Why is it that some injuries never heal, and go on to become areas of chronic pain and dysfunction? These localized areas fail to heal because of a localized decrease in oxygen utilization. And why do people heal so much more reliably when they are young than when they become older? The answer in both cases has to do with decreased oxygen utilization which serves as a foundation for chronic pain and degeneration. Break that cycle by the application of ozone therapy or Prolozone injections which maximizes oxygen absorption, and the cells and tissues can begin to do what they usually do so well – heal themselves.

Time spent being passive on the massage table feels wonderful, and for those living with insomnia, anxiety, and stress, for example, it’s just the ticket. However, relief is only temporary for those living with a fear or lack of movement due to pain. Another side of treatment needs to happen through movement. Are you ready to take a more effective approach? Would you like to feel more in control of your wellness? Work with a registered massage therapist to explore a combination of movement and massage therapy, and watch your trust in your body’s abilities to heal grow!

Offering professional holistic and wellness services – from body work to mental health – Finding North’s team strives to support the whole person through positive change to discover their most optimal self. Each practitioner carries their own wealth of knowledge and specialized therapy, enabling them to meet clients needs with extensive resources and treatment options. Working together through their collaborative team approach, Finding North’s practitioners are able to provide clients with a unique, personalized and well rounded path to betterment, all at one convenient location.

Summer is the season of yang. It is a time of joy, heat, and abundant energy. However, the abundance of the yang energy can unfortunately bring on injuries. Sprains and strains are common at this time of year. Treating the injury with acupuncture can help to reduce inflammation, increase blood circulation, decrease pain and prevent the development of chronic pain. Overheating during the summer months can also be a problem, so it is suggested to eat smaller meals and cooling yin foods. Whether it’s running, biking, kayaking or just being active in your community acupuncture will help you to feel better and perform better.

Q: My friend said she got a sunburn on her eyes. Is this really possible?

A: Yes indeed, and she probably meant she suffered some acute discomfort. You probably know that prolonged sun exposure puts you at risk for eye problems like cataracts, but ultra-violet rays from the sun can also irritate the cornea and conjunctiva, resulting in pain, blurry vision, grittiness, light sensitivity and watering, much like a welding flash or snow blindness. Like a sunburn, the discomfort occurs a few hours after the burn itself. One more reason to protect your eyes against the sun!

Do you have a job that requires you to stand or sit for long periods of time? Are you planning any long-distance air travel? Standing or sitting for extended periods can lead to swollen legs, varicose veins, or deep vein thrombosis (DVT) (a blood clot) which is a serious medical condition. If you have diabetes or heart disease, you may also have venous circulation issues. Medical compression can prevent these problems. By applying controlled, graduated pressure, the venous pressure is reduced, which results in less swelling in the legs. Medical compression, like socks and stockings, come in a variety of sizes and colours.

During your first exam, your acupuncturist will spend time getting to know you and your health concerns. You may be asked a wide range of questions about your symptoms, eating, exercise, sleep habits, emotional state and anything that may offer insight into your health.
Your practitioner will also employ diagnostic tools that are unique to acupuncture and TCM such as tongue and pulse diagnosis.
You will receive a comprehensive diagnosis and a treatment plan that will explain your underlying imbalance, your time line of care and what types of treatment you will receive. Possible treatments may include using pins, using lasers, using AcuGraph, cupping, moxibustion, and ointments.

Are concerns about how you look or that you’ll be expected to do advanced poses keeping you from attending a yoga class? Yoga is a great experience for every body size and type, at any age. A few simple stretches of the hands, feet, legs, arms, torso, and neck done regularly can help you regain and maintain flexibility. Seek out experienced and empathetic instructors, who specialize in providing a relaxed and supportive environment where these stretches are complemented with safe, accessible balancing postures. With this support, a path to greater physical comfort and security becomes available and you experience only joy when fear and pain are gone!

If you’re starting to research home care options, you may hear terms and phrases you’ve never heard before. Here are a few common terms and what they mean:
-Aging in place describes the act of staying at home through one’s senior years.
-Home care includes many different types of care such as personal care, housekeeping, respite care, nursing, therapy, and hospital transition assistance.
-Respite care is the introduction of a professional caregiver to provide a family caregiver with a break, or respite, from their caregiving responsibilities.