JoAnn Alafriz, BSc, Dipl ST, Dipl Ac
According to Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) many of us suffer from Liver Qi Stagnation; meaning, our Qi (vital energy) is not flowing smoothly through the channels of our body. The Liver is responsible for moving the Qi.
Liver Qi Stagnation can manifest itself as: irritability, depression, moodiness, sour regurgitation, feeling "wound up", abdominal distension, irregular periods, painful periods and pre-menstrual tension.
In TCM, the following foods and herbs are recommended to get the Liver Qi moving:
Lemon, lime, grapefruit, mustard greens, watercress, spinach, swiss chard, kale, parsley, cardamom, cumin, fennel, mint, lemon balm, chamomile, peony root, dandelion root, strawberry, peach, cherry, plum,cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, brussel sprouts, asparagus, amaranth, quinoa, millet, seaweed, & tofu.
Foods and herbs that congest Liver function, and are best to AVOID, include:
Intoxicants, alcohol, coffee, highly processed and refined foods, foods high in saturated fats (mammal meat, cheese and eggs), hydrogenated or poor quality foods (margarine, refined and rancid oils), fried and excessively spicy foods, sugar and sweets, excesses nuts and seeds.
*JoAnn is available on Wednesdays and Saturdays at Lifewise – feel free to drop by if you have more detailed questions.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Introducing...
We are very excited to have recently added Acupuncture and Shiatsu Therapy to the growing list of services offered at Lifewise. I would like to extend a warm welcome to the latest addition to our Lifewise Team, JoAnn Alafriz.
JoAnn completed her Shiatsu and Acupuncture Diplomas with high honours from the Shiatsu School of Canada and Acupuncture Institute. In addition to her practice, she is currently working as an instructor and supervisor at the Shiatsu School of Canada.
JoAnn encourages her patients to tap into the healing power of their bodies to feel their best. Her philosophy that Body Awareness leads to Body Wellness is a perfect fit with what we all believe and teach here at Lifewise.
Yours In Health,
Dr. Karen Baker
JoAnn completed her Shiatsu and Acupuncture Diplomas with high honours from the Shiatsu School of Canada and Acupuncture Institute. In addition to her practice, she is currently working as an instructor and supervisor at the Shiatsu School of Canada.
JoAnn encourages her patients to tap into the healing power of their bodies to feel their best. Her philosophy that Body Awareness leads to Body Wellness is a perfect fit with what we all believe and teach here at Lifewise.
Yours In Health,
Dr. Karen Baker
Acupuncture 101
JoAnn Alafriz, BSc, Dipl ST, Dipl Ac
Acupuncture is a Chinese healing modality with over 5,000 years of history. It is a holistic style of treatment whereby fine needles are used to balance and improve well being. Many contemporary scientific studies demonstrate Acupuncture’s positive effect on many disorders.
The premise of Acupuncture is that Qi (vital energy) flows through channels of the body. When Qi is blocked or deficient, discomfort is felt. The goal: to rebalance the body and ensure the smooth flow of Qi.
Acupuncture needles are very thin and are inserted with a quick, light motion, with little discomfort. The needles are retained anywhere from 20 – 45 minutes. You can expect to feel a sense of relaxation and ease that will last for some time after treatment.
During the initial intake, various aspects of your health and habits are reviewed. A tongue and pulse diagnosis is taken (they reflect the health of the different organ systems). Based on the diagnosis, specific acupuncture points are selected to treat the condition at hand.
Clean needle technique in Acupuncture is a practiced and follows western medical standards of care. Single-use, pre-sterilized, needles are used.
The College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncturists of Ontario is forming. This College will fully regulate the practice of Acupuncture in the public interest.
Insurance coverage for Acupuncture is included in many extended health care plans.
I look forward to meeting with you.
Acupuncture is a Chinese healing modality with over 5,000 years of history. It is a holistic style of treatment whereby fine needles are used to balance and improve well being. Many contemporary scientific studies demonstrate Acupuncture’s positive effect on many disorders.
The premise of Acupuncture is that Qi (vital energy) flows through channels of the body. When Qi is blocked or deficient, discomfort is felt. The goal: to rebalance the body and ensure the smooth flow of Qi.
Acupuncture needles are very thin and are inserted with a quick, light motion, with little discomfort. The needles are retained anywhere from 20 – 45 minutes. You can expect to feel a sense of relaxation and ease that will last for some time after treatment.
During the initial intake, various aspects of your health and habits are reviewed. A tongue and pulse diagnosis is taken (they reflect the health of the different organ systems). Based on the diagnosis, specific acupuncture points are selected to treat the condition at hand.
Clean needle technique in Acupuncture is a practiced and follows western medical standards of care. Single-use, pre-sterilized, needles are used.
The College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncturists of Ontario is forming. This College will fully regulate the practice of Acupuncture in the public interest.
Insurance coverage for Acupuncture is included in many extended health care plans.
I look forward to meeting with you.
Why Iyengar Yoga?
Dennis Newhook, RMT, CYT
Iyengar yoga is often described as a science, philosophy, and art. Anyone who has had the privilege of studying with an experienced, senior level teacher will know firsthand how accurate this description really is!
The postures are practiced in a particular sequence and done with precise alignment; philosophy is based on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, one of the oldest surviving texts on yoga; committed practice of grounding, extension, and freely moving breath enlivens every bodily cell allowing full expression of the practitioner's inner light to shine.
Unlike any other yoga tradition, Iyengar yoga teachers undergo rigorous training and national level certification exams to ensure the highest standard of practice, ethics, and safety. To learn more about Iyengar yoga in Canada, please visit the Iyengar Yoga Association of Canada's website at iyengaryogacanada.com.
Iyengar yoga is often described as a science, philosophy, and art. Anyone who has had the privilege of studying with an experienced, senior level teacher will know firsthand how accurate this description really is!
The postures are practiced in a particular sequence and done with precise alignment; philosophy is based on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, one of the oldest surviving texts on yoga; committed practice of grounding, extension, and freely moving breath enlivens every bodily cell allowing full expression of the practitioner's inner light to shine.
Unlike any other yoga tradition, Iyengar yoga teachers undergo rigorous training and national level certification exams to ensure the highest standard of practice, ethics, and safety. To learn more about Iyengar yoga in Canada, please visit the Iyengar Yoga Association of Canada's website at iyengaryogacanada.com.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
The "R" in RMT
Dennis Newhook RMT, CYT
Most people know that RMT stands for Registered Massage Therapist. However, few people understand what being "registered" really entails. The title of RMT is protected by legislation overseen by the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO). The CMTO is committed to protecting the public by maintaining high standards of practice for Massage Therapy throughout the province. Anyone carrying the title of RMT must be an active member of the CMTO, having proved their compentency by meeting educational requirements, passing registration exams, and through continuous education and peer assessment. Massage practitioners who do not carry the title of RMT are NOT regulated professionals. Though they may offer quality service, there is no governing body in place to oversee their practice or to protect the public should problems arise. Like all regulatory health colleges, the CMTO's primary goal is to ensure public safety by monitoring its members. If you have a concern regarding the quality of care you've received from any regulated healthcare professional, you are encouraged to contact the College for that profession. A complete list of regulated health professions and their governing Colleges can be found at the Federation of Health Regulatory Colleges of Ontario's Website: www.regulatedhealthprofessions.on.ca.
Currently there are 21 regulated health professions in Ontario. Advising the Ministry of Health as to which health professions should become regulated is the Health Professionals Regulatory Advisory Council (HPRAC). The Council works closely with public concerns regarding health services and conducts research to determine if currently unregulated health practices should become regulated by the government. Visit them at their website: www.hprac.org. The list of regulated professions in Ontario is slowly growing. Because of HPRAC the list will soon include Kinesiology, Naturopathy, Psychotherapy, Homeopathy, and Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Within Ontario we have rights AND options as healthcare consumers. Becoming informed is the first step to becoming empowered. The choices you make not only affect your own health, but the health of your loved ones and the whole community. Finally, the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care provides many great resources and links for healthcare consumers. Check them out at http://www.health.gov.on.ca/.
Most people know that RMT stands for Registered Massage Therapist. However, few people understand what being "registered" really entails. The title of RMT is protected by legislation overseen by the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO). The CMTO is committed to protecting the public by maintaining high standards of practice for Massage Therapy throughout the province. Anyone carrying the title of RMT must be an active member of the CMTO, having proved their compentency by meeting educational requirements, passing registration exams, and through continuous education and peer assessment. Massage practitioners who do not carry the title of RMT are NOT regulated professionals. Though they may offer quality service, there is no governing body in place to oversee their practice or to protect the public should problems arise. Like all regulatory health colleges, the CMTO's primary goal is to ensure public safety by monitoring its members. If you have a concern regarding the quality of care you've received from any regulated healthcare professional, you are encouraged to contact the College for that profession. A complete list of regulated health professions and their governing Colleges can be found at the Federation of Health Regulatory Colleges of Ontario's Website: www.regulatedhealthprofessions.on.ca.
Currently there are 21 regulated health professions in Ontario. Advising the Ministry of Health as to which health professions should become regulated is the Health Professionals Regulatory Advisory Council (HPRAC). The Council works closely with public concerns regarding health services and conducts research to determine if currently unregulated health practices should become regulated by the government. Visit them at their website: www.hprac.org. The list of regulated professions in Ontario is slowly growing. Because of HPRAC the list will soon include Kinesiology, Naturopathy, Psychotherapy, Homeopathy, and Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Within Ontario we have rights AND options as healthcare consumers. Becoming informed is the first step to becoming empowered. The choices you make not only affect your own health, but the health of your loved ones and the whole community. Finally, the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care provides many great resources and links for healthcare consumers. Check them out at http://www.health.gov.on.ca/.
The Sound of Movement
Karen Baker BSc, DC
There are a lot of preconceived ideas about chiropractic adjustment - and, many people are afraid of the “cracking” sound that often accompanies a classic manual manipulation. Rest assured, the crack you hear is NOT bones breaking, but is a result of gas bubbles being released from the fluid in your joints - this sound actually has a name: cavitation.
An analogy I often use to describe what’s happening is that of a soda bottle. You may have noticed that when you open a bottle of pop, bubbles seem to form out of nowhere. The carbonation process has infused CO2 into the liquid; kept under pressure, it will stay there. When the volume of the container holding the liquid increases (or the cap is opened), those CO2 molecules (which would rather be in gas form) now have somewhere to go, and come out of solution forming gas bubbles. If you open the bottle slowly, the bubbles form slowly, fizzing to the surface of the liquid; if opened quickly, they “pop” out of solution all at once.
This is very similar to what happens in our joints when we stretch them. Our joints are filled with nutrient rich liquid called synovial fluid. There is nitrogen gas dissolved within this fluid. Unlike a pop bottle, our joints are flexible structures enclosed by a soft capsule that can stretch. As our joints move the volume of the space changes allowing these nitrogen molecules to move into and out of solution on a regular basis. If the joint moves slowly, these bubbles will form slowly and no noticeable noise will follow. But if stretched quickly enough the gas bubbles will pop out of solution making a cracking sound.
This being said, you should never agree to a procedure that you are not comfortable with. If you are afraid, there are other ways to get the joints moving that don’t require a crack. So talk to your chiropractor about different treatment methods that will meet you at your comfort level.
There are a lot of preconceived ideas about chiropractic adjustment - and, many people are afraid of the “cracking” sound that often accompanies a classic manual manipulation. Rest assured, the crack you hear is NOT bones breaking, but is a result of gas bubbles being released from the fluid in your joints - this sound actually has a name: cavitation.
An analogy I often use to describe what’s happening is that of a soda bottle. You may have noticed that when you open a bottle of pop, bubbles seem to form out of nowhere. The carbonation process has infused CO2 into the liquid; kept under pressure, it will stay there. When the volume of the container holding the liquid increases (or the cap is opened), those CO2 molecules (which would rather be in gas form) now have somewhere to go, and come out of solution forming gas bubbles. If you open the bottle slowly, the bubbles form slowly, fizzing to the surface of the liquid; if opened quickly, they “pop” out of solution all at once.
This is very similar to what happens in our joints when we stretch them. Our joints are filled with nutrient rich liquid called synovial fluid. There is nitrogen gas dissolved within this fluid. Unlike a pop bottle, our joints are flexible structures enclosed by a soft capsule that can stretch. As our joints move the volume of the space changes allowing these nitrogen molecules to move into and out of solution on a regular basis. If the joint moves slowly, these bubbles will form slowly and no noticeable noise will follow. But if stretched quickly enough the gas bubbles will pop out of solution making a cracking sound.
This being said, you should never agree to a procedure that you are not comfortable with. If you are afraid, there are other ways to get the joints moving that don’t require a crack. So talk to your chiropractor about different treatment methods that will meet you at your comfort level.
Nikie B’s Oatmeal Cookies …with a twist
Nikie Brossard
If you are a cookie lover, but want to be more health conscious, try this healthier version of an old favorite…
Ingredients:
* 1 cup spelt flour
* 1 cup hazelnut butter
* ¼ cup of maple syrup
* 1 tbsp of Stevia *
* 2 cups of oatmeal
* chocolate or carob chips as desired
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350o F.
2. Mix ingredients.
3. Grease cookie sheet with butter (Organic is best, avoid processed products such as margarine or Pam).
4. Make 1 tbsp balls of dough and place on cookie sheet.
5. Bake for 15-20min to desired tenderness.
* for more information about STEVIA go to: www.stevia.com
If you are a cookie lover, but want to be more health conscious, try this healthier version of an old favorite…
Ingredients:
* 1 cup spelt flour
* 1 cup hazelnut butter
* ¼ cup of maple syrup
* 1 tbsp of Stevia *
* 2 cups of oatmeal
* chocolate or carob chips as desired
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350o F.
2. Mix ingredients.
3. Grease cookie sheet with butter (Organic is best, avoid processed products such as margarine or Pam).
4. Make 1 tbsp balls of dough and place on cookie sheet.
5. Bake for 15-20min to desired tenderness.
* for more information about STEVIA go to: www.stevia.com
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Joints in Motion
Karen Baker BSc, DC
Most of my patients have heard me say something like “move it or lose it” or “motion is lotion”. Well, as a chiropractor, this is my model; “It’s all about motion” is my mantra. Movement is fundamental to a healthy body. And for the joints, lack of motion means death, literally (cell death, really). We often forget that the tissues that make up the body are alive. They consist of millions of cells busy working to keep us doing what we’re doing. These cells require energy and materials to continue to perform their daily jobs.
Most of our cells receive nutrients via blood vessels (capillaries). One notable exception is the cartilage that lines our moveable synovial joints. This tissue does not have its own blood supply. These cells depend on the regular motion of the joint to squish the synovial fluid into these tissues (a process called imbibition) so that this nutrient filled fluid can be absorbed into the cells. Without this process, the cells of the cartilage do not receive the nutrients they need to thrive or even survive. As these cell degenerate, the cartilage barrier between the bones becomes thin. As the bones get closer and closer together they will start to grow towards each other forming bony spurs (called osteophytes) in an attempt to fuse this unused joint. This, although simplified, is the process of osteoarthritis (OA).
This process also applies to our spine. These same synovial joints exist between the vertebrae, allowing our torso to bend and twist. The detrimental effects of a sedentary lifestyle are numerous, and to the spine - disastrous.
The best thing we can do for all of our joints is keep them moving through their full range of motion – every day.
Most of my patients have heard me say something like “move it or lose it” or “motion is lotion”. Well, as a chiropractor, this is my model; “It’s all about motion” is my mantra. Movement is fundamental to a healthy body. And for the joints, lack of motion means death, literally (cell death, really). We often forget that the tissues that make up the body are alive. They consist of millions of cells busy working to keep us doing what we’re doing. These cells require energy and materials to continue to perform their daily jobs.
Most of our cells receive nutrients via blood vessels (capillaries). One notable exception is the cartilage that lines our moveable synovial joints. This tissue does not have its own blood supply. These cells depend on the regular motion of the joint to squish the synovial fluid into these tissues (a process called imbibition) so that this nutrient filled fluid can be absorbed into the cells. Without this process, the cells of the cartilage do not receive the nutrients they need to thrive or even survive. As these cell degenerate, the cartilage barrier between the bones becomes thin. As the bones get closer and closer together they will start to grow towards each other forming bony spurs (called osteophytes) in an attempt to fuse this unused joint. This, although simplified, is the process of osteoarthritis (OA).
This process also applies to our spine. These same synovial joints exist between the vertebrae, allowing our torso to bend and twist. The detrimental effects of a sedentary lifestyle are numerous, and to the spine - disastrous.
The best thing we can do for all of our joints is keep them moving through their full range of motion – every day.
Should I take Calcium Supplements?
Peter Wilansky-Traynor CHNP, PTS
As the population ages, the importance of healthy bones has become a growing concern. With that concern, comes the question of calcium supplements.
Our bones do much more than most of us realize. Of course, the skeleton serves as the infrastructure to our bodies - keeping us upright, and giving our muscles and other soft tissues something to attach to - allowing us to stand, sit, and move around. The skull, ribcage, spine and pelvis also provide protection for our vital organs. In addition to these obvious structural roles, bones have important functions in our body chemistry: Blood cells are produced in the marrow of the bones; long bones store fat that can be used as energy. Bones also store vital minerals required for proper function of nerves and muscles (such as calcium and phosphorus). The correct level of these nutrients is needed for healthy cells. While low levels of calcium in the blood can cause muscle spasms and leaching of calcium from the bones, too much calcium can slow neuromuscular activity, cause lethargy and in extreme cases - heart failure.
Although everyone needs to ingest the nutrients needed for strong, healthy bones, therapeutic doses of calcium can actually worsen some health conditions.
The need for supplementation depends on each person’s health condition, and biochemical individuality. In my nutrition practice, I use Metabolic Typing as a tool to help determine an individual’s needs. Certain “Metabolic Types” naturally require higher amounts of calcium in their diet; while others do well on diets lower in calcium but higher in the synergistic nutrients required for absorption and use of calcium by the body.
So before you stock up on Calcium supplements, make sure that is really what your body requires.
As the population ages, the importance of healthy bones has become a growing concern. With that concern, comes the question of calcium supplements.
Our bones do much more than most of us realize. Of course, the skeleton serves as the infrastructure to our bodies - keeping us upright, and giving our muscles and other soft tissues something to attach to - allowing us to stand, sit, and move around. The skull, ribcage, spine and pelvis also provide protection for our vital organs. In addition to these obvious structural roles, bones have important functions in our body chemistry: Blood cells are produced in the marrow of the bones; long bones store fat that can be used as energy. Bones also store vital minerals required for proper function of nerves and muscles (such as calcium and phosphorus). The correct level of these nutrients is needed for healthy cells. While low levels of calcium in the blood can cause muscle spasms and leaching of calcium from the bones, too much calcium can slow neuromuscular activity, cause lethargy and in extreme cases - heart failure.
Although everyone needs to ingest the nutrients needed for strong, healthy bones, therapeutic doses of calcium can actually worsen some health conditions.
The need for supplementation depends on each person’s health condition, and biochemical individuality. In my nutrition practice, I use Metabolic Typing as a tool to help determine an individual’s needs. Certain “Metabolic Types” naturally require higher amounts of calcium in their diet; while others do well on diets lower in calcium but higher in the synergistic nutrients required for absorption and use of calcium by the body.
So before you stock up on Calcium supplements, make sure that is really what your body requires.
How Many Joints are in My Feet?
Dennis Newhook RMT, CYT
Here's a clue: each foot contains 26 bones (7 bones in the ankle region, 5 long bones in the mid-foot and 14 bones in the toes). These bones create 33 joints where they interact with one another. This makes for an incredibly flexible structure with great strength which not only supports our body's weight, but propels us forward through life. Leonardo Da Vinci called the foot "a masterpiece of engineering and a work of art" -- if we all shared that view our often achy and tired feet might get the attention they deserve! During the winter months, when the ground is cold, wet, and slippery and our feet are bundled up in heavy boots, the 33 joints of our feet do not have the opportunity to move through their full range of motion. Lack of motion coupled with the cold temperatures can cause the muscles of our feet to tighten and the joints to stiffen. A few simple measures can help keep your feet healthy and happy throughout the winter so that when the snow melts, spring is not only in the air but also in your step.
Tips to help your feet survive the winter:
• soaking the feet to mid-shin in a hot Epsom salt bath once or twice a week
• self-massage on the feet improves circulation and mobility
• daily stretching of the feet, toes, and ankles
• make sure that orthotic inserts stay dry and are periodically checked by your health professional
• always check feet for cuts, rashes, calluses, which might be the early warning signs of a more serious foot condition.
Here's a clue: each foot contains 26 bones (7 bones in the ankle region, 5 long bones in the mid-foot and 14 bones in the toes). These bones create 33 joints where they interact with one another. This makes for an incredibly flexible structure with great strength which not only supports our body's weight, but propels us forward through life. Leonardo Da Vinci called the foot "a masterpiece of engineering and a work of art" -- if we all shared that view our often achy and tired feet might get the attention they deserve! During the winter months, when the ground is cold, wet, and slippery and our feet are bundled up in heavy boots, the 33 joints of our feet do not have the opportunity to move through their full range of motion. Lack of motion coupled with the cold temperatures can cause the muscles of our feet to tighten and the joints to stiffen. A few simple measures can help keep your feet healthy and happy throughout the winter so that when the snow melts, spring is not only in the air but also in your step.
Tips to help your feet survive the winter:
• soaking the feet to mid-shin in a hot Epsom salt bath once or twice a week
• self-massage on the feet improves circulation and mobility
• daily stretching of the feet, toes, and ankles
• make sure that orthotic inserts stay dry and are periodically checked by your health professional
• always check feet for cuts, rashes, calluses, which might be the early warning signs of a more serious foot condition.
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