Community News
Ear Acupuncture

Ear acupuncture is one of many forms of acupuncture, using the external ear like a representation of the body. The practitioner use pellets, seeds, magnets, electric impulses or needles. The ear is basically composed of cartilage and connective tissue with a minimal amount of the adipose tissue, but is supply we numerous nerves near this skin surface. For Traditional Chinese Medicine the Yangs meridians (Small Intestine, Stomach, Bladder, Gall Bladder and Large Intestine) have a direct contact with the auricle. And some other Yin meridians have contact with their secondary branches. The relationship between the ear, internal organs and the meridians was first report more than 2000 years ago in the book Huangdi Nei Jing (Chinese Canon of Medicine). The ear was described as a central location where numerous meridians meet. Hipocrates (IV BC) described the relations between fertility and some treatments in the external ear. Galeno (II Century) mentioned the use of bleeding and some manipulations of the ear to help patients with sexual problems. Dr. Paul Nogier, a french neurologist, observed the relation within chronic sciatica and ears scars. Patients improved from this chronic pain making pressure in specific points in the ears. In the 1950’s Dr Nogier mapped these points and the corresponding somatic representation in the body by developing and inverted fetus map of the external ear, similar to the somatosensory homunculus of the brain. In 1980 the UCLA University made a study about the use of the external ear and diagnosis. (Olesson and Kroegning).Between 1987 and 1990 the WHO organized meetings and defined the charts of different points between the Chinese and French Schools. In some situations the ear can change, presenting discolorations or tenderness with an internal damage or change of an organ. This explain why sometimes the ear could help in the diagnosis, giving important information about the patient’s condition. Ear Acupuncture help acute and chronic conditions: migraines, asthma, allergies, obesity, high blood pressure, back pain, etc. And not only physical illness, there is some studies that had showed the benefits of this treatments in anxiety, addictions, depression, and other emotional and mental imbalances. It is simply to apply, with minimal side effects, and often achieved good results. It can be an economic alternative form of patient care with broad applications.

Dr. Eduardo Barreto, Nature Doctors

www.thenaturedoctors.ca
http://drbarretointegralhealth.blogspot.ca/2014/03/auricular-acupuncture-or-ear-acupuncture.html?view=timeslide

What is TMD? 

Do you have jaw pain or chronic headaches? Do you clench or grind your teeth? These problems can be related to Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD). These symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe pain with jaw restriction and locking. Making an accurate diagnosis of your TMD is essential so an effective treatment regime can be implemented. Physiotherapists can assess the muscles impacting on your jaw, your neck and your posture. A dentist should be involved to assess your bite and any unusual or excessive wearing of your teeth. A physiotherapy approach will be different for each patient depending on the source of their symptoms. Some treatments that are used are myofacial release, massage, acupuncture, joint mobilization and dry needling. The focus is to relieve pain, reduce swelling and muscle spasm, increase posture strength and restore jaw movement and alignment. Treatment is also directed towards associated neck pain, headaches and a good strengthening program for long term self-management.

Gina Imbrogno, www.prairietrailphysio.ca

Garcinia Cambogia Fruit

An incredibly efficient fat burning ingredient, Garcinia Cambogia has received much media attention for it’s effect on weight loss and food consumption control. This pure ingredient is 100% natural; it is sometimes referred to as Tamarind, and it grows primarily in the lush green mountains of India, southeast Asia as well as in Central Africa. Its primary ingredient is the dietary super supplement known as HCA, which is proven in scientific studies to stop hunger in its tracks. The tamarind fruit has traditionally been used in soups as appetizers before meals, because of the smaller portion sizes due to limited amount of food. It’s appetite suppression qualities helped make villagers feel more full (satiety) and the fruit would increase the workers’ fat burning skills (thermogenesis) providing an increase in energy and productivity.

Greg and Bridget Doll, www.myvalentus.com/lakewinnipeg

Micro-Breaks: Why do we Need Them?

Micro breaks are short breaks (typically 2 minutes) that allow your body to recover from the stress and strain of continuously sitting in a chair and looking at a computer screen. It is recommended to take a micro-break every 15-30 minutes that includes some form of movement: the human body is not made to sit still for 6-8 hours a day! They can range from going for a short walk, doing some stretches, or changing the repetitive demands of a task. For example, you could switch from responding to emails to walking to the fax machine. Micro-breaks may help to reduce stress, decrease the risk of repetitive strain injuries and physical discomfort, as well as increase blood flow, energy and productivity at work. Although taking micro-breaks appears to be a small change, making it part of your day can have large physical and emotional benefits.

Stacey Bulat, BKin-AT CAT(C) Certified Athletic Therapist, www.vitallifeclinic.ca

5 Tips to Reduce Anxiety

1. Meditate – Practicing just a few minutes a day helps reduce anxiety.
2. Breathe Deep – breathing by contracting the diaphragm, a horizontal muscle in the chest located just above the stomach, helps reduce your heart rate and induces relaxation.
3. Exercise – Long workouts or running a marathon are not necessary. Yoga or walking is all that is needed to ease anxiety and depression.  Stand up straight and tall.  Don’t forget to breathe.
4. Get More Sleep – Emotional upset, such as anger, stress and exhaustion, is commonly found in those who have lost even a few hours of sleep.
5. Reflexology – Taking time in a quiet environment with complete control of your surroundings and making eye contact with your practitioner can help bring the body back in balance. Reflexology sessions that include deep breathing practice are definitely a worthwhile investment.

Trenna Reid, RCRT, www.discoverreflexology.ca

The Magic Bean Sprout

Did you know that Mung Bean Sprouts contain EVERY vitamin known to man? These delicious home-grown sprouts are packed so full of nutrients that they can actually be considered natural supplements. Kids love watching them grow, and even more, they love the fresh garden taste. Mung beans produce an edible sprout that’s crisp and nutty tasting. These sprouts are substantial enough to stand-up to stir-frying, but they’re often used raw in salads and on sandwiches. Because of their high nutrient density, mung bean sprouts are useful in defending against several chronic diseases including heart disease, cancer, diabetes and obesity. While mung beans may be new to some people in Canada, they’ve been a part of traditional Ayurvedic diets in India for thousands of years. Mung beans are considered one of the most cherished foods in the ancient Indian practice. Don’t just take our word for it – try sprouting today!

Rick, www.scoopandsave.com

Clean Eating: Quinoa “Breaded” Chicken Strips 

Ingredients:

Use organic products.
3-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips,
⅔ cup flour,
1 tsp sea salt + ¼ tsp pepper,
3 eggs + 2 Tbsp water,
2 cups cooked quinoa.

Directions:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees and grease a baking sheet with Coconut Oil or Butter. In a small bowl whisk flour, salt, and pepper. In a second bowl whisk eggs and water. Place quinoa in a third bowl. Dredge chicken in flour mixture, then eggs, and lastly in the quinoa being sure to coat well.  Bake for 20 minutes until chicken is cooked. Serve with your favorite healthy dipping sauces!

Book Club: The Lucky Years 

How to Thrive in the Brave New World of Health. Bestselling author David Agus unveils the new world of medicine, one in which we can take control of our health like never before and doctors can fine-tune strategies and weapons to prevent illness. In this bestseller, he builds on that theme by showing why this is the luckiest time yet to be alive, giving you the keys to the new kingdom of wellness.

David Agus, www.davidagus.com

Pet Food for Thought

Choosing the right food for your pet is important. With so many choices, it’s hard to know which way to go! Here are a few fundamental facts about which choice to make: For ALL cats, food should be grain free. Cats lack the digestive enzyme that metabolizes grains which is why feline obesity, diabetes and kidney failure are so common. Both cats and dogs require wet food in their diet. Kibble is highly processed and does not come close to providing the necessary moisture an animal needs to live healthfully. Wet food allows animals to retain vital moisture. Without this moisture, animals are prone to dehydration, urinary infections and eventually kidney failure. It is also extremely important to do your research! These days, many food companies disguise carcinogens well. Make sure to read labels carefully and know exactly what you’re feeding them! Your animals deserve the best quality of life; they’re your family!

Jill Saifer, www.soulsticespirithealing.wordpress.com

Shovel the Right Way

Next time you are faced with the daunting task of shoveling snow, consider this: The task sends on average more than 11,000 adults and children to the hospital every year. Safe snow shoveling requires proper preparation, the right tools, good technique and knowledge. Here are some handy tips to help keep your body pain free while shoveling snow this winter. Firstly, having the right shovel is important. Your shovel should weigh no more than 3 lbs., preferably with a plastic blade and a long curved handle. Secondly, technique is important. To protect your back, always push the snow and avoid lifting. Hold the shovel close to your body with your hands spread out on the handle to create leverage. Bend from your knees not your back and keep your feet hip width apart. Lastly, when having to lift the snow make sure you tighten your stomach muscles and avoid twisting by always having your feet pointing the same way you’re lifting the snow.

Kristy Maksymyk, BMR-PT, www.prairietrailphysio.ca

Cardioflex Q10 

A supportive nutritional supplement for doctor recommended diet and exercise plans that is designed for cardiovascular health. Cardioflex Q1O is a unique blend of vitamins and amino proteins taken daily as supportive natural therapy to enrich cardiovascular health, establish cholesterol balance, and reduce CRP (C-reactive protein). Strengthen the cardiovascular system. Dissolve atherosclerotic plaque. Relieve the pain of angina pectoris (chest pain). Reduce the likelihood of blood clotting, heart attack or stroke. Increase heart and other muscle strength and stamina. Reduce blood and tissue lipids (fats) and cholesterol. Reduce C-reactive protein (CRP indicates artery inflammation) as well as homocysteine levels. Increase antioxidant intake and activity to slow aging. Help natural immunity against viral, fungal, and bacterial diseases, including antibiotic-resistant strains. Reduce hypertension and improve overall circulation. Manitoba Made, Innotech Nutrition product.

A1 Nutrition, www.a1nutrition.net