HEALTH & WELLNESS

So many people nowadays spend hundreds to thousands of dollars per year on self-care without realizing that they are not getting the full benefits from their session. A huge thing that we don’t think about is that our nervous system not functioning properly can alter how our body responds to self-care.

The nervous system controls everything your body does from walking, digestion, pumping blood to sleeping. There is nothing in the body that can function without proper input and output through the many nerves and the brain that make up the nervous system. So what happens when the nervous system is not working properly? Muscles won’t respond normally, organs and systems will start to disfunction and your body will only get a small portion of benefit in all the care you give it.

Meditation

Who has experienced not being able to shut off your brain in meditation and ending the session with stress still underlying? Can you imagine meditating and being able to fully shut off your brain completely, and you come out of the experience completely calm?  Adding chiropractic to your self care allows your brain to remain calm and release any anxiety. This helps you get the most of your personal time while in meditation.

Massage

Who has experienced paying 100 dollars for a massage and getting great relief but then having your muscles lock up on you again a few days later? Can you imagine being able to hold your massage and getting the benefits long term? Adding chiropractic care allows your muscles to respond and function at full capacity. You will be able to fully enjoy the benefits of the massage as muscles release, relax and return to full functioning.

Naps

Who has experienced waking up from a nap feeling worse than before? Or you feel like your body isn’t able to fully fall asleep. Can you imagine being able to lay down for a nap and fall asleep instantly, then wake up refreshed and ready to take on the rest of the day? Adding chiropractic care into your self-care routine allows you to fully reach REM cycles. This allows you to fully refuel your body and mind waking up refreshed and ready to take on your day.

Chiropractic is the perfect self care in order to make sure your body is keeping up with your fast paced lifestyle. It allows you to handle stress better and keep all aspects of your health high functioning. It also allows you to enhance your other self care practices

Ergonomics of Sitting

As the years go by, our society has become more and more sedentary. Currently what that means for the majority of the population is sitting 5 days a week for 40 hours as demanded by their jobs. If you haven’t heard yet, sitting is the new smoking. It may be hard to think that sitting for long periods could actually be an occupational health hazard due to the lack of muscles and effort that is needed. We will dive into how it really does affect your body and how to prevent sitting from impacting your health by implementing proper at-home ergonomics. 

How is Sitting Harmful

Sitting can affect circulation

A fixed working position squeezes the blood vessels in the muscles, reducing the blood supply to the working muscles just when they need it the most. Insufficient blood flow can also lead to blood pooling, especially in the lower legs. Pressure on the underside of the thighs from a seat that is too high can further aggravate this. The result can be swollen or numb legs and eventually varicose veins. 

Sitting can make your body prone to injury

Although sitting involves less muscular effort than other physically demanding jobs, it still causes fatigue within the body. Sitting requires the muscles to hold the trunk, neck, and shoulders in a fixed position. An insufficient blood supply accelerates fatigue and makes the muscles prone to injury when trying to go from sitting to performing simple tasks such as lifting, bending, and exercising.

Sitting can decrease mobility

Limited mobility, seen in individuals who undergo prolonged sitting, contributes to injuries in the parts of the body responsible for movement: the muscles, bones, tendons, and ligaments. We see sitting reduces the body’s movement and makes muscles more prone to pull, cramp, or strain when suddenly stretched. Another factor is the steady, localized tension on certain muscles of the body. The neck and lower back are the regions usually most affected. 

Sitting can damage your spine

Sitting is seen to add a steady compression on the spinal discs that hinders their nutrition and can contribute to their premature degeneration. Poor posture while sitting can also alter the structural integrity of the spine encouraging degeneration to occur at a faster rate.  As prolonged sitting continuously deteriorates the spine it is seen more and more stress is in turn added onto the nervous system. 

Common Poor Positions

The couch slouch

We all have done it before. Lounging on the couch, sitting right on the edge, our spine curved and our head supported on the back edge. This specific posture affects the spine severely. The largest aspect is the fact that a lot of compression is added into the disks that render their function of support and cushion purposeless. The structural integrity is also compromised as the spines’ natural curves are forced into unnatural positioning. The added effect of doing work on a laptop in this position adds more strain to the neck and altering the curvature in that region as well. 

The crosser

We all know who is guilty of this. The individual that sits in the car, on the couch, and in the restaurant with one leg crossed under the other. The positioning of the leg has the biggest effect in the pelvic region. This causes the pelvis to rotate putting stress on the spine that sits on top of it. With the pelvis always being rotated in one specific position it starts to stay crooked, causing tension in ligaments and muscles that attach on and around the area. 

Ergonomics

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Positioning

For proper home ergonomics, feet need to be placed flat on the floor to support the legs. Back needs to be straight with shoulders back allowing the spines natural curves to support the body. The screen needs to be raised in order to meet at eye level and take any strain off of the neck. For each major joint such as the hips, knees, and elbows the positioning is best when they are at a range close to 90 degrees. 

 Varying these positions is the essence of “good sitting”. So, a good sitting position is one that allows an individual to change their body positions frequently and naturally within acceptable parameters, and when they want without being restricted by the work station. 

Support

When setting up your workstation, books or a platform can be put under the monitor in order to get the screen at eye level. If you are working on a laptop it is recommended to put the laptop on the platform at eye level and purchase a separate keyboard for you to type on. A fully adjustable chair is necessary so that positioning can accommodate the wide variation in individual sizes to allow for both elbows and knees to sit at 90 degrees. If needed, a platform can be put under the feet to allow for feet to be placed flat under the legs. If sitting in your chair has uncomfortable cushions underneath, you can help to soften the surface or a lumbar support can be used to allow a more comfortable good posture. 

Ready to start improving your posture and working on your spinal health? Schedule an appointment to start your journey to better health!

As you know, at Impact Chiropractic we take your personal health and safety very seriously. You may have some growing concerns about the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), and we wanted to put your mind at ease. We have always followed the CDC and Dept of Health’s recommendations and standards for healthcare providers. However, we want to outline some of the standard and additional precautions we have taken during this time: 

• Chiropractic tables are disinfected between each patient. If you would like a private room outside of the adjustment bay, please make your request with any of our assistants. This may add additional time to your scheduled appointment, so please plan accordingly.
• Multiple times a day we disinfect the toy area, rehab equipment, door handles, and commonly used surfaces. Additional disinfecting wipes have been added by the traction units for patients to use as well.
• Hand-washing and sanitizing is your best self-defense against the spread of germs. The Chiropractors at Impact Chiropractic sanitize their hands between each patient they come in contact with. We do have sterile gloves in each room as well. Please request prior to your adjustment if you would like the doctor to wear them.
• We are grateful to have added another phenomenal Chiropractor at the perfect time. Because of this, we are able to accommodate more patients and your time spent in the office should be decreased. However, many patients are choosing to increase their wellness plans at this time. Adjustments help to boost the immune system and it is one of the best proactive decisions you can make at this time of concern. Please let our team know if you would like to increase the frequency of yours and your family’s adjustments during this pandemic.
• If you would like to schedule your appointments at our slower times, please talk with our Chiropractic Assistants and they will do their best to help accommodate the schedule.
• Besides our internal air purification system, we will also be diffusing On Guard in the office during patient hours. On Guard is a powerful proprietary blend of essential oils that supports healthy immune function and contains cleansing properties. 
• Professional cleaning. Please take comfort in the fact that not only do we clean and sanitize the office between patients, we also hire professional cleaners weekly for intense deep cleaning.
• Please stay home if you are not feeling well, especially if you have a fever, are coughing or sneezing or are experiencing shortness of breath. Because adjustments boost the immune system, we understand your desire to come for your appointments. Instead, we request that you please stay home if you are not feeling well (especially if you have a fever, coughing, sneezing, or respiratory issues). However, we would be happy to accommodate you in our private adjusting room. We will ask that you wear a mask into the office and not use any of the rehab equipment. Our team will direct you to a private, sterile adjusting room in the east wing of our building. Please call ahead if this is your case so that our doctors can better prepare themselves to see you at a proper time (last patient of the day.) 
• Be cautious and if your child is coughing, sneezing, or having respiratory issues, please do not allow them to roam around the office and please keep them out of the toy area.
• Help us by being vigilant. If you have traveled to any of the countries where there are outbreaks of the virus, please follow guidance on the CDC website.
• We have advised all team members to wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, particularly after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing their nose, coughing or sneezing.
• We have hand sanitizers stocked in every room and at each of the front/back desks and rehab area.
• Any staff members who are ill will be sent home. 

We are closely monitoring updates from the Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization regarding COVID-19. We will continue to seek guidance from these agencies and public health officials, and we will update you as new information becomes available.  

Doctor means teacher. Therefore our doctors are passionate about providing information on how to prevent disease and prolong and enhance your quality of life. If you would like more information on current immune boosting protocols we have been speaking about, please read the following:

-Blog on the Top 5 Tips to Boost your Immune System

-Dr. Elise’s IG Highlight video on Supplements for her Kids

We are committed to making our clinic a safe and enjoyable place for all. Thank you for being such a valued patient of our Impact Chiropractic family.  

Best in Health,

Dr. Elise Rigney, DC

Owner

Watch out, 2020 is the year of prosperity!!! As we enter March, we welcome International Astrology Day on March 19th, 2020. In honor of the coming holiday, we will dive into finding what’s in store for your coming year and how to get the most benefit from it. Then we’ll discuss the perfect self care for your sign and what essential oil can help ensure you have the best year yet. 

So, what exactly is “self care”? Self-care is any activity that we do deliberately in order to take care of our mental, emotional, and physical health. Although it’s a simple concept in theory, it’s something we often overlook. Making sure to take time for yourself this year will help you be able to face what’s ahead! However, what self care looks like to you might look totally different than to somebody else. We’ll dive into specifically what self care you need according to your sign to have the best year possible. 

An amazing form of self care is incorporating essential oils! Essential oils are concentrated compounds that are extracted from plants. Not only do they smell absolutely amazing, but each one offers a unique benefit to the body and the mind. Utilizing the oil best suited for you in 2020 will elevate your experience this year and help you to truly thrive. We’ve identified which oil or blend is best for your sign in 2020, and you can pick up any of these DoTERRA oils or blend in our office at your next visit!

Aries: This year is about finding balance in all aspects of your life: Being able to find the perfect mixture of family, romance, career, and self care. During this year you will feel very stable and secure. Be on the lookout for any opportunities that you may need to take the initiative on. Add in meditation and the essential oil “Balance” to get the most out of your year of stability. 

Meditation is the practice of clearing the mind and finding true awareness. Many benefits follow the practice of meditation, including controlling anxiety, bringing clarity, generating kindness and overall promotion of emotional health. Add in meditation daily in order to start the day with the needed attitude to ensure healthy and balanced choices.  

Balance is a perfect grounding blend. It offers a tranquil aroma that promotes whole body relaxation. Finding harmony in the mind, body and emotions. Use Balance for an extra benefit by soothing sore muscles. 

Taurus: This year is all about stability when facing all different avenues of life. Your challenge this year will be to not take on too much. Know which opportunities fit in your newly secure life and which ones will throw off your perfectly zen state of mind. Impulsive decisions are not in the cards for you this year, especially when it comes to your finances, love life, or career. Go with the flow as things come up and enjoy having absolute balance. Add in deep tissue massages and the essential oil “Serenity” to get the most out of your year of stability. 

Deep tissue massages utilizes the manipulation of soft tissues to release any tension held in the body. Utilize massages this year to optimize mobility and muscular relaxation, overall helping to balance everyday stress with some much needed self care. 

Serenity is a calming aroma, which creates a relaxing environment. Add this essential oil throughout the day during stressful times or to increase a tranquil meditation. Use Serenity for an extra benefit of reducing tension headaches. 

Gemini: This is the year of revitalization. Gear up to make some exciting new changes in different aspects of your life. You get to set the pace of how this year will go, either turning up the excitement or slowing it down for your needs.  Don’t be afraid to jump on opportunities that come your way. Add in yoga and the essential oil “On Guard” to get the most out of your year of refresh.

Yoga is both a spiritual and physical practice. The practice utilizes breathing, meditation, and exercise to gain a multitude of benefits. These include decreasing chronic pain, optimizing mobility, and increasing energy, mental clarity, and muscular strength. Adding yoga into your workout routine will help add a new exciting element to your life, refreshing your body and mind in order to make the most out of your year.

On Guard is a strong cleansing blend that helps to boost the immune system. This promotes improvement in circulation, skin clarity, and respiratory function. Utilize to add some refreshing uplifting energy into your life 

Cancer: This is the year of exciting changes in your life. There are multiple areas of your life that need a new and fresh perspective, and 2020 is the year to grab on to any and all new fun opportunities. Don’t be afraid to try something new or spice up a regular routine. Add in a new workout routine and the essential oil Rosemary to get the most out of your year of change. 

Try starting a new workout routine or add in some fresh new classes. This helps break old habits and forms new ones. Join a yoga studio, take a hike, go horseback riding, kayak down local rapids, or start a new lifting program. Don’t be afraid to really embrace a new form of movement in your body. 

Rosemary is an energizing scent that has a wide range of benefits. Utilize to get a full body detox, gain mental awareness, or help to grow your hair super strong. Add in this blend in order to help enhance having the fun filled year of firsts. 

Leo: This year is a year of fun twists and turns! Don’t shy away from any new challenges. Lean into these new experiences with full force and enjoy. It may be scary at first, but will be so worth it in the end. This is a good year to shoot for the moon and really go for your goals. As all this excitement is happening, make sure to draw the line and know when and what is too much for you to handle. Add in making a vision board or the essential oil “Vetiver” to get the most out of your year of twists and turns

Vision boards are tools that help clarify, concentrate, and form life dreams. Creating a vision board has actually been shown to increase the success of achieving goals. It may be the motivation you need in order to fully embrace your exciting new year.

Vetiver is an exotic and empowering blend. Make sure to add in Vetiver to stay mentally grounded and strengthen the nervous system as you navigate the excitement of this year.  Use as an added benefit in order to rejuvenate your entire system. 

Virgo: This is your year to be impulsive in all avenues of life. You typically tend to go the more conservative route, but in 2020 make sure you go for it. If there are any opportunities you have been on the fence about, make sure to jump on them. Your life will be enriched with all the new changes that come in the current year. Add in a spontaneous getaway trip or the essential oil Thyme to help give you the confidence to be as impulsive as you want. 

Weekend getaways can be a fun and spontaneous trip that have so many benefits! Not only does it help to mentally and physically recharge the body, but will help you be more productive when returning to normal day to day. Don’t be afraid to look at this coming weekend and book yourself some much needed fun!

Thyme is a warming aroma that has cleansing and purifying properties. Using thyme can help to reduce stress and decrease blood pressure, in turn enhancing courage and physical endurance to help you make those impulsive decisions this year. 

Libra: This is the year to really enjoy and have as much fun as possible. Look to really have a blast with both family and in romance this year. Don’t be afraid to try something new in order to find enjoyment in finances and your career as well. 2020 will not have many large events to look forward to, so your goal is to have fun with the little things while rejuvenating for the coming years. Add in lots of romantic dates or girls night out for some good self care and the essential oil “Wild Orange” to pump up the fun this year. 

Make sure to add in lots of fun outings this year. Have a blast attending brunches while sipping mimosas, having a romantic date, or just grabbing some coffee with a friend. Being able to add these small excursions will make sure you make the most out of your year while also helping you to increase your sense of self worth and belonging. 

Wild Orange is an uplifting and energizing oil. It has many benefits including boosting immunity, relieving stress and aiding in digestion. Adding in this oil can give you the exciting boost you need to take on the year and simply have fun.

Scorpio: This is the year of liberation and moving forward in your life. Right now, there are restrictions that are holding you back in certain aspects of life. Your job is to identify them and make sure to get rid of any unnecessary baggage. Not only can this help move your life in the right direction, but your positive energy can help to move others’ lives forward as well. Self care for you this year is unfollowing anyone that brings you down on social media and taking a technology break. Adding in the essential oil Lemon can also help accentuate your new found freedom. 

Technology is a wonderful tool to stay up to date with all your friends and family, however, it can have a very dramatic effect on our self worth and feelings. In order to really get the liberation you need in 2020, make sure to take a technology break. This allows you to lead your life without comparing it to everyone else’s, boosting your confidence and self worth. Before taking your break, make sure to unfollow any toxic people you follow. Breaking these ties will help you live your most empowering year yet. 

Lemon essential oil offers invigorating properties while being very versatile. Use this oil to refresh or uplift your mood while making these changes in your life. It also has added benefits of cleansing the body and increasing circulation.  

Sagittarius: This is your year to meet all your resolutions. No more putting off those new workout regimens or healthy habit changes. Make sure to set your goals and be ready to take steps to meet them! This may mean letting go of any baggage that is holding you down. Be on the lookout for any new opportunity that comes into your life and embrace it. Add in the self care practice of journaling and the essential oil of lemongrass to help find the motivation to crush your resolutions. 

Journaling is the habit of writing down feelings, inspiration, or just events of your life. By writing everything down, you are forced to slow down and process everything that’s happening in your life. It’s a way to help channel feelings and emotions in order to find creative and healthy outcomes. Journaling is the perfect self care to help you keep your resolutions and find the motivation to achieve them all. 

Lemongrass has a potent and smoky aroma. Aiding in reducing inflammation, promoting sleep, and overall relaxing the body. Add in your daily routine to find a clear and calm mind in order to take on the year and make it your own. 

Capricorn: This is a year of peace for you. In the last few years, you have been running around and exhausting yourself. It’s time to finally take a step back and make sure you are taking care of your body as it should be. In 2020, don’t be afraid of using the word NO when responding to requests. Find time for yourself and release any stress that has been weighing you down. Add in self care in the form of bubble baths and lavender essential oil in order to get the most zen 2020 possible.  

Adding bubble baths into your routine not only will be relaxing but will force you into taking some much needed alone time. It will be hard to take the time for yourself in the beginning, but you will see the mental and physical benefits if you do. Add in fun aspects to make your self-care even more rewarding, from candles to a glass of wine or a really good book. 

Lavender is a very soothing oil and is the perfect aroma to help find peace. The biggest benefit lavender offers is reducing stress and anxiety to help promote sleep. This oil is perfect to add into your bubble baths to enhance your overall zen. Use lavender for an added benefit of healing scars, rashes, and acne. 

Aquarius: This is the year of showing off all your amazing skills. You will shine in your career and in relationships, showing everyone how amazing you can truly be. Don’t shy away from letting your true talents be utilized. You have worked too hard to keep them hidden from the rest of the world, but 2020 is the year to try a new hobby with all your successful energy flowing. Add in the self care exercise of taking an art class and the essential oil cedarwood to enhance your year of shining. 

Go ahead and sign up for an art class and explore a new hobby. From pottery throwing, painting, drawing, or even stained glass making, there is a class for you. This endeavor will push you out of your comfort zone to help stimulate creativity and add fun into your daily routine. Take time for yourself to explore a new avenue and nourish your mind. You will be pleasantly surprised by how fast your skills grow and shine through.

Cedarwood is a warming and woody scent. Using cedarwood helps to amplify positive energy and encourage courageousness as you step into the limelight. There are also added benefits of improving sleep and healing skin! Make sure to add cedarwood into your routine to get the most out of your year.

Pisces: This is the year of adventure for you. In 2020, make sure to be brave enough to take big steps forward in all aspects of life. In past years you may have been playing it safe, but be ready for things to ramp up in 2020. Changes will occur without you having to take much initiative, so be sure not to shy away. Add in more time outdoors as well as the essential oil peppermint to get the most out of your year of excitement

For self care this year, make sure you get outside and enjoy that fresh air. Hiking, rafting, skiing, or just walks around the neighborhood will give you the small adventures you crave. Being outside has the added benefits of boosting your energy, increasing vitamin D, clearing your mind, and increasing creativity. Sounds like the perfect setting in order to spark something new to spice up your daily routine!

Peppermint is a vibrant scent that helps to wake up the mind and the body. It has lots of benefits to the body, including aiding in digestion and relieving headaches, while also helping mental focus and recharging the mind. Make sure to use this oil in order to really dive into your next adventure in 2020. 

Ready to dive into some serious self-care? Stop by the Impact office to pick up the essential oil that’s right for you and let us know how your new self-care routine is going!

We all know that moment. Your partner is feeling extra loving (if you know what we mean) and you are just not in the mood. You are stressed with work, the kids, the house, or the infamous headache has hit you at the wrong time. You are just absolutely not in the mood and sex is the last thing on your mind. If you do end up having sex in this state, usually it is not enjoyable at all and doesn’t leave you satisfied… Well, what if there was a solution to all of this stress, or even the way that your body responds to this stress?

You’re probably thinking “no way will chiropractic help improve my sex life,” right about now aren’t you? Well, let us explain to you how it can!

The basic premise of chiropractic is removing stress from the body. Physical, mental, and chemical stressors all affect our bodies each and every day. Our bodies are very powerful and smart, and they are able to overcome these stressors… to a point. It’s almost like filling up a cup. There will be a point where the cup cannot hold any more water, and it will overflow. Our bodies work in similar ways. With stress, our bodies should be able to adapt, to a certain limit. Think basic things like hearing a loud noise and ducking, seeing your kid walking towards the road and lightning speed chasing after them to get them to safety. These stress responses are healthy and normal, and we require them for our survival. The issue comes when we have been stuck in chronic stress responses for a long time. Our bodies are used to making sure they do everything we need to in order to survive, but not necessarily thrive. When we are in a stress response, our blood flow shuts down from our “rest and digest” organs, which have anything to do from healthy sleep, to healthy digestion, and you guessed it, a healthy sex life!!!

Our bodies have a very hard time getting in the mood for pleasure, let alone making babies (if that’s the goal!) if you are in a constant state of stress. What we do as chiropractors is help your body adapt and respond to stress a little (or a lot) better than it currently is. We are continually tapping into your parasympathetic nervous system with adjustments… hence why you may feel sleepy or have a great bowel movement shortly after getting adjusted. We are not saying that we are going to remove stressors from your life, that is your job to make sure you are not taking on more than you can handle! What the adjustment does do, is allow you to adapt to those stressors better and have a greater ability to shift back and forth between the stress response and the rest and relax response.

Speaking of intimacy, our ‘F-word’ for this month is FRISKY, and we would love to invite you to come on Thursday, February 13th to learn from Mystique Lingerie’s Rebecca Moon about sexual health, and the importance of orgasms, with a chance to purchase some beautiful lingerie and natural sexual health products. We will also learn from Balanced Thistle’s Dr. Meghan Gray about vaginal health, pH safe products, and self care for down there!

So, the moral of the story here is, we want you to be living the best life you can possibly have! Sex is a huge part of that, and we want that to be an enjoyable and non-stressful process for you. See what it’s like to have a nervous system free of stress and interference and let us know what changes for you. It could leave you with a few more orgasms and a much happier life.

Ready to decrease stress and improve your sex life with high-quality chiropractic care? Schedule an appointment today!