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

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.