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!

Cleansing the Liver in Spring

Spring brings to mind images of renewal, birth and growth. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) there is an analogy of plant life pushing up from the ground and reaching towards the sun. The slumber and hibernation of winter is behind you and spring brings warmth and energy.

Changing with the seasons comes naturally to us. In the cycle from winter to spring, we tend to crave lighter, fresher foods. TCM states that spring is the season to tend to the Liver.

The function of the Liver Organ is to promote the smooth flow of Qi. When Qi is stagnant, symptoms of pain, irritability or headaches may arise. When Qi is flowing smoothly; we feel calm in body and mind.

A cleanse in the spring is the perfect time to aid the Liver’s function of smooth Qi distribution. It is important that all aspects of ingesting foods are observed. For example, eat less and slowly. Foods are best served raw or cooked very quickly. Also, steamed foods are preferred over grilling or frying.

Foods that move the Liver out of stagnation include: Seaweeds (kelp and spirulina), Lettuce, Cucumber, Tofu, Millet, Sprouted grains, Green vegetables and Fruits. Herbs such as: dandelion, milk thistle and chamomile are recommended. Lemon water and apple cider vinegar also aid in cleansing process.

Foods that stagnate the Liver: Animal protein, Poor quality fats (margarine), Refined foods, Hot spices, Cheese and Eggs. Alcohol, Caffeine and other intoxicants are best avoided.

Acupuncture can help with the detoxification of the Liver. There are many points on the body and ear that encourages the smooth flow of Qi. Cravings are diminished, pain is decreased and calm, clear mind is the result.

Contact me with any questions that you may have regarding a Liver cleanse or Acupuncture in general.

Always consult your MD before embarking on a cleanse.

Reference: Pitchford, Paul. Healing with Whole Foods. Berkeley, California, North Atlantic Books, 1993.

Second Location

I am pleased to announce that I will continue my practice at a second location: Lifewise - Health and Wellness. Lifewise is located at 2034 Yonge Street, North of Davisville. There is also ample parking in the neighborhood.

I will be available at Lifewise on Wednesday's and Saturday's beginning April 2009. It is a beautiful, calm space with a Chiropractor, RMT and yoga studio.

My hours will remain the same at the Rejuvenation Room.

I know the downtown location is convenient for most of you but feel free to spread the word.

What's in store at Lifewise?

1. Initial Acupuncture consultation (includes treatment) is: $85.00. Regularly: $110. Until April 30, 2009
2. Book 3 Shiatsu treatments for $200.00. (New clients only) Until the end of May 2009.

Treatment packages must be used by one person only and have no cash value. Packages must be paid in full at time of treatment.

Thanks for all your support and stay tuned for the next blog entry on "Detoxing".

Does February Get You Down?

For some, February can be tough. It's cold, dark and some of us feel depressed. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), depression is closely associated with the Heart, which houses the mind. The Heart-Mind connection is also referred to as Shen -- our Spirit.

When there is an imbalance with our Shen we may experience: depression, loss of memory, anxiety, feelings of confusion or irrational behaviour. On a physical level there may be palpitations, difficulty with speech, insomnia or a pale face.

TCM distinguishes four types of disharmonies of the Heart. Deficiencies of Yin, Yang, Qi and Blood. Each with different signs and symptoms. With TCM and Acupuncture we determine the root of these disharmonies, bring balance and ease the symptoms of the body and mind.

In our modern age of hyper-mental activity and lack of sleep, the Heart is easily injured. Poor diet, irregular sleep patterns, emotional and physical stress play a role in upsetting the Heart-Mind connection. It is common knowledge that balance in all aspect of our lives is important. Take the time to quiet your mind. Breathe slowly; eat with calm and before sleeping clear your mind, thereby calming your Shen.

This can be acheived through mediation, affirmations or positive imaging. If this is new to you or unsure please contact me and I would love to help.

Acupuncture points commonly used for treating HT disharmonies: BL15, HT 7 and P6. These points calm the Heart and Shen. They can be used to treat anxiety, palpitations and/or insomnia.

In TCM certain foods are recommended for Heart harmony: Reishi Mushroom, Chia seeds, Chamomile Tea, and blue-green algae. Decrease the intake of spicy, fatty and refined foods. Also, alcohol, coffee and tobacco can injure the Heart. Habits such as late-night eating and large meals agitate the mind and should be avoided.

If you are experiencing any of the above signs and symptoms, contact me and determine if Acupuncture is right for you.

Contact your MD if your require immediate attention.

Graduating - Dipl Ac

I did it! I graduated from my 1600 hour program in Acupuncture and earned my Diploma (with Honours). I am so excited to begin this practice and introducing this modality to you. Future articles will discuss here regarding various pathologies and how Acupuncture can treat them. I will even introduce some interesting cases that I will no doubt encounter. In the meantime, I will be joining the The Canadian Society of Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture (CSCMA). The CSCMA is Canada's largest professional organization of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and acupuncture. The purpose of the CSCMA is to join TCM and acupuncture practitioners to work together, encourage them to advocate the legal recognition and regulation of TCM in Canada, and the establishment of legal framework for TCM in Ontario. To popularize and to spread TCM knowledge, promote the recognition and acceptance of TCM, and to provide prevention, treatment, restoration and health care services. To provide continuing education and training opportunities for CSCMA members, and to support academic research and clinical services. To standardize TCM practices and provide effective oversight of CSCMA members in order to strengthen public perception of the CSCMA. Since the establishment of CSCMA, it has held two international TCM conferences successfully. For more information visit their website: http://www.tcmcanada.org/english/File31.html