The Murthy Clinic

Notes that Nourish

ONE

we move them 

TWO

explosion forces move

THREE

landslide moves to new position

 

My 3 questions: 

Do you move enough?

Are you living like a rock?

Can I motivate you to move more?

 

 

Lack of movement alters many areas of our lives 

Arguably modern lifestyle does not encourage us to be fit or active without a determination or commitment to move. Sedentary jobs desk in front of screen eventually lead to poor posture, stagnation and possible inflammation as fluids build up become trapped leading to swelling which in turn may restrict future movement.

 

Sitting in front of a TV and watching others move as in the recent Olympics, while inspiring and entertaining, eventually leads to isolation, boredom and even depression. Watching sport is great but taking part in some form of movement is crucial for a healthy life.

 

Lack of movement leads to poor flexibility 

This is not just a disease of old age but a lifestyle choice where not moving has led to seizing up of everything from limbs, joints, blood vessels, heart, lungs…and this starts when we are young, we notice in middle age and suffer when older.

 

Isolation and loneliness 

Lack of movement leaves us isolated unable to join in with friends and families. As a species we do better together as we are tribal by nature. Try watching families in the Mediterranean. Yes, there are carbs, maybe dishes of pasta or rice, glasses of wine, but notice how they socialise and are connected from young babies to the oldest person whilst out at the restaurant, most importantly they seem happy and full of life.

 

Lack of movement leads to disease

When we are young perhaps we should ask ourselves, do we want to live longer or live well and be healthy and able to still be able to move entering older age? Disease brings unknown problems especially as we age, meaning the time to take action is as soon as possible. Now, not tomorrow.

 

Stretching can help

No need for fancy twisting on one leg or on your head type yoga (but great if you can). Simple stretching before a walk, after a walk, getting out of bed, into bed, standing desks, stretch between calls and meetings… every little helps.

 

Massage can be great

Not an expensive spa (although of course good when possible). 

Take some oil, apply before a shower, use longer movements over long bones and circular movements over knees, elbows, joints and stomach. How do you feel? Is there any tension? Any bumps or aches? Get to know Your body and show some Love, after all this same body will be with you and work better into older age if you treat well when younger.

 

Move it or lose it

Movement classes like Tai-chi can help retain balance with simple repetitive movements that bring energy and calm and take us inwards to ourselves and away from a busy life. Similarly chair yoga if this is all you can manage at the start, will help you to rediscover movement. Many towns, cities and local authorities offer walking groups, not for the super fit who want to walk miles but for those who want to rediscover gentle movement with some company. Look for these in your local library. 

All movement helps on so many levels. Blood and lymph circulate with ease around the body nourishing blood vessels, muscles and bringing movement to each part of the body seen and unseen.

 

Find a breath-work teacher. Breathe deeply

Our internal organs also need to move and breathing allows fresh oxygen into our lungs and rids the body of built up toxins, also helping to rejuvenate and bring calm to our mind.

 

Flexibility and increasing muscle strength will help bones 

Lack of muscle strength or muscle loss as we age leads to less Mitochondria. This means less battery powerhouses to create energy, leading to tiredness. 

Lack of movement also leads to poor muscle tone, maybe tripping, falls and even bones breaking. A hospital stay will further decrease the ability to move and stay fit and is not where we want to be, especially as we age with the increase in infections.

 

Moving for a healthy age

The choice for many is simple but takes a change of mind and some effort. 

Whereas it maybe easier not to move and stay in comfort zones, if you are not a rock and are able to move in some way, evidence strongly suggests that keeping movement going is absolutely crucial for a healthier, happier life and older age. 

 

When Rocks give us medicine

Shilajit has been traditionally used as a rejuvenator and adaptogen to increase vitality, strength, longevity and keep us moving. The best shilajit is sourced from the high altitudes of the Himalayan mountains, particularly in regions like Nepal and Bhutan. It is typically collected during the warmer months when it oozes from the rocks.

 

Shilajit, is referred as "the destroyer of weakness” in Ayurvedic medicine, where it has been used for thousands of years as a powerful substance to enhance energy and improve overall health. It is a sticky, tar-like substance forming naturally on rocks from the gradual decomposition of certain plants over centuries. 

 

Shilajit contains fulvic acid, a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, along with over 80 trace minerals essential for bodily functions. 

A study in 2012 with 60 participants found that Shilajit increased ATP production by 14% and enhanced physical performance after 8 weeks of supplementation .

In 2015 a study demonstrated that Shilajit improved testosterone levels by 23.5% in a sample of 75 healthy men after 90 days .

A 2018 study showed that Shilajit supplementation reduced oxidative stress markers by 18% in 50 individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome .

 

Shilajit what you need to know before you use.

The analogy of Rocks for this article made me think about Shilajit, which has become very popular over recent years. I like, and use as a powerful adaptogen, reducing oxidative stress to support my overall vitality. 

However, it is good to be aware that some people do experience mild digestive discomfort when first trying shilajit. If you are considering, look for shilajit that is standardised for fulvic acid content and certified by third-party laboratories. Avoid shilajit that is overly processed or mixed with fillers and Pure shilajit should be sourced from reputable suppliers who test for purity and safety due to the risk of contamination with heavy metals.