I am so pleased to be one of the first clinics in Canada to introduce a new acupuncture therapy sans needles! Biostimulation is a low-level laser therapy (LLLT) that stimulates acupuncture points so that needle penetration is unnecessary. Immune boosts, weight loss, smoking cessation, injuries, aches and pains, digestion problems, skin aliments, and allergies can all be treated successfully with this laser. Most importantly, this German technology is safe and effective.

For patients, biostimulation also means shorter treatment periods with all of the positive end results of traditional acupuncture.
Some treatment plans will always require the use of a few needles including facial rejuvenation and other situations of deficiency. I am a big believer in the magic of acupuncture needles, but I am well aware that many people are squeamish around needles. Despite my best efforts, some people still picture vaccination needles rather than hair-thin ones when they hear about acupuncture! With biostimulation, I can share the benefits of acupuncture therapy and of Traditional Chinese Medicine with everyone! Biostimulation combines the wisdom and effectiveness of a 6000 year-old therapy with modern laser technology.

Laser therapy, in fact, is not new to acupuncture, but we’ve never had such advanced technology as we do with the RJ Laser machine used in my clinic. This technology is fully approved in Canada.

How does it work?
The laser beam produces a low-heat and is an electromagnetic wave which can stimulate the acupuncture points of the human body. It also puts energy into the body to excite the channels, regulate the function of organs, and increase metabolism. This oscillating energy field makes it very suitable and effective for acupuncture and the meridian system as a whole. One of the major benefits of biostimulation is the ability to treat injuries and promote the healing of tissue.

For you, this means an effective holistic therapy with faster treatment periods and no need for needles. It’s the best of both worlds I say!

Here’s to a wonderful 2010!

Wendy

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), autumn is associated with the element Metal and with the lungs and the colon. The lung is a tender organ as it is the uppermost organ and is susceptible to wind and cold, which may lead to a sore throat, a cold etc.

Switching to a diet of Autumn foods
Adjusting your eating habits with each new season has a tremendous effect on your health.

Autumn foods are white in color and pungent in flavour. Choosing white foods will help relieve cough, nourish skin, and relieve constipation by promoting body fluid production. Move away from eating summer fruits and vegetables into eating more autumn produce.

White foods include:

Turnips, almonds, potatoes, cauliflower, yams, soybean milk, garlic, onion, etc.

So give it a try and let me know how this autumn diet works out for you!

Whether you suffer from allergies seasonally or perennially, life can become very miserable. Itching of the eyes, roof of the mouth, or throat, runny nose, headache, sneezing, cough, wheezing…the list goes on.

It is up to our immune systems to defend us against foreign substances such as pollen, dust, pets, etc., however, our immune system can overreact to certain antigens (allergens) which are harmless to most people. The result is an allergic reaction. In other words, it isn’t the allergy itself that is the problem, but the person’s reaction to the allergen.

Acupuncture has been proven to help alleviate the symptoms of allergies when they are active and more importantly, can help to correct the immune system imbalance that causes the allergic response in the first place.

Acupuncture treats allergies in 4 main ways:

1. Stabilizes the immune system to moderate its response to allergens;

2. decreases swelling and inflammation of local tissues to stop itching;

3. decreases secretions of mucus membranes to reduce nasal discharge and watery eyes; and

4. strengthens your natural resistance to antigens.

Acupuncture not only helps with the active symptoms, but also in the prevention of them. Acupuncture can enhance the immune system’s performance in the off-season to prevent the on-set of your allergy symptoms. In other words, acupuncture strengthens the immune system so that your body will not create an overreaction or allergic reaction to elements in nature.

Modern nutrition is based on knowing the chemical composition of foods and the biochemical pathways of the body. Foods are categorized as proteins, carbohydrates, and fats accordingly.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) looks at food and life quite differently. It is based on the energy of the food, the season of year, and tries to achieve a balance between the two following the theory of Yin and Yang.

It works very simply. When a person is feeling cold, choosing food and drinks that are warming will help regain strength and vitality. A cold, raw salad isn’t the answer.

The Theory of Yin and Yang is a corner stone of TCM. The forces of Yin and Yang are energetic qualities that shape everything in the universe including our health.

The symbol of Yin and Yang is circle divided into two shapes with the dark shape representing the Yin and the light side symbolizing the Yang. This theory of Yin and Yang is based on patterns that occur in nature: night and winter are the yin that balance the yang of day and summer.

YIN AND YANG FOODS

Given the knowledge that yin is cooling and yang is warming, it makes sense that these qualities in food and activities would benefit our ability to process food and fuel our bodies more efficiently. This enhances our own ability to heal.

When a cooling pattern occurs (winter), warming aerobic exercise is essential. Healing food choices include warm beef or lamb dishes, meat-based soups and stews, trout and wild salmon. Warming vegetables include cooked root veggies, baked winter squash, onions, lightly cooked greens including broccoli, turnip greens, asparagus, and kale. Nuts and seeds are warming as are cinnamon, garlic, ginger, and pepper.

When a warming pattern occurs (summer), meditation, walks in nature, swimming, and yoga are ideal for balancing the agitating nature of a heat imbalance. Cooling foods include salads, cucumber, melons, pears, beans, sushi, and non-spicy foods. Vegetables of all kinds are helpful whereas meats should be limited.

Summer foods and activities are naturally different than winter. When you pay attention to your body and choose the foods and activities that seem to naturally balance us during these seasons, our ability to maintain health is enhanced.

Wendy

Acupuncture is a natural therapy discovered in China over 6000 years ago. It can aid in weight loss by suppressing the appetite, calming certain cravings, and reducing stress-related weight gain.

Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) take a holistic, whole body approach to health. This ancient form of healthcare works to restore the balance and flow of the body’s Qi (vital energy)

To understand TCM, you must realize it is as effective now as it was thousands of years ago. Why? Because of it’s simplicity, much like our own bodies – we are as simple now as we were thousands of years ago. Our peripherial lives have changed, (thank heaven), but our physical bodies have not evolved very much.

HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE WORK?

The body is made up of a network of meridians that carry the Qi in a pattern. The Qi rises to the surface of the skin at particular points, where we gain access to it. This enables us to affect its flow, recreate the balance needed to maintain good health thereby removing the root cause of many of our problems.

HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE HELP US LOSE WEIGHT?

Restoring the balance of the flow of Qi in the stomach will help promote good digestion and suppress an overactive appetite. Emotional issues, such as anxiety and stress, both of which can lead to overeating, can be overcome. With diet changes, many people experience cravings, which can lead to binge eating. Cravings in the body are often due to an imbalance of various body functions. Acupuncture helps to re-establish the body’s natural balance, as well as enhance these needed functions. Simply put, acupuncture can support the body to generate an efficient digestive process. It can reduce the cravings, calm the emotions, and provide the balance and energy needed to succeed.

People seeking to find the root cause of their weight gain, may find simple solutions in the simplistic medicine of TCM. You can help your body regain its natural balance, and start taking steps toward true health and vitality.

True Health is more than just not feeling sick. It means that you are functioning at your optimum level, that your body is in balance, your mind is alert, and your spirit is calm. What a refreshing way to start each and every day! The sooner you start, the longer you have to enjoy it and it’s NEVER too late to get started!

Wendy