Definition of the week....

acu·pres·sure

noun \ˈa-kyə-ˌpre-shər, ˈa-kə-\

  Acupressure is an ancient healing art that uses the fingers to press key points on the surface of the skin to stimulate the body’s natural self-curative abilities. 

 When these points are pressed, they release muscular tension and promote the circulation of blood and the body’s life force (sometimes known as qi pronounced chi) to aid healing. Acupuncture and acupressure use the same points, but acupuncture employs needles, while acupressure uses the gentle, but firm pressure of hands and feet. 

  Acupressure, continues to be the most effective method for treatment of tension-related ailments by using the power and sensitivity of the human hand. Acupressure can be effective in helping relieve headaches, eye strain, sinus problems, neck pain, backaches, arthritis, muscle aches, tension due to stress, ulcer pain, menstrual cramps, lower backaches, constipation, and indigestion. 

  Acupressure can also be used to relieve anxiety and improve sleep. There are also great advantages to using acupressure as a way to balance the body and maintain good health. The healing touch of acupressure reduces tension, increases circulation, and enables the body to relax deeply. 

  By relieving stress, acupressure strengthens resistance to disease and promotes wellness. In acupressure, local symptoms are considered an expression of the condition of the body as a whole. A tension headache, for instance, may be rooted in the shoulder and neck area. Thus, acupressure focuses on relieving pain and discomfort, as well as responding to tension, before it develops into a disease—before the constrictions and imbalances can do further damage. 

  The origins of acupressure are as ancient as the instinctive impulse to hold your forehead or temples when you have a headache. Everyone at one time or another has used their hands spontaneously to hold tense or painful places on the body. More than five thousand years ago, the Chinese discovered that pressing certain points on the body relieved pain where it occurred and also benefited other parts of the body more remote from the pain and the pressure point. Gradually, they found other locations that not only alleviated pain, but also influenced the functioning of certain internal organs. (Definition, in part, from the book Acupressure’s Potent Points, by Michael Reed Gach, director of the Acupressure Institute, Bantam, 1990.) 

Definition credit - http://www.massagetherapy.com/glossary/

The Importance of water & our bodies:

An important question we often hear at our clinic is : "How much water should I drink after a massage?"

When you think about it.... WHY is it important to drink water after a massage? 

What roll does it play in how our bodies heal and recover? 

  New Leaf Massage Therapists recommend that you drink approximately 1-2 full glasses of water before and 1-2 full glasses after your massage. In general, the body benefits from proper hydration anyways, but after your massage it is very important to drink more water. Consuming water will help the kidneys and other organs process the various substances which move through our bodies on a regular basis. Drinking water before and after a massage is recommended, as it makes it easier for your Therapist to perform deep work, because the muscles are easier to manipulate (think about working with a dry sponge vs. a Wet sponge).

  During a massage, the muscles are stimulated, blood is circulated throughout the whole body, and water, salt and other minerals are released. Having a glass of water or decaffeinated tea, helps your body dispose of any accumulated materials in the muscles. By providing the body with plenty of water, you can help sweep away those unwanted waste materials.

Our Lymphatic System: The Sewer Pipes of the Body

  In the case of lymphatic massage, the stimulation of the lymphatic circulation system can generate a large release of wastes in the body. If one thinks of the lymph system as the sewer pipes of the body, (collecting unwanted waste material and carrying it away for disposal) lymphatic massage is like a drain cleaner. Water helps flush out your body of waste.

Wetter Is Better

  Most importantly, massage can be dehydrating. The manipulation of the muscles dehydrates them and moves around the fluid, in the interstitial spaces between the muscles. Just like when you exercise, you lose water and electrolytes. Your cells need rehydration. By drinking water, you can reduce the potential for pain and soreness in the days that follow a massage.

  After a massage, sometimes you can feel a bit spacey and disoriented; having a glass of water or caffeinated herbal tea can help bring the body and mind back to the present. Drinking a glass of water after a massage is not only refreshing, it is good for your body.

Health Benefits of a Regular Fitness Plan

How many times are we advised that regular exercise is key to a healthy lifestyle?

More importantly....have you actually listened to the advice?

I would like to reiterate the importance of including a regular fitness program into your daily life.  The benefits are endless.  For example, a regular fitness plan can help with weight loss, increase energy, increase metabolism rates, and build muscle definition.

Regular exercise can decrease stress.  The human body generates hormones that can be stress causing, but regular exercise can decrease hormones like norepinephrine and cortisol.  These hormones are found in the endocrine system. Cortisol affects the metabolic system, and norepinephrine is believed a relation to hypertension. A fitness plan that includes 30 minutes of aerobic exercise at least three times a week can reduce the risk of heart disease, hypertension, obesity, depression, diabetes, and other health issues.

A proper program would include a warm up, aerobic (cardio), anaerobic (low intensity) and/or weight training, a cool down, and stretching.  It is important to remember proper stretching methods to reduce the chances of injury.  See our blog: Stretching-101



Some great exercise ideas include: jogging, walking, yoga, swimming, Qi Gong, kick boxing, boot camp, and Pilates.  There are also fitness institutions that offer group exercise programs like Zumba and Spin classes.  These make workouts fun, and can create an environment that is safe and enjoyable.  Check out our locals gyms that offer Co-Ed, Women's Only, group exercise, Personal Training, fun classes and more!

• Good Life - Co-Ed and Women's Only
• She's Fit Abbotsford-All Women
• Cross Fit Abbotsford
• Abbotsford Recreation Centre
• Apollo Athletic Club

There are so many options! Find the gym that's meant for your lifestyle and fitness goals.

If you would prefer a more one on one approach, check out personal trainers. Personal Trainers can develop a fitness plan tailored specifically for you and your body.  Focusing on your personal health and wellness goals.

• Champ Fitness-Tracy Champ 
• Personal Training at Good Life

Look for high recommendations and proper certifications when searching for a personal trainer.

Above all else, remember to incorporate regular visits to your wellness clinic.  With training and working out, the anatomy of your body will be changing.  Booking appointments in between your visits to the gym can greatly increase your ability to reach your goals quicker.  Regular chiropractic adjustments before a workout can help you have a better and stronger workout.  Focusing on proper positioning with a fresh alignment can really boost your workouts.  Regular massage visits post work outs is always nice.  After a long race, or any intense cardio activity, your RMT can provide a full body massage to help eliminate sore, achy muscles, also known as DOMS (delayed onset muscles soreness). 

If you have any questions or concerns about your fitness plans, speak to your family doctor or chiropractor to learn how regular exercise and therapy can help.

Call the clinic today if you would like to schedule appointments around your work out schedule! Maybe we'll even see you at the gym!

Stay active!