The Effectiveness of Upper Cervical Care in Finding Relief from Migraines
Migraines are often debilitating headaches that are experienced accompanied either with or without other symptoms such as ringing in the ears, dizziness, light sensitivity, and / or nausea. The reason for the migraine’s occurrence is often undetermined, they are often treated with medication, and it is common for a migraine sufferer to be unable to do normal daily activities while suffering from one.
We have seen patients experience relief from their migraines following receiving upper cervical adjustments. Typically a patient who has come for relief from migraine symptoms will report that they do not experience a migraine while they are in spinal alignment. Studies have indicated the effectiveness of upper cervical care for migraines, and an article on ucrf.org, the Upper Cervical Research Foundation, titled Changes in Cerebral Blood Flow Patterns and Velocities of Migraine Subjects Following an Atlas Correction, reports the measured blood flow changes in migraine subjects following receiving an atlas correction.
If you or someone you know experiences migraines, we encourage you to come in for a free consultation appointment. We will measure your spine to determine if your atlas is out of alignment, and be able to better advise you as to whether receiving upper cervical care might help you on your path to feeling better!
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What's the big deal about Vitamin B12?
If you are interested in nutrition & diet you have likely heard a lot about B12 supplementation. And, why is it so important? For a couple of reasons: 1) It serves to activate cell metabolism & is thought to boost energy and 2) It is present naturally only in animal products like meat, eggs, dairy & cheese, so strict vegetarians or vegans do not get any through their diet. It can be ingested naturally as a part of a meal if you are an omnivore or it can be taken in the form of a capsule, a sublingual tablet or, better yet a liquid (being the most absorbable & readily usable by the body).
VItamin B12 is also present in many "fortified" foods (some cereals, energy bars, soy products, nutritional yeast) and in probiotic foods, like yogurt & kefir, because bacteria ( & algae) also produce B12. Kombucha is also rich in B vitamins including B12.
Vitamin B12 is also known as Cobalamin, it is a water soluble vitamin & plays a key role in nervous system function as well as blood formation. B12 is important in fatty acid synthesis; fatty acids are used in cell membranes and around axons of nerves to promote conductivity. It is also vital to the process of DNA synthesis & regulation, very important!
A vitamin B12 deficiency can present itself in several ways, from dramatic to subtle . A marked deficiency over time will result in permanent nervous system damage. A chronic, lower grade deficiency may cause symptoms of fatigue, depression, inability to focus or concentrate & poor memory. It is often hard to diagnose one specific cause of these common symptoms but, a B12 deficiency is a possibility & making sure that you get enough, especially if you don't eat animal products, could boost your energy level & mood.
When choosing a supplement, try a tablet or liquid form of methylcobalamin (the most natural, absorbable form) that can be held under the tongue for 30 seconds or so for maximum effectiveness. Vitamin B12 has a very low toxicity level; there is very little risk of taking too much but as always, best to follow recommended guidelines & dosages.
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Dr. Ala's Kitchen
Soup's on, people!
When the weather is chilly nothing is more warming & yummy than a bowl of soup. I always look forward to fall as a season of squash and with so many varieties to choose from you might as well try them all! Here we use a classic butternut, mild, vibrantly orange & full of beta carotene, vitamins A & C.
Thai Style Curry Butternut Soup
1 large butternut squash
1 tbsp oil
1 small onion, minced
1 tbsp freshly grated ginger
3 cloves garlic
2-4 tsp Thai Red Curry paste, more if you like it hotter
6 kaffir lime leaves, middle vein removed and torn into pieces
4 cups water or veggie broth
1 13-14 oz can unsweetened coconut milk
1 tsp sea salt
4 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
toasted coconut for garnish (optional)
Preheat over to 400°F. Cut the squash in half lengthwise and remove the seeds. Lightly coat the cut sides of the squash with oil and place cut side down on a baking sheet. Roast for 45 minutes to 1 hour or until very tender. Cool a little & scoop the flesh out of the peel.
In a large, heavy pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion, ginger and garlic and sauté until softened. Add the curry paste and cook for a few more minutes to release flavor. Stir in the broth or water, coconut milk, salt, squash and lime leaves. Simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the lime juice. Puree soup with a hand mixer or in a blender. If desired, serve garnished with unsweetened coconut toasted at 400°F for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown. Enjoy!
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Complementary Therapies! What is Rolfing anyway?
Our friends at the Capitol Hiill Health Building are having a informal talk on the benefits of & differences between physical therapy & rolfing. Resident physical therapists & rolfer, Kate Bradfield, will be on hand to demonstrate a rolfing session & explain how these techniques can help to heal you & enrich your life!
Info session: Wednesday 11/3/10, 6-7pm
Please contact Kate Bradfield to reserve a spot!
206.618.6449
kate@uprightrolfing.com
Capitol Hill Health Building
1820 12th Ave suite #203
Seattle, WA 98122
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Happy Fall & Halloween!
Wishing you a splendid season, enjoy the fall colors & the crisp air!
Make sure to get your nervous system checked with NUCCA care to ensure that you stay happy & healthy. Please send our newsletter along to any friends & family that may benefit from NUCCA Chiropractic & thanks for your continued support!
:)
Margaret & Anni
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October 20, 2010
