Recovering From Injury
Now that we're almost four weeks into summer, I hope you have gotten on board with heart health. I know I have. I'm eating a few red organic foods every day, doing chest-opening poses in yoga, and most definitely getting some cardiovascular exercise four days per week.
Overall, I feel amazing. Well, except for the mild shoulder strain I obtained in yoga last Friday. I will admit it, I pushed it. But my forearm balance was beautiful. I never wanted to come down from that pose. It's always a little embarrassing for the yogini acupuncturist to be out of commission due to an injury. I am glad it happened though and I'll tell you why. Empathy. Next time one of you comes in to the office holding your shoulder with your opposite hand, I will empathize. Then I will act quickly and accordingly. A few days of acupuncture treatments, Traumeel ointment, light stretching, and cardiovascular exercise has me on track to a very speedy recovery. I'm sure that with quick action you can experience the same result. Please do not wait until your injury is a few weeks (or even months) old to seek treatment.
If you, too, are experiencing any type of upper body injury, please continue to move your lower body with walking or biking. It does not have to be strenuous exercise. Light exercise is definitely beneficial. The endorphins will do you good by helping to alleviate pain. You'll also strengthen your heart and lighten your mood.
I look forward to your questions and comments.
Thank you for reading.
Tamara ZumMallen
p.s. I am going back to yoga Friday after one week off. I'm certainly ready. I'll let you know how it goes.
Isn't it funny how we as natural health care providers think we should be invinsible ourselves?! I feel the same way at times, that I should be in perfect health and be immune to injury - but of course, we are all human and part of being 'not perfect' is humbling, in my opinion. And despite my belief that I think patients will think I'm not this perfect picture of health, I'm always amazed at how much better we can relate when I just put my ego aside and realize that I am on a journey, just as they are... We're all in this together.
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