Meridians, based on traditional Chinese medicine, are pathways for life energy – Chi. Chi is a force that informs and connects all parts of your body and controls its function. Acupuncturists and reflexologists access Chi via acupuncture points to stimulate the flow of Chi, releasing blockages that cause dysfunction and dis-ease in the body. We define energy as “information that vibrates” (Cyndi Dale, 2009). Vibrational medicine uses frequencies and resonance for the same purpose. It stimulates the body on a cellular and subtle energy level, activating and facilitating the energy flow in the meridians which leads to the release of energy blockages.
Community News
Summer Solstice Blessing!
“May the long time sun Shine upon you; All love surround you; the pure light within you Guide your way.” June marks the beginning of Summer! It is a time to celebrate the joy of being alive and the pleasure of gathering with friends. Are you still feeling anxious? It is time to release those trapped emotions and make it your best summer yet. As a Certified Body/Emotion Code Practitioner, I can help you release any unprocessed negative (trapped) emotions to allow more JOY in your life.
Community Partnerships & Resources
At Wellnessnews Choices for Healthy Living®, we are proud to be active in our communities. We promote events and activities that help bring health and well-being into people’s lives. This month, we have partnered with the Victoria HarbourCats and the Nanaimo NightOwls Baseball Clubs, The Victoria Goddess Run and the Aging Well Seniors Expo in Cowichan. Our health and wellness resources include our printed newsletters, our online WellnessHubVancouverIsland.ca, the “Wellness Wednesday” radio show on CHLY 101.7 FM or CHLY.ca and our Expos. Check out the Hub for more information and to enter our June contest.
Signs of Caregiver Burnout
When you are the caregiver of a loved one, it’s important to also take care of yourself. Here are some signs that you may be suffering from burnout: *Withdrawal from family and friends, *Changes in sleep patterns, *Feelings of irritability, helplessness and resentment.,*Decline in your own health. Things you can do to support yourself include talking to a trusted friend or co-worker; finding a support group and being realistic about your loved one’s state of health. Recognize that the time may come when your loved one will need specialized long term care and know that it is available in your community.
Father’s Day Gift – Wellness
Does your dad have a closet full of Father’s Day ties? This year, show him that you care about his wellness and give him socks – VoxxLife socks. They have wearable technology that works with the brain to reduce pain, increase strength and endurance and enhance stability and balance. Knee-high socks with mild compression are great when standing for a long time or excess sitting. For the active walkers or runners, chose moisture-wicking socks to keep the feet cool in summer. Socks are available for pick-up or delivery in Central Vancouver Island or order directly from the website.
Healthy Food Can Be Fun
What comes to mind when you think of a healthy meal? Baked chicken, steamed broccoli with a side of plain brown rice, might come to mind but where’s the fun in that? A rule of thumb when it comes to a healthy meal is that your plate should be about ½ fruits and/or veggies, ¼ protein and ¼ starchy carbs like rice, pasta, or potato. Spice it up by playing with new cooking methods, seasonings, cultures such as Mexican, Italian, Asian, new foods and herbs. Your food can be fun, tasty and healthy. Get adventurous. I can help.
Strengthening Our Resilience
Asking for help is the first step toward improving mental health and wellbeing. The next step is finding it. That’s why, for the last 54 years, SOS has been committed to ensuring that all residents have access to support for strengthening their resilience. Our Counselling Referral, Personal Growth, Seniors’ Advocacy Services, Seniors Connecting and Child, Youth and Family programs make a meaningful difference to residents of every age and socio-economic group. To learn more about these free and subsidized programs, or how to support them, visit our website, call us or come by our Community Services Centre in Parksville.
Senior Brain Health
It’s important for people of all ages to keep their brains healthy with regular workouts, but especially so for seniors. Here are five ways you can keep your mind sharp as you age: 1) Play a game. Try a sudoku, crossword, or jigsaw puzzle, or play a game of cards with friends. 2) Get moving. Regular exercise increases blood flow to your brain and increases neurons. 3) Listen to or play music. Science shows that music is a great brain booster. 4) Eat right. A diet rich in healthy fats is crucial for cognitive health. 5) Learn something new. Keep your mind engaged!
May is a Great Time to Clean
May is a great time to spring clean your home and spruce up your exercise and eating habits. We welcome you to check out the Wellness Hub, our local, online Health and Wellness resource. The Wellness Hub features hundreds of health tips and articles on a variety of health and wellness topics along with a directory of hundreds of local businesses and practitioners offering services and products. It is easy to search, access and share information. While you are checking out the Wellness Hub, don’t forget to enter the May Contest for a chance to win Baseball Tickets.
Boost Well-being with Fresh Air & Exercise
One of the best things about living on Vancouver Island is having nature right in our backyard. With summer just around the corner, it is a great time to take advantage of everything our island has to offer. Whether it is just a walk around the block or a hike up a mountain, the fresh air and exercise boost our well-being. So lace up your shoes and wear VoxxLife socks with HPT for enhanced balance and stability. Additional benefits include; enhanced pain relief and management, especially PDN pain and improved mobility.
There Are NO Bad Foods
Contrary to popular opinion, there are no truly “bad” foods. There are indeed foods that are better and worse when it comes to nutrition, but food, even cake, has no “morality”. We tell ourselves that these “junk foods” are “bad”, yet we often celebrate milestones in life with them. Weddings, birthdays, getting into college, or even retiring come with a cake that is shared with friends, family and colleagues. Although cake might not be the most nutritious form of calories, it can still be enjoyed in a balanced diet where nutrients come from other sources throughout the day.
