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✨The Calm Within​✨
Curated by Dr. Karen Singh, where modern neuroscience meets ancient wisdom. This space is dedicated to exploring the powerful connection between the nervous system, mind-body medicine, and holistic health practices that transform lives from the inside out. 

✨ Managing Chronic Pain with Mindfulness ✨

12/4/2025

 
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In today's fast-paced world, many of us juggle endless responsibilities—from meeting work deadlines to keeping up with daily errands. Amid this constant hustle, it's easy to push our mental and physical well-being to the side. But what if the persistent tension and chronic pain you’re experiencing could be eased by simply slowing down and becoming more present?
At Nandish Health, where we offer chiropractic care, physiotherapy, and massage therapy, we understand that chronic pain is not just physical—it's often deeply connected to mental and emotional stress. One effective way to manage this connection is through the practice of mindfulness.
What Is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present in the moment. It encourages awareness of your thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations without judgment. By focusing on the present, you can better understand how your body feels, what it needs, and how to release stress-related tension.
Mindfulness works as a mind-body therapy, helping to reduce muscle tension and inflammation that often stem from unprocessed emotions and stress. It supports your body’s natural healing process and complements hands-on treatments like chiropractic adjustments, physiotherapy sessions, and therapeutic massage.
How Mindfulness Supports Chronic Pain Relief
Mindfulness helps break the cycle of chronic pain by:
  • Reducing anxiety and stress that can worsen physical symptoms
  • Improving emotional resilience, making it easier to cope with discomfort
  • Encouraging body awareness, which helps you recognize tension and consciously release it
  • Improving sleep and mood, both of which play a crucial role in managing long-term pain
By incorporating mindfulness into your routine, you’ll begin to feel more in control of your body and its responses—enhancing the benefits of any therapeutic treatment you receive at Nandish Health.
Additional Benefits of Mindfulness
Beyond pain relief, mindfulness can also help with:
  • Anxiety and depression
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Emotional eating and poor lifestyle habits
It’s a powerful tool that can support your overall health journey, empowering you to make healthier choices, feel more energized, and cultivate a greater sense of well-being.
5 Simple Mindfulness Practices to Start Today
You don’t need hours of free time or a quiet mountain retreat to practice mindfulness. Just 10 minutes a day can make a significant difference. Here's how to begin:
  1. Sit comfortably and relax
  2. Focus on your breathing – notice each inhale and exhale
  3. Bring awareness to your body – from head to toe
  4. Observe sounds and smells around you – let them pass without judgment
  5. Acknowledge your emotions – accept how you feel in the moment
Integrating Mindfulness with Chiropractic, Physiotherapy, and Massage
At Nandish Health, we believe in a holistic approach to pain management. Whether you're receiving chiropractic adjustments, physiotherapy exercises, or massage therapy, incorporating mindfulness can enhance your results and support long-term relief.
If you're struggling with chronic pain or stress-related tension, our team is here to help you find lasting solutions that work with your lifestyle.
Ready to take control of your pain and feel more balanced?
Contact Nandish Health today to book an appointment and learn how our integrative therapies and mindfulness techniques can support your well-being.
Book online now

We Answer the most googled questions about chiropractic

8/4/2025

 

What is chiropractic care?

​Chiropractic care is a natural health profession that focuses on diagnosing and correcting spinal and joint dysfunctions to help your body heal and function better. It's not just about pain relief—it’s about improving your overall nervous system health.

How does a chiropractic adjustment work?

​An adjustment is a gentle, specific movement of a joint—most often the spine—designed to restore alignment, improve mobility, and reduce nerve irritation. This helps your body work the way it was designed to.

What is the “cracking” sound during an adjustment?

​That sound is called cavitation—it’s just gas (mainly nitrogen) being released from the joint. It’s completely harmless and doesn’t indicate anything breaking or cracking.

​Is chiropractic care safe?

​Yes. When performed by a licensed chiropractor, chiropractic care is extremely safe. It’s non-invasive, drug-free, and tailored to your age, condition, and health goals.

What conditions do chiropractors treat?

Chiropractors can help with back pain, neck pain, headaches, migraines, sciatica, poor posture, joint pain, pregnancy discomfort, sports injuries, and more. We also work with the nervous system and overall body function.

Does an adjustment hurt?

​Most people find adjustments relieving. Some may feel mild soreness afterward (similar to starting a new workout), but that usually fades quickly.

How often should I see a chiropractor?

​It depends on your goals. Acute pain may need a short-term care plan. Wellness or preventative care may involve regular visits, like you would for dental cleanings or gym sessions.

Can chiropractic help with posture?

​Yes! We assess your spinal alignment and provide adjustments, exercises, and lifestyle advice to help you stand taller, breathe easier, and reduce tension.

Will I need X-rays?

​Not always. We only recommend X-rays when clinically necessary to ensure safe, effective care. If needed, we’ll explain why and what we’re looking for.

What should I expect at my first visit?

​We’ll take a detailed history, perform a physical exam, and assess your posture, spine, and nervous system. If safe and appropriate, your first adjustment may happen on the same day.

Is chiropractic care safe for children?

Yes, absolutely. Paediatric adjustments are very gentle—often just light pressure. We help with issues like colic, reflux, poor sleep, torticollis, developmental delays, and more.

Can pregnant women get adjusted?

Definitely. Chiropractic care can reduce back pain, support better fetal positioning, ease pelvic tension, and prepare the body for an easier birth. Many moms find it essential during pregnancy.

How does chiropractic affect the nervous system?

​Your spine houses your spinal cord—your nervous system’s highway. When joints are misaligned, they can interfere with nerve signals. Adjustments help restore clear communication between your brain and body.

hat happens if I stop going to the chiropractor?

Your spine may return to old patterns of tension or misalignment, especially if lifestyle habits haven’t changed. We aim to empower you with exercises and knowledge so you stay strong between visits.

Is chiropractic the same as physiotherapy or massage?

​They’re different but complementary. Chiropractic focuses on the spine, nervous system, and joint function. Physio targets movement and rehab. Massage focuses on soft tissue. Many clinics (like ours) offer all three!

Can chiropractic help with anxiety or stress?

Yes—many patients report feeling calmer after adjustments. Chiropractic supports the nervous system, particularly the vagus nerve, which plays a major role in regulating your stress response.

✨ THE SOMATIC PYRAMID ✨

1/4/2025

 
Modern science is only beginning to affirm what the Sikh Gurus revealed over five centuries ago — that the body carries memory, that healing is a deeply relational process, and that the nervous system is the gateway to peace, clarity, and liberation.
Through the lenses of Polyvagal Theory, Neuroscience, Somatic Psychology, Chronobiology, and Psychophysiology, the sacred practices of Sikhi — from Simran to Seva, from Sangat to Raag — emerge not only as acts of devotion, but as biologically intelligent tools for trauma resolution, stress regulation, and profound inner coherence. This is where science meets spirituality, and where Sikh wisdom leads the way forward. This is where science finally catches up with Sikhi.

Dr. Karen Singh’s pioneering integration of Sikh spiritual practice and modern scientific insight represents the first framework of its kind in the world. This innovative model offers a transformative pathway to:
  • Equip health and wellness practitioners with nervous system–informed tools rooted in Sikh wisdom
  • Support families in healing intergenerational patterns through embodied connection
  • Restore balance and resilience to the nervous system using time-honoured practices validated by science
  • Inspire a new generation of Sikhs to heal trauma, regulate health, and live in alignment with the principle of Chardi Kala — ever-rising spirit and optimism
WHY THIS PYRAMID MATTERS
In every healing journey; whether you’re healing trauma, navigating anxiety, or returning home to yourself — you must ascend through Somatic Safety → Emotional Regulation → Soul Unity.
The Sikh Gurus built this path into our daily practice.
Modern neuroscience now proves why it works.
This pyramid becomes the core of all nervous-system-informed education, women’s circles, trauma recovery, and mind-body medicine.
1. SOMATIC SAFETY
​
Foundational regulation for the body. Where all healing begins.

Practices: Matha Tek, Sukhasan, Breathwork, Seva, Floor Sitting
This layer is about creating a sense of physical safety in the body through posture, breath, repetition, and grounding. In trauma healing, the body must first be reassured that it is not in danger before higher functions like learning, empathy, or joy can be accessed.

🌱 Science Behind the Practices:
  • Matha Tek (bowing) flexes the spine and stimulates the ventral vagus nerve, the part of the autonomic nervous system responsible for calm and rest.
  • Sukhasan (cross-legged floor sitting) activates the pelvic floor, engages the core stabilisers, and signals grounding.
  • Conscious breathwork regulates the heart rate, cortisol, and interoception, allowing the body to shift from fight/flight into safety.
  • These are bottom-up regulation techniques, meaning they start in the body and send signals of safety to the brain.

​“We cannot think our way into safety. We must feel it in our bodies first.” — Dr. Karen Singh
2. EMOTIONAL REGULATION
Creating inner coherence through rhythm, sound, and sacred story.
Practices: Simran, Kirtan, Ardaas, Daily Paath, Chardi Kala Reflection
Once the body feels safe, the nervous system becomes ready to process emotions — such as fear, grief, anger, longing, and joy. This tier supports limbic system regulation through sound, language, rhythm, and prayer.

🧠 Science Behind the Practices:
  • Simran (Waheguru mantra) creates neural resonance and stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system through the rhythmic exhalation.
  • Kirtan (sacred music) engages the limbic brain, allowing for safe emotional release and integration. Music is known to reduce amygdala activity (fear center).
  • Ardaas (spoken prayer) creates a shift from hyperarousal to surrender, moving the person from helplessness to meaning.
  • These practices build affective regulation, allowing one to tolerate big emotions without becoming dysregulated.
​
“We cannot regulate emotion without rhythm. Kirtan and Simran are not just sacred acts — they’re nervous system medicine.” — Dr. Karen Singh
3. TRANSCENDENCE & SOUL UNITY
The crown of healing — beyond self, into oneness and belonging.
Practices: Sangat, Raag (musical raags), Ik Onkar, Sewa for others
This layer moves us beyond the self, beyond individual healing, into the realm of collective safety, ancestral resonance, and spiritual integration. It’s where identity transforms into unity, where one feels deeply connected to Waheguru and to humanity.

✨ Science Behind the Practices:
  • Sangat (spiritual community) activates the social engagement system, enabling deep co-regulation — the cornerstone of healing from relational trauma.
  • Raag (musical scale) therapy has shown powerful effects on EEG brainwave patterns, leading to spiritual transcendence, even reducing depression and PTSD symptoms.
  • Ik Onkar (Oneness meditation) deactivates the default mode network (DMN), reducing ego identification and increasing compassion and spiritual awareness.
  • These are top-down regulation strategies — meaning they begin in the realm of meaning and spiritual truth, then cascade down to regulate the nervous system.​
“Healing becomes liberation when we remember we are never alone. Oneness is the deepest safety.” — Dr. Karen Singh
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Understanding Spinal Degeneration: A Comprehensive Guide

19/7/2024

 
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As we journey through life, our bodies undergo a multitude of changes, especially as we age. While some of these changes, like wrinkles or greying hair, are visible on the surface, others occur within our bodies, often without us even realising it.

One such internal change is spinal degeneration, a process that affects many individuals but often goes unnoticed until symptoms become apparent. Understanding the stages of spinal degeneration is crucial for early detection and intervention to mitigate its effects.

Stage 1: Early Signs
In the initial stage of spinal degeneration, symptoms may be minimal or non-existent. However, subtle signs such as misalignment of the spine and weakness in muscles and ligaments may be present. These misalignments, though not painful, can exert additional pressure on the spine, accelerating the ageing process of the spine, nerves, and joints.


Stage 2: Increasing Discomfort
As degeneration progresses to the second stage, spinal curvature becomes more pronounced, and disc degeneration becomes noticeable. Bone deformities, such as bone spurs, may develop, leading to discomfort and pain.

Stage 3: Advanced Degeneration
In the third stage, significant changes in posture and spinal curvature occur, accompanied by heightened pain and discomfort. Discs become thinner, increasing the risk of further bone deformities and nerve damage, resulting in loss of mobility and other symptoms.


Stage 4: Irreversible Damage
The final stage of spinal degeneration is characterised by irreversible damage. Discs reach their thinnest point, severely limiting spinal flexibility. Nerve damage becomes severe, leading to loss of function in various parts of the body, and persistent pain and discomfort are common.


It's important to recognise that spinal degeneration is a natural part of the ageing process, influenced by factors such as falls, injuries, and daily stressors. However, certain lifestyle habits, including poor posture, nutrition, hydration, and rest, can accelerate this process.

Chiropractic Care for Spinal Health
At Nandish Chiropractic, we specialise in identifying early warning signs of spinal degeneration and providing targeted interventions to address them. Through spinal adjustments and tailored exercises, we aim to correct misalignments and improve spinal function, potentially minimising the progression of degenerative changes.

While spinal degeneration cannot be reversed once it has begun, proactive measures can help manage symptoms and maintain spinal health. If you're experiencing neck or back pain, seeking early intervention is key to preventing further complications.
Maintaining Spinal Health
In addition to chiropractic care, adopting good spinal hygiene practices is essential for preserving spinal health. Staying active, eating a balanced diet, getting adequate rest, and maintaining proper posture are all crucial components of spinal care.

By taking proactive steps to care for your spine, you can reduce the impact of aging and maintain mobility and comfort as you grow older. Don't wait until symptoms escalate—prioritise your spinal health today for a healthier tomorrow.



Understanding Lumbar Stability and Exercises for Relief

8/7/2024

 
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Back pain is a prevalent issue affecting millions worldwide. Fortunately, enhancing lumbar stability can significantly alleviate discomfort and improve overall spinal health. In this post, we'll delve into what lumbar stability entails, its significance, and practical exercises to fortify it.

Understanding Lumbar Stability

Lumbar stability pertains to the capacity of lower back muscles to uphold the spine in a neutral position. Situated between the pelvis and the upper thoracic spine, the lumbar spine shoulders the weight of the upper body and safeguards the spinal cord. Proper lumbar stability is instrumental in maintaining posture, averting injuries, and minimizing back pain.

Importance of Lumbar Stability
Inadequate lumbar stability can lead to muscular imbalances, rendering the lower back susceptible to injuries such as sciatica, herniated discs, and spinal stenosis. Bolstering lumbar stability not only diminishes injury risks but also fosters better posture and reduces back discomfort.​

Exercises to Enhance Lumbar Stability

1. Pelvic Tilts: Lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat. Gradually tilt your pelvis forward, flattening the lower back against the ground, then reverse the movement. Engage lower abdominal muscles throughout.

2. Bridging: While lying on your back with knees bent and feet flat, lift your hips off the ground, keeping shoulders and feet grounded. Hold briefly before lowering hips back down, focusing on activating gluteal muscles.

3. Bird Dog: Begin on hands and knees, wrists aligned under shoulders and knees beneath hips. Extend the right arm forward and left leg backward simultaneously, maintaining a stable core. Alternate sides.

4. Planks: Commence in a push-up position with hands and toes supporting your body. Lower onto forearms, ensuring elbows align under shoulders. Engage core and glutes, holding the position without allowing hips to sag.

Conclusion
 Improving lumbar stability is pivotal for alleviating back pain and averting injuries. By incorporating exercises like pelvic tilts, bridging, bird dog, and planks into your regimen, you can bolster lumbar stability and mitigate back discomfort. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new exercise routine.

References:
·      Chang, W. D., Lin, H. Y., Lai, P. T., & Lin, J. J. (2015). Core strength training for patients with chronic low back pain. Journal of physical therapy science, 27(3), 619-622.
·      Czaprowski, D., & Białek, M. (2017). The impact of lumbar stabilization exercises on lumbar muscle strength, functional capacity, and pain in patients with segmental lumbar instability. PM&R, 9(9), 885-895.
·      Hodges, P. W., & Richardson, C. A. (1996). Inefficient muscular stabilization of the lumbar spine associated with low back pain: a motor control evaluation of transversus abdominis. Spine, 21(22), 2640-2650.
·      Kim, J. E., & Kim, D. K. (2017). Effects of bridging exercise on pain and muscle activation in patients with lumbar herniated disc and degenerative disc disease. Journal of physical therapy science, 29(9), 1521-1524.
·      Marshall, P. W., Murphy, B. A., & Mackey, M. G. (2011). Gluteus medius strength, endurance, and co-activation in the development of low back pain during prolonged standing. Human movement science, 30(1), 63-73.
·      Searle, A., Spink, M., Ho, A., & Chuter, V. (2015). Exercise interventions for the treatment of chronic low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Clinical rehabilitation, 29(12), 1155-1167.
·      Standaert, C. J., & Herring, S. A. (2000). Expert opinion and controversies in musculoskeletal and sports medicine: exercise and low back pain. Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation, 81(5), S71-S77.
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  • Home
  • About
    • Our Team >
      • Dr Karen Singh
      • Dr Amy McHarg
      • Dr Mark Jacobson
      • Dr Tamara Ellett
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