Tuina Massage Therapy makes use of rhythmic compression techniques in different energy channels of the body to establish a harmonious flow of Qi (bio-energy). Tuina uses various hand techniques in combination with acupressure and other manipulation methods. In Tuina massage, that often focuses on the deeper layer muscle and connective tissues. This massage removes the blockages and keeps the energy moving through the meridians, as well as through the muscles and joints. The best part about it is that it relaxes as well as energizes. Tuina is a very effective therapy for stiff neck, sore back, arthritis, sciatica, and muscle aches and spasms. It also helps with stress-related disorders like insomnia, indigestion, and headaches. Dr. Li Lin, Brandon Acupuncture Chinese Medicine & Herbal Centre, Brandon-Acupuncture.com

• That low back pain can be caused by your psoas (ˈsōəs) muscle, located on the front of your spine. Having it massaged can also help with menstrual cramps.
• That the inside of your mouth can be massaged. This can help with many TMJ (jaw) problems, like clenching your teeth, or popping/clicking/locking of your jaw.
• That if the pelvis is out of alignment, the body will overcompensate and massage can correct it.
• That headaches can come from other areas of the body. Assessments and massage can help.
• That massage therapists can re-align joints with specific assessments and treatments.Crossroads Rehabilitative Massage, CRmassagebrandon.ca

Whiplash and related soft-tissue injuries are often associated with a motor vehicle accident. To avoid whiplash, always ensure your headrest is adjusted properly to help reduce the distance between the back of the head and the headrest, which stops the neck from bending back. Make sure the top of the headrest is at least level with the top of your head. Position the headrest so it’s as close to the back of your head as possible. You may need to adjust the back of the seat as well. Be sure your passengers adjust their headrests too. Safe travels! Doug Treloar, BMR, PT Physio First Clinic, PhysioFirstClinic.ca

Many cat owners feel guilty about keeping their cats inside and worry they are depriving them of natural instincts. Generally speaking, a cat that spends his entire life indoors will live many years longer than a cat restricted to the outdoors. On top of the parasites and potentially fatal diseases it can contract (including feline leukemia and feline AIDS), your outdoor cat is always at risk of being struck by a vehicle. It’s a myth that going outside is a requirement for feline happiness. Playing regularly with cats and providing them with entertaining toys can easily satisfy their stalking instinct, keep them stimulated, and provide the exercise they need to stay healthy and happy. Rob Lamont, A Pet Lovers Warehouse, APetLovers.com

Attending to your brain function is not just an alternative consideration or luxury. It is fundamental to optimal brain health. When the network of your brain neurons works in synchrony, it is like having a wonderful jazz conductor supporting the engagement of the large number of musicians in their concert band. Your body needs the master regulator to listen, improvise, and interact with your body organs so you have a fluid system responding to the challenges of the moment. Brainwave Optimization supports your brain function in a comprehensive way so you can live your life with the dynamic “call and response” paradigm of jazz. Joanne Couture, RMFT, RSW. La Loba, LaLobaTraumaRelease.com

Your immune system works hard to protect you from injury, illness, and disease. This process usually involves inflammation, a natural response to stress, tissue damage, and harmful stimuli like viruses, bacteria, and toxins. Inflammation functions similarly to an engine warning light, alerting you to the presence of a problem through symptoms such as heat, pain, redness, swelling, and/or loss of function. 85% of the immune system is located in our gut. An anti-inflammatory diet rich in vitamins A, C, and E and the mineral selenium provides your gut with the ingredients it needs to bolster immunity and achieve optimal mental and physical health. Sean Miller, CMHA, mbwpg.cmha.ca

A well-balanced exercise program used as part of managing lymphedema can reduce swelling and help to continue with normal activities. Exercises should be customized by a lymphedema therapist and can include:
• Decongestive Exercise—active, non-resisted, repetitive to propel fluid back.
• Abdominal Breathing—movement of the diaphragm for sufficient return of the lymphatic fluid to the bloodstream.
• Aerobic Exercise—uses large repetitive muscle activity, but must be low-risk. Inappropriate weights present a RISK for injury.
• Aquatic Exercise—develops range of motion and flexibility and the hydrostatic pressure acts like a “full body compression garment”.
Marita Dowsett, B.P.T. Physio4U, Physio4u.net