| Bodies in Motion...Stay in Motion...a simple 20 minute walk is all it takes. Movement is what keeps us young. After many years of listening to people talk about how to have a young and healthy body and by observing my own body, I have made several conclusions as to how I think we may be able to feel and be young. Keep our body in motion is key. Movement sends a signal to the brain that says "I am young and I am growing." The brain responds by increasing the metabolism and helping the body stay strong and heal faster. Movement also stimulates the production of neurotransmitters that help us feel good, relieve depression, and motivate us to move. As we get older and become inactive a different signal is sent to the brain. "Slow down the production....there is no need to build, strengthen and heal." Actually the message is more like "this body is preparing to die" and a body that is dying does not need to be strong and healthy. In addition to feeling younger, movement increases circulation. By increasing your blood flow two things are accomplished: cellular nourishment and removal of toxins. As the heart pumps blood into the body, it carries oxygen and nutrient rich blood to the cells. For the blood to move back toward the heart, muscular movement is necessary. As our muscles pump, they massage the veins and lymphatic vessels which carry out the blood and waste created by the cells. Not much movement is required. A simple 20 minute walk around the neighborhood is all it takes to keep the blood flowing and the mind young. Try and leave the cell phone behind during this walk so this can become a time of relaxation as well. Breathe deeply, remembering to exhale and inhale fully and enjoy this time of quiet. Nutrition. Most of us eat plenty, maybe even too much, but we are not able to absorb the nutrients available. By chewing slowly and eating less, we can better utilize the nutrients present. It is also good to consume a wide variety of foods so our body has more vitamins, minerals and amino acids from which to choose. We need "good fats" in our diet to produce hormones, vitamin D and bile salts, and to counteract the "bad cholesterol." Good fats are found in cold pressed vegetable, nut and seed oils. These oils are beneficial in small quantities and are best when consumed raw (not cooked). Stress, smoking, caffeine, sodas, alcohol, sugar and drugs deplete our body of nutrients and water. One way to counteract the effect these items might have is to supplement our diet with vitamins, minerals, enzymes or electrolytes and to consume more water. If you are not sure how to supplement, consult a nutritionist who can test your blood to see which nutrients are lacking in your diet and may discover foods that cause allergic reactions which leave us feeling lethargic. Cleansing. Cleansing our body is as important as nourishing it and by eliminating toxins and waste we may help prevent illness and feel more energized. Water is an important part of cleansing as well as our source of hydration. Try keeping a tall glass of room temperature water next to the bed and drinking it first thing upon waking to help the body cleanse in the morning. It is also a good to spend time "reading" on the toilet and giving the body a chance to have another kind of moving experience. It is possible to have a movement more than once a day and it is said that we should be eliminating as often as we are eating. Here's to your wellbeing! |
| WASHINGTON WELLBEING |
| Center for Massage & Craniosacral Therapy...Restoring Wellbeing since 1992 |
Offering Massage and Craniosacral Therapy since 1992 in Arlington, McLean, Falls Church, Great Falls, Vienna, Tyson's Corner, Virginia and DC |
| 703-944-9545 |
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| Lisa Grimaldi Pawar, CMT |
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| 104 N. Oak St, City of Falls Church, VA |