Headaches and migraines are common reasons patients seek integrative care. The exact root cause or mechanism of migraines has long eluded scientists and doctors, as no explanation seems to fully explain the wide variety of symptoms migraine-sufferers experience. One theory is that migraines may be neurological in origin, which may be why chiropractic care can reduce migraine frequency and intensity. Migraines caused by tension and stress can significantly benefit from acupuncture and/or physical therapy treatment.
Read moreWhat's Up With Ear Seeds?
Ear seeds, also known as auriculotherapy, is a companion therapy to acupuncture based in the stimulation of the auricle, or external ear, using pressure in the form of tiny “seeds” to treat symptoms and conditions located throughout the whole body. Based on the principles of acupuncture, auriculotherapy uses the ear as a tiny map for the whole body, with tons of acupuncture points in the ear corresponding to just about every organ, hormone, and system.
Read moreInstrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization
In ancient Greece and Rome, a small metallic instrument known as a “strigil” was used in bathhouses for therapeutic purposes. In Traditional Chinese Medicine a similar technique is used, “gua sha”, which increases the blood flow to facilitate the supply of blood and oxygen to the soft tissues. Today many variations of this technique exist. What is instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization and what are the benefits?
Read moreFriends of the Library
Libraries offer much more than books. Libraries essential resources for a developed society to spread information and knowledge, cultivate innovation and creativity, promote literacy and education, and facilitate community. Libraries are also a key component to reducing waste, as they provide centralized print and media resources for the community to share, cutting down on the number of new items purchased and later discarded.
Read moreThe Importance of Play
Play is essential to human development, contributing to the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being of children and youth. Unfortunately, time for play is shrinking. Increased demand for high test scores, combined with a decrease in public education funds has led to fewer programs like PE, band, art, dance, as well as shorter recess times. At the same time, parents report an increased perception of danger, leading to children being highly supervised even while playing or engaging in extracurricular activities. Between school, studying, and structured activities, kids have less and less time to simply play. How might this affect them as they grow into adults?
Read moreNew Organ Proposed by Researchers
Up until now, researchers thought the area between organs and tissues in our body was largely solid, comprised of structural supportive proteins known as collagen, as well as stretchier elastin connective proteins. In a recently published 2018 study, scientists observed a network of fluid-filled spaces surrounded by connective tissue that fills the spaces between our organs, surrounding and potentially protecting our insides throughout the body. They define this network as a new organ, the interstitium, which they say could be the largest organ in the human body. Understanding this network as an organ could help us understand how diseases like cancer spread and it help explain what healing techniques like acupuncture are tapping into.
Read moreThe Truth About The "Crack"
There is quite a bit of speculation and vague explanations around joint cracking. As young people we are often told not to crack our knuckles because “it’ll give you arthritis” or that the cracking sound is due to “bubbles popping” within the joint. But what’s really going on when our joints make sounds like that?
Read moreThe Dog Days of Summer: Supporting Pixie Project
Pixie Project is non-profit animal adoption center and rescue located right here in Portland, Oregon. What sets them apart from other adoption and/or rescue groups is that Pixie Project focuses on finding life-long matches between pet and adopter and takes a hands-on, personal approach to each and every adoption. n addition, Pixie is committed to keeping pets healthy in their homes for life. They offer low-cost spay/neuter surgeries, as well as access to vital veterinary care to low-income and homeless pet owners, keeping pets out of shelters and saving lives. This month we are collecting donations for Pixie Project’s clinic, office, and adoption facilities.
Read moreChiropractic for Motor Vehicle Accidents
One of the most common times people seek chiropractic treatment is after an auto accident. As a result of an auto accident the musculoskeletal system can become misaligned due to the force of the impact. This can then cause spinal pain and other ailments including whiplash injury: when the neck is jolted rapidly backward and forward causing strain and microscopic tearing of the soft tissue. Even if you don’t think you have been injured after a car accident, you may start to experience discomfort or headaches several months after the fact. We highly recommend seeing a chiropractor as soon as possible after a motor vehicle accident. Therapeutic assessment and treatment are most effective if started immediately after the accident.
Read moreManaging Pain Post-Surgery
Surgery has become an unintentional gateway to persistent opioid use, meaning many patients are still taking these medications three to six months after their surgical procedure. At any age, it’s important to know steps you can take to manage your pain effectively and responsibly.
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