Staying Young

Staying Young

      I see people who are old by 30 and people who are young in their upper 80's. We have so many interesting concepts of age, and aging in our society, a society that reveres youth and beauty. Many people go to extremes to stay looking young. What actually equates to beauty, if you think about it, is health. People who radiate health are attractive, at any age. When people look unhealthy, it is not attractive. 

     One of my 'youngest' elderly patients was one of my first appointments after opening a former practice on the Oregon Coast. He was in his 80's and complaining of occasional aches and pains. "Do you exercise regularly?" I ask. "Oh yes," he replied, " I do a little something every day." "And what do you do?" I inquired, prepared to have the discussion about how walking to the mailbox and back didn't count. "Oh" he responded, "If I'm not out surfing, I climb Neakanie Mountain."  
      Another one of my "youngest" older patients shared her formula for youth. "Some time ago, someone told me, get out and walk your dog everyday......even if you don't have one."
      A good diet, and the ability to assimilate food is essential to health. But what aids digestion, increases blood flow, which increases the nutrients organs and tissues receive, is exercise. The people that live the longest, healthiest, lives and are mentally and physically vital the longest, are the most physically active. 
     So, make time for exercise in your life everyday, get out and walk your dog, even if you don't have one.


                                                           Health & Happiness,
                                                                Nancy Burton, L.Ac.
                                                                       534 Washington St.  Ashland, OR  97520
                                                                                        For Appointments Call:   541-646-0134

      

                

Lowering Blood Pressure

Lowering Blood Pressure

      High Blood Pressure can be a scary thing. There are many holistic ways to lower blood pressure but sometimes, whether taking medication for hyper tension, using natural methods, or just for situational flair ups, tools to lower hypertension can come in handy. 

      The first tool to reduce blood pressure quickly is to sterilize a sewing needle and prick the tops of the ears, squeezing just a few drops of blood out. If out and about where needling is not an option, just vigorously pinching the tops of the ears can help. It is an Acupoint for high blood pressure. 

      The second tool is soaking the feet in hot water. This is especially good at night, since hot water on the feet brings the energy flow down in the body, the direction it should be headed in the evening. High blood pressure can make it very difficult to sleep at night, so this is a soothing and effective ritual, that can help, until blood pressure is effectively reduced by other methods.
     Crossing the legs when sitting can raise blood pressure by 16 points.
     Not drinking enough water during the day, as opposed to other liquids, can be a contributing factor. Caffeinated drinks can also caouse an incease in figures.
      High blood pressure is always something to have checked by an M.D. and then keep an eye on. If it is high at the doctor's office, asking for it to be taken three times, in a row, can often rule out 'the white coat syndrome', as going to the doctor can be stressful. 
      A good diet, exercise,  Acupuncture, Chinese herbal formulas and nutritional supplements can  do amazing things for blood pressure, but in the case of extremely high figures, have any structural problems ruled out by  an M.D. or specialist.   


                                                                  Health & Happiness, 
                                                                          Nancy Burton, L.Ac.
                                                                                   534 Washington St.  Ashland, OR  97520
                                                                                                       For Appointments Call:     541-646-0134

Changing Other People's Diets

Changing Other People's Diets

      This weekend I was invited to speak at a workshop, which is always a rewarding experience. People come up with such wonderful questions. One woman inquired, after my talk, about changing the diet of a 92 year old parent, who had just come to live with her. "She drinks coffee, eats sugar, and white bread. What do I do?"  The woman looked rather shocked when I told her, " At 92, let her eat what she wants!"

     Trying to get to all the questions of the people who had come to speak to me on the break, I didn't get a chance to elaborate. Health is a choice. It needs to be a personal choice, made on a daily basis. For mentally competent adults, it doesn't work to have that choice made for you. Pressuring anyone into healthy choices, 'for their own good', just leads to unhealthy stress for everyone involved. Share information about the reasons behind healthy choices. But keep in mind, they are choices, and be respectful when people chose for themselves.   


                                                   Health & Happiness,
                                                           Nancy Burton, L.Ac.
                                                                 534 Washington St.  Ashland, OR  97520
                                                                                For Appointments Call :   541-646-0134