body hacks
PILATES
I am a self-proclaimed non-Zoom exercise class person! During Covid, I tried. I did! Fortunately, my daughter was home and found a private studio that allowed one or two people, with masks, to workout in the studio during Covid. We were serendipitously paired with Cheryl Krueger as our instructor. I had no idea, at the time, how transformative Pilates would be for me. Pilates has helped me with core stabilization, strength, flexibility, and balance and has made me conscious of proper alignment in my everyday activities. As with any practice, the right instructor matters. Cheryl is an exceptional instructor. She was a dancer, a dance instructor, and is the most amazing Pilates instructor I could have imagined. I commit to two times a week, sometimes three. Unquestionably, the work I do with Cheryl keeps my body healthy and strong for my other activities. Cheryl now has her own studio - Pilates - The Studio - at Millbrook Station in Duxbury. Text Cheryl for a 30 minute complimentary consult and mention you saw this on Nancy's Almanac!
SPINE CORRECTOR
I use this for a minute, 4 - 5 times a week, to help with my posture. I time myself for the minute and sometimes try two minutes. I find the practice of doing this does help my posture.
WHAT'S A FASCIA BLASTER?!
My chiropractor, Ali Austin at Duxbury Wellness, recommended a fascia blaster for me about ten years ago to keep my fascia healthy. I thought, what the heck is a fascia blaster but, trusting her, I went ahead and bought a fascia blaster and kept it in my shower and religiously started blasting my calves after having applied body wash to make the back and forth motion smooth. I become so intrigued by the benefits of how my calves were healthy, I dove deep into learning more about the creator of the fascia blaster, Ashley Black and now use the fascia blaster on many parts of my body. The facial blaster has been a great addition to the products and my beauty regimen.
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CUPPING
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Cupping is an ancient healing therapy where glass cups are put on the source of a tight muscle or pain to create suction, and once the suction is released, redness or a bruise may appear in the area. The suction creates blood flow that my promote healing and reduce pain. Cupping was documented in one of the oldest medical textbooks in the world, Ebers Papyrus, which was written in 1550 B.C. I have been doing cupping for over twenty years through my acupuncturist and masseuse. For me, it gives my tight muscles relief and mobility. Many massage therapists and acupuncturists offer cupping in their services. On the South Shore of Boston, massage therapist Jen Savage offers cupping and does an excellent job. Her contact info is below.
WARMING UP MUSCLES BEFORE SPORTS
Participating in sports in an essential part of my life so I need to keep my muscles healthy. I routinely apply an herbal cream that my acupuncturist, Michelle Hamilton of Family Acupuncture of Middleboro, MA developed. It is a game changer. Contact Michelle to purchase, her contact info is below. I apply it to my calves, lower back, trapezoid and bottom of my feet before I head out to play a sport. When I am crunched for time, I spray CVS Cold and Hot Pain Relief as well as bring that to the court or course with me.
COLD THERAPY & PROPER BREATHING
I learned that Frank Ocean was introduced to Wim Hof to help manage his grief from the death of his brother. I knew Wim Hof was known as the cold therapy guru and was intrigued to learn more. Since studying the Wim Hof Method, I now am a true believer of Cold Therapy and put the last 2 minutes of my shower on the coldest temperature. My deep dive into Wim Hof introduced me to James Nestor author of Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art. Nestor's book is fascinating and worth the read. Both Wim Hof and James Nestor have many YouTube videos and information on their websites that highlight the benefits of breathing properly and cold therapy. I am a believer!
LOCAL HONEY
While the scientific evidence does not support ingesting local honey helps with seasonal allergies, it has worked for me. I was a terrible allergy sufferer. I faithfully have a tablespoon of local honey daily with one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in 4 ounces of warm water. According to the Tom's of Maine website, local bees make local honey, which means the pollen they collect and brings back to the hive is all sourced from local plants. Since many seasonal allergies are caused by these same plants, eating honey-containing pollen can combat those allergies. While no formal studies have been conducted on the effects of local honey on allergies the idea behind trace exposure to allergens to desensitize patients to food allergies is gaining steam. In addition to potentially fighting allergies, one of the great benefits of local honey is that it's unprocessed and pure. The stuff you find in the grocery stores is often filtered a process that removes the trace amounts of pollen it might contain. The purer the honey, the stronger its medicinal benefits like potential anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.
Acupuncture
I was led to acupuncture about 20 years ago. I was having recurrent sinus infections and could not solve stopping them. I met with medical specialists to no avail. A friend suggested trying acupuncture, and I thought, 'why not'?! In the early days, my acupuncturist asked if I would be a guinea pig for facial or cosmetic acupuncture. I committed to going once a week for six weeks, and the results were noticeable. Facial acupuncture not only tightened the muscles on my face but had a positive impact on my sinuses.
Regarding my sinus infections, I may have had one or two in the last 20 years. I continue to go regularly for my overall health. Acupuncture relieves tight muscles tremendously. If I feel a cold coming on, I will head in to boost my immune system. Finding the right acupuncturist is critical. I find friend referrals the best.
Unfortunately, at the time of this writing, my acupuncturist is no longer taking new clients.
Regarding my sinus infections, I may have had one or two in the last 20 years. I continue to go regularly for my overall health. Acupuncture relieves tight muscles tremendously. If I feel a cold coming on, I will head in to boost my immune system. Finding the right acupuncturist is critical. I find friend referrals the best.
Unfortunately, at the time of this writing, my acupuncturist is no longer taking new clients.
Itchy eye trouble?...
A couple of years ago, I had a stye in my eye, which was really uncomfortable. Because of my allergies, I tend to have dry eyes that can get very itchy depending on the season or the trigger I am exposed to. I had it treated and began a protocol that I continue with today. I learned that the slightest bit of dirt, dust, or residual eye makeup could irritate and clog your eye, creating a stye. I began using eyelid wipes regularly and also hydrated my eyes. I treated my stye with Simalson Stye Relief, but I recommend consulting your doctor for this and any advice. My takeaway from this experience was to keep my eyelids clean!
A couple of years ago, I had a stye in my eye, which was really uncomfortable. Because of my allergies, I tend to have dry eyes that can get very itchy depending on the season or the trigger I am exposed to. I had it treated and began a protocol that I continue with today. I learned that the slightest bit of dirt, dust, or residual eye makeup could irritate and clog your eye, creating a stye. I began using eyelid wipes regularly and also hydrated my eyes. I treated my stye with Simalson Stye Relief, but I recommend consulting your doctor for this and any advice. My takeaway from this experience was to keep my eyelids clean!
