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!
ere 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.
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?
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".
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.
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
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.
ns 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. 
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.
