massage therapy

How to Make the Most of Your Massage

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The reason why individuals opt for a massage session is so that they can get maximum benefits out of it. However, with a few mistakes made during the session, sometimes it becomes hard to get the most benefits out of this therapy. To make things easier for you, here are the ways you can get the most out of your massage.

1.      Be open

When you go in for your massage, it is important to be as open as possible. You need to be communicating with your massage therapist so you can let him/her know what to do. During the entire massage therapy, make sure you are being open and not holding any thoughts back if you want the most out of your massage.

2.      Eat in Advance

It is important to eat at least 2 hours before your massage session because you need to let your body digest the food. If you have not digested the food properly, the pressure you apply will feel uncomfortable no matter what the intensity is.

3.      Be on Time

To get the most out of your massage session, you need to make sure you are getting there on time. If you get there in a rushed state, it will take longer for you to relax. But if you get there on time, you will be more relaxed resulting in great massage.

4.      Communicate

It is important to communicate with your massage therapist. Before the session begins, you need to let your massage therapist know about health information, what you expect out of this massage and the reason why you are getting it. You must let him/her know about any allergies you may have to lotions, powders, or oils so there is no irritation on your skin. If you prefer the music to be on, let your therapist know what type of music you prefer, but if it is bothering you, then ask him/her to turn it off. If you feel any sort of discomfort throughout the course of your massage, make sure you are letting the therapist know so they can be more careful in the future. When the session is over, you need to give your therapist feedback. Let them know any details related to the speed of their hand movements, pressure, anything that did not feel good. Do not feel hesitant in discussing any concerns with your therapist.

5.      Facilitate Your Breath

No matter what type of massage you are getting, it is important to facilitate your breathing. People tend to stop breathing properly during their massage, and that is not good. It makes them anxious and tenses the muscles. With tensed muscles and disturbed breathing, there is no way you will be able to get the most out of your massage session.

All these tips will make sure you are getting the most out of a single massage session, but to get the most benefits, you will need to opt for regular massages. If you’re looking for quality, professional massage therapy service, give our office @ call @ 780-455-2112. Check us out at www.ocwc.ca.

thyroid function

5 Tips To Help Support Low Thyroid Function

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When it comes to managing your thyroid function there is no one magic bullet. Low thyroid function affects everyone in different ways. Low thyroid function is linked to an array of symptoms like :

  • Fatigue.
  • Weakness.
  • Weight gain
  • difficulty losing weight.
  • Coarse, dry hair.
  • Hair loss.
  • Dry skin.
  • Cold temperature intolerance
  • Muscle cramps and frequent muscle aches.

If you or someone you know is suffering from low thyroid function, here are 5 tips to consider.

1.Digestive Habits Improve Thyroid Function

Have good digestive habits like chewing thoroughly and not being distracted while eating. Support the break down of food in your stomach by drinking lemon water. Proteins, vitamins and mineral are broken down for absorption in the stomach.

You may not think to start with looking at your digestion when dealing with low thyroid function, but this is the first place you should start. If you not absorbing important vitamins and minerals that your thyroid needs this can be a major underlying reason your thyroid function is low.

2. Protein & Fats Improve Thyroid Function

Protein is very important for our thyroid function and overall health.  Bone broth and salmon are two great sources of protein if you are experiencing low thyroid function.

Eat healthy fats, we have all heard this, but it really is a basic to health. Our bodies can become overwhelmed by polyunsaturated fats and oils that can interfere with our inflammation and hormonal responses in the body. These imbalances in fat can have a direct impact on our thyroid health. Food sources of omega 3 fatty acids and other health fats are, avocados, fish and Chia Seeds. 

3. Cutting out gluten Improves Thyroid Function

There is a strong link between both Hashimoto’s and Graves’ disease with gluten intolerance.

Reducing or eliminating gluten can be quite difficult for many people. Once gluten has been eliminated from the diet it can take up to six months to have the desired effect our immune systems. That is why gluten elimination should last at least 3 to 6 months

4. Iodine Absorption Improves Thyroid Function

Getting enough Iodine is a good place to start. Great food sources include from fish, sea vegetables and sea salt to the diet on a weekly basis.

Some foods inhibit the absorption of iodine. Foods with this property are called goitrogens. If the problem is low thyroid function then it may be useful to avoid or limit goitrogens in our diets. Examples of foods that act like goitrogens are soy, millet, flax, peanuts, caffeine and canola

The following foods are also goitrogrens. Consider cooking or steaming all foods on this list as cooking breakdown the goitrogens: (all dark leafy green vegetables) spinach, arugula, broccoli, kale, cabbage, cauliflower, chinese cabbage, collards, kohlrabi, mustard greens, bok choy, brussels sprouts, turnips, sweet potatoes, rutabaga, sauerkraut, kimchi, horse radish

Many pesticides used to grow our food also can inhibit iodine absorption. Reduce pesticides by buying organic, properly cooking foods and washing all fruits and vegetables thoroughly. A great resource is to look up the dirty dozen and clean fifteen for a list of what to buy organic. If you are on a tight budget consider buying organic for any animal-based products.

5. Lifestyle tips Habits Improve Thyroid Function

Get adequate sleep because lack of sleep puts stress on the body. Usually somewhere between 7 to 8 hours per night is best.

Exercise moderately. Both no exercise and excessive exercise are hard on the thyroid gland. Many people with low thyroid function will report continued weight gain. This can be frustrating resulting in a lack of motivation to continue exercising.

No exercise is not healthy on the body but over exercising with low thyroid function can be stressful on the body as well. Consider activities such as yoga, dance or movement classes to keep on track. As you continue to balance your thyroid function you can add more exercise or movement into your life.

Meditation and deep breathing have been shown to help balance the thyroid and adrenal glands. As a meditation and yoga teacher I had to add this in. We often don’t take time to listen to our bodies signals and if we take couple moments each day to listen to ourselves, we may be surprised by how our bodies are sending us the information we need to help ourselves. Only you can listen to yourself in this way, don’t make your body have to send you big signs where you must listen.

Do something you enjoy every day. Take a bubble bath, read, go for a walk. Whatever you enjoy! Don’t deny yourself, we only experience this moment once so enjoy it whenever you can.

If you’re interested in a helping hand give our office a call @ 780-455-2112 and our staff will find a time for you to meet me, Alicia Miller, Holistic Nutritional Consultant. Checkout our website @ www.ocwc.ca to learn more about my services.

Alicia Miller, Holistic Nutritional Consultant, Yoga Instructor

acupuncture benefits points

Acupuncture Points You Should Know

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Acupuncture has become a form of therapy that allows individuals to release energies from within their bodies so all pains can be released by targeting specific points. Regardless of what an individual’s age may be, he or she can gain the most benefits out of this therapy. For this reason, it is important for people to opt for this therapy, as there are no side effects!

The best part is that there are only five acupressure points for you to focus on. To apply pressure for yourself on these points, you do not need to have in depth knowledge about acupressure or acupuncture; you just need to know where the point is located and what symptoms you can fight  by having acupressure done.

How Is Acupressure Done

You need to deeply press the point for at least 2 to 3 minutes or until you begin to feel strong sensations. Sometimes, individuals feel warmth when the point releases energy in the energy channels (meridians) that is then directed to the rest of your body.

When this warmth takes over your body, it means you are doing it right!

1.     LI 4 (Large Intestine 4) – Common pain point

This point is connected with the face and head, which is why it helps with sinus problems, toothaches, and headaches. Since this point is powerful, it must not be done on pregnant women as it can stimulate contractions. However, if you are not pregnant and are suffering from pains, then you can use this point and calm your pains without having to resort to medication.

Uses:

  • Constipation
  • Neck pains
  • Sinus infections
  • Headaches
  • Toothaches
  • Migraines
  • Red/swollen eyes
  • Pains on your entire body

Location: The webbing between your index finger and thumb

2.     PC 6 (Pericardium 6) – Common calming point

This point is the best point to help calm an anxious person.

Uses:

  • Opens up and relaxes the chest: palpitations, asthma, angina
  • Nervousness
  • Poor memory
  • Nausea, motion sickness, seasickness
  • Sleeping disorders
  • Poor memory
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome

Location: In the wrist in between two tendons that are up from the wrist

3.     Taiyang – Common headache and stress relief point

This is another point that will help relieve pains all over your body.

Uses:

  • Toothaches
  • Dizziness
  • One sided headaches
  • Migraines
  • Facial paralysis
  • Sinus issues

Location: The crease below and away from the eyebrow

4.     LV3 (Liver 3) – Common pain and stress relief

This point is beneficial in eliminating pain and stresses from your body.

Uses:

  • Eyes issues – pain, redness, swelling, or blurred vision
  • Genital issues
  • Calming point
  • Canker sores, headaches, dizziness
  • Menstrual issues
  • Digestive issues

Location: The webbing between the big toe and second toe (between two tendons)

5.     GB 20 (Gallbladder 20) – Common point for flu, cough, and cold

Uses:

  • Twitching, numbness, vertigo, paralysis, tremors, dizziness
  • Throat, face, and “sense organ help”
  • Eye issues
  • Hypertension
  • Fevers and chills
  • Stiff neck
  • All issues related to the head
  • Headaches that occur at the back of the head

Location: Back of the head, below the skull bone, on either side of the spine

 

You can apply pressure on these points at home or ask an acupuncturist to do so! Simply by incorporating it in your life will allow you to live a healthy life!

Our clinic is home to some of the best registered therapists in town. Give us a call at (780)455-2112 to schedule your appointment today! Visit www.ocwc.ca to learn more about our therapists or to book online.

 

facet syndrome pain

How Chiropractic Helps Relieve Pain From Facet Syndrome

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Facet syndrome, also called facet joint sprain or facet joint syndrome is a common cause of back pain. There are many treatments that are used, but most mainstream medical treatments involve pain medication which can have undesirable side effects and may even lead to addiction.

Chiropractic is a proven, reliable treatment for relieving the pain and discomfort of facet syndrome. It helps restore mobility and flexibility while providing pain relief. Some patient notice significant relief from the pain and inflammation of this condition with chiropractic treatment and it is often recommended to facet syndrome patients.

What is facet syndrome?

Facet syndrome is the result of an injury to the facet joints. Zygapophyseal joints, or facet joints reside at the posterior of the spine. At each level there are two joints, one on each side of the spine.

The facet joints are enclosed in a joint capsule. They are synovial joints so the capsule contains synovial fluid. The surface of the joints is covered with hyaline cartilage.

Other joints, such as the ankle, contain this type of cartilage covering. These joints are constructed in this way due to their role in the body – to control excessive or extensive movement. This would include hyper extension and rotation. By doing so they help to stabilize the spine.

Facet syndrome occurs when there is an injury to the facet joints. There are numerous causes, but basically, it is a sprain that is brought about by excessive movement.

This damages the joint capsule and the result is inflammation, swelling, and pain. The pain triggers a protective mechanism in the spine called a reactive muscle spasm which causes great difficulty in moving comfortable and severe, sudden pain.

It is difficult to rest the back because of its integral function in supporting the entire body. A severe sprain can take weeks to heal, typically 2 to 6 weeks. This means that the pain and lack of mobility is impacting you on a daily basis. It can be very difficult to pursue day to day activities and enjoy your typical lifestyle.

Chiropractic for facet syndrome

Chiropractic care is a proven, effective treatment for facet syndrome. When you visit your chiropractor, he or she will conduct a physical exam, discuss your medical history, and may send you for diagnostic tests like x-rays and MRIs. Once they have a clear picture of your condition and a facet syndrome diagnosis has been confirmed, they will discuss with you a recommended course of treatment that may include:

  • Exercise – they will recommend specific exercises to help relieve the pain and strengthen the muscles in the back so that they can better support the spine.
  • Posture – posture is extremely important in spinal health and overall wellness. Your chiropractor will help you achieve good, healthy posture and give you exercises to do at home to help you maintain good posture and retrain your body to have better posture.
  • Heat or cold therapy – heat wraps and hot showers or ice packs and cold pad applications may be recommended to help control pain.
  • Changes in activities – you may be advised to take frequent breaks if you sit at a desk all day or to shorten your commute. There may be some activities that you won’t be able to do for a while – or won’t be able to do for long periods of time until your back heals.
  • Chiropractic treatment – spinal manipulation is the most common chiropractic treatment for facet syndrome. Your chiropractor may include other types of treatments though, depending on your specific condition and lifestyle.

Chiropractic is a safe, effective, non-invasive, and drug free way to treat facet syndrome, relieve back pain, and help you regain your mobility. Talk to your chiropractor about your treatment options for facet syndrome.

If you or someone you know might be suffering from severe back pain, give our clinic a call at (780)455-2112 and our staff will be happy to help. Visit www.ocwc.ca for more information about us!