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Blog

Why You Should Try Acupuncture and Herbal Therapy for Your Arthritis

11/17/2015

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For many people the onset of the cold damp weather also marks the worsening of arthritis symptoms.  With many of the common conventional therapies used to treat this painful condition, risks and side effects can be abundant.  Overuse of pain killers can lead to organ damage (namely stomach, liver, and kidneys), and tolerance leads to a problematic cycle of needing higher doses to relieve the pain.  Cortisone shots can lead to degenerative changes in the joint, potentially worsening the situation in the long run.

Complementary therapies can offer safer and highly effective means to treat arthritis, and depending on the situation, can either reduce the amount and dependence on conventional drugs, or replace them altogether.  Acupuncture is one of the safest available alternative therapies, and has been shown in numerous well-designed studies to be highly effective in providing long term management of arthritis symptoms.  A thin needle correctly placed, will set off a chain of natural chemical events in the body, releasing chemicals that change the body’s perception of the pain, as well as agents that work to control the inflammation.  Stimulation of the local circulation adds to the pain relief and can reduce stiffness.  Often electric stimulation is added to the needles, a process that is quite comfortable and works to potentiate these effects.

Certain simple herbal remedies can greatly accentuate treatment, and many herbs not only offer little in the way of side effects, but may also offer added benefit to the body by the way of antioxidant and organ-protective actions.  These 4 herbs have demonstrated significant benefit for arthritis symptoms:

1- Boswelia serrata – called Mo Yao in Chinese Medicine, the medicinal part of this tree is the aromatic resin you may recognize - frankincense.  Boswellia has strong anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, has demonstrated the ability to slow cartilage loss, and may work against the autoimmune process.
2- Capsicum extract – the agent that makes the hot pepper, hot.  Can open the circulation and reduce the perception of pain by inhibiting a pain transmitter.  Versatile for use as a topical cream to provide relief at the source.
3- Turmeric – called Yu Jin in Chinese medicine, and gaining much popularity as a natural anti-inflammatory and analgesic.  Works again to inhibit pain receptors and inflammatory chemicals.  Best taken as an extract (called curcumin) for medicinal purposes.
4- Ginger – called Sheng Jiang in Chinese Medicine, very similar in use and effect as turmeric, as the 2 plants share close botanical relation.  

Other supplements also have much to offer for arthritis relief, namely Omega 3 fatty acids.

As herbs and supplements have medicinal effect, it always of utmost importance to check to be sure they are suitable for your individual use, especially if you are taking prescription medications, have certain medical conditions, or are pregnant.  

Rebecca Stephens D.TCM, R.Ac, B.Sc.

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The Tangled Roots of TCM

10/7/2015

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Acupuncture origin










During Acupuncture treatments, I often have people asking me about the origins of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Acupuncture.  Although I’m quite sure that today, with our modern research and tools, it is practiced in a starkly different manner than when it first appeared in the Stone Age.  The fact that a medicine of such importance today can trace its roots back into prehistory is truly fascinating.

    Although we attribute the origins to China (indeed, we call it “Chinese Medicine”), and call it roughly 3000-5000 years old, there is a bit of speculation to this.  It is very likely that outside influences played important parts in its development, just as Chinese influences are found in the roots of many other cultures.  Ancient exploration and trade routes would have undoubtedly served as vessels to mix ideas, medicinal substances, and tools.  Being a close neighbour, Indian influence is very easy to spot in TCM herbal medicine, as many of the herbs originally grew in India and were documented for much the same purposes in Ayurvedic medicine.  Excavation of ancient tombs finds “Chinese Herbs” in other parts, such as a bundle of Ma Huang (Ephedra plant) discovered in a Neolithic tomb in the Middle East, at a time thousands of years before the Chinese Materia Medica was being compiled.  Many people will remember the discovery of Otzi, the famous “Iceman” mummy of a Bronze Age man in the Italian Alps, and how he had tattoos that seemed to correspond to acupuncture points.

    Safe to say, the exact ancestral origins to our modern practice are lost to history.  Many theories circulate, and it can be left to the imagination how exactly an idea bloomed in a time when all we had to look to was our natural environment for tools to help us stay alive and well.  In terms of acupuncture, it would not be a stretch to think about how the instance must have arisen when someone discovered that points “here” could have effect on other points “there”.  Perhaps it was the constipated early human, whose intestines were plugged up by gorging on the latest large game hunt, who discovered “When I rub this tender area on my hand or on my foot, I can actually feel my bowels start to move.” 

    Of course like many other important discoveries, it is likely that similar findings were made by many other people in many other areas.  It is thought that the use of stone knives and lances used for primitive surgery may have fostered the realization that the puncture of one area brought about sensation in another.  Warriors hit in battle with arrows could have discovered pain traveling along certain routes that would become somewhat predictable.  Observations of the skin would discover that discolourations or changes would occur in certain areas in relation to disease or trauma in other areas.

    Since the human race owes its development to curiosity and experimentation, these ideas would have been fostered through centuries of trial and error.  Ground-breaking discoveries would have been made alongside marked failures as the makings of a line of therapy would have started to form.  When people ask me about the safety of TCM and acupuncture, I like to point out with a smile that few other medicines in use today can boast as long of a period of human testing (besides the strict modern rules and regulations that all registered practitioners must adhere to, I might add!).  Over time, and as civilization developed, this knowledge was written down.  And it is here that China began to shine as the civilization that organized, studied, and developed these methods into a structured form of Medicine.

    With these roots in ancient “trial and error/borrow and trade”, Chinese Medicine would grow as an integral part of Chinese culture, having its theories shaped and cultivated by religious beliefs, pragmatic philosophy, and even politics as different Dynasties rose and fell.

    Today we have “picked and chosen” what has suited us from this vast compendium, to give us something we can standardize and integrate into a modern model of therapy.  Our modern style of acupuncture is incredibly versatile and able to apply to a wide range of concerns and situations.  But we do not forget its roots, and we are indeed doing what has always been done in history - pulling out what we think of as relevant parts of something that has served us in the past and grow it to relate to our current situation.  Of course you never know when something that has been passed-over will become important in the future, so it is important to preserve the history as best we can.  I am so happy that remembering these roots is a core part of the TCM/Acupuncture education, as we read from the Ancient Texts and learn about the Founding Doctors in this fascinating field.  But that is a whole other story altogether!

Rebecca Stephens
DTCM, R.Ac.



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With the Fall Season on the Doorstep, it’s time to Show Your Face some Love!

9/24/2015

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Cosmetiv acupuncture
Fall equinox occurs this year on Wednesday September 23, and marks the official start of the new Season!  After a long and sun-drenched summer, now is the perfect time to show your skin a little TLC and focus on rejuvenation and repair.  We all know that, as much fun as it might have been to collect it, sun damage accelerates the aging of the skin!

Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture (AKA Cosmetic Acupuncture) is a wonderful drug-free and non-surgical way to reverse some of this damage, reduce the signs of aging, and set your face and body aglow.  This simple procedure places ultra-fine needles into specific points on the face and body to:

1) Directly minimize or eliminate fine lines by encouraging local collagen production

2) Increase circulation to the face, brightening and smoothing the complexion, tightening the pores and reducing dark circles around the eyes.

3) Tighten and tone the muscles of the face and jaw, reducing sagging.

4) Restore the proper functioning of the skin, addressing specific concerns such as Acne or Rosacea.

The individualized approach of Acupuncture addresses the whole body, as your face is indeed a reflection of your entire health!  During your first visit, your specific concerns are noted and a whole health picture is documented.  Then a customized treatment is designed to address your specific needs. 

Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture is performed by Rebecca Stephens DTCM, R.Ac. at Healing Cedar Wellness.  She offers a Free 15 Minute Consultation to meet with you and determine what this treatment may have to offer you. 
Please note that all or part of this treatment may be covered by your Health Plan if you have insurance coverage for Acupuncture.  Call us now to book your appointment at (604) 469-1616.



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4 Simple Steps to Get Your Irritable Bowel Under Control

2/21/2015

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What is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

It is estimated that 5 million Canadians suffer from irritable bowel syndrome, with approximately120,000 Canadians being diagnosed each year. IBS is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder that affects the large intestine (colon). It commonly presents as abdominal cramping and pain, bloating and gas, mucus in the stool, and diarrhea and/or constipation. Unlike ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, which are both inflammatory bowel diseases, IBS does not cause permanent damage to the bowel tissue, and does not increase your risk for colorectal disease.
Food allergy testing
How is IBS diagnosed?
Diagnosis of IBS is often a process of ruling out other conditions. A colonoscopy or barium x-ray may be ordered to rule out inflammatory bowel disease, a stool test might be taken to rule out parasitic infections, and finally breath tests may be ordered to rule out H. pylori and lactose intolerance. To help this process researchers have developed a set of criteria for diagnosing IBS based on symptoms, after other conditions have been ruled out. This diagnostic criteria is called the ‘Rome Criteria.’ Based on this criteria, diagnosis can be made if the person has abdominal pain and discomfort lasting at least 3 days a month in the last 3 months, associated with two or more of the following symptoms: improvement with defecation, altered frequency of stool or altered consistency of stool.

How can I get my irritable bowel under control?
The naturopathic approach for managing irritable bowel syndrome includes a process of removing aggravating factors, regenerating the health of the GI mucosa, reinoculating the intestines with good microflora, and replacing crucial digestive factors. This process is called the 4 R GI Restoration Program, which is outlined below.

Remove
The first step to healing the gut involves removing aggravating foods from the diet. After lactose intolerance has been ruled out, I order a series of tests including food sensitivity and allergy testing, as well as celiac disease testing. If celiac disease is positive, a lifetime avoidance of gluten is recommended. Food sensitivities, and allergies, on the other hand can change over a period of a person’s life. Food sensitivities can be challenged after 3-6 months of avoiding the foods, while food allergies may need to be avoided longer. If there are anaphylactic symptoms associated with the food allergy, these foods are often re-tested periodically, and are strictly avoided long-term, unless subsequent tests come back negative. 

Repair
Chronic exposure to aggravating foods can cause damage to the epithelial lining of the intestines. Supplementing with an amino acid called L-glutamine, and omega 3 fatty acids can help repair the intestinal lining and restore healthy digestive function.

Re-inoculate
Re-inoculating the gut with health promoting ‘friendly’ bacteria (ie. ‘probiotics’) helps to promote a healthy balance of GI microflora. This balance is important for GI tissue health, immune function, and intestinal barrier function, and digestion.

Replace
Supplementing with digestive enzymes, and stomach acids can be beneficial in certain circumstances. Stomach acidity, and digestive enzymes facilitate the breakdown of food. A deficiency of these compounds is common, especially as we age, which compromises digestion, absorption of nutrients, and elimination of waste.

Along with the 4 R program, it is important to recognize that chronic stress can also contribute to digestive imbalance and IBS symptoms. Thus, stress reduction through cortisol (ie. stress hormone) balancing, and the incorporation of relaxation-promoting activities is also strongly emphasized in a comprehensive naturopathic treatment plan.

Dr. Meghan van Drimmelen, ND
Healing Cedar Wellness



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Herbal Remedies for the Cold & Flu Season

10/29/2014

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With the changing of the seasons comes the wretched cold and flu virus. Luckily, we’ve got some great resources to help us both prevent and combat an attack by this troublesome tag-along.  One of the many great things that alternative medicine has to offer includes solutions for the common cold and flu that can be much more efficient or practical than conventional medicine.  I like the educational program “Do all bugs need drugs?” that aims to educate people on the proper “when and why” of conventional antibiotic use.  Not all bugs need drugs, but we could benefit from some herbs!

In this article, I will outline a few of my favourite TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) herbs with great anti-viral activity: Jin Yin Hua (Honeysuckle flower bud), Chuan Xin Lian (Andrographis herb), and Ban Lan Gen (Isatis root).  I’ll also mention a few of the cold/flu helper herbs that I like to call my “tea and spice rack wonders”:  Gui Zhi (Cinnamon), Sheng Jiang (Ginger), Bo He (Peppermint) and Ju Hua (Chrysanthemum).

Jin Yin Hua (Honeysuckle flower bud), whose Chinese name translates to “Gold and Silver Flower”, is an easily recognizable herb for most folks.  This is a very effective herb for the first stages of a cold or flu, being found in the famous cold/flu formulas Yin Qiao San and Gan Mao Ling.  Besides being an anti-viral herb, it is also an effective anti-inflammatory (which makes it great for a sore throat) and antipyretic (able to reduce a fever).  Easy to come by in loose tea form in Chinese herb shops and common markets, the one you will find is of a particular variety and from a specific region.  You may notice that, although available all year, the price per gram can increase dramatically during the winter months!


Chuan Xin Lian, or Andrographis, is an important herb in both Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine.  This wonderful plant not only has potent anti-viral activity that can stop an impending cold/flu in its tracks, it is also an immune system booster that can help speed recovery from one that has already taken hold.  When I feel a cold knocking on my door, Andrographis is one of the first things I reach for.  It is important to note that this is one of the many herbs that are considered unsafe for pregnancy.   Chinese Medicine also considers this herb to have a very cold nature, which can injure some of the aspects of the body that we say need a more warming energy to operate properly, such as digestion.  For this reason it should not be relied on for prevention, and is not to be taken for long term.

Ban Lan Gen, or Isatis root, is another of our anti-viral herbs that is most famous for its benefit to the throat.  So besides being able to tackle the invader that is causing all the problems, it is a great symptom-alleviator for an irritated sore throat.  Ban Lan Gen is also found in the famous Gan Mao Ling formula, of which I am a particular fan!  Having both anti-viral as well as anti-bacterial properties made this herb historically important for various throat infections such as tonsillitis.  

Now for the “tea and spice rack wonders” - cinnamon, ginger, peppermint, and chrysanthemum.  One thing you will notice that these herbs have in common, is that they are all quite flavourful and aromatic!  This is part of what gives them their medicinal value when it comes to colds and flus.  In TCM tradition these ailments were thought to attack the superficial parts of the body, so one of the best ways to quickly get rid of them was to disperse them out through the skin.  It’s not too hard to think of these pungent and aromatic qualities as being “lifting and dispersing”, and cinnamon, ginger, and peppermint are all effective diaphoretics (sweat-inducers) that can help “push out” a seasonal illness.

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Gui Zhi or Cinnamon carries the additional benefits of having both antiviral and antibiotic effects, and can also increase circulation and provide analgesic action. Great for the aches that can come with a flu! Gui Zhi is revered for its ability to assist the yang of the body, which gives it versatile use in a many of our formulas.  It is the chief herb in the common cold (and more) formula Gui Zhi Tang (“Cinnamon decoction”)

Sheng Jiang or Ginger has long been consumed as a preventative for seasonal illness, and is one of the most well known remedy herbs in the world.  It has antibiotic action, and is probably the most famous herb for its ability to calm the stomach, reduce nausea or vomiting, and assist digestion.  Ginger is found in too many Chinese herbal formulas to mention!  

Peppermint and Chrysanthemum (Bo He and Jue Hua) differ from Ginger and Cinnamon in that they have a cooling action, which gives them excellent ability to sooth redness, irritation, and itchiness that can come as symptoms.  Peppermint is very dispersing and has great ability to clear the head, nose, eyes, and relieve headache.  Chrysanthemum is most famous for its ability to sooth issues concerning the eyes, and also has antibiotic properties.  Both of these herbs are readily available as loose or packaged teas, and they taste great!

It is extremely important to note that you must consult with a qualified professional before taking any herbal remedy, even before increasing a culinary herb to a medicinal dose.  This is especially important in certain medical conditions and in pregnancy.  Just like conventional drugs, all herbs have the potential to be incompatible with certain medical conditions or prescription medications.

Rebecca Stephens
Dr.TCM, R.Ac., B.Sc.

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Naturopathic Fertility Care - Treating Fertility Naturally

8/19/2014

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Fertility treatment
Whether you have just started to plan for a family, or have been trying to conceive 
for some time, naturopathic medicine can help you optimize your health, and by 
doing do improve fertility and pregnancy outcomes! Naturopathic fertility care 
involves natural non-invasive treatment strategies that target the underlying cause 
of your fertility struggles. Treatment plans are individualized and include the use of 
vitamins and minerals, herbs, acupuncture, and diet and lifestyle counselling. 

Preconception Care

Preparing for optimal fertility and a healthy pregnancy starts in the preconception 
period, ie. 3-6 months prior to conception. Dr. Meghan van Drimmelen’s fertility 
program will help you start out on a healthy path by incorporating some basic 
lifestyle changes and natural health solutions to get your mind and body ready for 
the exciting new stage ahead!

Preconception Planning Includes:

• Optimizing nutrition 
• Decreasing toxin load
• Discontinuing hormonal birth control or IUD
• Stress management
• Optimizing BMI 
• Basal body temperature charting
• Preconception laboratory tests 
• Regulating menstrual cycles
• Addressing and treating any underlying health concerns 

During this stage the goal is to help you feel as vibrant and healthy as possible 
before moving into the exciting new stage of pregnancy. If the mind and body are in balance it is easier to conceive, and maintain a healthy pregnancy to term. It is important to recognize that it takes two to get pregnant, so a healthy lifestyle 
program should be incorporated for both partners! 

Fertility acupuncture
Naturopathic Fertility Treatment

If you are having problems achieving or maintaining a pregnancy, Dr. Meghan van 
Drimmlen’s natural fertility program can help restore balance to your reproductive 
system, and naturally treat the underlying factors that may be impeding positive 
fertility outcomes. A comprehensive health intake, assessment, and laboratory work 
will help to uncover the root cause of your fertility struggles.

Common fertility concerns that can be addressed through naturopathic treatments 
include:

• PCOS and anovulatory cycles
• Endometriosis
• Poor Ovarian Reserve 
• Thyroid disorders
• Luteal phase defect
• Male factor infertility (low sperm count, motility or morphology)
• Recurrent pregnancy loss
• Unexplained infertility

‘Unexplained Infertility’ is a term used when conventional diagnostic procedures 
cannot determine the underlying cause of fertility concerns. Naturopathic medicine 
can diagnose and treat some of these factors that impede a couple’s fertility
including:

• Stress hormone imbalance
• Food intolerance or sensitivity
• Heavy metal toxicity
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Immunological factors 
• Sex hormone imbalance
• Infection

Assisted Reproductive Technologies

If you are seeking IVF or IUI, an integrative approach that uses a combination of 
conventional medicine, and evidence based natural medicine will help to improve 
your success rates. The use of natural medicine during ART helps to reduce stress, 
improve blood flow to the uterus to optimize implantation, reduces side effects of 
medications, and enhances egg and sperm quality.
Acupuncture in particular has been shown to significantly increase IVF success 
rates when performed regularly leading up to IVF treatment, as well as immediately 
pre and post embryo transfer. For optimal outcomes, treatment should start 8-12 
weeks leading up to IVF treatment to best prepare the body.

Acupuncture package: $350 for 6 treatments (6 treatments for the price of 5!)

My Goal as an ND and Fertility Expert 

Fertility and healthy pregnancy can be both exhilarating and emotionally taxing. My goal is to make your fertility journey as easy as possible for you. I will take the time to listen to your concerns, provide thorough assessments, laboratory testing and education, and will create an individualized holistic program to optimize your fertility and pregnancy outcomes. I encourage couples to come to visits together so there is a thorough understanding of each partner’s health status and concerns. 

I look forward to meeting with you and supporting you throughout your fertility journey. 

Dr. Meghan van Drimmelen ND
Healing Cedar Wellness

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Seeking Relief for Irregularity? Try Revamping your Routine!

8/5/2014

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I once had an instructor at school declare: “If you aren’t having a bowel movement every day, you might as well be smoking a pack of cigarettes a day!”. An overly dramatic statement to be sure, and there is always argument to what the “perfect regularity” might be, but what he was trying to convey was the extreme importance of regular bowel movements to the maintenance of overall health. 

You can make the association with the exhaust system of a car: if the exhaust pipe was to be plugged up at all with the engine running, serious repercussions occur. As our amazing human engines run and process all day, some pretty significant waste products are produced. A back-up of these wastes can potentially “grind the gears” of a vast spectrum of other body functions. This is why you may notice your health care providers are so darn interested in your number two’s! 

In treating many cases of constipation, I have noticed a common factor in a significant number of them: people who suffer from habitual constipation often lead very rushed lives! Not all of them, of course, but a considerable number are the go-go-go people who wake up, slam coffee, stuff or skip breakfast, perhaps frantically get kids ready for school, and rush out the door to work as a normal morning. Sound at all familiar? To complicate things further, some of them also have jobs that require quick shifting from being awake during the day, to being unnaturally awake at night. It’s not a wonder that concerns about regularity affect so many!

If you think about it, many of the body systems are designed to run on a set schedule. Hormone production, menstrual cycles, etc. Bowel movements are supposed to run on a schedule as well, associated with digestion. In the natural world, free from the burdens of humanity, this is usually an easy transition from production to elimination. Are you ever jealous of the regularity of your household pet?

One major piece of advice I have for the sufferers of irregularity, one that seems so simple but has huge potential for positive results, is to implement a routine that will help train your body to be regular. As always, the best health solutions are always the ones your body can accomplish on its own.

The individual routines that are found to work for people may all look a bit different, but they all have adequate time and consistency of cues in common. You must give your body time to go, and a series of set events can actually act as cues to trigger a bowel movement. Yes, it is possible to train your body into being an all-star eliminator!

Your GI tract works all night to prep you for a BM, so let’s tap into that potential. Here is a suggestion of a simple routine that includes some items to help get things moving: 

• A few hours before bedtime, hydrate yourself. Try 2-3 cups of warm “Sooth Digestion Tea” (recipe below). This decoction will help your body process the food you have taken in during the day, hydrate the bowel, and provide the background to hopefully get things moving the next morning. Be sure to do this early enough to avoid waking to urinate.

• Wake up at the same time every day if possible, and make this time 2 hours before any major obligations of the day start. If I’ve lost you already, remember this is training! We need to commit to get results!!

• Drink 3 cups of warm water soon after waking. Even better, drink 3 cups of warm “Sooth Digestion Tea”. You have just gone hours without water, and it is time to rehydrate! Sit down for at least 15 minutes to sip this water and give yourself a chance to properly “come to”. 

• Make your breakfast food and beverage as usual, but develop a ritual about it. To really hit home a few more body cues, make relatively the same food/drink every morning, in the same series of steps, however long it takes you. Do some of the prep the night before if it can help.

• Choose this breakfast wisely, and never skip it. Steer clear of the foods that have more potential to cause inflammation or blockage. For instance, a lot of people have trouble with wheat, so maybe a slice of toast or bagel isn’t really the best food to start your stomach off on. If you find eggs make you really gassy, you likely don’t digest them very well, making them inappropriate for breakfast. Heavy meats are hard to digest and should be avoided. An easy breakfast suggestion could be oatmeal. Although oatmeal does contain gluten, it’s not as much as wheat and it can be both a great place to get fibre as well as tasty vessel for adding other movement-helpers such as fruit and cinnamon.

• Sit down, eat slowly, and enjoy this breakfast! Make this your time, and it should be at least 30 minutes. This process of adding healthy, friendly food to the top of the gastrointestinal tract can help stimulate movement at the bottom of said tract, it just needs time and a state of relaxation to do so. Relax and try not to think about the day, distract the brain by reading something enjoyable. State of mind is very important to the process. Remember that peristalsis (intestinal movement) happens primarily in a parasympathetic state, which is the relaxed side of the nervous system operating platform. On the tense, stressed, sympathetic side, peristalsis virtually halts! 

• Try to keep this relaxed orderly state of mind, and go about the rest of your waking routine, whatever that may be for you. If you have ordered things so you have some time to remain sitting and relaxing after breakfast until you feel things start to move, excellent! If not, moving about but keeping the relaxed state of mind is almost as good.

Give this simple system a good 2-4 week trial, and modify it to suit your needs. If necessary, use a white board posted in your kitchen to lay it all out for you with time allotments that work. I find this works well for my patients. Remember that like all good training, this will take some time. Good luck! 

If you find you need more help, or require something to provide relief during your “training period”, there are many options available to support you. Diet changes, supplements, herbal formulas, and acupuncture can all be of great assistance. Of course maintaining a proper diet and exercise routine are central to digestive success. Try to steer clear of the laxatives if at all possible. Laxative drugs are often overused and may cause dependence. It is important to note that a lengthy period of constipation can be dangerous to your health, so pay attention to your body and seek medical help (which may include laxatives) if necessary.

Rebecca Stephens Dr.TCM, R.Ac.
Healing Cedar Wellness 

“Sooth Digestion Tea”:

3 cups warm water – warm water is the most acceptable to the body for hydration.
1⁄4-1⁄2 tsp cinnamon – warming and soothing to digestive system, regulates blood sugar, relieves pain.
1⁄4-1⁄2 tsp dry ginger, or knob of fresh grated - #1 digestive system soother, relieves various digestive discomforts.
Sprig of muddled peppermint, or a peppermint tea bag – calms stomach, relaxes spasms and bloating, calms the mind and relieves stress.
Squeeze of lemon – acts as an astringent to help loosen material off the lining of the colon, and stimulates the liver for detoxification.
Note - It can be helpful to make this decoction ahead of time to give the spices more time to dissolve, and just warm up before consuming.

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Natural Remedies for Summer!

7/23/2014

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With summer comes more fun in the outdoors! Here are a few natural, effective and safe summer remedies:
Natural Bug Spray for the whole family.
Parsley Ice Cubes for Bumps & Bruises (super safe for kids as well).
Dandelion vinegar for Liver Detox.
​
Happy Summer!
Shannon Halpin, RMT
Healing Cedar Wellness
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3 Ways to Improve Your IVF Journey

5/21/2014

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1 in 6 Canadian experiences fertility issues. During Canadian Infertility Awareness Week, I wanted to talk about the 3 main ways to improve the IVF journey many couples are embarking on. Although IVF may not have been their first choice in conceiving a child, future parents may able to conceive through this procedure. 
If you have any questions regarding acupuncture in the support of IVF protocol, feel free to contact me.

Clara Cohen
Registered Acupuncturist
Healing Cedar Wellness
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4 Natural Ways to Improve Endometriosis 

3/28/2014

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What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a gynaecological disorder effecting millions of women worldwide.  This disorder occurs when the endometrium, the inner lining of the uterus, implants abnormally outside of the uterine cavity.  The most common sites of endometrial implants are the ovaries, fallopian tubes, the bladder, the intestines, and the ligaments and muscles in the pelvis.  The tissue outside of the uterus responds the same way to the menstrual cycle as the lining of the uterus.  For instance endometrial tissue will grow and proliferate in response to an increase in hormones (estrogen), and will degrade and bleed when hormones decline (progesterone).   The endometrial implants that bleed outside of the uterus cause inflammation and swelling of the surrounding area, scar tissue formation, and pain.  

Endometriosis typically occurs in women of reproductive age, and is most commonly diagnosed between the ages of 25 and 35.  For symptomatic women, diagnosis is confirmed with pelvic laparoscopy, a minor surgical procedure that allows for the examination of your pelvic organs and identification of endometrial lesions.

Symptoms of endometriosis:
  • Menstrual cramping
  • Chronic pelvic pain
  • Low back pain
  • Pain with intercourse
  • Painful bowel movements
  • Painful urination
  • Gastrointestinal upsets such as diarrhea, constipation and nausea during menstruation
  • Infertility 

Because these symptoms can look like a variety of different diseases, diagnosis of endometriosis can be difficult and often delayed.  

Causes of endometriosis:
We unfortunately don’t know the exact cause of endometriosis, but several theories do exist.
  1. Retrograde menstruation.  This is where menstrual blood or endometrial cells flow backwards through the fallopian tubes and land on pelvic organs where they start to grow.
  2. Coelomic Metaplasia.  This theory suggests that the cells that line the peritoneal cavity transform into endometrial cells.
  3. Immune system dysfunction.  Reduced cell mediated immunity prevents the detection and eradication of misplaced endometrial cells.
  4. The displacement and redistribution of endometrial cells though the blood or lymph fluid, or during pelvic surgery.

Risk factors:
  • Genetic. Women that have a first-degree relative with endometriosis have a 6 fold increased risk in developing the disease in compared to those that do not have the family history.
  • Diet.  There is a decreased risk of endometriosis in women that eat higher amounts of vegetables and fruit, and an increased risk of developing the disease when eating diets high in red meat.  High intake of caffeine and alcohol also contribute to an increased risk of developing the disease.  
  • Hormone imbalance.  Because endometrial tissue grows and proliferates in response to high levels of estrogen, higher levels of estrogen in relation to progesterone may increase the risk of developing endometriosis.
  • Exposure to xenoestrogens.  These are environmental toxins that act as estrogens in the body, and thus contribute to hormone modulated diseases. Examples of xenoestrogens are phthalates found in plastics and toxins in herbicides and pesticides.

Most likely the cause of endometriosis is multifactorial.  Because of this, the naturopathic approach to managing endometriosis includes taking all of the risk factors and causal theories into consideration when developing a treatment plan.   In addition, because chronic pelvic pain and infertility can trigger emotional stress, stress management is also an integral part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

Goals of naturopathic treatment:
  • Prevention of excessive endometrial tissue escape
  • Decreasing inflammation
  • Pain management
  • Shrinkage of endometrial lesions
  • Decreasing exposure to environmental toxins
  • Stress management
  • Fertility support

Treatment modalities used to reach goals:
  • Nutritional medicine – lifestyle and supplementation
  • Herbal medicine
  • Acupuncture
  • Bioidentical hormone therapy

General naturopathic treatment plan:

1- To prevent excessive back flow of menstrual blood and endometrial cells through the fallopian tubes, head stands, certain yoga poses such as shoulder stands should be avoided on heavy flow days.

2- Pain management revolves around controlling inflammation, and decreasing muscle spasms associated with chronic pain signals.
  • Decreasing inflammation:
    • Omega 3 fatty acids
    • Herbs such as curcumin and boswellia
    • Anti-inflammatory diet
      • Limited refined sugar, and saturated fat (red meat, dairy, egg)
      • High intake of vegetables and fruit
      • High polyunsaturated fats – nuts, seeds, fish, olive oil
      • Food sensitivity testing – to determine individual food triggers that contribute to systemic inflammation.
  • Decreasing muscle spasms:
    • Magnesium
    • Pelvic flood physiotherapy

Note:  Acupuncture is a great adjunct therapy for calming any type of pain in the body.

3- To shrink endometrial tissue hormone balancing, immune modulation, and antioxidant support is key.
  • The goal of hormone balancing is to decrease estrogen – the hormone that is responsible for endometrial growth and proliferation.  This can be achieved by supplementing with:
    • Vitex/Chaste Tree
    • Indole-3-carbinol, and diindoylmethane, which helps with the metabolism of estrogen through the liver
    • Bio-identical progesterone (nature’s estrogen balancer)
    • Avoiding xenoestrogens 
    • Acupuncture
  • Immune system modulation.  
    • Probiotics, vitamin C, and beta-carotene – enhanced cell mediated immunity for the destruction of misplaced endometrial cells.
  • Antioxidant support.
    • N-acetyl cysteine.

4- Stress management
  • Yoga, deep breathing, meditation, acupuncture, massage, counseling.  

Dr. Meghan van Drimmelen ND
Healing Cedar Wellness
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