Hydrosols

I have now introduced Lavender and Rose Hydrosols into my Cosmetic Acupuncture treatments. Hydrosols are so lovely and refreshing.They are made from the direct steam distillation of whole plant materials. Different than essential oils, they can be used directly on the skin.

Lavender hydrosols gently tones oily, dry and mature skin. Lavender has always been recommended for fragile or damaged skin. It is very gentle and balancing for all skin types. It helps to soothe sunburns and other skin irritations. Use it to reduce anxiety and stress. 

Rosewater stimulates the skin and improves the circulation of blood. It also controls and balances sebum production, making it useful for both dry and oily skin. Its antibacterial properties help fight acne giving troubled skin a gentle, rather than a strong treatment. It is also an excellent balancer of the spirit.

In my Cosmetic Acupuncture treatments, hydrosols are applied after the removal of the fine needles and prior to the application of a balancing serum and facial massage. A relaxing way to end the treatment.

I am currently offering 10 Cosmetic Acupuncture treatments for $75.00 each. They are regularly $100 a treatment. Purchase a package before July 1, 2010 and avoid the HST. Offer expires: December 31, 2010

Treatment for Menstrual Cramps

Dysmenorrhea is the medical term for painful periods that many women suffer from. It can be described as pain or cramping that arises before, during or after menstruation. Pain can be felt in the abdomen or lower back. Some women will also experience nausea, vomiting and/or headaches. Acupuncture has been effective in the treatment of painful menstrual periods.

Scientifically speaking, the symptoms are caused by prostaglandin, a hormone produced by cells in the uterine lining. Prostaglandin levels increases during the second half of the menstrual cycle. When a woman’s period begins, the cells in the uterine lining release prostaglandin. Women who suffer from dysmenorrhea have considerably higher prostaglandin levels than those who do not suffer from dysmenorrhea.

When treating dysmenorrhea with Acupuncture there are several factors to consider to reach an accurate diagnosis. The diagnosis helps the Acupuncturist determine the method of treatment and points used. Each case is different depending on the presentation. You will be ask about:

Emotions -Do you feel: depression, anger or sadness

Type of Pain – Is it stabbing, dull, aches? Does it feel better or worse with pressure, heat, or cold?

Timing of Pain – Is it before, during or after menstruation?

Digestion – Do you bloat? Does your hunger increase? Does eating make you feel nauseous? Do you have particular cravings?

Your Cycle – Are you regular? Late? Early?

Once the pertinent questions are answered, a Tongue and Pulse diagnosis is then taken. This gives the therapist a clearer understanding (in respect to Traditional Chinese Medicine) on what is imbalanced. The therapist can then begin Acupuncture treatment and suggest lifestyle changes to compliment the treatment.

Studies have shown that Acupuncture can be effective in the treatment of Dysmennorhea. http://ecam.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/full/nem020v1

New Year

Happy New Year!

2010 brings changes. For myself, I will begin to supervise and teach at the Shiatsu School of Canada & Acupuncture Institute. It is always a pleasure to be surrounded by students and keeping myself involved with the school. Therefore, I am no longer at Lifewise Health and Wellness. However, my days and hours remain the same at The Rejuvenation Room.

I am now practicing Cosmetic Acupuncture and am impressed by the results! Fine lines are reduced and the one's complexion becomes clearer. The treatment is also incredibly relaxing. If you have an interest, please let me know and I will be happy to answer any of your questions.

There is much enjoyment in my practice, the results and my clients. 2009 was a rewarding year. For 2010 I've promised myself Happiness, Health and Peace. I wish the same for you!

Stay in touch and Happy New Year!

Qi and the Immune System

I always feel compelled to write about our immune system this time of year. This year it is not only the seasonal flu that concerns us, but also the H1N1 virus. For more information on H1N1, visit the WHO website.

I would like to address how Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views our immune system in regards to Qi.

Qi, our vital energy moves throughout our body. If Qi is prosperous there is health, if it is weak there is disease. If it is balanced, there is well-being. There are different types of Qi; they vary in how the body uses them and how Qi deficiencies can cause imbalances.

A healthy immune system is to have strong Jing (essence) and Zheng (postnatal) Qi. We are born with a finite amount of Jing. A fast-paced lifestyle with little sleep depletes one’s Jing. This makes one tired and susceptible to Pathogenic invasion. Zheng Qi is replenished through the air and food. Air quality is important, as is the quality of the foods we ingest. The ability to fight off Pathogens is indicative of the strength of our Zheng Qi.

Wei Qi protects the body against Pathogens. It is our first line of defense. It circulates outside the channels within the skin and muscles. A person with a Wei Qi deficiency may experience frequent colds and/or infections.

Ying Qi nourishes the internal organs and the whole body. It is our second line of defense against Pathogens, as it lies deeper than Wei Qi. It flows within the blood vessels and channels of our body. Ying Qi is activated whenever a needle is inserted into an acupuncture point.

TCM and Acupuncture aid the body in strengthening the Qi and expelling the Pathogens. Suggestions to diet, supplements, herbs and lifestyle are given in each specific case.

If you have any questions regarding this article or how Acupuncture can help you strengthen your Qi. Please feel free to contact me.

Acupuncture and Treatment of Constipation

Constipation is a condition of the digestive system whereby the frequency of bowel movements is decreased. A prolonged effort in passing dry, hard stools and/or a sensation of an incomplete evacuation may also be experienced.

Ask your MD if you are taking any medications or have a condition that may cause you to become constipated. This information will help your therapist understand your condition more clearly.

In Acupuncture, the treatment of constipation is viewed as a disorder of the Large Intestine. The Spleen, Stomach and Kidneys are also involved. Below are the more common patterns of constipation according to Traditional Chinese Medicine. Each pattern is specific to the signs and symptoms of the individual.

1. Dry Heat in the Large Intestines – dry stools, with scanty dark urine, thirsty

2. Liver Qi Stagnation – bleaching, irritability, incomplete evacuation, abdominal distention

3. Qi Deficiency – fatigue, stools are not dry, tired after a bowel movement

4. Blood Deficiency – dry skin and nails, palpitations, dizziness

5. Cold obstructing Qi – abdominal pain relieved with heat

The protocol for the selection of points in Acupuncture is dependant on the pattern. Treating constipation may also include manual work such as Shiatsu. This will further help to stimulate and strengthen the body and aid in elimination.

Your therapist will closely examine your lifestyle habits i.e.) diet, exercise and water intake. A healthy change in habits can help to stimulate the bowels and prevent this condition from reoccurring.

Please feel free to contact me and/or visit my website for further information.

Facts about Acupuncture Needles

Acupuncture is defined as a healing modality whereby fine needles are inserted and manipulated into specific points of the body. These needles can induce positive changes in your health and well-being. Your Acupuncturist should consider certain factors in these needles.

The quality of the needles are of the up most importance. Manufacturing facilities with strict quality control must ensure proper packaging and sterilization. All packages must come with a lot number and expiry date. They must be stored in a cool, dry space and handled with proper Clean Needle Technique.

Needles are made with surgical stainless steel. The are strong yet thin, filiform and flexible. They should have low nickel content. This reduces the reaction of those with metal allergies.

The gauge and thickness of the needle is also taken into consideration. With each insertion, the Acupuncturist senses “de Qi”, or the arrival of Qi. The client will feel it as a heaviness or dull ache. The smaller the gauge the more sensitive the therapist is at finding de Qi. A smaller gauge is also used for more sensitive people and points on the body.

Acupuncture needles should be single-use. After the removal of each needle, it is placed in a bio-hazard container and disposed of properly. The safety of both client and therapist is always at the forefront.

I hope this may have answered some of your questions. Feel free to comment or ask me any further questions.

Working hard...

Hello,

Sorry I haven't updated for awhile. I've been busy at Lifewise & The Rejuvenation Room, treatments, teaching, trip planning and working on my new and improved website.

I will be introducing a new article and launching my website very shortly. It is all great and I'm very excited.

Thanks for stopping by I will be in touch soon!