Swine Flu Reduces Chiropractor’s Visits

Such a pain in the neck!

I assume, everyone already know about this nasty virus, a new influenza strain. This flu, also called H1N1, is a combination of pig, avian and human fly. After SARS and bird flu, now this Swine Flu. If we don’t take measurements, it might become a global health problem.

It started in Mexico and now spreading away trough the whole world quickly. It’’s transmitted from person to person now through sneezing and coughing. This flu is spreading so fast, that the World Health Organization almost put it in pandemic alert status. But don’t get paranoid now!

What you can do to prevent swine flu

Although not 100% proof, they do minimize the risk of getting swine flu. Here are some basic steps you can to do prevent getting swine flu:

1. Avoid going to crowded places

2. Avoid visiting hospitals or any other clinics

3. Limit your contact with sick people

4. Wash your hands frequently before and after touching your face for at least 30 seconds with soap and water.

5. Wear a mask

6. Keep a good immune system

7. Cough or sneeze into a tissue and flush it in the toilet immediately

8. Create a clean and healthy environment at home or office with essential oils.

Create a virus free environment with aromatherapy

It’s proven that essential oils can kill bacteria. Ask your aromatherapist for the right blend. You also need an aromatherapy diffuser to spread the therapeutic essential oils into the entire room.

I have seen the ultrasonic aromatherapy diffuser doing a good job. Unlike the oil burner, this aromatherapy diffuser is using ultrasonic waves to create mist of oil into the air. It’s very safe and automatically stops once it has reached the minimum water level.  No more burning oils and risk of flames.

Just plug it into the adapter and let it run for couple hours. You only need put a few drops of essential oils into the water basket.

Should You Avoid Visiting Your Chiropractor?

I guess, people are now trying to avoid visiting clinics, where so many different patients come in and out. Who knows what kind of virus they have in their body.

Reducing the visits of a Chiropractor is common sense. But what should you do, when you have instant neck pain?

neck traction from home use

Fortunately, I still have my inflatable neck traction device. This neck traction device  is portable and after deflating it, you can put it into your bag to carry it away.

Yes, I still need to visit my chiropractor once while, but at least I have instant relief.

cervical traction device

Shiatsu and Deep Tissue Massage After Sports

A few days ago, I went to see a professional massage therapist because I was interested in receiving a Shiatsu massage and a Deep Tissue Massage. I get occasional lower back pain from playing sports so I wanted to see if a Shiatsu massage or a deep tissue massage would help.

At my first session, I chose a Shiatsu massage which is more or less an acupressure massage which involves applying medium pressure to specific acupuncture points or trigger points on my body. This type of massage feels quite comfortable because you don’t feel any pain during the massage. The massage therapist informs me that like most massages, I will need to have regular sessions of Shiatsu massage in order to get the ultimate benefits. The day after receiving this massage, I did not notice any difference.

The next day, I went back for a deep tissue massage which is recommended for body pain from sports or if you have tight tense muscles in general. During this massage, I definitely felt pain on my shoulders, back, and legs. Since my lower back was a bit painful before the massage, this type of massage was actually loosening the tense muscles in my lower back and I could feel an increase in blood circulation in my back. A deep tissue massage really feels like a workout even though I’m lying flat on my stomach with the therapist doing all the work.

The next day, my body felt a bit painful in areas where I did not have pain initially but my lower back was actually feeling better. For me, it seems like a deep tissue massage really helps to reduce pain from playing sports.

Shiatsu Massager

How to relieve from Tennis Elbow and other Joint Pain

As an advanced level tennis player, I play tennis at least two or three times a week. During the summer months of June, July, and August, my body was in top physical shape with no body pain and most importantly, no elbow pain. Tennis elbow is something that I do experience when I play tennis for the first time after a long hiatus from tennis. For example, if I hit the courts after a two week break from tennis, I usually get tennis elbow the day after playing.

In the past I have talked to my doctor regarding my tennis elbow and he informed me of the cause and possible solution to eliminate it. For beginner tennis players, lack of strength in the arms and improper racquet grip is a likely cause of tennis elbow. Since I’m a intermediate level tennis player, lack of strength and improper grip are not factors causing my tennis elbow. For me, tennis elbow could be weather related which means I may have slight arthritis in the arms or it could just be simply lack of regular play.

Since for the past couple of months (September & October), I have not been playing tennis regularly, I noticed that when I do play, I do get tennis elbow pain the day after playing. Therefore I have determined that my tennis elbow results from a lack of playing tennis regularly. If I play two times a week, my tennis elbow becomes non existant.

Since I do get tennis elbow occasionally, I tried using the CQ-12 TDP desktop heating lamp on my right arm to relieve pain. For the first few days, I had doubts about the effectiveness of this TDP lamp because I did not feel any reduction of pain. I guess I was looking for instant results. So I used the lamp regularly for a few weeks, and I did experience some reduction in tennis elbow pain. Now, the reduction in pain could also have been a result of playing indoor tennis on a weekly basis but in the past I would still experience some elbow pain from playing regularly. I believe my reduction in tennis elbow pain resulted from a combination of playing tennis regularly and using the TDP desktop lamp regularly.

Car Seat Massager replaces shiatsu massager?

Since the invention of car seat massager, it’s popularity has increased tremendously, especially among the car lovers. Driving hours in the car is exhausting, but with the car seat massager it’s like having your own shiatsu massage anywhere and anytime. I feels great..

read more about Car Seat Massager | digg story

Why You Should Use Desktop TDP Mineral Lamp?

I found that this desktop mineral lamp extremely easy to use. It’s lightweight and easy to carry away. I place it at my desk besides my computer. My arms are receiving infrared heating while I’m working at my computer. It feels great. I wonder whether this mineral can helps relieve tendon.

These portable TDP Lamps are easily transferred. The two hinge adjustment points makes it easy to aim on any part of my body while I’m working at my desk. hmmm…nice

These lamps are also useful during the harsh winter seasons and for the elderly.

TDP Mineral Lamp for Tennis Elbow

Chinese doctors and acupuncturist say that these TDP lamp are effective in treating ailments such as joint pain, arthritis, back pain, injuries and some skin conditions like herpes and psoriasis etc.

TDP lamp has been widely used in China to treat many chronic conditions. Studies done in China show that TDP lamps are effective for treatment of over 100 different ailments.

I mainly use the lamp for my tennis elbow.

heating lamp for tennis elbow

TDP Mineral lamp Emits Special Electromagnetic waves

The TDP Lamp features a plate coated with a proprietary mineral formation consisting of 33 elements. Upon activation of the built-in electric heating, the plate emits far infrared waves for human body’s maximum absorption. Better absorbed than near infrared energy.

The mineral plate emits a special band of electromagnetic waves in the infrared range of 2 to 25 microns in wavelength and 28 to 34 mw/sq.cm in intensity. It is particularly helpful in promoting microcirculation, relieving pain,  and strengthening immune system.

Foam Pillow Cushion for Back Pain Relief & Good Sleep

If you spend many hours sitting on a chair in front of the computer or watching TV,  than you know back pain is going to hit you. What was the last time that you have tried to find a good back support?

Recently, I have found a Memory Foam Pillow that is very effective for relieving and preventing back pain. This cushion has an adjustable strap, which allows for easy placement on your chair to support your back immediately.

The Foam Pillow is great for back pain sufferers that spend many hours sitting. I have seen the Cushion is in three different colors; green, pink, and yellow.

Back & sleep cushion

The Pillow Cushion can also be placed on the back of your car seat while driving. If you have nagging back pain while driving, a Pillow Cushion is a very safe and affordable way to prevent pain in the lower back. The Pillow Cushion keeps your back straight and also acts like a shock absorber for your back while driving. It feels great….

Sleeping at Work

Here is the funny part….

You can put this foam cushion at your desk and enjoy a nap.

This pillow has an open space in the middle of the cushion for better airflow while you sleep.  Besides, the surface is cushioned with memory foam to avoids pressure on the face.

Isn’t that fabulous?

I’m sure my boss wants to have one for his desk.  Wonder how long he is going to take nap with this cushion.

Sleeping Cushion at work

How To Find A Good Travel Pillow?

I have tried so many different travel neck pillow, but none of them gives me the comfort that I want.
Many of these neck pillows can’t provide the neck support you need, because every person’s neck size and shape is different.

Those neck pillows have a fixed shape and therefore can’t fit to every person.
Until I have found these memory foam pillow.

Memory Foam Neck Pillow For All Neck Sizes

These memory foam neck pillow consist of temperature-sensitive material that molds to and cradles your head and neck. It creates an orthopedic shape that eliminates all pressure points. Great for daily trip to work or when traveling to the far reaches of the world.

Also, “U” Shaped design gently cradles your neck while supporting your head for lasting comfort. It is designed to help relieve pressure, prevent stiffness and alleviate soreness while traveling. This micro-bead filled comfort sensation is a tactile experience unlike anything previously I have tried before.
Memory Foam Pillow is Portable and Comfortable for travel
ComSoft Neck Pillow is made especially for travel. Easy to carry and has a machine washable cover. Cotton velour cover is mite-resistant.

I felt the difference with ComSoft Travel Pillow immediately. My flight to Europe was never so pleasant before.

>> More about Memory Foam Travel Pillow

Mineral Lamp Also Know As “Miracle lamp”

Due to its prominent therapeutic effects, the Mineral Lamp is also known in China and Hong Kong as the “Miracle Lamp”. The TDP Mineral Lamp even won a gold medal at the 35th Brussels Eureka World Fair for Invention in 1986.

Mineral mineral lamps is proven to temporary relief from pain and arthritis. This mineral lamp emits far infrared (below visible light) to increases the microcirculation  and loosens the fascia. This accelerates the natural healing processes of the body. It is used by many acupuncturists, homeopathic doctor, and other medical professionals.

Home Neck Traction with Towel?

One of the home neck traction method that I have seen is using a towel. You grab a small towel and a piece of rope. First, tie one end of the rope to one end of the towel. Then loop the rope over the doorknob, and bring it back to the other end of the towel and tie it.

Next, you suppose to lie down on your back with the top of your head close to the door. Rest the back of your head in the sling formed by the towel. Doesn’t this sound very uncomfortable and dangerous to you?

These is safer way, The ChiSoft neck traction device

I’ve found this  inflatable neck traction device more safe and easy to use. It relieves the pressure on the pinched nerve and decompresses the cervical disc. Why bother using a towel?

Click here to read more about ChiSoft Neck Traction Device

How to Relieve Neck Pain?

Are you suffering from neck and shoulder pain?

You are not alone.

Millions of people in North America are suffering from neck pain due to bad posture, car accident and degenerative changes of the disc. Neck pain is almost as common as back pain in the United States. The number of neck pain sufferers is staggering and appears to be rising.

Between 38 and 50 percent of adults have neck pain. Isn’t that scary?

Major Causes of Neck Pain:

Pain in the neck can be triggered by pinched nerves, neck spasm, stress, trauma, injury, prolonged bad posture, etc. The pain can range from very mild discomfort to severe, burning pain.

Whiplash
Whiplash is a neck injury that most often happens to drivers who are hit unexpectedly from behind by another car. Most of these injuries are short term, but 10% of whiplash sufferers will have long term pain. The pain can be so severe that sufferers can not work or enjoy a normal lifestyle. Whiplash must be treated immediately, otherwise it will turn into a chronic pain.

Disc Degeneration

As we age, the degenerative changes of the discs and facet joints of the cervical spine cause neck pain, usually felt as a stiff neck. Due to many years of wear and tear, the discs become thinner and this causes the spaces between the vertebrae to become narrower. If the nerves in the cervical area are becoming irritated or pinched, this may even lead to numbness or tingling in the neck and shoulders.

Disc degeneration is a common cause of neck pain and most likely start at middle age.

Poor Posture, Stress and Tension
In this modern society, lack of exercise is common. Sitting all day long at the office behind the computer. People who sit for long periods bending their head build up stress in the cervical spine causing neck pain. The muscles at the back of your neck must always be tensed to avoid your head falling forwards when you are sitting. Most common example is a computer job.

The combination of stress and bad postures causes neck spasm. In most cases this type of neck pain can be reduced or eliminated by adjusting the computer position and changing some work habits

How to avoid or treat neck pain?
There are many ways to treat neck pain. You can use at-home remedies, physical therapy or alternative treatments like seeing a chiropractor and acupuncturist.

It is important to find a certified professional who can analyze the cause of your neck problem first. For severe acute neck pain resulting from an accident or injury, doctors usually recommend bed rest, a neck brace or collar, and cold treatment (such as an ice pack) for neck pain relief.

What is Neck Traction?
A common neck pain treatment by chiropractors is neck traction. Neck traction is commonly performed to help relieve muscle spasms in the neck and shoulders, and to help relieve the pain of pinched nerves in the neck.
During the Cervical traction the weight of the head is gently lifted off the neck anatomy and may temporarily decompress pinched nerve roots and result in reduction of herniated intervertebral disk.

Visiting a chiropractor is the best way to get useful “adjustments” to the spine. After the treatment you can obtain a neck traction device for home use. Some chiropractors may hesitate getting the traction device for you fearing it would result in the loss of your business.

Keep visiting your chiropractor after you have received a home traction device. The chiropractic adjustment is still beneficial and a chiropractor can answer your questions about the use of the neck traction device.

Inflatable Neck Traction Device
An effective and affordable device is the inflatable neck traction device. Unlike over-the-door traction device the ChiSoft neck traction device does not us a bag of water. Just place it around your neck and pump the inflation bulb until you feel a comfortable stretch. Once the air traction device is filled up with air, it will lift the weight of the head while gently stretching your tight muscles, and relieving joint and nerve pressure.

Start at lower tensions to be certain the treatment does not increase your discomfort level significantly. Start with one traction session per day in mid-afternoon or evening. Proceed to two sessions per day, one in mid-afternoon and one just before bedtime.

Air neck traction units are very portable and can be used almost anywhere. The simplicity of the design makes it the ideal tool for home or office use.