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
Community News
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
Benefits of a Well-Fitting Partial Denture
When a person needs a partial denture, it is crucial to have one that fits properly. Metal partial frames are the preferred choice because they are strong and thin. They are more comfortable and enable clearer speech. A good fitting partial will balance your bite to help you chew better and have a healthier jaw joint (TMJ) plus provide support for lips and cheeks. If a partial is not fitting tight around the natural teeth, it will cause damage to the roots of the teeth. Think of it this way, if you take a fence post and rock it back and forth you will eventually loosen it and it will come out easily. The same applies to natural teeth. The chewing motions can rock a partial denture creating stress on the root and causing damage. On average, partial dentures should be replaced every 7 years to preserve the health of the remaining natural teeth.
Timo Gerzen, granddentureclinic.com
Yoga and Creativity
How do you define creativity and why does it matter? Most of us probably think of the arts, music, or making something when we consider creativity. True creativity, however, may encompass much more, all the way from how we think to how we move. Any time we try something new or allow a shift in our perspective we are being creative. Creativity is a way to get out of our busy minds and be in a space with less demands. Feeling stressed and stuck? Be creative. Consider yoga as a new way of moving and connecting with your body. While exploring the poses we’re encouraged to ask ourselves what we’re feeling and where small shifts; freedom in our own shape of it, might be needed. Yoga gives us the opportunity to move in all directions, to find our edges, and to be guided from within. Do yoga, and build creativity! Susan Turner, www.YogaConnections.ca
Balance is Key!
When it comes to fitness, balance and variety is key. A combination of cardio, strength, and flexibility training are required to achieve overall fitness. Cardio sessions of varying intensity will give you a strong and healthy cardiovascular system. Strength training with weights and resistance builds strong bones and muscles. Working out with weights is especially important for women to help defend against osteoporosis. Weight workouts should include a functional component as a gym weight machine can mimic few of the day-to-day stresses we put on our body. Stretching, both passive (stretches held in one position) and dynamic (stretching while moving), needs to part of your fitness regime. This will help with injury prevention, ease of movement and mobility, and strengthening tendons and ligaments. Finding a yoga class is a great way to get in your stretching. It will help to ease the physical and mental stress that our daily lives put on our bodies. Keeping that balanced approach to your fitness will help keep you feeling and looking great for a long time to come.
Todd Dennis, www.northstrongfitness.com
