Keeping fit from head to toes – Knees, bones and teeth
Today’s highlighted body regions are the knees, skin, bones, and teeth. Pay extra attention to these regions, exercise them, and look after them! Below you find some tips and recipes. But before here is some information about the historical context of ‘body regions’.
The system of the ‘body regions’
For thousands of years, physicians and healers believed that the gravitational forces of the moon and wider cosmos influenced different regions of the body as the lunar cycle progressed. Across many traditional teachings, it was understood that throughout each moon cycle, our energetic focus travels through the body from head to toe.
While this concept is more folkloric than medically proven, it offers a holistic time scale to care for ourselves. Whenever you see the relevant symbol, bring awareness to this region and create a rhythm of conscious self-care. This will, over time, support balance, well-being, and a deeper connection to our body.
Please remember this cycle is intended for general awareness, gentle exercise, prevention, and well-being. It is not a substitute for medical treatment or emergency care. Any health concerns or medical needs should always be guided by a qualified healthcare professional!
However, as Benjamin Franklin wisely wrote in 1736, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” These symbols serve as a gentle reminder to look after your body with regular movement, strengthening exercises, nourishment, and supportive routines — helping you stay healthy and more resilient, and more in tune with yourself. A consistent 15-minute daily program can, over time, have enormous health benefits.
Bone Health
Looking after your bones and teeth, especially in later life, is important so you can avoid osteoporosis (also called brittle bone disease). The best way to do this is to exercise. Experts reckon around 50 moderate impacts per day are ideal to keep your bones in top shape.
Low impact: Walking, climbing stairs, marching
Middle impact: Running, dancing, skipping
High Impact: Jumping, playing volleyball/netball, star jumps
Here is a useful summary that explains bone health and how to keep it!
A trip to the dentist/hygienist
Try to keep dental appointments in intervals of around 6 months, even if you don’t have any discomfort. Again, prevention here is better than cure. And don’t forget to see the hygienist. They are important for maintaining good oral health. Dental hygienists are licensed oral health professionals who work alongside dentists to provide preventive dental care and education. Here are some reasons why seeing a dental hygienist is beneficial:
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Professional Teeth Cleaning: Dental hygienists are trained to perform professional teeth cleanings, known as dental prophylaxis. They can remove plaque, tartar (hardened plaque), and stains from your teeth, helping to prevent cavities and gum disease.
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Gum Disease Prevention: Regular dental cleanings by a hygienist can help prevent and manage gum disease. They can assess the health of your gums, provide advice on proper oral hygiene practices, and recommend interventions if early signs of gum disease are detected.
Look after your skin
The skin is your largest organ with millions of blood vessels and nerves. The epidermis (outer skin) sheds on average every 28 days, the same length as the moon cycle. This is very useful to know, so you can plan 1-2 thorough exfoliation sessions during the Waning Moon (but at the start and end) and more nourishing, anti-aging procedures during the Waxing Moon phase.
Here is an article that gives you a bit more information on the varying skin care procedures during the whole lunar month.
