March 2018 -

5 Reasons to Visit a Homeopath

March 23, 2018March 24, 2018 Stonetown

There are many reasons and benefits in going to a Homeopath – but here are the 5 most common reasons why individuals go.

Headaches and Migraines

A lot of individuals suffer from headaches and migraines. In some cases it can even be debilitating for the individual. A homeopath works with you to understand your migraines or headaches in their totality. What exactly does it feel like for the patient? What makes it better or worse? Are there any triggers? A Homeopath will then prescribe a remedy that encompasses those symptoms. The remedies help to reduce the intensity, frequency and duration for the symptoms.

Skin conditions (eczema, psoriasis)

The skin is our biggest eliminating organ and often skin afflictions are the body’s way of letting you know that something is going on, on a deeper level. Skin conditions can have many contributing factors as to why they are manifesting in the body, such as stress, dietary issues or environmental sensitivities. A Homeopath’s job is to understand the root cause of why the skin conditions are developing. When a Homeopath prescribes at that root cause, it helps to reawaken the body’s immune system and ultimately start the process of healing.

Mental health issues (depression, bi-polar, manic depressive, anxiety)

Homeopath’s work heavily to understand the mental and emotional characteristics of an individual, such as their stresses in life. It’s a great system of medicine that can effectively address the symptoms of depression, bi-polar, anxiety and many other mental health issues.

Autoimmune disorders

Autoimmune disorders are conditions that occur when the body’s immune system is attacking itself (diseased tissue, as well as the healthy tissue). Individuals can undergo both conventional and holistic therapies to reduce incidences of flare-ups. Flare-ups generally occur in incidences of acute or chronic stress. Homeopathy is especially beneficial because it helps individuals to manage stress. It’s also a therapy that is completely safe to use in conjunction with other therapies.

Digestive disturbances (gas, bloating, constipation, IBS)

There is has been a lot of research lately in trying to understand the gut and digestive disturbances. Within some of that research, MDs have discovered this Mind-Gut connection. Where the Mind and the Gut are in constant communication with each other, and how our moods affect our gut and overall health. Therefore, when you treat just the physical symptoms (i.e the gas, bloating, constipation, IBS symptoms, etc), you are only treating part of the picture. Homeopathy helps to balance out both mind and gut by understand how the physical, emotional, and mental symptoms are connected.

To see what Homeopathy can do for you, book a free 15 minute consult with Rebecca.

Written by Rebecca Chandler, Homeopath & Reiki Master

Chiropractic

Sciatica

March 17, 2018March 14, 2019 Stonetown

I know the word… but what is it exactly?

If you have ever been diagnosed with sciatica you know how absolutely debilitating it can be. The intense, shooting low back and leg pain coupled with sensations of numbness, tingling, or weakness can make life miserable for even the happiest of people. “Sciatica” is a term that most people are familiar with but many are unclear as to what it actually refers to. So what exactly is sciatica?

Sciatica is a term used to describe intense pain originating in the low back and down into the leg and foot. Left untreated, sciatica may cause constant buttock or leg pain coupled with sensations of numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness in the legs or feet. These symptoms can be the result of many different conditions ranging from those considered more serious (e.g. spinal trauma such as fractures, certain cancers, or spinal cord compression) to those which are more easily treated such as disc herniations, muscle tightness, joint dysfunction, or nerve entrapment. It is only after a thorough history and physical examination that a correct diagnosis can be made and the severity of the condition and prognosis can be determined. Radiographs (e.g. xrays) or advanced imaging such as MRI are sometimes required to make the proper diagnosis. The main takeaway message is if you’re experiencing any of the symptoms associated with sciatica, they should never be ignored and you should be evaluated by a professional!

www.spine-health.com/blog/my-pain-sciatica-or-something-else

Treatment for Sciatica

So, now that we know what sciatica is and what can cause it, what can be done to fix it? The good news is that while symptoms associated with sciatica can be irritating and painful, oftentimes they can be successfully managed through conservative treatment alone. If it is determined that your back or leg symptoms are the result of a non-surgical condition such muscle tightness, joint dysfunction, or sciatic nerve entrapment, there are many options for treatment. Spinal adjustments performed by a chiropractor can help restore joint mobility and alignment while Active Release Techniques (ART®) can address most soft tissue components of sciatica by releasing tight muscles, breaking up fibrosis (scar tissue,) and helping free entrapped nerves. ART® and chiropractic adjusting powerfully complement each other by addressing both the joint and muscular components which are responsible for causing many common painful back and leg conditions. Supportive therapies such as massage therapy and acupuncture may also be beneficial for helping to decrease muscle tightness and pain.

The number one question I get asked when first treating a patient with sciatica is “how long is it going to take for this pain to go away?”. The great news is that sciatica tends to be self-limiting condition. The vast majority of cases usually resolve within a matter of a few weeks to a month. After the initial phase of care complete and the intense pain has decreased, I usually encourage patients to begin a program of exercises designed to help strengthen spinal muscles, improve core strength, and increase spinal mobility. To help prevent future recurrences, a thorough overview and correction of ergonomic and lifestyle factors (ex. workplace activities, posture, physical activity) which may have contributed to the sciatica developing is also highly recommended.

Ultimately, in most cases sciatica is usually a temporary inconvenience. With a proper diagnosis and correct treatment, you’ll be back to normal in no time at all.

Written By Mark Butkus

Chiropody, Injury Prevention

Quick Spring Jogging Tips

March 14, 2018June 5, 2018 Stonetown

Spring is well under way, which means outdoor jogging season is upon us. It is always around this time of year when my office becomes flooded with questions about running. Here are a few tips that will help you and your body get the most out of those early Spring jogs.

Proper Footwear

Proper footwear is perhaps the most important factor in injury prevention. It is important to remember that everyone has unique feet. A running shoe that may be appropriate for your running partner may not be suitable for you. You should be wearing a shoe that fits your foot well. As there are many different types of running shoes, visit any shoe specialty store to have your foot examined and assessed for the shoe that best fits your needs.

Warm Up and Cool Down

This is something that a lot of runners do not incorporate into the jogging routine, and can end up leading to injury. Having a simple warm up and cool down routine is essential in injury prevention. A good choice for warm up can be as simple as some gentle stretching. For cool down, many choose to slow from running speed to a brisk walk for at least 2 minutes.

Too Much, Too Fast

At this time of year, many runners are guilty of doing “too much, too fast”. The distance you were able to jog at the end of Summer last year, will likely be further than the distance achieved during your first few runs of Spring. It is important to temper your expectations, and allow your body to become conditioned to the endurace and intensity of a run. Pushing ourselves too far or too hard, can create several injuries that hold us back from exercise. Thus, it is important to start small and gradual increase our distance and intensity over time.

Shin Splints

Shin splints are one of the most common running/exercise related complaints that I see in my office. Shin splints are often described as pain in the “front” of the shins, which is caused by repetitive microtrauma. This microtrauma can arise from several factors, however, most are related to foot type and/or improper footwear. Activity modification (rest) and taping can help reduce symptoms. If the cause is related to foot type, orthotics may be useful in correcting any biomechanical abnormalities. If you are suffering from anterior shin pain before, during, or after your runs, book an appointment with a Chiropodist for a complete assessment and development of a treatment plan.

Written by James Willmore

Mental Health, Nutrition

Winter got you feeling down?

March 12, 2018March 12, 2018 Stonetown

Top 5 Tips to Feel Great this Winter

Winter can be tough for a lot of people, but for those already dealing with anxiety and depression, it can be just one more obstacle. Although we have been experiencing spring-like weather, this winter is not quite over. Right now, everyone I know is escaping to the sunny south to soak up some well needed vitamin D. If you’re not one of those people (myself included), it is even more important to focus on your health and give your body what it needs to feel great this winter.

I must admit, I’ve never been a big fan of winter and have always experienced some type of “Winter Blues”. By the time January and February rolls around, I feel sluggish, unmotivated, lazy, and sad, for what seems like no reason at all. Luckily, I have noticed a massive difference in the last couple of years and have turned into a bit of a winter lover. Who would have thought?!? After thinking for years that I just wasn’t a “winter person”, I’ve now learned how to enjoy the snow and feel great in winter. Let me share my tips to help you feel the same!

Take Vitamin D EVERY DAY!!!

I cannot stress this enough! Taking vitamin D (the sunshine vitamin) every day in the winter has made a MASSIVE difference for me – more balanced moods and a stronger immune system! Vitamin D is known as the “sunshine” vitamin because it is actually manufactured in the human skin when in contact with the ultraviolet light in the sun’s rays. Wintertime, clouds, smog, and darkly pigmented skin reduce the body’s production of this vitamin and according to recent research, we need far more vitamin D than originally thought. Vitamin D regulates bone formation (especially important in menopausal women), prevents tooth decay and gum problems, has been shown to reduce the incidence of colds, and has been used in the treatment of diabetes, visual problems, allergies, sciatica pain, and skin problems. It also boosts levels of serotonin and dopamine (your FEEL-GOOD hormones) in the brain!

I highly recommend Physica Energetics Solray D Liposome spray, which you can find at Stonetown Chiropractic & Wellness Centre. It tastes great, and the liposomes technology greatly increase absorption and assimilation.

Get outside EVERY DAY.

It’s nature’s therapy. Outside time will boost your immune system and help you escape the indoor germs and bacteria, will help you get more exercise and will provide some vitamin D. There have been many days where all I want to do is curl up with a blanket on the couch, rather than face the cold outdoors. Despite this, I know how much time I am spending indoors and how important the fresh air is for my health. I also know that once I get outside and get moving I will have no regrets, as I always feel more energized and revitalized. Bundle up, and get outdoors, even if it’s for a short time. Sometimes five minutes is all it takes to get the mood-boosting effect.

Exercise is your best option for feeling great in winter and overall well-being. It will help to boost your immune system and will leaving you feeling more confident! We tend to have more downtime in the winter so it is even more important to make stretching and movement a part of your daily routine. I have been enjoying regular yoga and Pilates’ classes lately, as it makes me feel stronger and more flexible. If you don’t feel like travelling to attend a class, there are many, many awesome & free classes online – my personal fav is Boho Beautiful on YouTube. There are many classes to choose from, from beginner to advanced, and with varying lengths so you can enjoy this practice from your own home.

4. Decrease Simple Carbohydrates in your Diet.

Simple carbs equals severe fluctuations in your blood sugar levels. These fluctuations will leave you feeling fatigued, irritable, and constantly craving more carbs and sugar. Replace simple carbs (white bread, white sugar, white rice, refined & processed foods) with complex carbs (sweet potatoes, parsnips, squash, lentils, legumes, whole grains – quinoa, wild & brown rice, millet, buckwheat, whole oats, rye) to stabilize your blood sugar levels and you will find your moods balanced, your energy levels up, and your cravings down.

5. Increase your Omega-3 intake.

Omega-3s are one of the essential fatty acids that we must consume in food. They can fight depression and anxiety by maintaining healthy levels of the brain chemicals dopamine and serotonin (your feel-good hormones), and reduce inflammation, including stiffness and joint pain. Most Canadians do not consume enough omega-3 fats and often consume way more omega-6s. An improper balance often leads to even more inflammation. To take advantage of the extraordinary benefits of omega-3s, consume these foods on a regular basis: cold water fish – salmon, mackerel, sardines, trout, herring, cod, and haddock, walnuts, flax seeds, chia seeds, and hemp seeds. If you find it difficult to incorporate these foods into your diet on a regular basis, an omega-3 supplement would be a great alternative!

Boosting your immune system and supporting your body to fight germs will result in less sickness, and an overall better winter experience. This winter’s flu epidemic shows the need for this focus.

So get out there, get active, eat right, and enjoy the cold!

Feel Great in Winter!

Written by Cara Wicke

Registered Holistic Nutritionist & BioEnergetics Practitioner

Osteopathy

Visceral Manipulation

March 3, 2018March 17, 2018 Stonetown

What is Visceral Manipulation?

Visceral manipulation focuses on the connection between stress, environment, emotion, and memory with internal organs. Just like bones, muscles, and other tissues in the body the internal organs (viscera) move when you move, walk, etc.. For example, when you breathe your kidneys move about 2.5 cm, with a deep breath move 10 cm; in a day they can move almost 1 km! The movement of the viscera is transferred to the fascia (sheets of connective tissue that encloses and separate muscles and organs) and other parts in the body. In healthy individuals everything moves fluidly but can still need help to stay mobile. Optimal health relies on a balanced relationship between viscera motion and structures of the body. Basically the ability of your organs to move around inside you makes you healthy.

There are many reasons for decreased mobility of organs:

direct trauma
diet
surgery
infections
repetitive motion
sedentary lifestyle (sitting at a desk all day)
environmental toxins (smoke, dust)
emotional stress
poor posture
pregnancy

If the organs are not moving well it can cause fixation which the body has to compensate for. This imbalance causes tension and irritation allowing for functional and structural problems throughout the body- musculoskeletal, urinary, digestive, respiratory, vascular, etc. Visceral Manipulation increases the mobility of your organs.

How does Visceral Manipulation Work

Visceral manipulation is applied to your organs by gentle and specifically placed massage to encourage body to release restrictions that cause dysfunction and pain. Each organ has a connection and relationship to structural parts of the body based on different patterns. This helps the body to restore normal motion of the viscera after treatment because our bodies are self-healing.

An example of this is scar tissue around the lungs. Scar tissue will pull the connection it has with the lungs which changes the movement of structures nearby with every breathe. It could be shifting rib motion producing a pull on the spine. The result might cause mid-back and neck pain and possible decreased shoulder motion. This is just one scenario of many possibilities caused by daily repetitions and shows that the cause can be far from the source.

Conditions that visceral manipulation can help with

Digestive disorders
Constipation and bloating
Urinary incontinence
Nausea and acid reflux
GERD
Post-operative/infectious scar tissue
Gastritis

What now?

Call Stonetown Chiropractic and Wellness Centre to book a free consultation or schedule an appointment with our Manual Osteopath.

Written by Rachel Hickey, Stonetown Chiropractic’s Manual Osteopath