Known as the “Immortal Health Elixir” by the Chinese and originating in the Far East around 2,000 years ago, kombucha is a beverage with tremendous health benefits. With more literature being published regarding its effectiveness in weight management, immune system enhancement as well as its role in improving digestion, and boosting energy, the fondness of this ancient drink is growing. It’s also beneficial for protecting hair and teeth and battling certain types of cancer. Exactly what is kombucha? Simply put, kombucha is a living drink. It’s made by fermenting tea, sugar, and the kombucha culture otherwise known as a SCOBY (symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast). After being fermented, kombucha becomes carbonated and contains vinegar, b-vitamins, enzymes, probiotics, and a high concentration of acid (acetic, gluconic and lactic), which are linked with positive effects. Some outcomes are improved digestion, weight loss, increased energy, cleansing and detoxification, immune support, reduced joint pain, and cancer prevention.
Community News
Foot Health: Ingrown Toe Nails
Onychocryptosis, also known as an ingrown nail is a common disorder most commonly found on the big toe. It is a painful condition usually accompanied with inflammation, later symptoms are the growth of skin tissue around the edge of the nail and sometimes yellowish drainage may appear. If neglected, infection can occur, leading to extreme swelling and an abscess which would require surgical treatment. Ingrown toenails can be prevented by wearing proper footwear and by obtaining proper nail care. It is important when trimming toenails to cut straight across and to avoid cutting them too short. You are at a higher risk of complications from an ingrown toenail if you have diabetes or other conditions that cause poor circulation. Ingrown toenails that aren’t infected can normally be treated at home. However, if your toenail has pierced the skin, or there is any sign of infection, seek medical treatment.
Perla Yu, Licensed Esthetician, www.nateramassage.com
Natural Remedy for Thick Hair
Did you know that regular use of castor oil might stimulate and increase hair growth, reduce and prevent breakage, and condition and moisturize the hair and scalp? Castor oil is a humectant, meaning it attracts and retains moisture to the skin and hair. The antibacterial and anti-fungicidal properties of ricinoleic acid in castor oil protects the scalp against hair loss, while making hair stronger, smoother, and less frizzy. To use, dilute the castor oil with another oil (think argan, coconut, or sweet almond). Castor oil is very thick, which can make it hard to apply. Warm the oils and start with damp, but not wet hair. Massage your head with your fingertips using small, circular motions. Use your fingers to comb your hair; this helps distribute the oil. For best results, treat yourself to castor oil twice a week
Acupuncture for the Holidays
With the holiday season fast approaching, it brings with it an intense flurry of get-togethers, family occasions, large meals, over indulgence and stress. Acupuncture has had promising studies completed on treating depression, anxiety and stress. Acupuncture is a safe alternative to anti-depressant medicine and has been shown to be protective against the stress response hormone. Over-indulgence at the table can lead to “food stagnation”, a traditional Chinese medicine term used to describe that bloated, uncomfortable feeling after eating too much – one that can last for days. Acupuncture can invigorate the function of your digestive system and calm your stomach and intestines, removing that food stagnation. The acupuncture experience can be pleasant and relaxing. Imagine lying quietly on a comfortable table, with low lighting, soft lovely music playing, and leaving calm, relaxed and happy.
Naomi Johnson, www.heklaacupuncture.com
Perfect Gift Idea: Himalayan Salt Lamp
Himalayan salt lamps make a perfect gift for anyone! These softly glowing lamps are made from pure, food grade, Himalayan salt crystals. These beautiful lamps have gained massive popularity recently, and there are many benefits attributed to them. Besides offering a soothing glow, they can attract pollutants in the air and even help neutralize the effects electromagnetic radiation. Probably the most wellknown benefit – and why the majority of people use them – is due to their incredible power to remove dust, pollen, cigarette smoke, and other contaminants from the air. They may also help boost mood and energy levels, especially for those with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Himalayan salt lamps create beautiful ambient lighting around the house. They come in an assortment of sizes and styles, perfect for anyone on your list! www.nutritionplus.com
Step Into New Insoles
If we lead active lifestyles with sports and jobs, foot pain can begin to present itself out of nowhere. We all have a unique foot shape and sometimes adding a new insole orthotic to our existing shoes can provide a more tailored fit for our feet. Some of us may have high arches, while others may have flat feet. An orthotic can provide more support and contact while distributing force, while we are on our feet for several hours a day. We have 3 arches in our feet that work together to create a solid dome-like structure that supports the force applied by our body weight. A weakness or drop in any one or combination of these arches can compromise the integrity of the dome, and elicit pain. Replacing the standard insoles that come with new shoes, can help support the arches and decrease the risk of pain developing.
Heath Vermette, CAT(C), southsherbrook.com
The Gift of Relaxation
With all the expectations that come with the holiday season, the best gift you can give yourself or others is that of relaxation. Unfortunately, stress (acute or chronic) may cause people’s brains to become “stuck” in an over- or under-aroused state. When a person is stuck, they often will find it much more difficult (or nearly impossible) to reach a deeply relaxed state. This is where Brainwave Optimization can help. As the brain is mirrored back to itself, it facilitates a state of deep relaxation in the brain so that it can unlock its inner resources for healing and self-optimization. Brainwave Optimization is a holistic, non-invasive process that restores the brain to its natural highfunctioning state. With its state-of-the-art neurotechnology and software, Brainwave Optimization balances the brain. Since the brain controls every cell, every organ, every tissue and the entire autonomic nervous system, this has a direct effect on the entire body.
Joanne Couture, RMFT, RSW, www.lalobatraumarelease.com
Know Your Ergonomics!
The equipment you use on a daily basis should adjust to you, not vice versa. Adjust the seat in your car. Make sure your hips are higher than your knees. Get your computer monitor off your desk. It needs to be placed higher because on the desk, it’s way too low. Get in the habit of standing, not reaching for the printer. You should also stand when you answer the telephone (otherwise know as that “5 lbs. file”). Standing desks are becoming popular. However if you stand at work all day, make sure to shift and move. It’s also important to get a box to put one foot up on. Repetitive strain injuries are mostly “habitual.” Equipment and tools are only as good as the user’s technique. Know your ergonomics at work, home, and play and enjoy a much healthier and happier life!
Chris Bisignano, www.yourphysio.com
Focus on Finding the Solution
Would you like to find solutions rather than focus on the problems with your health, relationships, stress levels and life in general? By the time something in our life becomes a problem, there are already many factors that have contributed to the creation of the problem itself. When you shift your focus to finding a solution, you open the door for ideas, opportunities, growth and lasting improvements to emerge. On the contrary, focusing on and treating the problem often leads to temporary relief, coping techniques and ineffective treatments. How can you achieve the results you desire in health and life if the factors creating the problem still exist? Resolve and remove the factors within you and your environment that are contributing to the problem you are trying to resolve. In this process, you will discover and create the solution, and you will experience amazing, lasting results.
Shannon Russell, BodyMind Freedom Solutions, www.thedashmethod.com
Jealousy is a Gateway to Gratefulness
Nothing about jealousy feels comfortable or desirable. It touches that ugly aching knowing that life seems unfair in some way. When we become jealous of someone or something, it awakens the belief that we want something that we can’t have and there is not enough to go around. If we allow ourselves to go a little deeper, it also offers us important information about what our heart desires. When we are jealous, it awakens and brings into light what we want for ourselves. We can then start putting into action what we are wanting. There are times in life when jealousy is not able to be fully healed. Our lesson then is to accept and understand that our path is different from those around us. The best antidote for jealousy is gratefulness for life’s unforeseen gifts that enrich our lives with opportunities.
D’Arcy Bruning-Haid, www.souls-journey.com
Bowenwork for Back Pain
Bowenwork is a very gentle, holistic, hands-on form of bodywork that essentially resets the body to heal itself. Bowen Therapy can be extremely effective with issues related to lower back pain, even when other therapies were unsuccessful. The Bowenwork Practitioner never forcefully manipulates the body into correction. On the contrary, the body is gently signalled through the nervous system by the practitioner’s moves, and then left to heal itself, with minimal intervention. Bowenwork restores balance of the entire body through the nervous system. Once muscles become balanced, blood flow, oxygen, and nutrients are increased, and toxins are released. Additionally, bones move back to where they should be, and pinched nerves are set free. Often there is pain relief in multiple areas of the body, resulting in a profound sense of well-being. Don’t give up! Talk to a Certified Bowenwork Practitioner about starting your healing journey today.
Bernadette Kozak, Certified Bowenwork Practitioner, www.WinnipegPainRelief.ca
