As we move into the darkest and shortest day of the year on December 21st, we enter a month of reflection and appreciation for what we have and who we have in our lives. Creating a gratitude list, sending notes of thanks and appreciation, taking inventory of the significant moments of our past year in review. Taking the time to reflect, sets the stage and allows us to better figure out where we want to put our energy and move towards the new year to come.
Community News
Product Review: Colflex® by Innotech™
ColFlex® Super Oregano Oil Spray is a great-tasting 4-in-1 oral spray containing essential oils of oregano, thyme, and spearmint oil in an extra virgin olive oil base, sweetened with stevia and fortified with vitamin D3. Spray orally to help relieve coughs, sore throat, travelling challenges, that “under the weather feeling” and for general oral hygiene and fresher breath. Lab tests show that ColFlex inhibited the growth of bacteria such as S. aureus and S. pneumonia after 27 minutes and inhibited the growth of E. coli and S. typhi after 9 minutes. Ask for Colflex® at your local Health Food Store.
Your Cool New Booze-Free Option
Taking a night off from drinking can now be a part of an exciting night out! Self-care can extend past sunset and socializing can boost your health and wellness game. When we consume beverages that are healthier for our body and mind, we feel more empowered and connected to our souls. We call this mindful consumption. Our Brü is soulfully curated for both flavour and functionality, creating a novel social experience. It’s time we remove outdated, stigmatized labels like alcoholic, recovery, disease and replace them with empowering words like alcohol-free, sober curious, and non-drinker, so people can feel proud about their accomplishment by choosing not to drink.
Have You Considered Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is part of an ancient Traditional Chinese medical system that aims to restore order and balance to the body. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), acupuncture can be used for a variety of issues such as digestive, emotional, menstrual, respiratory, fertility, neurological, musculoskeletal and addiction. In recent years, several clinical studies have proven that acupuncture is effective for people who do not want to take medication, have allergies/sensitivities to medications or have intolerable side effects to medication. The benefits of acupuncture include: enhanced mental clarity and energy, stress reduction, immune stimulation, pain control and improved circulation.
What is a Carrier Oil?
Carrier Oils are essential in your aromatherapy toolkit. This term refers to a wide range of different solutions such as coconut, sweet almond, or grapeseed oil. It is not recommended to put essential oils directly on the skin, so they must be mixed with a carrier oil in order to ensure your safety (and the essential oil’s benefits) when used topically. As an alternative to a simple oil, our Moisturizing Base Cream also ensures safe application. 1% dilution would be 7 drops per 30 ml of carrier oil or cream. The Base Cream is fully customizable, allowing you to choose which scents and properties best suit your individual needs.
Clean Eating: Simple Vegan Eggnog
Ingredients: 1 15-ounce can coconut milk (400 ml), 1/2 cup raw cashews, 1/4 cup water, 3 tbsp maple syrup, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon. Directions: Soak the cashews overnight or for at least 1 hour. Place all the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Serve the eggnog chilled, so keep it in the fridge for at least 1 or 2 hours. Enjoy the Holiday Season!
Health Book Club:
The Art of Choosing You. By Robin Chant. Where does this judgment lead us? It leads us to the polarity of right and wrong, of good and bad. We are in constant battle in our minds as we focus on this polarity. Would you like to let that habit go and choose allowance instead? What does it feel like to connect to you? How do you know if you are connected to your soul? Is it time to find out?
Words to Live By
Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love. ~ Hamilton Wright Mabie
Words to Live By
Christmas is most truly Christmas when we celebrate it by giving the light of love to those who need it most. Ruth Carter Stapleton
Mental Health This Winter
Winter months can be difficult for those experiencing a mental health challenge or illness, especially during and following the holiday season. There are, however, a myriad of evidence-based ways to boost your physical and mental well-being. One important tool is vitamin D. Research clearly shows the benefits of this powerful vitamin for improving body and thereby brain health. Our bodies synthesize this nutrient through exposure to the sun. However, during reduced daylight months we are unable to get what we need from our solar source. If low mood persists, contact your healthcare provider or local CMHA for additional information and resources.
Laser for Healing and Pain Relief
Lasers and LED’s are very successful at relieving pain. They produce intense beams of light at specific wavelengths that relieve symptoms of diagnosed neck or back pain, joint conditions, soft tissue injury, concussion symptoms and more. In addition, high-intensity single point lasers can release trigger points and treat acupuncture points. There is substantial clinical evidence published in peer-reviewed medical journals that Photobiomodulation (PBM Therapy) can stimulate repair of tissue, reduce inflammation and relieve pain in musculoskeletal disorders. These studies find that the median magnitude for pain relief using lasers is at least twice that of NSAIDS.
