Do you suffer from a stuffy or runny nose? What about itchy, watery eyes? Do you want to avoid daily use of over-the-counter drugs? It could be time to give acupuncture a try. Allergies occur when the body’s protective Qi (pronounced “chee”) becomes weakened. When this protective Qi is not functioning optimally, harmful environmental influences such as wind are able to invade the body, giving rise to allergies and illness. Acupuncture is a highly effective, natural alternative to strengthen and support the body’s immune system. Consider trying acupuncture to alleviate and eventually prevent your seasonal allergies and hay fever. You will be overjoyed with the relief you experience!

Reflexology is a natural therapy that reduces pain, stress & tension in the body and improves circulation (cardiovascular & lymphatic) and elimination.
There are reflexes in the feet which are connected to every part, organ and gland through a subtle energy that flows through channels in the body. When there is discomfort like stress, trauma, injury or illness, blockages develop in these channels and the flow of energy becomes disrupted. By applying pressure to these reflexes, signals are sent via the nervous system that release these blockages, relax the body and balance the natural functioning elsewhere in the body. It is a total ‘reboot and rebalance’!

Q: I tried watching the lunar eclipse recently but I had a hard time with it. I had to close one eye or the other because it appeared doubled. Why would that happen?

A: It sounds like you probably have a slight misalignment of your eyes. Sometimes this only shows up in certain circumstances. Looking at the moon is a unique situation because it is so far away, and the surroundings are dark. Get your eyes checked to see if it’s a problem with your eyes, or your general health.

Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of mortality in Canada, and at least 1 in 10 Canadians are currently taking cholesterol lowering drugs (Statins). Here’s the thing: Statins lower cholesterol, but often cause Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) depletion. CoQ10 protects the cardiovascular system and heart cells. It also helps produce cellular energy, meaning depletion can lead to chronic fatigue, brain fog, erectile dysfunction, and poor muscle function and recovery. A supplement of at least 100mg of the active form of CoQ10 is a great way to support the cardiovascular system and overall health.

Tendinopathies are one of the most common injuries individuals seek treatment for (i.e. tennis elbow, achilles tendinopathy). They can be debilitating and ongoing as they tend not to improve with time and rest. Research is mixed on the best treatment for tendinopathies, however, one trend emerging is the that rehab programs should be focused on improving the capacity of the muscle and tendon to manage load. This means, in addition to hands-on therapy, a progressive tendon loading exercise program is key to full recovery. Physiotherapy can help break the negative cycle of these overuse injuries and prevent recurrence.

Research shows that on a conventional and scientific level that we can communicate with trees. To communicate with a tree, using your hands, connect with its energy field. With your heart ask permission to spend time with it. Place your hands on the tree, smell, feel and touch it’s leaves. Stand and hug or sit with your back against it’s trunk. Sit quiet and connect with the spirit within you. Ask a question and breathe in your answer. Thank the tree before leaving. This takes practise but overtime your communication will intensify.

As a Financial Planner I’m sometimes asked, should I do this or should I do that? In finance, it’s rarely that cut and dried. Should you pay off debt or invest? It depends. Should I invest in my RSP or TFSA? It depends! More often the answer is do something, or do both. If you work with a professional you should expect analysis and detailed response to the above questions, but more often than not, taking some positive financial steps to either reduce debt or increase tax efficiency (like RSP or TFSA) is always a good move.

Meet Jenn Abele, your local Registered Dietitian. Jenn’s approach to health and nutrition is evidenced-based and compassionate, working alongside clients to find individualized solutions that fit their lifestyle and goals. Whether you are looking for guidance on general nutrition questions or you require support with a specific area of concern, Jenn can help you to make sense of the overwhelming amount of nutrition information out there. Jenn is an advocate against diets and weight stigma and believes that health comes in all shapes and sizes. Her intention is to help you focus on the important things so you can worry less and enjoy life more.

Hypertension (high blood pressure) is one of the risk factors for heart disease. It is a long-term medical condition where the blood pressure in the arteries is persistently elevated.
You can help control or reduce hypertension in the areas of diet, exercise, weight, salt reduction, limiting alcohol & caffeine, not smoking and managing stress.
Many doctors include deep breathing and meditation in a stress management plan. Both Qigong and Reiki are excellent ‘tools’ for stress reduction. Slow, deep breathing and meditation are foundational to the practice of Qigong and the deep meditative state experienced while receiving Reiki brings deep relaxation, calm and peace to the body/mind.
The combination of movements and slow, deep and gentle breathing in Qigong helps the body & mind relax and release tension. Then, by focusing inward and replacing worries and negative thoughts with positive thoughts and emotions, a state of calm and peace is achieved that also positively affect the qi (energy) and blood circulation.
There have been a number of studies done worldwide on the benefits of Qigong for the heart. Overall, results show that practicing Qigong as a complement to medical treatment can help to improve blood pressure, heart and respiratory rates.
Reiki has been described as ‘spiritually-guided life force energy’ that has the ability to help balance our ‘energy’ on all levels – body, mind and spirit. In ‘matters of the heart’ it can also help to elevate the feelings of acceptance, love and compassion bringing with it an acceptance of the moment and a state of calm and peace that affects the whole person.
Studies have also been done with Reiki that have varying positive results depending on the focus of the study. With regard to the heart, Reiki as a complementary therapy can help to improve HRV (heart rate variability), mental state and quality of life (ie sleep, reduction in pain) especially after a heart attack and surgery. An example of one such study is found at: http://content.onlinejacc.org/article.aspx?articleid=1143148
February is Heart Month in Canada. What better time to do something new for your heart?!