Let's Get Physical!  Today's show featured Erica Lannon of Taos Massage and Manual Therapy. Erica helped us explore the connection between the muscles and the nervous system and the importance of that connection for our overall physical well-being. We learned about the benefits of Medical Massage and Manual therapy as well as some practices we can utilize on our own to create and maintain optimal wellness.     

To Contact Erica for more information or to make an appointment, call 575-779-0268 or email erica@manualtherapytaos.com.     

                              Erica Lannon's 6 Practices for Health and Longevity

1.       Breathe Rhythmically and lengthen the exhale (Meditation is the crown jewel of this practice). This activates the parasympathetic nervous system and helps your body relax and digest.  It is great for getting ready for sleep or to calm anxiety. For a great article on how to do this, go to http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-4386/A-Simple-Breathing-Exercise-to-Calm-Your-Mind-Body.html

2.       Pay Attention to your posture.

When you sit, stand, or walk, your sternum should probably be more forward than it is! (Take a deep breath into your rib cage and bring your shoulderblades down and closer together toward the back of the body to feel this) This helps resolve the very common head-forward hunchback posture. Avoid sitting on your sacrum. Stand with equal weight in both feet. When you walk, the first part of your foot to hit the ground should be your heel.

3.       Stretch, move your body in restorative ways (do yoga, swim, neck/shoulder rolls)

This encourages Lymph and Blood Flow, and breaks up habitual patterns of tension. For the best stretching routines out there see www.stretchingusa.com. The Wharton's Stretch Book by Jim and Phil Wharton offers and efficient explanation and instructions for the Active Isolated Stretching Method.

4.       Drink Plenty of water.  Aching joints and muscle cramps and strains can all occur if the body is dehydrated.  Drinking water can reduce pain in your joints by keeping the cartilage soft and hydrated. This is actually how glucosamine helps reduce joint pain, by aiding in cartilage’s absorption of water.  Avoid drinking out of plastic bottles.

5.       Rest. Allow yourself to recharge. Try to get a good night’s sleep as often as you can.

6.       Explore! Find out what restores you.  Do things that give you a sense of freedom and joy. Be Adventurous!
 
 

                                                              Recipe of the Month!

       The recipe below is easy to make, delicious, and energizing!  It is taken from Going Raw by Judita Wignall

                                                                                About Me!
   
      My name is Melissa McNulty and I am the host of this show. I am a certified Mind/Body wellness Practitioner, nationally certified hypnotherapist, life coach, and nutrition coach with a degree in mind/body transformational psychology.  I have a practice in Taos called Taos Hypnotherapy where I specialize in helping people transcend their anxieties and fears so they can reach their own ultimate potential and live the lives they truly desire. taoshypnotherapy.com  I am a lifelong student of Wellness and am excited to share my discoveries with you on this show.  You can tune into “The It’s all Good Radio Hour” every First Wednesday of the Month from 9-10 am.  You can catch the next show on Wednesday, September 7th on 93.5 KNCE Taos or stream it live on truetaosradio.com.