Zen Life Therapies

30/07/2025

Some memories don’t just fade. They linger, echoing through daily life long after the trauma, addiction, or emotional pain that caused them. For those carrying the weight of the past, healing can feel like an uphill battle. But new research offers a surprising and powerful ally in recovery: regular physical exercise. More than just a tool for fitness, movement is proving to be a vital form of brain therapy.

Recent studies have shown that aerobic activity can actually help reduce the emotional intensity of painful or drug-related memories. The key lies in the hippocampus, a part of the brain responsible for memory and emotional regulation. Exercise stimulates the birth of new brain cells here through a process called neurogenesis. These new neurons make it possible to rewire thought patterns, weaken old emotional triggers, and reduce the mental grip of trauma and addiction.

This is thanks to neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to adapt and change. When we engage in regular physical activity, we promote the formation of healthier neural connections. In people recovering from substance abuse, this may help diminish the power of drug-associated cues, making relapse less likely. In those coping with trauma, it allows the brain to shift its emotional response and rebuild from within.

Even simple activities like walking, swimming, or cycling can boost levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein essential for learning, memory, and emotional resilience. Along with neurological changes, exercise also balances cortisol, lowers anxiety, and improves mood, making it a holistic tool for healing both the mind and body.

This is not just about getting stronger physically. It’s about building a brain that can move forward, one step at a time.

Follow Minds Canvas for more science-backed insights that help you understand, heal, and grow.

29/04/2025

27/04/2025

The anatomy of the knee is complex, involving bones, cartilage, ligaments, muscles, tendons, and bursae that work together to provide movement and stability. Here’s an overview of the crucial components of the knee joint:

# # # 1. **Bones**
- **Femur**: The thigh bone, which is the largest bone in the body. Its lower end forms the upper part of the knee joint.
- **Tibia**: The shin bone, which supports most of the body’s weight and connects with the femur at the knee.
- **Fibula**: A smaller bone located alongside the tibia that provides stability to the ankle but does not bear significant weight at the knee.
- **Patella**: Also known as the kneecap, this small, triangular bone protects the knee joint and increases the leverage of the thigh muscles.

2. **Cartilage**
- **Articular Cartilage**: A smooth, white tissue that covers the ends of the femur, tibia, and the back of the patella, providing a cushion and enabling smooth movement of the knee joint.
- **Menisci**: Two crescent-shaped cartilaginous structures (medial and lateral meniscus) that sit between the femur and tibia. They act as shock absorbers, stabilizing the joint, and allowing for smooth movement.

3. **Ligaments**
The knee has several key ligaments that provide stability:
- **Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)**: Located in the center of the knee, it prevents the tibia from sliding forward relative to the femur and provides rotational stability.
- **Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL)**: Also located in the center, it prevents the tibia from sliding backward relative to the femur.
- **Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL)**: Located on the inner side of the knee, it provides stability and prevents the knee from bending inward.
- **Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL)**: Located on the outer side, it prevents the knee from bending outward and adds lateral stability.

4. **Muscles and Tendons**
- **Quadriceps**: The large muscle group at the front of the thigh. The quadriceps tendon connects this muscle group to the patella, which in turn connects to the tibia via the patellar tendon.
- **Hamstrings**: The muscle group at the back of the thigh, which aids in bending the knee.
- **Gastrocnemius and Soleus**: Muscles located in the calf that assist in knee flexion.

5. **Bursae**
- The knee contains small fluid-filled sacs called bursae that reduce friction between tissues. Key bursae in the knee include:
- **Prepatellar bursa**: Located in front of the patella, it helps in movement of the knee over the underlying bones.
- **Infrapatellar bursa**: Located below the patella, it cushions the knee joint during movement.

6. **Joint Capsule and Synovial Membrane**
- The knee joint is enclosed by a fibrous capsule that includes the synovial membrane, which produces synovial fluid. This fluid lubricates the joint, nourishes the cartilage, and reduces friction during movement.

# Function of the Knee
The knee joint primarily allows for flexion (bending) and extension (straightening). It also permits a small amount of rotational movement, especially when the knee is flexed. The combination of its stable structure and range of motion makes the knee essential for activities like walking, running, jumping, and squatting.

Common Injuries and Conditions
- **ACL Tears**: Often occur during sports and may require surgical intervention.
- **Meniscus Tears**: Injuries to the menisci can occur through twisting movements and may lead to pain and instability.
- **Osteoarthritis**: Degenerative changes in the knee can lead to pain and decreased mobility.
- **Patellar Tendonitis**: Inflammation of the tendon connecting the patella to the tibia, commonly known as "jumper’s knee".

Understanding the anatomy of the knee is essential for diagnosing injuries, planning treatments, and developing rehabilitation protocols. If you have further questions or need detailed information on a specific aspect.
Doctor of physical therapy

31/01/2025

THROWBACK THURSDAY

You see, if leaders share supportive messages that then trickles down through society. If leaders spread messages of hate and division that also has an impact. This newspaper page from the odious and disgusting rag known in the UK as The Sun, is a typical example of the bile they published in the 1980s. I grew up seeing this type of s**t every day in the "red top" newspapers. Thankfully things have improved in the United Kingdom but across the world people still live in fear of these terrible attitudes.

More love. We need more love. Not hate.

15/12/2024

To good not to share again.

🌼Hello, I'm a dandelion🌼

A lot of people call me a w**d but I'm a friend and come to help you!

When you see me, remember that I'm the ONLY one who wants and can grow in that particular spot.

Because:

Either the soil is too compact / hard / stomped and I want to loosen it for you with my roots.

Or there is too little calcium in the soil - don't worry, I will replenish that for you with the dying of my leaves.

Or the soil is too acidic. But I will also improve that for you if you give me the chance.
Or a mixture of the above reasons, of course. 😊

I'm here because your soil needs my help so best you let me grow without disturbing me! When everything is fixed, I will disappear again, I promise!

Are you trying to remove me prematurely with my root? However meticulous you are, I will return 2x as strong! Just until your soil is improved.

You can even tell by my growth at which stage my help is at. If my leaves are flat on the ground then I'm far from ready but if they all reach up then I'm already a long way on my way.

Something completely different is that I am 1 of the first bloomers in spring so I will announce spring / summer for you.

During the day when it's hot, I open my flowers but in the evening when it cools off I close them again quickly. In fact, if it's not hot enough during the day I won't open them at all!

My flowers are the some of the first food for insects after hibernation and unlike most other plants, I have pollen AND nectar, not merely one OR the other! And I am generous with them! 🤪😉

My flowers are even delicious for you people by the way, did you know? I used to be called ′′honey (or gold) of the poor′′ because my flowers are so sweet in e.g. jam, sauce or salad! The internet is full of recipes - check them out.

Make a tea with my flowers and it can help you loose weight. Compounds in my flowers may prevent the body from absorbing as much fat from food. My roots may also inhibit pancreatic lipase, which can reduce fat absorption.

But wait until the end of May or later before you start picking and even then, don't pick everything yet! The biodiversity and bees will be very grateful!

22/08/2024

Feeling very happy 31.8/40 for my last essay on Indonesian culture and intersectional position