Viral Positivity

One of my teachers once said, "If there is something that you really want, first you must give it away." This Buddhist way of thinking doesn't really apply to material things, as I was trying to explain to my 11 year old daughter the other night as we discussed the 'Christmas Gimmes'.

At her age it is hard to see beyond the electronics and clothing. As a privileged middle-class Canadian, what else is there to want? I could see her brain grappling with "If I want an iPad, how do I go about getting one to give away when I can't even get one to keep?"

A client recently asked me what I want for Christmas. At first nothing note-worthy came to mind, but upon a moment's thought what I really want was clear; I want more people to experience joy and happiness in their lives. Is this a tall order? Not if we believe in our abilities to share positivity.

I feel very fortunate to work in a field where my daily spiritual practice can naturally co-exist with my professional practice. My clients come to me with the common goal of feeling better and I aid them via physical therapy and by providing a positive healing environment of acceptance and support. I take great care to bring my best self to the treatment room in order to further their wellness. I try to infuse as many interactions with positivity as I can, influencing the world one kind act at a time.

Ten simple ways I plan to spread the love:

1. Use a brightly colored umbrella to brighten everyone's day and to increase your visibility. It's dark and gloomy enough outside.
2. Look people in the eye and smile.
3. Honestly compliment a stranger on something they are doing, saying, or wearing.
4. Open the door for others. (As a woman I've noticed that this often confuses men's hard-wired tendencies to act with chivalry and it's something to share a giggle with a stranger about in the doorway of the bank.)
5. When faced with negative sentiments, resist the urge to return them and respond with a positive spin instead. Even if your positivity doesn't change the situation at least it is not perpetuating more anger and it may even have a diffusing effect.
6. Offer my seat on public transit to anyone who looks like they want to get off their feet, not just the elderly.
7. When I buy something from a grocery store for lunch, grab an extra to share with someone asking for charity outside the store. I feel better doing this than giving money.
8. Avoid gossiping and consider whether my words cause harm to others or myself before speaking.
9. Tell loved ones that they are loved and why they are loved.
10. Share what I am grateful for. Be specific and the gratitude will have much more impact.

This all goes nicely with the holiday spirit not to mention all the liking and sharing going on in the social media world. Try doing it in person to really spread the love!

See you in the clinic,
Dana



 Sources:

• Hand Image: http://vladdolezal.com/blog/2010/hardwire-yourself-for-positivity/

• Umbrellas Image: http://nyc_dog_blog.downtownpet.com/2007/10/umbrella-wars-bigger-umbrella-bigger.html

The Science in the Bathwater

Some days the physicality of my work leaves me with an exhausted body. Recently, after a string of busy days filled with massage therapy appointments, I found myself particularly drained. I was feeling many of the symptoms that my clients seek my help to alleviate.

It is too soon in my new career to be developing over-use injuries so I panicked and started to book acupuncture and massage appointments for myself. Then the calm and confident voice that speaks to my clients when they are struggling with pain and discomfort said to me, "Take your own advice: run a hot bath with Epsom salts, do some stretches, and rest. You will feel better." So I did. And it was good advice.

This got me thinking about what goes on in the bathwater. Most of us know that if we are sore, taking an Epsom salt bath can help. But what is the science behind it? As with the various homecare exercises that I prescribe in my massage practice, understanding how the effects are achieved helps us to believe in the process, comply with the recommendation, and even continue to incorporate the practice into our routine.

 The chemistry and physiology of bathing in Epsom salts:

• Epsom salts are known by chemists as magnesium sulfate (MgSO₄·7H₂O) which occurs naturally as a pure mineral.
• Magnesium sulfate is more bio-available when used in a bath and can be absorbed by our bodies through the skin in a more efficiently than by oral consumption.
• Magnesium is the second largest component of human cells. Among other things, it regulates the function of over 300 enzymes which assists many bodily functions.
• Most if us are deficient in magnesium due to modern farming practices that strip magnesium and other valuable minerals from the soil, reducing the amount delivered to us in our food. Today, 68% of U.S. adults consume less than the recommended daily allowance of magnesium.

Benefits of using magnesium sulfate as a bath additive:

• Improves nerve function by regulating electrolytes. Calcium is the main conductor for nerve impulses in the body, and magnesium is necessary to maintain proper calcium levels in the blood.
• Flushes toxins and heavy metals from the cells, easing muscle pain and helping the body to detoxify.
• Reduces inflammation to relieve pain and muscle cramps.
• Relieves stress. Excess adrenaline and stress hormones may drain magnesium from the body. Magnesium is necessary for the body to bind adequate amounts of serotonin, a mood-elevating chemical within the brain that creates a feeling of well being and relaxation.

Dosage
Hot baths are not appropriate for everyone. Those with high blood pressure, sensation impairments, or anyone under bathing restrictions from their doctor should consult with them first.

• For soaking, add two cups of Epsom salts to your bath. Bathe three times weekly, soaking 15-20 minutes. Be sure to drink a couple glasses of water during or after your bath.
• For a foot bath, add a cup of Epsom salts to a tub of warm water as a treatment for aching feet. This application may be more suitable for hypertensive individuals.

Our bodies possess more innate healing power than we often give them credit for. If I sometimes forget this, then certainly others do as well. Of course, there are circumstances where a bath cannot be substituted for manual therapy, but in this instance, I personally needed to look within and harness my own rejuvenating powers.  I will still be going for a massage this week.

See you in the clinic,
Dana


Sources:

1. www.epsomsaltcouncil.org
2. An Introduction to Heat & Cold as Therapy, Laurel Fowlie RMT, BA, MEd, Curties-Overzet Publications, 2006
3. Chemistry image: http://www.worldofchemicals.com/wochem/pub/chemmagnesium-sulfate.html
4. Bathtub image: http://roysquest.wordpress.com/2012/08/11/dr-roys-10-tips-to-have-a-good-nights-sleep/