​Does the current state of the world have you experiencing more headaches than normal? Tension, anxiety, stress... These can trigger headaches in anyone at any time. But there are natural ways to relieve headache pain and calm the tension causing it. Santa Barbara's pleasant climate and beautiful surroundings can provide a calming backdrop for these strategies. Here are some natural headache relief options you can try:

1. Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can often be a headache trigger. Make sure you're drinking enough water; fill up your largest water bottle and drink up.
2. Relaxation Techniques: Find a peaceful spot in one of Santa Barbara's parks or beaches and practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga. These techniques have been shown to lower stress levels and reduce headache frequency.
3. Chiropractic: You may find relief from chiropractic adjustments. Neck pain, back pain, and tension can all lead to headache pain. Give us a call today to make an appointment.
4. Aromatherapy: Essential oils like lavender or peppermint can be soothing. You can use an essential oil diffuser or apply diluted oil to your temples and massage them gently. (Make sure to read all instructions that come with your oils thoroughly for proper use.)
5. Acupressure and massage: Many people find relief from acupressure and massaging tense muscles. Acupressure is based on ancient Chinese medicine that believes stimulating certain pressure points on the body may help the body heal. Here is a resource that demonstrates how to apply pressure to a point commonly thought to ease headache pain.
6. Caffeine: In moderation, caffeine can help relieve some types of headaches. You can have a cup of coffee or tea at one of Santa Barbara's charming cafes.
7. Avoid Trigger Foods: Pay attention to your diet and avoid foods or drinks that are known headache triggers for you. Many migraine sufferers know that certain foods can trigger their migraines and by limiting their intake of those foods, they can keep migraines at bay.
8. Sleep: Ensure you're getting enough quality sleep, as lack of sleep can be a major headache trigger.
9. Cold Compress: Apply a cold compress to your forehead or neck to help constrict blood vessels and reduce inflammation.
10. Stay Away from Screens: If your headache is triggered by screen time, take a break from your devices and enjoy the scenic views in Santa Barbara instead.

You don't have to live with frequent headaches. Pain is a signal that something is not right, so try to stay positive while pinpointing the cause. And remember, we're here to help you. Let's work together to find your relief.

Back pain plagues more than 1 in 10 people worldwide. And when we think about back pain, we often think injury, accident, or overuse. But there are many other, less commonly known, causes of back pain. Knowing these may help you pinpoint the cause of your pain and help you discover a way to fix it.
Here are seven surprising causes of back pain:

1. Emotional Stress: Stress and anxiety can lead to muscle tension and increased muscle contractions, which may result in back pain. This is especially common in the upper back and shoulders.
2. Poor Posture: Maintaining poor posture for extended periods, such as slouching at a desk or while using electronic devices, can strain the muscles and ligaments in your back, leading to discomfort and pain.
3. Footwear: Wearing high heels or unsupportive shoes can alter your gait and posture, putting extra stress on your lower back. This can lead to chronic pain over time.
4. Inflammatory Foods: Consuming a diet high in processed foods, sugars, and unhealthy fats can contribute to inflammation in the body, potentially exacerbating back pain for some individuals.
5. Dehydration: Lack of proper hydration can lead to reduced disc height and spinal stiffness, which may increase the risk of back pain.
6. Smoking: Smoking can restrict blood flow to the spine and decrease the body's ability to absorb calcium, which can weaken bones and increase the risk of back pain and fractures.
7. Excessive Tech Use: Spending long hours hunched over electronic devices like smartphones and tablets can strain the neck and upper back muscles, causing discomfort and pain, often referred to as "tech neck."

Remember that back pain can also result from more conventional factors such as muscle strains, herniated discs, arthritis, or spinal issues. If you're experiencing persistent or severe back pain, it's essential to consult a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate care or lifestyle recommendations.
​
Chiropractic Checkup for Back Pain
If you're dealing with back pain, it may be time to come in for a visit. We can help you determine the cause of your pain and you may find relief with adjustments. Let us help you get "back" to your old self!

​Dr. Kori is a chiropractor in Santa Barbara, CA who specializes in optimum performance in humans and animals.

Making a meal plan is a pain, but you still want to get all your necessary vitamins, minerals, and protein through everyday foods. Even if you're not a cooking expert, you can employ a few very simple hacks in the dishes you commonly prepare. You'll be surprised how these little boosts can reap big, nutritious rewards.

No. 1: Add Quinoa to Recipes.
Want to add extra texture or color to your steamed white or brown rice? Mix it up with 1 cup of quinoa (any color) and another 2 cups of water or broth. Or, simply throw quinoa into any grain-friendly soup you're preparing, like a simple chicken soup. Quinoa is rich in antioxidants and filled with fiber to lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels, reducing your risk of diabetes and heart disease.

No. 2: Replace cream with almond, walnut, or oat milk.
Cream is a popular mainstay in any kitchen, but it doesn't have to be dairy cream. Plant-based milk and creamer (such as almond, walnut, or oat milk) are often extra rich in vitamins and minerals and low in fat. They contain no cholesterol and are easy on your digestive system. Because they all have slightly different flavor profiles, you can pick your favorite. Walnut milk works surprisingly well in a creamy pasta sauce.
 No. 3: Add frozen spinach to almost anything.
Fresh spinach quickly loses its folate, powerful vitamins, and nutritional benefits over time, but spinach, frozen at its peak freshness, saves the day. That's why frozen spinach is actually more nutritious than most fresh spinach at the supermarket. Whether it's for pasta, pizza, scrambled eggs, cheese dip, a smoothie, or curry, frozen spinach is more versatile than you might think. Plus, studies show spinach may have amino acids that help reduce stress and depression!

(Bonus) No. 4: Add chia seeds to cold drinks, yogurt, baked desserts, and more!
It's easy to feel guilty for indulging your cravings for sweet tea, pudding, cookies, and cake. But if you add chia seeds, you might feel a little better about it. These small seeds are densely packed with antioxidants, minerals, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids, all of which may promote heart health, support strong bones, and improve blood sugar management.

We hope these tips help make your favorite dishes a little more fun and guilt-free. Enjoy!

Staying hydrated is one of the pillars of healthy living. In fact, according to the Mayo Clinic, women should drink 11.5 cups (92 oz) of water a day, and men should drink 15.5 cups (124 oz) a day. But, if we're being honest, water can be pretty boring to drink - there are things we'd rather be drinking, and busy schedules make it difficult. Here are some ways to wok more water into your daily routine to promote optimal health.

Begin and end your day with water.
Make it a routine to drink a large glass of water upon waking up and before going to bed. "Bookending" your day like this ensures that your body is hydrated for both the day and night ahead.

Drink a cup of water with each cup of coffee.
Many of us are used to drinking more than one cup of coffee throughout the day. If you drink a glass of water with each cup of coffee, you're sure to stay hydrated. Keep in mind that while coffee is a liquid and contains water, it's not very thirst quenching.

Ice is your friend.
Each time you pour a drink or make a smoothie, use lots of ice! Your taste buds will hardly notice the difference, and you'll still have lots of flavor while boosting your hydration.

Drink a full glass with supplements or vitamins.
Many of us get in the habit of only taking a large sip of water with pills. However, whether you take a supplement, medication, or vitamin, wash it down with a full glass of water.

Carry around a large water bottle.
Taking your water with you in a large bottle reminds you to keep sipping wherever you go. Every chance you get, fill it up. The bottomless water bottle is a perfect way to work more water into your day. As a bonus, you can use a measured bottle to see how much you've actually drank throughout the day!

Infuse your water.
Try giving your H2O an extra kick. Add berries, lemon, lime, or mint to your water to give it some flavor and help make it more enticing to drink!

Water is important for a healthy body and mind, so follow these tips to stay hydrated. 

Sunday, March 20 is the first day of spring - which means it's time for some spring-cleaning. Did you know that cleaning is not just about tidying up a physical space? It's also about improving overall well-being. Here's how organization and cleanliness can help you in more ways than you might expect.

Spring-cleaning reduces stress and depression.
Tidiness and mental health are actually connected. Studies have found that having a clean home is directly correlated to happiness and your ability to focus. Anxiety can spike when laundry is piling up, items are strewn everywhere, and papers get scattered on various surfaces within the home. Clearing the clutter is a great way to boost your mood and increase those feel-good hormones.

It prevents illness.
Doorknobs, refrigerator handles, light switches, countertops, and remote controls are all things we touch many times a day. Cleaning anything that's used often is one way to reduce the spread of germs. By keeping household surfaces clean, we help thwart the spread of viruses and illnesses.

Spring-cleaning helps you breathe better.
Spring cleaning brings pollen that triggers allergies for many. But pollen isn't the only thing to blame when people have difficulty breathing. When dust and pet dander build up in your home, your respiratory system is greatly affected too. Deep-cleaning your air filters and vents can make breathing effortless - and it's truly amazing how this can improve your well-being.

It keeps you more active.
Off the couch and on your feet! Even just running the vacuum and clearing the clutter from the dining room table will get you up and moving, which is healthy for your heart and body.

This spring season, putting some elbow grease into your cleaning will benefit you in more ways than one. Trust me, you'll thank yourself later!

Thank you Chiro1Source for the article.

Have you ever visited a chiropractor because you had pain in your neck or back? Many of us have. But that's not all chiropractic care is good for. In fact, you can reap a whole host of health benefits when you pay regular visits to your chiropractor.

CHIROPRACTIC CARE IMPROVES YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE
Chiropractic care isn't just about your spine. It involves the nervous system and every part of your body. The overall goal of chiropractic care is to improve nerve flow, which impacts your daily function and quality of life.

When a chiropractor improves your body's nerve flow, you start to experience a host of unexpected benefits. We've outlined a few of them for you.

Improved immune function
A healthy immune system keeps viral and bacterial infections at bay. Your nervous system regulates cell functions, but even the slightest misalignment can interrupt the process, and this has a ripple effect on your immune system's ability to fight off viruses.

Chiropractic care restores function to your nerves to ensure your cells are operating the way they're supposed to.

More energy
When your body is sore, joints and muscles tense up, resulting in inflammation. This tension and pain gets in the way of your well-being. But with chiropractic care, joint and muscle discomfort is reduced, and you experience a vitality boost.

Clearer thinking, concentration and memory
Did you ever have a day when your mind was extra sharp, thoughts and ideas came quickly or your memory was especially good? Ever have the opposite type of day? Well, your body chemistry determines to a great extent your ability to think, concentrate and remember. Body chemistry is controlled by your nerve system and your nerve system works better without any interference.

Lowered blood pressure
Studies show that a chiropractic adjustment targeting the nerves in your upper neck, which may be just as effective as taking blood pressure medication at lowering blood pressure.

Better digestion
There are probably hundreds of reasons why certain foods affect certain people. Most times, the cause can be traced back to the inability of the body to handle the food. If it was the food, then it would negatively affect everyone. There are many reasons why your body, in general, and your nerve system, in particular, may not work properly. One of those reasons, an interference in the nerve system due to vertebral subluxation, can be addressed by regular visits to the chiropractor.

More sleep
All sleep is not the same. Just because you get ten hours does not mean you are getting the kind of rest you need. At different times, we have all awakened refreshed, sluggish or tired from the same amount of sleep. How well your body is working will determine how much of your sleep is real sleep and not just "down time."

Greater value from your exercise
We all need to exercise regularly. Some of us just do not have the energy to get up off the couch to begin a workout, although that is an issue we have already addressed. Some of us have an interference in the nerve system that keeps the muscles of our body from receiving a full complement of vital life energy. It is like trying to exercise a paralyzed muscle. There is not enough energy going to those muscles. That is what happens when there is interference in the nerve system due to subluxation.

Healthier and easier pregnancies
It's been reported that chiropractic care may assist in healthier pregnancies and easier deliveries. Your body goes through momentous changes during pregnancy which impacts the nerve system. Weight increases in the body's core and ligaments in the pelvis loosen, placing increased stress on your spine and nerve system. Regular chiropractic adjustments can ensure both a healthier mother and baby.

Less stress
How can getting adjusted make your job easier or cause your kids to give you less problems? Well, it can't. But there is a difference between adversity and stress. Adversities are the circumstances of life. You cannot change them. Stress is the inability to handle those adversities. How well your body is working well determine to some degree how much adversity you can handle and how much stress you have in your life.

Enjoy life more
The bottom line is to have a happier and more fulfilled life. If you see improvement in the areas above, your life has to be more enjoyable. Even some of the things you do not enjoy now could become more pleasurable and rewarding. Visit your chiropractor this week!

Chiropractic Helps Boost Immune System
The majority of us understand that the spine/nerve system controls mobility in our body. If the spine is broken, we become paraplegic or quadriplegic depending on where it is broken. The nerve system which runs through your spine regulates all the functions of the body including your immune system.

Think of it like this, your spine is the superhighway of your body, it controls everything and like the interstate highways that are 2, 3, or even 4 lanes all going in the same direction, the spine can form clogs and congestion. Imagine the 3 or 4 lane highway squeezing to one or two lanes from an accident; our spine can also squeeze down the signals that run through it due to trauma from an injury or from stress of everyday life events that cause the spine to shift out of place interfering with those vital nerve messages.

How can you remove the congestion or block? Regular chiropractic adjustments can untangle the roadblock of your spine allowing the body's functions to receive the proper signals it needs to function appropriately and at it's best.

A close up look at the nerve and immune systems
The sympathetic nerve system (a lane on the super highway) is one of the processes that allows the nerve system to directly control the immune system.

Keeping the spine aligned provides an open lane for the nerve impulses to travel from one place in the body to another such as the immune system. It also allows the healing elements (white blood cells, macrophages, etc) to travel to the area of the body that needs them.

Researchers discovered the importance of the connection of the sympathetic nerve system in 1987 when they discovered norepinephrine in the immune system organs such as the lymph nodes. [1]

In 1989 Ronald Pero, Ph.D., chief of cancer prevention research at New York's Preventive Medicine Institute as well as a professor of medicine at New York University followed up that discovery. He found over a three year study looking at the immune system of the following patient types: people receiving chiropractic care, some having cancer and additional terminal illnesses, and the general public not under chiropractic care that patients under chiropractic care for 5 years had a 200% boosted immune system compared to those who were not under chiropractic care. [2] [3]

A 2015 study shows that the brain and the immune system are the two chief adaptive systems in the body. The two speak to each other to preserve homeostasis and health. [4]

As you can see the nerve system and immune system are intricately intertwined and keeping the nerve system free of interference will help keep the immune system strong. Of course there are other things that can help too: getting adequate rest, drinking plenty of water, reducing sugar, exercising, eating a good diet, and having a positive mental attitude also play a role.

[1] "Felton DL, Felton SY, Belonged DL, et al." "Noradrenergic sympathetic neural interations with the immune system: structure and fucntion." Immunol Rev. 1987 Dec;100:225-60.

[2] "Pero R." "Medical Researcher Excited by CBSRF Project Results." The Chiropractic Journal, August 1989; 32.

[3] "Enhancing Your Immune System For Better Health" November 8, 2014 by Dr. Tony Jensen

[4] "Elenkov IJ, Wilder RL, Chrousos GP, Vizi ES" "The sympathetic nerve an integrative interface between the two supersystems: the brain and the immune system." Pharmacol Rev 2000;52:295-63.

How to catch the coronavirus:

Eat a poor diet. Make sure your body lacks the vitamins, minerals, enzymes and micronutrients needed for optimal health.

Avoid adequate rest. Stay up late and rely on sugar, tobacco, coffee and energy drinks as needed.

Become dehydrated. Reduce the effectiveness of your natural defense mechanisms by shunning adequate water.

Stop exercising. Reduce the efficiency of your lymphatic system, which depends on movement to circulate this vital germ-fighting fluid.

Rarely wash your hands. Use your dirty hands and fingers to rub your eyes, pick your nose or wipe your lips.

Think negative thoughts. Worry that you'll be a victim. Closely monitor news reports about outbreaks, fearing a pandemic.

Skip your chiropractic adjustments. Handicap your nerve system, the master system that controls your entire body. Wait until symptoms are present before doing anything.

The only way to catch anything is to make yourself a hospitable host.

The germ theory of disease is a common belief. This belief, like many in the health arena, causes all kinds of strange behaviors.

Many will wear flimsy, ill-fitting paper masks. However, the perforations that permit breathing are huge compared to the single-cell virus they are trying to strain out.

Many will avoid Chinese restaurants. Or drink Corona beer.

Many will apply all manner of disinfectants in the hope that killing enough germs will cause health to manifest.

Meanwhile they set about the business of compromising their immune system, which if vibrant, would be more than capable of keeping them disease free.

Fed by the 24/7 news cycle, the fear mongering is the perfect way to attract more eyeballs that can be sold to advertisers. Which these days are increasingly to pharmaceutical companies.

What many forget is that Louis Pasteur, the father of the germ theory, recanted his assertion on his deathbed. "It's the soil, not the seed," he observed. In other words, without a hospitable host, germs can do very little. Too late. By then the meme had been released and the rest is history.

The human immune system has successfully shunned the black plague of the Dark Ages, the Spanish Flu of 1918, polio, measles and many others. If the germ theory were true the human race wouldn't still be around to worry about it!

Germs are a lot like seeds. In fact, when seeds begin to grow, we refer to it as 'germination.' If you've ever tried to start a new lawn from scratch, you already know that conditions have to be just right for the grass seeds to germinate.

And it takes a lot more than just the seeds (or germs) to become a seedling (or a disease). For example, if you were to spread grass seed (germs) on your living room carpet, it wouldn't become a new lawn. The necessary conditions for growth - soil, water and light - wouldn't be correct. Same with germs. The conditions have to be just right for germs to cause disease.

Try to rise above the hysteria and mob mentality. Be a voice of reason and composure. And the truth.

Bill Esteb has been a chiropractic patient and advocate since 1981. He is the creative director of Patient Media and the co-founder of Perfect Patients. He's been a regular speaker at Parker Seminars and other chiropractic gatherings since 1985. He is the author of 12 books that explore the doctor/patient relationship from a patient's point of view. patientmedia.com

1. Better coordination - when your spine is aligned and positioned optimally, your whole body is more coordinated. Better coordination improves body performance.

2. Increase in sensorimotor function - The better your brain can see the position of your body, the less likely you are to have an injury. Improve sensorimotor function = less injury.

3. Improved focus - for obvious reasons. Finish like a beast! Greater focus yields greater possibilities.

4. Greater muscle force - research has shown up to a 13% increase in explosive force in lower extremity muscle groups. Imagine the impact with squats, clean and jerk, and snatches!

5. Less fatigue - a better coordinated body costs you less energy. It's simple economics. Increased stamina to complete your workout!

Chiropractic is best utilized as a habit for a lifetime to improve your quality of life.

Interested? Of course you are. Give us a call and Dr. Kori will be happy to give you a 15 min phone consult. 805-364-3223 Check out our website www.drkori.com for membership options.

What controls the heart, lungs and every other organ, cell and tissue in the body?

If you guessed the brain, you're right.

But how does the brain tell all those important functions what they need to do, and when to do it? The nerve system is responsible for that vital communication.

From Stressed to Stabilized.

This master control system has two modes:
1. Sympathetic - in charge of the fight, flight, or freeze response.
2. Parasympathetic - in charge of growth and healing.

Stress causes the sympathetic nerve system to take over and puts a child into a state of imbalance.

This can look like:

• Chronic illness
  
• Clinical emotional/behavioral diagnosis
  
• Meltdowns
  
• Sensory sensitivity
  

At Dr Kori - Chiropractic in Santa Barbara, we offer solutions for ADHD, autism spectrum disorders and chronic illnesses naturally.

Chiropractic care stimulates a child's parasympathetic nerve system. When it functions optimally, their body will too.

Contact us today to find out more about enhancing your child's well-being, naturally! We offer complimentary consultations that can be done by phone.