Functional Foods and Body Work
Humans are like sponges: what we put in our bodies and expose our bodies to is sucked into our system. When we eat functional foods or take action to heal our bodies from trauma, we tell our bodies to begin healing. Bodywork is a type of healing that can be assisted by functional foods. It is a body-centered treatment performed by a qualified practitioner to help improve health and well-being, including myofascial release, massage, chiropractic care, acupuncture, craniosacral therapy, and more.
Here is our list of what forms of bodywork can be combined with the benefits of functional foods:
I know, big word: “myofascial.” However, it truly is not that scary. Simply, the lines between and surrounding the muscles throughout the body are called “fascia.”
When we lift a weight, have a particular way of sitting, or tweak a muscle running, the fascia often becomes tight and balled up or “shortens,” which creates a trigger point. This trigger point can cause pain in the area of discomfort or can refer to other areas of the body. We often find ourselves massaging the area, hoping it will relax enough that we do not focus on it. However, the fascia is similar to plastic: it changes with heat and pressure. Using the foot or forearm to anchor a particular point in the connective tissue and applying gentle pressure, trigger points release or calm in intensity, creating the sensation of space and decreasing the pain almost instantly. This work is considered an exercise and emphasizes the importance of a team as it requires two people, the coach, and the client. The work is often uncomfortable, but the results are nearly immediate. As a myofascial release coach, I recommend you treat your session like you would a training session for sports: eat no later than an hour before your appointment and drink plenty of water before, during, and after. Eat foods and drinks that offer high nutritional content to help your body and aid in recovery:
turmeric lemon ginger tea,
decaffeinated green tea, and
easy-to-digest foods such as rice with steamed vegetables, bananas, or some blueberries, and raw nuts such as almonds or cashews.
This type of bodywork is a little extraordinary, but it provides extraordinary outcomes.
Want to know more or experience it for yourself? Are you located in or near Boulder, Colorado? Visit me at Great Wave Body Works and Wellness!
Massage-
There are many types of massage out there, from Prenatal to Deep Tissue, with many others in between. As stiff and tight muscles are released, blood can reach and begin repairing the tissue bound from use, overuse, or trauma from injury. However, the process of massaging muscles can release inflammation into the body that will need to be flushed out of your system. The choice to eat unhealthy foods with few nutrients adds to the build-up of inflammation over time. Eating lean proteins, micronutrient-rich fruits, and vegetables, and consuming plenty of fiber will decrease inflammation and enhance the effects of the massage before, during, and after. According to recent studies, eating broccoli can help reduce the risk of sore muscles after working out. Broccoli is also a good source of calcium, folic acid, and vitamin K, strengthing our bones. Contrary to belief, broccoli is exceptionally high in immunity-boosting vitamin C.
Chiropractic-
Chiropractors manipulate joints, muscles, and bones to provide pain relief and other health benefits. When these things are changed or put back into alignment, toxins are released into the body that can have no side effects or many depending on tolerance. Symptoms can include soreness, stiffness, dizziness, nausea, or a headache following an adjustment. This is a natural response. Increasing your water intake is an excellent choice before and after treatment, and it can reduce the severity of these side effects by helping move toxins through your bloodstream to be filtered and removed. Functional food options include
smaller portions of white meat or fish
fresh fruit and vegetables, and
smaller portions of pasta, rice, bread, and potatoes to assist in the healing process.
It is essential to take it slow and be kind to yourself as your body readjusts to its original structural position.
Acupuncture-
Acupuncture is the process where a practitioner puts very thin, hollow needles into a muscle at specific points through the skin. A small cut is made in the muscle that allows blood flow to move into the area, allowing the healing process to begin. With an increase in blood flow to certain areas of the body and the possibility of muscles being released in the form of a twitch, you may feel nauseous, dizzy, or hot. It is best to avoid alcohol and caffeine and heavy, greasy meals before and after your appointment because of these symptoms during and after your treatment. Choose a snack with anti-inflammatory elements, such as
fish
fruits
vegetables, and
nuts
It is also suggested to implement curcumin or turmeric, ginger, and cinnamon, to name a few spices, into your diet due to their natural anti-inflammatory properties. Acupuncture is a powerful practice that has been used around the world for several thousands of years. Trust the process.
In conclusion, bodywork and functional foods go together like peas and carrots: they require both to support your self-care journey. It is a choice to commit to either changing your lifestyle or simply enhancing it. Awareness of what you need, when you need it, and the form you can remain most consistent with is your best path to success. Give yourself permission to try one thing or the other, or choose to combine them to see if the benefits are greater for you. Your body is your temple.
Written by Teagan Johnson, founder of Great Wave Body Works and Wellness,
Boulder, Colorado