I have been a Doctor of Chiropractic for over 18 years. Where did the time go? In some ways it feels like a blip of time, but when I reflect back on the various steps along the way (professionally and personally) I barely recognize my younger self. I can only imagine what the next 18 will bring! I have been working within @integra_naturopathics for over 7 of those years. I’m grateful for the team of people I get to work with, the beautiful space we share, and the many people who walk into our office daily seeking natural health options. So lucky. 🤍 #yycchiro #naturalhealth #chiropractic #drkq #holistichealth #naturerules #choice #ourpeople

The role of the nervous system is to interpret the environment (internal & external) and create a response. Its priority is survival. The spine not only protects the spinal cord, attaches muscle, and assists with structural stability, but it also has sensors in every joint, communicating to the brain your body’s position. Chiropractic focuses on the nervous system by assessing and addressing spinal alignment, mobility and tone. The portion we sense..pain, touch, stretch, etc. is a small component of what the nerves have input on. The nerves exiting your spine are addressing more than sensation or movement, but go to every tissue, organ and gland in your body, and transfer info back to your brain. Makes sense to make sure this system is working optimally, doesn’t it? ✌🏼 #chiro #chiropractic #yycchiro #nerves #anatomy #ns #nervoussystem #function #health #nature

Did you know that pain is highly influenced by expectation? Not just the pain of a bad day, but physical body pain. This is why it’s SO important to focus on what’s good. If we are constantly taking inventory and looking for what hurts, our brain will do a very good job at keeping it top of mind. Thank-you to my lovely practice member who gave me this sticker as the best reminder…someone who trusted the process and dug deep to find the good, and came through the other side! 😊 #focusonthegood #pain #painresearch #positivethoughts

I love helping women realign their bodies (and minds) through chiropractic care and deep conversations. That’s why I was honored to share the ups and downs of my entrepreneurial wellness journey on the Unbound Turnarounds podcast. Please tune in, share with the women in your life, and/or leave a review if my story resonates with you! Listen now at https://content.unboundboss.com/podcasts/unbound-turnarounds. or on Apple or Spotify. #unboundboss #womenentrepreneurs #entrepreneurlife #businessunbound #servicebasedentrepreneur #unboundturnarounds

Seems simple…sometimes we could use the reminder. 🩷 #community #lovethyneighbour #calgary #bekind #yyc

Climbing a mountain can often be used as a metaphor for health and healing. It takes time, there is a destination goal, and it can offer challenge and ease along the way. Often the summit is seen as the destination. Years ago I recall reading a book written by a woman who had summited the 7 highest peaks (and notably skied the north and south poles 😳). She described how important it was to incorporate the descent into the mental and physical plan, which many failed to do. In fact, 56% of those who reach the 29 000 ft Everest summit succumb on their descent. My point has less to do with mountains though than it does for your healing journey. Sometimes, we do need to focus on just putting one foot in front of the other, however when we think about the big picture, get clear on what is to come after the ‘summit’…after your pain has resolved or you’ve healed your injury. What activities do you want to prepare for? What lifestyle do you want to engage in? What people and habits will support you in the days/ weeks/ months/ years to come? What new behaviors will be required to not revisit this issue? Be an active participant in your health & healing and you will not just climb mountains, you will move them. ✌🏼🩷🏔️ #yyc #calgary #mountainmetaphor #healing #healthplan #healthjourney

Curating our retreat playlists! Every detail is carefully and intentionally considered in the planning of our retreats. Checking the boxes for all five senses is an fun way to evaluate if we are creating the experience we want. Sound- what is the energy of the music? Are lyrics thought-provoking or relevant? Do we want to energize or calm? Taste- healthy and delicious meals, snacks, and beverages to warm and nourish the mind and body. Smell- from the distinctive smells of autumn…wood burning, warmth, grounding spice Sight- choosing a venue that offers sanctuary and beauty. To feel like the city and the to-do-list is set aside for at least this day Feel- from the cozy and grounding energy of the space, to the feeling of our personal power through movement. This is such a great check-in for our regular spaces we occupy too. Live intentionally, and take responsibility for your energy! Live on-purpose. Interested in exploring this day with us? Click the link in highlights! Early bird tickets on sale through Sunday Sept 30 and only a few tickets remain! #retreat #yyc #priddis # yoga #yoganidra #wellnessday

I often wish people could see what I see. This person came for their monthly spinal check-up and reported how good they were feeling, with no symptoms or concerns to report. He laid down and as you can see, there is dramatic asymmetry in the upper back. I took these two photos to show him the visible change that was made after his adjustment. Changes in the body (both good and bad) can be so subtle. The Brain does a phenomenal job of compensating, much of which goes under-the-radar of our awareness. There is a place in Chiropractic for addressing pain and injury, but there is also a case for optimizing before it gets to that point. Want to see what is possible for you? Contact me and I am happy to connect you with someone in your community! #chiropractic #yycchiro #calgarychiropractor #posture #biomechanics #backpain #shoulderpain #rehab #physio

I knew this was my path when I recognized I would read physiology textbooks for fun. 🤓 That my thirst for greater understanding of the human body, performance, health and healing was insatiable. 🤪 Every person I get the honour to see presents with their own unique history, psychology, biomechanics, life stress, goals, health paradigms, personality, wants & needs. I am committed to finding the right solution to move people through the other side of pain and dysfunction to exceed their expectations for what’s possible for their health (thus their life). 🤩 I’m constantly learning new skills, techniques, tools and perspectives to facilitate optimal nervous system expression. Afterall, life is lived through our nervous system! 🧠 If you are curious if there is more to improve upon your body function and performance, let’s talk! You are your greatest asset. 🫵🏼 #yyc #yycchiro #yycchiropractor #chiropractor #brainbased #nervoussystem #subluxation #optimal #healthyliving #prevention #performance

🌲Happiest in the trees🌲 #outdoors #forestbathing #treelove #naturelover #walk #thelittlethings

A day in the mountains is so grounding for me, but circumstances can change in an instant, so it’s important to be prepared. You can bet I always have #rocktape in my backpack. It’s light, versatile and you never know when you (or someone else) may need it. It’s truly a tool Macgyver would love ;). Buy it, pack it, use it! #chiropractic #rocktape #injury #mountainlove #getoutside #hikingessentials #getmoving #beprepared #firstaid #travelessentials

Let’s face it, when we are overwhelmed and stressed it can be really hard to see solutions or to believe it will get better. In a stressed state, our instinct is to fight, run from it or freeze. I remember a time where I was going through the thick of it. It hit me though…if my life was a movie, it wouldn’t be over. I was taking inventory of things mid-story. I had an opportunity to turn things around and change the path. If you are struggling with pain, are facing the destruction of the many wildfires, or have other situations that are weighing you down, trust that this is mid story. Uncertainty can be debilitating…look for the helpers, seek gratitude, visualize what you want and get honest with what’s out of your control. Life (and healing) is a process not an event. It’s going to be ok. 🩷 #mindset #solution #dailyinspo #health #healing #lifescript #holistichealing

Our body becomes very comfortable with the patterns it is repetitively in. When we are trying to shift these, it can take time, repetition and consistency. When it comes to posture, merely getting the body into a neutral starting position can be work. If correcting rounded shoulders has been a focus for you, this is one tip to help the body into an optimal position to start your strengthening from: (Hint: you will likely find it easier to feel the targeted muscles work after doing this) - fully rotate your arms out without flaring the ribs - relax at the elbows (if this is already work to hold this position, this may be enough) - perform your upper back strengthening from this position Give it a try & let me know how it goes ✌🏼 #yycchiro #chiropractic #posture #posturestrengthening #bodybasics #roundedshoulders #strength #standtall #upperbackstrength #getmoving

It always baffles me when approaches to health that honour the natural needs and rhythms of the body get discounted or overlooked. The nature of conception allowed each of us to exist. The nature of our immune systems has kept us alive among the trillions of pathogens around us. The nature of our physiology allows for countless processes to proceed without reminder or conscious contribution. Miracles happen in every moment. Expect them. #yyc #naturalhealth #chiropractic #nature #healthyliving #proactive #body #getliving #expectmiracles #ADIO #chiropractic

… 🎶We’ve come a long long way together, through the hard times and the good. I have to celebrate you baby, I have to praise you like I should 🎶👏🏼 This cool, intricate structure exists to support & protect the spinal cord. Makes sense that it would be an important area to maintain, no? Chiropractors are trained to assess the spine and nervous system, to detect and correct subluxations (the areas of the spine not working optimally and affecting the nervous system). There are many far-reaching, indirect benefits of having a healthy spine (For example, improving cervical (neck) alignment can improve shoulder biomechanics). There are also many direct benefits also. Every new practice member I assess receives their own spinal chart, similar to this one. I am able to label the segments or regions that aren’t functioning as they should, the associated nerves exiting those areas and the tissues, organs, glands, and functions innervated by those nerves. From there, we can start to see patterns between their areas of spinal stress and the symptoms they may present with. I always start and end with the spine. When was the last time you had a Chiropractor check yours? #spinalhealth #spine #yycchiro #chiropractor #chiropractic #mericchart #a&p #posture #anatomyart #bodyconnection #holistichealth #nerve #nervoussystem

Knee pain gone in 2 days. This person needed a simple realignment of spine and knee with instruction on home care to reduce imbalances that were the ROOT of the problem. The pain was a symptom, the real problem were biomechanical imbalances. Many times people approach symptoms as the problem. We think comfort equates to health. In this case, this person would have been pain-free faster with an over-the-counter pain reliever, BUT it wouldn’t have solved the problem. Grateful for those who trust the process and do the work. Getting people back to doing the things they love and enjoying life for the long haul is my biggest driver. ….and no I won’t be retiring anytime soon 😂! #yycchiro #yyc #calgary #calgarychiro #chiropractic #ADIO #holistichealth #rootcause #healing #trusttheprocess #naturalhealth #kneepain #alignment

Healing is an inside job, but that doesn’t mean we have to navigate it alone. I’m an advocate for taking a collaborative approach to health and share some of the people & places who can complement your care on my website (found under ‘resources’ …link in bio!) Not sure where to start? Let’s chat. Sometimes the smallest consistent steps reap the greatest reward. Let’s exceed your expectations for what’s possible! #teamwork #holistichealth #calgaryhealth #health #naturalhealthcare #collaborativehealth #integrativehealth #healthcare #yycnetwork #yycchiro #calgarychiropractor

There are 12 cranial nerves and these two are doozies. The yellow/ lime is showing the Trigeminal nerve (CN V) and the blue/ green is showing the Facial nerve (CN VII). Covering a similar distribution of the head, forehead and face, each nerve branch has a combo of motor (output oriented) and sensory (input oriented) roles. CN V is the largest of all cranial nerves and is responsible for face sensation, biting and chewing. When you burn the inside of your mouth, CN V let’s you know. When you have brain freeze from eating ice cream (or headaches that simulate this), it is the trigeminal nerve at play. Pressing your tongue to the roof of your mouth can be helpful to both warm and stimulate the nerves in this area. CN VII is responsible for facial expression, swallowing, dampening extra loud noises and provides the sense of taste to the front 2/3 of the tongue. Depending on which of these nerves are aggravated, one may experience intense facial pain, headaches, migraines, or a lack of facial control (drooping, lack of control over blinking, etc). Our neurology is literally a roadmap to our body and what we experience. Input - Interpretation - Output. Nothing works in isolation. #yyc #nerves #chiropractic #notabonedoctor #cranialnerves #trigeminal #facialnerve

This day is for YOU. 💛 Link in bio to register. #yyc #redwoodmeadows #yogaretreat #forest #yoga #nidra #yoganidra #recharge #localretreats #fireside #replenishment #reset #community #eventcreate

2022. #yyc #hiking #concerts #friends #weddings #family #biking #camping #campfires #2022recap #chiropractic #healing #laughing #brunch #love #stagettes #engagements #boatcruise #aliciakeys #vancouver #cheers #adjustments #sauna #reading #movies #patios #gratitude #adventure

Chiropractors are trained to find and detect Subluxations. We understand healthy physiology (how the body works) and the complex role our nervous system has with body function. If you break down the word subluxation, it literally translates to ‘ less light’. We look to the spine, due to the relationship the spinal alignment has with the nervous system. A subluxation is an area of resistance to optimal nerve flow - a misalignment, an area of less movement, an area affecting optimal nerve function - an area that may be dimming one’s ‘light’. The beauty of Chiropractic is that it honours the intelligence of the body, the brilliance of nature, and removes resistance to expressing anything less. #yyc #calgarychiro #healfromwithin #calgarychiropractor #anatomy #subluxation #physiology #morethanbackpain #adjustment #expectmiracles

Sunsets are my favourite. They, along with sunrises are such a great reminder to embrace the moment you’re in (because this too shall pass), and that regardless of the many things we all have to juggle (and drop) the world will continue to spin. I’ve felt a chaotic energy lately…is it the deep freeze we are in? Approaching holidays? Is it my energy or those around me? I’m not sure. Probably a combination of all of the above. So for now, I’ll remind myself of this sunset and to be present with all that is right now. #yyc #calgary #rockies #rockysunset #meditate #presence #sunset #exhale

Whether in flow or struggle, what are you choosing? #dailycheckin #mindset #choice #lifestyle #moreorless #overwhelm #flow #yes #no #boundaries #holistichealth #accountability #calmthechaos

A thumbs up 👍🏼 is made possible by the deep branch of the ulnar nerve, which originates from the C8 and T1 nerves (base of the neck/ very top of the back). This nerve innervates the extensor pollicis longus muscle (that’s a big name for a small muscle)! In total EIGHT muscles attach to the thumb alone, one of the distinguishing factors of being human. In some cultures, this gesture is offensive, however most countries use this as a sign of approval. More than anything it is a great example of a simple daily movement that involves a number of bones, muscles, nerves, and brain input to execute…because (my mantra)…nothing works in isolation. Anatomy is 😎. #yyc #anatomy #ok #thumbsup #thumb #humanhand #a&p #holistic #bodyfacts #humankind #hands #chiropractic #anatomyart #👍🏼

Not a bad view for a run. Grateful for blue skies, cleared paths, a good playlist, and trusting my instincts that this is exactly what I needed. ❄️ #yyc #calgarychiropractor #winterrunning #researchingraces #rosycheeks #running #imbackbaby #getoutside #sweatysunday #sumdayrunday #beginneragain

Things I love: The human spirit Chiropractic Nature Mountains Ocean A sweaty workout Alignment Smiles Authenticity Learning Music Belly laughs City lights at night Hugs Mountain air Fresh starts Clean sheets Feeling in flow Connection Hope A sense of purpose Aha moments Community Love #expectmiracles #calgarychiropractor #reflection #love #fridayfeels #mindset #mindbody #holistichealth #yyc

Shoulders for shoulder season 🤷🏽‍♀️ These shallow joints are designed for mobility, therefore are inherently less stable. Innervated by nerves from the cervical spine, T1, and comprised of the humerus (upper arm bone), scapula (shoulder blade) and clavicle (collar bone). This view looks at the shoulder from the front, without the rib cage. There are many muscles that help to support this joint. The subscapularis is shown here and is part of what is known as the rotator cuff. It sits between the scapula and the ribs, and attaches to the humerus. It helps to stabilize the shoulder blade and internally rotates the arm. Want to stretch this muscle? Eagle pose is a great one! #yyc #subscapularis #rotatorcuff #shoulderpain #strength #train #performance #anatomy #anatomyart #clinicart #physiology #chiropractic #posture

Thankful for this beautiful October day🍂🧡🫶🏼 #gratitude #thanksgivingweekend #kananaskis #mountainlake #mountaintherapy #hike #thegreatoutdoors #exhale

#fallneedsnofilter

The body is in constant communication with the brain. Continuous checks and balances are required to keep us functioning and we are conscious of a very small portion of these messages. When our spine is functioning well (why I see a Chiropractor), and our lifestyle is supporting our health (eating real and healthy foods, moving our body regularly, building strength, connecting with those we love and who support us, and honoring our mental health needs), our nervous system (brain, spinal cord and nerves) can work most efficiently. Health is holistic ¬thing works in isolation. ✌🏼 #yyc #calgarychiro #chiropractic #posture #nervoussystemfunction #chiro #lifestyle #habits #bekindtoyourspine

#Alberta, you’re gorgeous! Nothing takes my breath away like our beautiful backyard. If you ever doubt miracles, all you need is to look to nature. #sheepriver #kananaskis #labourdayweekend #summerfinale #awe #grateful #waterfalls #miraclesarenormal

Podcasts, my feet in the water and sun on my face. More of this, please! #yyc #calgary #summer #podcast #selfcare #getoutside #happyplace

Hamstrings…complex and yet simple. Knowing the joints a muscle (or in this case a group of muscles) crosses gives insight into what actions they take. The hamstrings flex the knee, extend the thigh and rotate the lower leg side to side when the knee is bent. When we sit, the far end of the hamstrings is shortened yet the end attached to the pelvis is lengthened. When we lower in a deadlift with straight legs, the knee attachment is lengthened as well as the hip. As we rise, the knee remains lengthened and the hip end shortens. The combination of hamstring positions varies with position and is worth considering when training for strength and mobility (or even just daily function). There are also a variety of roles a muscle may assume, requiring versatility to function at its best. A muscle (or group of muscles) can act as agonists (primary movers), antagonists (opposing or resisting primary movers), synergists (helpers of the primary movers) or fixators (acting to stabilize a muscle’s origin). It is wise to consider a variety of exercises and movement patterns to support the hamstrings. The number one exercise I see people getting injured with is the deadlift. I have nothing against deadlifts, however if done improperly, if there is spinal/ pelvic subluxation and/ or if the hamstrings require greater strength in their various positions, something’s going to give. Be kind to your body and it will be kind to you! #thinkbeyondpain #hamstrings #anatomy #tightmuscle #weakmuscle #resilience #leg #muscle #chiropractic #physio

🎶 ‘Make it up as we go along Feet on the ground Head in the sky It's ok I know nothing's wrong... nothing’ - Talking Heads 🎶

Consistency moves mountains…literally. Consistent water flow can carve through rock. A tree doesn’t keep score and ‘give up’ because it’s not seeing change in a couple weeks. It trusts the process and as long as it’s basic needs are met, there are predictable changes it will endure through different seasons and years. Nature is intelligent. From your morning and evening rituals to your go-to time-fillers, what you do (and think) consistently will provide a very reasonable picture of where you will be in 5, 10, 15…30 years. What are you making time for? #getreal #gethonest #getmoving #eatclean #healthfromwithin #health #chiropractic #holistic #mentalhealth #wellbeing #nature

🖐🏼The hand is a complex part of the body, providing dexterity- a key part of being human. The ability to wiggle your fingers, type on your phone, write a letter, snap your fingers, play an instrument, adjust a spine or hold an object are all due to messages sent from your brain, down your spinal cord, & out cervical (neck) spinal nerves that travel down through the arm to the hand and fingers. There are three nerves feeding the hand, instructing muscle activity and sending sensory feedback back to the brain. Impingement or irritation of these nerves can occur at any point along their paths, from the spinal levels they exit, through the arm, elbow, forearm, wrist or locally at the hand. Even dysfunction of brain communication may disrupt intended messages. The root cause of pain or numbness in a finger (for example) may not be where you think it is. High fives for hands and the nerves that support them! 🙌🏼 #handanatomy #handnerves #ulnar #radial #median #dexterity #clinicart #anatomyart #handdrawn #etsy #humankindesignshop

It was long overdue for me to take space to exhale. This week was exactly what I needed to recharge…out of the city, into nature. As they say, you can’t pour from an empty cup- my cup is now full!🌲 #rockies #kootenays #camping #simpledays #noschedule #exploring #biking #sunburn #hiking #campfires #radium #invermere #Kimberley #panorama #hotsprings #summer22 #recharge

Visited the rock with one of mine on the way to @reubenandthedark. So. Good. 🎶 #musicislife #talentfordays #ilovesmalltowns #alberta #longview #roadtrip #happybirthdayjack

⚡️HIPS⚡️ This ball and socket joint is designed for mobility! It supports the weight of the trunk and transfers load into the lower extremity. This joint is deeper in design compared to the shoulder, adding some stability. Often people will locate their Sacroiliac joints in their low back as their ‘hip’ but the proper anatomical location is where the leg meets the pelvis. Pain from the hip may be felt in the glutes, local to the hip joint, or commonly in the groin. In addition to the shape of the joint, there is a complex arrangement of ligaments and muscles to assist with hip function. The hip is capable of 6 movements. The following muscles facilitate these movements: 🔸FLEXION (knee to chest): psoas, iliacus, pectineus, rectus femoris 🔸 EXTENSION (knee back such as in a quad stretch): Gluteus Maximus, semitendinosus, semimembranosus, biceps femoris 🔸ADDUCTION (knees together): adductor Magnus/ Longus/ brevis, gracilis, pectineus 🔸ABDUCTION (knees apart): gluteus medius, tensor fascia latae (TFL) 🔸 INTERNAL ROTATION (toes in): TFL, gluteus minimus 🔸 EXTERNAL ROTATORS (toes out): gluteus Maximus, gemellus, obturators, quadratus femoris, piriformis When parts of a working joint fail, the other areas will do their best to pick up the slack. Over time this is not sustainable, which is why regular varied movement, mobility and strengthening of all joints of the body is key for longevity. Chiropractic helps to ensure optimal function and improve body balance to reduce uneven wear and tear also. Oh and what you eat becomes the building blocks of every cell in your body and can influence the levels of inflammation profoundly, so yeah…that’s important too! 🎶 To the hip hip hop-a you don’t stop the rock🎶 ⚡️Keep Moving⚡️ #chiropractic #anatomy #humankinddesign #a&p #hip #osteoarthritis #physiotherapy #holisticanatomy #osteo #manualtherapy #hippain #getadjusted #bodybalance

I completed my Doctorate in Chiropractic (16+ years ago) @palmercollege in Davenport, Iowa. As you walked down the halls of the college there were cabinets like this one full of articulated skeletons. While I was a student I volunteered as a campus guide, learning a ton of history of the college, buildings and founders of the profession, and I worked as a Teaching Assistant in the cadaver labs. I have a love and fascination with anatomy (if it’s not already obvious by my posts haha). The story goes that BJ Palmer - a quirky guy, the son of the founder of Chiropractic and the man who developed it into a profession in the late 1800s - loved the circus and offered free Chiropractic care to the Barnum & Baileys circus when they were in town. As a thank-you, many of the performers donated their bodies to the college upon their deaths which led to Palmer having (at the time anyway) one of the largest osteological collections in the world. Palmer was a hub for Chiropractic research in the earliest years. Behind all science are humans with questions, humans observing miraculous things, humans with their own stories…humans trying to make sense of nature’s brilliance. #chiropractic #chiropractichistory #circus #osteo #bones #skeleton #1895 #chiro #bjpalmer #nostalgia

Word. #yyc #ramsay #pointstoponder #liveyourlife #action #opportunity #health

Shoulders for shoulder season. These are complex joints, designed for mobility. Any joint designed to have more movement will inherently have less stability. Not shown here is the complex arrangement of muscles, connective tissues, nerves and blood vessels that support this joint. The humerus (arm bone) rests in a shallow joint with the scapula (shoulder blade). The scapula rests along the back of the rib cage and articulates with the clavicle (collar bone) and the clavicle then articulates with the sternum (breast bone). Movement of the shoulder requires a balance of strength and flexibility of the surrounding tissues, and coordination of these three key bones. Posture can significantly affect shoulder alignment. A forward head carriage and rounded shoulders can limit the range of this joint. As posture and spinal alignment improves, so can the biomechanics of the surrounding areas. 🎨©️2022 drkarenquinn #yyc #yycchiro #shoulder #skeleton #anatomyart #biomechanics #clinicart #chiropractic #physio #training #shoulderrehab #holistichealth #body #health

“You can’t always get what you want, but if you try sometime you just might find, you get what you need” - Keith Richards/ Mick Jagger Reflecting on retreat #2 with the lovely and brilliant @vaicoaching. … 10 amazing women … Beautiful Priddis … Sunshine & fireside chats … Yoga & Meditation … Reflection & Clarity Workshops Forever grateful for the opportunities to connect, inspire & to be inspired. 💛 #yyc #priddis #retreat #spring #lifestylelab #womensupportingwomen #inspire #sunshine #yoga #recharge #exhale #grounded

The answers you are seeking are within you. We can ask for a sign to give us guidance for an answer to a question, but it really has nothing to do with whether you see the sign or not. The answer is how you feel about whether or not you see the sign. The healthier we are, the more in-tune to our body & our intuition we will be. Ask for a sign if you wish, but pay more attention to your own heart. Trust yourself. You are more powerful than you have been led to believe. #yyc #ramsay #signs #symptoms #intuition #guidance #innate #intelligence #selftrust #healthisholistic #lifestyle

❤️ The heart ❤️ The heart receives deoxygenated blood from the body, pumps it to the lungs, and then returns this freshly oxygenated blood back to the heart to then be pumped out to the body, to be received by all cells. The heart itself, a powerful muscle, receives its own blood supply to ensure it also has the oxygen it requires. heart attacks occur when the blood supply to the heart is compromised. If someone requires CPR, the pumping of the heart is to help maintain the circulation of the oxygenated blood as long as possible. Beyond physical anatomy, the heart is a significant symbol. Ancient Greek philosophers associated the heart with our most powerful emotions. The most common emotion that comes to mind is that of LOVE, but Plato also believed the heart was a source of strong negative emotions including fear, anger, rage and pain. Interesting, isn’t it? That two very opposing emotions were thought to come from the same region? And when you think about it, it is unlikely that two such powerful emotions could exist at the same time? So what? ▫️Move your body to circulate your blood. ▫️Challenge your lungs to increase the oxygen capacity of your tissues. ▫️Eat food that supports optimal circulation & heart health. ▫️and… Love. There is a lot to be understood about the metaphysical connections between mind and body, but I do know this. Love is good for our health. From the hormonal cascade that occurs, to the dampening of the sympathetic (fight/flight) nervous system. Health is holistic. 🎨©️2022 drkarenquinn #haveheart #anatomy #a&p #physiology #heartphysiology #body #humankinddesign #love #mindbody #holsitic #holistichealth

It is such a privilege to be entrusted with someone’s care, especially when caring for a parent’s most precious cargo. I find joy in checking all ages in my practice…the assessment and approach may be a bit different, but the goal is always to improve nervous system function, biomechanics and physiological ease. Nature does the rest! (Baby snuggles are a nice bonus!)💕 #yyc #calgarychiro #yycchiro #chiropractor #ramsay #calgary #naturalhealth #holistichealth #familyhealth #proactive

The Burmis Tree. A reminder of resilience. Located at the eastern edge of Crowsnest in Alberta, it is estimated that this tree is approximately 7 centuries old. This Limber Pine (with one of the longest lifespans of any tree in Alberta), was named the Burmis tree after the early 1900s coal mining town nearby. The tree died in the 70s but remained a symbol of endurance. Strong roots allowed it to anchor in the rock and flexible branches allowed it to endure the harsh winds. Sadly, in 1998, the tree fell to the ground. The community rallied and partnered with the provincial and federal governments, private citizens and local businesses to raise and stabilize the tree so it could continue inspiring those who pass by to keep going. #bettertogether #hopeheals #resilience #communitymatters #burmistree #crowsnestpass #alberta #standtall #getbywithalittlehelpfromourfriends #albertasky

💀The skull 💀 The bony protector of the brain, the skull develops as moveable plates, fitting together like a puzzle, with a total of 22 bones including 8 forming the face. The outside of the skull provides muscle attachment sites, and the inside surface is continuous with the meninges- the connective tissue surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Concussions are injuries caused when the brain has impact against the inside of the skull such as with a bump, blow or quick acceleration/ deceleration. This is why helmets, though protection from skull fractures, do not protect from concussions. Science, always looking to better understand nature’s divine designs, has looked at a variety of animals to spot differences in structure. The most interesting (to me) is the anatomical skull design of the woodpecker. Among a couple other differences, this bird has a bone essentially acting as a seatbelt within the skull around its brain, preventing the brain from moving and hitting the back of its skull when it’s at work. Without that, it’s brain would have continuous impact. Understanding nature is what allows science and technology to advance. Nature is the foundation of any scientific question. Understanding the parts of the body and how they work together gives us a small glimpse into how complex and interconnected everything is. 🎨©️2022 Drkarenquinn #skull #bones #concussion #divinedesign #skeleton #anatomy #anatomyart #anatomydrawings #humankinddesign #chiropractic #cranialsacral #cranial #simplycomplex #a&p #bodydesign

My two highest values are health and learning. My space is filled with books, yoga props…books about yoga lol. Really though- Integrity is a need for me…with myself and my relationships. Walking my talk and living true to my values is everything. Taking inventory along the way to see where I’ve remained aligned or where I can redirect is a necessary step. It’s important to me that I follow my own inner spark, that my practice reflects that, that my choices facilitate it and that my relationships support it. Only when I am grounded and living congruently with my own values can I be of greatest service to others. Diving into a new coaching program to do just this with the amazing @drmelissalongo. Stoked. Health is holistic! #chiro #yyc #calgary #coaching #beproactive #integrity #focusformula #chiropractor #personalgrowth #lifelonglearning #student #teacher #itsyourlifetolive #congruency #mindbody #healthfromtheinsideout

The mountains ground me. Maybe it’s because I grew up so close to them, or maybe because of their obvious symbolism of strength. It’s 11:11 as I write this and so as always I’m making a wish. My wish is that as we all move forward we can find beauty in the unexpected, peace in the moment, love for our neighbor and dreams to inspire us. #banffsnowdays #mountainwalks #inhaleexhale #freshair #mentalhealth #banff #rockymountains #getoutside #perspective #snowsculptures “Go where you feel most alive.”

The spine. Chiropractic’s (and the human body’s) foundation. We concern ourselves with the state and health of the spinal column, a unit composed of 24 individual vertebrae (plus the skull, sacrum and adjoining coccyx), not because of the bones per se, but of what these bones protect. The central nervous system is the only body system so important and delicate, that it is entirely protected by bone. The skull protects the brain and the spinal column houses and protects the spinal cord. The curves of the spine absorb shock and assist in bolstering foundational strength. The individual segments allow for movement & the bony projections act as muscle attachment sites. Within every spinal joint (some more concentrated than others), is a complex arrangement of connective tissue, fluid and neuro sensors. These sensors communicate with the brain to help it understand where you are in space, and provide information for the nervous system to then communicate with the supporting tissues. Less mobility (either segmental or global) = less neurological input. No system works in isolation. There are no coincidences in nature… the design of the spine is divine. ✌🏼 🎨©️2022 drkarenquinn #yyc #anatomyart #spine #vertebra #spinalcurve #anatomy #body #health #function #holistichealth #holistic #chiropractic #spinalhealth #drawing #bodyisart

I’m working on being more productive and intentional with my time. Today had a few last minute cancellations (🤧) so I had some unexpected time in my schedule. I have a ton of work to do, but I’m also making a conscious effort to move daily and that is just as important as the inbox…and so I moved. #yoga #yogawithadriene #chiropractic #middayreset #yyc #focus #intentional #movedaily #pause #gratitude #patterninterrupt #onpurpose #lifestylelab

Sweat(er) weather. #redlighttherapy #saunabathing #sauna #sweat #health #infrared #detox #calgary #redox #heat

⚡️BLADDER⚡️ The bladder is essentially a muscular bag designed to stretch and hold urine. Cool fact: the bladder will often signal a need for urination when it is around 200mL full (some may not experience an urge until 300-500 mL of volume). It is the stretching of the bladder wall that stimulates this. A full bladder can hold between 400-600 mL so if the first sensation is ignored, the feeling will subside and a second signal will be felt with more urgency when the bladder is close to full. The kidneys filter out fluid which enters the ureters and then this fluid is stored in the bladder, before being drained by the urethra. Sacral nerves (arising from the tailbone) provide parasympathetic input, exciting the bladder and relaxing the urethra allowing for urination. Remember parasympathetic supply is our ‘rest/ digest/ heal’ branch. Lumbar nerves are involved also, carrying sympathetic (fight/ flight/ freeze) nerves. During pregnancy, the urgency to urinate increases due to the fact that the bladder is positioned in front of (and under, as the pregnancy progresses) the growing uterus. In men, the prostate is positioned close to the urethra which is why an enlarged prostate can contribute to urination changes. Referred pain from the bladder can present in the front body at the level of the bladder in the lower pelvic region, or on the back body between the upper thighs or mid gluteal line. Ureter referred pain can show up in front body upper inner thigh. 🎨©️2022 Drkarenquinn #knowyourbody #chiropractic #bodywhole #anatomy #bladder #a&p #physiology #bodyknowledge #anatomy101

First snowshoe of the season in the books! It was a cold one this past weekend, but well worth it! I’m not a huge fan of the cold, but finding winter sports to keep me moving helps me find gratitude for this season (& stay sane). This day included great views, amazing company & a workout in the crisp air. Needed this. ❄️ #kananaskis #rockymountains #snowshoe #winterwonderland #letitsnow #getmoving #canadaisbeautiful #truthnorthstrongandfree #whiskeyjack #rummellake

Peace in the trees. Nature knows best 🌲❤️ #braggcreek #kananaskis #novembersunshine #natureknows #seasons #alberta #yycchiro #therapy

What do your genes and a 100% cotton shirt have in common? When you have a 100% cotton t-shirt, there are instructions for washing. If you wash in hot, there is a good chance you will shrink it. As long as you maintain the shirt in the proper environment, you can keep it as good as new. The environment matters. The same holds true for the body and how our genes are expressed. When it comes to our body/ health, we don’t get a label with care instructions, but we do know the basics of how to stay healthy. Stay hydrated, eat good clean food, exercise/ maintain body mobility & optimal sleep to name a few. If we make choices to create a healthy environment for our cells, we encourage healthy gene expression. If we don’t take care in the maintenance of our body, we decrease our resiliency and longevity. Do you take better care of your laundry or your own health? 🎨©️2021 drkarenquinn #health #resiliency #epigenetics #brucelipton #handlewithcare #basics #chiropractic #lifestyle #wellnesslife #environmentmatters

❤️Making mountain memories❤️ #thegreatoutdoors #highrockiestrail #kananaskis #naturelover #trees #freshair #wintercamping #mountainlove #takemeback

Sunday was a beauty! I’ve been hiking these mountains for years and finally got out for larch season. Fresh air with views for days. Does it get better than this? #larch #rockymountains #kananaskis #hiking #fallhikes #chiropractor #getoutside #inthetrees #escapethecity #mountainswithmy🍯 #breathe #fillyourcup #🇨🇦#canadianrockies

👣CUNEIFORM BONES of the foot The term ‘cuneiform’ means ‘wedge shape’. These three bones help form the transverse arch of the feet (the arch that sits under the foot horizontally). The foot as a whole is composed of 26 bones, 100+ ligaments, tendons and muscles and 33 joints. Remember, where there is a joint, there is some level of motion. The orientation of the bones, the arch that is formed and the extensive soft tissue structures all assist in creating stability, allowing some degree of flexibility as well as a stiffness for effective leverage as we walk. If any one of these components locally (or distally) is compromised, the subsequent biomechanics may be altered. Relying on our feet for roughly 10000 steps a day, and roughly 185075 km in our lifetime, it is wise to give them some attention. 🔔Quick tip for strengthening your arches: - place a towel under your foot and root into your heel - curl toes to scrunch towel while keeping ball of foot pressed into the floor. Press toes into foot for a few sec and release. 🎨©️2021 drkarenquinn #calgarychiropractor #chiro #feet #cuneiform #anatomyart #biomechanics #gait #footpain #runner #walking

Word. #wednesdaymusings #heartmatters #evolve #adapt #resilience #transform #words #september #hbdjp

My heart is full ❤️! My dear friend Vera of @vaicoaching and I have been daydreaming of co-hosting a retreat for years. After having to cancel our April date due to restrictions, we went back to the drawing board and committed to offering one in the Fall. Two days later and we would have had to cancel again, but we were able to bring together a group of incredible humans to connect, rest, reclaim their calm, simplify and unplug. We are more alike than we are different. Huge thanks to those who joined us for making it possible, gratitude for a great friend who supports me in my growth and appreciation for this beautiful space we had the privilege of sharing. Our Spring retreat is planned for March 12, 2022! DM me to get on the waitlist! #bettertogether #yyc #calgary #kananaskis #retreat #recharge #connect #powerwithin #personalgoals #heartopener #kananaskisretreat

🧠 The Brain 101🧠 Each region of the brain specializes in different functions. The frontal lobe (blue) is the region related to thinking, memory, movement and behaviour. The parietal lobe (pink) is the region that processes touch and language. The Temporal lobe (green) processes hearing, feelings and learning new things. The Occipital Lobe is where we interpret and process sight. The brain stem (light grey) has control centers for breathing, heart rate and temperature control. The cerebellum (dark grey) is our balance and coordination centre. Despite regions having some specialized functions, these all work together to interpret the internal and external environment we are in. If there is damage to a particular region, the functions associated with the area may be impaired. Just as a muscle loses its strength and efficiency if it is not used, the efficiency of the brain and its associated functions can decline as well if neglected. Movement stimulates the brain in a big way, as does looking at different distances, balancing on one leg, learning a new language, experiencing touch, challenging your memory, doing a crossword puzzle and of course receiving Chiropractic adjustments. Supporting the brain from an emotional/ mental, nutritional and movement standpoint can go a long way in slowing the aging process and increasing your resiliency. 🎨©️drkarenquinn 2021 #calgary #brain #thepowerisinyou #brainlobes #a&p #neurology #healthyfromtheinside #chiropractor #function

… What does it mean to stay wild? To me, it is being all-in with the people, places and things that we love. It is tuning-in to self and trusting our instincts. It is honoring innate & universal intelligence. #33principles Autonomy. Self responsibility. It is being unapologetically ourselves. It is being open to possibilities & free from limitations. It is getting outside and connecting with nature. It is remaining playful and curious. It is having a rebel heart and doing things that stretch us. It is whatever we choose it to be. ✌🏼 #calgarylife #community #kindness #wildside #rebelheart #coffeemusings #freedom #neighborhood #duality #care #yyc #ramsay #beyou #innate #followyourgut #staykind

Nature leaves clues. 🏔Mountains remind us of the big rocks in life. The grounding people, places and things…the non-negotiables that bring us back down to earth. What are your big rocks? 🌲Trees remind us that if we remain flexible with strong roots, we can weather the storm. When you feel unsteady (mentally or physically), is it due to a weak foundation or from being inflexible? 🌊 Water demonstrates how it will always find a way. It can be a gentle trickle or carve turbulently through rock, but it is the calmness that brings clarity. What clarity surfaces when you allow stillness? The answers are always in nature. This is probably why so many of us feel at peace away from the noise of a city. A chance to reconnect with something bigger than us and a humble reminder that we are a small part of it all. #mountains #canadianrockies #rockymountainhigh #lessonsinnature #alberta #freedom #healing #connection #freshair #breathe #quietthenoise

There are 206 bones in the adult human body, about 600 muscles (including skeletal, smooth and cardiac), over 7 trillion nerves and an abundant matrix of connective tissue (bones are often included in this category when speaking from a perspective of tissue type, as is blood believe it or not). Every impact to one area will have a direct or indirect repercussion to other structures, functions and regions of the body. This is true for negative situations such as with injury as well as with positive supportive interventions such as with a Chiropractic adjustment. You simply can’t affect one area without a response at another. A healthy body has optimal internal communication and response to change. A common example is having injury to one shoulder and finding dysfunction in the opposite hip. The body does as much as it can to accommodate under the radar until it can no longer. Assessing the body as a whole, & observing statically and dynamically how it is functioning is crucial- not only to find the root cause, but also to reduce the compensation so it is less likely that these areas will reproduce the pattern again. Last two thoughts… 1- If you have a current injury that is being addressed local to that region, ensure that your practitioner (or another who can co-care) is supporting the body as a whole and looking at areas OTHER than the area of concern as well. 2- This is probably the most important. Don’t wait until you are injured or have symptoms to have someone assess you. The body can tell a trained eye (and hands) SO much, and often unhealthy patterns exist LONG before a symptom surfaces. Improving overall mobility and function of the complex, interconnected body PROACTIVELY can prevent bigger problems (and harder to treat issues) down the road. ✌🏼 🎨©️2021 drkarenquinn #calgarychiropractor #ramsaychiropractor #secalgary #holisticanatomy #vitalism #chiropracticphilosophy #chiropractor #yyc #lifestyle #connection #anatomy #bodyintelligence #proactive

Some days call for leopard shoes🐆 #calgarychiropractor #ramsaychiropractor #healthfromtheinsideout #bewellstaywell #proactive #mood

Grateful for summer days, outdoor pools and morning swims ✌🏼 #calgary #summer2021 #swimtherapy #keepswimming #getmoving #breathe #staykind #moveeverydayinanyway #solitude #holidays #august #activelife #movementmatters #healthmatters #healthfromtheinsideout

One of my favourite neuro diagrams ever. This busy picture shows our motor and sensory homonculus. This is a neurological map showing the proportions of the brain dedicated to motor (output) and sensory (input) of the body. The hands, fingers, eyes, and mouth (including tongue, teeth, gums and lips) notably occupy a large proportion of attention in both zones and have a much richer concentration of neural innervation. This makes sense when looking at the hands, having much more complex abilities in terms of how they move (and with precision) and how much we sense through touch compared to the feet (for example), or the complexities required of the mouth for speech, eating and drinking. The brain reorganizes and reinforces the pathways that are used the most. There is so much we take for granted when the things we have conscious access to (what we feel or how we move) are such a small proportion of the overall function of the brain and body. The body has endless feedback loops bringing information in and creating responses to keep the body functioning, from oxygen, pH, to mineral balance…we have a dynamic body with an innate intelligence in an ever-changing environment. 🎨©️2021 drkarenquinn #calgary #homonculus #neurology #sensory #motor #brain #brainandbody #anatomy #physiology #chiropractic #mobility #sensory

Taking a mid-day breather. I’m feeling restless lately. I need bare feet in the grass. Stillness. Simplicity. I had a convo with someone today about the importance of breaks. Sometimes this is a holiday or a long weekend but also can be the micro breaks in your day to stop and be quiet. I’m needing this more these days. Only then am I able to hold loving space for myself and for others. The power of pause. #yyc #reflection #calgary #integra #ramsay #inglewood #city #findingstillness #innerwork #worksmarter #gentlereminders #innerknowing

The day was hot, the hike was a grind, but the views were unmatched. Some reflections from this day in the mountains: - pause to breathe and take in the view - the summit is 10x as great when you savour the journey to get there - when on a steep incline, small consistent steps can often move you with more ease than big strides - fueling and hydration leverage the strength you have - only you define what success means for you. For some it may be how high they climb, others how fast, but showing up and having gratitude for the ability and opportunity is success to me. “Everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you’re climbing it.” - Andy Rooney #galatea #kananaskis #lillianlake #hiking #lessonslearnedinlife #chiropractor #getoutside #live #mountainair #summer #balance #lake

⚡️TRICEPS/ TRICEPS BRACHII⚡️ The muscle on the back of the upper arm with three heads: medial, lateral and long. This is the muscle that straightens your elbow joint and helps stabilize the elbow when performing fine motor activities such as writing. Individually each tricep head has slightly specialized functions as well. The long head here is in brown and attaches to the scapula (shoulder blade), the medial head (pink) is mostly covered by the other two sections and is closest to the bone and the lateral head (teal) is visible on the outer side of the upper arm. All three heads join as one to insert on the elbow (the olecranon process of the ulna). Historically it has been taught that all three heads are innervated by the radial nerve, arising from C6-8 however some research suggests the long head may have innervation from the axillary nerve (C5-C6), and some evidence suggests the medial head may be innervated by the ulnar nerve (C8-T1). Regardless, cervical nerves from the neck are giving and receiving feedback to control this muscle group. Also a good reminder that it’s 2021 and we still are refining our knowledge around the anatomy and physiology of the body…nature will always be more intelligent than a text book. When so much of our day puts us in flexion (chances are you’re holding your phone as you read this, with elbows flexed), our extensors get neglected. It’s important to strengthen these muscles to support not only optimal elbow function but shoulder stability also (hello tricep dips, diamond pushups and tricep kickbacks)! Taking for granted the everyday capabilities of your limbs? Try sitting on the floor, standing back up, and sitting again without straightening your elbows. Joints are meant to move! Remember, our body never works in isolation and if we don’t use it we lose it! 🎨©️2021 drkarenquinn #calgarychiropractor #armsworkout #strongbody #fitforlife #anatomy #knowledge #triceps #armday #physiology #muscle #tricepdip #upperbody #fitness #lifestyle #chiropractic

Social media isn’t always healthy. It’s easy to fall down the rabbit hole of other people’s lives, opinions and highlight reel. Sometimes I need to take a step back from it all and return to my own lane. If however, it means I get to document memories and moments that filled my cup, and share a little of the beauty we are SO lucky to have right in our backyard, then maybe it’s not so bad. Today was a good day 🥰 #yyc #nofilter #nomasks #natureisbeautiful #kananaskis #breatheitin #albertaparks #lucky #seekthesimplicity

I was going to write a post about the benefits of cold immersion, but sometimes I get tired of reading tips, recommendations on what I ‘should’ be doing and fed more and more info…I’m sure you do too. So here is a pic of my feet in cold mountain water, because doing something that makes me feel good and grounded is enough reason for me. #naturerules #mountains #seekjoy #happiness #intuition #connectwithnature #kananaskis #elbowriver #trustyourself #infooverload #heartmatters

👀EYE MUSCLES 👀 The eyes are fascinating and complex. The internal structures are amazing, but here I introduce you to the muscles controlling their movement. Eye movement has both voluntary and involuntary control. It allows us to fixate vision on something and track it. The eyes work together to allow vision with both a static head position as well as a moving head...so if your head tilts, your eyes are able to maintain focus on an object for example. There are six muscles controlling eye movement per eye which in turn are controlled by three cranial nerves. I will get into these individually and more specifically in another post. The coordination from brain ➡️ nerve ➡️ muscle is amazing, and observing eye movement patterns can give important diagnostic clues. As with all body structures, if function is declined, it is worthwhile considering the state of the neurology supporting it. If the pattern of eye movement is showing dysfunction, it can indicate an area of the brain that needs to be stimulated. The coolest part of this, is that when we correct or improve eye movement patterns by stimulating the relevant brain regions, we can also experience improvements to other areas (ie. Musculoskeletal function or reducing symptoms such as headaches, etc.) if they share control from the same brain regions. 🎨©️2021 drkarenquinn #calgarychiropractor #complexbody #physiology #body #eyecontrol #concussion #bodyhack #brainhack #holisticfunction #greaterthanthesumofourparts #functionalneuro

Fresh air and a walk in the trees is my reset button. Whether I’m setting the tone for my day, needing a midday productivity boost or decompressing after work. I’m constantly learning the power of pause. #Woods #thegreatoutdoors #canada #meditate #inhaleexhale #powerofpause #holistichealth #movementmatters #freshair #backyardoasis #retreattoadvance #gratitude

Mountain days are the best days. Sunshine, friends, summits and beers...yay May!☀️🏔 #yyc #calgary #wasootch #climb #hiking #sunshine #springhiking #getoutside #alberta #kananaskis

✨Parotid Gland✨ This large gland sits in the outer upper cheek region in front of the ears. The parotid glands are the largest of the salivary glands and wrap around the jaw. This major salivary gland assists in the earliest stage of digestion by secreting saliva to help with chewing/ breakdown of food in the mouth, and swallowing. It also secretes the enzyme amylase, which initiates the digestion of starches before food is even swallowed. This is a reason why chewing food thoroughly is an important stage of the digestive process...the more that can be broken down in the mouth, the less work is put on the rest of the digestive system. The production and composition of saliva is under neural control from both the parasympathetic (rest/ digest) and sympathetic (fight/ flight) nervous systems. When we are in a stressed state our saliva production decreases, blood flow to the glands decreases and protein secretion increases. When the parasympathetic system is initiated (with help from info coming from the mouth, tongue, nose, conditioned brain reflexes and the presence of food), saliva production increases. Blood flow increases to the glands, the rate of expulsion of the saliva increases (I.e. when your mouth waters at the onset of a meal), and increased bicarbonate secretion occurs, an important buffer to facilitate proper pH balance. Our state of stress has global affect on our body health & function. Acute and chronic stress have very real implications for many processes, and in the case of parotid gland function, is one of many mechanisms that slows down and disrupts digestion (thus nourishment). The body is intelligent and every function has purpose. Supporting our natural processes and functions can work wonders in maintaining and restoring health. #yyc #anatomy #physiology #digestion #eatwell #restanddigest #calm #foodmatters #nutrition #holistichealth #nerves

Not a bad perch for a tea and a podcast this morning. I’ve been focusing on consistent simple habits lately. Getting a good night’s sleep, increasing my water intake and getting out for a walk daily. It’s transformational. Today I decided to walk an inner city path I used to live near and found a new little detour I’ve never explored before. I made eye contact with a deer, and found some cool art installations designed to connect people with people, and people with nature. On this little island walk, there is a stream that must be crossed using a rock ford. On either side of this sit two boulders with seats carved into them, each facing different directions offering two different experiences...one with water flowing toward, the other with water flowing away. The artist who designed this experience wanted to express the relationship we have with the land as witnesses and stewards. ‘When viewing the landscape in different ways, we can consider its inevitable transformation’. With land. With life. ✌🏼❤️ #calgary #elbowisland #innercity #urbanexplorer #getoutside #reset #smalldailyhabits #lifelens #sunshine #flow #perspective #explorecalgary #art #community #mentalhealth #yourelifeisyourstocreate #icantwaitforleavesontrees

Today was the day @vaiconsulting and I were supposed to host our first retreat. With increased provincial restrictions we were forced to postpone it until Fall (🤞🏼) but we decided to go on the hike anyway. Trail conditions can be dicey this time of year but we ended up lucking out with a beautiful 20 deg day, an awesome group of people, killer views & mountain air, all of which made for a much-welcomed escape from the city. A huge thanks to all who came, and to my dear friends at @drinkviveau for the most delicious post-hike drink. #kcountry #elbowvalleytrail #nexttimeillcheckmymap #drinkviveau #yyc #mountainpeoplearemypeople #connection #hiking #thegreatoutdoors #retreat

⚡️Tensor Fascia Latae ⚡️ Literally translated to ‘stretcher of the side band’, this muscle is located in the upper-outside portion of the thigh, is enveloped and continuous with the IT band (which attaches to the lower leg). This muscle helps to tighten the ITB to stabilize the knee, especially when standing on one leg, and works closely with the Gluteus Maximus in keeping the pelvis balanced when the hip is extended during standing, walking or running. Poor hip, knee or pelvis biomechanics and/ or gluteus maximus weakness (hello chronic sitters!) may all relate to TFL dysfunction. Rolling this muscle out can be a doozie! Another great stretch for this muscle is to stand next to a wall with outside leg crossed behind the leg closest to the wall (as if you are about to do a curtsy). Then lean pelvis/ hip away from the wall while upper body leans toward the wall. Try not to bend through lumbar spine so that the stretch is focused at the hip. The nerves activating this muscle arise from L5 and S1. Leading to the question for those with known spinal issues at these levels, which came first, the spine/ spinal nerve irritation leading to poor muscle activation or bio mechanical imbalances that led to poor pelvic and spinal stability? Inspecting the body as it is as well as the lifestyle it lives in are both relevant to correcting imbalances, strengthening and establishing top function. ✌🏼 🎨©️2021 drkarenquinn #yycchiro #anatomy #running #runcalgary #walking #hippain #tighthips #biomechanics #anatomy #physiology #anatomyart #a&p #soccer #posture #leg #tfl #itb #holistic

A little light reading today 🤓. Revisiting this oldie but goodie. Part of my attraction to #Chiropractic was its strong philosophical foundation. It resonated and represented true health. Dr. Barge was one of my philosophy professors (a BIG name in Chiropractic) and I adored him. He was direct and blunt and whimsical...and crystal clear on his values and philosophy. I wanted him to sign this book for me and was about to head to his office and decided at the last minute to wait until after our Summer break. He passed away during that break. I was heartbroken and reminded of the harsh lesson that tomorrow is not guaranteed. Dr. Barge lived a full life, without fear and left a legacy. He taught fundamental lessons that are much needed in today’s climate. Grateful for his lessons, for leading by example and remembering that we all have the capacity to do the same. #drkq #ratsinthedump #drbarge #lifewithoutfear #fredbarge #palmer #seedvsterrain #philosophyartscience #chiropractic #philosophy

🛴Rollin’ into Spring like... #calgary #limescooter #eastvillage #spring #yycchiro #sunshine #mural #upthealley #thisiscalgary #yycliving

In traditional Chinese medicine, the liver is associated with Spring and is believe to be the driving energy force of our body. Just as we get the urge to clean and organize our physical spaces, this organ is essential for detoxification. While also responsible for other key functions, the liver is involved with protein synthesis, biochemical production and nutrient storage. Innervated by nerves from T6-T9 (the levels at the lower tip and just below your shoulder blades), the liver receives supply from both parasympathetic (rest/ digest) and sympathetic (fight/ flight/ freeze) fibers. Optimal spinal function (mobility and alignment), clean nutritional intake (to not add load to this organ...cosmetic chemical load is also relevant here) and stress management (yes your liver filters your stress hormones too), are all important to support this organ and it’s associated structures and functions. We are part of nature. Honoring the shifting of the seasons goes beyond recognizing warmer days and greener grass. The energy we feel rise in the spring is part of our natural cycle...waking from hibernation and planting seeds for the next phase of life. Our bodies have more answers than any text book or double blind study. If we are good to it, it will be good back. Take care of the body you have! 🎨©️2021 drkarenquinn #yyc #chiropractor #holistichealth #liver #nerve #anatomy #physiology #spring #energy #qi #nature #innate #spinalhealth

To all the women before us who stood in their power, the women among us who lift each other up and the women yet to be seen who have a legacy to share...Happy International Women’s Day! Sending a shout out to all the women out there making waves in this world! ✌🏼 #yyc #yycchiro #internationalwomensday #empoweredwomenempowerwomen #standtall

Had my eyes checked today by the lovely Dr. Levasseur. My eyesight is as 20/20 as 2020 was easy lol. With health being such a hot topic these days, I implore you to be proactive and take accountability for your habits and lifestyle. Being proactive with health means taking action before something goes wrong, and monitoring things along the way. Whether you are having your eyes, teeth or spine/ nervous system checked, there are a variety of professionals that should form your healthcare team. Having a professional evaluate that everything is in good standing and offering tips and strategies to keep it so, goes a long way in being and staying healthy. Often, by the time symptoms occur, the body has been adapting to an unhealthy situation for some time. The rewards of being proactive can be tough to measure because we don’t always see what we have prevented or recognize the ease our life has been granted that we otherwise wouldn’t have experienced had we not taken care, exercised, ate well, etc. If we want a healthier world, we must first take an honest look at what definition of health we are operating from. In my experience, fear, crisis-management and being reactive is more about ‘sick care’ than health care. There is a lot of potential to be gained with being proactive. Do not underestimate the power of the body, nor the importance of your role in maintaining it. #yyc #eyecheck #proactive #health #optometrist #chiropractor #calgary #healthparadigm #20/20

27 bones form the amazing hand✋🏼 (8 of which are the carpal bones forming two rows of the wrist - note the pisiform is not shown here). There are also 29 joints and at least 123 named ligaments in the human hand. The fingers have no muscles, rather are controlled by tendons from muscles in the forearm. The human hand is unique due to its ability for the pinky and ring fingers to rotate across the hand to meet the thumb. This is what allows us to perform precise tasks such as writing. The hand has a large distribution devoted to it in the somatosensory cortex of the brain, making it more sensitive to touch. Interesting fact: in ancient Egyptian times it was believed that there was a vein connecting the fourth finger to the heart. They called it venous armoris, or the ‘vein of love’. Although we now know this vein does not exist, it is why the wedding ring is traditionally worn on the fourth finger. ❤️ 🎨 ©️2021 drkarenquinn #yyc #yycchiro #anatomy #anatomydrawing #anatomyart #anatomyiscool #bodyliteracy #education #bones #hand #calgary #chiropractor #function

So excited to get this on my wall at the office! All the credit goes to @kokemorstudio for this stunning photograph print! #calgaryphotographer #photograph #photography #yycphotographer #pretty #nature #natureisbeautiful #calgary #succulent #art #yycchiro #mindbodyspirit

Fun day! Updating web photos with the brilliant Britta @kokemorstudio and celebrating 15 YEARS as a Chiropractor! Cheers to progress, friends...and wine on a wednesday! #yyc #yycchiro #photography #webphoto #palmer #class061 #winewednesday #kokemorstudio #womeninbusiness #womensupportingwomen

⚡️RHOMBOIDS⚡️ ...a collective muscle group (major and minor) named as they are shaped like a...rhombus 🤦🏽‍♀️ Attached from the spinous process of C7- T5 to the medial scapular border, these muscles are important for moving the scapula (shoulder blade) up and toward the spine, stabilizing the scapula by fixing it to the thoracic wall and rotates the shoulder joint down. The Serratus Anterior is the antagonist to this muscle group. These are common muscles in need of conditioning when we see slouched posture with rounded shoulders which often occurs with prolonged sitting. Weak rhomboids can contribute to back pain and shoulder impingement. This muscle group is innervated by the dorsal scapular nerve (C5/ lower neck) reminding us that pain or dysfunction local to this muscle may in fact be rooted somewhere else. Interestingly, degenerative disc disease occurs most commonly at the C5/C6 level relating to loss of local mobility, imbalanced biomechanical stress from a reduced cervical curve, poor posture, spinal subluxation, all of which directly and indirectly affect the efficiency of the rhomboid muscles. 🏋🏽‍♀️Want to work on your rhomboids? Aside from ensuring the Spine is in proper alignment and mobility, try this: - on stomach, with forehead resting on the floor, feet shoulder width apart also on floor, bring arms into a cactus or football goal post shape with palms down, (elbows straight out from shoulders and bent at 90 deg so forearms point forwards) - keeping everything but your arms in contact with the ground, exhale and raise arms off the ground with elbows straight. Squeeze between your shoulder blades and only raise as high as you can without compromising your form or feeling strain in your neck - Hold one count, inhale and lower back to floor, resting completely. Repeat 10x. 🎨©️2021 drkarenquinn #yyc #backpain #posture #desksetup #ergonomics #neckpain #roundedshoulders #posturecorrection #growtaller #confidence #back #backworkout #shoulder #impingement #superman #backhealth #spinehealth #strength #foundation

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Day 5 of liver detox to boost my body efficiency and health (guided by the wonderful Dr. Arnel @integranaturopathics). I’m getting fancy over here with blended ice and freshly squeezed lime juice in my @sodastream water. Tomorrow I might even get wild and add some mint! 🌱 Feeling good but have mad cravings for a delicious plate of pasta, a glass of wine...travel, live music, seeing faces, dancing, the gym, the pool, spin classes, social gatherings, live sports...ok so all but two of those have nothing to do with this detox but I’m still swimming in nostalgia and hanging onto hope that we can one day experience those moments again. Reminding myself to remember this feeling so when we can be together again the appreciation and gratitude isn’t lost in the moment. ✌🏼😌 #yycchiro #behealthynow #healthylifestyle #holistic #gratitude #mindbody #healthfromtheinsideout #mojitowannabe

⚡️NEURON⚡️ Back to the basics! This single nerve cell is the foundation of Chiropractic. I was in a technique seminar once (not run by Chiropractors) and they were saying ‘Chiropractic is about bones’ . Wrong. The entire premise of Chiropractic is based on optimizing nervous system function. The spinal alignment is a priority because it is the spine and skull that houses and protects the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). Off the spinal cord are nerves that send information to every tissue, organ and gland, and then neurons that complete the feedback loop back to the spinal cord and brain so that body functions can be regulated appropriately. This is important not only in the muscular system in being able to contract and then relax a muscle group, but also in the nerves we don’t have conscious control over that are communicating with other automatic body functions. Neurons are one building block of the nervous system and their integrity of structure and ability to receive and send messages is fundamental for whole body health. Healthy nerves will support a healthy system and a healthy system will support healthy nerves. In addition to optimal biomechanics and posture (spinal health), nutrition (including healthy fats, optimal mineral and vitamin intake) and movement (using the nerve pathways you have and/ or creating healthier ones so that your body maintains the line of communication) are all foundational for healthy nerves. It’s almost as if the lifestyle choices we make has impact on our overall health and wellbeing 🤔. We are more than the sum of our parts! 🎨©️2021 drkarenquinn #yyc #yycchiropractor #calgarychiro #anatomy #nothingworksinisolation #holistichealth #movementmatters #healthmatters #proactive #nutrition #nervehealth #physiology #cellsbecometissues #tissuesbecomeorgans #organsbecomebodies

🎶I like to move it move it🎶 #yycchiropractor #yycchiro #slowandsteady #winter #running #localforest #yyc #calgary #getmoving #sunnydays #sweat #breathe #getoutside #january #intuition

Just what I needed 😊 #snowyowltrail #braggcreek #westbraggcreek #kananaskis #karensarefun #snowshoe #winterwonderland #getoutside #getmoving #participaction #seeya2020 #manifestedparking

✨THYMUS✨ This is an important organ for both the immune and endocrine systems. Sitting just behind the upper portion of the sternum (chest bone), it is large during infancy, reaches maximum size during puberty, after which the gland shrinks and is very small in the elderly (particularly after 60 years...thought to possibly be preprogrammed aging). ⚡️This gland may also atrophy during extreme stress. ⚡️Read that again. The thymus is responsible for maturing T cells. T cells have a role in cell-mediated immunity (when cells become active in fighting bacteria, viruses cancer etc.). T cells are produced in bone marrow, travel to the thymus as immature cells (no useful function), and then it is in the thymus they mature and differentiate to complete different roles. Some known as cytotoxic T cells kill infected cells, others are helper T cells and cause B cells to produce antibodies & activates other T cells to address invaders. Others are regulatory T cells which act as the immune system police, and act to suppress Both B and T cell activity. The maturation process of T cells also teaches them what’s bad/ foreign to the body as well as identifying what are the body’s own antigens to prevent self attack. T cells that attack the body’s own antigens (protein markers) are ideally eliminated or turned into regulatory cells. Self attack is an autoimmune concern. Once mature, the T cells then circulate in the blood or wait in lymph nodes to do their job. In addition to immune function, the thymus as part of the endocrine system has receptors of which other hormones can regulate its function and has the ability to produce hormones that: - Aid in T cell differentiation - Accentuate immune response and stimulate the pituitary hormones (I.E. Growth Hormone) - Increases immune response to viruses specifically (thymic humoral factor - May produce small amounts of melatonin and insulin If you got this far, remember: Nothing works in isolation. Every part has its purpose. The body (nature) is powerful and intelligent. ✌🏼 #yyc #health #anatomy #physiology #innateintelligence #nature #function #holistic #anatomyart 🎨©️2020 drkarenquinn

☃️ #whitechristmas #snow #whowantstoshoveloutmycartomorrow #wintersoltice #gratitude #balance #ineedmorecardio

And just like that, it’s a new day. I’ll be honest, I’ve been feeling really burnt out lately. Emotionally and physically...I’ve been less patient and more sensitive, more self critical and less productive. Nothing conducive for health (or happiness). I also know it’s up to me to not stay there. To switch the dialogue and protect my own energy. As I start a new and busy (✨grateful✨) week, I decided I needed to see the sunrise this morning, get outside and ground myself with a guided meditation. I was lucky enough to come across a great one from @themindfulmovementpodcast (YouTube meditations). If you too are feeling the heaviness of life right now, I encourage you to seek strategies to ground yourself. This meditation ended with intention directed to myself, a specific person I love and for humanity. I offer the intentions here...recite, repeat, absorb. ✨May you be safe from internal & external harm. ✨May you have a calm, clear mind & a peaceful loving heart. ✨May you be physically strong, healthy & vital. ✨May you experience love, joy, wonder & wisdom in this life, just as it is. ✨May your heart be open with kindness & peace. ✨May you be filled with the spirit of loving kindness. ❤️ #yyc #yycchiro #thistooshallpass #impermanence #meditation #getoutside #natureheals #wegotthis #sunrise #newday #hope #bekind #grateful #loveyourneighnour #compassion #mentalhealth #selfawareness #breathe #powerofthought #gratitude #onward

FEAR. One of our primitive survival emotions. This is an important emotion as it exists to keep us safe and alive. 🧠The main structure in the brain known to interpret fear is the AMYGDALA. Paired structures central in the brain (here shown at the bottom tip of the green). When the amygdala is stimulated with a threat, the rest of the body is signaled with the release of stress hormones to prepare the motor system for ‘flight or fight’. The hippocampus (blue) helps the brain interpret the perceived threat. It is here that we evaluate if the threat is real. Depending on the context, the stimulus will either be validated, and the stress response will continue, or we will realize we are ok and the response will be halted. We learn through our own experience (including what we are told or what we read) and also by observing the reaction of others. We see this with kids, when they look up to their parents, teachers, peers etc. to gauge if something should be scary or not. The fear response initiates the same physiological response regardless if the threat is real or imagined. It heightens our senses and awareness, blood pressure rises, heart rate increases, blood flow and glucose increases output to the skeletal muscles. Over time it also has negative impact on our cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and 1mmune systems. Every process and part in the body has a purpose, and nothing works in isolation. Although fear is a vital emotion to detect danger, it is not a healthy state to stay. 🎨©️2020 drkarenquinn #yyc #mentalhealth #anatomy #physiology #brain #fear #emotion #anxiety #psychology #health #mindbody #holistic #healing #stress #lessonslearnedinlife #function #neurology #brainhealth #safety #survival #wellness #palmerproud #chiropractic #chiropracticstudent #anatomyart

Our words matter. What we feed our thoughts matters. What we read, listen to, watch and repeat to ourselves matters. Reminding myself this as I sweat out the remainder of this week so I can start fresh tomorrow with a clear mind and an open heart. Stay kind and hopeful, friends. ✌🏼❤️ #yyc #yycchiro #movement #movementismedicine #keepgoing #openheart #fitness #mindset #truetoyou #justbreathe #sweattherapy #mentalhealth #choice #dailyhabits #yougotthis