom line.

Spills and leaks can also have a major impact on the health of everyone. While your building administrator may look at it from the point of view of the structure’s integrity, you should look at it in terms of its effects on your employees.

If there is a build-up of moisture, there is a chance that fungi and bacteria will grow. Fungi or moulds can produce mildew.

These can form spores. Like particles, they can get airborne and enter the respiratory passages of individuals.

What makes moulds more sinister is that they are very hardy microorganisms.

They require several months of intensive antifungal treatments. This translates to loss of man-hours for your company. It also puts the employee at risk for other diseases.

A company that provides commercial cleaning services can get rid of these potential sources of mould and mildew.

They also have the right tools to use, making sure that every square metre of your building’s surface is dry and clean. It is the only way you can prevent the proliferation of moulds and mildew.

They often say that cleanliness is second only to godliness. What this means is that ensuring a clean and well-sanitised business environment is crucial to ensuring the optimum health of all employees. Healthy employees mean greater productivity and better business outcomes.

Are Vibration Machines Effective?

Vibration machines are the newest equipment for weight loss. The instructions are simple – you stand or sit on a vibrating platform and let it burn calories through muscle contraction.

While the concept seems reasonable, a lot of people are wondering, will you lose weight with vibration machine exercise?

Vibration Machines and Weight Loss

The concept of a vibration machine is simple. Honestly, it’s too good to be true if you think about it.

I was first skeptical about the effectiveness of a simple machine where I’m only supposed to stand for 15 minutes in my weight loss journey.

There’s a vibration machine in one of the nearby gyms that I go to and I kept seeing women stay on that equipment for 10-15 minutes. All they do is stand, but some add a little twist in it by squatting.

By doing a little research, I found out that vibration machines make you lose weight through muscle contraction. The vibration causes muscles to contract constantly making it feel like as if you were working out.

But then it got me wondering if it was an alternative to exercise. Further research made me conclude that it isn’t.

It’s merely a good supplement to further increase the weight you will lose. But according to trainers, it is still no substitute to exercise.

Benefits of a Vibration Machine

Now you might be thinking that vibration machines are not that useful anyway.

But a review of everfit vibration machine will show you that this equipment can do more than just make you lose weight. Here are some of the benefits I found out:

1. Increased Balance

During my first try with the Everfit vibration machine, I thought it would be a piece of cake just standing on its platform. But I was wrong.

After 2 minutes in, my body felt like it was going to fall off with all the vibrations. This encouraged me to focus more on my balance and we all know how important balance is in being fit.

So if you constantly stay on a vibration machine a few times a week, then you will see a change in the way you stay upright.

2. Reduced Muscle Soreness

Even though your muscles will be contracting the whole time, amazingly, this still reduces muscle soreness.

It’s perfect for those who are recovering from an intense workout and just want to cool down but don’t want to move. With a vibration machine, you’re still exercising your muscles even if you’re not exerting much effort.

3. Improved Blood Circulation

It’s not just your muscles that get affected when you step on a vibration machine. There are also your blood cells that are able to flow through your body a lot easier.

This is because the movement you do on this machine is similar to a few cardio exercises like running, walking, or biking.

These workouts improve blood circulation as they increase your heart rate. The same effect happens on a vibration machine.

4. Better Strength

Now, this benefit is important especially for guys who want to go into weight training. Muscle strength is crucial for you to be able to withstand a number of weights and still be able to carry the heaviest load out there.

A vibration machine can help you here because the constant muscle contraction already conditions your muscles for an intense workout.

I, for one, spend at least 10 minutes on a vibration machine as a warm-up to build strength.

So with just 10 minutes of vibrations, you can already get all these benefits. I recommend that you try this before or after a workout as a warm-up or a cool-down exercise.

How to Enjoy a Game of Indoor Cricket

If you haven’t played cricket yet, don’t worry as you’re definitely not alone. Despite the fact that cricket is one of Australia’s favourite sports, not everyone knows that there is an indoor version of this popular Commonwealth sports. Believe me, I did, too. It’s like playing softball except that it comes with different rules. Regardless, it is still one of the most fun activities you can have with your friends. Here’s how you can enjoy a game of indoor cricket.

Watch the Pros

The first thing you really have to do is to watch how professional or even amateur bowlers, batters, and fielders accomplish the different tasks expected of them with each game. Watch these athletes as they play indoor cricket in Melbourne or any other major city in Australia. This will give you an idea as to just how fervent the spectators can be, cheering their team and even giving them the much-needed morale boost when scoring. Alternatively, you can watch a game on TV, although I personally recommend watching the actual games so you’ll get the vibe of the game.

Learn the Rules

Like I said in the beginning, a game of indoor cricket is pretty much like a game of softball or baseball except that there are certain rules and gameplays that are highly specific to indoor cricket. My suggestion is to read indoor cricket rules even before you watch a game. The idea is to have a better understanding of how the principles in the rule book are applied right out in the field. Or, you can watch a game now then read the rules later. At least you will already have a mental picture of how the rule is applied on the field. Trust me, for absolute newbies like us, it usually takes time before such rules become crystal clear. The good news is that once you understand these rules the more that you will enjoy the game.

Get Your Team Organised

Unlike cricket played outdoors, indoor cricket is only composed of 8 players in each team. That means you’ve got to organise your own team of 8, although you can go for 16 and then divide it into two when you’re ready to play the game. Here’s the tricky part. You will need to determine who among your team members can bowl the ball and not just simply throw it. This is one of the major differences between softball or baseball and cricket. There’s a certain way of ‘bowling’ the ball. The same is true with batting. You cannot swing the bat as hard as you possibly can like in baseball. Again, review your rules and try to see the different positions that the game requires.

Get Your Gear

The problem with indoor cricket is that you’ll be playing mostly on concrete floor. This will present some fundamental changes in the equipment that you use. The stumps will be different as they cannot be stuck in the floor. The cricket ball will also have a much softer centre than the conventional cricket ball. I did found out that you can use an ordinary tennis ball for such a purpose. As for the bat, it doesn’t really matter if it’s for outdoor or indoor. However, I do recommend getting a bat that you’re more comfortable swinging with finesse.

Get Ready to Score

Once you’ve got all these preliminaries settled, you’re ready to take turns batting and hitting the ball. Do take note that you’re also supposed to limit your opponents’ score. This makes a game of indoor cricket so much fun.

Learning to play indoor cricket is one of the best ways to enjoy the game, not as a spectator but as an active participant in the sport.

Moms Love A Day At The Salon

As a working woman and mother, it is quite easy for me to put myself and my needs last. However, I try to give myself some time every month to pamper myself. These days I spend in a beauty salon in Doncaster area, splurging on one of their packages.  

I tried their packages for the first time after I received a voucher as a Mother’s Day gift and since then, I was hooked. Every single day, I have to work hard at the office and then spend time with my family afterward. All of the stress, however, disappears after a well-spent day at the salon.  

Here are the normal treatments included in their packages: 

Manicure And Pedicure 

Even mothers love having painted nails, and there is nothing I love more than having someone take care of my hands and nails. In fact, they are very grateful for it after all those dishwashing, doing the laundry, and all the other chores I have to do every day. Having a manicure and pedicure remains to be one of my guilty pleasures, and I am eager to indulge myself to keep my hands soft and beautiful.  

In fact, it is beyond just getting them painted, as a professional pedicure is a full foot treatment that removes that dry, cracked and calloused skin on the heels and feet. I enjoy having super soft feet like a baby afterward. 

Facial Treatment 

Stress can really make skin look old, but a facial always makes me look fresh, young and glowing. There are different kinds of facials offered at my favorite salon, but the basic thing about the facial is to do a deep clean of your skin. Every day, our skin is exposed to pollution, dirt, and make-up. These clog the pores and the facial will clear them. Afterward, the facial will exfoliate and moisturize the skin with the use of special serums and gels. 

There are other facials that use anti-aging serums, which work on stimulating the inactive skin cells and heal the skin. You can see reduced wrinkles and fine lines and leaves you with a radiant glow.  

Of course, the best part of the whole treatment is when they massage the face, neck, and shoulders, allowing me to unwind fully from all the day-to-day stress of work and family life.

Body Massage 

A day at the salon is never complete without a full body massage. After all, when I want to truly destress, this is the best way to do it in one hour. In fact, after the experience, I always feel rejuvenated and full of energy again.  

For a different experience, there is also an aroma massage that uses mineral sea salt to improve circulation. I also tried out a full body wrap which uses plant extracts, before I was wrapped in a heated blanket to let the mask work. Beyond just feeling relaxed and renewed, my skin also felt fresh and tingly.  

Other Treatments 

Beyond my usual relaxing package, I also spend my time at the salon getting a wax. I always prefer going for professional hair removal instead of doing it at home, because they are the best at it. Beyond that, my favorite salon takes a lot of steps to do the procedure in the most sanitized way possible. In fact, they were the first to implement the no double dip policy, meaning a new wax stick is used for every application. Customers also receive disposable underwear when they are getting waxed in intimate areas.  

Another treatment I indulge in especially during the colder months of the year is getting a spray tan. This procedure takes only a fraction of a time compared to spending hours staying under the sun, and this is why it is perfect for busy women like me. But thanks to this spray tan treatment, I get to keep my tan even when the temperatures outside have dropped. 

Pampering Yourself Is Important 

If there is one thing that I believe in, it is that by keeping myself pampered and healthy helps me become the best woman and mother I can be. This is the reason why I take the time regularly to visit my favorite salon and enjoy their packages. Because I am a regular customer there, they take extra great care of me and this is the reason why I keep coming back for their wonderful and personal service. 

Physiotherapy: Better than Medicine for Headaches

Nothing ruins my day worse than a headache. When a headache suddenly attacks, my mood suddenly changes and my productive levels definitely go down. There was a time when I’d constantly have headaches, at least twice or thrice a week. At first, I thought it was just stress, eye strain, and lack of sleep that trigger them frequently, however, it was more serious than I thought.  

Sometimes, a headache is not just a headache. There are numerous cases wherein headaches are symptoms of certain conditions that affect other parts of the body. This is one my recent discoveries when I first visited my doctor in Werribee, VIC. What really prompted me to have a check up was the regularity of my headaches. Honestly, it was becoming very uncomfortable and agitating since there was pains near my forehead and neck areas as well. My doctor called this condition the tension headache.

Tension headache is actually the most common form of headache among teenagers and adults resulting from stress. This is actually not the gravest type, however, the frequency of my headaches is a bit alarming. After my physical examination, she immediately resented options on how my headaches could be treated. She mentioned several which are medication, counselling, stress management, and even physiotherapy service for headaches when my condition gets worse.  

Tension headache is just one of the many headaches we experience. Other common type of headache includes the sinus headache. This is usually characterized by the build-up of pain and pressure in areas such as the cheekbones, the nose, and the forehead. My doctor said that it was caused by the inflammation of my sinuses in the head. Asides from the throbbing and aching, she also told me to be prepared for other symptoms like runny nose, swelling in the face, fever, and fullness of the ears. 

Another usual headache, most especially for women, is migraine. Migraines are described as the pounding of pain one part of the head. My doctor also told me that they could last from 4 hours to 4 days, and it doesn’t end there. When a migraine occurs, she warned me that I reoccur up to 4 times of the same month.  

According to her, it’s also better to have some knowledge on other secondary headaches, knowing my busy and active lifestyle. Some secondary headaches are compression headaches, ice cream headaches, thunderclap headaches and spinal headaches. These are usually caused by dehydration, ear infection, dental problems, influenza, panic attacks, carbon monoxide poisoning, glaucoma, and hangovers.

After my first visit, I realized that in order to lessen the regularity and gravity of my headaches, I should go to my doctor at least twice a month. When see saw my eagerness to resolve this problem of mine, she recommended that I should consult with a physiotherapist to treat my headaches. 

Initially, I was reluctant to go to a physiotherapist near my place because it seemed like I disconnect from what I’m experiencing. Why was I supposed to go to a physiotherapist? I’m not injured and I didn’t get out of rehab. It turns out, this was the fastest way to relieve me. 

My physiotherapist told me that this wasn’t the first time they dealt with tension headache. In fact, patients with tension headache were already usuals in the clinic. True enough, medicines alone, of different brands and types, aren’t as effective as physiotherapy. So, I immediately signed up for a treatment program. 

Different Physiotherapy Techniques for Headaches

I was enrolled in a program for almost two months and as I progressed, I am constantly surprised how massages could relieve my headaches. Some techniques included in my program are the following:

  1. For Hypermobile. For joints in the body which are unstable, my physiotherapist made me do several strengthening exercises for my neck. The purpose of this technique was to stabilize, limit, and control joint movement in certain areas of my body.
  1. Joint mobilization. My diagnosis showed that I have stiff neck joints, causing strain on some of my nerves. What my physiotherapist did was to loosen them using a joint traction and a localized manipulation joint technique. For quite some time, it was actually soothing to feel my neck muscles more relaxed. 
  1. Acupuncture and dry needling. I am not a fan of needles, but I was willing to do acupuncture to speed up my treatment. These two techniques were used to loosen up my tight and overactive muscles.
  1. Posture correction. I never knew that posture could directly affect my headaches. My physiotherapist told me that poor posture could affect the positioning and flexibility of joints and nerves, which cause the pain. To correct my posture, we did posture exercises and I sometimes wore a posture brace during therapy. 

After two months of physiotherapy, I can say that I immediately felt the positive effects. Following my second session, I noticed that they I experienced the headache only once a week. Personally, I found the exercises and the advice very helpful, though I may not speak for all. I am glad that I chose to do the less typical solution to headaches – visit a physiotherapist. All my time, money, and effort to religiously follow my scheduled appointments definitely paid off. 

The Benefits of Acupuncture During Pregnancy

pregnancyPregnancy brings about a lot of changes in a woman’s bodies, and sometimes these can cause pain and discomfort. Although they are considered “normal”, it does not mean that any woman has to suffer during this time. There are existing and safe ways that can address the most common complaints soon-to-be-mommies have.

I learned about this when I found out that I was expecting my first child. I was looking through some courses offered for pregnant women and found acupuncture as listed. I was curious and read a little bit more about why this was among the best tips for healthy pregnancy. What I discovered surprised me. Not only can these treatments relieve me from common backaches and other body pains, it can also help with these other conditions: fatigue, headaches, heartburn, constipation, nausea, cramps and even swelling. 

In fact, going for trusted pregnancy acupuncture in Melbourne has benefits on the various stages:

First Trimester

During the riskiest part of the pregnancy, going through this treatment will put together a healthy foundation. This is done by diverting your resources into keeping your baby nourished and supporting its rapid growth. At the same time, sessions with your acupuncturist will help prevent miscarriage and deal with the most dreaded symptom of this trimester, morning sickness. In fact, severe nausea can shift your digestive system and make sure that you will both receive enough nutrients. With twice weekly visits the symptoms will greatly be reduced. 

Partnering these sessions with a quality massage in Ivanhoe area will also address fatigue, and bring up energy levels. Every treatment enhances mom to be’s production of blood and optimal function of all internal organs.

Women who experience bleeding at this time, as well as pain in the back or in the abs, might be facing a threatened miscarriage. Scheduling an appointment with your acupuncturist as soon as possible can help you avoid this. Drinking some Chinese herbs as tea during the treatment can also help strengthen the uterus. 

Second Trimester

Although most complaints tend to ease up during this time, a combination of acupuncture and massage can still help women maintain their energy or deal with any symptoms that have lingered from the first trimester, as well as the back pain that is increasing as the baby bump also grows.

Third Trimester

During this time, the baby grows to a point that mommy’s center of gravity shifts and starts to squish the organs around. This means pregnant women feel even worse back and hip pains, difficulty in sleeping, shortness of breath, heartburn, among other uncomfortable symptoms. Acupuncture can help them limit this discomfort. At the same time, it can help them prepare for the labor and delivery of the new tiny addition to the family. In fact, studies support the fact that women who actually received regular treatments during the last trimester experience easier and shorter labor.

These sessions also help in cases of breech babies. The treatment will help relax the muscles of the uterus and the abdomen, making it easier to turn them. This has been traditionally done based on Chinese medicine and has a 70% success rate. Without bringing any risks to you both, acupuncture is done between the 32nd and the 36th week so that the baby still has room. The baby should turn within 24 hours, if successful. 

Visiting your acupuncturist every week towards the end of pregnancy will help women to have more efficient contractions, and help their cervix to soften and open more smoothly. Even statistics have shown that the sessions reduced the length of time women are in labor, especially for first-time moms like me. The need for medical intervention is reduced as well, including the induction of labor, the use of an epidural and the need for a caesarean delivery.

Acupuncture also provides a natural method to induce labor for those who are overdue. This has a proven 88% success rate in stimulating labor.

Post Partum

Treatments can still benefit new mothers after they give birth, supporting their physical and mental recovery. This can improve circulation of blood, and in turn, will help the production of nutritious breast milk for your new baby. A happy, well-fed newborn will also help the new parents rest more and recover quickly.

At the same time, acupuncture addresses other complaints of post-partum women like problems with milk production, urination issues, cramps, bleeding, constipation and even depression.

Reading about the benefits of visiting the nearest acupuncturist helped me make up my mind to schedule some sessions for myself. Not only do I hope that the sessions would help me deal with the pain due to my growing baby bump, I also look forward to having an easier first labor and delivery experience. As a new mommy-to-be, I want to enjoy the magic of motherhood and have the energy and good spirits to take care of my newborn. Thankfully, there is acupuncture, the best natural treatment available out there for all kinds of people, but especially women like me.

Best Health Tips for Fit and Long Life

healthyIf you know the real meaning of this proverb ‘health is wealth’, you would know the importance of being healthy. When you are in good health, you can remain fresh and energetic all the time. It is hard to spend a dull or sick life. Healthy body and mind boost you to live and work efficiently. It is impossible to perform without healthy body. It is not simple to maintain good health. You have to spend sufficient time for your body in form of exercise, proper diet, meditation, etc.

Ensure to exercise on regular basis. It does not mean you have to carry heavy weight or run hours and hours on the treadmill. Exercise means giving activity to your body. It can be either walking, jogging, playing your favorite game or even carrying out certain household tasks. You have to eliminate the toxins from your body. When you work out, harmful toxins flushes out as sweat or urine.

Drink plenty of water. Most people forget to drink water because of their busy schedule. It is necessary to keep your body hydrated. Exercise helps to keep you energetic and remain in perfect shape. Make it as a habit to take small sips of water once in thirty minutes or one hour. Water is good for skin and overall body. It keeps you skin fresh and beautiful.

Health-and-Fitness-TipsInclude sufficient fruits and vegetables in your diet. It is best to divide your meals into five instead of three. You can take small portions of food five times a day. This way, you would not feel hungry and consume lot in a single meal. It is important to burn your food through exercise. The physical exercises generate strength and flexibility in your body.

It is recommended to purchase and consume organic vegetables and fruits. They are free from chemicals and other toxic substances. Such organic foods do not cause harm to your body. Plan your diet in a proper way. Sleeping is the most important activity that allows you to relax your body. It is necessary to sleep at least six hours a day. No matter, how busy you are, ensure to sleep in relaxed status. Do not keep tension always on your mind. Allow things in a freeway. When you keep thinking negative or get tensed for future things, your body would get affected.

Avoid stress as much as possible. Nowadays, more and more people complain of experiencing stress. The worst part is even school going children complain of stress. Do not overthink. It can affect your physical and mental life. Try to spend one or two hours a day in meditation or yoga. It does lot of magic to your body. It alleviates negative thinking and improves your thoughts. If you follow these tips on regular basis, you can achieve a healthy and happy life.

If you are experiencing serious medical condition, ensure to visit your physician and get treatment. They will diagnose your health and help you to stay fit and healthy forever.