Happy Spring, and welcome to the April Revitalize Massage & Wellness, LLC newsletter!
As I write this newsletter, I’m enjoying a cup of green tea with hibiscus (I like tart). So, I invite you to grab your favorite drink, take a moment to relax, and enjoy reading. Plus, if you like to dig deeper, I’ve included some references to peer-reviewed articles and additional info at the bottom of the newsletter. Look for the related numbers in the section headers to geek out like I do. Cheers!
Please note that I will be out of the office the week of April 21.
April Discount!
Fresh from an enlightening Craniosacral Therapy advanced training weekend, I’m thrilled to share the knowledge I’ve gained. This month, I’m offering a $15 discount on 60-minute and 90-minute Craniosacral Therapy sessions (purchase in April and use before the end of June). With new techniques focusing on the jaw and mouth, I can now provide support for issues stemming from extensive dental treatments (keeping our mouth open for a long time may result in tensions/restrictions in the face/mouth/head) and TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) pain, as well as provide more targeted techniques for other affected areas.
Since Craniosacral Therapy is closely connected with the Central Nervous System (CNS), we are spotlighting the CNS in this month’s newsletter.
Anatomy and Physiology: CNS (1)
The nervous system is like the body’s electrical wiring. One of the main components is the central nervous system (CNS). The CNS includes the brain and spinal cord, which are protected by the skull and vertebrae. As we all know, the brain does many things, like thinking, feeling emotions, and controlling movement. Meanwhile, the spinal cord acts like a messenger, passing signals between the brain and the rest of the body. It’s a super busy system, with billions of tiny cells called neurons working together to keep everything running smoothly. Craniosacral Therapy (CST) helps free the central nervous system to perform at its best.
Optimizing nutrition: CNS (2)
We can focus on good nutrition to help keep your central nervous system (CNS) healthy and strong. Omega-3s from wild-caught fish, flaxseeds (ground or oil), and walnuts boost brain function. We can protect our neurons with antioxidants like vitamin E from almonds, spinach, and avocados and fuel neurotransmitter production with B vitamins found in leafy greens, legumes, and whole grains. We can add berries and turmeric for extra CNS protection and enjoy magnesium-rich foods like dark chocolate (my favorite!), nuts, and seeds to support nerve health. Prioritizing a diet rich in these nourishing elements can give our CNS the essential building blocks necessary for optimal function, resilience, and longevity.
Movement and the CNS (3)
Regular exercise is crucial for keeping our central nervous system (CNS) healthy. It triggers the release of mood-boosting neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin while improving cognitive function. Aerobic workouts boost blood flow to the brain, delivering essential oxygen and nutrients for optimal brain activity. Try activities like yoga or dance to challenge coordination and balance, which can enhance neural pathways and cognitive abilities. Strength training is also important, as it maintains muscle mass and coordination while reducing the risk of falls. By making movement a priority, you’ll not only improve your physical fitness but also support a strong and resilient CNS.
Additional Reading:
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/21202-nervous-system and https://training.seer.cancer.gov/anatomy/nervous/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3258094/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4061837/, https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-33063-9 and https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0006899323001269
Wishing you a wonderful April!
In health,
Karen