The Lake of the Sky Report | Winter 2005 | Volume 2
		Coming Events Community Profile Featured Property History Agent Bio Local's Guide Wellness Connection Featured Recipe Tahoe Sierra R.E.A. Home Back to Newsletter Home		It's Your Health "Life Lives in Motion." - Ancient Chinese Proverb The winter storms have brought several feet of fine powder and with it the irresistible urge to fly down the mountain slopes on skis, sleds or snowboards. Unfortunately, these types of sports can often bring injuries. For centuries, Chinese medicine has successfully treated sprains, strains, bruising, pulled ligaments, etc. You can expect to heal 2 -3 times faster, especially if quick treatment is sought. Many injuries do not require a trip to the emergency room - with a few exceptions (see below). For injuries to heal properly, circulation must be increased, bleeding stopped and inflammation reduced. This can be accomplished by using one or more of the following modalities: ice followed by heat, acupuncture, herbs, liniments and plasters. Treatment begins (preferably within the first 20 minutes) with putting ice on the injury for 5 Ð 20 minutes only; then follow up with heat for 20 Ð 40 minutes. Continue with periods of heat. Do not go back to ice unless you feel pain with the application of heat; then you may return to using ice alternating with heat until there is no pain associated with the application of heat. Never apply ice for more than 20 minutes, otherwise you risk damaging the skin and underlying tissues. For mild strains and sprains, the above ice/heat treatment may be enough to allow you back on the slopes the very next day. (Note: If you are bleeding, are in severe pain, break a bone, or even think you broke a bone; put ice on the injury and get to a hospital as soon as possible. You can then follow up with acupuncture, herbs, etc. to enhance and speed your recovery.) For more Information, you can contact Dawn Trowbridge (licensed Acupuncturist & Chinese Herbalist), at the Lake Tahoe Wellness Center, 530-546-8201.