14 Rules for Good Health:  Part IV and practical rules to boost vitality and keep you one step ahead of stress and illness 

Blaise T. Ryan, R.TCMP, R.Acu 

Rule # 4: Keep your spine and muscles loose and limber.

Tension in your muscles will reduce the circulation of blood, lymph and neural signals in your body. It can also cause joints to compress, which can lead to arthritis and chronic pain. The spine is called the “central axis” in Chinese medicine and it needs to remain limber in order to maintain long life and health.

The connection between your brain and the rest of your body is linked through the spinal cord that lives inside the spine’s vertebrae.  Additionally, the spine acts like a supporting column for head, neck, shoulders, chest and abdomen. If the spine is stiff, all the joints and the organs suffer. If your muscles are too tight, circulation is cut off, and your health will degenerate. Do yoga, Tai Chi or Qigong to stay limber. Get regular acupuncture and massages. Learn to relax and unwind. Don’t let tight muscles or a stiff spine go untreated. The 14 Rules will continue in the next issue or go to www.blaiseryan.com/blog/ to read the rest of the Rules for Good Health now.

Blaise T. Ryan is a Registered Acupuncturist and Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner with over 10 years of clinical experience.  He offers Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine, Qigong and Food Healing for treatment of all kinds of health issues.  He accepts new clients at his Westboro location at the Village Clinic.  Insurance receipts are provided.  You can book an appointment with him online at www.blaiseryan.com or by calling 613-702-5377. 

Photo: Alana Repstock