Livestrong.com

Check out this article that Livestrong.com has posted about

 Muscle Maintenance and Massage Therapy:
http://www.livestrong.com/article/349350-muscle-maintenance-massage-therapy/

Don't forget that a regular maintenance plan can prevent injury....if you haven't been in a while call and book an appointment today. Let's keep you "living life well!" Call us today to book your massage therapy appointment.

604-850-2511

Acupuncture & Allergies

According to Chinese medical theory, the symptoms and signs that indicate a Western diagnosis of allergies relate to imbalances in the meridian and Organ Systems of the body. These imbalances may stem from a variety of causes, including stress, poor died, constitutional weakness, pollutants and environmental toxins.

Over time, if imbalances remain within the body, they will affect the functions of the Organ Systems.  Some of these Organ Systems are involved in the production of Wei Qi (pronounced "way chee").  According to these theories of acupuncture and Chinese medicine, it is important to have correct quality and quantity of Wei Qi circulating around the body in order to stay healthy.

What is Wei Qi? The Chinese concept of Wei Qi is similar to the Western concept of the immune system.  Wei Qi functions to protect and defend the body against foreign substances, that if not caught can lead to allergies.  When Wei Qi is strong and abundant, we remain healthy.  When the supply of Wei Qi becomes deficient, health is compromised and we become vulnerable to foreign invaders such as dust, mold, animal dancer, bacteria, viruses and pollen.  People who have Wei Qi deficiency are prone to allergies and frequent colds.

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine support and strengthen the systems of the body that are involved in the production of Wei Qi.  By building up the supply of Wei Qi, and facilitating the smooth and free flow of it through the body, symptoms and signs related to allergies could be greatly reduced or eliminated.

What will an acupuncturist do? An acupuncturist will conduct a thorough exam, taking a complete health history.  They will then develop a unique treatment plan that will address your specific concerns.  The goal of the treatment plan will be to eliminate visible symptoms and signs, while addressing the root causes and underlying imbalances affecting the quality and quantity of Wei Qi.

Acupuncture treatments may be combined with herbs, dietary changes, massage (tuina), or exercise.  These therapists accelerate the healing process in order to balance, build and support the body's Wei Qi.

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine are a drug-free, safe, natural and effective way to eliminate hay fever, allergies or the common cold.

Seasonal allergy tips:
1) Flush your nose with a Neti pot
2) Add spicy foods and omega-3's to your diet
3) Keep your windows closed during allergy season to prevent dust and pollen from entering
4) Put on a dust mask when you're doing yard or house work
5) Don't hang your clothes out to dry in the sun, as they will gather dust, mold and pollen
6) Come in for an acupuncture tune-up

Allergies according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can be due to a variety of factors.

Below are some of the more common TCM diagnoses that your acupuncturist may discover and treat.

• Wei Qi deficiency
• Spleen weakness
• Kidney deficiency
• Lung deficiency

Information provided by 2008 Acupuncture Media Works. 866-696-7577 www.acupuncturemediaworks.com 

Are You Pregnant or Trying to Conceive?

 Whether you are trying to conceive or are expecting, 

our clinic has options that could benefit you!

Did you know that at any point in time during your pregnancy, you can still receive treatment by a registered massage therapist? Our therapists are specially trained to treat pregnant women. There are also cushions specifically designed for a proper and comfortable massage during pregnancy. Though the pictures may look deceiving, the cushions are quite comfortable.

 

They allow you to lie supine (face up), prone (face down) and on either side. The cushions are adjustable, and have a place for your tummy and breasts. Women who have booked with us while pregnant love the fact that they can still be treated with no discomfort.  

We make sure that proper care is taken when massaging during the entire pregnancy. After four months, a general but gentle massage is usually very enjoyable for the both the mother and the growing baby. There are numerous benefits from massage therapy for a woman during pregnancy. As a mother’s body makes changes for the baby to grow, the body can undergo a lot of stress, both physically and emotionally. Speak to your massage therapist about your concerns, where your pain and/or discomfort is so that they can better treat you.

Your posture will change as the body’s center of gravity is altered to help carry the weight of the baby. Your body’s muscles and joints will begin to stretch and move to prepare itself for childbirth, which may cause mild to severe discomfort. Massage therapy can help ease this discomfort. 

Chiropractic care is also another option for an expecting mother.  Some women will experience intense back pain as their posture changes. A visit to the chiropractor can correct the posture ill-alignment to better handle the weight distribution.

We also offer Acupuncture for women that are trying to conceive, as well as prenatal and postpardom treatments to help with the overall wellness of your body. If you have any questions, check out our other blogs that we have previously posted about frequently asked questions concerning these topics.

Figure 1

 “(Fig. 1). In the nonpregnant state, connective tissue is responsible for the tensile strength of major fascial structures, ligaments, and joints and is able to withstand all extra physical effort.”

Figure 2

“Realignment is best done in front of a full-length mirror or with the aid of a partner. Body weight should be evenly distributed through the center of each foot and midway between left and right feet. Knees are slightly bent to overcome hyperextended knees. Abdominal muscles are gently contracted and the buttocks tucked under to correct the tilt of the pelvis. The sternum is projected forward, which will stretch the upper back, allowing the shoulder girdle to extend comfortably posteriorly. The head is repositioned by upward stretching of the neck; the chin is tucked in with the top of the head maintained parallel to the floor (Fig. 2).”

This website has some great information to help you better understand what changes your body will make during pregnancy and suggests positive changes to eliminate pain, and prevent injury:

http://www.glowm.com/index.html?p=glowm.cml/section_view&articleid=98

Office Closures

To our valued patients,

We would like to kindly remind you that our office will be closed tomorrow, Friday, April 6th, 2012 through Monday, April 9th. 2012.

We will reopen Tuesday, April 10th at 9:30AM. Should you need to contact us, feel free to leave a message on our answering machine (604-850-2511) or email: newleafwellness@shaw.ca.

Thank you for your cooperation.



Our office will always be closed on Stat Holidays.

Acupuncture and Fertility

The Treatment of infertility with acupuncture and Chinese medicine dates back 2,000 years. These ancient, time-tested techniques improve fertility rates and support a woman’s whole body, unlocking unlimited potential for health, healing and childbearing.

A landmark study published by the medical journal Fertility & Sterility (1) found that acupuncture dramatically improves the chances of becoming pregnant when used in conjunction with other assisted reproductive techniques. Researchers from Weill Cornell Medical Center (2) in New York reviewed studies and concluded that acupuncture helps to:

•        Increase blood flow to the uterus, which improves the chances of an ovum implanting on the uterine wall
•        Reduce anxiety, stress, and the hormones that are secreted during stressful sitations that can significantly decrease fertility
•         Normalize hormone and endocrine systems that regulate ovulation, especially in woman with       polycyctsic ovarian syndrome
•         Positively affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, which plays a key role in fertility
•         Regulate menstrual cycle

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can raise the fertility potential for a woman by affecting the quality, quantity, balance and flow of Qi and blood. When Qi (also called Life Energy) and blood are circulating freely throughout the body, every cell, tissue and organ is properly nourished and functioning well. When this occurs, a woman’s health and fertility are increased.

According to the theories of acupuncture and Chinese medicine, infertility is caused by an imbalance of Qi and blood affecting one or more of the Organ Systems. (Please keep in mind that the Organs described below reflect Eastern medical theories and philosophies)

Kidney Organ System – The release of an ovum is controlled by the Kidneys. The Kidneys also create a substance called Jing Qi, which is required in order to have a healthy body, mind, and pregnancy. If an imbalance exists within the Kidneys, Jing Qi may be inadequate in supply and infertility may be a result. Chinese herbal medicine, along with acupuncture, can nourish and support Jing Qi and overall Kidney health.

Spleen Organ System – An adequate supply of blood is required by a woman’s body to sustain a normal menstrual cycle, a growing fetus, and a healthy pregnancy. A disharmony within the Spleen can result in an inadequate supply and imbalance of blood. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs can build and nourish blood, in order to promote a healthy flow of blood to the uterus.

Liver Organ System – In order to conceive and have a healthy pregnancy, it is important to have a free flow of Qi and blood throughout the body. The Liver is in charge of facilitating the smooth flow of Qi and blood. When it is out of balance, areas of the body will not receive the required supply of Qi and blood. This imbalance can lead to depression, anxiety, stress, and increase infertility.

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine provide a safe, effective, drug-free, and natural approach to treating infertility and enjoying a healthy pregnancy. Here are a few reasons to try acupuncture and Chinese Medicine:

1.  An acupuncturist does not treat just symptoms and signs, but instead activates the body’s natural healing potential by treating the root causes that have lead to the problem or disease.
2. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine are completely natural. No drugs are ever used. In the Western treatment of infertility, undesired side effects and accumulated toxicity from invasive procedures and drug therapies may occur.
3.  Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can be used to strengthen, support, and balance overall health and well being, so other fertility procedures are more effective.
4.  The practice of acupuncture and Chinese medicine is over 3,000 years old, and has helped millions of people become well and stay healthy.
5.   It works!

Also consider acupuncture during your pregnancy and birth. According to the World Health Organization, acupuncture has been found useful for relieving labor pain, nausea, vomiting, and significantly reducing the duration of labor. There is also strong evidence that it can helop with a breech birth. (6, 7)

If you would like to book an appointment with Richard Zhang for a consult and/or initial Acupuncture appointment, please feel free to call the office today! 604-850-2511

If you have any questions or concerns don’t hesitate to contact your family doctor prior to booking your Acupuncture appointment.

1.       Paulus W. et. Al., Influence of Acupuncture on the pregnancy rate in patients who undergo assisted reproduction therapy. Fertility and Sterility, volume 77, April 2002, 721-724.

2.       5 Ways Acupuncture Can Boost Fertility. Prevention.com, 2002.

3.       Human Reproduction Journal, Volume 11, Number 6, 1996.

4.       Fertility and Sterility, volume 78 December 2002, 1149-1153

5.       Pins & Needles. Could Acupuncture help promote pregnancy? ABCNews.com, April 16, 2002.

6.       Acupuncture: Review and analysis of reports on controlled clinical trials, World Health Organization, Geneva, 2002.

7.       A manual of acupuncture, page 326. Peter Deadman & Mazin Al-Khafaji

Information from 2008 Acupuncture Media Works – 866-696-7577 – www.acupuncturemediaworks.com

Pregnancy and Massage Therapy Q & A

Q: Is prenatal massage therapy beneficial?

A: Yes it is. Massage during pregnancy helps relieve stress and promotes relaxation. Massage during pregnancy relieves muscle spasms, cramping and myofascial pain. Massage therapy relieves headache discomfort and increases circulation of blood. You should experience reduced back and joint pain, reduced swelling, muscle tension and headaches, stress and anxiety. You will notice the improved circulation and better sleep at night.

Q: How does a pregnant person lie on the massage table?
A: Many women find it very uncomfortable to lie face down because their breasts are swollen and quite tender and may be afraid to lie down on their stomach. At our clinic, we provide full pregnancy cushions to ensure you are comfortable, able to lie face down, and fully benefit from a prenatal massage. Lying flat on your back may not be a good idea if you are in your 2^nd and 3^rd trimester. This is because your uterus puts too much pressure on the vein that returns blood from your leg to your heart. It is possible to lie on your side, just let your massage therapist know of this during your consultation.

Q: What if my joints are painful or I am too swollen?
A: You definitely should book an appointment because massage therapy relieves stress on weight-bearing joints. Swelling of the joints during pregnancy, also called edema, is usually caused by reduced circulation and pressure on the major blood vessels since the uterus is very heavy. Stimulating soft tissue with massage reduces the fluids in the swollen joints.

Q: Should I still consider massage therapy if I have a high-risk pregnancy?
A: You should always speak to your family doctor, or your health care specialist, if you suffer from the following conditions: Pre-eclampsia, pregnancy induced hypertension, high-risk pregnancy, if you have just recently given birth, if you had a previous pre-term labour, or if you are experiencing severe swelling, high blood pressure, or severe headaches.

Q: Is a registered massage therapist and a masseuse at a spa the same thing?
A: No. Registered massage therapists have received training in specific pregnancy needs including body areas that are sensitive. Our clinic consists of 4 female massage therapists who have been trained with different types of pregnancies. It is best to be treated by a registered massage than to seek a massage at a spa.

Q: After a massage, should I take a hot bath or consider soaking myself in a hot tub?
A: We would never suggest taking a hot bath, soaking in a hot tub, getting a hot body wrap, or enjoying time in a sauna. Being pregnant, you may overheat yourself which can be problematic for you and your baby. 

To book a prenatal massage with one of our professionally trained registered massage therapists, please call the office at 604.850.2511

Chiropractic Care and Pregnancy

Many people are hesitant to see a chiropractor and get an adjustment while pregnant. There is no need to be afraid. A chiropractor is essential in keeping a healthy body and mind to handle all the changes your body will experience during pregnancy.

Keeping your body aligned and balanced is key to a healthy pregnancy. It is vitally important to keep your hips and pelvis in good working order. While your uterus expands, it will put heavy pressure on your low back, hips and pelvis, so the baby is able to grow and continue making more room for him/her.

The average weight gain of 25 to 40 pounds can cause nuisance muscle strain and aggravated back pain. A woman’s feet also need attention. All that extra weight gain, with a rapidly growing uterus, you will need good balance, which starts at your feet. With proper foot care and possible custom orthotics, your feet may not feel as sore as you would think. You may receive adjustments on your feet to reduce discomfort and related back pain.

Spinal manipulation is highly effective for back pain and safe for your baby.

A chiropractor’s approach consists of non-drug and non-surgical treatments to specific back, neck, or feet pain. This method is highly adored by pregnant women because they prefer to avoid prescription drugs, unless it is impossible to do so.

Chiropractors are able to rid most of the labour and birthing fear.  A chiropractor will do their best to help you with pelvis adjustments, so you are ready to give birth. With regular adjustments, you will feel the difference between a woman who has and one who has not had chiropractic adjustments, during pregnancy up to labour, to help facilitate a safe and easier delivery for both mom and baby.

Post-pregnancy adjustments are also necessary and highly recommended for 2 months after childbirth.  Should you have experienced any injuries during the delivery your chiropractor will be able to help you  get back to your pre-pregnancy state.

You should also have your baby cared for by your chiropractor should he/she be suffering from colic, asthma, ear infections or allergies. Please feel free to speak to your chiropractor should you feel uncomfortable with your baby receiving an adjustment.

The following are a few tips to help relieve back pain: placing a pillow between your knees and sleeping on your side will help relieve low back stress, wearing comfortable flat shoes, using a cushion for extra back support, and keeping your feet elevated with the help of a foot stool. It is recommended to exercise for strong back muscles, or to attend a prenatal yoga class to relieve stress.

Our most helpful tip is to maintain regular chiropractic care, even if you are not experiencing any pain.

To book an Initial Consultation and Treatment with our Doctor of Chiropractic, Dr. Jag Sandhu, please contact our office at 604-850-2511 and our office personnel will gladly help you.  

April is National Backpack Safety Month

"Pack it Light. Wear it Right"

We are reaching out to parents and teachers across the province to ensure that students have the tools and information to stay healthy and prevent injury. These materials are free for distribution. We also offer a complementary speaker service in which a chiropractor from your local area can be made available to speak to students, parents and teachers at your school.  

Help us get the word out about backpack safety. Pack it Light, Wear it Right.
With the start of a new school year just around the corner, many parents and students are beginning to prepare. Very soon, "strapping on the backpack” will be a daily ritual for students who struggle to stuff and carry the necessities of school: Books, binders and supplies, alongside their sports gear, food and drinks. Research indicates that there are long-term health risks associated with youth who wear poorly designed backpacks or carry too much weight. In fact, over 50% of Canadian youth will suffer at least one back pain episode during their school years.  Not only are these injuries painful, they can directly impact the enjoyment of leisure and sports activities that are critical part of a young person’s life.

The British Columbia Chiropractic Association is concerned with this alarming trend in avoidable injuries and is teaming up with educators throughout the province to reinforce the “Pack it Light. Wear it Right” backpack safety program.

Backpack Safety Tips

• Elementary school students should not carry more than 10% of their body weight.  Secondary school students should avoid carrying weight exceeding 15% of their body weight. (eg. If your child is 80 pounds, they shouldn’t carry more than eight pounds- or the equivalent of a pair of shoes, a snack, drink and 2-3 textbooks)

• Backpacks should be made of the light materials. Vinyl and canvas are much better than leather.

• Backpacks with two straps distribute weight better than bookbags that are slung over the shoulder.  Function should take precedence over fashion.

• The top of the backpack should not extend higher than the top of the shoulder and the bottom should not fall below the top of the hipbone.

• The shoulder straps should be at least 2 inches wide and should not fit too snugly around the arms, straining muscles and affecting nerves.

• A hip strap or waist belt can take as much as 50-70% of the weight off the shoulders and spine. The waist belt will equalize the strain on the bones, joints and muscles.

• Students should pack the heaviest items closest to the body so that the weight is nearest the body’s own centre of gravity.

• A backpack that is too heavy or rides too low causes one to lean forward and put extra strain on the back.

• Both straps are critical to avoiding injury- as slinging the pack on one side causes the spine to lean, increasing the likelihood of middle and lower back problems that can worsen later in life.

• The best way to put on a pack is to place it on a desk or table at waist height and then slip it on. Avoid twisting!

Please click on the following link. It will provide parents and students with facts and guidelines as to how to wear your backpack properly and how much weight you should carry. It is very informative and I recommend for everyone who carries a backpack, whether it be students, parents or teachers, to understand the best way to carry a backpack.
http://www.bcchiro.com/bcca/your-spine-your-health/documents/PackItLight-Handout.pdf

Information Provided By: BC Chiropractic Association http://www.bcchiro.com/bcca/your-spine-your-health/documents/PackItLight-ParentLetter.pdf 

Method Of Payment Accepted By Our Clinic

DEAR VALUED PATIENTS,

WE ACCEPT PAYMENT IN THE FOLLOWING FORMS:

 IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO PAY WITH CASH, PLEASE BRING EXACT CHANGE, AS WE DO NOT KEEP ANY CASH IN THE OFFICE. WE APOLOGIZE FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE THIS MAY CAUSE.

THANK YOU,

NEW LEAF MASSAGE & WELLNESS STAFF

CUSTOM ORTHOTICS

Custom Made Orthotics For Your Feet

Lack of proper care, ill-fitting shoes and general foot neglect are responsible for the majority of foot problems.

Dr. Jag Sandhu, Chiropractor at New Leaf Massage and Wellness emphasizes the importance to understand your feet have direct impact on the rest of your body and support you with each step. A small abnormality in foot function can have a large impact on joints higher up in the body, causing pain and discomfort.

When you are running, the pressure on your feet can be three or four times your body weight. Even walking can produce more pressure than the sum of your body weight. The American Podiatric Medical Association says that the average person takes 8,000 to 10,000 steps a day. That adds up to about 115,000 miles in a lifetime or more than four times the circumference of the globe. That is a lot of walking with ill-fitting shoes or painful feet!!

In some cases foot ailments can be an early signal of more serious medical problems like arthritis or diabetes.

Women have four times as many foot problems as men because they have a long history of wearing high heels and/or pointy toe shoes.

Orthotics and proper shoe fit are very important aspects of foot health.

Remember if you are experiencing pain or discomfort in your neck/back, ankles, knees or hip joints ….the direct cause may be the function of your feet or ill-fitting shoes.