Climbing into a float tank (or pod) has been described much like revisiting the womb – a peaceful, quiet, warm and comforting place. It is a place where one can relax, recover and remove oneself from their busy and stressful lives. Once settled on the surface of the tank (the water is saturated in Epsom salts so you float effortlessly) and the lights go out – the outside world disappears. No sight, no sound, and no sensation – even the forces of gravity drift away as you are suspended in perfect harmony. Your body/mind instantly begin to slow down as your reach Theta state (deep meditative state), breathing rate decreases, blood pressure decreases and stress hormones all naturally decrease (cortisol, adrenaline, and norepinephrine). The decrease of stress hormones is because your sympathetic nervous system (“fight or flight”) is allowed to finally turn off (which is very rare). In return, your body is flooded with natural “feel good” chemicals – specifically dopamine, which gives you that happy “high” feeling. So the next time you feel overwhelmed or stressed – a float session may very well be the answer!
Erik Zaremba, www.floathousevictoria.com
Community News
Highly Concerned Researchers
A new syndrome has been described: ASIA, Autoimmune/AutoInflammatory Syndrome induced by Adjuvants. Researchers from around the world are sounding the alarm. An adjuvant is a substance used in vaccines to stimulate the immune system and aluminum salts are the most used adjuvants for humans. Aluminum is a potent immune system stimulator and is also highly neurotoxic. It has been shown to induce serious immunological disorders and long-term brain inflammation in humans as well as experimental animals. Symptoms in adults can include lupus-like, rheumatoid arthritis-like and MS-like syndromes, thyroid disorders, chronic fatigue, and cognitive impairment. Symptoms may take weeks or months to fully develop following vaccination. For that matter, what might such a neurotoxic and highly immunogenic substance be doing to infants and children? Likely, it would dramatically increase the risk of life-long autoimmune and neurological conditions. Fortunately, there are natural ways to increase the elimination of aluminum, including drinking silicon-rich mineral water.
Dr. Anke Zimmermann, ND, www.drzimmermann.org
A New Twist on the 100 Mile Diet
On average, food items travel 1500 miles (2414 kilometers) before arriving at the table. Typically, the average 400 calories breakfast consumes 2800 calories of fossil fuel energy. Most people have heard of the 100-mile diet and the many benefits of this philosophy. If you adhere to this 100 mile carbon footprint you will benefit from: fresher food that is not shipped from long distances, minimal or zero preservatives, supporting the local economy with money that cycles directly back into your community, and ultimately a healthier consumer and community! This same philosophy can be applied when purchasing your pet food. Why wouldn’t you want to promote such positive outcomes concerning your pet, as well? Take a moment to think about this the next time you are going down the aisles selecting a name brand for your pet’s nutrition. Think about purchasing a local holistic product that has far-reaching benefits!
Barbara Guidetti, www.happypaws.ca
Attachment From the Cradle to the Grave
Having secure relationships is connected to the quality of our human experience. Studies show that infants deprived of love will fail to thrive. In contrast, children given love and nurturing develop secure attachments to their parents. They become better able to regulate their emotions and are more confident to explore the world! This need for positive and secure attachment continues throughout all stages of life. John Bowlby stated, “Attachment is important from the cradle to the grave.” For example, a study with adults revealed that holding the hand of a loved-one reduced the intensity of pain during a medical procedure (J. Coan 2006). An excessive amount of tension within important relationships can take a huge toll on you emotionally, physically, and mentally. Counseling is a proven method of intervention that has helped millions of people worldwide to improve the quality of their most significant relationships.
Terri Czegledi, MA, MFT Registered, Clinical Counsellor, www.comoxvalleycounselling.com
Integrated Pain Solutions
How do we treat SIJ dysfunction (sacroiliac joint dysfunction) that causes low back and leg pain when it does not heal by itself or with conventional medicine? An alternative option called Regenerative Injection Therapy (RIT) also known as Prolotherapy may provide lasting relief. Our body is held together by a network of connective tissue that are vulnerable to injuries. Joints that are badly sprained are easily reinjured due to ligament and tendons laxity resulting in arthritic changes. RIT involves injections into the site of pain. This stimulates our inflammatory healing response in the injured tissue. When we are injured our body naturally produces an inflammatory response. It stimulates substances carried in the blood that produce growth factors in the injured area in order to heal. Why do we not heal? Ligaments, tendons, and cartilage have a poor blood supply, which may result in an incomplete healing.
Dr.Ross Ralph Dr.TCM,RAc., DOMP, Advance Neurofunctional Sport Performance Specialist, www.courtenayhealing.ca
Shin Pain Slowing You Down?
Running can be a fun, enjoyable way to get in shape and feel good. However, if you develop shin pain it can stop you in your tracks. “Shin splints” is a generalized term for lower leg pain that occurs below the knee either on the front outside part of the leg (anterior shin splints) or the inside of the leg (medial shin splints). Shin splints are described as ‘an overuse injury’ but also may be caused by a variety of ankle and foot problems such as over-pronated or under-pronated feet. A common remedy for shin pain is to use ice and to rest. If it persists, it should be properly diagnosed and treated by your doctor. Ensure you are wearing properly fitted running shoes that suit your alignment. Secondarily, a well-fitted custom foot orthotic may be required to correct a biomechanical issue. Don’t let shin pain get in your way; seek the proper diagnosis and treatment.
Bryan Mitchell, www.mitchellpando.com
Alternative Healing – Holistic Aromatherapy
Modern Aromatherapy has evolved into four basic categories: medical (practiced in France by doctors), popular and esoteric (products from metaphysical and gift shops), holistic (addressing the Body+Mind+Spirit), and aromachology (the scientific study of fragrance/perfumery). Holistic Aromatherapy is a multidimensional healing art, involving the beneficial physiological, pharmacological, psychological, and metaphysical properties of pure therapeutic grade essential oils. In addition, there is a clear understanding of the importance of the client-therapist relationship. Having responsive caring support from a knowledgeable practitioner augments the healing effects of various essential oil therapies. The aim of the practitioner is to gain insight into the complex causes of a client’s health concerns, mitigate symptoms, and lead the client forward on the path of self-responsibility and inspired abundant living. Re-connecting with Nature and integrating Mind+Body+Spirit, is the true foundation for optimum wellness!
Nelson Meggitt, www.optimumwellnessfactor.ca
DIY–Knot Massage
A trigger point (TrP), AKA a “knot” is a hyper-irritable spot in a taut band of skeletal muscle. TrP’s can produce local and referred pain, and sometimes reduce the range of motion of the affected muscle. Your RMT uses a variety of techniques during a massage therapy treatment to reduce TrP’s. How can you treat TrP’s at home? Before treating yourself, it’s a good idea to warm up the tissue before following these steps. 1.Find the tender point in the muscle 2. Using a ball (tennis balls work great) compress the tender point until its between a 5-7 on the pain scale (1= no pain, 10= intolerable). 3.Hold the pressure here until the pain begins to decrease. 4.Repeat steps 2 & 3. This “pain” should feel good- not intolerable. Begin on the lighter side and follow this treatment with a gentle stretch or flushing of the tissue with self -massage.
Sydney Reaburn RMT, www.courtenaymassagetherapy.com
The Greatest Gain From Grain
Despite different views on the subject, bread has remained one of the most consumed carbohydrates by Canadians. How do you make the healthiest choice? You do have a few options: bake your own, buy fresh from a reputable bakery, or read nutrition labels and ingredient lists. One hundred percent whole and/or sprouted organic grains are absolutely key because both provide nutrients needed for the body in the most wholesome form. Preservative free is important and can be tough to locate since preservatives are common in pre-bagged grocery store loaves. Low sodium is important. Sodium is used to stabilize yeast and pump up the flavour, it can be especially high in ‘diet’ breads. Additionally, the absorption for re-introduced vitamins and minerals is not nearly as high as in their naturally occurring state, so stay away from ‘enriched’ breads. Regardless of how you choose to source your bread, always remember the most natural state provides the greatest gain from the grain.
Cakebread Artisan Bakery, www.cakebread.ca
Music–More Than Performing Arts
MUSIC is the most accessible and most researched medium of art, healing, and wellness. There has been a principal emphasis on the soothing capacity of music and its ability to offset overly technological approaches to care. I n particular, music therapy has been shown to decrease anxiety, increase healthy well-being, and over all calmness. The pleasure shared by participants in the healing process through a music therapy program, whether the music is played or heard, can help to restore emotional balance as well. There is also evidence of the effectiveness of auditory stimulation along with a strong indication that such stimulation abolishes pain. Music can be a powerful strategy for achieving control over pain. Music engagement encourages positivity, well-being, awareness, and over all happiness.
Cassandra Milcharek, www.steinbachartscouncil.ca
Practicing a Balanced Life
Yoga is an ancient Indian practice that has recently been integrated within our western culture. It is an inner spiritual practice that aims to strengthen and balance the body and mind. Another one of these ancient practices that has been newly introduced to western society is Aryuveda, an alternative form of medicine. It teaches that when all is balanced, an individual is healthy. Its key focuses are balance, prevention, and selfcare practice to treat a variety of issues. These components are easily paralleled to and satisfied with the practice of yoga. Aligning the body, concentrating the mind, and working for a healthier self fall directly under the umbrella of Aryuveda. Just as yoga is a practice for all, Aryuveda can be practiced by anyone as well, to achieve good health and longevity. It creates a foundation for self-realization, and self -healing.
Celine Sartoris, www.shineyourlight.ca
