Patients often come to our office for relaxation. But what exactly is relaxation and how do we experience it? Relax means “to make or become less tense or anxious.” Scientifically, when people express a desire to ‘relax’ they’re looking for an activation of the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS). The PNS is responsible for ‘rest and digest’ functions and is important for regulating energy and physical needs like digestion and elimination. When we experience periods of high stress (hello, global pandemic) our bodies can get ‘stuck’ in patterns of the sympathetic nervous system: fight-or-flight mode.
Read moreKinesio Tape
You may have seen athletes on TV or people at the gym with brightly colored tape on their bodies — across the shoulder, around the knee cap, or on back of calves. No, it’s not a strange fashion trend, it’s kinesio tape, or K-tape. What is k-tape and what does it do?
Read moreHealthy Fascia
When we think about pain we understandably frame it within the structures we’re most familiar with: bones, joints, and muscles. But in recent years we’ve learned more about another body structure: fascia!
Read more6 Tips for Pain-Free Gardening
It’s that time of year again: the time when patients flock to our office with gardening injuries. We love a good day in the garden just as much as anyone else, but it’s very important to observe good gardening practices! We want your garden to bring you joy, not pain. Here’s your annual reminder to garden safely, and 6 tips for gardening pain-free.
Read moreNational Public Health Week
National Public Health Week is April 4-10. This is a time to recognize the contributions of public health and highlight issues that are important to improving our nation's health. a growing movement to create the healthiest nation in one generation.
Read moreEquilibrium in Action: International Rescue Committee
Usually we choose a local charity for our Equilibrium in Action initiative to give back to our immediate community, but the events across the globe can’t be ignored. There are millions of new refugees who need our help. This month Equilibrium will match all in-office financial donations to International Rescue Committee.
Read moreSpring in TCM
The seasons they are a-changin’! As an ancient practice, the wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine comes from a time when people spent much more time outside, paying attention to the natural world around them. Rather than ignoring the seasonal changes happening in nature, TCM sees people as part of those changes.
Read moreThe Perfect Pillow
A good pillow is key to a good night’s sleep. Having the right pillow will help you keep proper sleeping posture throughout the night. The wrong pillow can be a big contributing factor to neck pain, shoulder pain, headaches.
Read moreMobility Vs. Flexibility
In colloquial speech, ‘mobility’ and ‘flexibility’ are often used interchangeably. The two can be related, but there are important differences. We need both flexibility and mobility for healthy movement.
Read moreEquilibrium in Action: Girls Build
March is National Women’s History Month and contains International Women’s Week (March 8-14). This month brings awareness to all of the contemporary and historical accomplishments of women, and advocacy for greater gender equity across the globe. This month we’re excited to support Portland nonprofit organization Girls Build. Girls Build teaches girls 8 - 14 years old the basics of carpentry, electrical, plumbing, roofing, painting, auto and bike mechanics, sheet metal and more via summer camps and after-school workshops.
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