#1 Reason People Miss Work/ A Good Reason To Try Acupuncture

#1 reason people miss work or a good reason to try acupuncture: low back pain.

You might know someone who appeared perfectly healthy and made one wrong move and threw their back out, maybe it was even you. Stress is a big factor in the strength of your back. Many times when we get busy or overwhelmed with work or life in general the first things to go are exercise, healthier food options, and proper rest.

In Chinese Medicine your kidneys are the called the "life gate" and its where your energy comes from that helps the rest of your body operate. When we are in a constant state of stress (and most people are) it taxes the kidneys or your available energy. Constant, unattended stress keeps the fight or flight part of your nervous system running all the time. The kidneys control the lower back so as we deplete our energy with this constant state of stress and the body on constant alert to run or fight the low back becomes weak. Mix in a desk job or the desire to be a couch potato rather than keep up your regular exercise routine and its a recipe for disaster.

Many times the spleen is also involved with low back pain due to feeling over stressed. The spleen can be damaged from over thinking and worry and this can manifest in many ways from tummy troubles to weak muscles. The abdomen muscles can become weak which in turn can cause the low back muscles to weaken.

What can you do?

* If you've just thrown your back out get an acupuncture treatment right away. Acupuncture works quickly on acute symptoms, the longer you wait the longer treatment can take. Acupuncture is also a wonderful tool for prevention. If you have are having trouble managing your stress or just regularly have a lot on your plate, consider a regular acupuncture routine to keep your back strong.

* If you are overworked and overtired and just don't have the time, it seems, for anything try practicing deep, slow belly breathing. Your breath is linked with your nervous system and just by taking a few deep breaths you can reset your nervous system from "fight or flight" to the "rest, digest, and nest" response. Deep belly breathing also tones your abdominal muscles helping to keep your core strong while protecting your back. It also gives your helper breathing muscles in the upper back and shoulders a rest.

* Take a breath break every hour! Sit up tall in your chair, at a red light, waiting in line at the grocery store or right before you walk in your home after work and take 5 deep slow breaths in through your nose and out through your nose. Notice how your shoulders relax and your mind becomes a little clearer. Taking these mini breaks will help increase your work productivity and your quality of life. It can help keep your mind clear, calm, and focused.

* Try eating a walnut every day. Walnuts are considered to be a Chinese herb and help to strengthen the lower back. A low dose walnut routine over time builds strength and helps keep your joints lubricated.

* Don't forget to use your legs when you are lifting, even simple or light things like grocery bags. Follow these simple steps to protect your back when lifting objects. 

Sarah Zender LAc

Neighborhood Acupuncture Place (NAP)
230 Florence St
Crystal Lake IL 60014
815.893.9825
www.CLnap.com