1. You Have Pain Whether the pain is from a recent injury, arthritis, fibromyalgia, or general stiffness, acupuncture can help. Acupuncture can reduce pain and stimulate the body’s own healing response. It does this by interrupting the pain signals along nerve fibres, increasing circulation to the area, releasing endorphins and stimulating the central nervous system to regulate neurotransmitters and hormones. The release of these chemicals reduce pain, stimulate the immune system and regulate various functions and systems in the body. From a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, acupuncture promotes the smooth flow of Qi (energy) and blood throughout the body. 2. You’re Always Tired If you feel tired even after a long uninterrupted sleep, then you may want to explore the benefits of acupuncture. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) takes into account all systems and organs in the body and can determine where there is an imbalance. Even if all your blood tests have come back normal and your doctor can’t find anything wrong, TCM can identify the ‘root’ cause or imbalance that is causing your fatigue. Treatment is aimed at identifying and strengthening your constitutional weakness, immune system, and digestion to bring your energy back. 3. You’re Stressed One of the things acupuncture does best is calm the mind and produce a relaxation response in the body. Acupuncture stimulates a release of endorphins (the feel-good chemicals) which help calm the body and mind. Many people feel so relaxed they even fall asleep during treatment and leave with a sense of deep calm. Allowing your body the time to relax at such a deep level, gives the brain a rest and...
We all know that exercise is good for you, but did you know that it’s also good for your digestive and gastrointestinal health? Yes, that’s right…exercise can be like a good dose of probiotic. New research has shown that exercise can actually increase the diversity and abundance of healthy bacteria in the stomach and intestines. Gastrointestinal bacteria are involved in a multitude of processes that take place in our body. They contribute to proper digestion, nutrient absorption, ulcer prevention, and a healthy immune system. Lower levels of bacterial diversity in the gut is associated with reduced health outcomes. Most of us are aware that diet can influence gastrointestinal microbiota, but it’s pretty amazing that exercise can also contribute to a healthy digestive tract. Another reason to get out and active this...
Relieve Allergies Naturally The birds are singing, the grass is growing, the sun is shining. Summer is on its way and it’s the season for allergies. Yes, that time of year when your eyes water, your nose feels like a faucet and your energy plummets. Below is a surprisingly simple natural remedy to help reduce those sniffles, sneezes and watery eyes. Turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory that reduces swelling and inflammation in the sinuses. Local honey reduces your reaction to pollen and boosts immunity. Apple cider vinegar fights off infection and balances the pH of the body. This simple remedy will take the edge of your allergies this summer. It works best as a hot beverage that you can sip on as needed throughout the day. Turmeric + Honey Super Booster (makes 1/2 cup, approximately 8–10 servings) Ingredients: 1/4 cup local, raw honey 2 teaspoons ground turmeric 2 tablespoons raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar (Braggs is good) pinch of ground black pepper (to activate the turmeric) Mix ground turmeric and pepper in a small bowl. Add in honey and apple cider vinegar. Mix until smooth. Refrigerate in sealed glass container or jar for up to one week. Add 1 tablespoon of the mixture to hot water or tea. Sip as needed. Until next time…stay healthy and think...
More research on one of my favorite acupuncture points Stomach 36 (ST36) Chinese name: Zusanli Location: On the anterior aspect of the lower leg, 3 cun (approximately 3 inches) below ST35 about one finger-breadth from the anterior crest of the tibia. Indications: Gastric pain, vomiting, dysphagia, abdominal distention, borborygmus, diarrhea, indigestion, dysentery, constipation, abdominal pain, low energy, poor appetite Common point with powerful effects Probably most of you have experienced the acupuncture point Stomach 36 (Zusanli) before as it is one of the most commonly used points to increase energy and improve digestion (it’s located below the knee on the lateral side of the leg). If you’ve seen me for treatment, then you probably have as I use it on most people for a variety of purposes. After this point is needled, patients will often feel and hear their stomach gurgling. This is because ST36 is located along the stomach meridian and has a strong effect on gastric motility and secretion. It’s especially good to get your digestion moving after eating a big meal like thanksgiving dinner! Research A lot research has been done on this point, and the latest study has yet again demonstrated the effectiveness of it on digestive activity. Researchers evaluated the effects of ST36 (electro-acupuncture) on gastric motility following colorectal surgery. Typically gastric motility is impaired after colorectal surgery and it’s important to get the intestines moving again as soon as possible. This study demonstrated that ST36 can be used as an effective method to induce intestinal movement after surgery. A group of forty patients undergoing surgery to remove cancerous colorectal tumours were involved in...
Jeffrey’s next Qi Gong class starts Wednesday, April 23rd. Class runs every Wednesday evening from 6 to 7 pm from April 23rd through to May 28th, 2014. While this is a six week class feel free to drop in when you can and don’t worry if you can’t make all of the classes. The main focus of the class is to get you practicing regularly so just come when you can! If you haven’t already done so please register online so that we have an idea of the number of people coming. You can register by clicking here Instructor: Jeffrey Chand, RAc., Dipl.TCM Date: Wednesday evenings 6 to 7 pm (April 23 to May 28) Location: Knox Presbyterian Church, 2964 Richmond Rd, Victoria, BC Course Fee: $60 for all six classes (or $12 drop-in) Payment can be made by cash or cheque at the class. Stay in touch Feel free to ‘like’ our Facebook page or subscribe to our newsletter to get updates, info and inspiration. I look forward to seeing you all soon and thank you for helping build a great “Communi-Qi!” -Jeffrey Chand...
