Category: Healing

Plantar Fasciitis Treatment Method

Plantar Fasciitis Treatment Method

Plantar fasciitis (PLAN’-tar Fashee-EYE’-tis) is a medical condition characterized by moderate to severe heel pain stemming from when the plantar fascia (FA’-shee-uh) becomes inflamed, usually by trauma or overuse. The plantar fascia is a tough band of connective tissue on the bottom of your foot that runs from your heel to the base of your toes at the ball of your foot.

Symptoms

Commonly experienced first in the morning or after a period of rest, this heel pain can mimic the pain of stepping on a piece of glass or can feel as if the heel itself is bruised. If the patient has been off of her or his feet for at least 30 to 60 minutes, for example, while watching television or having a meal, the patient will often hobble for the first several steps due to the pain before being able to put any weight on the heel.

Causes

The most common cause of plantar fasciitis is a sudden increase in use, like walking or running. However, sometimes the cause of the specific trauma may go unnoticed until symptoms worsen.

Treatments

There are two common approaches to treating plantar fasciitis — (1) Stretching and (2) Resting.

The Stretching Method

If the tissue is loose enough, it will not get inflamed when being used. Here are a few ways to administer the stretch:

Plantar Fasciitis Stretches
  • Stretch the calf with the knee straight to isolate the gastroc.
  • Stretch the calf with the knee bent to isolate the soleus
Plantar Fasciitis Stretches
  • Stretch the calf using a stair or edge on the bottom of the foot to isolate the plantar fascia.
  • Splint the foot in a flexed position at night by untucking the sheets of the bed so the foot can rest in a more neutral position.
  • Roll the bottom of the foot with a tennis ball or frozen water bottle.

The Resting Method

When rested for an extended period of time, the inflammation has the opportunity to subside. Consider:

  • Decreasing activity of being on feet
  • Wearing soft and cushy shoes
  • Using crutches or wearing an orthopedic boot.

If you have tried both of these methods and have found that you are not healing as fast as you would like, I would suggest trying a third method that I have found works very well.

Below is an excerpt from the founder of this technique, Harry Oxenhandler:

One day, after having walked quite a long distance, I noticed pain in my heel. I had no recollection of having injured my heel other than the walk itself. The pain persisted, and I noticed that I was hobbling after having been seated for a while or after having gotten out of bed. I finally realized that I had plantar fasciitis and that it had probably been caused by one of the soft spikes on the bottom of my athletic shoe. After several days of rest and stretching with no positive results, I became very frustrated. I sat down on a chair and crossed my ankle on my opposite knee and turned the sole of my foot towards my face, and began to probe the bottom of my sore heel to see if I could find the most tender spot. Once I located the most tender spot, I marked it with a ballpoint pen and then took the rounded, blunt end of the pen and began to apply deep pressure to that very specific spot.

Needless to say, it was very tender, but I have to tell you that it was a “good hurt,” if you know what I mean. It felt as if I were, somehow, getting to the root of the problem. I switched to using my thumb because it gave me more leverage and continued to push on the most tender spot until I felt the tip of my thumb actually touching the heel bone itself. Of course, I had not penetrated the skin. I had merely pushed the underlying tissues out of the way by applying steady, deep pressure for about 5 minutes until it felt as if my thumb tip were touching my heel bone. At that point, I stopped.

The next day, my heel was sore. After a couple of days, however, the heel felt better. The symptoms of pain and hobbling around were still there, but it was not nearly so severe. I repeated the above treatment about every three days for a total of six times. The heel pain disappeared and has never returned since.

I decided to offer this treatment option to those of my patients with plantar fasciitis that had suffered from the problem for a long time, that had tried many of the treatment modalities available and that were willing to give it a try. Many of my patients were more than willing because plantar fasciitis can be very disabling. I would ask the patient to lie face down on the examining table, and I would bend the knee to 90°. Then I would carefully poke around with my thumb until I found the most tender spot on the heel. I then explained to the patient that when I applied gradual but deep pressure, that s(he) was going to feel some tenderness and to tell me if s(he) wanted me to stop at any time. I am being completely honest with you when I say that no one had ever asked me to stop until I had finished (about 5 min).”

– Excerpt from MEDICAL PEARLS of WISDOM: 4 Secret Cures from a Pain Specialist

As shown in the example from the founder of this method, the simple yet profound impact of slow, steady, and deep pressure cannot be understated. Different tissues in the body have different tissue densities. The denser the tissue, the slower it responds to pressure.

A few examples of this phenomenon can be shown through foods. For example, when you are spreading butter, warm butter is less dense and spreads easier than cold. Another example is jelly vs. peanut butter. Jelly spreads easier than peanut butter because it is less dense. If you have ever tried to spread peanut butter on bread too quickly, it will tear the bread. You need to apply slow and steady pressure to avoid tearing.

Like jelly and peanut butter, muscles are less dense than ligaments and tendons. And as we go deeper, ligaments and tendons are less dense than bone.

Therefore, it’s important to note that muscles respond quickly to external pressure. Bones, on the other hand, respond more slowly. This is why extended periods of muscle tension can cause pain and aggravation in the tendons, like tennis elbow. Extended periods of tendon tension will create aggravation in the bone, like bone spurs. With plantar fasciitis, there is some level of muscle tension and tendon tension and, in severe cases, possible bone inflammation. To treat this inflammation, we need to apply the appropriate amount of pressure to stimulate the appropriate tissue.

Typically done with plantar fasciitis, applying heat for 10 minutes, foam rolling, and a quick massage will relax the muscles, however, it will not have an impact on the plantar fascia.

I have found that instead, soaking the foot for 20-30 min and applying slow, steady pressure will have a greater effect on relaxing the deeper and denser plantar facia.

The key to successful treatment was to make sure that I applied deep and steady pressure until I felt as if the tip of my thumb had gradually pushed away the fat and fascia layers beneath the skin of the heel and had actually touched the heel bone. The heel can have quite a thick layer of fat and fascia between the skin of the heel and the heel bone, so it can take considerable pressure to separate those tissues and reach the heel bone.

Tips & Tricks

I would recommend this method for treatment with your patients:

  • Foot soak for 20 to 30 minutes
  • Topical Liniment Rub to the area
  • Apply Knobble with slow and steady pressure

Foot Soak
I have found that longer exposure to heat, like a foot soak, is better and more relaxing to the deeper tissue of the feet than a topical healing pad. The heat helps the tissue move and spread apart so you can reach the deeper plantar fascial layer more quickly. Botanical Biohacking Foot Soaks are by far the best I have found.

Topical Liniments
I have also found that applying topical liniments can help the foot feel better and recover quicker from the deep pressure. For Plantar Fasciitis, Evil Bone Water is the best. It penetrates deeply into the tissue and bones, stimulating fresh blood flow to the area to supercharge the healing process.

Unlike oral pain medications, EBW gets to work on pain immediately. You don’t have to wait for the ingredients to go through your stomach and digestive system, degrading along the way and depositing harmful compounds into your blood and vital organs. Simply apply EBW to the affected area, and the patient will instantly feel warm relief.

The Knobble

Buy Evil Bone Water Today!

Evil Bone Water (Zheng Gu Shui) is a Chinese topical medicinal hand-crafted with only empirical grade herbal ingredients in an approved facility.

We make available natural products that have been observed to make a difference in the lives of our patients, friends and family. You’re in good hands shopping with us.

Evil Bone Water (Zheng Gu Shui) Side Effects & FAQ

picture of evil bone water zheng gui gu shui

Evil Bone Water (EBW) is a product I use in my clinic all the time. It helps a lot of people all around the world find pain relief due to its powerful and all-natural healing benefits. Evil Bone Water is a memorable nickname for a powerful topical Chinese herbal liniment called Zheng Gu Shui, which translates into “bone-setting liquid.” It was developed by a Chinese Master Herbalist over 500 years ago and is used today to treat pain and trauma from backaches, arthritis, strains, bruises, sprains, and breaks.

I am answering some of the most frequently asked questions to provide valuable tips on the best way to use EBW so that you, too, can experience its robust healing properties.

What Are the Side Effects of Evil Bone Water?

Evil Bone Water is very safe and has few to no side effects. Use it after careful consideration and with the same respect and dedication you’d give to traditional medicines. Every ingredient used in EBW is evaluated and microscopically tested for proper variety, contaminants, and strength. Rest assured that Evil Bone Water from our clinic contains no animal products and is non-GMO, gluten-free, cruelty-free, pesticide-free, and contaminant free. Each herb is sustainably and ethically sourced. Everything that goes into the bottles comes from the finest ingredients on the planet.

Is Camphor in Evil Bone Water safe?

Is Camphor Safe?

Camphorated oil can be used with no risks when following the proper prescriptions. Camphor is a natural product derived from the wood of the camphor laurel (Cinnamomum camphor L.) Camphor can also be produced synthetically from vinyl chloride and cyclopentadiene, passing through the intermediate dehydronorbornyl chloride. However, Evil Bone Water only uses Camphor from natural wood sources.

Zhang Nao: Natural Camphor is a fascinating herb. The synthetic version can be toxic. However, our natural version of Camphor in Evil Bone Water is much safer. It takes over double the amount of natural Camphor to become toxic. The toxicity of synthetic Camphor occurs at 2g for adults and 1g for kids. While the natural Camphor we use is much safer, the entire bottle of EBW only contains 1.8g of Zhang Nao (natural Camphor).

Camphor is absolutely safe when used topically. However, ingesting Camphor is dangerous.

Additionally, there have been some reports of Camphor intoxication in infants when Camphor is applied to their nostrils. Women must take special care when using Camphor during pregnancy because Camphor crosses the placental barrier. In addition, children who have a history of febrile convulsions or other predisposing factors for convulsions should avoid using Camphor.

In conclusion, Camphor in the form of a camphorated topical in Evil Bone Water can be safely used at the proposed dosages, on the indicated patient’s target, for topical application.

Zuccarini, Paolo. “Camphor: risks and benefits of a widely used natural product.” Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management 13.2 (2009).

Is Menthol Safe?

Mint and menthol are safe when used topically but can be dangerous when taken internally at high dosages. Menthol can impart systemic toxic effects; this has been demonstrated in animal models and humans, either by those consuming menthol at high dosages or breathing it in for longer than 60 minutes. It can also cause overheating when used as a cooling method for someone overheated.

Best, Russ. “Mint and Menthol: A Review of Potential Health Benefits and wider Human effects.” (2022).

Is Ethanol or Alcohol Safe?

Alcohol-based topicals are safe even under heavy-use conditions. Ethanol is widely used in topical applications, and users seldom report experiencing adverse effects. The most common side effect is dry skin or skin irritations. In addition, if there is an open cut, ethanol will increase the stinging sensation.

The topical application of 10% ethanol stimulates the proliferation of skin and positively influences the stimulation of wound healing. In addition, studies show that using ethanol on the skin increases blood vessel dilation. The ethanol also breaks down lipid or skin oils which can enhance hydration because of increased cutaneous permeability to alcohol.

Decreased skin oil also lowers the skin barrier function and makes the membrane more permeable. This action explains how ethanol helps other herbs penetrate the skin.

Maier, Andrew, et al. “Safety assessment for ethanol-based topical antiseptic use by health care workers: evaluation of developmental toxicity potential.” Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology 73.1 (2015): 248-264.

How Will Evil Bone Water Help Me?

One of the central questions I am asked is, “How will Evil Bone Water help me?” EBW is a topical analgesic that reduces inflammation (swelling), muscle soreness, and particularly “itis” inflammations, such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, Plantar Fasciitis, or Bursitis inflammation. It will also treat other types of pain from sports and accidental injuries, like sprains, muscle cramps, insect bites, contact dermatitis (poison oak, sumac, and ivy), broken bones, and bruises.

Evil Bone Water's Efficacy Based on Depth of Injury

An important factor when assessing pain is determining whether that injury is topical or superficial. The more superficial something is, the better results you’ll get with a topical analgesic. If the wound is very deep, EBW must work harder to penetrate through several layers of tissue, including your skin layer and cutaneous facial tissues, before it is absorbed into your muscles. If you have an injury underneath the muscle, Evil Bone Water must go even deeper.

The more superficial something is, the better results you’ll get with a topical analgesic. This is also why topical EBW can be so soothing for inflamed and itchy skin-like bug bites. A lot of damage to the tendons and ligaments, such as the hands, elbows, neck, ankles, and feet, can be very superficial. All of these are good for treatment with EBW, but deep areas, like abdominal pain and hip issues, would not benefit as much from EBW.

It is also important to note that Evil Bone Water is alcohol-based and disinfectant. Therefore, it will burn and sting when applied to open wounds.

What Does Evil Bone Water Help With?

Evil Bone Water is an external use-only analgesic that promotes good circulation, helps ease pain, decreases inflammation, and strengthens connective tissues.

As the name suggests, it helps heal bones and shorten the recovery time of fractures’ e. If you have a broken bone, first apply EBW to an area of unbroken skin above the break for immediate pain relief. Then doctors can set the bone back into place at the hospital.

Evil Bone Water is useful to have on hand, especially if you play sports. It is well-known among athletes and martial artists and is often prescribed for fractures, bruises, and sprains in sports medicine.

Anyone can benefit from Evil Bone Water. Its rapid, deep-penetrating healing properties can relieve chronic muscle and bone tissues, such as carpal tunnel syndrome and arthritis.

Zheng Xie Gu Shui (Evil Bone Water) works fast for elderly patients that bruise easily. It not only heals the bruise quickly but also improves blood circulation.

Evil Bone Water truly heals injuries. It does not just temporarily relieve symptoms of pain and inflammation. EBW has powerful healing properties that are beneficial to everyone.

Evil Bone Water (Zheng Gu Shui) is a very strong Chinese medicinal topical commonly used for:

  • Sports and accidental injuries
  • Sprains
  • Muscle cramps
  • Insect bites
  • Contact dermatitis – poison oak, sumac, and ivy
  • Broken bones
  • Bruises
  • Mild topical anesthetic

Does Evil Bone Water Help With GI Problems?

Methanol and Camphor are effective muscle relaxers. As a result, applying Evil Bone Water to the abdomen helps alleviate stomach or menstrual cramps.

Does Evil Bone Water Help With Breathing Problems?

Apply Evil Bone Water near the nose and upper chest to relax muscles in the upper respiratory tract. Treatments with EBW result in sensations of increased nasal potency and the ability to breathe easier.

Does Evil Bone Water Help with Headaches?

Migraines are thought to be caused by problems with nerves in the trigeminal region and cranial nerves at the base of the neck. Soothe migraine pain by applying Evil Bone Water to three areas of the head: the right temple, the left temple, and the depression in front of your ear created by opening your jaw. Keep EBW out of your eyes.

Headaches can also be caused by irritation of the cranial nerves. These nerves travel superficially on the scalp and then go deeper at the occiput or base of the neck. As a result, applying EBW at the base of your neck is very helpful for those suffering from Headaches.

How Often Should I Apply Evil Bone Water?

The top mistake EBW users make is applying it incorrectly. Evil Bone Water needs to soak into your skin. Removing it or showering too early after application will stop it from working. In addition, EBW needs to be used frequently. It is recommended to apply it 2 times a day. If your skin becomes dry or irritated, you are using too much product.

How Do I Apply Evil Bone Water?

Soak With EBW
You can put EBW into a tub. Begin with hot water, then add EBW to it. Soak your hands or feet using this method. Do not bathe in EBW.

Cotton Ball
Apply Evil Bone Water topically 2x a day with a cotton ball. Make sure to rub it in fully. Place the cotton ball between your fingers and then rub it on the area. Avoid squeezing the cotton ball with your fingertips. You will lose valuable EBW as it drips out of the cotton ball. Instead, pinch the cotton ball between the webbing of your fingers and lightly rub it onto the area. If you want to apply more, you can add a couple more cotton balls between the webbing of your fingers.

Spray
Apply Evil Bone Water as a spritz for bug repellant or for a milder healing effect. After that, you can simply use a spray bottle. It is alcohol-based and dries quickly. It is recommended to fan the area before putting your clothes on to prevent staining.

Wrap It
Apply EBW as a compress to kill bacteria and treat post-insect bites. Evil Bone Water is especially effective for tick bites. Compress 1-2 times daily for 30 minutes to 2 hours. Be careful not to cover it with plastic wrap for too long. It is important to let the compress breathe. Soak cotton balls and pin them to the area before wrapping. This extra step will help Evil Bone Water soak in more.

Wrap Instructions

  • 1. Moisten a gauze pad, cotton ball, or piece of flannel with EBW. You’ll want it saturated but not dripping.
  • 2. Apply it to the affected area and allow it to absorb fully for 30-90 minutes.
  • 3. Limiting movement is best, so watch TV, browse Facebook, read a book, or pay your bills while it absorbs.
  • 4. Enjoy quick relief.

Tip: EBW will stain, so be cautious of where it comes in contact.

Evil Bone Water and Blood Circulation?

EBW absorbs through the skin and tiny capillaries. Therefore, the more blood circulation you can get to the area before application, the quicker Evil Bone Water will absorb. There are several ways to increase blood circulation to the injury site. However, the easiest way is heat. Take a hot shower and apply EBW after your shower. Another option is to rub the area until it gets nice and red. Red is a sign of vasodilation and means blood circulation has increased.

Additional methods to increase blood circulation include foam rolling, massages, cupping, and suction cups. In the clinic, I use compression guns that create vasodilation through vibration.

Conclusion

Using Evil Bone Water or Zheng Xie Gui Shui has many benefits! It is a powerful topical that stops pain, reduces inflammation, and accelerates healing. Zheng Xie Gui Shui has a rich history in traditional Chinese Medicine. Now, as more practitioners prescribe natural remedies for pain-related traumas and illnesses, they recommend Evil Bone Water.

Don’t let pain stop you from living your life to the fullest. We can’t wait for you to experience the healing process of Evil Bone Water. Click here to buy a bottle now.

Buy Evil Bone Water Today!

Evil Bone Water (Zheng Gu Shui) is a Chinese topical medicinal hand-crafted with only empirical grade herbal ingredients in an approved facility.

We make available natural products that have been observed to make a difference in the lives of our patients, friends and family. You’re in good hands shopping with us.

Introduction to Herbal Medicine

Introduction to Herbal Medicine with Valley Health Clinic

What is Herbal Medicine

Herbal medicine simply means using specific plants (or parts or extracts of plants) to treat or alleviate health issues. It is one of the most commonly used forms of natural medicine in the U.S., and modern clinical studies have confirmed the effectiveness of many herbal remedies.

Why do we use Herbal Medicine?

We include herbal medicine as part of a comprehensive treatment plan because it complements acupuncture giving you faster results.

It is a simple, natural, and affordable way for you as a patient to continue your care in between appointments.

We Use Only the Best Herbs

All our herbs are derived from nature. They do not contain harsh chemicals, alcohol, or preservatives, and are very gentle to your system. Each batch is checked for safety against bacteria, fungus, and heavy metal.

They are manufactured under pharmaceutical GMP standards. This mandates that all our products have undergone TLC testing to validate authenticity, HPLC testing to ensure potency, and have a COA to guarantee safety and purity. In other words, our products are manufactured with surgical precision in a bio-med laboratory while other herbal products are made with food standards. If you believe Chinese herbs are medicine, you must use Chinese herbs that are made with pharmaceutical precision to attain desired therapeutic results.

How To Brew Chinese herbal tea

Teas come in two main categories:

  • Teas with seeds (Peak, Wind, Neurogene)
  • Teas without seeds. (Xiao Yao Wan, Warm Hearth, Hao Xiang Zheng Qi Wan)

For the teas without seeds, you brew them like you would any normal herbal tea.

  • Pour boiling water onto the teabag,
  • Let it steep for 5-10 minutes,
  • Sit and enjoy

You can rebrew these teas several times until there’s no more flavor left.

For the teas with seeds, we recommend simmering on the stove for 20 to 30 minutes, to get a complete extraction of the active ingredients.

  • Take the teabag out of the package.
  • Shake the contents of the teabag down
    • Cut the teabag open. You don’t have to do this step but I like to brew it this way.
    • Empty it into a pot.
  • For each teabag, you want to use about one to two pints of water.
  • Simmer for 20 to 30 minutes
  • After teas have been simmering for about 20-30 minutes

It’s ready to strain and drink. You can use a thermos or a mason jar whatever you like. Tea strainer pour the tea through the strainer you’ll see it’s got a beautiful color and you can really smell the aroma. It’s great straight out of the jar or use your favorite mug. Enjoy!

Watch this Great Video

Side Effects

Sensitive patients may experience reactions such as minor stomach discomfort. If such reactions occur, reduce the dosage, take with food, or let me know

Can I take Herbs with my Prescription drugs?

Most herbal may be taken by individuals who are also using prescription drugs, without problems. However, it is recommended that herbal be taken on an empty stomach at least two hours apart from the prescription drugs.

The most common interaction is that herbal medicine increases the effectiveness of prescription medication or duplicates the action.

Most common interaction is with, Antiplatelets, Anticoagulants, antihyperlipidemic. So please inform me if you are on any medication so I can best advise you on what to do to avoid possible herb-drug interaction.

Steps to Wellness

There are 3 unique steps to wellness. However, the rate at which you move through these stages depends on your unique situation. A good rule of thumb is one month of care for every year you have had a certain medical condition.

Step 1: Symptomatic Care

During this stage, our is concerned with alleviating the symptoms causing you to seek help. Once your symptoms are relieved, you will move on to Step 2, Corrective Care.

If this is difficult to understand, think of replenishing an overgrown garden. The first step in cultivating the space is to cut back excess growth and weeds. Your symptoms are very much like the weeds.

Step 2: Corrective Care

In order to restore your health, we must also determine the underlying cause of your illness, rather than simply addressing the symptoms. This involves a second Evergreen formula uniquely positioned and carefully prescribed to address the root of your concerns. Often, patients enjoy the second treatment phase for two to six months.

Continuing the garden analogy, we now must take complete care to remove the weeds from the soil and prepare the soil for new seeds to plant. Using appropriate tools, the roots are extracted, leaving healthy plants and rich earth behind. Step 2 heals what is creating and causing your pain and discomfort, setting the stage for healthy living.

Step 3: Maintenance Care

The final phase of your care includes Maintenance Therapy. We will prescribe tonics and keep your immune system strong and healthy, so it will protect the body as it should. The final phase of treatment is ongoing. After all, relapse is simply unacceptable

In our analogy, this means the soil of our reclaimed garden is fertilized and treated to prevent the return of weeds while building a healthy foundation to support the growth of beautiful plants and flowers. What this means for you is that your overall health is protected by Chinese herbs, just as the garden is protected and allowed to thrive.

Exercise Alternatives: Get the Benefits Without the Drawbacks

Exercise Alternatives: Get the Benefits Without the Drawbacks

Download our Free Instructional Guide

Learn six simple, low-intensity activities for less pain, and more comfort in your body.

While sports acupuncturists spend ample time working with athletes, we also regularly help patients who are living with chronic illness. And one of the key components of successful treatment for these clients is exercise.

Many chronically ill and elderly patients experience tiredness, pain, and even compromised immune systems after a bout of exercise. That’s why, as acupuncturists, we often recommend exercise alternatives.

These alternatives can provide similar benefits as exercise without the negative effects.

Understanding Exercise and Illness

From athletes functioning at peak health to people coping with chronic illnesses, physical activity is a cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle. But rewarding daily exercise looks different for these two populations.

That’s because moderate and intense exercise affects a healthy body and a sick body differently.

How Exercise Normally Works

For an athlete, and for the average healthy person, exercise works in the following way:

  • Moderate and high-intensity workouts push the body up to and beyond its limits. Muscle tissue breaks down, and your system enters a state of stress.
  • After breaking your body down, your healthy immune and nervous systems kick into repair mode. You begin to recover.
  • Once you fully recover, you’re stronger, faster, or more flexible than you were before. You can start the cycle over again, increasing your performance ability each time.

How Exercise Works in Chronic Illness

Exercise doesn’t work the same way for someone who is chronically ill. To understand why you have to understand how the body processes stress.

To our bodies, stress comes in many different forms. We can experience physical stress, mental stress, or emotional stress. We can experience stress that lasts only moments, or stress that lasts years.

But internally, our nervous systems and body structures handle all of those types of stress in the same way. Stress incurred from a chronic inflammation looks much the same to our nervous system as stress from a 10-mile run.

For example, rheumatoid arthritis, type 2 diabetes, and fibromyalgia seem to have dysfunctions in the autonomic nervous system trending toward increased sympathetic nervous system activity. Research also shows that by stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system you will have a decreased inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis, and improves sleep in fibromyalgia (Manuel, et al Koopman)

This higher sympathetic tone never allows the body to fully enter into the recovery phase in order to heal from intense exercise. So what can make a healthy person grow stronger can my another person just hurt more.

Phases of Exercise

There are some basic phases of exercise that can be helpful to understand.

In the first phase of exercise is metabolic changes. Your muscles begin to use up oxygen through glycolysis. This will signal the release of adenosine and nitric oxide which will dilate peripheral blood vessels surrounding the muscles. This sends a signal to dilate upstream vessels. As the body works it will also release CO2 which will act on the hemoglobins and make it easier for them to release oxygen back into the muscles. (Nitric Oxide and Adenosine are two major players in the health benefits of Acupuncture)

The second phase of exercise is autonomic changes. The peripheral dilation of blood vessels in the muscles causes a slight drop in blood pressure which will then stimulate the sympathetic nervous system. This signal is widespread and has many functions. It raises the blood pressure by increasing heart rate and redistribution of blood flow. There are approximately 2 liters of extra blood stored in our veins and organs. The sympathetic system will constrict these tissue to release blood and increase blood flow back to the heart which will allow it to expand and contract harder.

The redistribution of blood goes as follows. The blood flow to the brain will stay the same. There will be an increase in blood flow to the skin and muscles. The key here is that moderate exercise will slightly increase blood to the GI and Kidneys but with intense exercise, there will be decrease blood to gut and kidney and bladder.

The third phase of exercise is hormonal changes. Hormonal changes are slower acting and occur much later in prolonged exercise.

It is important to think about this progression when exercising because we need to make sure the body can tolerate each phase.

Alternatives to Traditional Exercise

Instead of hitting the treadmill or grabbing the weights, people who are chronically ill can use these alternatives to get similar exercise benefits in a controllable manner.

Vibration

When you exercise, you put stress on your bones, muscles, and ligaments. That stress can come from repetitive impact (as in running and jumping) or from repetitive flexion and extension (as in weight-lifting).

For many individuals with chronic illnesses that affect the bones, such as arthritis, and those that affect connective tissue, like inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, this repetitive strain causes more harm than good.

However, your body needs some amount of stress on its bones and tissues in order to maintain and build up density. Density maintenance is especially important for those who have arthritis or early signs of osteoporosis.

The best example of a vibration-type exercise is the shaking and patting you see top athletes do before a race or competition. Shaking out, and patting down, a muscle group or part of your body gets it engaged in much the same way as more strenuous exercise.

Hydrotherapy

Hot and cold water work in similar ways to exercise by triggering vasodilation and constriction.

Applying cold water stimulates the kidneys and adrenal glands and creates vasoconstriction (the shrinking of your blood vessels). It is helpful in pain management because it reduces the amount of blood flow to painful areas.

Ice-cold water is also known to trigger a sympathetic nervous system response (fight-or-flight). This response releases endocannabinoids in the brain, which is the same mechanism behind the euphoria known as “runner’s high.”

On the other side of the coin, hot water creates vasodilation (the expanding of your blood vessels). Vasodilation promotes healing by increasing blood flow. It also improves heart function and has been shown to be helpful in treating COPD.

The simplest form of hydrotherapy is hot and cold showers. This is something you can do at home to engage your nervous system and trigger vasoconstriction or dilation. Cold showers shouldn’t be freezing, but it should be cold enough to feel invigorating. Research shows that even moderately cold temperatures still provide benefits.

If cold showers don’t sound appealing, here’s a tip: start your shower warm, like you normally would. Slowly, turn the water to a colder temperature. This allows your body to get used to the cold water more gradually, rather than shocking your system all at once.

Breathing

Certain breathing techniques can trigger the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems in similar ways to exercise. Other methods can help increase adrenaline without triggering the harmful release of cortisol. Imagine getting into a cold bath: you quickly breath in. Imagine getting into a warm bath: you relax and blow a big breath out.

Breathing techniques can work in two ways: stimulating your parasympathetic nervous system or stimulating your sympathetic nervous system.

When you exhale, you trigger your parasympathetic nervous system, and vice versa. You might notice that you sigh when you’re stressed or you sigh when you feel relaxed. It is a way for your body to comfort itself and express comfort.

On the other hand, inhaling triggers the sympathetic nervous system. When you’re scared you hold your breath. When you are surprised you quickly breath in. Taking an exaggerated inhale sends a signal to your body to trigger the sympathetic nervous system, or the “fight and flight” system.

There’s a lot more to learn about breathing and how you can use breathing techniques to trigger certain responses in your body. To read more, click here.

Movement

When we think of exercise, we think of movement. For chronically ill patients, movement in exercise is more gradual and less intense than for others. But these less intense movement exercises can have the same benefits as more strenuous movement workouts. The key benefit of movement is getting your blood flowing to all parts of your body.

Movement exercises that you can do if you’re chronically ill, without triggering harmful side effects, include:

  • Walking
  • Stretching
  • Lifting low-level weights
  • Using exercise bands
  • Yoga

How to Exercise with Chronic Illness

If you have an ongoing condition or you know someone who does, it’s important to understand how you should and should not exercise.

Don’t Wear Yourself Out

For most people, the goal of a good workout is to push your body just past its limits, to the point that you feel worn out. That’s when you know that you’re body has been adequate stressed or broken down and with rest will enter into a state of recovery, building up stronger muscles.

But for people who are chronically ill, that “worn-out” point is the danger zone because the increase sympathetic tone impairs the recovery phase. Since your body is already trying to cope with a chronic state of illness, it will struggle to recover from the added stress of working out.

Moderation is Key

So how do you achieve your exercise goals if you can’t push yourself past the point of comfort? The key is moderation.

If you have a goal of walking four miles this week, don’t pack all four miles into one day. Instead, break up those four miles into the smallest increments you can. You might walk half a mile in the morning and half a mile at night, and repeat the pattern every other day.

In this way, you’ll never find yourself worn out, but you can still set goals for yourself and push yourself to achieve more. As your tolerance for exercise increases, you’ll be able to walk longer distances without risking exhaustion.

Good Days and Bad Days

If you’re older, or if you have a chronic illness, you’ll know that some days, you feel healthier than others. Likewise, there may be certain times of the day when you feel stronger and more capable of exercise.

When you’re scheduling your exercise times, try to keep your activities within these “good” times, and stay away from the “bad” ones. Your bad days and hours are times when your body needs all of its energy reserves to rest and heal.

Know the Goal

It’s key to remember your goal when you’re engaging in physical activity, even if it isn’t strenuous work. If you start to feel like going through these exercise alternatives isn’t giving you the benefits you want, it may be time to try another method.

Remember that the point of exercise alternatives is to give you the benefits of exercise like improved blood flow, lowered cholesterol, and enhanced mood.

Do Sports Acupuncturists Work with Chronically Ill Patients?

Just as the name suggests, sports acupuncturists spend much of their time working with high-level athletes.

But the nature of Acupuncture makes it an ideal treatment for not only healthy individuals undergoing acute physical stress but for those who are experiencing chronic physical distress, too.

Upon first glance, treating high-level athletes and treating chronically ill patients may seem worlds apart. However the two methodologies revolve around the same acupuncture tenants.

Reference
Martínez‐Lavín, Manuel, et al. “Circadian studies of autonomic nervous balance in patients with fibromyalgia: a heart rate variability analysis.” Arthritis & Rheumatism: Official Journal of the American College of Rheumatology 41.11 (1998): 1966-1971.

Koopman, Frieda A., et al. “Restoring the balance of the autonomic nervous system as an innovative approach to the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.” Molecular Medicine 17.9-10 (2011): 937-948.

The Ultimate Warm-Up

A daily exercise routine does not have to be strenuous. Sign up to learn warm-up exercises that will help you stay in good shape, relieve stress and help get the day started on a high note.

Ingredients, History & Benefits of Evil Bone Water (Zheng Gu Shui)

Ingredient of Evil Bone Water

What is Zheng Gu Shui?

Developed by a Chinese Master Herbalist over 500 years ago, Zheng Gu Shui is used today to treat pain and trauma. It successfully heals injuries related to muscles, bones, and joints, such as backaches, arthritis, strains, bruises, sprains, and breaks. Zheng Gu Shui is an external analgesic salve and is a must-have for everyone’s first aid cabinet.

Evil Bone Water is well known in martial arts and sports medicine circles for its quick and effective healing properties and pain relief. Used by martial artists to aid in the healing of iron fist training, it is believed to stimulate circulation, reduce pain and swelling, and improve the healing of injuries and wounds.

Today the most common applications for Zheng Gu Shui involve traumatic injuries, bruises, and sprains. However, many people have found Zheng Gu Shui helpful for common ailments like carpal tunnel and arthritis.

The Origins of Evil Bone Water and Why It Is Better Than Zheng Gu Shui

Evil Bone Water has made a splash in the Chinese medical community. This popularity is because its premium herbs are ethically sourced. In addition, the quality of ingredients is upgraded to surpass traditional Zheng Gu Shui.

Practitioners are discovering how to use Evil Bone Water for martial art conditioning, such as in iron fist training. Meanwhile, western practitioners are learning to use it clinically for arthritis and joint pain.

The original formula of Zheng Gu Shui had 26 ingredients. These ingredients were local to the herbalists who made the topical, and there wasn’t enough to support high-quantity production. Eventually, the demand for Zheng Gu Shui became too high for local herbalists to supply. Mass-market herbalists took the product to the commercial market but had to lower the quality of the product. They removed all but 7 of the original ingredients in the traditional Zheng Gu Shui formula.

We recognized the ineffectiveness of this product. Essential ingredients were left out, making the liniment sub-par. Evil Bone Water rose to the challenge of creating the most effective product on the market by including four essential ingredients mass-market herbalists leave out of their formulas.

What Are the Ingredients in Evil Bone Water?

We have provided a complete ingredient list of Evil Bone Water, including supplemental information regarding each ingredient used. In addition, we explain why each component is used and what benefit it provides.

Zhang Nao, Camphor, Cinnamomum Camphora

Zhang Nao, Camphor, Cinnamomum Camphora

Increases local circulation and relieves pain. Camphor is a natural product derived from the
wood of the camphor Laurel Tree (Cinnamomum camphora L.) It increases circulation and relieves pain.

The trees that Camphor is derived from are 50 years old. First, the camphor laurel tree’s wood is steamed or roasted. Then those vapors are caught and condensed to capture the volatile oils.

Zhang Nao is highly graded, medical quality camphor and a key ingredient Zheng Xie Gu Shui.
Genuine, medicinal-grade, natural Camphor only comes from trees that grow in Southeast Asia. Other regions cannot grow trees with enough medicine to make harvesting for Camphor worthwhile.

The synthetic version of Camphor is made from the stumps of the southern pine tree. It is produced through a chemical process similar to turpentine. However, the difference between synthetic and natural Camphor is striking. While natural turpentine oil from southern pine trees has some healing properties, it is unsafe to use directly on the skin. Unfortunately, synthetic Camphor became popular because it is less expensive to produce. In addition, Southern Pine trees are more abundant than Camphor Laurel trees, making it possible to produce larger quantities of synthetic Camphor.

Fun Fact About Synthetic Camphor

In WWII, Camphor was used in the U.S. as a critical component in insect repellant. The prices for natural Camphor skyrocketed since the commodity was only produced in Southeast Asia. The demand was so high its value exceeded that of gold! However, scientists in America found a way to synthesize Camphor from the Southern Pine Tree stump, the same tree that produces medicinal-grade turpentine oil. To this day, the discovery of synthesis is the only thing that keeps Zhang Nao’s prices regulated!

Bo He Nao, Menthol, Menthae Haplocalycis Herba

Bo He Nao, Menthol, Menthae Haplocalycis Herba

This ingredient is aromatic and provides cooling and clears heat from the body. Vent rashes are used in the early stage of inflammation to induce the rash to come to the surface and vent heat, leading to a speedy recovery. Menthol is a derivative of peppermint and is either extracted as oil or synthesized.

San/Tian Qi, Notoginseng,Pseudoginseng

San/Tian Qi, Notoginseng, Pseudoginseng

San Qi stops bleeding and eliminates blood stasis. It also reduces swelling, bruising, inflammation, and pain from trauma.

San Qi is expensive and is as hard as a rock. It takes special handling to extract it properly, however its healing benefits are worth the trouble. San Qi stops bleeding without clotting and reduces swelling and pain. It also has some profound synergistic effects with antiviral and antibacterial herbs.

In Chinese medicine, San Qi has been reported to have several benefits, including reducing thrombogenicity and arrhythmias and increasing erythrocyte deformability. Additionally, San Qi has been said to be an antioxidant, which can counteract free radical damage associated with atherogenesis and myocardial injury seen with ischemia and reperfusion. These pharmacologic effects explain why this essential healing herb has been used to treat circulatory disorders for centuries.

Source: Chan, Paul, G. Neil Thomas, and Brian Tomlinson. “Protective effects of trilinolein extrated from Panax notoginseng against cardiovascular disease.” Acta Pharmacologica Sinica 23.12 (2002): 1157-1162.

Ji Gu Xiang, Japanese Knot Weed, Eupatorii Herba, 47, OR Linderae Radix

Ji Gu Xiang, Japanese Knot Weed, Eupatorii Herba, 47, OR Linderae Radix

Ji Gu Xiang is translated to mean “Cracked Chicken Bone.” However, this ingredient is actually a root. It got its name because it resembles chicken bones. This potent ingredient is incredibly rare and difficult to source, even in its native country of China. Ji Gu Xiang is effective in treating bruises, sprains, and inflammation. It also helps to alleviate pain.

Gui Pi, Cinnamon Bark

Gui Pi, Cinnamon Bark

Gui Pi, also known as Cinnamon Bark, releases muscles, promotes circulation, and warms. This picture shows a fabulous, imperial-grade Gui Pi (Cinnamon Bark) that just came in from a Botanical Biohacking agent in China. This Gui Pi came from trees 20-30 years old and will provide enough medicine for thousands of Zheng Xie Gu Shui bottles. The colors of this bark are beautiful. It emits a dense and complicated smell unique to this ingredient of Evil Bone Water.

Gui Pi Pre Soak Process

After soaking for only a few hours, this photo is of our Imperial Grade Gui Pi. Certain herbs are pre-soaked before adding them to the Evil Bone Water decoction. Pre-soaking Gui Pi prevents its volatile oils from escaping in the cooking process. These potent oils offer several healing benefits and must be applied directly to the skin. Pre-soaking is an extra step we take to ensure we get every last drop of oil into Evil Bone Water. Next, we pre-soak the Gui Pi (cinnamon bark) in Everclear and the other herbs in water. This process helps to soften the cell walls before decoction and allows for total alcohol extraction. The extracted goodness will return to the pot when it’s cooled enough.

Gui Pi Soak Stages

Pre-soaking Gui Pi is not necessary, but we are dedicated to creating the best linament on the market. We include steps that take additional time and care but result in better medicine. Each batch of Evil Bone Water is handmade to ensure the highest quality product.

E Zhu, Zedoary Rhizome, Rhizoma Curcumae

E Zhu, Zedoary Rhizome, Rhizoma Curcumae

E Zhu promotes the circulation of blood and breaks accumulations. As quoted from a renowned Chinese medical journal:

“Curdione, one of the major sesquiterpene compounds from Rhizoma Curcumae, has been shown to exhibit multiple bioactive properties that are anti-platelet aggregation and antithrombotic activities of curdione.”

In addition, E Zhu is an essential oil used in treating cancer in China.

Xia, Quan, et al. “Inhibition of platelet aggregation by curdione from Curcuma wenyujin essential Oil.” Thrombosis research 130.3 (2012): 409-414.

Lu, Jin-Jian, et al. “Anti-cancer properties of terpenoids isolated from Rhizoma Curcumae–A review.” Journal of ethnopharmacology 143.2 (2012): 406-411.

Bai Zhi, Angelica dahurica

Bai Zhi, Angelica dahurica

This ingredient is darkly colored and very aromatic. It imparts a sweet smell to the formula reminiscent of maple syrup. The aroma is robust and will linger on your body.

In traditional Chinese medicine Bai Zhi, it is praised for its therapeutic effects in treating colds and headaches and alleviating pain. It also effectively reduces swelling, eliminates toxins, and expels pus. In addition, Bai Zhi has various bioactivities such as anti-inflammation, anti-tumor, anti-oxidation, analgesic activity, and antiviral and antimicrobial effects. This is just one of the many herbs that make Evil Bone Water so powerful.

“Research has also shown that both crude extracts and active components of A. dahurica possess a wide range of pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammation, anti-tumor, anti-oxidation, analgesic activity, antiviral and antimicrobial effects, effects on the cardiovascular system, neuroprotective function, hepatoprotective activity, effects on skin diseases.”

Zhao, Hui, et al. “The Angelica dahurica: A review of traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology.” Frontiers in Pharmacology (2022): 2367.

Magical Properties of Bai Zhi

  • Exorcism
  • Protection
  • Healing

Sprinkle the house’s four corners with Bai Zhi to ward off evil. Then, add it to a bath to remove hexes, curses, and any spells cast against you.

Qian Jin Ba, Philippine Flemingia Root

Qian Jin Ba, Philippine Flemingia Root

Qian Jin Ba strengthens tendons and bones. This herb is acrid and warm. It effectively removes cold and dampness from the body, commonly present in conditions related to arthritis, bone pain, fractures, and sciatica.

We get Qian Jin Ba wildcrafted in large bundles of roots. We only use imperial-grade herbs to ensure the maximum amount of herbal medicine is in every batch.

Hu Zhang (Japanese Knotweed Root)

Hu Zhang (Japanese Knotweed Root)

Reynoutria japonica houtt is a favorite herb with a deep, rich smell. It works by invigorating the blood and dispersing stasis.

Hu Zhang is effective in clearing heat in the body. It is used to discharge toxins, burns, pus, and carbuncles. This same property also helps with inflammation. Hu Zhang promotes the healing of burns by enhancing the immune system and cardiac functions. Leaves of R. Sachalinensis are used as a disinfectant and are protective against boils.

In China, Hu Zhang is currently used in combination with other herbs to treat inflammatory diseases, including hepatitis and suppurative dermatitis, favus, jaundice, skin burns, scald, cough, amenorrhea, and hyperlipidemia. Hu Zhang contains resveratrol, polysaccharides, flavonoids, quinones, and large amounts of condensed tannins.

We use substantial amounts of the highest quality Hu Zhang in Evil Bone Water.

Navrátilová, Zdeňka, and Maribel Ovando. “Biologically active compounds of Knotweed (Reynoutria spp.) Review article.” (2017).

Why Evil Bone Water is Superior To Other Zheng Gu Shui Formulas

Marrying and mixing herbs through decoction and alcohol extraction creates Evil Bone Water’s unmatched potency. We use the highest quality ingredients and the best production methods. Evil Bone Water is set apart from the competition in several ways:

  • Evil Bone Water is crafted using imperial-grade herbs that are 2-5 grades above the C-quality herbs used in most other products made by U.S. supplies
  • Evil Bone Water has no animal products.
  • It is non-GMO, gluten-free, cruelty-free, pesticide-free, and contaminant free.
  • The Camphor and menthol in Evil Bone Water are natural. Competitors use lesser-quality synthetic versions,
  • We only use 190 Everclear in our topical ointment. Other manufacturers use cheaper products like ethanol or isopropyl alcohol.

190 Everclear Vs. Ethanol

While ethanol is 800% cheaper than 190 Everclear, topically applied ethanol acts as a skin penetration enhancer and may facilitate the transdermal absorption of herbs. The topical application of 10% ethanol stimulates the proliferation of skin, which can be interpreted as a positive influence on the stimulation of wound healing. In addition, studies show that ethanol on the skin increases blood vessel dilation. The ethanol also breaks down lipid or skin oils which can enhance hydration because of increased cutaneous permeability to alcohol.

The decreased skin oil lowers the skin barrier function and makes the membrane more permeable. This action also explains how ethanol can help other herbs penetrate the skin, explaining why ethanol has such a strong effect as a skin penetration enhancer.

Imperial-Grade Herbs in Evil Bone Water

Imperial-Grade Herbs in Evil Bone Water

Every herb is microscopically tested for proper variety, contaminants, and strength. We make sure all ingredients are sustainably and ethically sourced. Everything that goes into a bottle of Evil Bone Water comes from the finest ingredients on the planet.

In addition, we pre-soak certain herbs for 12-72 hours before adding them to the Evil Bone Water decoction. Doing this prevents volatile oils from escaping during the cooking process. The extracted goodness will return to the pot when it’s cooled enough. Pre-soaking is an additional step we take to make sure our Evil Bone Water is produced with the highest quality standards. Zheng Xie Gu Shui is our passion. That is why each batch is handmade with the best possible ingredients.

Evil Bone Water Stages of Production

Finally, we use a complex double extraction process to ensure every last drop of medicine is pulled from these fantastic herbs. The “dregs” from a batch are never boiled twice. Instead, they go into fresh alcohol and sit for weeks or months, awaiting use in next-generation batches. They are technically good enough to use by the time they have soaked, but we take it one step further. The resulting alcohol extraction will then make current Evil Bone Water batches. This “double extraction” process is unnecessary, but it is one of the premium quality details we do to make the finest product possible.

When we craft our product, I always ask myself- What do I want on my skin? In my patient's body? My own family?

Conclusion

When it comes to natural pain relief, nothing beats the powerful healing benefits of Evil Bone Water. It effectively stops the pain associated with backaches, arthritis, strains, bruises, sprains, breaks, and other ailments. Since its development by a Chinese Master Herbalist over 500 years ago, Evil Bone Water has stood the test of time and is used widely among practitioners for treating pain.

Evil Bone Water from our clinic contains no animal products and is non-GMO, gluten-free, cruelty-free, pesticide-free, and containment free. Every herb is microscopically tested for proper variety, contaminants, and strength. We make sure they are all sustainable and ethically sourced. Everything that goes into the bottles comes from the finest ingredients on the planet.

Buy Evil Bone Water Today!

Evil Bone Water (Zheng Gu Shui) is a Chinese topical medicinal hand-crafted with only empirical grade herbal ingredients in an approved facility.

We make available natural products that have been observed to make a difference in the lives of our patients, friends and family. You’re in good hands shopping with us.

Adrenal Fatigue

Learn more about Adrenal Fatigue and how Valley Health Clinic can help

Adrenal Fatigue symptoms are usually an overwhelming fatigue and inability to handle stress. Some experts believe that upwards of 80% of the population suffers from some level of adrenal insufficiency. More and more alternative health practitioners are beginning to recognize how widespread adrenal fatigue (hypoadrenia) is in the general population. The symptoms listed below provide a more complete picture of adrenal fatigue:

Allergies

Most allergies involve an inflammatory process. As the adrenal function decreases, allergies worsen. Generally, if the adrenal glands were functioning properly, the body would not respond to the allergen. This same anti-inflammatory effect is important in asthma also. As the adrenal glands heal, allergies are markedly reduced.

Asthma, Bronchitis or Chronic Cough

Any person with lung problems, especially asthma and bronchitis should be checked for poor adrenal function. The lungs cannot respond appropriately to stress, allergens etc because of lack of cortisol. Asthma is often considered an emotional disease because stress can trigger an attack. Fix the adrenals so the body can respond normally to stress and the asthma will disappear.

Behavior & Memory Problems

Cortisol even regulates the electrical activity of neurons in the brain and thus influences behavior, mood and memory. Behavior changes frequently occur in both excess and deficient cortisol levels. Sleep disorders for example, are common with both high and low cortisol. Symptoms more closely related to adrenal fatigue involve decreased tolerance (quick to anger), decreased clarity of thought, poor memory and memory retrieval.

Dizziness

When a person stands from a sitting or lying position, the systolic blood pressure usually rises about 10 points as blood vessels in the lower body constrict to force blood to the heart, lungs and brain. This is a result of the action of epinephrine on the blood vessels. In people with adrenal fatigue, the blood vessels are unable to respond to the release of epinephrine because of lack of cortisol, so blood pools in the abdomen and pelvis and blood pressure drops. This systolic drop ranges from 10 to 40 points and is present in over 90% of those with hypoadrenia. Dizziness is usually present on standing; however, in some people it is present intermittently or constantly throughout the day as even resting blood pressure is low. Paradoxically, in order to prevent pooling of blood in the abdomen and lower extremities, the body may keep blood pressure extremely elevated. Pressure will still drop when the person stands but only to around 150. Remember, it may have been 180 or higher before standing. Treating the adrenals will lower blood pressure whereas anti-hypertensives and diuretics will make the adrenal problems worse in many cases.

Excessive Thirst & Urination

A person with low aldosterone may also urinate 15 to 20 times a day and drink excessive quantities of water. Unless salt is added to the water, the fluid/electrolyte balance in the body is further disrupted.

Headaches

This is caused again by blood pooling in the abdomen and pelvis leading to inadequate blood supply to the head.

Heart Sounds

The heart normally makes a “lub-dub sound, with the second sound being much quieter than the first sound. In a person with hypoadrenia, the second sound will be equal or louder than the first sound over the pulmonic valve. When the body is stressed, it produces epinephrine which will cause vasoconstriction throughout most of the body, including the lungs. This vasoconstriction decreases the production of mucous in the airways. At the same time, epinephrine will relax the bronchi (bronchodilation) allowing more air to reach the lungs. In those with adrenal fatigue, the body cannot respond to the epinephrine because of lack of cortisol so they experience bronchoconstriction instead, leading to symptoms of asthma. The bronchoconstriction, along with vasodilation and swelling of the mucous membranes create a back pressure in pulmonary circulation (pulmonary hypertension) that causes the pulmonary valve to slam shut, hence the accentuated second sound over the pulmonic valve. Lung diseases such as tuberculosis or tumors can also cause this loud 2nd sound.

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are basically varicose veins of the rectum and are caused by blood pooling in the abdomen and pelvis. When a person presents with hemorrhoids, it is usually do to adrenal fatigue, but can be caused by liver congestion. Once again, listening to the heart can help determine the cause. If the loud second sound is over the pulmonic valve, it is indicative of adrenal problems, while a loud 2nd sound over the tricuspid valve is indicative of liver congestion.

Hyperpigmentation

Although more often seen in actual Addison’s disease, hyperpigmentation is occasionally seen in adrenal fatigue. This increased pigmentation of the skin may show up as “bronzing” somewhere on the body or as unusual brown.

Hypoglycemia

As adrenal fatigue progresses, blood glucose levels will tend to fall too low. The body responds to hypoglycemia by causing the person to crave anything that will rapidly raise blood sugar levels, such as a soda, candy bar, a cup of coffee or even cigarettes. Often adrenal fatigue leads to the abuse of alcohol, marijuana, and hard drugs because of the need to “fix” recurrent hypoglycemia. Unfortunately, the rapid rise in blood glucose provided by the “fix” only serves to start the whole cycle over.

Indigestion

The same sluggish circulation in the abdomen can cause symptoms of indigestion and poor absorption of nutrients.

Inflammation

Cortisol and other glucocorticoids produced by the adrenal glands are the body’s own anti-inflammatory hormones. People who have responded to injections of corticosteroids into joints or to taking them orally are usually those whose adrenal glands produce insufficient amounts of these hormones. Any person who responds to corticosteroids should be checked for adrenal fatigue.

Muscle Weakness & Back Pain

Dr. Goodheart identified five skeletal muscles which can indicate adrenal function. These are 1) sartorius, 2) gracilis, 3) posterior tibialis, 4) gastrocnemius, and 5) soleus. When the adrenal glands are malfunctioning, there will be weakness in one or more of these muscles. The sartorius and gracilis attach on the pelvis. Weakness in these muscles can cause the sacro-iliac joint to subluxate posteriorally (toward the back) leading to low back pain. In persons with adrenal fatigue, low back pain is frequently caused by instability of the pelvis rather than an actual back problem. These same two muscles also attach to the knee and help provide support. Weakness will cause knee pain, weakness and instability of the joint. Any person with knee problems should be checked for adrenal fatigue. The other 3 muscles mentioned stabilize the feet and ankles. Weakness of any of these muscles leads to complaints of tired, aching feet, weak ankles or aching calves. The symptoms related to the muscle weakness will improve when the adrenal glands are treated.

Recurrent Infections

Severe and/or recurrent infections (especially respiratory) often indicate adrenal problems. The more severe, the more frequently it occurs or the longer it lasts, the more likely adrenal fatigue is involved in the infection.

Salt Craving

The adrenal glands produce many more hormones than just glucocorticoids. One very important hormone is aldosterone, a mineralocorticoid. Aldosterone regulates fluid and electrolytes (sodium, chloride, potassium and magnesium) in the blood, between and in the cells of the body. As adrenal fatigue progresses, the production of aldosterone lessens. This causes “salt-wasting”. As the salt is excreted by the kidneys, water follows leading to electrolyte imbalance and dehydration. Those with adrenal fatigue should always add salt (preferably sea salt with its trace minerals) to their water. Soft drinks and electrolyte drinks like Gatorade are high in potassium and low in sodium, the opposite of what someone with low cortisol needs. Commercial electrolyte drinks are designed for those who produce high cortisol when exercising, not for someone who produces little or no extra cortisol during exercise. You need to add 1⁄4 to 1 teaspoon of salt to a glass of water or eat something salty to maintain fluid/electrolyte balance.

Sleep Disturbances

Cortisol production follows a curve from highest levels around 8am, dropping throughout the day until the lowest levels are reached about 11pm. In early stages of adrenal fatigue the body compensates with high night time cortisol. In this case the person finds it difficult to relax from the stress of the day and has trouble going to sleep. High night-time cortisol results in reduced REM sleep which is neither restful nor restorative. This can lead to depression and reduced energy levels the next day. In later stages of adrenal fatigue, the body may produce adrenaline (“fight or flight” hormone) in an attempt to compensate for low cortisol. This too will result in insomnia.

Swelling

As the body tries to keep the ratio of electrolytes and fluid balanced, fluid may pour into the tissues and cause swelling. Most doctors will only see the symptom and not the cause and prescribe a diuretic which further compounds the dehydration and electrolyte imbalance and making the patient worse.

Varicose Veins

Varicose veins of the lower extremities result from the same pooling of blood in the abdomen and pelvis that causes hemorrhoids.

Fixing Adrenal Fatigue

The adrenal glands are very complex parts of the endocrine system producing glucocorticoids (cortisol is the most important), mineralocorticoids (aldosterone), epinephrine, norepinephrine and even sex hormones. Adrenal fatigue affects every part of the body and every aspect of life. If you are experiencing the symptoms described above it is imperative you find a practitioner and get tested and treated. It may be helpful to print this out and take it to your practitioner. Saliva cortisol testing usually includes the sex hormones too and can be ordered from several on-line sites without a doctor’s order. If you do it this way though, testing will not be covered by insurance. Saliva testing is the most accurate test because it shows the rhythm of cortisol production and because it shows how much cortisol is present that the body can actually use. Blood tests only show bound cortisol which gives no indication if that cortisol is actually available to enter the tissues. Many people test “normal” on blood cortisol yet very low on saliva.

Treating Lower Cross Syndrome

Learn more about Lower Cross Syndrome and how Valley Health Clinic can help

Lower cross syndrome refers to a pattern of various tightened and weak muscles. This body pattern can decrease strength, flexibility, range of motion and lead to further degenerative processes. It is commonly seen in people with Piriformis syndrome or Sacroiliac joint dysfunction.

Lower cross syndrome consists of various tightened and weak muscles. The tight muscles are generally as follows: hip flexors such as (iliopsoas and rectus femoris), and erector spinae muscle The weakened muscles are as follows: abdominal muscles and gluteus maximus.

The Problem

Inactive gluteal muscles or overactive hip flexors can facilitate development of many problems including Piriformis and SI joint pain. When the gluteals are not activating the hamstrings, adductor magnus, and piriformis have to perform work overtime. Resulting hypertrophy of the piriformis which produces sciatic symptoms. Also many of these large and small muscles have relationships with the ligaments of the sacroiliac joint. When they are tight they can restrict proper motion in the pelvis causing sacroiliac joint pain.

A major cause for inactive gluteals is overactive hip flexors (psoas major, iliacus, and rectus femoris). This imbalance usually occurs where the hip flexors have been trained to be too short and tight, such as when someone sits with hips flexed, as in sitting all day at work.

Another cause of tight hip flexors is athletes engaging in forward-moving activities, such as runners and bicyclists. When not balanced by lateral movement of the legs, repeated forward movements can lead to disproportionately weak hip abductors and tight adductors. This can cause the piriformis muscle to shorten and severely contract. These athletes need to balance their activities by engaging in lateral stretching and strengthening exercises.

A Solution, Prirformis Stretch

Perform a 10 seconds Piriformis stretch – re-align your pelvis, prevent sciatica.

A Solution, Sacroiliac Joint Mobilization

See an example of sacroiliac joint mobilization.

A Solution, Sacroiliac Joint Stabilization

See an example of advanced sacroiliac joint stabilization.