A complet set of exercise from Dr Goodman - Santa Barbara
I was doing two different stretches to keep my back in a good shape.
- A yoga posture where you squat on your flat heels and raise your arms up together.
- A simple hamstring stretch.
It was releasing at the same times my legs and hips while strengthening my core muscles.
I came across Dr Goodman books and video where he was teaching as set of posture that combines those two stretches.
After starting straight with the 11minutes routine, I immediately felt my body straighten up. But the exercise was so intense that it left me with very sore muscles.
It is much better to start with the short routine on the floor, and only after a few days or weeks continue with the long version of the exercise.
For any question of comment please feel free to comment on this page or on the Facebook comments. During a treatment at my clinic in Moshav Herut we can also discuss the benefits you can get for this routine, and I can explain you how to do the exercise the proper way.
You can learn more about Dr Goodman technic for lower back pain at the “Foundation Training” website
Often seen as a mental problem, the depressive state has a strong rooting in the physiology of the body. Oriental medicine is well known for its body and mind healing effect. In this type of problem this expression makes all of it’s meaning, because the mental state of the patient is a direct reflexion of it’s body functions.
The Spirit is not seen as only located in the brain, and as a ‘computing unit’ that can be fixed by changing it’s programming. Each organ reflect a part of the Spirit, the Heart and Blood being its ultimate controller.
- The emotion linked to the Heart is the Joy which can alleviate even the deepest and darkest thoughts.
- The thinking process is driven by the Spleen. When the thoughts never stop, and no decision can be made, the resulting mental fatigue can ruine even the best moments.
- Deep sadness can be difficult to overcome. The emotion of the Lung is the sadness. Reinforcing this organ can alleviate the despair.
- The fear is controlled by the Kidney. When this organ is weak ( or weakens with the age), everything can become source of anxiety.
- The anger is the emotion of the Liver. It’s the organ of the expanding energy. When the resentment is not expressed, it can come out in burst of anger and can be violent. The taste related to the Liver is bitter. All the metaphors with this bitterness shows how important is the smooth flow of the energy of the Liver for a balanced emotional state.
The Blood is the Housing of the Spirit. Therefore the nutrition should be of a good quality to ensure emotional balance. This relation can be observed in the post-partum depression, when the blood loss have been important during labor and delivery.
As we can see each functional organ can be supported with acupuncture and shiatsu to bring back the body to a good balance. When this balance has been restored, the patient suddenly realize that is depression and negative mental outlook disappeared.
A good sleep is primordial for a healthy living. Many internal causes can leave the body restless and avoid a good sleep. In acupuncture we use root treatment to balance the body’s functions and also specific point that have a calming effect to bring the body to a good resting point.
Liver excess.
Each of the functional system have a time during the day where it’s energy is predominant. At night the Liver energy reach a peak. It is therefore frequent to have sleeping issues when the Liver function is not regulated. Waking up in the middle of the night is usually a sign of such imbalance
Spleen and Heart imbalance.
The Blood is the rooting of the Spirit. At night , if the Blood is deficient, the Spirit is not quiet and keeps wandering in endless thoughts. The Spleen is the source of the Blood and the Heart controls it. When this Spleen-Heart axis is not regulated or deficient, the Blood cannot house the Spirit at night. In this case, difficulties to fall asleep is the main symptom. Late meals should be avoid.
Nervous system imbalance with sympathetic dominance.
Late night sleep, stress and overuse of stimulant ( coffee, “energy” drinks, chocolate .. ) bring the nervous system in an ‘over-ride’ state. Functions that need a good para-sympathetic function of the nervous system ( like digestion and sleep ) are therefore diminished. The body runs on empty (i.e : starting the day without food until afternoon) and get to an exhaustion point. The sleep is compromised and the problem is that to get out of the exhaustion point, the body needs a lot of sleep. Acupuncture can help breaking this viscious circle by re-enforcing the para-sympathetic side of the nervous system and calming the sympathetic excess.
Homework
During the treatment, symptomatic point that induce sleep are also used. Those points can be stimulated and treated daily at home by the patient. A daily routine can improve the efficiency of the treatment and restore a good sleeping pattern.
High blood pressure
The amount of fluid in the body as well as the free flow of the blood in all part of the body, is a first step in blood pressure management.
Low blood pressure
Naturally stimulating the function of the adrenal system, acupuncture can be a good treatment for patient with low blood pressure
Cardiac disease prevention
Body signs and reflexes appear before the actual cardiac disease, Releasing those tight areas, reflexes and signs, limit the alteration of the cardiac functions and problems associated with them.
TICs and OCDs
Imbalance in the nervous system due to the patient constitution or the exposure to constant stress can lead to compulsive and obsessional behavior or the apparition of muscle spasm ( TICs ) .
Good acupuncture point can be used to smooth the neural reflexes, release the body and clear the mind.
Also for kids and young adults, hyper activity can be alleviated with acupuncture session and home treatments.
Neuropathy
In some case, acupuncture helps to alleviate the neurological pain in case of diabetes and sclerosis syndrome, or neurological symptoms Parkinson syndrome.
Prevention of strokes and treatment of post-stroke paralysis, aphasia and motor impairment.
Body signs and reflexes appear before the coming of a stroke. Also the blood pressure should be regulate. In this case, even if medication is taken, the long term acupuncture treatments help naturally balance the blood pressure, and sooth the blood flow in the head to prevent the stroke.
After stroke treatment is a highlight of the usage of acupuncture in china. If treatment starts as soon as possible after the attack ( days, weeks ) the recovery of motor, cognitive and speech function is faster and more complete.
Drugs and medicine detox
Long term use of drug can be toxic to the body and bring a wide range of symptoms. Acupuncture protocol exist to help the body eliminate the toxins from the body.
Also in advanced case, the liver organ can be damaged not only by drugs but also alcohol and intoxicant. In this case long term treatment plan in acupuncture helps the liver to recover proper function and to clean itself.
Stop smoking
Famous for its good effect in helping to stop cigarette, acupuncture indeed makes the process easier and the withdrawal symptoms lighter or non existent.
Body acupuncture, points around the nose and on the ear, combined with magnet placed on the ear point is an effective protocol to stop smoking. Usually 3 treatments are needed at a few days of interval for the withdrawal from cigarette to work, and then a few more session once a month are good to avoid the fallback.
Hunger and appetite management
Like the craving for cigarette, the craving for food can be a real problem to some people especially those on diet. Ear point of the mouth, stomach spleen and liver as well as nervous system and appetite point are used to reduce hunger and regulate digestive function. Body acupuncture is also done to tailor the treatment to specific organ imbalance.
The sugar metabolism can also be check and the nutrition should be adapted to avoid more serious illness like diabetes or metabolism syndrome ( high cholesterol, high blood pressure , cardiac diseases ..)
Allergic rhinitis
Seasonal sneezing and running nose as well as allergies to dust and hairs, brings discomfort and can even be debilitating for certain people.
By balancing the adrenal function, the immune system and the flow of the lymph, acupuncture can be a solution to reduce or eradicate those symptoms. Local points reduce the sensitivity of the nose and eyes and systemic points can balance the lung/kidney, spleen and liver functions.
Treatment during acute phases brings a good result, but for a long term effect, preventive treatment before the season of the allergies is even more effective.
Hidden allergies
Symptomes like headache, cystitis and other inflamation ( ex: IBS ) can come from an allergic respond of the body. The allergen is often in the food ( milk, chocolate, gluten …) . During palpation and diagnosis in chinese medicine, reflex points can show an allergic reaction of the body. Looking for the allergen and treating with the right protocole can balance the body for a cure.
Premenstrual syndrome ( PMS ) and dysmenorrhea
Cramping pain before during or after the menses, headache and general irritability can come from various kinds of imbalance in the woman body. By a careful observation of the function of the blood, liver and spleen , acupuncture and shiatsu are able to reduce the symptoms by bringing the body to more balanced state and a smoother blood flow in the lower abdomen.
Absence of menses or excessive blood loss during menses are also conditions that can be regulated by an appropriate treatment.
Shiatsu, acupuncture and moxa are great tools to help smoother pregnancy and prepare delivery.
From morning sickness to general pain an aches, hip, back neck and shoulder stiffness, acupuncture and shiatsu treatment during pregnancy helps to deal with the discomfort. Also, home therapy can be explained for the preparation of the labor and delivery.
Sinusitis
When it becomes a chronic sinusitis, this is a source of pathological factor that can maintain a inflammatory source in the body. Those inflammatory factor can bring pain in every area of the body. This process is called focal infection. Therefore a good hygiene of the sinus and appropriate treatment to terminate inflammation in this area is very important.
Asthma
Asthma can be dry or with a lot of dampness, usually persistent coughing can be a symptoms before an asthma attack.
Root treatment include strengthening the Lung and Kidney functions, as well as balancing the Spleen to reduce the production of dampness. Symptomatic treatment includes point of the upper chest , treated with needle and moxa technics. A simple treatment with moxa need to be learned and carried out daily at home for a lasting effect and the disappearance of the asthma attacks.
Common cold and Coughing
In the Chinese medicine point of view, the external cold and wind penetrate the body by the skin and upper part of the body. The symptoms related to the start of a common cold is therefore, cold and shivering, cramping and sore upper back and neck muscle, heavy head and obstruction of the opening ( eyes, ear, nose and throat ) and/or headache. The cold/wind then makes it way more deeper in the body bringing coughing, soar throat and production of mucus. If not treated at the beginning of the symptoms, and if the defensive energy of the body is weak, the symptoms can evolve into bronchitis, pneumonia and the treatment is more long and difficult. Therefore a good treatment including cupping, needles and moxa from the very beginning of the illness can prevent the wind/cold penetrating deeper in the body and a faster resolving of the symptoms.
Also, after acute phase of the common cold, persistent coughing can remain. In this case also acupuncture treatment should be carried out to avoid the weakening of the energy of the Lung and the recurring of common cold. Self treatment can also be explained and carried out daily to stop the coughing.
In case of chronic and recurring common cold, acupuncture points have a good effect in strengthening the defensive energy of the body. Nutrition should also be examined to determine if some food should be avoid or added to the diet to treat the condition.
A combination of ear acupuncture and body acupuncture can help dealing with overweight. By reducing the hunger and balancing the digestive system, acupuncture is a good tool to be used during diet and for people seeking to loose weight.
Pain in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen are often linked to gallbladder dysfunction. When chronic pain occurs in these area, acupuncture treatment can avoid the condition to evolve toward acute gallbladder inflammation and gallbladder stones.
Nausea, indigestion and motion sickness are often due to an accumulation of stagnant water in the digestive tract. Acupuncture regulates the fluids in the body and can help the return to normal digestive function.
Hemorrhoids are usually due to the congestion of the blood in the portal system that returns from the intestines to the liver. Acupuncture moxa and shiatsu help a smooth blood flow in the lower abdomen and free up the area. Usually hemorrhoids come in combination with other problems like liver imbalance, constipation… Also specific point are used for rectal bleeding. In case of occult bleeding ( dark blood ) in the stools, a medical examination is required to determine which part of the digestive system is bleeding and can sometimes be a medical emergency.
Acupuncture with adjustment of the nutrition can help reduce the chronic inflammation of the intestines.
Another kind of excruciating pain are the bladder and gallbladder stones. Theses pathologies of course require medical supervision, especially if there is fever. But acupuncture is an excellent tool to reduce the pain and prevent another painful episode.
Viral infection by herpes zoister brings excruciating pain , usually in the side of the abdomen or chest or in the neck. Acupuncture help relieving the pain of the damaged intercostal nerves , either by treating the affected side or the opposite side.
If treated from the beginning of the affection, the acupuncture help the good circulation of the fluids in the eye and the good nourishment of the eye by the blood. Usually the evolution of the condition toward the damage of the optical nerve can be slowed down or stopped.
Acupuncture and moxa help treat the inflammation, and activate the healing process. Specific protocol can balance the immune system and the congestion of the lymph. Therefore acute tonsillitis doesn’t become chronic and avoid removal of the tonsils. Food that brings a lot of dampness in the body and participate in the congestion of the lymph flow should also be avoid ( milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, banana, white flour … )
Inflammatory process:
They often comes from overuse, accumulation of toxins and imbalance of the immune/anti-inflammatory functions of the body. Acupuncture and shiatsu are very effective not only in relieving the immediate pain and inflammation, but also in determining the origin of the inflammation especially when it is recurring and becomes chronic. Understanding the origin of the problem helps in changing habits and nutrition to avoid these chronic conditions.
Trigger finger
Acupuncture can in certain cases cure the blockage of the finger, especially when recent. Or when surgery has been done, the treatment helps preventing the symptom to come back.
Inflammation of the joint from natural wearing of the joints, by autoimmune process or rheumatoid process can bring intense pain, with heat, swollen and sometimes deformed articulations. Most of the time it reflect the internal condition of the body and tissues. The Japanese approach to the treatment in a first step, treat the underlying condition and balance of the organs, then have specific strategies of treatment for the different area of the body ( knee, shoulder, hand, hip, back, neck ….) .
The anti-inflammatory effect of the acupuncture combined with techniques that balance the immune system and the immune response of the body, helps the patients to live with those difficult condition with much less pain and discomfort, even sometimes being able to forget about it.
Usually occurs after trauma and especially car accident, the whiplash syndrome is a painful reflex contraction of the muscle of the neck to protect the spine.
A medical examination by a doctor has to be done in order to check for damaged ligaments or fractured bones prior to treatment with acupuncture. The acupuncture treatment does not require manipulation of the neck and is very safe and effective to treat whiplash syndrome and most post-traumatic damage.
Knee pain, leg pain and sciatic
Herniated or bulging disc can give acute leg pain and often evolve to a chronic condition. Some days and weeks after the acute back pain, developing pain in the legs is often a sign of herniated disc. Only 20% of the cases require surgery but most of the time the recovery process can be much shorter with treatment with acupuncture and shiatsu. Structural treatment with acupuncture extra meridian can correct the imbalance and lower the pressure put on the sensitive disc. Some simple exercises can be explained to avoid new acute pain period.
Disc problem is not the only cause of leg pain.
Most often, muscles tension in the hamstring or piriformis can be the cause of the pain. Also acupuncture protocol can determine if the ankle or hip or sacro-iliac joint are the source of the pain and treat accordingly.
More general leg problem can be treated, like oedema, fatigue, cramps, poor blood circulation . Is those cases the cause is often physiologic and balancing the function of the inner organ can help to deal with water accumulation, fatigue, cramps. Change in lifestyle and nutrition are often required to get the best result from the treatment.
The hip and groin area can be compressed.
This makes the blood difficult to nourish and exit the lower extremities. A combination of shiatsu stretching, acupuncture treatment and self treatment can be very effective to recover the full capacity of the legs and knees.
Of course acupuncture and shiatsu treatment are a good therapy for sportsmen and active people, preventing and helping recovering faster from injuries.
Old traumas that have not been treated correctly, immobilization of the shoulder or simply lack of exercise lead to a weakening of the muscles of shoulder and with time, the range of movement decrease as the ligament and shoulder capsule become stiffer and harder.
The acupuncture treatment in certain case bring immediate release of the shoulder, or slow and steady improvement of the shoulder movement.
It’s a broad subject and the cause can be multiple. From trauma to structural imbalance or physiological dysfunction, many factors can trigger pain in the back.
In case of obvious trauma, the bone, nerve, sinus and cartilage can be damaged. Also the muscles can stay contracted and in spasm for a long period after the traumatic event. Acupuncture treatments help to accelerate the healing of the tissues and the recovery. Release tight areas and balance the muscle tone. Simple back pain as well as prolapsed disc can be treated.
The global approach of the body through the Chinese meridian of energy has a very effective action on the structure of the body. Balancing right and left, up and down, in key areas such as the hip, knee, ankle, and shoulder, brings the body to a more optimal position and release accumulated tensions
What’s inside shows outside:
The condition of the different functional system of the body reflects on the back and can bring pain and aches.
Globally the upper back and neck pains are stress and anxiety related, the mid-back pain reflects the digestive function of stomach and liver as well as diaphragm spasm and tension. The lower back is more of a concern in intestinal, gynecological, hormonal and sexual dysfunction.
In case of scoliosis ( deviation of the spine ) the discomfort and pain can be alleviated. Also if treated early in teenager the evolution of the deviation can be limited with daily self treatment.
Acupuncture and shiatsu give good results on acute pain or chronic condition.