Thai massage combines stretching with acupressure. Acupressure applies the same principles as acupuncture to promote relaxation and wellness and to treat disease, but uses pressure with thumbs, elbows or knees instead of needles. Thai massage therapists use their fingers, palms, elbows or feet to apply pressure along pressure points and along ten energy channels called sen sib. The goal of acupressure is to restore health and balance to the body’s channels of energy and to regulate opposing forces of negative energy and positive energy.
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What is Integrative Microscopy?
Integrative microscopy has been our most successful tool in health assessment for over 25 years and works by analyzing one drop of unprocessed blood under a high magnification microscope in real time. While conventional treatment provides invaluable quantitative measurement, integrative microscopy is a powerful tool that looks at nutritional and cellular health. Along with a physical assessment and symptomology review, integrative microscopy helps to identify underlying causes of health issues, such as digestive efficiency, infection, excess fat circulation, or immune function. An initial comprehensive appointment takes 1.5 hours and follow-up appointments take 1 hour of one-on-one patient-practitioner interaction to ensure your practitioner can develop a personalized and complete wellness plan for you.
Is Keto for Me?
If you are struggling with low energy, lack of confidence and extra weight on your body, the Keto lifestyle might be right for you! Doing Keto ‘The Right Way’ can be a powerful solution to many health issues and can take off those extra unwanted Covid pounds. Doing keto ‘The Right Way’ does not involve pills or powders, but simply focuses on administering whole foods the right way. It means eating the right amount of fat, protein, and carbs within your calorie count to help you reach your health and weight loss goals. Working with a Certified Keto Coach means simple solutions and a focused understanding of the Ketogenic lifestyle. There is no need for intense research or guesswork to reach your macro or calorie counts, as you can simply follow the plan that has been tailored to you!
The Benefits of Massage Therapy
Benefits of Massage Therapy The benefits of massage therapy have been documented throughout history dating back to 2000 BCE. Physiologically, massage is effective in managing pain, circulation (blood flow and pressure), lymphatic flow and drainage, the musculoskeletal system (muscles, joints, and posture), respiratory function, and boosting the immune system. Psychological effects include reducing stress (a contributing factor to illness and disease), anxiety, and depression, and even increasing alertness. From reducing joint and muscle rigidity in people suffering from Parkinson’s disease to alleviating headaches in individuals experiencing temporomandibular joint dysfunction, massage therapy just may be the key to increasing a person’s quality of life.
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!
Book Club: God Winks
Now, just in time for the holiday season, comes Godwinks Christmas Stories, a collection of astonishing true-life stories centered around Christmas that demonstrate how God has shown himself in the lives of others. He’ll do the same for you. Husband and wife authors SQuire Rushnell and Louise DuArt remind you that Godwinks are like wondrous gifts left on your doorstep. Their aim with this book is to help you open the door and open your gifts of hope and encouragement. Available at Universal Church Supplies Saskatoon
Words to Live By
Christmas magic is silent. You don’t hear it — you feel it. You know it. You believe it. ~ Kevin Alan Milne
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
HALT Emotional Eating
Let’s talk about emotional eating.
We are emotional and social beings and while we need food for energy, we also eat for pleasure, social connection, celebration and sometimes to avoid feeling strong emotions. And, note the emphasis here, there is nothing wrong with this! We are also one of the few animals that have sex for pure pleasure and I don’t think anyone is going to complain about that one now are they? 😊
However, problems can arise when food is our go-to source of relief for emotional discomfort. Bringing awareness to the reasons we are experiencing a craving or choosing to eat can help identify if we are eating because we are truly hungry, or if an emotion is at play.
HALT is an acronym that can help you pause and determine why you might be reaching for food. The acronym is formed from the following words: hungry, angry, lonely and tired.
Let’s look at each letter and corresponding word along with a few questions you can ask yourself to bring awareness to your current state and explore how to best meet your needs:
H – Am I hungry? Has it been longer than 3 or 4 hours since I last ate? Can I notice physical sensations related to hunger like shakiness, low energy, a rumbling tummy? If you answer yes to any of these, then it’s probably time to eat.
A – Am I angry? Or frustrated, disappointed, stressed, grouchy, edgy? If this resonates, ask yourself if there’s another way to relieve the tension and release the anger. How about getting outside for some fresh air? Or listening to music really loud and dancing it out? Talking with or confiding in a friend?
L – Am I lonely? Or sad, overwhelmed, blue, discouraged? Ask yourself, how can I find comfort other than with food? Can I phone or connect with a friend? Practice some self-care?
T – Am I tired? Or exhausted, fidgety, bored, blah, low-energy? If this is the case, consider a nap, or if it’s 9 pm or later, just go to bed! If that’s not an option, ask yourself, what can I do to rejuvenate myself? Maybe some movement – 10 jumping jacks or a walk around the block? Can I switch tasks or activities to something I find more interesting or invigorating?
Angry, lonely, and tired are just some of the possible emotions or states that may be driving the desire to eat. Other common emotions might be sadness, anxiety, overwhelm, hurt, or insecurity. For me, it’s usually boredom or restlessness.
Perhaps you can’t identify a specific emotion, but rather it’s a circumstance or situation. You had a long day at work, a fight with your spouse or significant other, a late night or a restless sleep. I often find myself rummaging around the pantry when I’m procrastinating.
If hunger is not the primary driver for wanting to eat, take a moment to pause and identify the emotion or situation at play. Then from that place of awareness, you can choose. You can eat, mindfully. Or perhaps you choose to explore other options to meet your needs and soothe your emotions.
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.
Disability Tax Credit Eligibility
When people have restrictions, physically or mentally, they may be entitled to apply for a tax credit. There are different ways in which a person can be eligible for the disability tax credit (DTC). In all cases, the impairment must be prolonged. Also, the person must meet one of the following criteria: 1. Is markedly restricted in at least one of the basic activities of daily living. 2. Is significantly restricted in two or more or the basic activities of daily living (can include a vision impairment). 3. Needs life-sustaining therapy. The credit can allow a person $2500 in tax savings each year as well as a $20,000 Lump Sum Refund. Expert help is available in applying for this substantial tax credit.
