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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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Facial Acupuncture Rejuvenation

Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture, is a painless, non-surgical procedure that is effective in reducing the signs of aging.

Acupuncture facial treatments includes the insertion of acupuncture needles into the fine lines and wrinkles in specific locations on the face, ears, and neck, in order to reduce the visible signs of aging.

The body interprets the insertion of the needles as a “positive injury” which in turn stimulates collagen and elastin production locally, as well as increasing blood flow at the cellular level and nutrient exchange.

Facial acupuncture is also a full constitutional treatment that views the face as an extension of the energy flows of the body which extend from the soles of the feet to the crown of the head and is based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

What can you expect from after a series of treatments…..

  • Increased muscle tone and dermal contraction
  • Reduced bags under the eyes, and less tendency to sagging and jowls
  • No fine lines or frown lines, and less larger wrinkles
  • Softer and tighter skin due to the increased circulation of blood and lymph to the face
  • A radiant glow with more even colour
  • A reduced double chin
  • Lifted eyelids
  • A more relaxed and refreshed expression and beauty radiated from within

Unlike surgery that may have an extended recovery period with swelling and discolouration, there is no trauma from Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture.

While not a replacement for surgery, Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture is an excellent alternative to looking your best. For more information on this treatment, please contact the Acupuncturist.

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Erica Fynn, Acupuncturist at Diversified Health

Erika-2Erica is our newest practitioner to join the Diversified Health Team.  Erica was born and raised in the Kootenays where she developed a love for the outdoors and a natural way of living.  She moved to Vancouver island to receive her B.Sc in psychology from the University of Victoria; and upon completion: spent time traveling and completed her yoga teacher training. It was during this time she developed a passion for an energetic, hands on healing approach.

Acupuncture is an ancient form of Chinese medicine involving the insertion of solid stainless steel acupuncture needles into the skin at specific points on the body to achieve a therapeutic effect.  Acupuncture is used to encourage natural healing, improve mood and energy, reduce or relieve pain and improve function of affected areas of the body.

Erica attended Pacific Rim college for acupuncture and nutrition, and after receiving her Diploma of acupuncture in 2015, she traveled to Mexico and worked at a yoga/acupuncture studio.

Erica strongly believes in a well rounded lifestyle approach to healing, drawing from acupuncture, yoga and nutrition. Her practice has involved treating many physical ailments such as back pain, sciatica, tendonitis, stiff neck/back, frozen shoulder, and general body aches, pains and injuries. She has also focused on treating fertility and menstruation issues, allergies, digestion, sleep issues, stress, and depression.

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Holiday Anxiety

16513267_sThe holidays can be a stressful time and often those who suffer with anxiety feel symptoms increase and become out of control during this time of year.

Most people that feel anxious during the holidays are dealing with anxiety which includes persistent and excessive worry about activities or events.  The worry is usually out of proportion to the actual circumstance, and can interfere with the ability to cope with daily events.

Common anxiety signs and symptoms include; feeling nervous, having a sense of impending doom,  having rapid breathing and an increased heart rate, feeling tired, sweating, and trouble concentrating about anything other than the present worry.

By making some basic lifestyle changes, and taking small, and straightforward steps everyday you can manage and minimize your anxieties.

1. Remember to breath. Deep breathing triggers a relaxation response.  Inhale slowly to a count of four, hold your breath for a count of four, then slowly exhale to a count of four. Repeat this four or five times.

2. Get active. One of the best things to cope with anxiety is to get regular cardiovascular exercise.  A brisk 30 minute walk will release endorphins that will help reduce your anxiety. Develop a routine so that you’re physically active most days of the week. Exercise is a powerful stress reducer which can improve your mood and help you stay healthy, and improve your sleep.

3. Make sleep a priority. Not getting enough sleep can trigger anxiety. If you’re having trouble sleeping, put away the smartphones and tablets and engage in relaxing activities several hours before bedtime.  These activities could include a relaxing bath, listening to soothing music, or reading a book. Many people with anxiety have trouble falling asleep, because at this time of night the brains starts to work “overtime”.   Try to focus your thinking on something like mental math. That could be counting backwards from 100, or reciting the times tables.  The result is to calm your mind and distract from your worries.

4. Engage with others and do something you like. Social support is helpful in managing stress and anxiety, so schedule a coffee date or go to lunch with a friend. Make sure you book an activity you enjoy, such as taking a walk, or going to a yoga class. Engaging in enjoyable activities will help to reduce your anxiety.

5. Limit time spent at holiday parties, especially if you’re feel stressed. How much time you spend at the party is not as important as being there. Also limit or avoid alcohol, sedatives, coffee and tea.

6. During the holidays, it can seem like every task takes three times as long; from air travel, to waiting in a line up. Instead of getting angry and irritated during these times, start a conversation with someone else standing beside you and wish them a happy holiday, or  “plug-in” and listen to your favourite piece of music, to help the time pass.

7. Lower your expectations, and keep your expectations of the season realistic.

8. Instead of spending every night at a holiday function, take time out, and spend a quiet evening at home. Watch a movie or have a game night with your family or just spend time being by yourself.

By taking small steps everyday, you can minimize your anxiety and cope more effectively throughout the Holiday season.

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The Best 2017 New Years Resolutions Guide

Article by Snack Nation

Setting goals and sticking to them isn’t easy. In fact, 73% of people give up on their resolutions before meeting their goals. But I don’t want you to be another person who falls into that category. This can be the year that you accomplish everything you set out to do!

At one of our recent team personal development sessions, I spoke with the team about goal setting. On of the most important things we talked about is the common mistakes people make when they set goals and how to overcome them.

We recorded this presentation so that we could share it with all of you.

First, Download the “High Five” Goals Worksheet 

Next, Watch the Video! You’ll learn how to fill out the worksheet, and hopefully pick up a few more goal setting tips along the way.

Please click this link to see the entire article.

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9 Ways to Avoid The “Seasonal Blues”

Beating the “Seasonal Blues”During this time of year it is easy to feel stressed-out and overwhelmed; so we’ve rounded up 9 ways to help you escape the seasonal blues.

Do Less – Enjoy More

Most of us go overboard to please others especially during the holidays, from shopping, family obligations to attending numerous events. This season why not take care of yourself, and say no to one or two activities!

Say Good-Bye To Perfection

Remember that the world is not going to end if your home is not “Martha Stewart” perfect, or if you have a pile of laundry on the kitchen table. Use your energy and focus on the important things – the people in your life.  As author Richard Carlson wrote “Don’t sweat the small stuff “!

Stop Over Scheduling

If you can’t slow down and relax during this time of year, when can you?  Your daily agenda shouldn’t make you feel stressed and overwhelmed. Slow down, simplify your schedule and learn how to delegate!

Find Time To Exercise

It may be the last thing you feel like doing when you’re stressed out, but going for a walk or attending a Pilates class can actually make you feel better. Research has found that exercise can boost your mood for up to 12 hours and can decreases anxiety.  So get out of the house and go for a brisk, 20 minute walk every day.

Health Maintenance

Take some time for yourself and schedule a massage or an acupuncture session; your health care practitioners can help you keep healthy and feeling fit.

Put Down the iPhone

Enjoy spending time with your family and friends without the constant buzz of your smart phone.  It becomes a habit that is very hard to stop, and repetitively looking at your phone is exhausting, and contributes to mounting stress.

Re-Think Old Customs

Ending old customs can be a good policy if you’re a lone or grieving.  Start some new traditions that will have happy memories associated with them.

Positive Thinking

Negative thoughts drain you of energy and keep you from being in the present moment. The more you give in to your negative thoughts, the stronger they become. On-the-other hand, a small positive thought can have the same effect -developing into a beautiful positive outcome.

Get More Sleep

Don’t underestimate the value of the power napor a good night’s sleep.  Light exercise like yoga or walking at night can help sleep as it releases tension without over stimulating the body.

Music can also help by soothing your mind and body as well as meditation, which can relieve stress in the body and mind. It’s a great technique to use before bedtime because it relaxes the body, clears the mind, and creates inner peace.

Put yourself first for a while. Take care of yourself, pay attention to your needs and desires, and find the courage to do something about them.

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6 Ways To Avoid Getting Sick During The Holidays

cold-and-flu-185711581With winter fast approaching, the cold and flu season is just around the corner.  So how can you avoid getting sick during the Holidays? Try to incorporate these 6 easy tips into your every day routines.

  • Hand sanitizer and hand washing

When hand sanitizers are used correctly, they can eliminate up to 99.9% of germs.  Make sure you use enough product so your hands still feel damp after rubbing together for 10 to 15 seconds, and that the product has at least a 60% alcohol content.

If you are washing your hands with soap; wet your hands with running water, apply soap, lather well and rub your hands vigorously for at least 20 seconds.

  • Extra package of pens

Cold and flu germs are easily passed through hand-to-hand contact, and using someone’s pen is a good way to come into contact with germs. Having your own supply of inexpensive pens will keep you safe from unwanted germs.

  • Phones and keyboards

Just as with pens, phones and keyboards can be a “mine field” of germs. Make sure to have a small package of anti bacterial wet wipes with you…. and don’t be afraid to use them!

  •  Schedule a massage

Getting a massage, can reduce stress and increase serotonin and dopamine, which are mood boosters that can help protect and increase your body’s immune system.

  • Stay hydrated

With the cooler weather, many of us forget to drink enough water. You still need to aim for about two litres of water daily for your body to function at peak performance.

  •  Increase spices and digestion friendly foods 

Many digestion friendly foods and spices have the added benefit of boosting your immune system with their  antibacterial properties. Try adding dark greens, berries, garlic, onions, ginger, cumin, and oregano to your meals.  You can also strengthen your body’s defenses by eating foods that contain natural probiotics like yogurt, miso soup, and pickled foods like sauerkraut and pickles.

These are just some of the simple things you can do to strengthen you immune system, so you can avoid getting a cold or flu this winter!

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Chiropractic Opportunity in Victoria BC

Chiropractic OpportunityDiversified Health is actively recruiting to add an additional Chiropractor to join our multi-disciplinary team. This is the perfect opportunity for an energetic, passionate and patient centred chiropractor looking to gain invaluable experience in a collaborative multi-practitioner setting.

Our multi-disciplinary clinic is located in the heart of downtown Victoria, in the iconic Mosaic Building at 1063 Fort Street.

The ideal candidate must have a sports and rehabilitation focus and incorporate diversified chiropractic techniques, as well as being proficient with time management and multi-tasking.  The successful candidate must be comfortable working in a collaborative and professional work environment.

 Key Qualities:

  • Ability to work with clinic staff  & practitioners
  • Cheerful, outgoing demeanor
  • Able to work weekends (as required)
  • Maintain the organization of treatment rooms and clinic
  • Dedication to high quality service, with an enthusiastic approach to customer service
  • Maintain a professional appearance and demeanor

We are looking for a passionate, principle based chiropractor that is looking for structured growth, can see a high volume of patients, is driven for success, and is very outgoing.

Diversified Health Clinic provides all reception services, patient billing, and inclusion in our advertising, marketing, and website.  All practitioner supplies for the room will be provided by the clinic.

Compensation:  competitive, percentage based contract.

Please submit your resume either in person to our offices at 1063 Fort Street or via email to lsteel@diversifiedhealth.ca attention to Lola Steel, Clinic Manager.

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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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