We have lots of great health information this month! This month we feature guest columnist, Christina Durrett, L.Ac Dipl.OM NCCAOM from Tyler Acupuncture & Wellness. Christina is licensed by the Texas Medical Board and the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.
Eastern Medicine in East Texas
What is Traditional Chinese Medicine? TCM includes Acupuncture, Cupping, Herbal Therapies, Tui-Na, Tai Chi/Qi Gong and Dietary Therapy.
Acupuncture is one very important aspect of TCM. Acupuncture is the use of very tiny needles inserted into the body to create a healing response. Our bodies have the ability to produce natural pain relieving chemicals and beneficial hormones to increase our healing responses. Acupuncture done correctly will not cause harm. The needles are hair thin the most you should feel is a slight pinch upon inserting the needle. Acupuncture is appropriate for chronic or acute pain, addiction, weight loss, and many other conditions.
What is Herbal Therapy? Herbal therapy is a branch of Oriental Medicine, using herbals and animal products to correct a problem. You might already be familiar with most herbs used, but some are more exotic. Oriental Medicine herbal formulas can be in powder or pill form. They may be used to speed up recovery or act as the sole treatment plan.
What is cupping? Cupping is a branch of Oriental Medicine, using glass, plastic, or silicone cups to alleviate pain. Warm cups are placed on the skin creating suction that increases blood flow and helps alleviate pain and tightness. If you are a fan of deep tissue massages, you will enjoy cupping.
Hello, I'm Christina Durrett. At TA&W we offer the unique experience of treating illness with Traditional Chinese Medicine, homeopathic remedies, and Oriental dietetics. You will have our undivided attention in learning about your health goals. We offer a quiet space for you to heal. Tyler Acupuncture & Wellness is located in Oak Hills, a new business development area off of Old Jacksonville Hwy close to Fresh by Brookshire’s.
6647 Oak Hill Blvd.
Tyler, TX 75703
903-787-5842
Tips To Get Started With Yoga
As we get older most of us get less flexible, resulting in stiffness, pain and loss of mobility. But yoga can counteract this tendency and do so much more to keep you feeling good.
Many people think yoga is just for relaxation or stress reduction. To be sure, a regular yoga practice can greatly reduce stress, but yoga also gives you better posture, balance and strength. With a consistent practice, you’ll find you have more energy. It also lowers blood pressure and eases all kinds of pain, including arthritis. If you enjoy it enough to do it regularly, a yoga practice will help you manage your weight.
For anyone struggling with mood swings or depression, yoga can make a big difference. Getting to know other students in class gives you a feeling of community and distracts from pain and negativity. It is common for people to leave class feeling much better than when they walked in.
If you are thinking about starting yoga, here are five important tips for success:
1. Research yoga offerings and the instructors before attending a class
Some classes focus mostly on the physical body, while others focus more on the mind, emotions and spirituality. Every instructor is different in his or her approach and training, so you may have to try a few different classes and teachers to find out what works for you.
Some classes focus mostly on the physical body, while others focus more on the mind, emotions and spirituality. Every instructor is different in his or her approach and training, so you may have to try a few different classes and teachers to find out what works for you.
2. Start with a beginner’s class
Many community and fitness centers offer beginner yoga classes. These classes take into account health challenges common to many, such as cardiac issues, osteoporosis, or joint problems. A good beginner class will also modify the postures with gentler variations and props so that those who are starting out with less physical ability and restrictions can gradually build their strength and endurance. Deep breathing, meditation and relaxation are usually included, which are perhaps the most beneficial components for stress and anxiety.
Many community and fitness centers offer beginner yoga classes. These classes take into account health challenges common to many, such as cardiac issues, osteoporosis, or joint problems. A good beginner class will also modify the postures with gentler variations and props so that those who are starting out with less physical ability and restrictions can gradually build their strength and endurance. Deep breathing, meditation and relaxation are usually included, which are perhaps the most beneficial components for stress and anxiety.
3. Choose between different yoga types based on your goals
If you are looking more for stress relief and relaxation, a gentle class such as chair yoga, hatha yoga or restorative yoga, which include more relaxation and meditation, might be the way to go. You will still create strength and flexibility in your body with these gentler movements. If you are looking for more physical fitness and cardio, you may want a class with more movement such as a vinyasa or flowing class. Here are a few different types of yoga styles to help you choose what suits you best.
If you are looking more for stress relief and relaxation, a gentle class such as chair yoga, hatha yoga or restorative yoga, which include more relaxation and meditation, might be the way to go. You will still create strength and flexibility in your body with these gentler movements. If you are looking for more physical fitness and cardio, you may want a class with more movement such as a vinyasa or flowing class. Here are a few different types of yoga styles to help you choose what suits you best.
- Vinyasa - This style of yoga combines a series of flowing postures with rhythmic breathing for an intense body-mind workout.
- Ashtanga or “Power Yoga” - Based on six series of asanas which increase in difficulty, allowing students to work at their own pace. In class, you'll be led nonstop through one or more of the series. There's no time for adjustments—you'll be encouraged to breathe as you move from pose to pose. Be prepared to sweat.
- Iyengar - This type of yoga focuses on the subtleties of each posture. In an Iyengar class, poses (especially standing postures) are typically held much longer than in other schools of yoga, so that practitioners can pay close attention to the precise muscular and skeletal alignment this system demands. Also specific to Iyengar, is the use of props, including belts, chairs, blocks, and blankets, to help accommodate any special needs such as injuries or structural imbalances.
- Bikram (Hot Yoga) – Expect to sweat! This method focuses on traditional hatha yoga poses in studios where the temperature is approximately 100 degrees to help wring toxins from the body.
- Sirvanada - Advocates a path to recognize and synthesize each level of the human experience including the intellect, heart, body, and mind. Sirvanada emphasizes 12 basic postures to increase strength and flexibility of the spine. Chanting, pranayama, and meditation are also included, helping students to release stress and blocked energy.
- Hatha - If a class is simply described as "hatha," chances are it is an eclectic blend of two or more styles. It's a good idea to ask the teacher if the poses are held for a length of time or if you will be expected to move quickly from one pose to the next, and if meditation or chanting is included. This will give you a better idea if the class is vigorous or more meditative.
Yoga is a process of accepting your body as it is, and working from that place. There should be no pain in yoga, and more vigorous classes definitely increase the potential for injury, which makes it very important to understand the proper body mechanics of the postures. Learn how to do postures slowly and correctly first before you attempt to flow through them quickly. Even a more powerful class should still have time for relaxation at the end, because the body needs time to rest and repair.
5. Tell your instructor about any health conditions or injuries
Make sure your instructor is aware of any conditions or limitations that you have, and that he or she has a valid certification and can help you work within your own ability level.
Pecan Date Bars
These chewy, fiber-rich bars make a great “on-the-go” snack and supply slow-release energy. A good snack for diabetics too!
1 Tbs safflower oil
2 Tbs Earth Balance Vegan Buttery Spread, melted
2 Tbs local honey
2 Tbs dark brown sugar
2 Tbs fresh tangerine juice
1 Tbs tangerine zest
1 3/4 cup Old-Fashioned Oats
1/4 cup pecans, chopped small
1/3 cup Medjool dates, chopped small
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Moisten bottom and sides of 8-inch square pan with cooking spray.
2. Whisk together oil, butter, brown sugar, honey, tangerine juice, and zest in large bowl until well-combined. Stir in oats, pecans, and dates, and mix well.
3. Spread mixture into pan, pressing down well to make an even layer. Bake about 20 minutes, until the edges turn golden. Allow to cool completely, then cut into bars. Makes 16 bars.
per serving: 93 cal; 2g pro; 4g total fat (0g sat fat); 13g carb; 0mg chol; 15mg sod; 1g fiber; 7g sugars
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