Chitika

Ready to Soar Ready to Soar: is all about reaching our potential, always improving, growing and learning. I have always been fascinated with birds, their ability to travel where they want and soar at will. We too can soar if we want to. We all have so much potential and together we can all improve ourselves and the world in the process. It is not easy, but it is worth doing. We hope our site helps you in your journey of soaring through life.

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Suffering From Back Pain?

Suffering From Back Pain?
Published: 4/28/2011
If you are experiencing pain in the lower back or hip that radiates down into the buttock and back of the leg, possibly even to your feet, you may have sciatica. A result of a pinched or inflamed sciatic nerve, sciatica can occur following an injury, muscular strain or herniated ("slipped") vertebral disc that presses on the nerve.

Fortunately, sciatica usually goes away on its own within a few weeks - only 10 to 25 percent of all cases last more than six weeks and 80 to 90 percent of all people with sciatica recover without surgery. Simple measures such as applying hot and cold packs, stretching exercises and a short course of non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen can help. Doctors may also prescribe a muscle relaxant or a stronger medication for pain lasting more than two to three months. If pain continues or worsens, an epidural steroid injection or even surgery may be recommended.

The best therapy for sciatica is prevention: maintain ideal body weight, engage in regular physical activity several times a week and avoid prolonged sitting as much as possible. If you are diagnosed with sciatica, Dr. Weil recommends these treatment options:
  1. Acupuncture: The National Institutes of Health recognizes acupuncture as an acceptable alternative to conventional therapies for low back pain.
  2. Bodywork: The Alexander Technique, Trager Approach and Feldenkrais Method can help overcome back pain.
  3. Therapeutic Yoga: Yoga can help relieve pain and protect against recurrences by strengthening your back. It also can balance nervous system function, promote flexibility and neutralize stress, all of which can help address the root cause or factors contributing to back pain.
  4. Osteopathic Manipulation: This system of manual treatment of the musculoskeletal system can be a highly effective treatment and usually requires only a few visits with a qualified practitioner.
Learn more about these treatments, as well as mind-body approaches, in the Wellness Therapies section on Dr Weil.com.

Friday, April 08, 2011

Dr. Weil on Getting a Good Night`s Sleep

Here are my recommendations for getting a good night's sleep:
  • Check your mattress for signs of wear at least twice a year, and consider new pillows if yours aren't comfortable. A worn-out mattress can contribute to sleeping problems.
  • If your bedroom is noisy, buy an inexpensive "white noise" generator that makes soothing sounds to mask disturbing ones.
  • Try my Relaxing Breath to help banish thoughts that are causing sleep deprivation.
  • If you get up frequently to urinate and can't get back to sleep afterward, eliminate caffeine and alcohol. Don't drink beverages containing caffeine or alcohol within 3 to 4 hours of bedtime.
  • If you can't sleep, get up and read or do some light stretching. This may take your mind off the problem of not being able to fall asleep and help you relax so that you can doze off.
  • Consider using melatonin or valerian occasionally to help you fall asleep.
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About Me

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I am a teacher and writer. I own Kevin`s English Schools in Kanagawa, Japan. I teach at Tokai University. I have taught at: Keio SFC, St. Mary`s College (Nagoya), ECC, The YMCA, Columbia College, and Kwantlen Polytechnic University. My Japanese wife is a junior high school English teacher.