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.

If you’ve ever suffered an injury to one area, only to have another suddenly start acting up as well, you’re not alone! Let’s say for instance, that your shoulder doesn’t move fully into flexion on its own, but you’re completely unaware because your back always helps out by going into a little bit of extension – but then you hurt your back… Now your back can’t lend that movement to your arm, and suddenly, not only does your back hurt, but your shoulder isn’t moving well! Are you interested to know how your body parts are working together? We can work together in person or virtually to explore your unique movement puzzle!

Q: I’m worried about my blood sugar over the holidays – should I be worried about my eyes?

A: Assuming that you’re diabetic, then of course your eyes will need basic routine checkups; we commonly check for diabetic eye problems like retinal bleeding or severe changes in focus. This sounds like a more general concern about your health, and you may need to talk to your physician or dietician about more specific concerns about your blood sugar control.

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.

The Golden Rule says, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” The presumption of this rule implies that you look after yourself FIRST with the highest level of respect and care and then you treat ALL others in the same way. How do you honour your personal time? How do you fill your cup of nutriment first? Do you plan for time daily and weekly to lovingly meet your needs for rejuvenation? How can you implement this in your life and how can you lovingly enforce it with your family?

Covid 19 continues to disrupt our routines. BC casinos and gaming centres remain closed as per public health order closures. Consequently, online gambling platforms have experienced an increase in play. This shift may worsen risk factors including social isolation and increased substance use as well as an increase in use of credit to gamble. The Responsible & Problem Gambling Program remains committed to serving the people of BC 24/7. Our support services include outreach, education, and counselling services by phone, text, web chat, or in person, all of which are FREE of charge. We’re here for you, should gambling take a harmful turn.

To eliminate the pain of frozen shoulder or rotator cuff injuries and to regenerate the joint, especially with osteo-arthritic elements; acupuncture and Prolozone injection therapy are my treatment protocols. Hypoxia or the inadequacy of cellular oxygen reaching the body’s tissues causes degeneration in the ligaments. Prolozone is excellent for all forms of musculo-skeletal and joint pain including chronic neck & back pain, rotator cuff injuries, degenerative, arthritic hips,knees, degenerated discs, shoulder and elbow pain. Because in many cases Prolozone actually corrects the pathology of the disorder, there is a 75% chance for the chronic pain sufferer to becoming permanently pain free.

When your alarm went off this morning, did you groan and hide under the covers or wake up and stretch with a smile? The length and quality of your sleep affects how you wake up, your mood and brainpower available for the day, and it can also manifest physically too. During sleep is when maximum healing and regeneration happens so it’s important to try everything you can to sleep well. When we sleep, we move through 90-minute sleep cycles consisting of 5 stages. When your body is able to naturally move through the cycles without interruption, that’s when you get the most benefits from sleep.

Tendonitis is an acutely inflamed/swollen tendon, while tendinosis, on the other hand, is a chronically damaged tendon with necrotic tissue. Common tendon injuries include: Achilles tendonitis/osis, Plantar fasciitis/osis, Long Head of Biceps tendonitis/osis. Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive treatment that involves creating a series of low energy acoustic wave pulsations that are applied to the tendon. It is designed to create breakdown and inflammation in the tendon to stimulate angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation). ESWT in conjunction with active rehabilitation & Class IV Laser has proven to be an effective treatment for the management of tendon injury.