What is Acupuncture?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Acupuncture is based on a healing modality with over 5,000 years of history. It is a safe and holistic style of treatment which has been shown by contemporary scientific studies to have a positive effect on treating many disorders.

TCM Acupuncture is based on the premise that Qi (vital energy) flows through the channels of the body. When Qi is blocked or deficient, discomfort is felt. Acupuncture is used to rebalance the body and ensure the smooth flow of Qi.

Acupuncture is used to treat:

- Common cold and immunity disorders

- Neck and Back tension

- Arthritis

- Headaches and Migraines

- Asthma, Bronchitis and other respiratory disorders

- Constipation, Chronic diarrhoea, IBS and other digestive disorders

- Menstrual disorders and Menopausal symptoms

- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia

- Anxiety, Insomnia

- Addictions

An initial acupuncture treatment consists of an in-depth health history intake. Various aspects of your health and habits are reviewed with the therapist. Diagnosis also includes observation of tongue and pulse. This gives your therapist an understanding of what is happening with the Qi that flows within your body how it manifests. Based on the diagnosis, specific acupuncture points are selected to treat the condition at hand.

Acupuncture needles are very thin and are inserted by the therapist with a quick, light motion that creates little or no discomfort at all. Once the treatment has begun, your body immediately begins to balance itself naturally. The insertions are retained anywhere from 20 – 45 minutes. On completion of a session of Acupuncture, you can expect to feel a sense of relaxation and ease that will last for some time. Home care exercises, dietary advice etc.

Clean needle technique in Acupuncture is a given and follows western medical standards of care. Only single-use, pre-sterilized, needles are used.

The College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncturist of Ontario is currently forming. At the moment the Transitional Council is developing policies and standards for the College. This development is a reflection of Acupuncture’s acceptance into the mainstream as its success grows.

Insurance coverage for Acupuncture is included in many extended health care plans. Check to see if you are covered.

I would be happy to answer any questions you might have about Acupuncture or how it can help you. Please feel free to contact me for more information or to arrange an appointment.

Colds and Flu’s – A Battle you Can Win

It is that time of year – Cold and Flu season. Some people dread fall and winter because they are prone to illness. Why are some people more susceptible? Can you do anything to help prevent them? What is the difference between the Cold and the Flu? Otherwise known as the Common Cold it is highly contagious. It affects the upper respiratory system; therefore you feel symptoms of an itchy throat, runny nose, sneezing etc. Most medications available help ease the symptoms which can last from one to two weeks. With the Flu or Influenza, symptoms of chills, fever, muscle pains, general weakness and sore throat are felt. Usually, influenza is transmitted from one infected person to another by coughing or sneezing. It can also spread via saliva and nasal secretions. Caution when touching door handles, taps in washrooms and keyboards. You can come in contact with the virus, touch your nose and now you have become infected. Prevention is key to avoid catching these viruses. Ensure that you wash your hands thoroughly and that if you need to sneeze, contain it as not to spread it to others. It is also important to keep your body strong as possible so it can fight the virus more readily. In TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine), Colds and Flu’s are described as invasions of Pathogens described as Wind-Cold or Wind-Heat. These Pathogens pass through the skin and pores. When the body is weak or stressed, the Pathogen can easily invade. If it is a mild Pathogen the symptoms can be mild. Contrary, if the Pathogen is strong, it can overpower the body’s defences, even if you are not feeling compromised. Wind – Cold symptoms can be describe as a sudden onset of symptoms: a feeling of cold and a dislike of Wind, scratchy throat, runny nose with clear nasal discharge, headaches (back of the skull and contracts) and sore aching limbs. Wind – Heat describes a person with fever, cough with yellow discharge, swollen tonsils, increased thirst and severe headache (whole head). There are techniques that enable me the expel the Pathogens and strengthen the body's resistance. Cupping, Moxibustion and shiatsu on various acupuncture points are very effective in these situations. Cupping is a technique whereby a glass cup is gently and quickly heated then applied to the skin. As the cup cools, a vacuum effect takes place. This method is applied mainly on the upper back and along the Bladder channel. This method expels Pathogens and remove congestion lingering in the body.

Moxibustion is a type of heat treatment using an herb, Mugwort. It helps to warm the body and by applying it to certain acupuncture points the Pathogen can be expelled. Moxibustion can also be used to strengthen the body by aiding in its resistance to Pathogenic invasions. Generally, treatment is best given in the initial stages of illness or if you are feeling susceptible because others around you are falling ill. Shiatsu is a great way to strengthen the body and can relieve you of some of the symptoms that you may be feeling.

Remember rest is always important, keep warm and cover your neck and back with a scarf. If ever in doubt, see your MD.

Please contact me with any questions that you may have.

Shiatsu and the Benefits of Stretching

Those who have received treatments from me are familiar with my stretching techniques. I incorporate them into treatment and suggest them for home care. I always receive positive feedback from these stretches. The joints, muscles and spine are gently directed to elongate. You feel more relaxed, taller and pain is lessened.

Stretching should be a part of any exercise routine; it increases flexibility helps prevent injury, improves circulation, range of motion of joints, and helps with posture. It is also a great way to reduce stress. The overall effect: daily tasks are easier to perform. Tasks such as bending and lifting are trouble-free, balance is improved, and muscles recover from injury more quickly.

In shiatsu, the stretching performed during treatment is referred to as passive stretching. A position is held with the assistance of the therapist. It is used to target tight and hard to reach at muscles. When muscles are stretched, blood flow increases and pain decreases. There is also the added benefit of having the muscles of the surrounding area manipulated by the therapist to address related physical pain issues.

For home care I suggest active stretching - holding a position and targeting specific muscles unassisted. This encourages tight, tired muscles to release and improves flexibility. As your shiatsu therapist I tailor the stretches. If you are not used to it, we start slowly and build the routine. Most people feel the benefits immediately.

It is important to find the time to stretch. Do them at home or at work. You can even research a yoga class in your neighborhood, (specifically Hatha) to help improve your flexibility and strength. Yoga also gives you an overall sense of well-being. Yoga classes have the added benefit of an instructor and the discipline to steady your mind for at least an hour.

When stretching remember:

1. Hold each stretch for at least 30 seconds. It takes time to lengthen tissues safely. Think of your muscle as plasticine. You need to warm them up before they can lengthen.

2. Breathe into the stretch. Inhale and slowly exhale into position. It may be possible to lengthen the stretch while exhaling. Don’t hold your breath. This is a relaxing exercise.

3. Do not bounce. You can tear the muscle and cause pain and injury.

4. Do not force. If it hurts, you've gone too far. Ease off to the point where you don't feel any pain, then hold the stretch. Eventually the length will increase.

Please contact me with any questions regarding stretching techniques or how shiatsu can benefit your overall health and wellness. I look forward to hearing from you.

Chronic Pain and Fatigue, Can Shiatsu Help?

Let’s get right to the point. Yes, Shiatsu can help with chronic pain and fatigue. First I’ll discuss chronic pain and fatigue then discuss how shiatsu can help. Chronic pain is pain that has lasted for over 6 months. It can cause inactivity, weakness and inflexibility of the muscles. The body cannot circulate blood and dispose of toxic waste effectively. Cancer, fibromyalgia and arthritis, spinal injuries, headaches, and nerve damage can cause chronic pain. This differs from the acute pain that results from immediate trauma or a condition that warns the body that something is awry. In effect there is no function for chronic pain; it has long served its purpose for warning.

Pain is perceived differently by each individual. Factors that can influence perception include: emotional and mental attitudes, previous experiences, and developmental predispositions. It can be frustrating for those who suffer from chronic pain where there is no physical explanation. Their pain is real and it important for the therapist to recognize this. Fatigue can be a result of chronic pain or vice versa. Usually fatigue and chronic pain are felt together. Poor diet/lifestyle, medication, excess mental stress and illness are contributing factors. Fatigue can be felt physically through headaches, malaise and insomnia. Also psychologically through poor memory, fogginess, anxiety, frustration and depression. These symptoms can make it difficult for people to live their daily life normally. They can also lead to dependencies on medication or even on people. Shiatsu addresses both the physical and psychologically aspects of chronic pain and fatigue. In the traditional sense, shiatsu brings the body into balance. Pain is the blockage of Ki (vital energy) and shiatsu moves this blockage so Ki can circulate uninhibited. When Ki circulates it enables the body to perform all its necessary functions for good health. For more information: http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0NAH/is_9_36/ai_n16765893 From a Western perspective, shiatsu treats the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) which controls the body's internal state. It is responsible for unconscious activities such as: digestion, heart rate, respiration, etc. The PNS promotes the calming and relaxing the body and mind. When the PNS is stimulated healing begins. This is an important aspect in the treatment of chronic pain and fatigue. My shiatsu treatments always involve your participation in treatment planning. Together we discuss the location of pain, triggers, what aggravates or relieves it. We go over your daily routines: sleep, diet, work habits, etc., and make changes. Energy can improve significantly and can be immediate. Shiatsu treatments plus lifestyle changes - the results can be amazing! Please feel free to contact me anytime. I would love to hear from you.

Shiatsu at the Downtown Jazz Festival's Artisan Village

The Downtown Jazz Festival's Artisan Village is on from June 20 - 29, 2008 at Nathan Phillips Square! I'll be there promoting and providing the benefits of Shiatsu on Saturday June 21st 12pm - 6pm and Tuesday June 24th 12pm - 8pm. Click on the image for more details. Come by the booth and say Hi. Peruse the village. It will be a fun and exciting event with musicians and artists throughout the square. Lots to see and do. I'll see you there. ~ JoAnn Booth # 17 - south east corner of pool/ice rink.

The Benefits of Shiatsu.

Shiatsu is beneficial for many reasons. It can be used as a tool to prevent illness by decreasing stress, relieving pain and gives the therapist a tool to "read" the body. In effect I have treated insomnia, chronic and acute pain, headaches and anxiety. Treatments are used to balance the body. For example, if you have a pounding headache, most of your energy is in the top half of your body. I will almost always work on your feet before your head. Why? To bring that energy down and ground you. During the treatment your breathing will slow and become deeper. This will have a very calming. Another example would be pain/stiffness in the hip. After the assessment I will determine which channel the pain/stiffness lie. Shiatsu is about balance. The area of pain could be considered jitsu - an excess of energy. Close by, there will be a kyo area - a deficiency. The treatment will entail moving the excess towards the deficient. Good pain will be felt. That "ah" feeling is the movement of energy. Pain is decreased and the body feels more balanced. Shiatsu is a full body treatment that includes Hara, the body's centre. Hara diagnosis allows me to have an energetic understanding as to what is happening in the body. Again, I look for jitsu and kyo areas. Hara diagnosis allows me to note: fatigue, neck pain, a busy mind, constipation or irritability. The shiatsu technique involves longer/deeper holding on kyo and shorter/dispersing pressure on jitsu. This results in balancing the body's energetics. The effect is felt immediately and even days afterwards.

Balance is key to our body wellness. We should not always be too happy, angry, sad and stressed for long periods of time. We should not suffer pain, headaches or even PMS. There is an imbalance. Shiatsu allows the body to balance and heal. Wellness is the goal.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Act, 2006

It is slowly coming to fruition - Transitional Council of the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario (CTCMPAO) has been established. Therefore, in a few years the practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) will become regulated. This is important as it is a means of protecting the Ontario public by assessing and determining the qualifications of those who practice TCM in Ontario. The CTCMPAO will regulate it's members as the Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons, Optometrists, Massage Therapists and Physiotherapists do. I will keep you up to date on the progress of the TC-CTCMPAO.

Treating Headaches with Shiatsu

Shiatsu is very effective in treating headaches. Before treating, I want to know:

1. Where is it?
2. How long have you had it?
3. What does it feel like
4. What are the triggers? What makes it feel better?

It is important to treat the whole body and focus on channels where the headaches lie. Generally, shiatsu treatments include head, face, neck, back, arms and legs: grasping the muscles and applying acupressure on key points such as GB 20, LI 4 and LV 3. Organs (energetically speaking), involved usually include Liver, Bladder, and Stomach. They are usually imbalanced and it is the job of your therapist to bring harmony back to your body.

An assesment is necessary to determine the type of headache you experience and how to rid yourself of them for good.

Please contact me should you have and questions.

Cleansing with Tea

It's - Spring. Time for a cleanse, regrowth and change. The Liver is the Organ responsible for detoxifying the body. Toxins such as alcohol, pharmaceuticals, and pesticides (found in fruits and vegtables) accumulate over time and tax the Liver. It is important to rid the Liver of these toxins and help in its function. Part of my cleanse involves drinking this tea to cleanse my Liver, Blood, and Kidneys. It is composed of: Milk Thistle, Nettle, Chickweed, Barberry, Cornsilk and Red Clover. Signs of a congested Liver include: irritability, headaches, distention, skin problems and sluggishness. Before starting a Liver Cleanse or ingesting these or any herbs, always consult your physician.

2008 Yoga-thon for Schizophrenia

Sponsor Heather Douglas Help raise funds and awareness to make a difference in the lives of those affected by schizophrenia. She will be participating in a Yoga-thon for Schizophrenia, May 10, 2008. Feel free to click on the link and make a pledge.

Newsletter - The Basics of Stress Reduction

The Basics of Stress Reduction Exercise - Get into the habit of exercising at least 20 minutes everyday. Try yoga, brisk walks, tai chi, strength training or a new sport. The benefits of exercise reduce the risk of a wide range of medical disorders including heart disease, depression and arthritis. Exercising is important as we age. The number one reason why older adults need assisted living is lack of leg strength – difficulty getting out of a chair or walking up stairs. Weight loss, improve self-confidence and reducing stress are the rewards. Relaxation – Worry and stress are part of life. But they can be balanced and managed. Worry stresses the adrenal glands thus stimulating the sympathetic nervous system (fight and flight response). This in turn can lead to insomnia or disease in the long term. Learn deep breathing and relaxation techniques to quiet the mind. Try exercising daily. Help your body manage the stress response. It is one of the most important measures you can take to improve your health. Sleep– Shortchanging your sleep or living with insomnia can increase stress hormones like cortisol. This leads to weight gain, depression, difficulty concentrating, a weak immune system and damage to the cardiovascular system over time. If you wake up and do not feel rested, you are not getting enough sleep. Try going to sleep and waking up at the same time everyday. Avoid caffeine, ensure your bedroom is free of noise and light. If you are having problems, come in for some shiatsu treatments to discuss factors that are the cause of your insomnia.

Healthy Eating –Means eating whole foods and good carbs such as whole oats, brown rice, bright coloured or green leafy vegetables, raw nuts and berries. Avoid white breads, sugar and fruit juices. Instead of fried foods - steam or bake them. Try herbal teas and lemon water. The number of people diagnosed with diabetes is increasing dramatically. Part of the reason is that we are not feeding the body the proper fuel it needs to run.

Less Sugar – Our bodies are not designed to process refined sugar. Sugar suppresses the immune system, causes allergies, can lead to periodontal disease and diabetes. Avoid candy, cookies, sugar in tea, sweetened yogurt, jams. Instead try whole fruits, unsweetened yogurt and avoid artificial sweeteners (they come with their own set of problems). Use stevia or honey in small amounts to manage your sweet tooth. Read the food labels for hidden sugar. Good Fats – There is a difference between “good fats” and “bad fats”, as there is between “good carbs” and “bad carbs”. Good fat is healthy and is a necessary part of a balanced diet. It protects the organs, keeps you warm and helps to absorb nutrients. Trans fats are not beneficial as they raise blood cholesterol levels. Look for mono and polyunsaturated fats. These fats help lower blood cholesterol levels. Examples are olive, sunflower and flax seed oils, fish oils, coconuts, avocados, nuts and seeds. Dehydration - The human body can last weeks without food, but only days without water. Water maintains healthy cells, helps eliminate the by-products of the body's metabolism, regulates body temperature, aids digestion, prevents constipation and contributes to the skin's texture and appearance. Dehydration occurs when the water content of the body is too low. Symptoms include headaches, lethargy, mood changes, dry or cracked lips and dark-coloured urine. Insufficient water intake may increase the risk of kidney stones and, in women, urinary tract infections. Approximately six to eight glasses of a variety of fluids can be consumed each day. If you are physically active and are in a hot or humid weather consume more.

More Fiber – Increasing the amount of fiber in the diet helps treat constipation, hemorrhoids, cancer, IBS and lowers cholesterol. Soluble fiber - softens the feces by absorbing water and helps slow the rate of digestion and lower blood cholesterol and blood glucose. It is found legumes, fruits, vegetables and oats. Insoluble fiber - holds water very effectively thus contributing to an increase in stool weight. It is found in roughage foods with skin such as fruit.

Newsletter - Repetitive Strain Injury

One out of every 10 Canadian adults had a repetitive strain injury (RSI) serious enough to limit their normal activities in 2000/01. A study published in Health reports, shows that RSIs are affecting a growing number of adults. - Statistics Canada, The Daily, August, 2003 Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) is term for a group of disorders caused by repeated movements that affect the muscles, tendons and nerves. Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most commonly known RSI. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) repetitive strain injury is defined as: Qi (energy) Stagnation. In other words, the energy in the affected area is not flowing properly and is “stuck”. When Qi is stuck - pain results. The job of the shiatsu therapist is to unblock the “stuckness” and promote the smooth flow of Qi. Shiatsu therapy is useful for stimulating blood flow and reducing the pain and tingling in the affected area. Channels (meridians) that run throughout the body carry Qi and blood. Shiatsu enables the smooth flow of Qi by stimulating specific meridians to obtain the desired result – reduced pain and numbness. A by-product of shiatsu is a relaxed and tranquil state. A calm the nervous system and allows the body to innately heal itself. You will feel fantastic after the treatment. WARNING SIGNS - The following signs and symptoms may indicate the onset of an RSI.• Recurring pain or discomfort in neck, shoulders, upper back, wrists or hands.• Tingling and/or numbness• Loss of grip strength, lack of endurance and/or weakness. • Muscles in the arms and shoulders feel hard and wiry • Pain or numbness while lying in bed. Goal for Shiatsu in treating RSI To relieve pain, tingling and resume regular activities. PREVENTION is key! Good posture and ergonomic working conditions help to prevent or halt the progress of RSI. Shiatsu, rest, stretches and strengthening exercises assist to reduce the symptoms associated to RSI. Listen to your body. BEFORE you begin to feel pain and fatigue – STOP Pay attention to posture. The shoulders and head should not be hunched forward. Problems may be aggravated by other actions: carrying children, knitting even using a knife on a cutting board can have an enormous impact. - Take regular breaks. - Invest in a headset. Do not tuck the telephone between your shoulder and ear. - When typing hold wrist straight rather than bent up, down, or to the side. - Improve strength and blood flow in the affected muscles by regular aerobic exercise - Get adequate sleep and drink plenty of water. - Relax muscles by using muscle-relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, qigong to reduce pain.

Newsletter - Life is Better Without Pain

In 2006 in Canada, 26 million prescriptions for painkillers were issued, according to IMS Health Canada, representing sales of more than $800 million. – The Toronto Star, Oct 6, 2007 Shiatsu and the Treatment of Pain Is it possible to live life free of pain? Well, pain is a natural function of the body and can be a very positive force toward wellness. However, unmanaged and untreated pain can be a severe drain on your physical and mental well being. This can eventually lead to further health problems. We’ve all experienced some sort of pain – Physical pain such as a headache, numbness and arthritis. Emotional pain would include: anger, grief or worrying. Mental pain could be overwork or financial stress. One or a combination of these can lead to body function breaking down and leaving us susceptible to illness. Wouldn’t it be nice to take control of your body and rid yourself of pain? Wouldn’t you like to try something that is effective, safe, natural, relaxed and empowering? To reduce pain and stress it’s important to recognize that lifestyle and harmful patterns can not only cause but also aggravate pain. Someone to help pinpoint these patterns and guide you through the process can make all the difference. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) pain is a blockage of Qi (vital energy) that runs through the channels of our body. For example, a bruise has blocked the flow of Qi. You can see it and feel it. On a deeper level, internal blockage or Qi Stagnation can cause low back pain, menstrual pain or headaches. The goal of the therapist is to unblock the Qi Stagnation. She does this by opening the channels to allow the smooth flow of Qi. A good therapist is adept at locating, relaxing and moving the stuck pain thereby restoring the natural balance in the body. Prevention: Part of treatment is looking at lifestyle and determining what is aggravating the pain. Your therapist will go over all aspects of your daily life and together you can determine the cause and prevent/diminish the pain. Shiatsu is very effective in the treatment of Pain and Stress. You will come out of treatments feeling relaxed, energized and relieved of pain. Breathe Through the Pain Breathing is natural, but is not done properly by many of us. Most of us breathe very shallow, into our chest and not our lungs. Proper breathing helps us reduce pain, stress and anger. It calms our nervous system, lowers our blood pressure and improves our concentration. In Shiatsu breath is important. Your shiatsu therapist can teach you to breathe through your Hara. The Hara is translated from Japanese meaning “belly”. Our energy, Ki is stored here. There is a saying, “that Ki is moved by the mind ... where the attention goes, Ki flows." It is located below the naval and towards the spine. Our Hara is our centre and is where we should breathe into. Upon inhalation, our breath moves from our nose, throat, lungs and then into the Hara. Our belly should expand. On exhalation the belly deflates and the breath moves in the opposite direction leaving through the nose. You can practice sitting or lying down with your hands on your navel so you can feel the expansions and contractions. As you become comfortable with Hara breathing, you can begin to focus on relaxing your body and releasing pain and tension. As you inhale, scan your body, as you exhale imagine the pain leaving with your breath. This Hara breathing is practical when you find yourself in a stressful situation where you need calm your mind or if you feel anger rise. Start with 10 deep breaths. You will feel more relaxed and able to think more clearly. Contact me if you have any question regarding Hara breathing. I teach my clients how to do it and encourage it during treatments. Remember – breathing purifies the body and strengthens the mind.