Acupuncture, best known for its ability and effectiveness to treat pain, releases endorphin levels and diminishes the nervous system’s pain response while increasing circulation to the affected area. It can also decrease inflammation and swelling, relax muscles and stops muscle spasms. Acupuncture can effectively treat the following pain conditions: Arthritis, Back Pain, Neck Pain, Sciatica, Headaches, Fibromyalgia, Sprains, Tennis/Golfers Elbow, Knee Pain, Joint Pain, Frozen Shoulder, Carpal Tunnel, and more! If you have suffered from a sports or work related injury, and would like to book an appointment, please contact us!

Everything about you is controlled by your brain; what you think, feel, smell, see and how you move. Reconstructing life after an acquired brain injury takes hard work and commitment. At Cowichan Brain Injury peers provide hope to peers. Everyone participates to help rewire the brain. Neurons that fire together, wire together. Neuroplasticity happens by new experiences, new knowledge, a positive attitude, lots of humor, repetitions and consistency. We are optimistic that there are no limits to recovery, but allow for the largest opportunity for the highest level of recovery. Drop-In meetings, Monday to Friday, from 11 – 1 pm, 5814 Bank Road, Duncan.

In hot weather, staying extra hydrated is vitally important for your well-being! Your water requirement depend on your size, activity level, diet, caffeine consumption, and exposure to warmer weather and sun. Start your day with 2 glasses of water and keep a water bottle with you in the car and when you go out. Aim for about 2.5 to 3 litres per day. Drink more if you feel hot and dry, have a headache or muscle cramps or are feeling unwell. Eating raw fruit and vegetables and drinking herbal tea also helps you be sufficiently hydrated. Try adding a pinch of sea salt to your water bottle as a natural electrolyte.

Are your dentures irritating your gums? If your dentures do not fit properly, they can chafe the gums, causing irritation. Tissue irritation can make your dentures so uncomfortable, it’s practically impossible to wear them because of the pain. Practice good oral hygiene habits. Remove your dentures every night and use a soft-bristled brush to brush your gums, tongue, cheeks, and the roof of your mouth. Maintain regular checkups with your denturist and if your dentures become loose, have them looked at as soon as possible. Loose dentures can cause irritation that can lead to sores and infection.

Game theory is the mathematical study of games that goes beyond the theory of probability to include the behaviour of other players. But most of the time, gamblers do not pay strict attention to probability let alone other more complex mathematical considerations. Despite knowing that the odds are stacked against us, and our money likely lost, we continue to gamble for our own individual reasons. Michael Jordan once said, ”I want people to understand, gambling is not a bad thing if you do it within the framework of what it’s meant to be, which is fun and entertaining.”

Determining the underlying root cause of health issues is the key to treatment. Heart Rate Variability (HRV) is a measure of Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) balance and strength and consequently your systematic health and resilience. ANS controls internal body processes such as blood pressure, heart and breathing rates, body temperature, digestion, and metabolism. A Nutri-Energetic Systems (NES) scan identifies blockages in the body’s energetic structure and field which serves as a master control system for all physiological function. By combining HRV with the NES Bioenergy scan, it is possible to find and see changes in the body on the energetic level and in the underlying structure. This helps to determine where to focus on in the healing and rebalancing approach.

Robert Fortunat, Registered Denturist, has been a Denturist for 29 years in the Cowichan Valley. Duncan Dental (1992) Ltd. is a small family run business that has been in Duncan for 66 years, and Robert is the third owner since 1953. Robert performs all clinical and laboratory services personally and offers a complete range of denture services from full or partial dentures to dentures on implants, relines and more. Call him to learn more about the options available to you. Robert is committed to customer service, and his goal is to give you a functional, natural looking smile.

If you are one of the many who struggle with seasonal environmental allergies, there are natural treatments available that can be as effective as allergy medication. Try some of these top picks for natural relief! *Apple Cider Vinegar *Bee Propolis and Honey from local sources *Nettle Tea *Quercetin *Probiotics *Reishi Mushroom tincture or capsules. An anti-inflammatory diet consisting of nutrient dense food and avoiding processed meats and foods is a part of natural allergy relief. Get sufficient sleep and exercise, and avoid your personal triggers. Visit your local health food store for more information on seasonal allergies.

The theme for the 2019 Gambling Awareness Week is “Find Your Balance”, in support of maintaining a balanced outlook of the role gambling may play in our lives. In early May, be on the lookout for BC Responsible & Problem Gambling Program community events in your area; ranging from sponsored swims, pop up community awareness booths and contests at community centers and other locations. Finding Our Balance in life can be challenging. Striking that balance is easier when we have a diverse array of activities in which to engage.