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| MYOFACIAL RELEASE BY GINNY TAFT Myofascial Release is a very effective hands-on technique that provides sustained pressure into myofascial restrictions to eliminate pain and restore motion. The theory of Myofascial Release requires an understanding of the fascial system (or connective tissue). The fascia is a specialized system of the body that has an appearance similar to a spider's web or a sweater. Fascia is densely woven, covering and interpenetrating every muscle, bone, nerve, artery and vein, as well as all of our internal organs, such as the heart, lungs, brain and spinal cord. The most interesting aspect of the fascial system is that it is not just a sytem of separate coverings. It is actually one structure that exists from head to foot, without interruption. In this way you can begin to see that each part of the entire body is connected to every other part by the fascia, like the yarn in a sweater. In the normal, healthy state, the fascia is relaxed and wavy in configuration. It has the ability to stretch and move without restriction. When we experience physical trauma or inflammation, however, the fascia loses its pliability. It becomes tight, restricted and a source of tension to the rest of the body. The fascia can exert excessive pressure, producing pain or restriction of movement. The use of Myofascial Release allows us to look at each patient as a unique individual. During one-on-one sessions, our therapists use a multitude of Myofascial Release techniques, and movement therapy, promoting proper body mechanics and movement through the enhancement of strength, flexability, and postural and movement awareness. Ginny Taft Coeur d' Alene Hand Therapy and Healing Center ( 208) 664-2901 Writer's Biography|Index|Biographies|Newsletters|Events|Glossary Page 2 September Newsletter |
| NATURAL HEALTH RESOURCE REVIEW September 13, 2000 Volume 1 Issue 3 |
CHINESE KITCHEN CORNER By Barbara Boss. Ph.D., L.Ac. (208) 659-9697 This is the third article on the use of common kitchen spices to aid healing. With Fall almost upon us, it seemed appropriate to cover spices that can aid our recovery from colds and 'flu. For the early stages of a cold or 'flu, sage tea is a recommended remedy. Prepare a tea by placing 1/4 oz. sage in a pint of boiled water and letting it steep for 10 minutes in a closed vessel. You can drink this 1 to 3 times per day, but only for the first week of your illness. Several other spices can be taken as teas for colds and 'flu. The first is fenugreek. Prepare a tea by placing 1 oz. crushed seeds plus 7 crushed black peppercorns in 1 pint of water. This is especially good for clearing mucus and lung congestion. The second spice is ginger. Prepare a tea by placing 1 oz peeled, freshly grated ginger in 1 pint water, simmering for 10 minutes. Take with honey and lemon. The next spice of choice is sweet basil. Prepare a tea by adding 1 oz. leaves, along with 6 black peppercorns per pint of water, and simmer for 20 minutes. Black pepper can also be taken each morning with honey as 1/8 tsp. powder. This is especially good for cold mucus conditions and sore throats. Cayenne pepper can be taken daily as well, the dose being 1/4 tsp 3 times per day. Last, but not least is garlic. Garlic is best if not boiled as the fresh juice is the most effective as a cold remedy. Source: TheWay of Herbs by Michael Tierra, L.Ac., O.M.D. (1998) Writer's Biography|Index|Biographies|Newsletters|Events|Glossary Page 2 September Newsletter |
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