Introduction to Traditional Chinese Medicine

acupuncture With a history of 2000 to 3000 years, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has formed a unique system to diagnose and cure illness. The TCM approach is fundamentally different from that of Western medicine. In TCM, the understanding of the human body is based on the holistic understanding of the universe as described in Daoism, and the treatment of illness is based primarily on the diagnosis and differentiation of syndromess

The TCM approach treats Zang–fu organs as the core of the human body. Tissue and organs are connected through a network of channels and blood vessels inside human body. Qi (or Chi) acts as some kind of carrier of information that is expressed externally through Jing-Lou system. Pathologically, a dysfunction of the zang-fu organs may be reflected on the body surface through the network, and meanwhile, diseases of body surface tissues may also affect their related zang or fu organs. Affected zang or fu organs may also influence each other through internal connections. Traditional Chinese medicine treatment starts with the analysis of the entire system, and then focuses on the correction of pathological changes through readjusting the functions of the zang-fu organs.

Evaluation of a syndrome not only includes the cause, mechanism, location, and nature of the disease, but also the confrontation between the pathogenic factor and body resistance. Treatment is not based only on the symptoms, but differentiation of syndromes. Therefore, those with an identical disease may be treated in different ways, and on the other hand, different diseases may result in the same syndrome and are treated in similar ways.

The clinical diagnosis and treatment in Traditional Chinese Medicine are mainly based on the Yin-Yang and Five element theories. These theories apply the phenomena and laws of nature to the study of the physiological activities and pathological changes of the human body and its interrelationships. The typical TCM therapies include acupuncture, herbal medicine, and Qi-gong exercises. With acupuncture, treatment is accomplished by stimulating certain areas of the external body. Herbal medicine acts on zang-fu organs internally, while Qi-gong tries to restore the orderly information flow inside the network through the regulation of Qi. These therapies appear very different in approach yet they all share the same underlying sets of assumptions and insights in the nature of the human body and its place in the universe.

Article written by the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners & Acupuncturists of British Columbia

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Walking For Exercise

running-shoes_13602015Want to feel healthy, more energetic, less stiff…then get out and walk! The average person will walk approx.115,000 miles in a lifetime which is more than four trips around the earth’s equator.

The benefits of walking, go on and on. The Canadian Podiatric Medical Association recommends walking to ward off a number of related illnesses. Following is a list of benefits:

  • Strengthens your heart and lungs, and improves circulation.
  • Reduces obesity and high blood pressure.
  • Boosts your metabolic rate and lowers your cholesterol.
  • Improves muscle tone.
  • Reduces stress and tension.
  • Reduces arthritis pain; stops bone tissue decay.

Walking actually strengthens your heart and lungs…thereby improving circulation. Your heart is a muscle, so it is increasing in strength just as leg muscles increase in strength when they work out.

Circulatory fitness is measured by how much oxygen you transport in your bloodstream to the muscles and how much of the oxygen the muscles use. The more fit you are, the more oxygen you can use (and the more calories you burn). By walking, you elevate your heart rate and, you teach the body how to use oxygen efficiently.

The a good healthy walk should make you “warm and slightly out of breath.” Compared to rigorous sports such as racquetball or running, walking burns less, but it is an activity you can do on a regular basis.

Waking is far more effective for body endurance, tone and overall health. Walking consistently everyday, will have a more positive effect on your body rather than a two hour golf game once a week.

Many physicians recommend adding regular walking and exercise as a natural treatment to relieve a bout of depression. The cause of depression is related to brain chemistry. By getting your brain to release more of the happy chemicals – the endorphins – you achieve naturally what many prescription drugs and herbs try to do.

Walking tips:

  • Move at a steady pace. Move briskly enough to make your heart beat faster.
  • Breathe deeply.
  • Keep good posture. Walk with your head erect, back straight, abdomen flat.
  • Swing your arms, and keep them relaxed
  • Maintain proper foot motion. As you walk, land on the heel of your foot and roll forward to push off on the ball of your foot.

Waking can improve your health, your mental abilities, and allow you to enjoy nature; just by putting one foot in front of the other.

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How Sick Is Too Sick To Go To Work?

headacheYour throat feels sore, your nose is “snuffy” and your body aches. The first question most folks ask is what do I have; the second question is, I wonder if I am contagious, and the last question is, should I go to work?

How do you know if you’re contagious?

The flu is a viral infection with symptoms that range from a runny nose, watery eyes, sore throat, a cough, general body aches and pains, and a fever.

Unlike a cold, the flu penetrates deeper into the respiratory tract, accompanied with a high fever.  The flu normally goes away in about seven days, although some symptoms such as a cough can persists for many days.

The flu is contagious a day before and five to seven days after it begins.  You can go back to work, without worrying that you are contagious when a full 24  hours without a fever has occurred.

Colds can also  be caused by viruses with symptoms similar to the flu, such as a runny nose, watery eyes, and a cough. There is normally no fever associated with the common cold.

A cold usually lasts five to seven days, with varying degrees of symptoms and will be contagious from one day before you experience symptoms up until your sneezing, runny nose and cough stops.

When to Stay Home:

How well can you carry out your work duties? If you are feeling poorly, there’s a good chance you will not be at your best.  Try to work from home, re-arrange meetings, and use technology as much as possible.

If you have a viral or bacterial illness,  you are contagious, and going into work will expose your coworkers and clients, and in turn they will infect others.

Are you taking any medications that could impair your ability to think, work, or drive? If yes, stay at home.

Will resting help heal the body faster? By going back to work when you are still sick, you can actually make yourself  sicker. By letting your body fight the infection from home for the first day or two, you will be more likely to have a stronger body and be able to manage going back to work, without a relapse.

When in doubt about what type of illness you have, contact your doctor, walk-in clinic or health care practitioner.

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Becoming a Physiotherapist in BC

Interested to see what it takes to become a Physiotherapist. Watch this video on the requirements and benefits of becoming a Physiotherapist.

https://youtu.be/MvaDPQGSX_k

Video produced by workBC

 

 

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When Is Pain, Just Pain, And Not Something Serious?

Paying attention to how we feel and being aware of new symptoms, aches, and pains is one of the most important ways we can help protect ourselves from serious medical conditions; through early detection!

These symptoms below should not be ignored, and should be considered red flags.

Chest pain – chest pain is serious and requires immediate medical attention.  Pain or lingering tightness in the chest, and shortness of breath can be an indicator of a heart attack. Call your doctor or 911 immediately.

Severe headache with no known cause –  These types of headaches are usually migraines, however, it can also be a symptom of a brain aneurysm or a burst blood vessel.

Throbbing tooth – this pain can be caused by a damaged tooth nerve, and if not looked after in a timely manner, the bacteria in your mouth can spread to the nerve, which can spread the bacteria throughout your body.

Seeing flashes of light – these unexplained bright spots or flashes of lights can be a sign of a detached retina, which can quickly lead to permanent loss of vision.

Swollen Legs – This can mean fluid is accumulating and it can be a sign of heart failure; and if it is accompanied by pain, or tenderness in the back of your lower leg, it can be an indication of deep-vein thrombosis (blood clot).  Call 911 immediately.

Persistent fever – A fever indicates that your body has some type of infection, a high fever indicates a more serious infection, such as meningitis.

Sharp pain in your side or pelvis area – Pelvic pain can be a sign of appendicitis, kidney infection, ovarian cysts or even a hernia, all of which require emergency surgery.

Sudden confusion, trouble seeing, dizziness – Call 911, you may be having a stroke. Additional stroke symptoms are:

  • Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.
  • Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding speech.
  • Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
  • Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or lack of coordination.

Back pain with tingling toes  – this can be a sign of sciatica, a herniated disc, or a slipped disc. Without proper medical attention, you risk permanent nerve damage.

When you see or feel something different or just feel ‘off’, don’t just dismiss it. Pain is your body’s way of telling you that something isn’t right. Call your doctor or healthcare practitioner to discuss your symptoms.

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The Movember Movement – How to Get Involved

imThe Movember Foundation is uniquely placed to address the crisis at a global level. We’re funding ground-breaking programs all over the world, engaging with men where they are, to understand what works best, to help make change happen sooner.

The state of men’s health is in crisis. Men experience worse longer-term health than women and die on average six years earlier. Prostate cancer rates will double in the next 15 years. Testicular cancer rates have already doubled in the last 50. Three quarters of suicides are men. Poor mental health leads to half a million men taking their own life every year. That’s one every minute.

Fundraising:

The Movember Foundation encourages men, (known as Mo Bros) and women (known as Mo Sistas) to participate in awareness and fundraising activities year-round for men’s health. There are always opportunities to be involved in events such as marathons, networking and community events etc. The Foundation encourages the Movember community to think of fun and disruptive ways to raise funds for men’s health.

The Movember Campaign:

The annual Movember campaign, held in November, is the primary fundraising campaign for the organization. During the month of ‘Movember’, we ask Mo Bros to grow a moustache and effectively become walking, talking billboards for men’s health, sparking both private and public conversations. Mo Sistas also participate in raising funds during Movember. They support the Mo Bros in their lives, whether it’s for their father, brother, son or partner, Mo Sistas are champions of  men’s health.

The rules:

  1. Once registered at Movember.com each Mo Bro must begin the 1st of Movember with a clean Shaven face.
  2. For the entire month of Movember each Mo Bro must grow and groom a moustache.
  3. Don’t fake it. No beards, no goatees and no fake moustaches.
  4. Use the power of the moustache to create conversation and raise funds for men’s health.
  5. Each Mo Bro must conduct himself like a true gentleman.

Funds Support:

Funds raised go towards supporting innovative world-class men’s health programs supporting our four key areas: prostate cancer, testicular cancer, poor mental health and physical inactivity. To date, the Movember Foundation has funded 1,000 men’s health projects.

Prostate and Testicular Cancer: We invest in research and health services that contribute to less men dying from prostate and testicular cancer and to improve the quality of life for those that live with the disease, both physically and mentally.

Poor Mental Health: Mental health is an integral part of health. We invest in programs that help men and boys stay mentally healthy.

Physical Inactivity: We invest in projects that encourage men to be physically active and get them to move more.

For more information about this event or how you can get involved, please contact the Movember Foundation.

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Which Injury do you have – Traumatic or Cumulative?

wrist-pain1There are two types of injuries: acute/traumatic and chronic/cumulative.  Acute injuries occur suddenly, such as a sprained ankle, pulled muscle, or broken bone.  Chronic injuries relate to tissue damage that occurs over time as a result of repetitive strain,  such as tennis elbow from playing tennis or shin splits from running.

Symptoms of an acute injury:

  • Sudden, severe pain
  • Injured area is swelling and is tender to the touch
  • Unable to bear weight on the affect area, or restriction on normal movement
  • A bone is visibly out of place

Symptoms of a chronic injury:

  • Pain during the activity or event
  • A constant dull ache
  • Swelling

Strategies to prevent injuries:

  • Don’t twist your knees when you stretch
  • When jumping, land with your knees slightly bent
  • Do warmup exercises before your activity
  • Always stretch before and after any activity and ensure all joints have full range of motion
  • Do cool down exercises after your activity or workout
  • Wear shoes that fit properly and are specific for your activity
  • Use proper form to reduce your risk of “overuse” injuries
  • Learn how to use your equipment correctly
  • Wear protective gear, such as helmets, protective pads, etc.
  • Don’t participate when you’re injured
  • Watch for signs of fatigue or over training – know your body’s limitations
  • Hire a professional and take a few lessons to ensure proper body alignment
  • Improper technique can take a toll on your body
  • Don’t take on too much physical activity too quickly

If you suffer an injury, use the RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) method of treatment as soon as possible to help relieve pain, swelling and promote healing.

  • Rest. Rest and protect the injured or sore area.
  • Ice. Cold will reduce pain and swelling. Apply an ice or cold pack right away to prevent or minimize swelling. Apply the ice or cold pack for 10 to 20 minutes, 3 or more times a day. After 48 to 72 hours, if swelling is gone, apply heat to the area that hurts.
  • Compression. Compression, or wrapping the injured area with an elastic bandage will help decrease swelling. Make sure that the bandage  is not too tight.
  • Elevation. Elevate the injured area on pillows while applying ice and anytime you are sitting or lying down. Try to keep the area at or above the level of your heart to help minimize swelling.

If your symptoms increase or last more than a few days, contact your health care practitioner.

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How To Minimize Tech Injuries

imWhen using technology on a daily basis we need to be vigilant in not only how we use technology, but for how long a period we interact with the device.  Here are some injuries – mainly in the form of repetitive stress injuries that are caused by our smart phones and tablets.

Selfie Elbow – Just like tennis elbow, this is a simple overuse injury caused by extending and twisting your arm and wrist when taking a selfie.

Text Claw – Text claw is caused by over use when texting and typing.  The result of text claw is pain, soreness, numbness, and the loss of strength in your wrist. This condition is left untreated, it can lead to tendonitis.

iPad Hand –  This ailment involves both hands – the hand that is used to steady or hold the tablet can suffer from painful symptoms,  and pins and needles, as well as, the other hand, where the extended index finger is used for repetitive and prolonged scrolling, emailing etc.

Texting Thumb –  Texting Thumb is a repetitive stress injury that affects the thumb and can also lead to a decrease in grip strength and range of motion.  The  thumb is good at gripping, but does not have the muscles or the mechanics to support constant typing.

Text Neck – Text neck is the term used to describe the neck pain sustained from looking down at your  wireless devices too frequently and too long. Text neck causes chronic pain to the shoulders, and upper and mid back area.

How To Minimize Tech Injuries:

  1. Take frequent breaks: Try setting an alarm every 40 minutes so that you can stand up, stretch, and move around.
  2. Hold your device at eye level: All screens—laptops, computers and tablets should also be positioned so the screen is at eye level and you don’t have to bend your head forward or look down to view it.
  3. Use the 20/20/20 rule: Take an eye break every 20 minutes for 20 seconds to look away from the screen and about 20 feet ahead.
  4. Ice: Place ice on the area twice a day for 10 to 15 minutes.
  5. Anti-Inflammatory Relief: Take an anti-inflammatory to reduce inflammation.
  6. Wrist Brace: Sometimes the support of a brace can help to alleviate the pain while supporting your wrist.

If you suffer from any of these injuries, please contact your health care practitioner. The treatment for any type of soft tissue injury can include massage,  physiotherapy, chiropractic, and acupuncture.

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Diversified Health’s New Physiotherapist, Matt Fitz-James

Diversified Health ClinicDiversified Health Clinic is a team of health practitioners in Victoria BC that uses multiple therapies and modalities, and a passion for wellness to quickly diagnose your health problem, maximize treatment results and accelerate healing. Diversified Health’s new Physiotherapist Matt Fitz-James has joined the DHC Team!

Physiotherapists are often referred to as ‘movement specialists’. They are trained to assess and treat a variety of conditions; whether it’s a sports injury, auto accident, or an everyday sprain or strain that affect the physical function of adults and children.

In 2008 Matt graduated from the Masters in Physiotherapy program offered at Curtin University in sunny Western Australia; and brings to his practice a strong manual therapy skill set. Much of the current core-stability research was initiated and continues to be advanced at this renowned university and Matt enjoys implementing this evidence-based research into his clinical practice.

Matt’s treatments combine home exercise plans, hands-on techniques, and the use of multiple cutting edge modalities, which assist his patients to improve their neuromyofascial function, and get them back to their daily routines as soon as possible.

Since graduation Matt has become Neuro-Developmental Treatment certified (C-NDT) and has taken numerous neuro rehabilitation specialty courses. He also completed Functional Dry Needling (FDN) and is impressed with the effectiveness of this technique. Matt has also taken a wide array of specific courses including Mulligans Concept and Vestibular rehab to name a few.

Having been a competitive cyclist since 13 years old; with two National titles on the road and entering the World Championships in mountain biking, he understands the demands and challenges of being active. He is also a keen back-country skier and surfer.

These type of sports aren’t without risk and Matt has a wealth of clinical experience on how to get his clients up and back participating in the activities that makes them happy.

Matt’s clinic days are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday.

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Sciatica…Oh My Aching Back

lower_back_painSciatica symptoms can increase in severity until the sciatic nerve becomes very inflamed.
Most commonly, sciatica results when a spinal disc ruptures in the lower lumbosacral region of the spine. Instead of acting as a gelatinous cushion between the bony vertebrae of the spine, the disc squeezes out from between the vertebrae and presses on one or more of the spinal nerves that form the sciatic nerve, causing inflammation. When back stiffness and lack of flexibility, such as when you get into or out of a chair or car, are left untreated for as little as two or three weeks, symptoms can increase in severity until the sciatic nerve becomes very, very inflamed.

Who’s at risk?

People who sit for a living are at slightly higher risk of back related problems than people who have physical jobs, such as workers in forestry, mining, farming or construction. Sitting at a desk or a computer for eight hours a day, five days a week, can aggravate compression of the spine, which, in turn, can lead to lower back stiffness, back pain and inflammation of the sciatic nerve.

Read the complete article: sciatica_oh-my-aching-back which originally appeared in Canadian Health magazine.

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