Named after the creator, Pete Egoscue, The Egoscue Method® is a posture and movement type of body therapy directed at restoring range of motion and function. Egoscue is considered to be “the world leader in non-medical pain relief”.

The Egoscue Method® started in 1978 in San Diego and currently has over 25 clinics worldwide and millions of followers. One of the primary goals of any certified Egoscue Postural Alignment Specialist (PAS) is client education. By inviting clients to take responsibility for their healing process, client accountability and follow-through with their menu (list of Egoscue exercises or “e-Cises”) increases dramatically.

How does it work?

Clients can meet with certified specialists at a clinic or privately for a health history, posture assessment and photos. From there, the PAS designs a menu to restore function. Generally, the menu given to the client is done daily at first. Once the pain has subsided, a new menu may be given to further improve function and strength of the body as a unit.

It is the breakdown of proper functioning of our joints and muscles that lead to pain via muscle compensation, limitation of flexibility, and muscular imbalance. Unexplained pain (pain without an obvious injury) is incredibly common. It’s so common that we forget that it isn’t normal to be in pain: pain is the body’s way of telling us that something is wrong. Rather than listening to this signal, we may write pain off as “my bum knee” or explain to others how “this shoulder’s always been weaker than the other” without realizing that we are ignoring critical body language that we are losing function.

Static back, a very effective e-Cise for reducing pain in many areas of the body, especially back pain.

Since each part of the body influences another part, when one area, such as the ankle, starts to compensate, it affects every other area of the body. The lack of function in your ankle can literally lead to pain in your shoulder or neck! (To experience this, pretend that you have a sprained ankle and walk around for 5 minutes. Observe what starts to hurt and become tired. Now imagine what would hurt if you did this for 5 years!) This is what makes The Egoscue Method team so effective at helping clients find relief from chronic pain: by addressing proper function of the body as a whole, not just focusing on the area that hurts.

Among the 25 clinics worldwide, both San Jose and San Francisco have clinics. Alternatively, hopping on the Egoscue Method® bandwagon includes the option of meeting in a non-clinical setting with a certified PAS.

Living in pain isn’t the only option. To learn more, read a copy of Pain Free or any of Pete’s other books. Your journey to pain free living may be easier to achieve than you realize.

I read something on Facebook this week called the 15 Things You Should Give Up To Be Happy written by an insightful gal named Dana. This “feel good” list has served as a powerful bitch slap to me and the rest of us who have gotten sucked into the pity party that can accompany the day-to-day grind.

I consider myself to be a positive thinker. A huge part of my job is motivating and inspiring others to strive for great health. And I truly believe that over 80% of results aren’t from diet changes or exercising: results happen with an attitude absolutely focused on claiming good health. People who genuinely believe they deserve results do the work to obtain them.

A person with a winning attitude looks at the work ahead of them with both  joy and determination, not resentment and a lack of accountability. It is that difference which defines someone who will get great results from someone who will struggle with every meal, trip to the grocery store, holiday meal, and workout.

Read the 15 Things list. Pick one thing from that list that speaks to you, something you know deep down is holding you back from being healthy, happy, or both. For the next month, work on it every day.

I chose #6 “Give Up Complaining”. When I read that, it hit me that I have let my attitude shift into a realm shared by many where when someone asks how we are, we talk about what is wrong in our lives…”Oh man am I tired today…”…”I’m so busy with…”…”I never have time for…”

Even if all of these things are true, they don’t need to be the center of attention. Choosing different vocabulary to describe things (saying your life is “full” rather than “busy”) or saying things with a solution in mind rather than just to feel sorry for yourself or to have others feel sorry for you (i.e. I never have time for *blank*, but I could have time for *blank* if I do *blank*) leads to more authentic, interesting conversations. Let’s not sit around and talk about what is wrong, but some of the good things that are going on and how that can lead to something we want out of life.

This is my journey for the next month. So far, it is AWESOME and I am buzzing with energy and looking for the silver lining in daily living. Join me and enjoy the ride.

Chia seeds are a nutrient dense food from Mexico that has become a popular superfood.

Chia seeds pack quite a nutritional punch. However, as with all foods, each person must assess how a particular food benefits or hinders their energy, appetite and overall well-being before deciding if it should be part of their regular diet. Assuming no outwardly negative symptoms appear, chia seeds are full of health boosting goodies. Plus, they make a pretty good pet. 😉

Nutritional gems from chia

1. Omega-3 fatty acids. With all of the omega-6 fatty acids from soy and corn entering our food supply, most Americans have unbalanced omega-6: omega-3 ratios. Omega-6 fats are more commonly associated with promoting inflammation in the body. While inflammation is a necessary part of health, it needs to be kept in balance by cholesterol, saturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids. Chia seeds are higher in omega-3 fats than any other plant source. However, as with all plant-based sources of omega-3’s, your body converts a relatively small amount of these short-chain ALA fatty acids into the very healthy long-chain fatty acids DHA and EPA. Animal sources such as salmon, tuna and algae are direct sources and therefore have a much more significant impact on raising the body’s levels. Still, it is nice to get a variety of dietary fats.
2. Protein. Chia seeds have 19 amino acids and so provide a nice variety to supplement one’s diet. You would have to eat an enormous quantity of chia seeds to meet your daily allowance, but as a condiment, they sure pack a great amino acid array.
3. Fiber. Chia seeds absorb 9 times their weight in water yet most of their fiber is insoluble. They are filling and tend to be absorbed more slowly and therefore promote a slow release of blood sugar (helpful for weight loss and those with blood sugar control issues).
4. High in antioxidants. Chia seeds are higher in antioxidants than blueberries. It’s a good thing too because omega-3 fatty acids are very delicate and easily damaged, therefore, it is important that plenty of antioxidants are ingested to prevent a free radical cascade. Think of omega-3’s as a movie star surrounded by paparazzi. Without bodyguards (antioxidants), the “movie star” chia seed is going to get pummeled. Cholesterol is the most potent antioxidant. Foods high in cholesterol include animal-based foods (egg yolks, shrimp, butter, liver, and cheese).

Digestibility

Chia seeds, unlike flax seeds, can be digested without being ground. They gel in liquid and as mentioned, hold nine times their weight in water (so drink plenty of fluids before and after eating chia to avoid dehydration). Most brands sell the seeds intact. Chia seeds sold by Mila are sliced and are said to be more absorbable, so you may want to experiment to see what works better with your digestion.

There is some controversy about the anti-nutrients in chia seeds (and all nuts and seeds). Soaking overnight with a little sea salt is one way to reduce the anti-nutrient phytic acid, which can block the minerals supplied by the food.

Where to get chia seeds

Chia seeds are available at most health food stores. Reputable brands include Navitas Naturals, Bob’s Red Mill, Nutiva and Mila (available only through independent distributors).

How to eat chia seeds

Chia seeds are easy to incorporate into your diet. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Mixed in salad dressing and sauces.
2. Mixed in batter (i.e. pancake) or use to thicken homemade pudding.
3. Sprinkle on yogurt or cottage cheese.
4. Added to beverages. Hot cocoa with chia seeds is wonderful! My daughter and I enjoy it regularly.
5. Add to nut butter and eat with celery.