Abdominal acupuncture is a revolutionary new acupuncture technique that has been rapidly accepted and has gained huge recognition because of its astonishing therapeutic results. Abdominal acupuncture is very gentle as there is little needle sensation in the abdominal region. It is powerful in its action and can be used to treat any condition that is indicated in traditional acupuncture. The body responds faster to abdominal acupuncture and the curative effect is impressive. Results tend to be powerful and long lasting and are often felt instantaneously.

When you die, where would you like your final resting place to be? With your partner? With your parents or children? Your answer may change based on your age and life stage. If you are like most, you have not yet made up your mind. This is a conversation that should take place sooner rather than later. If your plans have been made, you want to ensure that they are up-to-date. These days, many Canadians are moving farther away, living longer and changing family traditions. This reinforces the need to review and update your end-of-life plans every five-to-ten years or so, or when major life events happen.

Allergies are a symptom of a bigger picture. In the small intestine, friendly bacteria (probiotics) activate our mucus membranes. These are our first line of defense against invasion; the cells within trigger the Inflammation, runny nose, tearing eyes and congestion. When the activated cells respond normally, we don’t have a problem with seasonal allergies. The natural medicine cupboard can support normal function. * Delete grains from your diet * Increase your probiotic intake. * Add digestive enzymes * Digesting a blend of lemon, lavender and peppermint doTerra CPTG essential oils in a small glass of water can help clear your allergy symptoms.

With the arrival of spring many of us are back out in our yards and gardens, fertilizing the grass and planting flowers and veggies in anticipation of summer. With this increase in activity after a long winter comes an increase in neck and low back pain. Doing some stretching before going outside and then again after you come back in can help prevent muscle strains and sprains. Regular daily stretching can help prevent a lot of pains that could otherwise appear. Make morning and evening stretches part of your daily routine to stay healthy and happy.

Are you suffering from the effects of tension, stress or trauma? TRE^® is a series of exercises that assist the body in releasing deep muscular patterns of stress, tension and trauma. TRE^® safely activates a natural reflex mechanism of shaking or vibrating that releases muscular tension, calming down the nervous system. When this muscular shaking/vibrating mechanism is activated in a safe and controlled environment, the body is encouraged to return back to a state of balance. It is based on the fundamental idea, backed by recent research, that stress, tension and trauma are both psychological and physical. Sessions are now available in Nanaimo.

Meghan Gorosh, Founder, Elan Wellness, Elan-wellness.com

Arthritis. Just the word alone brings thoughts of pain and medication. What many people don’t realize is that there are multiple types of arthritis that are generally classified as being either inflammatory or non-inflammatory. Some are due to joint degeneration caused by traumas and normal wear-and-tear through our younger years. Starting early on to care for our joints can minimize or prevent us from getting arthritis. Regular chiropractic care can help ensure correct positioning of the body, reducing wear on hip and knee joints, and can help prevent some injuries from occurring.

Dr. Amber Kenmuir, D.C., Long Lake Chiropractic, MySpine.ca

Losing a spouse is a life-altering event that we are never truly prepared for. 

Here are some steps to take now to alleviate some of the stress on the one left behind.

• Have a will to ensure that your estate and affairs will be settled according to your wishes.

• Discuss your final wishes with your spouse.
• Make a list of all your passwords and keep where your spouse can find it.

• Discuss bills, payments and banking details to ensure the surviving spouse can continue to handle everyday tasks. No one likes to think about death so we often neglect to have these important discussions.

Cedar Valley Memorial Gardens, ArborMemorial.ca/en/CedarValley

NTG presents the powerful and gritty new adaptation of the Diary of Anne Frank. An impassioned drama about the lives of eight people hiding from the Nazis in a concealed storage attic. It captures the truly claustrophobic realities of their daily existence, their fear, their hope, their laughter and their grief. This is a new adaption for a new generation. Lest we forget. On stage April 24 – May 11.

NanaimoTheatreGroup.ca

Want to know how to live longer? According to researchers, walking briskly for just 30 minutes a day may give you an extra seven years! Furthermore, regular exercise is an anti-depressant, improves cognitive function and may delay the onset of dementia. Nanaimo Parks and Recreation offers a variety of walking and hiking programs, including “Walk with the Docs” held at Maffeo Sutton Park. For more advanced walkers, we offer Trailblazers and even guided hikes to Ammonite Falls or Mt. Benson. We also maintain over 170 kilometres of trails.

City of Nanaimo Parks & Rec, Recreation.Nanaimo.ca

When you have a hearing test, the results are represented in the form of an audiogram. Your hearing care professional uses the audiogram to identify if there is hearing loss, and if so, the extent of it. The audiogram illustrates your hearing by representing your hearing threshold levels at different frequencies. The hearing threshold levels show the point at which a tone can be perceived. A hearing threshold level of between 0 and 25 dB is considered normal.  Book a hearing test and consultation and take your first steps towards better hearing.

Connect Hearing, ConnectHearing.ca

Most of us want to stay in our own houses as we age. Home care services can help us remain independent. CBI Home Health, part of CBI Health Group, have at-home solutions to help you achieve maximum function and independence. Whether you need day-to-day assistance or dedicated palliative care, their support is customized to meet your unique needs and goals. Their multidisciplinary care team includes nurses, physiotherapists, dieticians, health care aides, personal support workers and more. They can connect you to the care you need, when and where you need it — without delay.

CBI Home Health, CBI.ca