Precious and porous - getting bone deep

* 54 million Americans have osteoporosis and low bone mass * 50% of women (and 1 on four men) will break a bone due to osteoporosis

Winter is almost here, and it's a great time to take care of your bones!

Depth, essence, and consolidation: these themes relate both to the season and to our bodies because we're not separate from nature. We are it. The links that Chinese Medicine has seen between the element of Water, Winter, bones and even our kidneys reflect not a random attribution of qualities, but a recognition that "out there" beyond my skin, and "in here" within my individual tissues, the movements of life are one and the same. One of the most common bone disorders is osteoporosis. Like long, dark Winter nights, it develops slowly and silently. But then, like a crack on a thin top layer of frozen lake, the damage is suddenly exposed. With the pain and debilitation that it can bring, it leaves us gaping into fragile spaces that should have been solid arrangements. So, as we turn inwards for the Winter, take a moment to look deep and assess your bone health, especially if you have a family history of osteoporosis. Early testing, even from your 40s and up, is very helpful in giving you adequate time to get effective preventive measures or treatment, should you need it. One of the most important forms of evaluation is the DEXA scan (X-rays of the forearm, lumbar spine and femur), which measures bone mineral density. and can detect osteopenia (early stages) and osteoporosis. In both cases, it's possible to prevent and even revert the bone density loss. Weight-bearing exercise are extremely important. Acupuncture, as well as nutrition, is a powerful adjuvant in the treatment of this condition.

Sources: https://www.ncoa.org/

https://www.bonehealthandosteoporosis.org/