acupuncture history

History of Acupuncture

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A look at acupuncture history will take you back 8000 years. Acupuncture is one of the earliest forms of healing that has been recorded in history. It is an ancient Chinese tradition that is performed to alleviate pain through the insertion of fine needles. These needles would be placed in specific parts of the body to treat a particular type of pain. Today, acupuncture is becoming more and more recognized by western medical doctors.

Where it Started

Acupuncture related philosophy goes back to over 8000 years. The people of that era meditated often and always tried to find the energy that flows within. They were eager to figure out a man’s relation with his surrounding and the universe.

Although, there were many wise men, the legend of that era was Fu Hsi. He observed nature and came up with the idea of the “first two symbols.” These symbols are the broken line and the unbroken line. They both represent the biggest forces in the universe that are “creation and reception.” Later, the name yin-yang was given to these symbols. Fu Hsi discovered that when yin and yang come together, they could create a third force.

After this discovery, China went through the Stone Age. During the Stone Age, stones were made into fine needles that were used as healing tools. These find needles were named bian stone, which meant “sharp edged stone to treat diseases.” In present day, these stones have been refined and modernized.

Acupuncture Milestone

The most significant moment in acupuncture history occurred during the period of Huang Di. During this period, Huang Di and his physician discussed Chinese Medical Arts. Later, their conversations became monumental and spread all over China rapidly.

As time progressed, the stones were refined to metal needles. Back in 113B.C., five silver needles and four gold needles were found in an ancient tomb. Another milestone for acupuncture was when the compilation of Nan Jing was done. This book discussed the hara diagnosis, five-element theory, eight extra meridians, and other acupuncture related topics.

Brief Timeline

  • 260-265 A.D- Huang Fu MI (physician) organized theories related to acupuncture and acupuncture points. His book was the most influential text ever used in the history of Chinese Medicine.
  • 265-581 A.D- All the different dynasties that were ruling added to acupuncture and gave more knowledge to future generations.
  • Sui (581-618 A.D) and Tang (618-907 A.D) – During this time, many acupuncture texts were revised and finalized. Due to the knowledge, acupuncture schools starting appearing and it became a part of the course for those who were studying medicine.
  • After the Sui and Tang Dynasty, other dynasties just added information and refined the techniques of acupuncture.
  • Present day- Acupuncture plays an important role in healing and it has proven to show effective results. Doctors have started to recommend acupuncture because of the benefits it provides to individuals.

Acupuncture is a practice that has been proven to provide people with many health related  benefits and pain relief. It is safe as it has no side effects and it has the ability to work with most treatments.

massage therapist mistakes

Common Mistakes Made by Massage Therapists

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When people opt for the services of massage therapists, they want to receive a treatment that will give them utmost relaxation and reasons to come back for more.

Massages are known as the best way to relax, as they tend to target our muscular pains and relieve it. However, sometimes despite a massage session, all this relaxation cannot be attained. The reason is the massage therapists.

Unfortunately, massage therapists make mistakes both before and after the session that could end up stressing their clients.

Let’s have a look at some of those mistakes:

1.     Lack of Professionalism

If a therapist is constantly cancelling on clients, not replying text or calls, the client will start looking for someone else. Cancelling is only acceptable if there is an emergency, and in that case, it is the therapist’s responsibility to get in touch with the client.

People like to go to therapists that are professional.

2.     Interruptions during Treatment

Since cleintss are opting for a massage for relaxation, disrupting them (by talking or attending calls) will make them never want to come to you again. When massage therapists have a client in front of them, it is important they do not focus on anything else except them.

3.     Noise & Room Environment

Your office is a massage area, not a gym. This is why it is important it is not noisy outside or inside the office. Moreover, if your room is extremely cold or hot, your clientss will not want to come again. It is important you (as the massage therapist) ask your client before beginning what their preferred temperature would be.

4.     Uncomfortable Table

If the massage table does not have a face cradle, arm support or any bolsters that provide comfort to the client, it could lead to lesser and lesser clients for the massage therapist. It is important that they are able to lie down easily. The best investment for all massage therapists would be to buy a comfortable massage table.

5.     Not Listening to a Client

Every client has different goals when it comes to massages. Some do not want to be touched in certain areas, some do not want their body to be too stretched, and others want the entire treatment to be done in one place only.

This is why the massage therapist must ask their client or let them know that they are free to talk any time during the treatment if they want something –in particular- to be done.

6.     Poor Ambience

For massage therapists, the first priority should be the ambience of the massage room. It is important that the room has a calming scent otherwise the client will be distracted throughout the treatment.

These are the top mistakes that are made by massage therapists. If you are paying to get a massage, it is important that you are getting the most relaxation and benefits from it. Do not settle for anything less!

If you’re in the market for professional massage therapists check out our website @ www.ocwc.ca or give our office a call @ 780-455-2112.

chiropractic, whiplash, injury

Why Chiropractic Is a Great Choice for Whiplash Injuries

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If you have ever had to deal with the pain of whiplash you know how it can impact every aspect of your life. Daily tasks can be painful or even impossible to carry out. Even milder cases can make it difficult to turn your head from side to side. Whiplash can cause chronic pain and keep you from doing many of the activities that you enjoy.

Chiropractic is a very effective treatment for whiplash that not only helps with pain management; it also helps you heal faster. Your chiropractor can recommend exercises you can do at home between treatments and other lifestyle changes that will facilitate your healing and improve flexibility.

What is Whiplash?

Whiplash is a term that describes an injury that is typically focused in the neck and spine. It is caused when the head and neck is thrown in one direction very unexpectedly and quickly, then is thrust in the opposite direction. The head is whipped quickly, usually front to back. It can be whipped from side to side though.

Most people associate whiplash with car accidents, but even just turning one way while a child tugs your arm in another direction can cause it. Anything that jerks your head suddenly has the possibility to cause whiplash.

What Damage does Whiplash Cause?

The damage that is caused by whiplash is called a vertebral subluxation. It is the most common source of discomfort and pain that is caused by injuries due to whiplash. There are different kinds, caused by tension and emotional stress, poor sleeping positions, bad posture, weak muscles, and inadequate diet. This type of subluxation is caused by injury and a chiropractor can diagnose the injury and treat it.

The injury from whiplash is in the neck and spine, but the pain can extend to the head, arms, shoulders, hips, and legs. You can experience frequent headaches, numbness and tingling in your hands, and have difficulty walking or moving about. The pain can range from stiffness and soreness to stabbing and sharp. The injury can affect various nerves, causing blurred vision, dizziness, low back pain, ear ringing, and even problems with your internal organs.

Chiropractic Treatment for Whiplash

Chiropractors will use different techniques to relieve the pain of whiplash and help with healing.

  • Chiropractic Adjustment – The chiropractor performs spinal manipulation to gently move the joints into alignment. This will help to align the body to relieve pain and encourage healing.
  • Muscle Stimulation and Relaxation – This involves stretches the muscles that are affected, relieving tension and helping them to relax. Finger pressure techniques may also be combined with the stretching to relieve pain.
  • McKenzie Exercises – These exercises help with disc derangement that whiplash causes. They are first performed in the chiropractor’s office, but the patient can be taught how to do them at home. This helps the patient have some degree of control in their own healing.

Each whiplash case is different. A chiropractor will evaluate the patient and determine the appropriate treatment on a case by case basis. Different cases of whiplash have different symptoms. The chiropractor will determine the best course of treatment that will relieve your pain and restore your mobility and flexibility.

Any accident that causes whiplash can result in the vertebrae moving out of alignment. This can damage and irritate the spinal nerves. Even whiplash from years ago can still affect you if you never saw a chiropractor. Your spine can still be out of alignment and injury or trauma from years ago can cause problems that seem unrelated. Whiplash can be far more serious than you may realize.

Check out our website @ www.ocwc.ca for more information on our services. Feel free to give us a call @ 780-455-2112 to book your consultation and assessment today.

acupuncture improves life

How Acupuncture Treatment Can Improve Your Life

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Acupuncture treament has become a popular health improvement for many people because of how safe and effective it is for people of all ages. The best part is that acupuncture treatment has benefits that are known to make your quality of life better. Despite your gender or health status, all people can get the benefits from this practice and improve their life on a daily basis.

Here is how acupuncture treatment can improve your life on a daily basis:

Feeling Happier Without a Reason

The insertion of fine needles will release endorphins (these are the “natural feel-good” chemicals) in your body. Some people feel so relaxed that they tend to fall asleep while during their treatment , while others feel “euphoric” afterwards. These effects occur due to the  release of oxytocin (this hormone is known to regulate the nervous system).

Improve Your Sleep

Some acupuncture points are known to “relieve insomnia” and promote better sleep. Some Individuals who suffer from insomnia or disturbed sleep know the effects of poor sleep impacts their everyday lives. Acupuncture treatments along with lifestyle modifications can help improve the quality of your sleep.

Strengthen the Immune System

Many people talk about how they are prone to catching colds and flues. Acupuncture  treatments are known to strengthen your protective qi (wei qi) so your body can combat invading pathogens. Studies have proven that acupuncture can increase the production of white blood cells causing it to protect itself from bacterium and viruses.

Relieve Chronic Pains

Acupuncture treatments help to release endorphins throughout your body.  As endorphins are released in your body, they begin to work on all the pains of your body. When the fine acupuncture needles are inserted into your body, they start to treat the energy blockages and imbalances present in your body.

Treatment without Side Effects

Medication that is available these days tends to give instant results and dangerous side effects that –in the long run- can make the original symptoms worse. Opting for acupuncture therapy will have no negative side effects, other than a few bruises that tend to clear up in two or so days.

Change Your Outlook on Life

Acupuncture treatment has the ability to make people feel more positive and grateful as it can stimulate the “deep connections to your body.” Simply by clearing blockages in your body, you will be eliminating the internal obstacles that have been restricting you from reaching your true potential. By feeling happier and having a clear mindset, individuals tend to be more successful in achieving their goals.

 

Getting acupuncture treatment can be extremely beneficial, which is why so many people have started to opt for it. If you want to gain these benefits, give our office a call @ 780-455-2112 to book your appointment today. Check out our website @ www.ocwc.ca for more information on our clinic.

foods fight inflammation

Foods That Fight Inflammation Caused by Arthritis

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A Case for Healthy Eating

As medications and treatments get more expensive and drugs have significant unpleasant (and sometimes horrifying) side effects, more people are looking toward natural ways to treat their arthritis pain. In most cases they need look no further than the foods that they eat. While there is not nutritional magic bullet, studies have shown that getting the right nutrition from certain foods can help to minimize inflammation and pain that comes from arthritis. It can also help with your overall health and influence the symptoms as well as progression of conditions that may be related to arthritis.

There are certain foods that act as anti-inflammatories while other can increase inflammation. Arthritis sufferers who learn what foods to eat and which ones to avoid can enjoy better pain management, improved mobility, a more active lifestyle, and a more positive outlook on life. These foods provide great benefits for patients with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, gout, and other forms of inflammation caused by arthritis.

Foods that Fight Arthritis Inflammation

Different types of foods seem to affect different types of arthritis. The Arthritis Foundation offers some very good guidelines on dietary recommendations for arthritis sufferers based on their type of arthritis.

Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, phytochemicals, and antioxidants have powerful anti-inflammatory properties. These types of foods are the core of the Mediterranean style diet which consists of olive oil, fish, fresh vegetables, fruits, beans, seeds, and nuts. It should be stressed that choosing fresh foods in these categories is best. The key is to select foods that are as minimally processed as possible and contain no additives or preservatives. This means that most canned foods should be excluded. However, many supermarkets now have olive bars and other fresh, healthier food options that direct consumers away from processed, unhealthy food items. Fiber also plays a significant part in reducing arthritic inflammation.

Specific foods to incorporate into your diet to combat arthritis pain include:

  • Salmon
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Tuna
  • Mackerel
  • Egg yolks
  • Milk
  • Green tea
  • Oatmeal
  • Wild and brown rice
  • Barley
  • Quinoa
  • Beans
  • Tart cherries
  • Berries – blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries
  • Broccoli
  • Brussels sprouts
  • Cabbage

Foods that Increase Arthritis Inflammation

Just as there are foods that help alleviate arthritis pain, there are also foods that increase it. The Arthritis Foundation offers advice on foods that should be avoided by arthritis sufferers as they have been shown to increase pain and inflammation.

  • Sugar – Read the labels! Anything ingredient that ends in “ose” is a form of sugar. This includes sucrose and fructose.
  • Saturated fat – Cheese, pizza, red meat, pasta dishes, full fat dairy
  • Trans fats – Processed snack foods, cookies, crackers, stick margarine, fast food, donuts, fried foods, frozen breakfast products
  • Omega 6 fatty acids – Corn oil, sunflower oil, grapeseed oil, peanut oil, mayonnaise, vegetable oil, many salad dressings
  • Refined carbs – Crackers, rolls, bread, white potatoes, white rice
  • MSG – A food additive found in soy sauce and many Asian prepared foods, deli meats, prepared soups, salad dressings
  • Gluten and casein – Dairy and wheat foods, whey protein, rye, and wheat
  • Aspartame – Most diet sodas, artificial sweeteners, many “diet” or “sugar free” products
  • Alcohol

Paying attention to what you put into your body will not only help you better manage pain and inflammation, it will also help you feel better both physically and emotionally. A healthy, fresh diet can literally change your life.

If you need some help learning what food choices are right for you, give our office a call @780-455-2112 to book an appointment with our Holistic Nutritionist. For more information on Holistic Nutrition service visit our website @ www.ocwc.ca.