Swanson Chiropractic & Acupuncture

Cedar Allergies? We can help!

2011-01-24T17:52:00.000-06:00

We love Austin, but cedar allergies are seer this time of year and can last for months. It is important to take care of your sinus health, especially during this time to avoid severe sinus infections, and Dr. Swanson can help! Below, Dr. Swanson shares a few tips to help you handle Austin's cedar allergy season.

1. Acupuncture Relief Treatment

Our acupuncture treatments relieve congestion in your sinuses (around the nose, eyes and ears) typically within 30 minutes. It is important to repeat acupuncture treatments often during allergy season to ensure healthy drainage and open airways, thus avoiding severe sinus infections.

2. Chiropractic

Dr. Swanson's chiropractic adjustments stimulate a healthy immune system that operates correctly and also ensure your sinuses drain in a healthy way. When your body is healthy, your immune system will naturally be able to identify what is a potential risk and what is not. When you suffer from allergies, your immune system has become highly sensitive to something in your environment. In other words, your immune system is out of balance and causing your body to become irritated by allergens.

Dr. Swanson offers the latest technique, the innovative 'specific prone', which is a light, gentle, and comfortable method with outstanding results.

Dr. Swanson's chiropractic adjustment focuses specific movement to strengthen your body's immune function and also focus on the cervical spine to open the Eustachian tubes and allow for proper drainage of your sinuses. Again, proper drainage of your sinuses and relieving pressure resulting from congestion help you to fight off or avoid sinus infections all together.

3. NeilMed Sinus Rinse

The NeilMed Sinus Rinse is an excellent (and cheap) way to ward off sinus infections the natural way. It is best to use this sinus rinse right when you wake up and before bed. We've found it will relieve a sore throat (caused by drainage) and keep fluids moving to avoid a sinus infection. ($12 at Walgreens or CVS)

4. Warm showers - Right when you wake up AND before going to sleep at night

In the morning, relieve your allergy symptoms by standing in a warm shower with your shower head right on your sinus pressure points. This will help break up congestion and keep fluids moving. At night, a shower before bed is a must. Your hair and clothes attract and collect pollen all day long. If you do not wash your hair before bed, you are sleeping in cedar pollen all night, as well. Give yourself a pollen break by washing your hair before you go to sleep at night. It also helps to wash your sheets and pillow case often during allergy season to limit pollen buildup where you sleep.

5. No milk during cedar allergy season

Any dairy product will increase mucus production and cause increased congestion. Increased congestion not only feels worse, but puts you at a higher risk for sinus infections. Avoid milk, cheese, or dairy of any kind, especially during cedar allergy season.

For more information from Dr. Swanson, please visit our website: www.SwansonChiro.com

Yours in health,

Dr. Swanson & Staff

T'was the Day Before Christmas

2010-12-23T08:44:00.000-06:00

T'was the Day Before Christmas
Author Unknown

T'was the day before Christmas, but there was no cheer.
No jingle bells jingled, no sound of reindeer.
The word had gotten out that Santa was sick.
There'd be no friendly visit from jolly St. Nick.

The people were sad; no gaiety sounded.
For Christmas had come, but Santa was grounded!
He walked down the street, and what should he see?
On a small sign was printed, Swanson Clinics, D.C.

Now, Santa was not one to like a new tactic,
but all else had failed, so he'd try Chiropractic.
He entered the office and saw at a glance
in a place such as this illness hasn't a chance.

For all were smiling; the music was snappy,
with all the patients contented and happy.
In a very short time, to judge by the clock,
He was in the adjusting room, talking to Doc.

"It must be the hurry, the tension and all.
I simply can't seem to get on the ball.
Life used to be easy, just toys, guns and whistles.
Now I have to dodge fall-out, space ships and missiles."

"And Doc, take a look at the size of this pack!
Have you any idea what it does to my back?"
Poor Santa was miserable; just barely able
with the help of the doctor, to get to the table.

The doctor was gentle. Without fuss or tussle
He examined the vertebrae and relaxed the muscles.
He spotted the trouble, and then with a click,
started aligning the ailing St. Nick.

And Santa felt aches and pains slipping away.
In no time at all he began to feel gay.
The air was a tingle with a new fallen snow.
And a healthy Kris Kringle was rarin' to go.

As he went out the door, he threw all a kiss.
Why, it has been centuries since he'd felt as good as this!
Then once more he shouldered the bag full of toys.
His heart overflowing with true Christmas joys.

So, may we, your friends, echo this cheer?

Merry Christmas to you
and to all a good year!

The Doctors & Staff at Swanson Chiropractic Clinics

Lower Sugar, Lower Blood Pressure

2010-12-21T17:36:00.000-06:00

Sounds pretty simple, right? Except in a society overwhelmed by processed foods loaded with added sugar, keeping your sugar (or blood pressure) in check can be a major challenge.
But let's leave the topic of limiting sugar consumption from all sources for another day, and instead focus on sugar from a single source: sugar-sweetened beverages. According to a study published in the June 2010 issue of Circulation (a journal of the American Heart Association), a reduction in sugar-sweetened beverage consumption of one serving per day reduced systolic blood pressure in adults by 1.8 mg Hg and diastolic blood pressure by 1.1 mg Hg over 18 months. (If your blood pressure is 120-75, for example, your systolic blood pressure is 120 and your diastolic blood pressure is 75.) Diet beverage consumption and caffeine intake did not appear to be associated with blood pressure.

Remember, even a small reduction, particularly if all you have to do is drink less sugar-sweetened beverages, can make a big difference. In fact, it might save your life. Your doctor can tell you more - much more - about the considerable dangers of sugar and high blood pressure.

To read more, please follow this link: To Your Health

For more information from Dr. Swanson, please visit our website: www.SwansonChiro.com

Yours in health,

Dr. Swanson & Staff

Winter Cold and Flu Defense

2010-12-07T17:24:00.000-06:00

If you're looking to gear up for the cold and flu season without subjecting yourself or your family to the potential dangers of the flu vaccine, take heart: There are natural ways to boost your immune system and reduce your risk of getting sick. Here are a few to discuss with your doctor.

Last year, swine flu was a bust. The hype, the worldwide craze, the unnecessary vaccine, all fizzled out. Fewer people died of the swine flu in the 2009-2010 season than an average flu season. (Of course, that's not to diminish the fact that some people did in fact die.) But let's turn our eyes to the present, for the flu is back this winter season. We don't yet know how many people will be affected; perhaps it will be an average one, perhaps a true pandemic. No one knows for sure, but we must do everything to prepare our families, boost our immune systems, and have effective, natural treatments at the ready.

The influenza virus starts in November, but doesn't peak in activity until February and usually winds down in March. Approximately 5-20 percent of our population gets the flu, many mild, some so severe that they need to be hospitalized. On average, 36,000 people die from the flu in our country, the majority of them being the elderly; the death toll is 250,000 to 500,000 worldwide.

We are all familiar with the standard flu symptoms of fever, headache, fatigue, cough, sore throat, rhinitis (stuffy nose) and myalgia (muscle pain). Children can also experience nausea, vomiting, otitis media (ear infection), and diarrhea. The illness lasts up to a week, with cough and malaise lasting up to two weeks. Younger children (6-20 percent) can experience febrile seizures concurrently.

As stated, the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones is to boost your immune system and reduce your chances of complications if you do contract the flu or even a stubborn cold. Preventing and treating the flu is very effectively done using natural medicines, including vitamins, minerals, botanicals, and homeopathics. A combination of some or all will boost your immune systems for the entire winter season.

Vitamin C

A study of 715 people showed that flu symptoms were decreased by 85 percent when people took 6 grams of vitamin C as a one-time loading dose, then continuing with 1 gram three times a day, compared with people taking only the 3 grams daily. The message here is to take a lot of vitamin C the first day you feel symptoms or the first day people around you are getting sick, and then take 3 grams daily after that. Keep in mind that vitamin C can loosen stools, so be careful if you are predisposed to this.

An additional study showed that vitamin C is 10 times more effective in its antiviral properties when taken with iron. Ten to 20 mg of iron can be taken on a daily basis, and is also a good mineral to balance the stool-loosening effects of vitamin C.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D has exploded in research and popularity the past few years. Most of us are familiar with its bone-building properties, however new research suggests it improves the immune system as well. Have your doctor test your vitamin D levels before supplementing. Research suggests 2,000 IU daily is safe for most adults and children. Higher doses are safe and effective, but must be monitored by your doctor.

Elderberry

Elderberry (Sambucus) was researched in a group of 60 people and found to alleviate symptoms four days earlier compared with controls. Elderberry helps boosts the immune system and is great-tasting for kids. Start taking as soon as symptoms manifest.

Gingseng

Panax quinquefolium (ginseng) was studied in a large group of 323 patients as a preventive natural medicine. The group that took panax experienced 30 percent less colds compared with the placebo group (people who didn't take ginseng), and average number of sick days were 11 compared with 16 in the non-treatment group.

Oscillococcinum

Last, but not least, the well-known oscillococcinum is a homeopathic flu treatment that is created new every year. Tough to pronounce, but effective; a Cochrane review of all oscillococcinum studies showed that it reduces the length of illness compared with placebo.

There's a high likelihood that the flu and/or colds will affect your family every year. In most cases it's nothing more than an inconvenience, in some cases it can be deadly serious. Prevention and immune boosting is essential for everyone to ensure that when they do get sick, it is only a short and mild inconvenience. Trust in the power of natural medicine. Talk to your doctor for more information about these and other natural ways to boost your immune system and ward off colds and the flu.

The Flu Vaccine: A Few Words of Caution

Flu vaccines are available on an annual basis, but concern should be taken for the following reasons:

Flu vaccines contain thimerisol, a neurotoxic mercury preservative.
Children with severe egg allergy should not get the vaccine.
Children with Guillain-Barre syndrome should not get the vaccine.
Young infants with low immune systems should not get the vaccine.
Children with acute illness should not get the vaccine.

To read more, please follow this link: To Your Health

For more information from Dr. Swanson, please visit our website: www.SwansonChiro.com

Yours in health,

Dr. Swanson & Staff

Engage All Your Senses and Leave Stress Behind

2010-11-23T11:36:00.000-06:00

Many people exist in such a perpetual state of stress that activities generally considered stressful actually come as a welcome relief. When you've been under the gun at work all day and find yourself faced with a screaming carload of kids, suddenly spending a little quiet time doing household chores or catching up on the bills - in silence - doesn't sound too bad. Really? You deserve much better than that. Here are a few ways to engage your senses and leave stress behind.
Taste: There's nothing like a soothing cup of tea and your favorite dessert to take some of the edge off a hectic, stressful day, particularly when combined with a little time to enjoy your own time, far away (as far as you can get) from the stress-inducers that seem to surround you.
Touch: When you're overworked, overstressed, overwhelmed and just plain over it, find the time to escape and experience the power of touch. Schedule a chiropractic adjustment or a massage, or retreat into the soothing, stress-releasing luxury of a bubble bath and see how your attitude changes in a matter of moments.
See: The so-called "daily grind" is a major source of stress, and it only gets worse when the work hours get long and the days get short. In fact, during the winter months, many people never see the light of day, arriving at work before sunrise and leaving after sunset. Take a midday walk around the block and open your eyes to what the world has to offer. And at night, turn off the glare and light a few calming candles instead.
Smell: The next time you're on the brink of losing it, let your nose take you to a better place. Sounds funny, but it's oh so true. Just try to stay stressed after smelling your favorite food wafting up at you from your plate. And don't discount the power of a scented candle or two; replace the unpleasantry of another dreary day with the aroma of peace and tranquility.
Hear: When was the last time you truly appreciated the lyrics, melody and arrangement of a song? Music has an incredible ability to soothe the soul, but many of us don't take the time to listen - we just use it as background noise while working out or flip from song to song, station to station in the car. Tune out the stress and tune into the relaxing power of music.
If you're feeling particularly stressed these days and are dreading the holiday crush and additional stress that's sure to come, talk to your doctor for ways (above and beyond the above) to reduce stress and improve your life.

To read more, please follow this link: To Your Health

For more information from Dr. Swanson, please visit our website: www.SwansonChiro.com

Yours in health,

Dr. Swanson & Staff

Too Little Sleeping = Too Much Snacking

2010-11-09T17:50:00.000-06:00

Here's an important reason to get the kids off to bed: Too little sleep can lead to a bad habit: overeating. According to a recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, reduced sleep time (less than six hours compared with more than eight) is associated with an increase in energy consumption - often in the form of snacks - without any increase in energy expenditure.

In other words, if kids sleep less, they tend to eat more, but don't expend energy during the extra time they're awake.

So, what could they possibly be doing that doesn't burn any energy? Perhaps they're studying for next week's exam or writing that long-overdue birthday card to grandma. But probably not. In fact, the chances are good that they're playing on the computer, watching television, texting their friends or pursuing some other sedentary activity, which is never a good thing, particularly when combined with additional caloric intake. That's a bad combination that could lead to chronic overeating and weight gain, not to mention fatigue, irritability, and reduced performance attributable to lack of sleep.

Talk to your doctor about the importance of adequate sleep and what you can do to ensure you and your family get the sleep they deserve every night.

To read more, please follow this link: To Your Health

For more information from Dr. Swanson, please visit our website: www.SwansonChiro.com

Yours in health,

Dr. Swanson & Staff

Understanding Wellness

2010-10-27T13:16:00.000-05:00

Many have attributed the term wellness to Dr. Halbert Dumn, who wrote a booklet in 1961 titled High-Level Wellness, in which he basically defined it as a lifestyle approach for pursuing elevated states of physical and psychological well-being.

While the reality is that the term wellnesswas actually coined in the year 1654 by a Scottish physician, the true meaning has evolved beyond what they both intended.

Defining Wellness

Chiropractors are the originators of the wellness movement, being the only health care professionals who recognize the body's natural ability to heal itself. This is why they have spent more than 50 years educating their patients on the benefits of a wellness lifestyle. Proper nutrition, exercise and routine chiropractic care help the body to perform at maximum efficiency, resulting in improved function.

Wellness: Improving Function

The term improved function has been used by chiropractors for years to help patients understand the benefits of chiropractic care and the role it plays in true wellness. The body is made up of muscles, organs and glands that are controlled by the nervous system, and the nervous system consists of the brain, spinal cord and nerves.

The brain sends signals down the spine and to the nerves, which tell the heart to beat, the lungs to breathe, the stomach to digest, the glands to produce necessary hormones, and so on. It's when the signals don't get from the spinal cord to the nerves and then from the nerves to the muscles, organs and glands that the body begins to lose proper function and symptoms begin to occur.

Mainstream medicine doesn't recognize these symptoms as simple alerts from the body that there's something amiss, but instead as something that must be eliminated through chemicals or pharmaceuticals. They don't seek wellness, but rather a lack of symptoms.

Medical vs. Wellness Care

The biggest difference between mainstream medicine and wellness care is just that: medicine. Today's medical professionals are still treating symptoms instead of the cause of the problem. The bigger problem lies with the fact that the medicines usually begin to create their own list of symptoms that must be treated with more medicines. It's a domino effect leading not to health and wellness, but to illness and dependence.

By focusing on symptoms instead of body function, they avoid having to look at the root cause and can ignore the lifestyle habits or outside influences that are the underlying problem. A drug-induced lack of symptoms leads to a false sense of security and avoids the lifestyle changes truly necessary for wellness.

On the other hand, the wellness chiropractic practitioner recognizes that the symptoms are there for a reason, an alert from your body that something isn't right, and begins to seek thecause of the problem.

What Wellness Is (and Isn't)

What is wellness? Many people think the absence of symptomatic disease means they are "well," but true wellness is actually quite different. If you're sick, and you take medication to mask the symptoms, it doesn't mean you get well; it just means the symptoms go away (at least temporarily). The root cause of the problem hasn't been addressed, and you may be no better off than when you started.

For example, do you have high cholesterol or know someone who does? If you're taking medication to regulate your cholesterol, it may work, but it won't address why you have high cholesterol in the first place. In many cases, it may be poor diet or lack of exercise. I think we can all agree that a person with high cholesterol, poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle who has to take medication is definitely not achieving a state of wellness.

Top Five Truths About Wellness Care

5. Symptoms are not the problem, but an alert to an underlying cause and should be heeded, not silenced with chemicals.

4. The body has an inborn ability to restore itself and will adapt to outside stressors, whether they are physical, emotional or chemical. When these stressors become too much, the body will eventually wear itself down trying to maintain balance; this results in an absence of health and wellness.

3. Wellness practitioners do not diagnose or treat conditions and diseases, but instead identify and remove outside stressors.

2. Wellness care focuses on improving function rather than hiding symptoms.

1. Doctors of chiropractic recognize the value of preventative care compared to symptom-based care. With regular adjustments, spinal health is maintained, encouraging proper nervous system function and allowing for the body to perform at its best.

To read more, please follow this link: To Your Health

For more information from Dr. Swanson, please visit our website: www.SwansonChiro.com

Yours in health,

Dr. Swanson & Staff

3 Ways to Stick With It

2010-10-19T15:05:00.000-05:00

Slow & Steady

When it comes to health, you have to be in it for the long haul. Health is a lifetime pursuit, which is the challenge and the opportunity. Whether you're committing to a better diet, a consistent exercise program, etc., recognize that lasting changes start slow and stay the course. Jump in without proper planning or pacing, and you'll find yourself jumping right back out again.

Break Time

Your body and your mind both need a rest if you're going to stick with a diet and exercise program for more than few weeks or months. If it's diet, designate a "cheat" day once a week and indulge (don't overload) on one or two of your favorite less-than-healthy foods. With exercise, avoid working out on consecutive days, and take a whole week off every 6-8 weeks and rejuvenate.

Goal in Sight

Without a goal, you can't achieve it, and to achieve lifelong health and wellness, you need short-, medium- and long-term goals. It could be losing 5 pounds this month or 25 pounds this year, improving your cholesterol or body-fat percentage by next year's physical (and the one after that), fitting into a smaller size, running a longer distance; you name it. Set it and then work to achiev

To read more please follow this link: To Your Health

For more information from Dr. Swanson, please visit our website: www.SwansonChiro.com

Yours in health,

Dr. Swanson & Staff

Vitamin D for Influenza

2010-09-30T09:54:00.000-05:00

Another flu season is here; what's your strategy this year? In 2009, many chose the vaccine route, particularly with the "swine flu" (H1N1) making front-page news on a near-daily basis. Whether you choose to get vaccinated or not, it's important to be aware of a simple, natural way you can help reduce your risk.

Every year the medical profession and government authorities encourage citizens in many developed countries to get immunized against the current form of influenza virus. This year is no different, particularly with the "dreaded" swine flu still on everyone's minds. While the decision to get vaccinated is an individual one with both pros and cons, consider that a natural approach, namely supplementation with specific nutrients such as vitamin D, can boost immune function and may play an important role in the prevention of respiratory tract infections.

Why Vitamin D?

In recent years, studies have shown that vitamin D is an important modulator of immune function. Some authorities suggest it has the potential to reduce the risk of life-threatening influenzas based on the initial observation that influenza normally strikes in countries during the colder (winter) months, when vitamin D production in the skin declines. This happens because the most generally available source of vitamin D is sunlight. Reduction in skin production of vitamin D due to reduced or no exposure to daily sunlight is accompanied by a decline in blood levels of vitamin D.

Some vitamin D experts suggest adults should supplement with 2,000 IU vitamin D per day (especially during the winter) as a means to maintain more optimal vitamin D status in general, strengthen immune function and help reduce the risk of influenza and its invasion into the lung cavity. Other experts suggest dark-skinned individuals should supplement with 5,000 IU of vitamin D per day during the winter months to help ensure they attain blood vitamin D levels (25-hydroxycholecalciferol) at or above 50 ng/ml. (Melanin, the pigment that makes the skin darker, acts as a sunscreen, reducing vitamin D production in the skin upon exposure to solar radiation.)

How Vitamin D Affects Immunity

Most immune cells contain vitamin D receptors which allow vitamin D to enter the cells and exerts its effects on immune cell behavior. In this capacity, vitamin D has been shown to dramatically stimulate the expression of potent antimicrobial peptides. These peptides exist in white blood cells such as neutrophils, monocytes and natural killer cells, and the epithelial cells that line the respiratory tract, where they play a significant role in protecting the lung from infection.

Vitamin D influences both innate and adaptive immunity. The cells of the innate system recognize and respond to pathogens (infectious agents or germs) in a generic way, and the adaptive immune cells have the ability to recognize and remember specific pathogens. They, in turn, generate immunity by mounting stronger attacks each time the same pathogen is encountered. In simpler terms, vitamin D appears to make immune cells better able to fulfill their primary function - defense.

Adaptive immunity involves lymphocytes (a specific type of white blood cell) that are able to express a vast number of specific antigen receptors on their cell surface. Should the pathogen be reintroduced at a later point in time, these receptors are activated and the lymphocytes launch an assault against the pathogen. In adaptive immunity, all of the offspring of the activated cells inherit genes, encoding the same receptor specificity. These cells include the memory B cells and memory T cells that are the keys to long-lived specific immunity.

Vitamin D receptors are expressed in monocytes and in activated macrophages, dendritic cells, natural killer cells, and T and B cells. Activation of these receptors by vitamin D has been shown to increase the activity of natural killer cells and enhance the phagocytic activity of macrophages. (Phagocytes are white blood cells that protect the body by, for lack of a better word, "eating" harmful foreign particles, bacteria, etc.) Active vitamin D hormone also increases the production of cathelicidin, an antimicrobial peptide that is produced in macrophages. The release of cathelicidin is triggered by the presence of bacteria, viruses and fungi. All of these influences enable the immune system to work in a highly efficient manner, reducing risk of infection and reducing severity of infections should they strike. These immune pathways are also important in preventing cancer.

In fact, higher blood levels of vitamin D are associated with reduced risk of breast, prostate, colon and other cancers. Several intervention studies have shown that vitamin D supplementation is associated with a reduction in cancer incidence of approximately 50 percent and that supplementation of 2,000 IU per day slows the progression of localized prostate cancer in a high percentage of male subjects.

Vitamin D Deficiency

While optimum vitamin D status seems to protect against influenza and other conditions, vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased risk of infections, such as influenza and tuberculosis. In one study, volunteers inoculated with live attenuated influenza virus were more likely to develop fever and serological evidence of an immune response in the winter. Vitamin D deficiency also has been reported to predispose children to respiratory infections. Ultraviolet radiation (either from artificial sources or from sunlight) has been shown to reduce the incidence of viral respiratory infections. The same holds true for cod liver oil supplementation, which is a rich source of vitamin D.

Think Prevention

I believe it is important for health practitioners to establish patients' baseline vitamin D blood levels. Evidence strongly suggests that a level above 85 nmol/L is highly protective against osteoporosis, cancer, multiple sclerosis and various infectious processes. Vitamin D toxicity is a concern only when blood levels of vitamin D rise above 200 nmol/L. Recent research indicates that supplementation with 1,400 IU of vitamin D per day appears to be sufficient to raise vitamin D level to the 85 nmol/L level in most patients. And at the first sign of flu-like symptoms, one expert - based on personal experience and that of family members - suggests supplementing with 2,000 IU of vitamin D per kilogram of body weight for three consecutive days.

Anyone who's suffered through the flu knows that it's not only potentially dangerous; it can be downright miserable. Ask your doctor to assess your current vitamin D status and discuss the value of vitamin D supplementation, particularly during the flu season. Whatever your strategy, it won't eliminate your risk altogether, but why not do everything you can do naturally to protect yourself and your loved ones?

To read more please follow this link: To Your Health

For more information from Dr. Swanson, please visit our website: www.SwansonChiro.com

Yours in health,

Dr. Swanson & Staff

Master the Art of Meditation

2010-06-09T12:07:00.000-05:00

Many people find meditation beneficial in managing stress, reaching mental tranquility, focusing attention and maintaining an overall healthier lifestyle. In fact, the results of more than 1,000 peer-reviewed articles on meditation suggest that regular practice of meditation is associated with "significant relief from a variety of stress related physical and mental problems, a stronger immune system, longer life, increased energy and positive changes in brain function."
If you have never meditated before, why not give it a try? It might seem awkward at first, but if you stick to it, you will find yourself enjoying it more and more. There are many types of meditation, all of which help lead you toward greater mental and physical tranquility and a sense of focus.

The following are some suggestions as an introduction to the practice of meditation.

	Choose a relaxing, low-light location free from distractions. Remember, this is un-interrupted "you" time.
	Sit comfortably on the floor, in a chair with your back straight, or perhaps in your garden or your favorite quiet space, which could be near the ocean, a lake or any other relaxing body of water.
	Close your eyes and slowly take deep breaths.
	Try to focus only on your breathing, the rise and fall of your abdomen, and how the air feels as each breath goes in and comes out.
	As external thoughts start to pass through your mind, calmly acknowledge them and bring your focus back to the sensation of your breathing.
	End your session by opening your eyes and allowing yourself to gently return to your normal daily routine feeling relaxed and refreshed.

And that's the simple, relaxing, invigorating art of meditation! If you're experiencing stress or any other condition that requires you "take it a little easier," meditation may be a perfect place to start.

To read more please follow this link: To Your Health

Yours in health,

Dr. Swanson & Staff

Allergies and Chiropractic

2010-04-14T16:44:00.000-05:00

Did you know that allergies are an immune system response? Allergic reactions occur when the body's immune system overreacts to allergens in the air such as dust, pollen, pet dander, etc. The response is that the body overproduces neutralizing chemicals such as histamines to correct the problem.
Orthodox medicine has no cure for allergies, only treatment. Since runny eyes, irritation, redness, fullness in the sinuses and other allergy symptoms are caused by histamines, antihistamines are often prescribed to dry mucus membranes. However, antihistamines can cause serious heart problems and should not be used with alcohol, sedatives or tranquilizers.
By releasing stress on the nervous system, chiropractic permits the immune system to function more effectively-something all allergy sufferers need. A nervous system without stress functions more efficiently. Recent understandings in psychoneuroimmunology reveal that when the nervous system functions better the immune system benefits.

Chiropractors correct a basic cause of body malfunction to improve the function of your immune system. Please note that the chiropractic approach is to remove pressure on the spinal nerves, a common spinal dysfunction that puts stress on your nervous system. Freed of nervous system stress, your body will work more effectively to neutralize the allergy-causing chemicals in your environment. As Dr. Kurt Donsback has said: "A healthy body is capable of neutralizing these toxic substances and a body which has malfunctioning defense mechanisms cannot. The emphasis on allergies must be on building a healthy body, not on trying to use evasive tactics by eliminating all the allergens."
In addition to seeing your chiropractor, NeilMed has a line of products to help naturally clean the sinus passages. You can find the NeilMed products at CVS and Walgreens.

Yours in health,

Dr. Swanson & Staff

Control Your Allergy Symptoms Naturally

2010-03-31T15:25:00.001-05:00

When looking to control allergy symptoms without resorting to medications, the first step is to limit your exposure. Using an air filter, preferably one that ties into a central heating and air conditioning system, can drastically reduce the build-up of allergens in your home. It is also important to focus on areas where allergens can collect. Pet areas, carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture should be cleansed regularly, and bedding should be washed at least once a week.

In addition to these simple steps, you may want to look to your diet as a means for controlling your allergy symptoms. A study of 35 patients conducted in the Journal of Asthma found a positive correlation between allergy relief and vegetarian or vegan diets. In a clinical observation, 92 percent of patients who followed a vegan diet for one year reported reduction in asthma symptoms.

Foods that have been closely linked to respiratory allergies include dairy products, chocolate, sugar, and gluten. There is also strong evidence indicating a connection between allergic rhinitis and intake of certain food additives, including artificial dyes and colorants, sulfites, and benzoates.

Omega-3 fatty acids have also been shown to support healthy airways and additionally favor the production of anti-inflammatory mediators. In a 2009 study reported in the International Archives of Allergy and Immunology, atopic asthma patients supplemented daily with omega-3 fatty acids improved airway responsiveness even when subjects were exposed to a known allergen. Dietary sources of omega-3 fatty acids include cold-water fish, flax seeds, chia seeds, and walnuts.

Increasing antioxidant intake is also essential to prevent the free radicals that are often elevated in allergies and asthma. Vitamin C is considered as one of the most important dietary antioxidants for the protection of the lungs, and low levels of blood vitamin C are considered an independent risk factor for allergic rhinitis. Other beneficial antioxidants may include vitamin E, selenium, the carotenoids, and the flavonoids, which all posses powerful free radical- quenching capabilities.

Why go through life suffering from allergies if you don't have to? With a few dietary and lifestyle changes, you can face allergy season without stockpiling allergy medications and Kleenex. Talk to your doctor for more information about allergies and natural solutions.

To read more please follow this link: To Your Health

Yours in health,

Drs. Swanson & Staff

Treating Headaches with Chiropractic

2010-03-10T16:44:00.006-06:00

Headaches are one of the more common conditions that enter the offices of primary care physicians, including medical doctors and doctors of chiropractic. As you know, the standard medical treatment revolves around the use of pharmaceuticals and/or injections.

The standard chiropractic treatment approach includes manual therapies such as spinal manipulation or adjustments, manual or mechanical cervical traction, mobilization techniques, trigger point therapy, physiological therapeutics such as electrical stimulation, ultrasound, etc., and nutritional counseling.

While both approaches have pros and cons, there are far less negative side effects associated with the chiropractic treatment option.
There are many types of headaches, which can be generally classified as primary or secondary:
Primary Headaches: 1.Migraine; 2. Tension-type; 3. Cluster headaches.

Secondary headaches occur because some other condition or injury is present such as after a car accident or slip and fall injury, due an infection, a sinus, jaw, and/or dental condition, a vascular injury such as stroke, a medication side effect, psychiatric disorder and others.

Find yourself frequently utilizing over-the-counter medications such as an anti-inflammatory/pain killer medication?

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It is probable that chiropractic approach will provide relief for your headaches. Frequently, with headache patients, the vertebrae in the upper neck lose their normal range of motion and the muscles that attach to the base of the skull become overly tight and squeeze or compress the nerves feeding into the head. This results in pain that radiates over the top or around the head, sometimes into the eyes.

Conservative Gentle Chiropractic care restores the vertebral range of motion, which in turn reduces the muscle tension and subsequent nerve compression, resulting in a reduction of headache pain! If you've also noticed stiffness in your neck, then give us a call. We offer short term affordable relief care for your headache. Explore this option. There is no obligation to receive care.

Yours in health,

Drs. Swanson & Staff

Swanson Chiropractic Partners with Texas Stars Hockey

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Swanson Chiropractic Partners with Texas Stars Hockey

Come Visit us at the Texas Stars Game, March 13th

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The doctors of Swanson Chiropractic will have an information booth at the March 13th Texas Stars Hockey game. We will be there to answer any health related questions you may have.

Come see us!