As you already know (because you’re already reading these blogs), San Diego is the BEST place to live for outdoor activities! Seriously, where else can you enjoy such amazingly beautiful weather to be outside every day doing your favorite activities? Running, biking, swimming, hiking, team sports and more are all abundant and thriving here in San Diego. I think “America’s Finest City” says it all!
If you’re anything like me, you hate not to be able to participate in your favorite outdoor (or indoor if it’s sporty!) activities. Personally, I love to bike, swim at La Jolla Cove and practice yoga. (Read my favorite yoga mat options here.)
Unfortunately, sometimes being so active means getting injured. You know how it goes. You pull it, strain it or bump it, and then you expect to heal quickly so you can get back to your favorite activities right away. But what do you do when the injury doesn’t heal quickly? When weeks are going by, it’s just not getting better, and you’re still not competing at your best?
What you do in these situations is you call me. I am an Acupuncturist with a specialty in summer sports injuries and long-term chronic pain, and I can help.
Over the years I’ve seen that Acupuncture can work wonders for an acute injury, meaning an injury which took place in the past six months. I always urge my patients to see me as soon as they get injured. If you come in close to your injury date, most injuries can be healed in a few sessions. No need for long treatment plans. Sprains and strains will heal quickly and you’ll be back on the court having fun!
Acupuncture can also work wonders for chronic issues, i.e. things that have been going on for over six months . I see a lot of chronic sports injuries because most people wait, hoping their injury will heal, the meds will work, or the sprain or injury really wasn’t that bad. Then at around the six-month point, most people start getting concerned, as they should. Often they have been to physical therapy and still have the pain. This is where I believe truly Acupuncture thrives: Helping heal these long-term nagging injuries that keep us off the court, or at a disadvantage.
When a patient comes to see me I start by doing a complete intake to understand the injury. Maybe it’s simple, maybe it’s not. Once I do my intake, I evaluate the situation and provide a treatment plan outlining how many sessions it will take to get back out there.
There are many theories as to how Acupuncture works. I think the main reason it helps injuries so well is that the combination of the insertion of the fine Acupuncture needles, infrared heat, and the special Chinese herbal topical formulas I use increase the circulation in the area, pull out the inflammatory exudate, and bring in new nutrients to help the injured tissue heal. The cumulative and repetitive sessions result in less pain and an increased range of motion, and get you back to where you can play hard.
At my clinic I also do Cupping and Gua Sha, other forms of therapy which bring increased blood flow to an injured area to increase the range of motion and help the area heal.
I would say the biggest question I get from people who have never tried Acupuncture is, “Do the needles hurt?” The quick and only answer I have for that is no. A seasoned, practiced Acupuncturist should be able to give you a comfortable, pain-free treatment for your injury. Sure, once in a while there may be a small pricking sensation, but overall, Acupuncture is a pleasant experience where you rest, feel endorphins, and walk away in less pain.
The next most important question I get is, “What else can Acupuncture treat?” Because Chinese Medicine, the practice of Acupuncture and Chinese herbs, is a complete medical system, I can treat everything from colds and flu to difficult-to-define illnesses. Several of my specialties which may interest you are gastrointestinal issues (anything that has to do with digestion and elimination), women’s issues (periods and menopause), headaches, cardiology, and again, auto-immune type disorders that many times become ill-defined and for which Western medicine may not have the answer.
Want more information? I offer a free 30-minute consultation so you can meet me and find out if this medical approach can help you. Please feel free to visit my website, look for the orange boxes to schedule yourself a consultation or session, and get yourself back on the court!
Golf is a sport for all ages. Whether you are starting off at a young age or spending your retirement days playing a few holes it is an all-encompassing sport. The San Diego Lifestyle Blog previously wrote a post titled ‘5 Reasons I Love Golf’ so in this post we are going to expand upon one of the points: exercise.
Golf has a reputation for many things, yet one area that is often overlooked is the health benefits. No more. Here are 4 health benefits of golf.
Increased Life Expectancy
That’s right, those who play golf live longer to play more golf (and enjoy the other aspects of life, of course). According to the BBC, studies undertaken at Edinburgh University, Scotland found that golf could help players with chronic diseases such as heart disease, type-2 diabetes, colon and breast cancer and strokes.
Dr. Andrew Murray from the university said: “evidence suggests golfers live longer than non-golfers, enjoying improvements in cholesterol levels, body composition, wellness, self esteem and self worth.” The next time a non-golfer questions your devotion to the game you can tell them that you are merely extending your life.
Low Impact Exercise
Golf is not like most sports where after a certain age people cannot continue playing as their body gives up. A round of golf is usually played at a leisurely pace over a time period of 4 – 5 hours. Yet don’t let the pace of golf fool you into thinking it is a poor form of exercise. Popular golf magazine Golf Monthly believes that a round of golf equals an average 30-minute gym session. If you forgo the golf cart then the magazine estimates that walking an 18-hole course will result in 1,400 to 1,500 calories burnt. You may not walk off the course with a six-pack but you will definitely reap the benefits of exercise.
Help the Fight Against Alzheimer’s Disease
As you increase in age the fear of losing mental sharpness or falling victim to conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease are very real. Keeping the mind active and engaged is one of the most effective methods to fighting these conditions. A round of golf engages the brain in many different ways from hand-eye coordination to tallying up scores when playing a friendly (or not) round against other players. Unlike most other sports golf can be taken up at any age making it ideal for those in their senior years looking for something new to do.
Reduce Stress
This point may seem contradictory to anyone who has read articles such as the one published by Play Your Course which looked at the world’s ‘Top 10 Angry Golfers’. While there is no doubt that at times golf can be club-breaking frustrating, the sport is also considered very beneficial for reducing stress and anxiety. Studies have shown that exercise not only helps reduce anxiety during the activity but also long after. Golf also has the added benefit of being an outdoor sport, and one where the outdoor surroundings can be enjoyed, which is also shown to help reduce stress and anxiety. You will also meet likeminded people on the course and hopefully create new relationships and friendships.
Helping Business Professionals in San Diego Play Their Best Round of Golf Using Trackman Technology
“As a Former Touring Professional, I know how challenging golf can be playing for a living. I am happy to offer my clients a coaching experience that will lead to more self-confidence, improved Golf IQ, lowering anxiety on the course and providing many ways to get the ball in the hole in the least amount of shots. I share with each of my clients that their best golf is right ahead of them. Now, we must commit to getting better, embrace the wave of awesome technology and enjoy the journey to better golf..” -Geoff Goldstein
What is Trackman?
Trackman. Maybe you’ve heard of it? It is the newest cutting edge technology taking over the game of golf, and now you can find Trackman wherever Geoff Goldstein is. (Watch the video above to get a feel for how it works.) Geoff Goldstein is a luxury golf coach in San Diego who turned pro in 1996. He has competed in PGA Tour Qualifying and U.S. Open qualifiers, four times reaching the U.S. Open Sectionals. Geoff holds course records at seven courses, including 60 at Eastlake CC and 59 at Salt Creek GC both in Chula Vista, Ca.
How Does it Work?
Geoff currently coaches C Level executives, entrepreneurs and business professionals here in San Diego and also hosts traveling getaways to Reno, Nevada. You can easily see how Geoff’s coaching style is different by watching some of the testimonial videos on his website. His biggest advantage however, is the use of Trackman 4 technology integrated into his lessons. This technology allows him, within 90 seconds, to calibrate the software with a target in front of the ball. After it is synced, Trackman captures tons of information as the player swings the club and hits the ball. Geoff can break down every single swing into many different aspects, and truly enhance your skill level faster than ever before. From club speed, to spin, to “smash factor” and more, this technology (that is about as big as a laptop), can diagnose it all.
How Can I Get Involved?
Geoff gives lessons at Barona Creek Golf Club and also travels to a few other clubs to give instruction from time to time. You can visit his website GoldsteinGolf.com to get in contact with him and book a lesson time. He offers packaging on pricing so be sure to take advantage of that. If you are a serious golfer looking to improve your game, a session with Geoff and Trackman will surely get you fired up! Barona also has a casino and hotel, so you can come visit Geoff and stay the weekend to practice your game outside of your Trackman sessions.
Business professionals from all over San Diego county travel to Barona frequently in search of Geoff’s instruction and new Trackman 4 technology. His passion for the game of golf is unparalleled and his knowledge is enough to make any golfer seek his valuable coaching time. Have you played golf at Barona Creek Golf Club? Let us know how your experience has been! If you’re looking to tryout Geoff’s Trackman 4 technology, learn more and contact him via GoldsteinGolf.com.
San Diegans Providing the Best Advice on Discovering San Diego
I went to meet a few friends to hike yesterday, and I realized once I parked that I had NO CLUE which paths to take, or how to hike around Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve. I turned to social media and asked for help! I was so excited to receive this response from @CarlsbadDreaming and @rogueprince619 on our Instagram page right away:
I instantly knew I was on the right path (up the incline) to the Reserve Entrance. Parking was pretty crazy, as it was Earth Day, but the guards told me that normally the parking lot is open and it’s very easy to park. There are trail maps right at the beginning and they explain all of the trails. The trails are easily marked, which always makes for a fun day of hiking.
The reserve was amazing, peaceful and quiet. There is an Ecological Center that really showcases what the area is all about. Here’s my video recap of the hike I took:
Thanks to Maria Teresa De Alba for reaching out to me today on our Facebook page to make sure I had a great time hiking:
To answer your questions Maria, I ended up going up the Way Up Trail to the Ridgetop Picnic Area! The rest of my group continued up the Look Out Trail but I had to head back down because of time constraints. Next time, I am going all the way up!!
Do you think I went on the right trail? Are there other trails with great views? Comment and let me know and I’ll take your advice next time I visit Elfin Forest!
Hike Up Mt. Woodson for Your Instagram Photo on Potato Chip Rock
“Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home; that wildness is a necessity.” -John Muir
Overall:
Distance: 9 Miles
Steepness: VERY
Popularity: VERY
Path Mapping: Pretty well, only one confusing spot for us
What to Bring: Water, more water, snacks
Time it Takes: 4 hours+
In September 2016 we got a big group together to hike to the summit of Mt. Woodson, something I have wanted to do since moving here to San Diego. Everyone on Instagram posts pictures with this “Potato Chip Rock” (a rock that is so thin it looks like you’re sitting on a potato chip) and I’ve been wanting my own photo there so badly. This is an intense hike however, so we made a group event out of it, and trained for it. This hike (if you go around the lake, and do not take the paved emergency fire path) is 1 mile around the lake and then 3.5 miles almost straight uphill. Then, you have to walk back down and around, so in total it’s about 9 miles. Everyone says to go on a weekday because on the weekend there can be a line that takes 45 mins or so to get to the front of to take your picture on the rock, so we went on a Thursday. Check out this video of our group hike:
It’s a LONG hike. Prepare to climb! No matter how much training I did to prepare, nothing prepared me for the steep uphill and consistent climb of the Potato Chip Rock hike. It feels like you’ll never make it to the top, but trust me you do eventually! Bringing a group of friends with you definitely helps because they will distract you so you don’t think about your aching legs and lungs as much. We prepared for this hike by hiking Iron Mountain, and I thought that was a long hike. Ha. (See the Iron Mountain hike here!)
It is VERY popular. If you don’t go on a weekday, you’re looking at waiting in line forever to get a photo, and walking past (and with) a lot of other hikers along the way up and back. Plan to go early in the morning, later in the afternoon, or on a weekday. These times are the best if you’re looking to hike without a crowd of people.
There is only one confusing spot. Most signs point you straight up to the Mt. Woodson summit. There are porte-potties along the trail, and markers to lead you in the right direction. Potato Chip Rock is very close to the actual summit, so when you’re almost there, you will see it on the left. At one point, there are two signs that both point to the Mt. Woodson summit. One trail goes down (and eventually around and back up a longer way) and one trail goes up toward the summit. Make sure you just continue to go UP, and you won’t get lost! If you are confused at all, wait for another hiker and ask to make sure. There should be plenty of people around to ask no matter when you go!
Bring lots of water, and snacks! I brought a water backpack and ended up having just enough water, and we were hiking on a cloudy day. On a sunny day, I would make sure to bring a water backpack and a few extra bottles, just in case. It can get hot quick, so make sure to bring a hat and snacks for break times!
The hike is totally worth the photo! Climbing up on top of the big rocks to get to the edge to take a photo is actually quite hard! I’m so glad we had a group with us, so we could all help each other. You either have to take one (giant) leap of faith, or find an alternative way to climb across from one rock to the rock that sticks out. Once you’re across, you can climb out to the edge to take an awesome photo on the edge of what seems to be the Earth! It was cloudy for us so you couldn’t see the city beneath, but we took the photo anyways. Everyone knows that famous rock that sticks out, so it was totally worth the hike!
Plan at least 4 hours to hike this trail. We started at 8:00am and didn’t get back down until about 12:00pm. And that was with virtually no line at the top for the photo. We did take about a 30 minute break at the top to enjoy the view and take tons of pictures, but other than that, we were hiking. If you want to take lots of breaks and if you have to wait long for pictures (say, if you’re going on a weekend) then plan more than 4 hours. Otherwise, 4 hours should be enough time!
Overall, this was an experience I will never forget, and I am SO glad I did it! Have you hiked this trail? How was it? Comment with your Potato Chip Rock photo!! 😀
Interview with Talia Dahms, an Acupuncturist in Encinitas
“The greatest mistake in the treatment of diseases is that there are physicians for the body and physicians for the soul, although the two cannot be separated.” – Plato
I caught up with Talia Dahms, an acupuncturist and herbalist at Dahms Acupuncture here in Encinitas, California, and got to talk with her a lot about what she does. In our interview, she explains what acupuncture is, (basic explanation here) and how it benefits the mind and body. She explains many of the treatments that are available when you visit her, and how often you should come for sessions. I had many questions about pain during acupuncture, but Talia did a great job describing the experience you receive when working with her.
Talia initially became interested in acupuncture in high school and college. She went to school for four years to receive her masters degree and has taken an exam to become a licensed acupuncturist. She now sees many clients at her practice for pain, digestive issues, insomnia, or other ailments. Some people come to just stay healthy and maintain their results. Many clients start with a massage or chiropractic session, and then enter the world of acupuncture once they are aware of its many benefits.
The services Talia provides includes:
Acupuncture
Electro-stimulation Acupuncture (e-stim)
Moxibustion
Gua Sha
Cupping
Tui Na (Chinese Medical Massage)
Kinesio Taping
Heat Therapy
The cost for acupuncture is about the same as chiropractic services, and can make you feel incredible. (Read more about cost and payment here.) Talia is also an herbalist, and she provides tablets and raw herbs to clients to help issues within the body as well.
If you have ever thought about acupuncture before, make sure to stop in to Talia’s location in Encinitas. She is happy to answer any questions and talk you through the process, and how you will feel throughout. You can also visit her website to learn all about the services she provides, and purchase products or sessions!
Have you been to Dahms Acupuncture before? How was it? We’d love to hear about your experience; simply comment below!
If you’d like to have a video that highlights your business like the ones you see here on The San Diego Lifestyle, please contact Triple Peak Media, the marketing and media power behind The San Diego Lifestyle.
