Almond Wellness Centre

Herbal repeating or modification consultation only.

Greater than six months since previous treatment.

Due to its focused hands on attention to the spine, the profession is often thought of by its tools and by its avenue of care. Chiropractic, however, is not just about manual care of the spine, although it has certainly built a reputation caring for that often troublesome piece of anatomy. In Chiropractic, care of the spine and nervous system (which is of fundamental importance in human health) is a way to optimize the health of the whole human system and not just a means to relieve back complaints. A basic philosophy of chiropractic is that the body naturally seeks the proper balance among all the systems of the body, and that these systems are meant to work together. A second basis principle is that proper structure is necessary for proper function. If a structure is impaired by injury or stress, its function can be adversely affected. For example, when our spine (structure) is not positioned normally, it can irritate the nerves exiting the spine. And when spinal nerves are irritated, they don't function normally and can affect the function of the tissues they interact with. This end -organ effect is the central interest in chiropractic care. Thus chiropractic focuses on the integrity of the spine and its surrounding tissues as a means to enhance normal human function and health.

What if we feel great but want more dimensions to our life. This is where chiropractic comes in. The focus of chiropractic is simple to allow your nervous system to function at its best and allow your body to be able to express its natural, inborn ability to heal and to be healthy. When your body is working at its best, it is more capable of healing quickly, remaining healthy and being more adaptable to stress, meaning it's less likely to hold onto it and store it. Many people choose chiropractic because they have heard that it will fix their aches and pains. While relief from aches and pains comes quickly under chiropractic care, you now know there is a much larger picture. The body was created to be healthy chiropractic simply allows the body to function at its absolute best without any interference from stress. And the results are typically: Increased energy throughout the day. More efficient sleep at night. A stronger working immune system. Increased performance and coordination of the body. Greater ease and well being. Reduced anxiety. Increased cold resistance. Decreased pain. Decreased headaches and emotional tension.

Chiropractic care can be started at any time during your pregnancy. During this time, weight-bearing changes occur and this can cause an added stress to the spine. Chiropractic care during pregnancy not only can help you to stay more comfortable, but can also help to facilitate your birth. Chiropractic care during pregnancy has been shown to significantly reduce the length of time a woman goes through labor. First time mums averaged a twenty four percent shorter labor, while mothers who had already given birth experienced a thirty nine percent reduction in the average labor time, compared to controls (Fallon, 1991). Chiropractic adjustments during pregnancy can also reduce the likelihood of experiencing back pain (Diakow 1991). Regular chiropractic adjustments can safely continue up until the time of birth (Penna, 1989). Chiropractic care may be able to help you and your baby achieve a happier and healthier pregnancy and delivery. Upon discovering that they are pregnant, many women become conscious of eating healthier foods, avoiding alcohol and cigarettes, exercising and getting proper sleep, however, many are unaware of the importance of having regular chiropractic care. Fifty percent of all women complain about low back pain during pregnancy, particularly due to ligament laxity and the protruding abdomen. By relieving the discomfort many women experience during pregnancy, chiropractic becomes an important component or prenatal care that can make both pregnancy and delivery easier. Clinical studies have proven the benefits of Chiropractic care during pregnancy. One such study was conducted in the USA by Irvin Henderson, MD, a member of the AMA Board of Trustees. The study concluded that women who received chiropractic care during their third trimester of pregnancy were able to carry and deliver with more comfort. The many advantages of Chiropractic care are not limited to pregnancy, but are especially beneficial during delivery. Parents report that their deliveries while under chiropractic care are faster and more comfortable than during prior pregnancies. Dr. Per Freitag MD, American orthopedist, conducted a hospital study that incorporated chiropractic adjustments during the patients' pregnancies. The study concluded that the need of the chiropractic patients for pain killers during delivery was reduced by half.

Throughout pregnancy women take care of their bodies with the intention to take care of the unborn child. After the birth of their child it is important that they take care of themselves because their body, mind and spirit are undergoing an intense change. This is why a recovery plan for the postnatal period, created before childbirth is most useful to prevent or reduce mood disorders. Most women prepare themselves well for childbirth and have a Birth Plan. Most new Mums have also a kind of baby plan, but a majority of new mothers don't have a pain for themselves, a plan that focuses on them, a plan for the days and weeks that follows child's birth that keeps them on track for a balanced recovery, physically, hormonally and physically. Having a recovery plan in place may reduce the probability of being affected by pregnancy related mood disorders which affects many mothers after birth. It is wise for pregnant women to make a plan for themselves for the postpartum recovery period before they give birth.

Chiropractic is a system of healthcare focused on restoring, preserving and optimizing health by natural hands-on care. Where conventional or allopathic medicine focuses on curing illness through surgery and pharmaceuticals, the goal of chiropractic is to optimize health with a non-invasive approach that does not use drugs or surgery. Chiropractic's primary avenue of care is manipulation of the spine and the framework of the body. The spine is an important structure that houses and provides protection for the spinal cord, while providing mobility for the upper body. This dual requirement of strength and flexibility makes the spine a very complex structure, with multiple joints at each spinal segment (the vertebrae) forming the spinal column. When these joints (also known as articulations) are not positioned or functioning normally, it can affect the nerves exiting the spine. Chiropractic care attends to irritations along the spine by manually repositioning these joints. This is a chiropractic adjustment. The word chiropractic comes from the Greek words cheir (hand) and praxis (action) and simply means done by hand. Chiropractors are licensed professionals who are trained to diagnose and appropriately care for or refer patients for the care they require. Chiropractic patients often visit their chiropractor periodically in order simply to relieve irritations - to get adjusted. Individuals also seek chiropractic care for back pain, headaches, joint pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, sprains, as well as non-musculoskeletal conditions including allergies, asthma and digestive disorders. Some chiropractors further specialize in orthopedics, sports injuries, neurology, pediatrics, nutrition, internal disorders or diagnostic imaging. For many conditions, such as lower back pain, chiropractic care is frequently the primary method of treatment. Where other conditions exist, chiropractic care may complement or support medical treatment by relieving the neuro-musculoskeietal aspects associated with the condition. Chiropractic care may also be used to provide symptomatic relief for patients with chronic conditions. According to patient surveys, by treating the neuro-musculoskeietal elements of such disorders, chiropractic treatment has been shown to improve the general well being of the patient. Chiropractic is based on the evaluation and correction of abnormal spinal and cranial bone function that directly affects the ability of the nervous system to perform its work unimpeded. This is the first step to attaining real health - a nervous system that is functioning to its optimal potential Martin Rosen, D.C.

In the weeks leading up to the babies arrival finish any loose ends and tasks you have been postponing. For example Work related. Maternity leave paperwork. Baby gear and supplies. Clean and organise your house. Wash the baby clothes. Make and freeze meals. Organise email / facebook / phone contacts for birth announcements. Ask friends and family ahead of time to wait with their visits or keep visits brief. Ask for help. Most family and friends want to help but don't necessarily know what you need. Asking for help is challenging for most people, it does not mean you are incapable or not a good mum if you ask for help. In addition to Chiropractic Care it is important to make sure that you maintain a healthy and nutritious diet with the right kinds of foods during the weeks and months following the birth. Ask your friends and family to Clean your house. Prepare food. Take the baby or your other children for a while. Get groceries. Do laundry. Take dogs for a walk. Ask professionals for help with Breast feeding issues. Health concerns for you or baby. Depression. Sleep issues. Rest. Eating regular nourishing foods.