Holistic Options for Surgical Preparation & Recovery in Jacksonville, Florida

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Holistic care and surgery seem like oxymorons. Isn't surgery the antithesis of natural wellness options?

​Perhaps it seems like that, but in our modern world, if we do find ourselves needing to have surgery, the great thing is there are options to help us recover faster through holistic medicine. There is no need to feel that if a person avails themselves of Western medicine that they can't use natural medicine modalities as well to complement their treatment.

At The Wellness Hub in Jacksonville, Florida we offer several different services that can help your recovery from surgical procedures, whether it is a planned procedure or one that occurs unexpectedly.

Our acupuncture, red light therapy and manual lymphatic drainage services can greatly assist you on your post-surgical recovery journey.

Natural and Holistic Modalities for Integrative Surgical Recovery

How Acupuncture Can Help Surgical Preparation and Recovery

1. Pain Relief: Acupuncture has been shown to provide effective pain relief with fewer side effects than traditional pain medications. It can be especially helpful for managing post-operative pain.
2. Reduced Inflammation: Acupuncture can help to reduce inflammation and swelling, which can be a common side effect of surgery.
3. Improved Circulation: Acupuncture can help to increase blood flow and circulation, which can also help to reduce swelling and promote healing.
4. Stress Reduction: Surgery can be a stressful experience, and stress can interfere with the body's ability to heal. Acupuncture can help to reduce stress and promote relaxation, which can support the healing process.
5. Improved Immune Function: Acupuncture has been shown to help support the immune system, which can be particularly important during the recovery process when the body is working to heal.

How Red Light Therapy Can Help Surgical Recovery

Red light therapy is a non-invasive therapeutic technique that uses specific wavelengths and frequencies of red light to promote healing, reduce inflammation, and improve skin health. It is also known as low-level light therapy or photobiomodulation therapy.

Red light therapy has been shown to help with a variety of conditions, including wound healing, muscle pain, joint problems, and skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis. It has also been used in cosmetic treatments for reducing wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots.

Here are some ways that red light therapy works for surgical recovery:

1. Increased Cellular Energy Production: Red light therapy uses wavelengths of light that penetrate the skin and are absorbed by the mitochondria in the cells. This energy can help to stimulate the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which provides the energy that the body needs to heal.
2. Enhanced Circulation: By increasing cellular metabolism and blood flow, red light therapy can help to reduce inflammation and swelling after surgery. Improved circulation also helps to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the affected area, which can aid in tissue repair.
3. Reduced Pain and Inflammation: Red light therapy has been shown to help reduce pain and inflammation, which can be particularly helpful for managing postoperative pain.
4. Improved Skin Healing: Red light therapy can also help to improve skin healing and reduce scar formation. By promoting the production of collagen, it can help to strengthen and support the skin as it heals.
5. Non-Invasive: Red light therapy is a non-invasive treatment that is safe and gentle. It does not involve any surgery or invasive procedures, making it a great option for individuals who may need to avoid additional trauma to the affected area.

How Can Manual Lymphatic Drainage (Aka Lymphatic Massage Help) Help Surgical Preparation and Recovery?

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a type of massage therapy that is perfectly positioned to help with surgical preparation and recovery. Here are some ways that MLD can be helpful:

1. Stimulates Lymphatic System: MLD helps to stimulate the lymphatic system, which can reduce swelling and improve circulation. This is particularly useful in preparing for surgery, as it can help to reduce the risk of post-operative swelling and infection. 
2. Promotes Relaxation: MLD is a gentle and relaxing massage technique that can help to reduce stress and tension. This can be helpful both before and after surgery, as stress can interfere with the body's ability to heal.
3. Supports Immune System: MLD can help to support the immune system, which can be important during the recovery process. By promoting the movement of lymphatic fluid, MLD can help to remove toxins and other waste products, which can support the body's natural healing processes.
4. Reduces Scarring: MLD can help to reduce scarring after surgery by promoting proper circulation and lymphatic drainage. By minimizing swelling and promoting healthy tissue repair, MLD can help to minimize scar formation.

Bonus - Nutrition for Surgical Recovery
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While not a specific service we offer at The Wellness Hub, having proper nutrition and employing a couple of specific nutritional strategies can aid your body in healing fully and completely.

1. Protein: Protein is important for tissue repair and wound healing. Eating foods such as lean meats, poultry, fish, dairy, eggs, beans, and nuts can provide the body with the protein that it needs to recover. If digestion is weak or non-existent, a protein smoothie isn't a bad idea to get in a little extra nutrition.
2. Vitamin C: Vitamin C is important for collagen production and wound healing. Foods such as citrus fruit, tomatoes, bell peppers, strawberries, and kiwi are rich in vitamin C.
3. Zinc: Zinc is important for wound healing and immune function. Foods such as oysters, beef, chicken, beans, and nuts are rich in zinc. Zinc gluconate or Zinc chelate are good formats to look for in a zinc supplement.
4. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce inflammation and promote healing. A high-quality fish oil is a good idea after surgery, once your doctor approves you for that. Omega-3 fatty acids can increase blood circulation and therefore the risk of bleeding, so it's important to ask your doctor.
5. Fiber: Fiber is important for digestive health and can help to prevent constipation, which can be a common side effect of surgery. Eating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans can provide the body with fiber.
6. Water: Drinking plenty of water is important for hydration and can help to prevent constipation and promote healing.
7. Brightly Colored Fruits and Vegetables: Contain important antioxidants that can help with wound healing, tissue repair and immune system function.

Having surgery can be quite a disruptive time in a person's life. Everyone wants to have the best plan and treatment strategy to decrease downtime, reduce pain and promote proper and speedy healing. If you are having surgery in Jacksonville, Florida or you've recently undergone a procedure, we are here to help you recover with our natural and holistic modalities! Contact us today for more information and to schedule an appointment.