Due to our modern western medicine culture, we tend to have a 'fix it' attitude towards medicine, and consequently, herbalism. Sometimes it takes a reminder to look at the whole picture when we are trying to remedy a situation. Nothing is more suggestive of exercise than Summer in Montana. The beautiful smells in the air, the warm sun, and cool waters beckon us to quit writing blogs and get out and do something.
Herbalism is but one part of the wholistic health picture. Exercise is another key component, bringing with it improved circulation, muscle strength, and cardiovascular health that allows our bodies to heal themselves and work better with our herbal allies. The stress reduction, enhanced mood, and increased cognitive function that are 'side effects' of exercise remind us that we are animals of nature and our bodies and minds are meant to be in motion most of the time.
When our energy is active and moving, our vitality is too. We are literally adding life energy to our selves just by moving! Many systems in our body, such as the lymphatic system, depend on movement to work properly, and the increased blood flow brings essential nutrients to all our far reaching corners. So not only are we increasing our strength and suppleness through exercise, we are also improving the absorption and circulation of herbal compounds and supporting our body's detoxification process.
We don't need to run a marathon to reap the benefits of exercise. Even a few minutes of gentle movement such as yoga or walking, done throughout the day will work wonders. We are our own medicine. When the time comes to give our bodies a boost with herbal support, our daily exercise date with our selves will only enhance their effect and speed our bodies back to balance.