Body Integrity Health

If the spine has any restrictions, the nerve supply to various parts of the body can be restricted, preventing the correct messages to get there and therefore the body could be ‘holding’ in the form of compression and not able to carry out its processes properly.

Some symptoms are:

• spinal pain
• constipation
• pins and needles in hands and feet
• headaches / migraines
• tiredness / exhaustion
• heavy leg syndrome
• water retention / bloating
• cystitis
• tight shoulders

When the body experiences any physical trauma, (falling off a jungle gym when you were 6 or getting whiplash, etc), the muscles in the area contract to protect the adjacent bones, nerves and organs. If we don’t recuperate properly (e.g. take pain killers or just start moving when that area hasn’t healed) then the muscles don’t completely release.

The big problem is that after the message of pain has been sent to the brain continuously for a period of time and nothing is being done about it, the Reticular Activating System (RAS) in the brain, turns this message off. The job of the RAS is to filter information to the brain so that we don’t get overwhelmed by sensory perceptions. When the pain ‘goes away’ the problem is still there, you just can’t feel it anymore. All the other muscles in the area work harder to pick up the slack of the tight protective area.  A domino effect of supportive tension then occurs throughout the body.
The lowerback is a prime problem area. If it is out of balance, the effect on the spine is that the nerves leading from the spinal cord to the body are under constant compression from the inflammed, tight muscles. This will affect the integrity of the legs, buttocks, abdominal and pelvic muscles. Sort of like broken telephone, some messages won’t get through, some may be distorted. This can eventually lead to herniated discs and various other spinal disorders.

So what is the solution? Well firstly it is a good idea to find someone to help them release the trauma that the muscles are holding. Cranio-Sacral Therapy, Bowen Technique, a Chiropractor that uses Kinesiology, any practitioner that can genuinely assist your body to ‘undo’ old trauma, before it creates more trauma!  All of these practitioners are focused on releasing the muscles which automatically align the skeleton.  If one manipulates the skeleton, the muscle programming will just pull the skeleton out of alignment again.

It is wonderful to experience a therapy like Feldenkrais or Alexander Technique, which both train you how to use your body in an efficient and balanced way.  Correcting your posture and preventing further damage.

We all have our cravings, but………..

You only crave unhealthy food when you have a deficiency!!!

If you crave simple carbohydrates e.g. bread, pasta, sugar, etc - you are most likely lacking some of the amino acids - which are your proteins / your long term energy source. This creates the urge for quick fixes. It is important to get long term energy into your body and keep your blood sugar level stable.

Balancing Tools - carry nuts and seeds around with you, add dried fruit to sweeten if you need to. Eat nuts, seeds, sprouts, olives or avocados.

For pasta cravings - buckwheat pasta is brilliant. It is not a grain it is a seed and it stabilizes your blood sugar level.

If you crave salty things - you most likely have a mineral or trace mineral deficiency. (We will cover this in detail further on) Trace Mineral Concentrace is a brilliant supplement to boost your mineral levels back to normal.

Balancing Tools - Eat Himalayan rock salt or seaweed salt, instead of normal salt, olives, miso soup, sushi, any form of seaweed.

If you crave fatty foods - you are most likely deficient in essential fatty acids / the unheated, untreated, raw plant oils.

Balancing Tools - Eat: avocado / nuts / seeds / dark fish / sushi / extra virgin olive oil / coconut oil / borage oil / cold pressed hempseed oil / cold pressed flaxseed oil / salmon oil, etc.

If you crave stimulants - you are most likely lacking protein and are experiencing adrenal overload. This means the adrenal glands have been under long term stress from physical / mental or emotional stressors. It is important to keep your blood sugar level stable otherwise the adrenal glands kick in and your hunger diminishes. You then start burning your emergency energy.

Balancing Tools - Eat at least three good quality meals a day. Eat nuts, seeds, sprouts, olives, avocados & quinoa. The superfoods will be a huge asset for stabilizing your blood sugar level and providing the essential fuel for your body: - Spiralina / Hemp Protein / Raw Organic Cacao / Organic Goji Berries / Maca powder. Your adrenal and other glands also need good levels of essential fatty acids and high levels of minerals to function well.