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5 Proven Benefits of Meditation

5 Proven Benefits of Meditation

by | Aug 11, 2022 | Informational, Relax, Stress

Over fourteen percent of people in the United States have tried meditation. But why do any of them stick with it? Well, you may think that meditation is boring, but there are significant advantages of meditation. Are you ready to learn more? Read on to discover 5 proven benefits of meditation for your mental health. Alleviate anxiety, overcome depression, and boost self-esteem with meditation

1. Help With Your Anxiety

If you have a chronic anxiety issue, meditation is one strategy to help you deal with it. Regularly meditating can help you moderate the stress of your everyday life, which will in turn help you to alleviate your anxiety and find relaxation.

There are other mental health problems that meditation can help with too. Combined with other treatments (like chiropractic treatments), you can help overcome the cycle of depression.

And people who are struggling with low self-esteem can also benefit from trying out meditation and other mindfulness practices. The process of meditation encourages your brain to focus on more positive thoughts. This helps you overcome any negative thoughts that might climb into your brain.

2. Pay More Attention

People who struggle with their attention span, whether or not they have ADHD, can learn to lengthen their attention span through meditation. When you meditate, you’re supposed to let go of other factors in the world that could be distracting you from what you need to get done. 

So, if you’re struggling with your work or with getting everything you need to be done for school, try including practicing mindful meditation into your routine.

3. Help Your Body Feel Better

Meditation isn’t just helpful for your mental health. It can help improve your physical health as well. Because meditation helps you reduce your stress levels, it helps reduce your blood pressure. This will improve your overall cardiovascular health.

And if you struggle with chronic pain, meditation is another strategy to help you regulate how you feel and relieve your problems. Like with many problems, mind over matter really does work.

4. Get Outside Yourself

Meditation also gives you the opportunity to get outside of your head. This will make it easier for you to sympathize with others and to think about the bigger picture when it comes to the world around you. There are actually studies that show that meditation helps create pathways in your brain that makes you more sympathetic to other people.

5. Think Better

Meditation is good for your brain overall. When you regularly meditate and practice mindfulness, you’re working out your brain. This allows your brain to stay strong as you age, ensuring that you’re less prone to memory loss and other age-related brain issues. 

Get Started With the Benefits of Meditation Today 

Clearly, there are a lot of benefits of meditation you might want to get in on. So, you may want to take a class or watch a YouTube video, and see if it might be right for you.

Do you need a chiropractor to help you on your wellness path? Schedule an appointment with Amazing Life today.

Fun Ways To Keep the Family Active This Summer

Fun Ways To Keep the Family Active This Summer

by | Aug 4, 2022 | exercise, Fun, Informational, Wellness

A Family That Moves Together, Stays Together

Safe exercise is essential for a child’s healthy development, and not every child hits their targets. Unfortunately, 76% of children in the US don’t receive the recommended amount of daily exercise. Part of the reason is that it simply isn’t fun. Luckily, that doesn’t have to be the case. With the right tips, you and your children can enjoy some fun family activities and stay in shape all summer long. Let’s talk about some fun activities to enjoy this summer to promote a safe and active family lifestyle!

1. Play Sports

Visit Mill Creek Sports Park for active family fun from 7 am to 9 pm throughout the summer months. There are fields for nearly every activity, including softball and soccer, so grab a ball, pack a healthy lunch, and enjoy the day!

2. Mill Creek Skate Park

Of course, you’ll need some elbow and knee pads, along with a helmet, but this is a great place to practice some cool moves on your scooter, bike, or skateboard. This is something your older kids are sure to enjoy, but make sure to go over safety rules ahead of time!

3. SafeSplash Swim School

Another idea for an active family activity is this hidden gem in Mill Creek on Main Street. It’s a great place for children to learn and practice swimming while escaping the burning heat of the summer sun.

If your children are part fish, then take them here or to any community pools or beaches in the area. Swimming is one of the best full-body exercises for developing children with low risk of excessive strain injuries.

Also, swimming combines both aerobic cardiovascular exercise and safe strength training. The CDC recommends children above 6 receive one hour of aerobic exercise each day, so have some fun with it and cool off in the water!

4. Nature Trails

One of the best parts about living in the Pacific Northwest is the easy access to nature trails. Take your kids over to North Creek trail or drive outside of town to any of the hundreds of nearby hiking trails. There are many kid-friendly options to choose from, and a nice walk through nature is excellent for our physical and mental health.

5. Rock Climbing

There are several indoor rock climbing gyms around Mill Creek, including Summit Everest and Vertical World. For children 5 and up, rock climbing can be a great way to build full-body strength and coordination in a safe and controlled environment. It could also help prevent them from developing a fear of heights (or help you conquer yours)!

Enjoy Your Active Family Activities

Now that you have some ideas to help you get started, start enjoying the active family lifestyle this summer and make the most out of every warm, sunny day! Your kids don’t stay kids for too long, so enjoy the family fun while it lasts!

Stay up to date with our latest tips, stay safe out there, and feel free to contact us with any questions!

Relax: The Importance of Relaxation

Relax: The Importance of Relaxation

by | Jul 28, 2022 | Informational, Relax, Wellness

Relax: The Importance of Relaxation

Do you often find yourself feeling overwhelmed and anxious at the end of the day? Stressed, bags under your eyes? People are more stressed than ever, so you’re not alone. Stress can be harmful to your health. Read on to learn the importance of relaxation. 

You need to find new ways to relax.

If you don’t like the idea of taking anti-anxiety medication, or you have no way to access it, why not seek out some natural ways to relax? 

We’re here to point you in the right direction. Read on to learn our favorite ways to relax your body and mind when you’re feeling tense. 

Try Yoga

Yoga is a fantastic tool for relaxation. It’s also great for your physical health. With regular yoga practice, you’ll strengthen your core, improve your balance, and improve your flexibility.

Yoga teaches yogic breathing. This can help you get “out of your own head” so you can focus on the present moment and the movement of your body. It’s similar to standard breathing exercises that counselors and therapists recommend. 

There are plenty of types of yoga. If you need to burn off energy to relax, a swift vinyasa yoga session might be right for you. If you’d rather take it slow, yin yoga is one of the best ways to relax at night because it focuses on seated stretches. 

Take a Hot Bath

If your mind and body are feeling tense or sore, a hot bath might be just the ticket. Give yourself an at-home spa day and relax those sore muscles.

When you have your hot bath, go all-out. Buy a bath bomb or some scented bubble bath. Choose calming scents like lavender or vanilla.

Play music or white noise while you’re in the bath for a full calming experience. When you’re done, wrap up in something cozy and get ready for bed. You’ll feel refreshed.  

Spend Time With Friends and Family

Spending time with friends and family members can be calming as long as you’re on good terms. If you’re too stressed out, call a friend and ask them to see you.

Go on a walk together, have a drink, go out to dinner, or even better, cook dinner together! Sometimes even sitting around and chatting in the living room is more than enough to calm you down. 

Read a Book Before Bed

If you find yourself scrolling aimlessly through the internet while you’re trying to calm down before bed, you’re making your situation worse. The internet can be too stressful and stimulating, and it will make it harder for you to go to sleep.

Instead, read a book. You won’t have the bright light from your phone shining in your eyes but you’ll still have entertainment. 

Try These Ways to Relax

Now that you have learned the importance of relaxation, try some of these suggestions to relax your mind and body next time you’re feeling too stressed out. Take a bath, read a book, talk to some friends, and finish your night with yoga or even meditation.

If you’re looking for more ways to relax, why not visit a chiropractor for a massage? At Amazing Life Chiropractic and Wellness, we aim to help all of our patients learn the importance of relaxation so they can live happier lives.

Schedule an appointment with us today.

An Introduction to Gut Health

An Introduction to Gut Health

by | Jul 21, 2022 | Gut Health, Informational

Trust Your Gut: An Introduction to Gut Health

The gut, also known as the digestive tract or gastrointestinal tract, covers the sections of the body involved in food intake and excretion. The whole digestive tract from mouth, esophagus, stomach and intestines to pancreas, liver, gallbladder, colon and rectum is a part of this system. However, if we talk about gut health, we are talking about the bacteria in your microbiome and the digestion that takes place in your large intestine due to these microbiomes.

All food is broken down in the digestive tract to a basic form so it may enter the bloodstream and be taken as nutrients by your body. However, efficient digestion is only possible when your gastrointestinal tract is healthy.

A healthy gut uses its immune cells and healthy bacteria to fight toxic fungi, bacteria and various viruses. Also, there is constant communication with the brain through hormones and nerves to help maintain good body health.  

Role of the Digestive Tract in Your Body 

Scientists have been surprised by the complex human digestive system and attempting to understand its functioning. 

Your gut plays a critical role in managing the following:

  • The immune system
  • Autoimmune diseases
  • Mood 
  • Mental well-being
  • Endocrine disorders
  • Skin issues
  • Obesity
  • Cancer

It is critical to maintain a healthy digestive tract since it has such a close relationship with so many other aspects of your health.

Importance of a Healthy Gut 

Gut health has a significant impact on the brain. Serotonin, the hormone that makes us happy, is mostly generated in the gut. This connection between serotonin production and the gut is frequently the source of food cravings. On the other hand, psychological stress can have a harmful impact on your gut health and lead to inflammation and binge eating.

In addition to improving your mood, the healthy bacteria also helps release mind-boosting chemicals that increase your memory and cognitive performance. Alternatively, having too many harmful bacteria in your gut can disrupt your concentration and make it easier for toxins to enter your bloodstream.

The digestive tract also contains up to 80% of your immune tissue. It is no wonder that what you put into your bodies impacts how well your immune systems work. Because the intestines serve as a barrier between the circulation and the external world, it must have a strong immunity to combat viruses from food.

 Common Signs of Gut Issues

You may be facing serious gut issues if you frequently face digestive problems which lead to discomfort, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea or constipation. If your heartburn and bloating does not go away or you notice black stools, you may be developing gut diseases.  

Sudden weight loss, rectal bleeding, severe vomiting, fever, intense stomach pains, trouble swallowing food, or jaundice could all be signs of a serious gastrointestinal problem. You should always contact a doctor if you face prolonged gut issues.

Why You Should Start Limiting Your Exposure to Blue Light

Why You Should Start Limiting Your Exposure to Blue Light

by | Jul 14, 2022 | Informational, Sleep

If you spend all day on your phone or computer, you’ve probably heard of blue light. Blue light is essentially electromagnetic energy that travels in short, powerful waves. Electronic devices emit this energy during use, leaving you exposed to blue light every time you check your email or send a text message. 

The Risks of Blue Light Exposure

Given just how much exposure to blue light most people experience each day, it’s important to be aware of the potential health risks it can cause. 

Here are some of the most common side effects of exposure to blue light that you may be at risk for.

Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration occurs when the macula (a structure at the back of your eye) becomes damaged. This condition causes your central field of vision to deteriorate, leaving you to rely only on peripheral sight. 

While age is the leading cause of macular degeneration, lab studies have raised the question about any link between the condition and blue light exposure. Scientists are still looking for the answer, but until then it’s best to assume that exposing your eyes to harsh electromagnetic energy for hours each day could speed up the structure’s deterioration. 

Poor Sleep

A widely proven effect of blue light exposure is the loss of quality sleep each night. 

During the day, light sensors in your eyes can detect the difference between harsh blue light and the natural, reddish rays of the sun, unfortunately, this distinction becomes weaker at night.

When the sun goes down, your body naturally begins to produce melatonin, a hormone that induces sleep. When you’re exposed to blue light in the evening, you release less melatonin which can delay or disrupt your sleep cycle. 

While poor sleep can lead to fatigue and lack of energy during the day, it also puts you at risk for a number of other health concerns, including:

  • Hormone-related cancers, such as prostate or breast
  • Metabolic changes, particularly in your blood sugar
  • Lower levels of leptin—a chemical that tells your body when you’re full—which can lead to overeating and weight gain

Eyestrain

Continuous use of digital devices causes you to blink less, which can dry out your eyes. Over time, this can lead to eyestrain that affects you throughout your waking hours. 

While this condition feels different to each person, some common symptoms include:

  • Dry or sore eyes
  • Heavy or “tired” eyes
  • Headaches
  • Fatigued facial muscles due to squinting

Limit Blue Light Exposure

Luckily, there are some steps you can take to limit your exposure to blue light. Some easy methods include:

  • Regularly applying eyedrops
  • Setting your screens to “night mode”
  • Use eyeglasses with the right prescription to avoid squinting
  • Look away from your screen at least every twenty minutes

For more tips on maintaining your overall health, schedule an appointment at Amazing Life Chiropractic and Wellness today.

X-Rays: Why We Use Them and Why We Don’t

X-Rays: Why We Use Them and Why We Don’t

by | Jul 7, 2022 | Informational, Injury, Research

Trauma and X-Ray Use in Chiropractic Care

Spine specialists–that’s what some people call chiropractors. While chiropractors do pay special attention to the spine, they can also specialize in other fields, such as neurology, clinical nutrition, and radiology.

Speaking of radiology, did you know that Doctors of Chiropractic (DCs) and chiropractic radiologists use imaging equipment? These include computed tomography (CT) scanners and X-rays.

If you’re wondering why chiropractors would need X-rays, read on. Here, we’ll discuss why chiropractors take X-rays and instances when they don’t recommend it for their patients.

Osteoporosis and Spondyloarthritis: The Role of X-Rays

Conducting diagnostic tests is one of the ways doctors use differential diagnosis. Chiropractors also employ diagnostic tools to diagnose a patient’s condition better. 

For patients at higher risk of osteoporosis or spondyloarthritis, X-rays can be a valuable diagnostic tool. These conditions affect the bones and joints, making X-ray imaging essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

Advantages and Disadvantages of X-Rays

Do all chiropractors require spinal X-rays to diagnose patients accurately? 

The answer is not everyone and not all the time. After all, manipulation and mobilization techniques are enough to address simple dysfunctions. If such conditions don’t improve, or for more complex cases, chiropractors may consider X-ray analysis.

Chiropractors also have to weigh the disadvantages against the benefits of X-rays. Remember, X-rays expose patients to radiation. While the level is safe for most adults, it may not be safe for a developing baby.

If you’re pregnant, be sure to tell your chiropractor. Also, if you believe your condition is related to your soft tissues (e.g., muscles, tendons, or ligaments), there’s no need for chiropractors to order an X-ray. Only conditions associated with bones and joints benefit from X-rays.

Some Notes to Keep In Mind

Beyond researching the answers to “how do X-rays work?” and “what can X-rays detect?” it’s more crucial to understand its use in chiropractic healthcare settings.

If your chiropractor requires X-rays for every condition, you may want to switch to another DC. Reputable chiropractors only use X-rays when needed. 

As for what to expect when chiropractors take X-rays, you may be surprised if the process differs from what you’re familiar with. Chiropractors consider the patient’s posture and weight. That is why they tend to look at images taken in standing positions instead of prone or supine positions. 

Also, don’t be surprised if your chiropractor takes multiple X-rays. If your condition requires monitoring, your chiropractor may request additional X-rays after the initial evaluation. They need to look at images of the spine and joints from various angles to check if their treatment plan is working.

Are You In Need of Chiropractic Care?  

If you need a chiropractor near the Mill Creek, Washington area, we can help. At Amazing Life Chiropractic and Wellness, we provide chiropractic services, red light therapy, X-Rays, custom orthotics, etc.

To provide the highest quality of chiropractic care, we use diagnostic tools such as X-rays. Should you have questions about our services, feel free to contact us.