Moving on UP.

I am happy to announce that on July 1, 2010 I will be moving my practice on the 3rd floor of 2 College Street, Suite 301. This new space is sunny with a reception area. All of my contact information remains the same.

To celebrate, I'm offering you $20 off your next treatment: Acupuncture, Shiatsu or Cosmetic Acupuncture. You can use yourself or share with a friend. This offer ends: September 30, 2010.

One offer per client. Not to be combined with treatment packages.

I hope to see you there.

Best of health,

JoAnn

HST - July 1, 2010

As you may know the HST will be implemented on all Goods and Services in Ontario. Acupuncture and Shiatsu treatments are included. Beginning July 1, 2010, HST (13%) will be added onto my current fees. My fees will remain the same until further notice.

I strive to provide the best care possible. I am continuing my training to improve my knowledge and skills. Recently, I have added Tunia and Electro-Acupuncture to my repertoire. In the the Fall I will begin training in Eastern Nutrition. It's all very exciting.

If you have any questions, concerning the HST, please contact me.

Thank you for being loyal clients and I wish you the best in health.

Sincerely,

JoAnn Alafriz,

Acupuncture and Shiatsu Therapist

Tuina - What is it?

Tuina is an ancient massage therapy that has been used in China for over 2,000 years. This therapy improves the smooth flow of Qi through the meridian system that flows through our body. When Qi is blocked, pain is felt.

Techniques used in Tuina include: kneading, rolling, grasping and acupressure. These movements directly affect the flow of Qi. The result: decreased pain and tension. A feeling of calm and relaxation is then achieved.

As in shiatsu, loose clothing is worn and no oils are used. Tuina is a great compliment to shiatsu and acupuncture. It can be easily added to any treatment.

Tuina can treat: frozen shoulder, headaches, constipation, pain of the neck and low back, arthritis and insomnia.

Call to book your appointment or if you have any questions.

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.