True Alignment

The neck is more than just the seven vertebrae and various muscles, nerves, blood vessels and ligaments that attaches the head to the body. It is the energetic connection between our head/mind and heart/intuition. It is also the repository of the fifth chakra, that energy center that corresponds to communication, speaking our truth and the use of will. Posturally, it reflects how well we feel about ourselves, how we hold our head up to the world.

Pain in the neck can have its root cause in any of the above physical, emotional or mental influences. Poor posture, sitting slumped over at your desk, can strain the neck ligaments and cause malalignments of the cervical vertebrae causing pain in the neck or numbness and tingling down the arms. Whiplash injuries, head trauma or dental work can do the same thing.

Having a poor self-image or not feeling empowered to speak your truth and express who you truly are can affect your posture and cause tightening of the neck and throat contributing to pain in these areas and even thyroid problems.

Constriction and pain in the neck can also be related to relying on your head (mental) too much and not listening to your heart (intuition) about the challenges that are going on in your life. Following what apppears to be “logical” as opposed to what “feels right”, whether it has to do with relationships, job choices or money decisions, can cause great tension in the neck area. Pain killers, massage and Chiropractic sdjustments may help temporarily but unless you listen to your  intuition more, the pain will return.

There is also the matter or who or what you consider “a pain in the neck”. Have you ever noticed that when you are around a particular person or situation your neck pain flares up? This is not an uncommon situation. Getting clear about who or what is causing these flareups can help you find more efficacious ways of dealing with these stresses.

If you have neck pain, I suggest you give consideration to the following:

(1) Have you had an injury to the head or neck area?

(2) Do you follow good posture and ergonomics during various activities and even sleep?

(3) Does the pain get worse in certain emotional or stressful situations?

(4) Have you had recent dental work or do you clench or grind your teeth?

(5) Do you keep a good balance between your “head” and your” heart” when making decisions?

Any of these above situations can contribute to spinal malalignments, muscle tension and pain. If the pain persists more than a few days, consult with a health practitioner you trust for an evaluation. All aspects of body, mind and spirit need to be considered and addressed for true healing to occur.

PREPARING FOR FLU SEASON

The flu season is upon us and staying calm, healthy and out of the Fear the media is spewing about can be helpful. Following an incubation period of 24-48 hours, the swine flu manifests in the form of fever with or without chills, headache, throat soreness, cough, a running nose, overall body ache and weakness in general. Vomiting and diarrhea have also been reported in some cases. There are many opinions out there about what is the best course of action:  to vaccinate or not, to take other preventive measures or to just ignore it altogether. Obviously, avoiding close contact with people who appear to be ill, washing hands frequently, sleeping well, eating wisely and exercising regularly will boost the immune system and keep the infection at bay. Young children and seniors with compromised immune systems seem most vulnerable. No one way can give you 100% immunity and so the choices are up to you.

There has been much success in the past with Homeopathic remedies, such as Influenzinum  9C to prevent flu and Oscillococcinum  200C to reduce flu symptoms. Positive research results have been published in such journals as the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology (1987) and by the French Society of Homeopathy in 1998.  I have found that taking Influenzinum every other day as a preventive measure, and every day if the flu has come to town, can be most helpful. Oscillococcinum must be taken within the first day or two of the start of symptoms to reduce its impact. Both these remedies are found in your local health food store. For further information on Homeopathy, check out www.trusthomeopathy.org/research/Conditions_where_positive_evidence.html.

The Perelandra Center for Nature Research, in Warrenton, VA, promotes various natural solutions including their Flu Season Balancing Solution, the MBP Balancing Solutions and their Pandemic Preparedness Kit for the upcoming flu season.  I would suggest going online at www.perelandra-ltd.com for more information.

Doing some research, seeking the advice of health practitioners you trust and following your own intuition can help you make the best decision for you and your family.

Have you ever noticed that that pain in your neck has an actual physical counterpart in your daily life? It could be your boss, your spouse, your mother/father, your job. You get the idea.  That indigestion could be related to a stressful project, a dysfunctional relationship, a hectic schedule. Sure the chilies you ate for dinner didn’t help, but often food sensitivities are often related to other “sensitivities” going on in your daily life.

A beautiful sunset, inspiring music, a good book can similarly affect your body in a positive manner bringing about deep relaxation, peace, a sense of satisfaction. Neuroscience has repeatedly shown that certain chemicals (neuropeptides) are released in the body in reponse to actual events, as well as just thoughts.” Stress” chemicals can therefore be released and cause a stress reaction in the body just by thinking about something stressful. In the same way, thinking pleasant thoughts can cause the release of “calming” chemicals. The bottom line is, we have a lot more control over how we are feeling physically and mentally by watching how we think and what our attitudes are about events in our life. Is that glass half full or half empty?

Sometimes the thoughts and feelings that contribute to our aches and pains are not that obvious to us. That is when such techniques as CranioSacral Therapy, SomatoEmotional Release and Dialoguing can be extremely helpful. Sure, that vertebrae in your neck may be out of alignment, but if it keeps “going out” despite numerous Chiropractic adjustments, exercises and  good posture, it may be time to address the emotional components of your physical symptoms.

Soft-Touch Chiropractic, CranioSacral Therapy , SomatoEmotional Release and Dialoguing are gentle ways to help you access and heal the underlying causes of physical pain and other bodily dysfunction.

I am a New Mexico licensed Chiropractic Physician and Certified CranioSacral Therapist with 27+ years of experience. If you have any questions, please feel free to call me call me at 505.424.3976.

Christine Baranowski D.C., CST