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How to Conquer Seasonal Allergies

seasonal allergies

Spring may be beautiful, but there are many who live with seasonal allergies who look upon the return of flowers, blossoms and other beautiful blooming plants with trepidation.

An ‘allergy’ is a sensitivity to something in your body that is usually harmless. When your body encounters a foreign substance inside your nose or air ways, the allergic reaction begins. Seasonal allergies are the same thing.

An allergic reaction is what happens in your body following exposure to allergens.  The tissues inside your nose respond to allergens by releasing substances such as histamine. Histamines then trigger sneezing, runny nose, itchy, watery eyes and itchy throat or nose.

What is Hay Fever?

Seasonal allergic rhinitis, or “hay fever”, affects millions of people every spring. Symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, sore throat, coughing, itchy watery eyes, congestion etc.

Allergies are your body’s reaction to allergens (mold, dust pollen), a sign that your immune system is working overtime.

Allergies are your immune system trying to defend itself. You immune system identifies pollen, dust etc. as an invader or allergen. Your immune system overreacts by producing antibodies called Immunoglobulin E (IgE). These antibodies travel to cells that release chemicals, causing an allergic reaction.

Pollen and Mold Both Trigger Allergies

Pollen are tiny particles that are released from trees, weeds, and grasses. The weather can affect the amount of pollen in the air at any time.

Molds are tiny fungi that thrive in moist warm conditions; with their spores floating in the air, much like pollen.

Allergy testing can verify whether you’re reacting to mold, pollen, dust mites, or pet dander. Every person is different in what they react to.  Just because you haven’t reacted to something currently, doesn’t mean you won’t react to it in the future. Anyone can become sensitized at any time.

5 Simple Steps to Manage Seasonal Allergies

There are some simple steps you can take to limit your exposure to the pollen or molds that cause your symptoms:

  1. Keep your windows closed
  2. Try to stay indoors when the pollen counts are highest, typically between 5am and 10am
  3. When you return indoors, take a shower and change clothes
  4. Avoid chores that stir up pollen and molds such as gardening, and lawn mowing
  5. Keep the relative humidity in your home below 50 percent; this also helps to discourage mold

Acupuncture Can Help With Seasonal Allergies

While allergy medications can temporarily alleviate the symptoms of hay fever, acupuncture addresses the underlying imbalance that’s causing the symptoms in the first place.

Acupuncture looks at allergies as a general disruption of a person’s defensive mechanisms. Instead of accepting the over reactive immune response and suppressing it with antihistamines, acupuncturists look at why the person’s immunity is compromised.

If seasonal allergies are wearing you down, learn more about allergy care with our acupuncturists in Victoria.

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Spring is in the air! Allergy Season Relief with Acupuncture

Spring is in the air! Allergy Season Relief with Acupuncture

If you suffer from seasonal allergy symptoms, you might want to consider visiting an acupuncturist. The goal of the acupuncturist is to develop a plan which addresses the person’s acute symptoms and provides relief while addressing the underlying immune system imbalance which is thought to be at the root of the person’s allergies.

Symptoms of Seasonal Allergies

  • Sneezing
  • Coughing
  • Watery eyes
  • Nasal congestion
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Postnasal drip
  • Ear congestion
  • Itchy sinuses, throat, eyes, or ear canals
  • Adenoid swelling – this occurs when the lymph tissue that lines the back of the throat swells
  • Dark circles under the eyes – caused by swelling and discoloration from the congestion of small blood vessels beneath the skin in the eye area.

If your allergy symptoms persist for more than two weeks, you should see your allergist or an acupuncturist for proper testing, diagnosis and treatment. Finding and treating the source of your suffering can also clear up other unwanted symptoms. Less-common allergy symptoms may include: headache, shortness of breath, coughing, or wheezing.

Decreasing Your Spring Allergy Triggers:

  • Try to stay indoors whenever the pollen count  is high – Pollen levels tend to peak in the morning
  • When the day is windy, pollen can counts surge
  • Vacuum often and clean air filters regularly
  • Keep your doors and windows closed to keep allergens out, and use an air purifier
  • Wash bedding and rugs in hot water to eliminate dust mites and other allergens
  • Shower, and change clothing after going outside to wash away pollen

If these steps still don’t provide any relief, and before turning to over-the-counter antihistamines, decongestants, nasal sprays and eye drops, speak with your healthcare practitioner to discuss all your options for treatment, including acupuncture.

Acupuncture treatment plans for allergies will vary greatly from person to person. The possible results will range from temporary relief to complete remission. Acupuncture frequently relieves nasal congestion and sneezing as soon as the needles are inserted.

If you suffer from seasonal allergies please contact our Registered Acupuncturist for more information on how she can help with your allergy symptoms.

 

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Seasonal Affective Disorder

What is SAD?

While those of us on Vancouver Island have been enjoying a recent spell of Autumn sunshine and mild temperatures, it is still that time of year when the usual weather takes a turn for the darker and colder variety. With that, comes the reminder for many people that Seasonal Affective Disorder is right around the corner.

Seasonal Affective Disorder , commonly referred to as SAD, is a mood disorder subset that predominantly affects people who have otherwise unaffected mental health throughout most of the year. People who have SAD however, exhibit depressive symptoms at the same time each year, most commonly in the winter. Although it is generally thought of as a strictly winter time affliction, SAD can occur at anytime of the year with mood variations always causing seasonal or summer depression. The seasonal mood variations are believed to be linked to sunlight exposure or lack thereof.

SAD is a type of depressive disorder and sufferers may exhibit a wide range of associated symptoms which can include: loss of interest in activities, isolation and withdrawal from social interaction, sleep disruption, appetite problems, difficulties with concentrating and making decisions, decreased sex drive, a lack of energy, irritability and anxiety. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and can affect many areas of a person’s life. Research has shown that variations in symptoms do occur based on which season the sufferer usually experiences SAD. Summer or springtime SAD symptoms tend more towards insomnia rather than over-sleeping and a decreased appetite and weight loss rather than the winter SAD usual of increased appetite and weight gain.

Not all people who live with SAD experience intense symptoms however. A milder form of SAD, Subsyndromal Seasonal Affective Disorder (SSAD), is common in some form or another in many people over the winter months especially.  SSAD sufferers can often find relief from symptoms of low energy or a feeling of being “down” through regular exercise and increased outdoor activity, particularly on sunny days, which increases exposure to sunlight, helping to alleviate symptoms.

Treatment and Management

Treatment options for more severe cases of SAD can include a number of different methods. As a first step, consult with a medical practitioner to discuss your symptoms and any underlying disorders that you may have. SAD has many of the same symptoms as a number of other disorders and a professional consultation is necessary to make an accurate diagnosis.

Light therapy, also known as phototherapy, is one of the most widely used treatments and is often times sufficient in mild to moderate SAD. In light therapy, the person uses a specially designed light box or lamp which mimics natural outdoor light, affecting the brain chemistry. It is usually done for up to an hour, first thing in the morning for the most benefit. Light boxes are usually seen as the first step in treatment, along with regular outdoor exercise and consistent sleep patterns.

Medications and psychotherapy may be used as well in more severe cases or in patients that do not respond as well to light therapy. A medical professional can assist in determining if those options are needed.

Other effective options for alleviation of symptoms can include mind-body practices such as meditation, yoga, music or art therapy as well. Acupuncture has been shown to have a strong impact on SAD symptoms, helping to minimize mood swings and stabilize sleep patterns and appetite disruptions. At Diversified Health Clinic, our Acupuncturist has many options that can help with symptoms of SAD and SSAD.  

There are numerous directions to look into for treatment and help in managing Seasonal Affective Disorder and the outlook is positive as research shows that it can be managed effectively and successfully. One important factor is to educate yourself about your own specific range of symptoms and what works for you.

 

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New Acupuncturist at Diversified Health!

SARA BJORKQUIST M.A., R.AC Acupuncturist

We would like to welcome acupuncturist Sara Bjorkquist to the Diversified Health Clinic team!

With our acupuncturist Erica Fynn, off on leave to enjoy the new addition to her family, we are thrilled to have Sara joining our team at Diversified Health.

As a health care professional, Sara is a Registered Acupuncturist with the BC College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists. She holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Ontario universities, and a Diploma in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine from Pacific Rim College in British Columbia.

Originally from Ontario, Sara spent a decade living overseas and working in the health policy field, and now enjoys being settled in Victoria.

acupuncturist
Sara works on a broad range of conditions, including: acute and chronic injuries and pain; stress, anxiety, and depression; chronic fatigue; digestive issues; sleep disturbances; and fertility and gynecological problems. In addition to acupuncture, she often incorporates fire cupping, tui na (traditional Chinese massage), and nutritional therapy into her treatments.

Acupuncturist in Victoria at Diversified Health Clinic

Sara is available for appointments at Diversified Health Clinic on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Give us a call at 250-382-0018 or email at info@diversifiedhealth.ca to book now.

Learn more about how an acupuncturist can be a part of your wellness plan.

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Direct Billing & Insurance Coverage

ExteriorDiversified Health Clinic offers the service of direct billing for your healthcare treatments, so you have one less chore to deal with.

We are approved healthcare providers and can direct bill to:

Many of Diversified Health’s services, modalities and treatments are covered by private insurance plans, extended health plans provided by an employer, Medical Service Plan (MSP), WorkSafeBC, and ICBC.

Medical Service Plan of BC Coverage:

The BC provincial health plan (MSP) covers core health services including:

  • Medically required services provided by a physician, including diagnostic services, (For example; laboratory services provided at approved facilities when ordered by a registered physician, or certain other health care practitioners

*MSP may provide limited coverage for other services and treatments provided at Diversified Health Clinic.

Extended Health Benefits:

Many extended health companies provide benefits that allow Diversified Health to bill your treatments directly on your behalf, or the insurance companies can reimburse you directly for treatments that are not covered by provincial health care.

  • Treatments such as Chiropractic, Physiotherapy, Registered Massage Therapy, and Acupuncture are often covered by extended health benefits.

WorkSafe BC Coverage:

If you have been injured on the job, WorkSafe BC (WCB) will cover treatments at Diversified Health for Chiropractic services.

ICBC Insurance Coverage:

If you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle accident, ICBC medical benefits will often cover physiotherapy, chiropractic and registered massage therapy treatments.

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Please feel free to contact Diversified Health Clinic to discuss your “payment” options, after an injury or accident.  Diversified Health is knowledgeable and adept at working with insurance providers and sorting out any “glitches”, whether it’s ICBC, WCB, MSP, an extended health insurance company or a lawyer.

Diversified Health can direct bill without the following information, however, we ask that you contact your extended health provider to find out your individual benefit coverage, including…

  • What is your annual coverage?
    What is your deductible?
    What is the percentage amount the insurance company will cover? ( ie: 100%, 65%)

For more information on how to set up your direct billing account, please contact our front desk staff at 250-382-0018 or email us.

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Acupuncture Can Help with Seasonal Allergies

For those who suffer from seasonal allergies, springtime can be a mixed blessing. The warm weather, the flowers, versus the allergy symptoms: runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, headaches, fatigue, and difficulty breathing.  Left untreated, allergies can lead to sinus infections, feeling groggy, headaches, depression, and in serious cases, allergies can be fatal.

Allergy medications temporarily alleviate these symptoms, while acupuncture addresses the underlying imbalance that’s causing the symptoms in the first place.

An allergen enters the body through the skin or is inhaled. The immune system identifies the substance as potentially dangerous and creates antibodies to attack it. The IgE antibodies in turn affect mast cells throughout the body and cause the release of histamines.

The body produces too much histamine when it has an allergic reaction. An allergic reaction is an overreaction of the immune system to certain substances that normally do not affect most people. This heightened immune response, which causes histamine to be released leads to the allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, itchy throat, and itchy watery eyes.

With acupuncture, seasonal allergies are not isolated to the histamine response.  Acupuncture looks at allergies as a general disruption of a person’s defensive mechanisms.

Instead of accepting the over reactive immune response and suppressing it with medication (antihistamines), acupuncturists look at why the person’s immunity is compromised.

During a treatment, acupuncture points are selected for healing the symptoms and bolstering the underlying imbalance.  Depending on the specific symptoms, many additional points are also used.

The systems that are most commonly involved in chronic allergies are the lung, kidney and spleen. Treating the underlying imbalance as well as the symptoms helps to optimize immune function and prevent future allergic reactions.

Seasonal allergies are something many people have come to accept as an inevitable part of springtime, a trade off of sorts for the warm weather. It doesn’t have to be this way.  Acupuncture can relieve and prevent seasonal allergies, without negative side effects.

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Treatments To Consider For Low Back Pain

Most cases of low back pain can be caused by a variety of problems, including muscle strain or sprain, herniated disc or degenerative disc disease. Typical sources of low back pain include:

  • Osteoarthritis
  • Muscle spasm
  • Ruptured or herniated disk
  • Sciatica
  • Strain or tears to the muscles or ligaments supporting the back
  • The nerve roots in the low back, may be irritated
  • The bones, ligaments or joints may be damaged

Low back pain from a muscle strain is the most common and can be caused by lifting a heavy object, lifting while twisting, or a sudden movement or fall.  While pain or discomfort can happen anywhere in your back, the most common area affected is your low back.

When the muscles in the low back are strained or torn, the area around the muscles becomes inflamed.  This inflammation causes the muscles in the back to spasm and cause low back pain.

Treatment for low back pain depends upon the patient’s history and the type and severity of pain. The vast majority of lower back pain cases get better within six to eight weeks.

Treating low back pain consists of a combination of treatments, such as Chiropractic, Massage, Physiotherapy, Acupuncture, Cryo/Hydro Therapy, Laser Therapy, TENS therapy, Ultrasound, eToims, Decompression Table, Graston Technique, Shockwave Therapy, Neuro-mechanical Adjusting Tool as well as topical ointments such as Traumeel and nutritional supplements that help with inflammation.

An exercise program is necessary and essential to rehabilitate the spine, increase your range of motion and help alleviate back pain.

With the first symptoms of low back pain, stop the activity for the first few days; this allows injured tissue to begin to heal, and reduce any swelling or inflammation. You can also apply heat/ice to the painful area. Always use ice for the first 48-72 hours, then use heat.  You can also take something to help with the inflammation such as ibuprofen or nutritional supplements.

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Relief For A Stiff Neck

Woman holding the back of her stiff neck and shoulderA stiff neck is typically characterized with soreness and difficulty moving the neck.  Having a stiff neck can also lead to headaches, neck pain, and shoulder pain.  The most common cause of a stiff neck is muscle strain or soft tissue sprain.

When you have a stiff neck, it’s important to keep moving your neck to stop it stiffening up further. Move your neck gently in all directions every few hours, to try and increase your range of motion.

Here are some gentle stretches you can try to help avoid a stiff neck, or to improve your stiff neck:

  • Roll your shoulders backwards and down – 8 to 10 times
  • Squeeze your shoulder blades together – 8 to 10 times
  • Bring your ear to your shoulder 8 to 10 times on each side

A stiff neck is typically the result of muscles weakening over time from poor posture or misuse.  Try keeping these things in mind throughout your daily activities:

  • Sleep on a firm mattress, on your side or back – avoid sleeping on your stomach
  • Use a pillow that supports the natural curve of your neck – sleep on a low, firm pillow
  • Turn your chair to face your computer or laptop and adjust your chair so the screen is at eye level
  • Keep your head back over your spine rather than hunched forward
  • Keep up normal activities as much as possible, but avoid jerking or painful activities
  • Resting for one or two days will allow any injured tissue in the neck to begin to heal
  • Stretch regularly if you’re working at a desk, driving long distances, or sitting for prolong periods of time
  • If you feel stressed, try relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation to help ease tension in your neck
  • Avoid looking down at your smart phone & having your neck bent forward for long periods of time
  • Apply heat or ice to the neck. Use ice for the first 48 to 72 hours, after 72 hours use heat
  • Take over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

Massage therapy, acupuncture, physiotherapy and chiropractic treatments can all help to relive the pain and stiffness, caused by the weak muscles or over use of the muscles.

However, you should always talk to your health care practitioner or doctor if you suffer from the following symptoms:

  • The pain keeps getting worse
  • The neck area becomes tender
  • High fever
  • You have had a recent car accident, concussion, or sports injury
  • Numbness, or constant pins and needles in your arm that does not get better
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Treatments for a Tension Headache

Woman pressing her fingers to her temple with a tension headache“The International Headache Society (IHS 2013) has validated cervicogenic headache as a secondary headache, which means headache caused by a disorder of the cervical spine and its component bony, disc and/or soft tissue elements, usually but not invariably accompanied by neck pain”.

Many of us suffer from headaches on a regular basis. Instead of taking a pain relief medication, why not try a chiropractic, physiotherapy, massage therapy or acupuncture treatment.

Stiff joints in the upper neck are the primary cause of cervicogenic headaches.  If a joint, surrounding muscles are injured or irritated, the joints can become stiff and cause pain to be referred into areas of the head.

Here is a list of symptoms that are generally associated with this tension headaches:

  • Constant and dull ache
  • Stiffness or restricted movement of the neck
  • Pain radiating from back to the front of the head
  • Headache worsened by sustained postures or certain neck movements
  • Dizziness

Chiropractors and Physiotherapists are skilled at correcting muscular imbalances, which can contribute to the development of cervicogenic headaches.

Acupuncture is also effective for all types of headaches. “The available evidence suggests that a course of acupuncture consisting of at least six treatment sessions can be a valuable option for people with frequent tension-type headache”.

Tension headaches can be effectively treated with massage therapy. Massage therapy promotes circulation, decreases pain from Trigger Points, and helps to relieve muscle spasms. Massage therapy has also shown to decrease levels of the stress hormone Cortisol, while increasing endorphins.

Some of the methods and modalities used at Diversified Health include:

  • Joint mobilization (flexibility of muscles) this includes stretching; manipulations techniques to restore full range of motion without pain:
  • Tens: (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation). A TENS machine works by sending electrical pulses across the surface of the skin and along the nerve strands.  Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation sends a painless electrical current to specific nerves. The mild electrical current generates heat to relieve stiffness, improve mobility, and relieve pain.
  • IMS/Dry Needling:  dry needling, also referred to as intramuscular stimulation (IMS) and/or intramuscular therapy (IMT) is a procedure in which an acupuncture needle is inserted into the skin and muscle.  Dry needling is primarily directed at myofascial trigger points. Shortened muscles often have “trigger points” that can contribute to referred pain, relaxation or release of these tightened areas can help improve neck muscle function
  • Shockwave therapy: Shockwave Therapy is a non-surgical treatment of soft tissue, bone, and joint pain.  Shockwave treatments send high-energy mechanical pulses to an injured area. These high-energy mechanical pulses stimulate the breakdown of scar tissue, improves blood circulation, and decreases inflammation; which helps speed up healing and recovery times.
  • Spinal Decompression: Spinal decompression provides relief to severe back and neck pain sufferers by gently reducing the pressure within spinal discs.
  • Class IV K-Laser: Class IV K-Laser therapy is based on the concept of photobiostimulation; when photonic energy (the laser) is focused on soft  tissue, ATP production can be boosted. ATP is the substance responsible for cellular energy production.
  • eToims/Needless IMS: eToims, is a non-invasive treatment for pain and inflammation in the body’s soft and connective tissues.
  • Graston technique: The Graston Technique is an instrument-assisted, soft tissue mobilization therapy.  The Graston Technique safely removes scar tissues and scar tissue adhesions that have occurred as a result of chronic inflammation, injuries, repetitive motion or from old injuries of the past.

Please contact our health care practitioners to discuss which type of treatment would be beneficial to your health issues.

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How Acupuncture Can Help with a Cold or Flu

Treatment by acupunctureCan acupuncture help with a cold or flu?  The answer to that question is a resounding yes!

Acupuncture regulates the function of the immune system to give you a fighting chance against the common cold and flu. Acupuncture invigorates the organs of the body with fresh blood and body fluids, cleansing and helping to protect us by fortifying the body’s defensive barrier against foreign invaders such as viruses that cause seasonal illness.

The common cold and flu can occur during any time of the year, but is most prevalent during the fall and winter months Typical symptoms are headache, coughing, stuffy and running nose and body aches. Cold and flu are differentiated by their symptoms and treatment.

According to TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine), there are three types of cold: wind cold, wind heat, and damp heat.

 Wind Cold:  Strong aversion to cold, minor fever, soreness and pain in limbs, itchy throat, white and thin phlegm, runny nose, clear nasal secretion and sneezing are symptomatic of wind cold.

Wind Heat:  Radiating headache, fever, running and stuffy nose, aversion to wind, sweating, sneezing, thirst, sore and swollen throat, coughing out thick, yellow phlegm and dry mouth are typical symptoms of wind heat.

 Damp Heat:  Headache, tiredness, stuffy or pressing sensation in the chest, nausea, and poor appetite,  are normally present with a damp heat cold.

Flu:  Flu can be spread rapidly through viral or bacterial infection in upper respiratory tract and gastrointestinal system.  The symptoms appear quickly, beginning with chills, then fever followed by the feeling of “achyness”. The flu can be accompanied by  symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection, including severe headache, red eyes, body aches and pain, fatigue, low energy, sinus congestion, running nose, sore and swollen throat, coughing and shortness of breath.

Prevention is the key to everything and TCM is no different. Patients will benefit much more from being treated prior to the onset of flu symptoms. However, if you start to exhibit symptoms of a cold or flu, then early intervention is the key to effective treatment. The sooner treatment is received for flu-like symptoms the faster and more effective acupuncture is.

To find out more about acupuncture and if it’s right  for you,  please contact Diversified Health Clinic.

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