Treatments and Services Archives

Do You Have Hip Pain (Sciatica)? Did You Know Your Acupuncturist Can Help?

If you’re living with hip pain, you know how bad it can be. Surgery is expensive as well as risky. So, what should you do to get rid of your hip pain? Have you considered Acupuncture?

First let’s talk about the different types of hip pain, as well as some of their causes.

Hip Pain Caused by Sciatica

You may have people talk about their sciatica acting up. Your sciatic nerve is a large set of nerves that starts in your lower back and your sacrum, where your lower back is fused to your vertebrae. This is between your hip bones and pelvis.

The sciatic nerve can get pinched by the muscles and joints it runs under. A few of the causes of Sciatica are:

Bulging or Herniated Disc. You have “disc disorder” if your back’s discs are bulging or herniated. Bulging discs are known as contained disc disorders which means their gel-like center is still inside, or contained, by their outer wall. Herniated discs, as opposed to bulging discs, are called non-contained disorders.
Spinal Stenosis in the Lumbar. Spinal Stenosis is the name for a nerve compression disorder. This usually happens with older adults, but not always. A common cause of spinal stenosis is degenerative arthritis.
This funny word is a disorder that usually affects your lumbar spine. You get Spondylolisthesis when one of your vertebra slips out of place. This causes the spinal nerve root to compress, and frequently makes sciatic leg and hip pain.
Sometimes, you get sciatica the old-fashioned way; from an injury. If you’re in a car accident, or you’ve fallen, or even if you’re just playing football, you might compress your nerves and get sciatica.

Hip Pain Caused by Iliotibial Band Syndrome

If you’ve developed Iliotibial Band Syndrome, also known as IT band syndrome, your Iliotibial band becomes inflamed, and rubs the outside of your knee joint. This can give you pain throughout your legs as well as your hips. The more Iliotibial Band Syndrome is ignored, the worse it gets, and the more hip pain you’ll experience. Make sure you’re taking care of it immediately. These are the common causes of Iliotibial Band Syndrome:

The most common way you’ll get IT band syndrome is overuse. There are usually other things that contribute to your IT band syndrome, however, the main characterization of IT band syndrome is overuse.
Tight Tissues. If your muscles are tight in your hips, as well as along the side of your leg, this can cause or contribute to IT band syndrome.
Weak Hip Muscles. According to research from Stanford, weak hip muscles are one of the bigger causes of IT band syndrome. If you have weak muscles in your hip, your running form breaks down. This puts a lot of stress on your knee’s tissues, for this reason, you can get IT band syndrome from weak hip muscles.
Poor Running form. As mentioned above, if you’re using a poor running form. This could cause your IT band syndrome.

So, What Can an Acupuncturist Do?

Acupuncture works by relaxing tight muscles, improving blood circulation, regulating the nervous system, and releasing neurotransmitters to reduce pain. Acupuncture has been shown to be an effective treatment for sciatica without the side effects of prescription pain medications like NSAIDs and muscle relaxers.

There are many techniques and strategies to manage and fix back pain and hip pain. If you’re suffering, call (310) 652-3200, email, or use our contact form to see how we can help you feel better and pain-free.

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5 Ways to Stay Mentally Sharp With Age

Staying sharp with age is high on the list of many. Nobody wants to feel a noticeable mental decline or like they aren’t as smart as they once were. Being proactive about this aspect of health is essential to maintaining a healthy brain. Here are 5 ways to sharpen your mind as you age:

Sleep

Getting a full night of sleep every night is like taking a sip from the fountain of youth. Sleep is a sure way to improve memory and cognitive function overall. With that being said, make sure to do everything in your power to ensure that you are getting to sleep at a reasonable hour. This may mean putting the phone down an hour before bed and meditating. It is crucial to mental longevity that the sleep schedule is on par with health standards.

Eating the Right Foods

Usually, we don’t connect the food we eat to how our brain functions, which should change. The food you eat can make you think clearer and maintain better mental function with age. Our brain loves fatty foods like healthy oils, avocados, and coconut milk. Anything rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids is going to be good for your mind with age.

Pick up a Hobby that is Right-Brained and Stay Active

Artistic activity helps mental concentration, so take a painting class or join a book club. Activities where you use your brain keep you sharp and thinking on your feet. This also improves mood and can make the transition into older ages easier. For even more of a mental boost, do these activities with others. Being social keeps you healthy and improves multi-tasking skills.

Exercise is also a fantastic hobby to stay awake and mentally aware. Exercise also reduces endorphins, which helps with mood and mental clarity. Getting in a steady exercise routine is recommended throughout life and especially as you get older.

Age doesn’t have to be scary, take these tips, and maintain the best cognitive level that you can for the rest of your life.

relaxholistic
October 25, 2018
Holistic Treatments, Treatments and Services

As you age, skin care becomes a necessity to keep your body’s overall health at an optimal level. We’ve compiled a list of holistic treatments that can improve your skin and help you live a healthier lifestyle. You can also receive all of these treatments from Relax Holistic’s skin care expert, Verneta Gilbertson, in Culver City.

1. Waxing

Even though body waxing temporarily removes your hair, it still has a long lasting impact on your skin’s health. Through waxing, you are able to remove dead skin cells that coalesce around hair. Removing your body’s dead skin cells will rejuvenate your skin and help with anti-aging.

2. Facial Masks

Humans have thousands of facial pores that have the ability to increase your risks of illness if not cleaned. You can clean your pores in a variety of manners, however, facial masks are the most effective method. A facial mask’s combination of natural ingredients like cocoa butter and aloe vera seeps into your pores and then creates a hardened shell. Once you remove the mask, your pores are cleansed and your skin becomes more refined. Some facial masks also contain certain vitamins that can boost multiple layers of your health.

3. Microdermabrasion

For those unaware, microdermabrasion treatment is a cosmetic procedure that removes the top layer of your dead skin cells. The skin cells are typically removed by a wand gently spraying fine crystals. Microdermabrasion treatments can prevent skin aging, dull complexion, and scars.

However, microdermabrasion treatments don’t fix skin complexion problems immediately. According to Medical News Today, microdermabrasion treatments, “a person may require between 5 and 16 treatments from a skin care specialist.”

Three Holistic Treatments That Will Help You Sleep Easier

relaxholistic
October 12, 2018
Holistic Treatments, Treatments and Services

Even though sleep deprivation is viewed as a benign problem in America, it can lead to a severe decline in your mental and physical state as you age. According to a study by Neuroscientist Adrian Owen, people who sleep less than four hours perform duties as if they were almost nine years older. Increasing your sleeping hours can reduce that consequence; however, that extra shut-eye time often doesn’t come easy for some people. Instead of forcing your eyes to close or taking vasts amount of sleeping medication, we wanted to provide some alternative holistic treatments that can maximize your sleep and overall health.

Massage Therapy

The soothing muscle contractions and neurotransmitter stimulation during massages increase muscle relaxation and your brain’s ability to sleep quicker. The type of massage treatments that are the most effective is Deep tissue, Swedish, and Myofascial release.

Acupuncture

Sterile needles precisely placed by a qualified acupuncturist improve circulation and reduce pain and stress. Many studies have shown that properly executed acupuncture treatments can actually help those who suffer from sleep apnea.

You can receive all of these treatments and more at Relax Holistic. We are conveniently located in West Hollywood,

National Chiropractic Health Month

It’s National Chiropractic Health Month, and chiropractors across the nation are stressing the importance of exercising. This month’s “Move 4 Life” theme attempts to bring awareness to chronic pains. Chronic pains are caused by lack of movement, getting people to start exercising, and spreading knowledge about chiropractic services.

According to a recent research study, half of all adults don’t get the recommended amount of daily physical activity. And back pain is now the single leading cause of disability worldwide. Many health officials are concerned that the increase of inactivity and physical pain will lead to a constant reliance on opioid usage.

Chiropractors have argued that the growing chronic pain and opioid pandemics can be fixed by receiving pinpoint chiropractic services and exercising tips. The president of the ACA, Ray Tuck Jr. DC, even stated that “chiropractors help people move better by relieving back and joint pain and improving joint function.”

The National Chiropractic Health Month initiative, started by the Indiana State Chiropractic Association (ISCA), and you can find more information at www.indianastatechiros.org.

You can also receive chiropractic treatments at Relax Holistic, which is in Marina del Rey, West Hollywood, and Culver City.

Relax Admin
January 5, 2018
Acupuncture for head injuries, Treatments and Services

Acupuncture and Healing

According to research by the American Stroke Association, a person under 50 increases the chance of suffering a stroke by three times after an injury to the head or neck. These findings are extremely important in modern medicine. However, research is also showing that acupuncture is a great treatment option for those who have suffered damage due to a stroke.

In fact, acupuncture is already the most popular treatment modality for stroke patients in China. Chinese practitioners have effectively used holistic health treatments like acupuncture on patients for centuries. Patients who receive acupuncture treatments twice a week for ten weeks report significant improvements in their balance, walking, and mobility. It also promotes a good overall mood and positive emotions. With more ease in their daily activities, patients see an improvement in their quality of life.

Causes of Stroke after Injury

Scientists have found that a major cause of stroke after a serious head or neck trauma is due to tears in the blood vessels of the head or neck from the injury. If these artery damages can be assessed at the time of the injury, an acupuncturist can treat a patient to help heal the injuries quickly and efficiently. With treatment, patients can help to prevent a stroke in the future. Because of this, it now appears that acupuncture can actually help reduce the risk of a future stroke in people who have suffered prior head or neck injuries. So how does this ancient holistic medicine practice help? Here are a few ways that acupuncture helps to prevent strokes after a head or neck injury:

Acupuncture Can Facilitate Nerve Regeneration

Research has proven that acupuncture helps to repair damaged nerves. Tests from researchers demonstrate that patients who received treatments show increased nerve regeneration. There have even been some interesting case histories involving re-wiring taking place in the brain following damage to the spinal cord. However, this has not been fully tested yet. Of course, every case is unique. The best advice is to visit a licensed acupuncturist. They can give a face to face assessment of what treatments might be possible given a patient’s own unique and specific circumstances

Prevents the Aggregation of Blood Cells

When blood cells aggregate, they tend to stick together. This process occurs more often around tears in blood vessels or skin, such as after an injury. This is similar to how your blood coagulates on your skin after you receive a cut that breaks the skin. However, when blood cells coagulate around blood vessels in the head or neck, a stroke can occur. Regular acupuncture treatments keep the flow of blood regular and help prevent this aggregation of blood cells.

Dilates Blood Vessels by Triggering the Release of Hormones

In addition, acupuncture helps to stimulate the local sensory nerve endings in the skin and muscles in a patient’s head and neck. Nerve endings there send impulses into the spinal cord and brain. However, these nerve endings also release various chemical substances into local tissues that are near the treatment of acupuncture. These chemicals help local blood vessels to dilate, which causes blood flow to increase. Both of these help to promote local tissue healing.

Helps Surviving Nerve Cells Find New Pathways

Nerve endings create impulses that travel into the spinal cord. Research has recently shown that acupuncture has a stimulating effect on brain cells. This stimulation causes a proliferation of new cells in the brain. These biochemical responses also stimulate nerve endings, causing them to induce regeneration if possible. In fact, according to scientific researchers, acupuncture has been shown to “increase the release of nerve growth factors (NGFs) to make nerve cells survive and axons grow, synthesize neurotransmitters, (and) metabolize toxic substances”.

Helps Your Brain Bypass Damaged Areas

As shown above, acupuncture helps a patient’s brain create new nerve endings, pathways, and even brain cells. It also aids neural pathways in creating better connections with the right and left brain. The body will naturally use these connections to bypass damaged areas of the brain and nervous system. In fact, researchers have taken this concept to new levels, using specialized techniques based on acupuncture to regenerate neurons in the brains of rats. Although medical advances like these are in our future, techniques like acupuncture help pave the way for research such as this.

Relax Holistic is the the Premier ‘go to’ clinic for Acupuncture healing.

At Relax Holistic, our stroke patients have shown major improvements after having acupuncture treatments. Our staff have personally witnessed how it works so well for patients. They report reduced swelling, improved circulation and overall range of motion. We have even seen it instantly restore a patient’s speech after a major stroke. Call us to learn and experience how acupuncture works.

5 Super Foods That Remove Nasty Toxins From Your Body

Harmful toxins are everywhere and are increasing every day, say holistic health experts. Humans are using more pesticides, chlorine, formaldehyde, heavy metals such as lead, and other nasty toxins every day. Over time, these toxins will accumulate in the tissues and cause symptoms. Toxins produce free radicals and oxidation, which can cause problematic changes in cell structure such as mutations in DNA. There are many ways to detoxify your body. For a start, be aware of what toxins you may be exposed to, in water, in foods, chemicals in the environment, mercury fillings in your mouth, artificial colors and flavors, pesticides in foods and wines and inhaled during gardening. Eating 50 g of fiber a day, using detoxifying herbs and antioxidants as well as breaking a sweat daily is a start to cleaning up your blood and tissues.

Holistic health specialists know that our bodies accumulate harmful toxins over time. However, they warn, we shouldn’t wait until we start feeling bad enough to seek professional help. Your body has an amazing ability to clear itself out of toxins. However, you need to give it the right materials it needs to properly cleanse itself. So what foods can you enjoy to help your body rid itself of harmful toxins? Here are some super foods holistic health experts recommend eating more of to help your body, help itself:

Cilantro and Parsley

Heavy metals in the human body, such as aluminum, mercury, cadmium, arsenic, lead, cause many harmful health conditions. In fact, experts have found that heavy metals like these facilitate the formation of certain diseases. Studies have shown that cilantro and parsley both effectively remove mercury, lead, and aluminum. In fact, Miso and cilantro are often mentioned together as very powerful detoxifying agents. A miso broth with cilantro and green onions is not only a powerful punch to free radicals, it is also pleasing to the palate.

Onions and Garlic

Both onions and garlic are part of the allium or lily family. And both are full of phytonutrients and antioxidants. But in addition to being full of nutrition, they both help fight free radicals in your body and help boost immune efficiency. Onions are also rich in quercetin, an antioxidant that helps ward off free radicals. And Garlic is a natural antibiotic, antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial that helps to sweep your digestive tract free of toxic waste while helping to maintain healthy intestinal flora.

Green and Black Tea

Tea leaves (green tea in particular) have been in the forefront of holistic health for thousands of years. Tea, in general, contains a high concentration of antioxidants due to a powerful presence of polyphenols. These polyphenols help to fight free radical damage. However, green tea contains more of these powerful compounds than other leaf teas. Uses of green tea run deep in ancient Chinese and Indian traditions to help cleanse and fortify the body. Research shows that the enzymes present in green tea help increase the body’s defense mechanisms against cancer-causing toxins.

Cruciferous Vegetables

Holistic health experts are known to tout the many benefits of Cruciferous vegetables; broccoli, cauliflower, and brussels sprouts, cabbages, radishes, and turnips. Green leafy vegetables like kale, chard, mustard greens, collard greens and spinach are also Cruciferous. Experts explain that these vegetables are widely known for being rich in glucosinolates. This compound not only inhibits cancer cell growth but also acts as a detoxifying agent. In fact, glucosinolates trigger the liver to produce detoxifying enzymes that block free-radical attacks on your DNA.

Lean Meats, Proteins, and Dairies

Amino acids, found in high-quality animal products like meat and dairy, are essential to help your body rebuild itself. Your body uses amino acids to repair the damage that toxins and free radicals do to you. Your body cannot create essential amino acids by itself and gets its supply from what you eat. Choose lean meats such as chicken or fish, or fat-free dairy like yogurt all contain amino acids. Make sure the animal products you consume come from animals that eat only their natural, native diet and raised in healthy surroundings.

Your Holistic Health Expert Has the Best Nutritional Advice

Toxins are everywhere in our modern society and are all but unavoidable in today’s world. Beyond prescribing a healthy diet, your Relax holistic healthcare professional can perform treatments such as acupuncture, and moxibustion. These also remove toxins from your body. For those with larger concentrations of toxins, homeopathic medicine, compounds, and supplements such as red clover, dandelion, milk thistle, bentonite clay and chlorella may help as well.

If You Haven’t Tried Smile Exercises, You’re Missing Out on Natural Health

You might think it sounds silly, but just like the rest of your muscles, you need to exercise your face muscles as well. You do curls to tighten and strengthen your biceps, why not do exercises for your face? You’ll save a lot of money and avoid going under the knife by doing these smile exercises instead of surgery like facelifts. Your holistic doctor will be happy, and you get to enjoy knowing that you’ve embraced natural health. These exercises will enhance your smile, reduce visible lines, and increase blood flow. With extra toned face muscles, you will look younger and healthier. You don’t need any expensive equipment, or a gym membership to do these exercises. All you need is a mirror.

The Smile Exercise

This is the first exercise you’ll want to do to begin rejuvenating your face the natural health way. The first thing you’re going to do is start with your face and lips relaxed. After that, stretch the corners of your mouth to the sides without letting your lips separate. Once you’ve got your mouth in position, hold for ten seconds. After ten seconds you’ll expand and stretch part of your lips to expose about half of your teeth, and hold for another ten seconds. After that ten seconds, you’re going to smile as wide and hard as you can, showing all your teeth. Again, you’ll hold this for ten seconds. Once you’ve completed your last step, do all the steps in reverse until you get to the relaxed state.

The Smile Line Eraser Natural Health Exercise

The next step in your natural health journey to facial rejuvenation is the smile line eraser exercise. This exercise will get rid of the fine lines that appear around your mouth. This exercise has a name in yoga, which is the fish pose. First, you’ll purse your lips as dramatically as possible by sucking in your cheeks and rolling your lips out. Try to smile while you’re doing this, and hold your pose as long as you can before releasing.

The Silly Rabbit

If you have kids this is a fun one to do with them, which gives you the opportunity to teach them about natural health early. Smile as wide as you can without opening your lips. Once you’ve got your big smile on, wiggle your nose like a rabbit, then hold this pose for five seconds. For best results, you should do these 10 times.

The Face-Lift

Your final smile exercise is the aptly named Face-Lift. To do this one, open your mouth slightly with your upper lip relaxed, flare out your nostrils and wrinkle your nose in an exaggerated motion. Then, pull up your upper lip and hold it that way for 10 seconds. After ten seconds, slowly release your lip. This is another exercise you’ll repeat 10 times.

Try not to laugh, though smiling is encouraged. If you do this you’ll save a lot of money on a facelift, and you’ll avoid any surgery or toxins, keeping yourself in natural health. The doctors at Relax Holistic can help you create a full natural health plan, from exercise to diet. You can call (310) 838-1600 for the Culver City location, (310) 652-3200 for the West Hollywood location. If you prefer to do things online, you can request an appointment from any page on the website, or fill out the contact form on the homepage.

Is your Holistic Diet and Exercise Plan Right for Your Body Type?

Have you been doing everything right, and still struggling to maintain or lose weight? Even if you’re sticking faithfully to your diet, and getting consistent exercise, you might not get the results you see from the person next to you at the gym. Unlike what fad diets would have you think, you won’t find a single diet that works for everyone. In addition to a holistic diet and healthy lifestyle, your body type plays a big role in how well you can lose and keep off extra weight.

Everyone falls under 3 main body types, which are Ectomorph, Mesomorph, and Endomorph. If you’re an Ectomorph and you’re eating and exercising like an Endomorph, you won’t be happy with the results. On the other hand, if you exercise for your body type, and follow the right diet, you’ll see gains. Even within the body types, each body is different, and you should see a doctor specializing in holistic health to tailor your diet and exercise plan to your exact needs.

Ectomorph Body Types

If you’re an Ectomorph, you have a small frame with a light build. Your joints are small, and you’ve got lean muscles. Ectomorphs are characterized by their ability to eat as much as they want, as well as their difficulty gaining muscle mass.

Because you don’t gain weight so much as an Ectomorph, you don’t have to be as careful about what you eat. However, you will want to add protein to your diet if you want to add muscle mass. You should eat frequently, 6-8 meals over the entire day. For timing, you should get your carbs in after your workout. You probably don’t need to worry about calories. Even though conventional wisdom says you shouldn’t eat before bed, if you’re an Ectomorph, eating before bed can help prevent muscle catabolism overnight.

When you’re working out, you should make sure your workouts are short and intense. While you’re doing these intense workouts, focus on your big muscle groups.

Mesomorph Body Types

If you have a medium sized bone structure, an athletic body, and a good amount of lean mass, you’re probably a Mesomorph. Mesomorph body types find it easier to gain muscle and fat.

You should focus on having a balanced diet, splitting your food types up by 40% Carbohydrates, 30% protein, and 30% fat. This 40/30/30 balance will give you the nutrients you need for your body type. Be sure to take frequent, smaller meals just like Ectomorphs.

Like everything else with your body type as a Mesomorph, you should do balanced workouts, combining weight training and cardio.

Endomorph Body Types

If you work hard to lose weight and nothing seems to work, chances are high that you’re an Endomorph. Endomorphs have large bone structures and high amounts of total body mass. Some of the characteristics of being an Endomorph are that you’re naturally chubby, or you have a round and soft physique. You’ve probably got a slow metabolism, and find it much easier to gain weight than lose it. However, you’ve also got an easier time gaining muscle mass as well.

When you’re eating, it’s going to be more important for you to avoid sugars, high carbs, and starches. Because Endomorphs tend to have slower metabolisms, you’ll turn those sugars into fat more easily. While you’re avoiding sugars, carbs, and starches, do eat lean proteins, essential fats, and high fiber foods. Make sure those high fiber foods are more veggies than fruits though.

As an Endomorph, you’re going to want to hit the weight training, and high-intensity interval training 3 days a week. This gives your body time to respond to the intense workout regimen.

The Doctors at Relax Holistic can help you find the holistic diet and exercise plans that will work for your body type. You can start your path to a healthy and natural lifestyle at any of their 3 locations. Call (310) 838-1600 for the Culver City location, (310) 652-3200 for the West Hollywood location, and (310) 827-3200 for the Marina del Rey location. If you’d like to get in touch over the internet, you can request an appointment from any page of the website, or fill out the contact form at the bottom of the homepage.

Share Your Story

Do you want to share your story of reaching your health goals using a holistic and natural approach? You can share your story on the Facebook Pages for Our Culver City, West Hollywood, and Marina Del Rey.

How does Rapid Release work?

Rapid release is a high speed vibration therapy that delivers immediate results. It loosens muscles, speeds recovery, targets problem areas quickly and effectively. Great for…

Massage
Breaking Up Scar Tissue
Breaking Muscle Adhesion
Warming Up Muscles Prior To Athletic Events
Relaxing Muscles

Optimize your Mobility. Prevent Injury. Train Smarter. Recover Better.

Soft tissue disorders are usually a result of overuse, injury or surgery.

The Rapid Release Pro2 is embraced by chiropractors, athletic trainers, cross fit athletes, massage therapists and other practitioners. Professional sports organizations including teams in the MLB, NFL, NBA, PGA, Olympics and more use Rapid release.

We can get you fast relief to soft tissue problems affecting nerves, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Here is a partial list of conditions caused by scarring of soft tissue:

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Tendinosis
Muscle Spasms
Trapped Nerves
Range of Motion
Contratures
Neuromas
Adhesions

- Back Pain
- Shoulder Pain
- Ankle Pain
- Headaches
- Knee Problems
- Tennis Elbow
- TMJ

Patients love the effective, relaxing treatments.

Scar Tissue forms in the body as a temporary patching mechanism for wounds caused by surgery, trauma or repetitive stress. This scar tissue is made from collagen just like our skin but without blood supply it dies, dries out, constricts and becomes brittle. Scar tissue fastened to tissues not normally connected, is called an adhesion.

Adhesions can spread, entrapping nerves, causing pain and numbness or limiting range of motion. Un-diagnosed pain and restricted mobility are likely to be caused by the adhesion. Scar Tissue Therapy ™ is focused on relief of soft tissue problems caused by scar tissue adhesion. The shearing force of planar wave energy passes safely through flexible healthy tissue, but readily absorbed by the brittle, dense scar tissue.

Scar Tissue Therapy is fast, painless and lasting.

RRT has determined the optimum frequency that resonates with the scar tissue for maximum effectiveness by using high speed video shot at 2000 frames/second. With only a 2mm stroke, this therapy is feels good and is completely safe. We believe that Scar Tissue Therapy™ is the most effective way to treat painful scar tissue. Our practitioners at Relax Holistic use this therapy to re establish improper muscular function due to scar tissue or adhesions, caused from surgery or muscle or tendon injury.