The Surprising Power of Incidental Exercises for a Healthier You!

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, finding time for a structured workout routine can be quite a challenge. However, what if I told you that staying active and burning calories doesn’t necessarily require dedicating hours at the gym? Enter the world of incidental exercises – a hidden treasure trove of fitness opportunities that can transform your lifestyle and lead you to a healthier, fitter, and more energized version of yourself.

Discovering the Joy in Everyday Movements

Incidental exercises are all about seizing the day and embracing the joy of movement in everyday life. Imagine transforming mundane tasks into fitness opportunities and getting in shape while doing what you love! Whether it’s dancing while doing the dishes, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or stretching during commercial breaks, incidental exercises offer a playful and engaging approach to staying active.

In this article, we’ll delve into the science behind incidental exercises and how these simple yet effective movements can positively impact your overall health. From increasing your daily calorie burn to improving cardiovascular health and boosting mental well-being, the benefits of incidental exercises are too good to be ignored.

Unlocking the Health Benefits of Incidental Exercises

Here’s a list of incidental exercises that you can perform along with their benefits:

  • Burn Calories on the Go: Discover how incidental exercises help you shed extra pounds effortlessly, as you incorporate small bursts of movement throughout your day.
  • Heart Health at Your Fingertips: Uncover how even short bursts of physical activity during your routine can keep your heart strong and lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
  • Revive Your Energy: Learn how incidental exercises can ward off fatigue and boost your energy levels, making you feel invigorated throughout the day.
  • Enhance Flexibility and Balance: Explore how simple stretches and movements can improve your flexibility and balance, reducing the risk of injuries.
  • Mood Booster Extraordinaire: Delve into the connection between incidental exercises and an enhanced mood, reduced stress levels, and improved mental well-being.
  • Boosting Productivity: Unveil the secret to staying focused and productive at work by incorporating brief bursts of activity during your busy schedule.

Here are some simple suggestions to get you started:

  • While waiting for your coffee to brew, do a set of calf raises or high knees.
  • Park your car a little farther from your destination and enjoy a brisk walk.
  • Turn household chores into a workout session by adding squats, lunges, or shoulder presses with household items.
  • Take the stairs instead of the elevator whenever possible.
  • Have a dance party in your living room while cooking dinner 🙂

Embrace the Incidental Revolution!

Are you ready to embrace the incidental revolution and take charge of your health? This article provides practical tips and creative ideas to seamlessly incorporate incidental exercises into your daily routine. You don’t need expensive equipment or fancy gym memberships; all you need is the willingness to move and an open mind to transform your lifestyle.

Join the millions who have already hopped on the incidental exercises bandwagon and experience the difference it can make in your life. Let’s turn our ordinary days into extraordinary opportunities for better health, one step, stretch, and dance move at a time!

Unlock the power of incidental exercises today and pave the way for a healthier and happier you.

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Further Readings:

Fasting Preparations, the Benefits, and the Support you can Get

Preparing for fasting is essential to ensure a smooth and healthy experience. Here are some of the basic fasting preparations in order to spend a smooth process are:

  • Managing Sleep – Schedule sleep in a way to ensure that the body is getting enough rest before your fasting schedule.
  • Drinking Enough Water – Hydration is essential during the fast and drinking more water before the fast can help the body retain fluids during the day.
  • Adjusting Eating Habits – Gradually adjusting eating habits, which include reducing portion sizes and eating more nutrient-dense foods. Also plan meals ahead of time to ensure a balanced diet during the fast.

What Happens to the Body During Fasting Time?

During fasting, the body undergoes several changes that allow it to function properly despite the absence of food and water. These changes are:

  • The body uses glucose stored in the liver and muscles for energy during fasting.
  • After the glucose stores are depleted, the body starts to use ketones as an energy source, a process called ketosis.
  • Hormones such as insulin and glucagon are regulated during fasting, which helps to maintain stable blood sugar levels.
  • Fasting triggers the body’s detoxification process, which eliminates toxins and waste products from the body.
  • During fasting, the digestive system gets a break, which can improve digestion and reduce inflammation in the gut.

Benefits of Fasting

Fasting has a lot of benefits for the body. Some of these benefits are:

  • Improved insulin sensitivity: Fasting can improve insulin sensitivity, which is beneficial for people with diabetes.
  • Weight loss: Fasting can lead to weight loss, as the body uses stored fat for energy during fasting.
  • Reduced inflammation: Fasting can reduce inflammation in the body, which is linked to several chronic diseases.
  • Lower blood pressure: Fasting can lower blood pressure, which is beneficial for people with hypertension.
  • Improved mental health: Fasting can have several positive effects on mental health, including improved mood and reduced anxiety.
  • Enhanced detoxification: Fasting triggers the body’s detoxification process, which can improve overall health.

Functional Medicine / Functional Nutrition During Fasting

Dr. Saida Pseunokova
Doctor of Functional Medicine and Functional Nutrition

Functional medicine is an approach to healthcare that focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of chronic diseases. It seeks to promote wellness and prevent illness by looking at the underlying imbalances in the body’s systems. During fasting, functional medicine can be particularly useful in helping individuals to maintain their health and well-being while fasting.

Some of the key functional medicine services that may be helpful during fasting include:

Nutritional counseling:

Functional medicine practitioners can guide how to eat a balanced and nutritious diet during fasting. They can help individuals to identify the right types of foods to eat, as well as the best times to eat them.

Stress management:

Fasting can be a stressful experience for some individuals, particularly if they are dealing with other health issues. Functional medicine practitioners can help individuals to develop strategies for managing stress, such as mindfulness meditation, breathing exercises, or yoga.

Sleep support:

Fasting can also disrupt sleep patterns, particularly if individuals are waking up early for pre-dawn meals. Functional medicine practitioners can help individuals to develop healthy sleep habits and identify strategies for improving sleep quality.

How Can We Help?

In Dubai, the Osteopathic Health Centre is a leading provider of functional medicine services. The center offers a range of services to support health and well-being, including osteopathy, acupuncture, nutritional counseling, and functional medicine. Their functional medicine services are designed to help individuals identify the underlying causes of chronic health issues, and develop personalized treatment plans to address those issues.

At the Osteopathic Health Centre, functional medicine practitioners work closely with patients to understand their unique health challenges and develop tailored treatment plans. They use a range of diagnostic tools and techniques to identify underlying imbalances in the body’s systems, and they offer a range of interventions to promote healing and wellness. Whether you are looking to improve your health or at any other time of year, the Osteopathic Health Centre is a great resource for functional medicine services in Dubai.

Osteopathic Health Clinic is the first family-run osteopathic clinic in Dubai, UAE. Helping the community for over 20 years. Learn more about us, click here.

Homeopathy in Dubai: The Approach and Its Benefits

Homeopathy is a holistic approach to healthcare that focuses on treating the whole person, rather than just the symptoms of a disease.

It has gained popularity in recent years as people look for more natural and non-invasive ways to treat their health conditions. A homeopathic doctor prescribes on the person’s unique symptoms, personality, and overall health. The goal of homeopathy is to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes.

Benefits of Homeopathy

There are a huge number of benefits of Homeopathy, which makes it a very good option as an alternative to the traditional medicine approach. Some of these benefits are:

Safe and Non-Toxic

One of the key benefits of homeopathy is that it is safe and non-toxic. Unlike conventional medications, which can have serious side effects and even be dangerous in some cases, homeopathic remedies are highly diluted and have no toxic effects. This means that they can be safely used by people of all ages, including infants, pregnant women, and the elderly.

Holistic Approach

Homeopathy takes a holistic approach to health, which means that it considers and cures the whole person, including their physical, mental, and emotional health, rather than just treating individual symptoms. This approach can help to address imbalances in the body and promote overall wellness.

Personalized Treatment

Dr. Priyanka Sainani
Homeopathic Doctor in Dubai
Osteopathic Health Center

Homeopathy provides personalized treatment, with remedies that cater to each individual’s unique symptoms. This individualized approach can help to ensure that the treatment is effective and targeted to the specific needs of the patient.

Non-invasive

Homeopathy is a non-invasive form of medicine that does not involve surgery or other invasive procedures.

Natural and Sustainable

Homeopathy uses natural substances, such as plants and minerals, which are sustainable and renewable resources. This is in contrast to conventional medications, which often rely on synthetic chemicals and are produced using non-renewable resources. Using natural substances can also reduce the environmental impact of healthcare.

Homeopathy can be used alongside conventional medicine, with no risk of interactions or side effects. This means that it can be a complementary treatment option, helping to enhance the effectiveness of conventional treatments and improve overall health outcomes.

Cost-Effective

Homeopathy can be a cost-effective treatment option, as these remedies are inexpensive and can be made in large quantities. This can be particularly beneficial for people who have limited access to healthcare and are looking for more affordable treatment options.

Other than these benefits, a very common reason why most people nowadays consider and choose homeopathy is that it can be very effective in treating chronic conditions that may not respond to conventional medication. Homeopathy is a safe, natural, and effective treatment option that can provide personalized and holistic care. While it may not be suitable for all conditions, it is worth considering as a complementary or alternative treatment option for a wide range of health issues.

Summary

Homeopathy is based on the principle of “like cures like,” which means that a substance that can cause symptoms in a healthy person can also cure similar symptoms in a sick person when given in a highly diluted form. Here is an example of how this principle is applied in homeopathy:

Coffee is a common example of a substance that can be used to treat symptoms of insomnia in homeopathy. In its raw form, coffee can cause symptoms such as restlessness, sleeplessness, and overstimulation. However, when coffee is prepared according to homeopathic principles and diluted to an extremely low concentration, it can be used as a remedy to treat these same symptoms in a person who is suffering from insomnia. The idea is that the highly diluted coffee stimulates the natural healing mechanisms of the body and helps to restore balance and harmony to the body.

Homeopathic Clinic in Dubai

The first family-run Osteopathic clinic in Dubai. We’ve been caring for the community of Dubai for over 20 years.

If you are looking for a good homeopathic doctor in Dubai, you should visit the Osteopathic Health Centre. It offers a range of alternative and complementary therapies, including homeopathy, to help patients achieve optimal health and wellness. At Osteopathy Health Centre Dubai, they have experienced and qualified homeopathic doctors, as well as other healthcare professionals, such as osteopaths, acupuncturists, and nutritionists. Their homeopathy doctors are well qualified and experienced in dealing with all types of patients and curing their illnesses as a whole instead of just focusing on the symptoms. These trained doctors make sure that all their patients are happy and satisfied with their vast knowledge related to homeopathy medication.

With its focus on sustainability, individualized treatment, and overall wellness, homeopathy has much to offer for those seeking a natural and holistic approach to healthcare. However, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional at the Osteopathic Health Centre to determine the best course of treatment for each individual’s unique health needs.

View our Homeopathy services in Dubai

Hydrotherapy in Dubai: What Exactly is Hydrotherapy and How does it Help?

Hydrotherapy or Aquatic Therapy is movement or exercises in a warm water environment in a specialized hydrotherapy pool using floats or properties of water to assist or resist movement. Others know it as pool physical therapy. We offer Hydrotherapy in Dubai and run by qualified rehabilitation specialists and Physiotherapists, click here to get more info.

Watch the video below to understand more about Hydrotherapy:

How Does Hydrotherapy Help in Rehabilitation?

Water is an ideal environment for exercises and rehabilitation because of these four (4) properties:

1. Buoyancy

When you’re walking in water, 50% of your body is taken off because there is pressure from water pushing you up.

2. Dynamic Resistance

It’s the resistance of water when it presses up against you when you move, and can help strengthen our body and joints

3. Hydrostatic Pressure

It’s the pressure of water against your skin on your joint so it limits lactic acid build up and also limits inflammatory process of arthritis.

4. Temperature

A specialized hydro pool’s temperature is at 33 to 36 degrees Celsius and is kept warmer than your average swimming pool which helps the muscles to relax and is soothing for painful muscles and joints.

What are the Benefits of Hydrotherapy?

  • It helps to start rehab early and hence recover faster
  • Significantly reduce pain and swelling
  • Decreases joint stress
  • Increases strength and range-of-motion
  • Improves balance and gait
  • Eases spasms and tight muscles
  • improves your endurance
  • Induces a deep sense of relaxation
  • And most of all, it’s fun and stimulating medium for participation

What are the Conditions that Hydrotherapy can Treat?

Hydrotherapy can potentially help with the following conditions:

  1. Musculoskeletal Disorders: Hydrotherapy is commonly used to treat conditions such as arthritis, joint pain, back pain, fibromyalgia, and other musculoskeletal disorders. The buoyancy of water reduces stress on joints, allows for increased range of motion, and promotes muscle relaxation.
  2. Rehabilitation after Injury or Surgery: Hydrotherapy can aid in the rehabilitation process after injuries, surgeries, or orthopedic procedures. It helps with muscle strengthening, improving flexibility, and regaining functional abilities in a low-impact environment.
  3. Neurological Conditions: Hydrotherapy can benefit individuals with neurological disorders such as stroke, multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s disease, cerebral palsy, and spinal cord injuries. The water’s buoyancy and resistance can assist in improving balance, coordination, mobility, and muscle strength.
  4. Chronic Pain Management: Hydrotherapy may provide pain relief for individuals with chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, or chronic lower back pain. The warmth and buoyancy of the water can help reduce pain and promote relaxation.
  5. Cardiovascular Conditions: Under the guidance of healthcare professionals, hydrotherapy can be used as a component of cardiac rehabilitation for individuals with heart conditions. The water’s buoyancy supports the body, reduces stress on the heart, and facilitates gentle exercise for cardiovascular conditioning.
  6. Stress and Mental Health: Hydrotherapy can have a positive impact on mental health and stress reduction. Immersion in warm water, hydrostatic pressure, and gentle movements can promote relaxation, reduce anxiety, and improve overall well-being.

What OHC Offers in Hydrotherapy Services in Dubai?

We regularly work in our pool on pre- and post- rehabilitation (i.e., conditioning of your joints before or after a THR/TKR (Total Hip Replacement/Total Knee Replacement) or any other bone or joint related procedures.

Pool-based rehabilitation for neurological conditions for adults and children are available as well. We offer a complete screening and assessment prior to coming to the pool. Providing the screening doesn’t flag up any contradictions, anyone is able to get into the water.

You do not have to be able to swim in Physiotherapy sessions in the pool.

Hence people of all ages can enjoy therapy, including children with special needs and senior citizens.

To know all the services that we offer under Hydrotherapy, please click this link.

All Things You Need to Know About Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) refers to any type of injury or damage to the brain which results from a traumatic event, such as a fall, car accident, sports injury, or blast exposure. Traumatic Brain Injury can be mild such as a concussion or severe causing a permanent disability or even death.

Causes of Traumatic Brain Injury

A TBI mostly happens as a result of a blow or any other form of traumatizing injury to any part of the body, especially the head. The level of damage depends upon the nature of the injury. The most common causes of traumatic brain injury include:

  • Vehicle collisions
  • Falls
  • Sports Injuries
  • Violence
  • Explosives or blasts

Kinds of Traumatic Brain Injury

A Traumatic Brain Injury can be divided into two main categories:

  • Mild
  • Severe

A mild TBI, also known as a concussion, is a temporary injury to the brain that occurs when the head is hit or shaken. The most common symptoms of a concussion include headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and memory loss. These symptoms usually go away on their own within a few days or weeks, but in some cases, they may persist for a longer period of time.

Severe Traumatic Brain Injury can result in more long-term effects, including physical, cognitive, and emotional impairments. Physical impairments may include paralysis, loss of sensation, and difficulty with balance and coordination. Cognitive impairments include memory loss, attention difficulties, and trouble with executive functions such as planning and problem-solving. Emotional impairments can cause depression, anxiety, and personality changes.

Risk factors of Traumatic Brain Injury

People who are at high risk of getting TBI are

  • Children (newborn up to 4 years old)
  • Teenagers and Younger adults
  • Adults 60 years and above

Traumatic Brain Injury is more common in males than females.

When to See a Doctor

If you suspect you or someone else has a traumatic brain injury (TBI), it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible, especially if any of the following symptoms are present:

  • Loss of consciousness
  • Confusion
  • Severe headache
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Seizures
  • Dilatation of pupils
  • Slurred speech
  • Weakness and numbness
  • Clear fluids running from the nose or ears
  • Unequal pupil size
  • Difficulty in staying awake
  • Behavioral changes, such as irritability or restlessness
  • Memory problems
  • Loss of balance and coordination

Kids with head injuries may not be able to communicate properly. So they should be taken to hospitals if they show any of the following symptoms

  • Moods swing or unusual irritation
  • Continuous crying
  • Change in nursing or eating habits
  • Seizure
  • Change in sleep schedule
  • Drowsiness
  • Little to no interest in toys

If these symptoms appear, they may indicate a more serious head injury and immediate medical attention can help prevent potential complications.

Prevention of Traumatic Brain Injury

Improve your balance and prevent falls – a wellness class by Ruchi Chhabria (OHC’s Neuro Physiotherapist)

Preventing TBI is the best way to avoid the long-term consequences of this type of injury. The risk of TBI can be prevented by wearing helmets while engaging in high-risk activities such as cycling, skiing, and football. Additionally, using seat belts and airbags while driving reduces the risk of head injury in the event of a crash.

It is recommended to install safety equipment and maintain a safe environment in the workplace to reduce the risk of falls and other accidents that can lead to TBI.

Limiting exposure to violent media and encouraging safe behavior in recreational activities can also help in the prevention of traumatic brain injury. People should be encouraged to seek medical attention immediately if they suspect they have a TBI.

It is important to take proactive steps to prevent TBI, as the effects of a traumatic brain injury can be devastating and long-lasting. By implementing these preventive measures, we can reduce their risk of TBI and ensure a safer future for themselves and their loved ones.

Osteopathic Health Center is offering a class that can improve balance and prevent falls, click this link to learn more about the class.

Treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury

The treatment for traumatic brain injury (TBI) varies depending on the severity and type of injury. For mild cases, rest and avoiding physical and mental activities are recommended as they may worsen the symptoms. If there is pain, it can be treated with over-the-counter medications. while more severe injuries may require hospitalization and more intensive treatments. The most common way of treating severe TBI is by giving medications to manage the symptoms of pain, swelling, and seizures. In the cases of TBI where there is a need of repairing or removing structural damage, surgery is done.

Other than this, Rehabilitation therapy is done to recover physical, and emotional functions, while cognitive and behavioral therapy is performed to address any emotional or psychological effects of the injury. These therapies help them to regain their abilities and improve their quality of life. In Dubai, Osteopathy Health Center has the best team of therapists to perform rehabilitation and cognitive therapy for patients with severe Traumatic Brain Injury.

Osteopathic Health Center Can Help!

If you are near Dubai and looking for services like neuro rehabilitation, neuro physiotherapy, and neuro physical therapy of patients from experts, contact us through this link. Our treatment plan for Traumatic Brain Injury is individualized, based on the specific needs of the patient and are aimed at maximizing recovery and improving quality of life. You can read more about this service on this page: Neuro Rehabilitation.

TBI is a serious injury that can have a significant impact on a person’s life. While it is important to be aware of the symptoms and seek treatment, if necessary, it is also important to take steps to prevent Traumatic Brain Injury from occurring in the first place. With proper care and attention, many people with TBI can make a full recovery and return to their daily activities.

Everything You Need to Know About Naturopathy

Naturopathy is an approach used to treat multiple types of conditions by stimulating the self-healing mechanism of the body. It is a system of alternative medicine that emphasizes the use of natural remedies, such as herbs, supplements, and lifestyle changes, to promote health and well-being. Naturopathic practitioners believe that the body can heal itself and that their role is to support and enhance this natural healing process.

Naturopathy is basically, an amalgam of various therapies including physical manipulations, massages, hydrotherapy, homeopathy, nutritional counseling, acupuncture, and others that follow naturopathic principles. This form of treatment ensures long-term healing.

Idea and origin of Naturopathy

Dr. Parviz Rashvand
OHC Naturopathic Doctor
Ph.D Quantum Medicine

The idea behind Naturopathy is that, to treat a certain illness or root cause of disease, the overall health, and well-being of a person is boosted. It provides strength and energy to the body via natural techniques and maintains long-term optimal health. Naturopathy is based on six key principles:

  • Naturopathic practitioners use the least invasive treatments possible and avoid treatments that may cause harm.
  • Naturopathic practitioners seek to identify and treat the underlying cause of a condition, rather than just treating symptoms.
  • Naturopathic practitioners take into account the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of a person when developing treatment plans.
  • Naturopathic practitioners aim to educate and empower patients to take an active role in their health and healing.
  • Naturopathic practitioners use natural therapies, such as herbal medicine, homeopathy, and nutrition, to promote healing and wellness.
  • Naturopathic practitioners focus on preventative medicine and work to help patients achieve and maintain optimal health.

Naturopathy Therapies

Naturopathic medicine can be used to treat a wide range of conditions, including chronic pain, digestive disorders, allergies, and stress-related conditions. Some common naturopathic therapies include:

  • Herbal medicine: Naturopathic practitioners use herbs to support and enhance the body’s natural healing processes.
  • Homeopathy: Naturopathic practitioners use highly diluted substances to stimulate the body’s healing response.
  • Nutrition: Naturopathic practitioners use diet and supplements to support optimal health and healing.
  • Acupuncture: Naturopathic practitioners use thin needles to stimulate specific points in the body to promote healing and wellness.
  • Massage: Naturopathic practitioners use massage to relax the muscles and promote healing.
  • Lifestyle counseling: Naturopathic practitioners use lifestyle counseling to help patients make positive changes to their diet, exercise, and stress management practices.

Benefits of Naturopathy

Mentioned below are some of the benefits of Naturopathic treatment:

Treatment of ailments

The fact that Naturopathy can treat various ailments with certain therapies and traditional medicines makes it very popular and beneficial. This technique can treat a lot of different ailments but the most common ones are headaches, digestive disorders, various allergies, and certain skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema. The main focus of Naturopathy is on the symptoms of these ailments and their root cause and then treating them with relevant therapies.

Prevention and control of disease

The best way of combating a disease is to prevent it from developing. In Naturopathy, prevention and control of a disease is the first and foremost priority which is done by ensuring a good nutritive diet and boosting the immune system.

Specific therapies

As mentioned above, Naturopathy offers various treatments depending on the specific requirement of the individual. These treatments include botanical and herbal remedies, performing reiki, acupuncture, and homeopathy.

Helps in sleep

Naturopathy treatments also help in overcoming insomnia and other sleep issues. Herbal treatments are offered along with a good nutritional regimen to make a person’s sleep cycle better.

Change in thoughts

Naturopathy not only focuses on physical health but also plays an important role in spiritual and emotional wellness. This form of treatment helps in improving the mental health and psychological well-being of a person.

Increase in self-awareness

The treatments and therapies are given in Naturopathy help a person in connecting with their inner self. It helps the person to better understand their body and mind. When someone starts understanding their body better, they know well how to take care of it in a way that protects them from ailments and diseases.

Safe yet effective

Naturopathy promotes the treatment of underlying conditions and helps in restoring the natural functions of the body by encouraging the healing capacities of one’s own body. This practice utilizes effective and safe therapies and non-pharmaceutical ways to promote the healing powers of the body.

This treatment is highly specific and caters differently to individual patient needs. It provides different ways of self-care to different patients in order to prevent health issues in the future. Naturopathy also helps in lowering stress and anxiety, and depression. It increases positive thinking and just improves overall physical and mental health. The therapies improve the willpower of a person to cope with any health-related issues.

Examples of Successful Naturopathy treatments

The practice of naturopathy is older than conventional and modern medicine. And nowadays there are quite a lot of naturopathy centers all over the world. If you are in Dubai and looking for a good naturopathy center, the Osteopathy Health Center offers the best naturopathy services and should be your first choice.

This example of how professional Naturopathy therapists at Osteopathy Health Center Dubai treated the blood pressure issues of a patient will give you an idea about how experienced and qualified their staff is:

So a patient arrived at the center complaining about high blood pressure. Naturopathic practitioners at  Osteopathy Health Center Dubai recommended lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, and stress management techniques to help lower blood pressure. They also suggested herbal remedies and supplements, such as garlic and omega-3 fatty acids, to help regulate blood pressure. Biofeedback and Acupuncture were also used to manage blood pressure. After all these therapies, the blood pressure of the patient was controlled and maintained.

Naturopathic medicine is considered safe and effective by many healthcare professionals and is increasingly being integrated into mainstream healthcare. Please keep in mind that naturopathy should be used in conjunction with conventional medical treatment, not as a replacement for it. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment, including naturopathic remedies.

How to Strengthen the Immune System During the Flu/Cold Season

As soon as the winter season started this year, flu, cold, cough, and sore throat have become very common. It feels like there is some virus in the air and all of us know at least one person who is under its influence. With the pandemic just getting under control, we must take care of ourselves on an individual basis to keep things under control. During winter, we all must take measures to boost our immunity system, which is the body’s natural way of fighting disease and other infections.

Mentioned below are some of the basic strategies which you can follow this season to boost your immune system.

Wash your hands:

Washing hands properly is as simple as it sounds and can protect you from a lot of diseases. Even though everyone washes their hands, not a lot of people do it carefully. To get rid of all the germs, the area between the fingers, the back of the hand, and around the nails must be scrubbed properly. As viruses and bacteria can survive on your hands, you can get sick by shaking the hand of a sick person or touching the same surfaces. Doctors recommend that you should take at least 20 seconds to wash your hands in order to get rid of all the germs.

Get flu vaccination:

Getting an annual flu shot is important to protect yourself from colds in winter. These vaccinations are useful in promoting herd immunity. This way, people who are vaccinated can avoid the spread of disease and can save immunocompromised people as well.

Healthy Diet:

Eating a balanced and healthy diet is important to maintain a good immune system. Organic food items like vegetables, fruits, seeds, nuts, eggs, etc are good for your body, especially in winter. Drink warm tea like ginger, and chamomile to soothe your throat. If you have any dietary allergies, you can talk to a pharmacist so that he/she can better guide you about your eating habits.

Drink enough water:

Drinking at least 8 glasses of water is recommended. Drinking enough water helps in flushing toxins out of your body. In case of cold and flu, drinking lots of water helps to eliminate mucus from the body. In case of loss of water from the body during conditions like diarrhea, excessive vomiting, etc, you can get an immunity boost infusion through IV therapy from Osteopathic Health Center Dubai.

Humidification:

Viruses can’t stay alive in the air if there is enough moisture. There are certain products available that can help you in keeping the air around your moist. You can keep a diffuser to increase the humidity percentage in your room. Saline irrigation solution can also be used to keep nasal passages hydrated to relieve congestion.

Get enough sleep:

Getting plenty of sleep is necessary to keep your immune system healthy. Getting poor quality or less sleep badly affects your immune system. Certain proteins called Cytokines are released from our body while sleeping, these proteins play a major role in fighting different infections in your body. Less or bad quality sleep affects the production of Cytokines hence compromising the immunity system.

Workout Regularly:

Doing exercise regularly not only increases your immune system but also improves mental health. A person who works out regularly has better blood flow which makes the white blood cells circulate better in the entire body. These white blood cells act as the first line of defense against viruses, bacteria, and parasites.

Avoid Energy Drinks:

You can give a boost to your immunity system if you avoid any sort of stimulants like energy drinks, sodas, caffeine, etc. Regular smoking also badly affects your immune system as it suppresses the antibodies created by your body to fight viruses and bacteria. To keep your body in a good shape and maintain your immunity system, you should avoid any excess alcohol, caffeine drinks, and other stimulants.

Spend some time in the Open:

During winter, you must spend some time outdoors. Being in your warm home with circulated air can spread viruses in the surroundings. It is good that you go outside. Get some fresh air and sunlight to naturally boost your immunity.

Don’t Stress:

Did you know that stress can also compromise your immunity system? Psychologists who have worked in the field of psychoneuroimmunology say that the state of your mind can also affect your physical health. In case of long-term stress or depression, your body’s immune system gets affected. In this state, you become more prone to catching a cold and flu as your body’s fight response is compromised.

So if you have any sort of stress, you must try to deal with it instead of just ignoring it. At Osteopathic Health Center Dubai, we offer stress management classes. You can talk to our qualified therapists and share your issues.  This way your mental state will become better in return improving your immunity as well.

What Is Clinical Somatics And How Does It Work?

Clinical Somatics is a type of neuromuscular education that relieves chronic pain and prevents recurring injuries by reeducating your nervous system. The nervous system is responsible for telling our body how to move and how to use our body to achieve a certain function. For example, our nervous system tells us which muscles to contract and which to relax and how to hold our bodies when we are sat or stood still.

We adopt certain habits around posture and movement. The more we repeat a certain posture or movement the more deeply learned that muscular pattern becomes. With time and repetition the patterns become so deeply ingrained that we don’t have to consciously think about them. This is called muscle memory. Muscle memory is beneficial as it automates our day to day functions and tasks. However, sometimes we can learn and adopt patterns that may cause continuous muscle tension and damage to our bodies and may cause recurring or chronic pain.

The only way to change these deep patterns which may be causing pain, dysfunction or inefficient musculoskeletal functioning is by reeducating the nervous system through an active learning process called pandiculation.

I have tight muscles. Why not just stretch? 

The myths about stretching…

While static stretching was considered the gold standard to ease off muscle tension its evidence is lacking, and recent findings suggest there is no long term value to static stretching. Static stretching does not achieve the results of easing out chronically tight muscles as you are only “pulling” the muscle without any higher order brain function. Stretching only activates your stretch reflex, which is hardwired into our nervous system and essentially serves as a cue to prevent us from tearing our muscles – it is an essential survival mechanism. Pulling on a passive muscle won’t make it longer. Stretching for a longer duration of time may temporarily lengthen your muscles however, within a few hours the muscle will return to its initial length therefore not resulting in any long term change.

What is Pandiculation? 

When our nervous system senses built up tension it instinctively contracts and releases muscles to stimulate our sensorimotor system and prepares our bodies for movement. For example, when you wake up in the morning you get the urge to arch your back and move your arms and legs or when you yawn, this is not a static stretch this is a pandiculation. It involves a series of conscious voluntary isometric contractions followed by a slow controlled lengthening of muscles and then relaxation time for your nervous system to integrate the new learned feedback. Pandiculation helps decrease your baseline level of muscle tension over time.

Animals are experts at pandiculating. Think of cats and their agility, their ability to jump and leap great heights, the ability to contort their bodies into all sorts of positions when they are grooming themselves. When they wake up from sleep the first thing they do is pandiculate and they continuously do so throughout the day. This prepares their nervous system to move. The next time you see a cat, sit and observe how they move.

What is Pandiculation What is Pandiculation

Clinical Somatics works on addressing full body patterns and function. It creates efficiency in movement and helps maintain suppleness, elasticity and springiness of your musculoskeletal system. 

Its benefits include releasing chronic muscle tension, improving range of motion, preventing injury, enhancing athletic performance, reducing stress, improving breathing and sleep. 

 

Conditions that may benefit from Somatics:

  • Joint pain, back pain, neck and shoulder pain 
  • Degenerative disc disease
  • Repetitive Strain Injuries 
  • Headaches
  • Poor posture (kyphosis, sway back) 
  • Scoliosis
  • Breathing problems 

 

If you want to learn more about Somatics and experience for yourself please contact us.

Conditions That Can Be Treated By Hydrotherapy

What is hydrotherapy?

Hydrotherapy is a combination of therapeutic exercise and specific physiotherapy techniques carried out
in a warm water pool. It’s a valuable treatment modality for musculoskeletal and neurorehabilitation. It
helps to achieve therapeutic gains that may be too difficult for the patient to attain through land-based
therapy.

The benefits of hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy can be used in many different ways. Its main goals are to:
Increase strength and endurance
Improve range of movement of joints
Re-educate normal movement like walking
Reduce pain and swelling
Improve cardiovascular functioning
Enhance blood circulation and lymphatic drainage
Improve balance and coordination
Reduce muscle spasticity
Take pressure off joints
Relax tense muscles
Reduce stress and anxiety
Faster recovery from surgery
The buoyancy, pressure and warm temperature of the water all help to achieve best possible
therapeutic outcomes. The support of the water creates an environment where movement is more
effective and safer.

What conditions can be treated through hydrotherapy

A variety of physical conditions can benefit from hydrotherapy:
Musculoskeletal Injuries
Whether age or sport related, hydrotherapy helps to improve function after musculoskeletal injuries.
Typical conditions include: ankle sprains, muscle tears and limb fractures.

Neurological impairments

For people with neurological impairments hydrotherapy can enable movement, that is not possible
outside the water. It provides a sense of independence and achievement and eliminates anxiety and fear
of falling which in return helps relaxation and flexibility.
Common neurological conditions include: Multiple Sclerosis, stroke, Parkinson’s Disease, traumatic brain
injury, Guillain-Barré syndrome, ALS

Chronic Pain

Hydrotherapy helps to reduce pain by promoting normal movement, increasing muscle length, and
increasing muscle strength and control.
Conditions that may benefit include: fibromyalgia , back pain, rheumatic pain, headaches, arthritis

Cardiovascular / Pulmonary Conditions

Hydrotherapy is often used to enhance muscular and cardiopulmonary endurance in the elderly.
Furthermore, it’s a valuable tool for rehabilitation after a myocardial infraction or respiratory disease.

Post-Surgery

Hydrotherapy is used to fasten the recovery of patients following a surgery. Especially if the surgery
results in decreased mobility and/or unable to weight-bear fully. Being in warm water can help to ease
pain and the pressure of the water has a positive effect on swelling. Furthermore, the water provides
resistance which helps to strengthen muscles that have been weakened through surgery.
Examples of surgeries include: spinal surgery, anterior cruciate ligament surgery , total or partial
replacement of lower limb joints, ligament repair, surgery for fractures, muscle strengthening after all
types of surgery

Paediatric

Hydrotherapy is a great intervention to treat children with neurological and musculoskeletal conditions
or after a surgery . Conditions that may benefit from hydrotherapy include: Rett syndrome , cerebral
palsy , spina bifida and infantile spinal muscular atrophy.

Reach out to us at to learn more about hydrotherapy. Call 04 348 7366 or email, info@osteopathydubai.com.

Health Steps to Take Before Getting Pregnant

2 cells… 38 weeks… full size, brand new, cutest baby…

Isn’t that miraculous?! Is it that simple though?

A healthy pregnancy starts well before the actual pregnancy happens.  As a future parent-to-be, you would probably want to give the best start for your future baby.  That would mean taking the best care of you.

Here are a few things to consider if you are planning a family:

  • Food is not just food; it’s the only source of nutrients for your health and future baby. Make sure that you eat colorful nutrient-dense food that is high in protein, fats, fiber, minerals, vitamins, and phytonutrients. Don’t be afraid of fats because they are essential for hormone production, cell communication, and brain development; salmon, sardines, seeds, and nuts can be a perfect source of essential fatty acids.
  • Our bodies need movement for healthier minds, healthier pregnancies, and healthier babies. We recommend physical activities from moderate to intense aerobic and strength-conditioning activities for at least 30 minutes, 5 days a week, before, during, and after pregnancy. Some examples are walking, swimming, jogging, strength training (safe and effective for healthy pregnant women) yoga, Pilates, etc.
  • More than 7 hours of sleep nightly is essential to promote optimal health. We advise focusing on a sleep time from 10-11 PM every night. Sleep is essential for optimal detoxification, hormone balance, and cellular repair.
  • Stress is a normal part of life but how you cope matters. 20 minutes of relaxation and even less can help you to shift your stress response. Men and women need equal support during this transition time. Sleep, movement, time with pets, breathing exercises, yoga, and massage, all can be a source of relaxation.
  • See your primary care practitioner for a preconception office visit. Your doctor can review your medical history to minimize any potential risk for future pregnancy. Prenatal vitamins can be recommended too.

The perinatal period represents a unique opportunity for real change in lasting health outcomes. There is no more amenable phase in the human lifecycle for introducing habits that will lead to healthier lives for mothers and their babies.

From a musculoskeletal point of view the woman’s body will go through challenging and equally fascinating changes and adaptations. The spinal curves and the pelvis will suffer the necessary modifications to accommodate the fetus. For some women these changes happen smoothly and  they will not experience pain or any major discomforts however, some women can find it very challenging.

pregnant

The most common complaints and dysfunctions while pregnant are:

  • Lower back pain and sacro-iliac joint pain
  • Pubic pain
  • Neck pain with tension headaches
  • Thoracic spine pain and lower ribs pain
  • Pelvic pain
  • Bladder dysfunctions (example: incontinence)

These are generally related to the adaptations the body goes through to accommodate the baby’s growth and development.

 

How can you manage/minimize these symptoms if you happen to experience them while pregnant?

  • Visit an osteopath/physiotherapist with experience in treating pregnancy related issues.
    • You will receive a gentle treatment customized to your symptoms
    • Advice on pain management
    • Advice on footwear
    • Advice on exercise depending on your fitness levels
    • Advice on the use of sacro-iliac belt should you need one
  • Visit a physiotherapist specialized in pelvis and bladder issues if you experience pelvic pain or incontinence
  • Join pregnancy exercise groups and social media groups who you can share your experience with and exchange ideas on how to get along this unique experience.

Although pregnancy can be a challenging experience for many women, these challenges can be kept under control from an early stage if the right treatment and advice is sourced for. And it’s important to keep in mind that you are not alone in this journey… 🙂

Our team of world class practitioners can guide you through this beautiful journey, call us at 04 348 7366 or email info@osteopathydubai.com to book an appointment.