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Stress- The omnipresent bane of our existance

STRESS - THE OMNIPRESENT BANE OF OUR EXISTENCE. ​​ Most people would say they have it, though not everybody realises how much it affects their life. This article will cover some of the physical aspects of stress, how it affects our body and mind and what you can do about it. Adrenaline is secreted rapidly, and the effect lasts only a short while. ​Cortisol, on the other hand, is secreted more slowly but the effect lasts longer. These hormones help us to fight or run awa...

Vagus Nerve Stimulation

The vagus nerve is your body’s longest nerve, and the biggest parasympathetic nerve in your body.  ​The parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for the 'rest and digest' functions in your body. The vagus nerve is the tenth cranial nerve, and runs from your skull down both sides of the neck and chest to your abdomen and intestines.The word vagus stems from a latin word for wanderer, which describes the nature of the vagus nerve well, since it wanders to most organs on its way....

Circadian Rhythm - 1

The vast majority of what is happening in living cells and organisms is not random or haphazard but undergoes specific fluctuations throughout the day or 24 hours. Genes switching on and off, hormone secretion, metabolism, cell and DNA repair, blood clotting, immune function, digestion, physical performance, mood and mental acuity etc. – everything is governed by the circadian rhythm. It is aligned with the light and dark cycle that our planet experiences every 24 hours or so. Having a strong,...

Circadian Rhythm - 2

We previously looked at how light affects our circadian clock and explored ways to support a healthy circadian rhythm using light and lighting (circadian-rhythm-why-when-matters.html). Food is the other main environmental cue that resets our rhythm through the peripheral clocks, for example in the liver, pancreas and gut.Just like we have extended the day with artificial lighting, food is also now available around the clock. But our digestive and metabolic machinery was never designed to deal wi...

Why should I stretch

WHY SHOULD I STRETCH? THE IMPORTANCE AND BENEFITS OF REGULAR STRETCHING. Although we all consider exercise to be a key component of a healthy lifestyle, regular stretching is often overlooked and is not always integrated into our exercise routine. Whether we’re exercising regularly or not, it is important to stretch for both our physical and mental health. Many people consider stretching to be time consuming and so it’s either done very briefly, or not at all. Now that we are currently ...

Why do my joints click?

WHY DO MY JOINTS CLICK? CAN I BE CLICK FREE AND PAIN FREE? Is it good to click my own back and/or neck?  If I click often, will the tightness in my back get worse over time?  Do you like to click your own neck or back with a twist or side bend, as it gives you temporary relief of a tight or sore back or neck?  Do you find find that ‘relief window’ is reducing and you are clicking more and more often to get out of pain or tightness? Have you wondered why this is?...

Want to know what causes headaches?

Headaches and migraines are two of the most common ailments in the world, with up to 80% of the population having at least one headache per year. They can widely vary in their type and intensity, meaning that some may rarely suffer at all, however there are individuals who suffer so much that it begins to take a toll on their everyday life, even causing them to take time off work or cancel their social plans. There are various types of headaches that all have different causes. These include...

Sore Back

Did you know that 60-80% of the general population will suffer back pain at some time in their lives? The incidence is highest in the 45-54 years old age group. Would you like to know more about the lifestyle causes of back pain?Things that contribute to the likelihood of back pain are:Poor health and nutritionIncreasing AgeMarked scoliosisReduced fitnessLoss of hamstring flexibilitySmokingPsychological problems including Tension, Stress, Anxiety, Fear, Resentment and DepressionDrug abuseHe...

Better Health and Energy - Case Study

Myeloma Progression Stalls in the Face of Dietary Changes and Increased Oxygen to the Body’s Cells. John, now 68 years of age, was first suspected of having a blood abnormality in June 2015 after a pre-op blood test, for a hip replacement. John says “The only symptoms, which had been appearing for approximately 18 months were small subcutaneous haemorrhages, randomly appearing around my neck and eyes. I only noticed these when looking in the mirror or when my wife pointed them out. I thought...

Effective Accupuncture

OOS/ Occupation Overuse Syndrome or RSI/Repetitive Strain Injury seem to be one of the plagues of the 21st century; with office workers spending even more time behind desks, computer screens, in office chairs and utilising a mouse. Studies show we are spending up to 8 hours a day in this kind of environment and unfortunately the body 'evolutionary wise' hasn't caught up!​That pain, tingling/ numbness, burning sensation or loss of strength is a sign your forearms, wrists, hands, joints are not ...

Breathing exercise

RECOMMENDED FIVE MINUTE MINDFUL BREATHING EXERCISE. TO EASE STRESS AND HELP WITH DISCOMFORT IN YOUR LIFE. To manage well in todays busy world, we most likely all need to do something to help us feel centred, happy and calm.  1.) Find a comfortable and stable posture either sitting or lying on your back. Allow your back to be straight but not rigid. Let your arms and hands rest in a relaxed position. If you like you can put one hand on your chest and one hand on your belly. &n...

Gentle Osteopathic Treatment of New Born Babies

Over the past twenty five years in New Zealand, the awareness of cranial osteopathic treatment for babies has increased, however we are still often asked when to seek treatment for a baby. Our cranial osteopaths also often see older children who could have benefited from treatment as a baby. We are keen that all babies and children who need help, receive it in a timely fashion.This article is to inform parents when to seek cranial osteopathic treatment for their baby and what to look for in a pa...

Pain and the Brain

No one really wants to be in pain. This is understandable because it is unpleasant. But it does have its purpose and now that we are understanding so much more of what it involves, this allows us to reconsider our beliefs around it.   Pain is complex. However having a basic understanding of the physiological foundation for pain is a great start. Understanding pain physiology will change the way we think about pain, reduce its threat value by empowering us and improve overall manag...

Hip Pain in a Chld

OSTEOPATHIC TREATMENT OF HIP PAIN IN A CHILD - A BRIEF CASE STUDY An eight year old boy presented to our practice with recurrent lung infections for most of the year for the past three years and also pain in the right front hip area which came and went but was annoying him daily.  He had difficulty with running as put the same arm and leg forwards instead of using ‘cross patterning’. He had a difficult birth, so had seen an osteopath when he was a baby in another country who had re...

Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome

In this article we will explore this exciting new area of treatment for CRPS patients and present the latest information, articles, studies, etc. and help you make an informed decision.HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY – HBOT“Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (abbreviated HBOT) is a medical treatment that uses high concentrations of oxygen to speed and enhance the body’s natural ability to heal.” “During therapy, the patient breathes 93% oxygen under increased atmospheric pressure. (The air we normall...

Your Amazing Spine

1.      The bones of the spine are called vertebra, which comes from a Latin word meaning ‘to turn’.  The spine is so flexible that if it were removed from the body and bent, it could form two-thirds of a perfect circle!  Osteopaths are trained to find the areas of your spine that aren’t moving well, and get them moving again. ​ 2.      Babies are born with 33 individual vertebrae, but adults only have 26.  This i...

Wellington Osteopath with Magic Hands

Sebastian graduated from the European School of Osteopathy in the U.K. in 2006. Before coming to New Zealand in 2011 to join City Osteopaths, he worked in Liverpool and London advancing his cranial, visceral and pediatric osteopathy skills.  He has completed courses in advanced osteopathic technique.  He has assisted in teaching Paediatric care to post graduate osteopaths. Prior to studying Osteopathy he graduated with a degree in Theology.  Sebastian has spent time in Kenya ...

HBOT and Head Injury

Some Concussion and Hyperbaric Oxygen Research:“Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) for Reduction of Secondary Brain Damage in Head Injury” —Journal of Neurotrauma, 21:44-48. 2004  Conclusion: Translational research of HBOT in a variety of Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) models has shown neuroprotective effects in the absence of increased oxygen toxicity. Recent clinical trials favour HBOT as promising safe therapeutic strategy for severe TBI patient.   “Hy...

Healing Memory Fatigue and Gut Issues

Healing Memory, Fatigue and Gut Issues with Hyperbaric Oxygen.  A patients experience.At around 9 years old I had a head injury with concussion from an accident that left me with trauma symptoms."  This person came in to us at City Hyperbaric in Wellington, to see if Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy may be able to help her recover her health after many years of difficulty. This is her story which she kindly wrote down to help others learn more about what it can do. ​ "In the ...

Concussion Symptoms in a teenage boy - a case study

How Osteopaths help concussion symptoms ease away...

Headaches Effective Treatment

Headaches and migraines are two of the most common ailments in the world, with up to 80% of the population having at least one headache per year. They can widely vary in their type and intensity, meaning that some may rarely suffer at all, however there are individuals who suffer so much that it begins to take a toll on their everyday life, even causing them to take time off work or cancel their social plans.There are various types of headaches that all have different causes. These include migra...

Experiencing Jaw Pain

Are you experiencing jaw pain, neck pain or headaches?  What you need to know about temporomandibular join dysfunction.The jaw is also known as the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The joint is formed by the mandible (the main bone that we consider to be the jaw) and the temporal bones on either side (these form part of your skull). TMJ dysfunction is a term used to describe pain felt in and around the jaw.​​The masseter (one of the main muscles that controls the movement of the TMJ) is t...

Did you know that Osteopaths can offer relief for Sinus Pain

Patients often present for osteopathy treatment who experience sinus congestion, face discomfort, nasal sensitivity, headaches, post-nasal drip or are prone to chronic sinus infections. When treating patients with sinus conditions, as osteopaths we must consider the function of the sinuses and what role they play in relation to the rest of the body.​Sinuses are hollow cavities in our skull. There are 4 paranasal sinuses which drain directly into the nasal cavity. The paranasal s...

WORKSTATION ERGONOMICS

Your workstation should be set up to cause the least amount of stress on your body. Prolonged hours of poor posture or repetitive work habits, often in a stressful environment can result in significant overuse injury. Applying the following points can help to minimise such injuries.  Important points to note :  Sit in front of your workstation such that your monitor is directly front on. Your arms should be at right angles from your shoulders when you type. Your wri...

CONTINUING EDUCATION BY OUR OSTEOPATHS HELPS TO IMPROVE CHRONIC PROBLEM MANAGEMENT

Reg Osteopath Dr Melanie Young B.A., B.App.Sc. (Clin.Sc.), B. Osteo.Sc. MONZ  Melanie has been studying the Biodynamics of Osteopathy courses since 2002 and has now completed Phase Nine. She says "I have found the experience of working with the refined skills Biodynamics encourages, enables me to treat more complex and chronic problems in a very gentle and effective way.  Melanie was recently on a course to help develop the future competency requirements for Paediatric Osteop...