Towers Family Chiropractor

Helping You to Better Health Naturally

Neti Wash for Sinus Relief/Cold Prevention

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In the past we have posted about the benefits of regular use of the neti pot to rinse the nasal passages. Some people complain of continual sinus problems despite using the neti pot.  In such cases we suggest Neti Wash which  is an herbal extract that can be added to the salt water used for rinsing the nasal passages with the neti pot.  These herbs increase the anti-microbial effect of the nasal rinse.  For prevention of colds, it is a good idea to add the neti wash to the salt water–we keep some in our medicine cabinet at all times just in case a cold or sore throat is threatening or we’ve been exposed to sick people.  Give it a try and let us know what you think!

In our office, we have available the neti pots, neti wash, and the starter packs that include the neti pot, sea salt, and neti wash in one box.

“Yoga Toes”

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Are your toes being deformed by confining shoes?  Well, ideally we should all be going barefoot when we can and wearing shoes with wide toe boxes otherwise.  To begin to undo the damage done by wearing stylish shoes and to get some relief from bunions and hammer toes, try “yoga toes”.  I like to wear them when I’m taking an Epsom salt bath–very relaxing way to give your toes some attention!

Herbal Support for Body’s Defenses

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Michael and Monica attended a seminar last week in Pennsylvania given by world renowned Austrailian herbalist researcher /clinician Kerry Bone entitled “Defending the Human Fortress”.  In a nutshell his practical take home message was that there are some special herbs/phytochemicals that protect and strengthen cells.  Current research suggests that in this era of antibiotic-resistant infections daily use of these substances is very important, along with good nutrition, to protect not only  against infection, but also cancer, heart disease and other chronic disease processes.  Here are the key herbs/foods:

  • green tea
  • turmeric
  • resveratrol (as a nutritional supplement)
  • rosemary
  • garlic
  • ginkgo
  • the brassica family of vegetables

Make use of this information daily by including the easy things like garlic (freshly crushed is best), rosemary (best extracted in olive oil or taken as an alcohol extract pill), drinking green tea, and eating broccoli, kale, collards, radish, or cabbage.   Turmeric, ginkgo and resveratrol are easist to take as nutritional supplements.  We have Kerry Bone’s MediHerb products  offered through the company Standard Process available at our office;  they offer many of these herbs/phytochemicals in combination form.  Please call the office if you have questions!

 

Fountain of Youth Exercises

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We discovered the book “Ancient Secret of the Fountain of Youth” by Peter Kelder over 20 years ago and have marvelled at the strength and flexibility these exercises impart to those who do them regularly.  We now instruct our patients to do them as part of an advanced active physical rehabilitation.  They are valuable for re-establishing normal fluid ranges of motion of the spine and extremities.  We recommend the youtube video or the book for complete instructions for those wanting to add them to their fitness routine.  If joint restrictions are a problem, chiropractic care may be in order before the exercises can be performed without pain or discomfort.

 

Stop Mandatory Vaccination

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Have you heard that the Supreme Court has granted vaccine manufacturers  immunity from liability for vaccine-related injuries?  Learn more at the National Vaccine Information Center’s site .  NVIC has been advocating for informed choice regarding vaccination for decades and they need our help.  Please consider contributing to them and spread the word to friends and family.  We must not allow mandatory vaccination of any kind.  Thank you for your support.

Help for Aging Eyes

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For several years now we have been recommending to our patients vision programs from the Cambridge Institute for Better Vision.  Their program for presbyopia is especially effective, easy,  and improvement is often immediate–it’s possible to avoid needing reading glasses.   Eyes can get “stuck” in dysfunction just like joints.  While chiropractic works to improve joint function, these simple eye exercises work to improve eye function.  The eyes need nutritional support also; we recommend nutritional supplements and changes in diet based on an individual’s history and lab tests–taking a separate eye supplement is generally not necessary.

Holy Basil or Tulsi Tea For Sore Throats

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According to a native of India whom we happened to meet here in Roanoke, people in India chew the leaves of holy basil to get rid of sore throats.  Apparently, holy basil grows like a weed in parts of India so it is readily available.  Here in Roanoke, we may not have access to live plants most of the year but we can drink the tea made from dried leaves all year long.

For most Americans, the herb can be grown during the summer months, harvested in the Fall, and dried for use during the winter months.  It is an attractive, aromatic annual with leaves that are pleasant to chew raw but also make a delicious tea once dried.  The tea is available in stores as “Tulsi tea”.  Holy basil also is known to bolster the immune system, improve digestion, provide a calming effect, and balance blood sugar and cholesterol levels.  It is a real plus that it tastes good too.

Next time you get a tickle in your throat or you are exposed to a cold, don’t forget to make some holy basil tea.

Pesticide Guide

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We recommend organically grown foods but it pays to know which fruits and vegetables are safer to eat if they are not organically grown.  This information is from the Environmental Working Group.  For more,visit their website.

The fruits and vegetables that are not recommended because of higher levels of pesticides used to grow them, the “dirty dozen”, are: celery, peaches, strawberries, apples, blueberries, nectarines, bell peppers, spinach, cherries, kale/collards, potatoes, imported grapes.

The “clean 15” are safer if not organic and include: onions, avocado, sweet corn, pineapple, mangos, sweet peas, asparagus, kiwi, cabbage, eggplant, cantaloupe, watermelon, grapefruit, sweet potato, honeydew melon.

Keep in mind that most papaya, soy, and corn is GM (genetically modified).  We recommend avoiding all GM foods.  Therefore, it’s best to consume these foods only when they are organically grown because the organic standard currently excludes GM foods.  Since some form of soy is used in many processed foods, great vigilance in label reading is required to avoid non-organic soy.

Neti-Mist Natural Sinus Spray

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Neti-mist is a new sinus spray for those with congestion, sinus problems, and frequent colds.  It doesn’t take the place of the neti pot–the mist  can be used before the wash to deeply loosen mucus.  It’s also very helpful when travelling, especially on airplanes to prevent colds.  The ingredients are all natural, non-drying (alcohol-free), and safe for long-term use.  We have it available at our office for your convenience.

Homeopathic Ointments for Injuries

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We continue to be amazed at the effectiveness of homeopathic ointments such as Traumeel for muscle/joint pain and inflammation, and bruising and other acute injuries.  No medicine cabinet should be without it.  For children it is the perfect “boo-boo medicine”–just don’t put it on an open wound because it stings.

Good Nutrition

Kale Cucumber Salad

There's lots of flexibility with this recipe but the basic ingredients, kale and cucumber, provide the texture contrast that is (in my mind) necessary when eating cooked greens served cold in a … [Read More...]

Children’s Adjustments

Children with back pain

Children suffer injuries that lead to misalignments just as adults do. Children generally respond very well and quickly to gentle chiropractic adjustments. A case in point is that of a 5 year-old … [Read More...]

Towers Family Chiropractic

2302 Colonial Ave, SW
Roanoke, VA 24015
(540) 343-6636

Our hours are:
Monday, Wednesday, Friday 10:00am – 6:00pm
Tuesday, Thursday 7:30am – 11:00am