June 28, 2024
After the Fall: Concussion & Wound Care
Don’t worry. She’s okay. But Boketto Founder and Acupuncturist, Jelena Nikolajevic, took a nasty fall this weekend while mountain biking. Thankfully she was wearing a helmet and with other riders who took decisive action to get her the medical attention needed.
Key Takeaway: Strength training and maintaining a healthy weight can provide a buffer against the forces that cause concussions, contributing to a more resilient body. We share some about Plyometrics, and if you are looking for a place to train in Richmond, Friend-of-Boketto, Jaci Albers can be found at Westwood Athletics. If she’s taking one-on-one clients again. Go for it!
Other key factors made the crash less critical, and Jel’s at-home repair care is as informed as it’s effective. Taking a comprehensive approach to concussion and wound care at home can significantly enhance your recovery. Along with following your medical doctor’s orders, you can consider several supplementary approaches.
Concussion Rx
1. BODY MASS
Maintaining a healthy body mass can play a critical role in mitigating the severity of injuries, including concussions. Research suggests that individuals with higher muscle mass have a protective effect against the forces that contribute to brain injuries. This isn't to say that having more body mass makes you immune to concussions, but it can help in absorbing and dispersing the impact forces, potentially reducing the severity of the injury.
Key Takeaway: Strength training and maintaining a healthy weight can provide a buffer against the forces that cause concussions, contributing to a more resilient body. We share some about Plyometrics, and if you are looking for a place to train in Richmond, Friend-of-Boketto, Jaci Albers can be found at Westwood Athletics. If she’s taking one-on-one clients again. Go for it!
2. OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS
Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil and flaxseeds, are well-regarded for their brain health benefits. These essential fats play a crucial role in reducing inflammation and promoting neural repair following a concussion. Studies have indicated that omega-3 fatty acids can help in:
3. ANTI-INFLAMMATORIES
4. BODYWORK
- Reducing inflammation Lowering inflammation in the brain can alleviate symptoms and speed up recovery.
- Promoting brain repair These fatty acids support the repair and regeneration of brain cells, aiding in faster recovery.
3. ANTI-INFLAMMATORIES
Turmeric and ginger are renowned for their potent anti-inflammatory properties, which can be beneficial in managing concussion symptoms. Additionally, the skin is an excellent way to deliver healing. Herbal compresses can offer significant benefits by reducing inflammation and promoting tissue repair.
- Turmeric Contains curcumin, a compound with strong anti-inflammatory effects. Curcumin can help reduce brain inflammation and support cognitive function.
- Ginger Acts as a natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, which can help mitigate the effects of inflammation in the brain.
How to use: Turmeric can be added to smoothies, teas, and meals, while ginger can be used fresh, in teas, or in cooking. Rasananda Ayurveda’s Thai Blend Herbal Compress features lemongrass, ginger, turmeric, kaffir lime, and other traditional Southeast Asian herbs. With the combination of heat, water, and herbs, these medicinal blends get absorbed into the skin to soften the musculature, nourish the joints, and increase circulation.
4. BODYWORK
Craniosacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on treatment that focuses on the membranes and fluid around the brain and spinal cord. It aims to release tension and improve the function of the central nervous system. Benefits include:
- Pain Relief Helps alleviate headaches and neck pain commonly associated with concussions.
- Stress Reduction Promotes relaxation and reduces stress, which can aid in the healing process.
- Improved Mobility Enhances movement and reduces stiffness.
Finding a Practitioner: Seek out a certified craniosacral therapist who has experience working with concussion patients to ensure safe and effective treatment. At Boketto, our practitioner Pasha Kat Yeun offers CST— and Jelena reports her treatments are making a world of difference.
Wound Rx
Jelena is on the mend, inside and out. Just as important to managing concussion symptoms, effective wound care is crucial for preventing infection and promoting faster healing. Topical approaches to consider:
1. COLLOIDAL SILVER
Colloidal silver, a suspension of silver particles in liquid, has been used for centuries for its antimicrobial properties. It can be particularly effective in wound care due to its ability to:
- Kill Bacteria Colloidal silver can destroy bacteria, preventing infections in open wounds.
- Promote Healing By reducing bacterial load, it helps create an optimal environment for wound healing.
2. MICROBIOME RESET
The microbiome, comprising trillions of microorganisms living on and inside our bodies, plays a crucial role in overall health, including wound healing. Maintaining a healthy microbiome post-scrapes, bumps and inflammation is essential for several reasons, including: infection prevention, immune system support, inflammation control, and skin barrier function. How can you support a Healthy Microbiome?
- Probiotics and Prebiotics: Incorporate probiotics (found in yogurt, kefir, and fermented foods) and prebiotics (found in fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains) into your diet to nourish beneficial bacteria. Or in professional-grade Pro/Prebiotic Supplements.
- Avoid Overuse of Antibiotics Use antibiotics only when necessary, as they can disrupt the balance of the microbiome.
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Proper Wound Care Clean wounds properly and avoid harsh antiseptics that can harm beneficial microbes— then apply ION Skin Support as often as the mood strikes. This spray reinforces cellular connection, supporting a healthy terrain for a diverse microbiome, and strengthening your body’s barriers against toxins.
3. CELLUMA LED LIGHT THERAPY
Celluma LED light therapy is a non-invasive treatment that utilizes light energy to enhance wound healing. It employs specific wavelengths of light to penetrate the skin and promote cellular repair and regeneration. Benefits oinclude:
- Enhanced Cellular Activity Stimulates fibroblast activity, which aids in the production of collagen and elastin, essential for wound healing.
- Reduced Inflammation Decreases inflammatory responses in the wound area, promoting faster healing.
- Increased Circulation Improves blood flow to the wound site, ensuring that essential nutrients and oxygen reach the damaged tissues.
- Pain Relief Helps reduce pain associated with wounds by modulating the body's pain response.