This looks so relaxing! I will have to add to my wish list.
I have tried acupuncture, this looks similar, like acupuncture but without the needles :D
Stand on the mat to stimulate your soles, or lie on it to feel the prickly plastic nubs activate pressure points along your body!
http://www.acushakti.com/
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Yoga Goddess Pose - SO Relaxing!
Try this when stressed! It's amazing!!
Do it for at least 10 minutes for the maximum benefits of de-stressing:
GODDESS POSE
Sit tall with knees bent forward and your lower back against the short end of a firm cushion or a couple of stacked, folded blankets. Let knees drop open to the sides; bring soles of feet together. Lie back so back and head are on the cushion/blankets, shoulders dropping toward the floor. Bring arms out to the sides, palms up. Relax, breathing deeply and evenly. If hips feel uncomfortable, straighten legs.
-- from Health Magazine, July/August 2010
Do it for at least 10 minutes for the maximum benefits of de-stressing:
GODDESS POSE
Sit tall with knees bent forward and your lower back against the short end of a firm cushion or a couple of stacked, folded blankets. Let knees drop open to the sides; bring soles of feet together. Lie back so back and head are on the cushion/blankets, shoulders dropping toward the floor. Bring arms out to the sides, palms up. Relax, breathing deeply and evenly. If hips feel uncomfortable, straighten legs.
-- from Health Magazine, July/August 2010
Monday, June 28, 2010
Good Fibro Info
Some good fibro links and info here, check it out:
http://www.healthline.com/channel/fibromyalgia.html
http://www.healthline.com/channel/fibromyalgia.html
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Make Someone Smile Today!
"You can be a blessing to the people you meet today. Yes, life has its serious moments. But being just a bit kooky may be the secret to seeing yourself and others through good times and bad. Go ahead, make someone's day - make her smile."
-- Thelma Wells
from God Always Has a Plan B
*hugs!*
-- Thelma Wells
from God Always Has a Plan B
*hugs!*
Chronic Fatigue is Neurological
More evidence. No wonder my neurologist that I have been going to forever for my migraines is so in tuned with also treating my fibro and CFS :)
On April 24, the Massachusetts CFIDS/ME & FM Association hosted a presentation on “The Latest Research on CFS” by Dr. Anthony L Komaroff, MD. Dr. Komaroff , a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and Editor in Chief of Harvard Health Publications, has treated hundreds of ME/CFS patients over the past 25 years.
In answer to question # 21 in the Q&A session – “Would you classify CFS as a neurological disease?” Dr. Komaroff stated:
"I would certainly say, as I have said today, that there is now abundant evidence of measurable abnormalities in the central nervous system and the autonomic nervous system in people with this illness. So that makes it neurological. That's why I think it makes sense, as Dr. Gurwitz said, to call it Myalgic Ecephalomyelitis or Encephalopathy, because I think those two words adequately classify or describe an underlying biology that tests have shown to be the case."
Links to videos too:
http://www.prohealth.com/me-cfs/library/showArticle.cfm?libid=15400
On April 24, the Massachusetts CFIDS/ME & FM Association hosted a presentation on “The Latest Research on CFS” by Dr. Anthony L Komaroff, MD. Dr. Komaroff , a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and Editor in Chief of Harvard Health Publications, has treated hundreds of ME/CFS patients over the past 25 years.
In answer to question # 21 in the Q&A session – “Would you classify CFS as a neurological disease?” Dr. Komaroff stated:
"I would certainly say, as I have said today, that there is now abundant evidence of measurable abnormalities in the central nervous system and the autonomic nervous system in people with this illness. So that makes it neurological. That's why I think it makes sense, as Dr. Gurwitz said, to call it Myalgic Ecephalomyelitis or Encephalopathy, because I think those two words adequately classify or describe an underlying biology that tests have shown to be the case."
Links to videos too:
http://www.prohealth.com/me-cfs/library/showArticle.cfm?libid=15400
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Benefits of Magnesium
Magnesium is a powerful mineral. Not only does it help relax muscles (calcium contracts muscles) and help with cellular regeneration, but it relieves a lot of chronic symptoms (see lists below.) Magnesium regulates the absorption of calcium, potassium and sodium. It plays a key role in energy production, digestion, muscle and bone function, cell production, and in the functioning of the heart, kidneys, adrenals, brain and nervous system. It is a critical nutrient for optimal health, and yet as many as 90 % of us may be magnesium-deficient!
Magnesium deficiency causes imbalance in the body. It is responsible for fatigue and the inability to sleep, lack of energy, muscle tension, cramps and twitches, headaches, backaches and heart problems. It can cause depression, excessive worry, stress-related irritability and over-sensitivity, accelerated aging, bone spurs, kidney stones, arthritis and osteoporosis. Because it is essential for the absorption of other major minerals, a magnesium deficiency will usually indicate an imbalance in potassium and also calcium. A deficiency in magnesium in your body means there are over 300 biochemical reactions that either won't occur at all or will occur very inefficiently. Somewhat like a six cylinder car trying to run on four spark plugs.
See this article for the important balance in calcium and magnesium. (http://www.absolutelythepurest.com/other%20parts/mysteryandmagicmagnes.html) It is possible that in taking too much calcium you are in turn depleting your magnesium. You CAN take too much calcium, but you cannot take too much magnesium.
The following factors deplete magnesium from your body. The more prevalent these factors are in your life, the more magnesium your body will need to replenish its magnesium storage:
• Mental, physical, emotional stress
• Environmental pollutants
• Excess calcium supplementation
• Sugar, coffee, sodas and milk
• Alcohol, tobacco and all types of drugs, including diuretics
• High-carbohydrate diets
• Low thyroid and chronic pain
“Top Ten List” of Symptoms Relieved by Magnesium: From Carolyn Dean
- Less knee pain
- Carbohydrate/sugar cravings down from 90 to 5 — on a scale of 100 (most) to 0 (none)
- Wrinkles and crevices in her face diminishing
- Dramatic reduction in “migraines”
- Period went from dark to bright red and from severe clots to minimal clots
- Able to exercise intensely for the first time in years without being exhausted for at least three days after
- Sleep has improved from “minimal” to “poor and restless” all night (this is a huge improvement for her).
- Able to “keep going” (to some extent) past 6:30pm at night.
- Less sound sensitivity/hypersensitivity.
- Better able to concentrate when someone is speaking to her (if there is any background noise).
http://www.healthlady.com/articles/%E2%80%9Ctop-ten-lists%E2%80%9D-of-symptoms-relieved-by-magnesium-2/#more-6765
More Benefits of Magnesium Supplementation Therapy
- Improve Sleep
- Relieve Muscle Discomfort
- Overcome Stress
- Relax Nerves
- Improve Bad Mood
- Improve Heart Function
- Increase Kidney Health
- Support Healthy Blood Pressure
- mprove Bone Health
- Alleviate Various Aches
- Keep Bones in Alignment
http://www.life-enthusiast.com/index/Products/Magnesium?ref=10595
I have found that taking 1200-1600 mg magnesium/day works well for me (400-800 in the a.m. and 800 in the p.m.) I have noticed that I feel better. I have found the Ultra-Mag by Source Naturals to be a very good brand. I get them at a good price from VitaCost (http://www.vitacost.com/Source-Naturals-Ultra-Mag-Magnesium-Complex#IngredientFacts)
I hope this helps.
Please remember to consult your physician before trying anything new. I am not a doctor and no information I provide here should be considered medical advice.The information I share on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from my research and experience. Links to other sites are provided for ease of research. Information on those sites is the opinion of those who publish the sites and is NOT necessarily that of FibroChick. I offer what I can as help. I believe in educating myself on all my medical issues and being my own advocate, for no one else will do that on my behalf. I recommend we all do the same! I encourage you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.
Magnesium deficiency causes imbalance in the body. It is responsible for fatigue and the inability to sleep, lack of energy, muscle tension, cramps and twitches, headaches, backaches and heart problems. It can cause depression, excessive worry, stress-related irritability and over-sensitivity, accelerated aging, bone spurs, kidney stones, arthritis and osteoporosis. Because it is essential for the absorption of other major minerals, a magnesium deficiency will usually indicate an imbalance in potassium and also calcium. A deficiency in magnesium in your body means there are over 300 biochemical reactions that either won't occur at all or will occur very inefficiently. Somewhat like a six cylinder car trying to run on four spark plugs.
See this article for the important balance in calcium and magnesium. (http://www.absolutelythepurest.com/other%20parts/mysteryandmagicmagnes.html) It is possible that in taking too much calcium you are in turn depleting your magnesium. You CAN take too much calcium, but you cannot take too much magnesium.
The following factors deplete magnesium from your body. The more prevalent these factors are in your life, the more magnesium your body will need to replenish its magnesium storage:
• Mental, physical, emotional stress
• Environmental pollutants
• Excess calcium supplementation
• Sugar, coffee, sodas and milk
• Alcohol, tobacco and all types of drugs, including diuretics
• High-carbohydrate diets
• Low thyroid and chronic pain
“Top Ten List” of Symptoms Relieved by Magnesium: From Carolyn Dean
- Less knee pain
- Carbohydrate/sugar cravings down from 90 to 5 — on a scale of 100 (most) to 0 (none)
- Wrinkles and crevices in her face diminishing
- Dramatic reduction in “migraines”
- Period went from dark to bright red and from severe clots to minimal clots
- Able to exercise intensely for the first time in years without being exhausted for at least three days after
- Sleep has improved from “minimal” to “poor and restless” all night (this is a huge improvement for her).
- Able to “keep going” (to some extent) past 6:30pm at night.
- Less sound sensitivity/hypersensitivity.
- Better able to concentrate when someone is speaking to her (if there is any background noise).
http://www.healthlady.com/articles/%E2%80%9Ctop-ten-lists%E2%80%9D-of-symptoms-relieved-by-magnesium-2/#more-6765
More Benefits of Magnesium Supplementation Therapy
- Improve Sleep
- Relieve Muscle Discomfort
- Overcome Stress
- Relax Nerves
- Improve Bad Mood
- Improve Heart Function
- Increase Kidney Health
- Support Healthy Blood Pressure
- mprove Bone Health
- Alleviate Various Aches
- Keep Bones in Alignment
http://www.life-enthusiast.com/index/Products/Magnesium?ref=10595
I have found that taking 1200-1600 mg magnesium/day works well for me (400-800 in the a.m. and 800 in the p.m.) I have noticed that I feel better. I have found the Ultra-Mag by Source Naturals to be a very good brand. I get them at a good price from VitaCost (http://www.vitacost.com/Source-Naturals-Ultra-Mag-Magnesium-Complex#IngredientFacts)
I hope this helps.
Please remember to consult your physician before trying anything new. I am not a doctor and no information I provide here should be considered medical advice.The information I share on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from my research and experience. Links to other sites are provided for ease of research. Information on those sites is the opinion of those who publish the sites and is NOT necessarily that of FibroChick. I offer what I can as help. I believe in educating myself on all my medical issues and being my own advocate, for no one else will do that on my behalf. I recommend we all do the same! I encourage you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.
The Benefits of White Tea
If you are into getting your antioxidants, check out white tea. It has even more antioxidants than green tea, and less caffeine, and is also less processed:
http://altmedicine.about.com/od/herbsupplementguide/a/whitetea.htm?nl=1
http://altmedicine.about.com/od/herbsupplementguide/a/whitetea.htm?nl=1
Friday, June 25, 2010
Start Your Day in the Best Way!
As we head into the weekend I thought this would be a good article to share:
(from "Fibromyalgia & Fatigue Centers Inc." http://www.fibroandfatigue.com)
Your Mornings…StartYour Day the Best Way Possible!
Rather than awake refreshed from a nights’ sleep, Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue sufferers frequently feel exhausted in the morning. Sleep studies of Fibromyalgia and Fatigue patients show a consistent pattern of disruption during the delta “deep sleep stage.” Because your deep sleep is often disrupted, it minimizes the time your body has to rest, repair and rebuild leading to ongoing fatigue and discomfort.
Here are more suggestions to get you moving in the morning:
1. Starting your day with a positive attitude, remind yourself that you will control the pace of your day.
2. You now need to begin to loosen those muscles. Hopefully, the bed and room temperature are at a comfortable level allowing you to slowly remove some of your bed linen without causing your body to tense or cramp.
3. Stretching exercises while lying in bed will loosen and warm muscle fibers to avoid strain upon rising. Take as much time as you need to work from your neck down in a slow, consistent manner. Avoid any quick movements and never stretch to a point of pain. The muscles may feel tight or stiff, but with repetitive movement, stretching and relaxing, you should feel them loosen.
4. If you don’t already know your shower intimately, you should! A hot shower upon rising is a terrific way to treat your body and prepare it for the day ahead. Not only will the heat penetrate your muscles, but also the calming effect of the running water is great for mental relaxation. If someone is available, ask him or her to turn the shower on for you before you even get out of bed.
5. Continue your stretching while in the shower. You should see a noticeable difference in your movements while under the hot water.
6. Don’t forget to jump start your day with a nutritious breakfast and consumption of your Vitamin and Mineral Supplements. The morning is the most effective time for absorption and for you to gain the greatest benefit with this consistent morning boost.
Remember; give yourself plenty of time in the morning. It’s up to you to decide if it’s going to be the worse time of your day or the absolute best time for you to take care of YOU!
(from "Fibromyalgia & Fatigue Centers Inc." http://www.fibroandfatigue.com)
Your Mornings…StartYour Day the Best Way Possible!
Rather than awake refreshed from a nights’ sleep, Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue sufferers frequently feel exhausted in the morning. Sleep studies of Fibromyalgia and Fatigue patients show a consistent pattern of disruption during the delta “deep sleep stage.” Because your deep sleep is often disrupted, it minimizes the time your body has to rest, repair and rebuild leading to ongoing fatigue and discomfort.
Here are more suggestions to get you moving in the morning:
1. Starting your day with a positive attitude, remind yourself that you will control the pace of your day.
2. You now need to begin to loosen those muscles. Hopefully, the bed and room temperature are at a comfortable level allowing you to slowly remove some of your bed linen without causing your body to tense or cramp.
3. Stretching exercises while lying in bed will loosen and warm muscle fibers to avoid strain upon rising. Take as much time as you need to work from your neck down in a slow, consistent manner. Avoid any quick movements and never stretch to a point of pain. The muscles may feel tight or stiff, but with repetitive movement, stretching and relaxing, you should feel them loosen.
4. If you don’t already know your shower intimately, you should! A hot shower upon rising is a terrific way to treat your body and prepare it for the day ahead. Not only will the heat penetrate your muscles, but also the calming effect of the running water is great for mental relaxation. If someone is available, ask him or her to turn the shower on for you before you even get out of bed.
5. Continue your stretching while in the shower. You should see a noticeable difference in your movements while under the hot water.
6. Don’t forget to jump start your day with a nutritious breakfast and consumption of your Vitamin and Mineral Supplements. The morning is the most effective time for absorption and for you to gain the greatest benefit with this consistent morning boost.
Remember; give yourself plenty of time in the morning. It’s up to you to decide if it’s going to be the worse time of your day or the absolute best time for you to take care of YOU!
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Life Chat Monday - Having A Social Life with Chronic Pain
Shared from from healthcentral.com:
Monday, June 28 from 7 – 9 pm Eastern and 4 – 6 pm Pacific
The topic for discussion will be “Having a Social Life with Chronic Pain,” but you can ask questions or bring up other topics as well.
Click here for more info on this live chat:
http://www.healthcentral.com/chronic-pain/c/5949/114750/chat-chronic?ic=6042
Monday, June 28 from 7 – 9 pm Eastern and 4 – 6 pm Pacific
The topic for discussion will be “Having a Social Life with Chronic Pain,” but you can ask questions or bring up other topics as well.
Click here for more info on this live chat:
http://www.healthcentral.com/chronic-pain/c/5949/114750/chat-chronic?ic=6042
Knitting for Pain Relief!
Any knitters out there?! I don't knit, but my Mother does, and I know she finds solace and peace and it is a way for her to relieve stress. She found this link, and I thought I'd pass it along, links to forums on Knitting for Stress Relief and Knitting for Pain Relief:
http://knittersreview.com/forum/default.asp
Enjoy!
http://knittersreview.com/forum/default.asp
Enjoy!
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