Chris Brooks is an osteopath in Worthing West Sussex
Your first visit
Find out about what to expect from your first visit to Broadwater Osteopathic Practice.
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Autumn is truly here – the clocks have gone back and we have gained an hour. The air is fresh and cool and cosiness is a priority.
The Chinese believe that we should live according to the seasons and as you watch the leaves change colour and fall off the trees, you too should be changing preparing for winter. The pace of life should be slower, conserving our energy in preparation for winter and nourishing our bodies, mind and spirit.
This is a time of letting go of that which no longer serves you and finish all those projects. This allows for the new growth to happen in spring. Just think of all the gardeners cutting back the trees and planting out their spring bulbs deep into the ground.
Healthy living tips for this season:
As well as having some acupuncture to boost your immune system in preparation for the cold and flu season, here are some tips to keep you healthy.
The organs associated with autumn according to Chinese Medicine are the lungs, colon and skin so focus on your breath and keep yourself warm. Scarves are a must! Try yoga or meditation and any activity that allows you to breathe deeply and strengthen your lungs.
Diet: A time of warming soups, casseroles and stews.
As it is no longer summer, we should stop eating the cooling foods of summer such as salads and raw foods and instead look at what the plentiful colourful harvest at this time provides. So instead of salads we should have roasted vegetables.
Avoid cold drinks and foods and try to maintain the warmth in your inner body so your digestion works more effectively. The Chinese believe your stomach should always be like a warm cauldron to help you with the complicated process of turning your food into energy and fully taking in the nutrients. Stewed fruits and berries with porridge is the perfect way to start the day.
Bad backs with aches and pains are common at this time so avoid walking barefoot on cold floors as the channel that starts in the soles of the feet goes to your lower back. When cycling, keep your neck and lower back protected from the cold wind.
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Back Pain and Children
Like adults, children can suffer from back pain as a result of a variety of lifestyle activities. And like adults, there are number of things that parents and carers can do to prevent issues arising.
If your child does complain of back pain, it is important to seek advice from qualified professional, such as an osteopath. An osteopath will help to establish the cause of the problem and will provide advice on treatment, or refer you for further examinations if required.
Good school bags
Parents should try to limit the weight of school bags as much as possible and invest in a good quality back pack that the child should wear across both shoulders, ideally with a strap across the chest to keep the load close the their body. Packing the bag with the heaviest items (such as laptops and heavy books) closest to child’s body, will also make carrying more comfortable and less likely to strain the muscles of the back.
Limit screen time
Looking down to use smart phones, tablets and laptops for an extended period can pull the back and neck into an unnatural posture, resulting in pain. Placing limits on the time spent using devices and encouraging regular breaks may help to avoid problems. If your child has to use a laptop for homework, consider purchasing a support that elevates the screen to a height that allows him or her to sit up straight to look at it.
Regular exercise
A sedentary lifestyle is known to contribute to the risk of developing back pain, as well as contributing to obesity. Regular physical activity helps to keep the core muscles that support the spine strong and maintain flexibility, which will help to avoid back pain. Encourage lots of active play, walking, running, swimming, cycling etc to keep your child fit and healthy.
The right bed and pillow
Good quality sleep is vital for both physical and mental development. Make sure that your child has a good sized comfortable bed with a firm mattress and a pillow that supports their head well.
If you need any advice, support or treatment, call us at Broadwater Osteopaths on 01903 820206.
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