Community News
Acupuncture and the Aging Process

Although aging is an unavoidable part of life, aging well is something we can all strive for. The risk of disease and disability often increases as we age, but taking steps to protect our health can help limit some of the common ailments that we expect to face as seniors. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and acupuncture in particular, can help with symptoms of aging from an energy perspective, rather than just the typical hormonal perspective. This holistic approach can help treat inflammation, hormonal imbalances, and chronic conditions like hypertension, fibromyalgia, and arthritis safely and effectively, even alongside Western Medicine treatments.

Wellness Tea of the Month

Appledream Goji Chokecherry Strawberry.
Don’t let the name fool you, this tea is sweet, smooth and delicious! With a medley of berries and citrus fruits, this tea both appeals to both the sweet and tangy flavour lovers. An explosion of fresh fruit and high in vitamin C! Enjoy this tea iced on a hot summer day! This fruit infusion contains apple bits, dragon fruit bits, sea buckthorn berries, chokeberries, goji berries, kiwi bits, pineapple bits, papaya bits, cranberry bits, blueberries, flavor, and added vitamin C.

Beat the Heat this Summer

Getting outside for activity should be a priority especially during the warmer months. However, certain precautions should be taken to avoid over-exposure to the heat and sun. Choosing to get outside earlier in the day when it’s a bit cooler, covering up with light/breathable clothing, a hat and sunscreen, and ensuring that you are always hydrated by drinking water throughout the day (and not just when you feel thirsty), are all good strategies to get full enjoyment out of your outdoor activities. Enjoy the beautiful sunshine!

Get Too Much Sun?

If you have a sunburn, applying Aloe Vera is a great way to promote healing and get respite from the pain and swelling. Aloe Vera is a tropical medicinal plant that has been used for thousands of years to treat skin conditions, such as wounds and burns. It is so effective at soothing burns that it’s sometimes referred to as the “burn plant.” To treat a sunburn, spread a layer of pure gel extracted from the inside of an Aloe Vera leaf over the burnt skin. You can grow your own plants at home, or you can use a store-bough product, as long as it is 100% Aloe Vera gel.

Advice from a Travel Expert

With all that is going on in the world, here is some sage advice for when you travel. Always purchase travel insurance that includes coverage for medical, cancellation and interruption. This is what is going to help you not only if you need medical care, but also if there are travel advisories, flight cancellations, and other unexpected world events. Always use a travel advisor. Wouldn’t you like to have someone else advocating for you and solving your travel problems? Remember to leave contact details of where you will be with a family member or friend.

Laser Treatments from Your Family Doctor!

Did you know that you can now receive private laser treatment services from your family doctor for a range of health concerns? The Fotona SP laser is an award-winning treatment that can help with conditions such as snoring and sleep apnea, hair removal, skin tightening, scar revision, toenail fungus, skin resurfacing, vascular lesions, and spider veins. The Fotona combines two complementary laser wavelengths that work in harmony to create thermal effects without damaging the skin’s surface. This allows for a range of non-contact, non-invasive procedures that offer greater patient comfort, reduced downtime, and quicker healing, not to mention long-lasting results. Offering free consultations.

Heal with Guasha

Guasha is an ancient healing technique used in traditional Chinese medicine. In the treatment, special oil is put on a particular area of the skin, and the therapist starts “scraping” the area repeatedly with a “scraper” (a specially designed instrument of jade or horn). Patients hardly feel pain, neither during nor after the treatment. This process can improve local microcirculation instead of causing tissue damage. In most cases the patient feels an immediate improvement in their condition particularly in their pain or sense of constraint.

Words to Live By

“Success is not measured by what you accomplish, but by the opposition you have encountered, and the courage with which you have maintained the struggle against overwhelming odds.” – Orison Swett Marden

Fear of Falls Causes Unsafe Behavior

When someone is fearful of falling, they start to avoid everyday activities by staying at home and doing less. This lack of activity leads to loss of strength, reduced muscle tone, and loss of coordination and balance. This physical deterioration increases the risk of falling and if a fall does occur, it further heightens the fear. Turn your fear of falling into positive actions; remain active, exercise regularly, use assistive devices such as walkers or grab bars and wear sensible shoes. Consider joining a group session designed especially to teach balance exercises for fall prevention.

Citrus Oils Are Happy Oils!

Besides smelling amazing, citrus oils like bergamot, grapefruit, lemon, lime, and orange offer many health benefits. Limonene or D-Limonene, a natural compound found in citrus oils, has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Citrus oils have a positive effect on the lymphatic system, which helps your body detoxify. This can also help with problems such as poor circulation, allergies, cellulite, and fluid retention. The scent of citrus oils is a great mood booster, and you can add these oils to dish soap, hand soap, a carrier oil (for massage), or room freshening spray to enjoy them all day long!