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Extended Benefit Plans and Direct Billing: What You Need to Know

Extended Benefit Plans and Direct Billing: What You Need to Know

Extended Benefit Plans allow you to receive treatments that are covered under your plan, which can be directly billed at the time of service.

Depending on your coverage, you may have to pay a percentage of the treatment cost or nothing at all. As every benefit plan is different, it is imperative that you reach out directly to your employer or insurance company to get an understanding of your plan and what may or may not be required.

While our clinic is pleased to offer direct billing, our administrative team cannot investigate extended benefit plans on behalf of patients to determine what treatments are covered, how many visits you have used, or how many visits you have left. 

Deductibles

Many extended benefit plans have an annual deductible that is applicable at the start of each new year. A deductible is a dollar amount that you have to pay out of pocket until that dollar amount is reached, and then your extended benefits coverage takes effect. You do not have to pay the entire deductible at your first visit, but instead, each visit will go against the deductible until it reaches the maximum. Generally, the lower the deductible or no deductible, the more expensive the policy is and vice versa.

Please note that we cannot see what your annual deductible is or how much is remaining; we can only view the amount placed against the deductible each time we process a direct billing. To find out the annual deductible amount in your plan, please check with your extended benefits company.

What services are eligible for direct billing? 

Our clinic can bill directly for chiropractic, physiotherapy, acupuncture, and registered massage therapy.

Athletic Therapy is not a direct billable service yet; however, many plans will reimburse you if you submit yourself. Check with your extended benefits plan to see if Athletic Therapy is covered.

Kinesiology is only directly billable to ICBC. Always check your benefit plan to see what treatments they deem eligible for direct billing.

What cannot be direct billed?

  1. Missed appointment fees are not billable to most extended benefit plans.
  2. Orthotics are not direct billable; however, many benefit plans cover orthotics up to a specific dollar amount. For more information on orthotics and orthotic billing, please click here. 
  3. Depending on your specific plan, each of our treatment services may or may not be a direct billable service for you. Please refer to your extended benefits guide for what is directly billable under your plan.

What Insurance companies can we direct bill?

Our clinic can direct bill most extended benefits companies, including but not limited to:

  • Manulife 
  • Sunlife 
  • Canada Life (Formally, Great West Life) 
  • Greenshield
  • Pacific Blue Cross
  • Veterans, RCMP, CAF 
  • Desjardins
  • Group Health/ Group Source
  • People’s Corporation
  • Empire Life
  • ClaimSecure
  • Johnston Group
  • Chamber of Commerce
  • Maximum Benefits
  • Group Medical Service 

Partner/Spousal coverage or secondary policy coverage

We can directly bill your primary benefits provider and your secondary provider at the same time of service with a few exceptions. For example, we generally require your partner’s date of birth and full legal name along with policy information.

Suppose we are unable to bill directly to the secondary coverage due to benefit rules or other restrictions. In that case, we will still direct bill your primary coverage and then only collect the remaining amount from you. We can then provide you with a receipt to send to the secondary coverage for reimbursement. 

For more information or to book a treatment:

Contact our clinic to find out more about extended benefits or to book an appointment at 250-382-0018 or book online at www.diversifiedhealth.janeapp.com

#extendedbenefits #physiotherapy #chiropractic #registeredmassagetherapy #acupuncture #victoriaBC #injury #mva #multidisciplinary #healthandwellness

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The Ins and Outs of Acupuncture

The Ins and Outs of Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a safe and gentle treatment suitable for all ages. It has been used for several thousand years as part of a complete system of medicine that originated in China, known as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Treatments include: TCM examination, diagnosis, and acupuncture, and may also incorporate lifestyle counseling, fire cupping, Gua Sha, and Chinese massage techniques known as Tui Na. 

Afraid of Needles?

Acupressure can be used for patients who have a fear of needles or a tendency to faint.

How Acupunture Works and What It Treats

Acupuncture works on both mental/emotional and physical levels. It can help with a wide range of issues including, but not limited to, the following:   

  • Acute and chronic pain (osteoarthritis; injuries, including sprains and strains; headaches/migraines; body pain e.g. neck, frozen shoulder, back, knee sciatica; fibromyalgia; facial pain including TMJ; surgery preparation/recovery
  • Mental health (including depression, stress, grief, anxiety, and addiction)
  • Gynecological concerns (such as heavy bleeding, painful cycles, PMS, fertility, symptoms of menopause)
  • Skin conditions (rashes, hives, acne, eczema)
  • Neurological disorders (MS, neuralgias, stroke, palsy)
  • Respiratory disorders (asthma, bronchitis, allergies)
  • Digestive disorders
  • Sleep (insomnia, fatigue, lethargy)

Acupuncture can also be used on an ongoing basis to maintain health and well-being and enhance/support physical and mental performance. 

How Many Treatments Should I Expect to Have?

The number of acupuncture treatments required depends on the condition. Most acute issues will need a minimum of 3-4 treatments; whereas, chronic conditions will require more. It is recommended that you start with treatments once or twice a week until symptoms improve.  

Take the Next Step!

Our registered acupuncturists are here to answer any questions you might have. Initial appointments are 60 minutes and follow-up appointments are 45-60 minutes. Book your first acupuncture allergy treatment at Diversified Health Clinic today, or contact our clinic to learn more.

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Back to School / End of Summer Stress Relief

Back to School / End of Summer Stress Relief

Whether or not September marks a return to the classroom for you or your kids, autumn typically brings about abrupt changes in routines and workloads, resulting in more stress and less of the natural mood-boosting vitamin D we all enjoyed from being outdoors during summer. While stress itself can’t always be avoided, here is how establishing a solid stress relief strategy can go a long way in helping you cope and recover from the toll that stress takes on your body, mind, and spirit.

How Stress Wreaks Havoc

Have you ever noticed that during times of stress, your posture changes, your skin looks duller, your muscles feel tight, and your body feels heavier and more sluggish?

Long periods of stress can lead to chronic muscle tension that in turn can trigger headache and migraine pain, joint pain, nerve pain, bruxism (nocturnal teeth grinding), and aggravate pre-existing conditions and past injuries.

The hormonal cascade that stress triggers affects blood pressure, circulation, breathing rate, muscle tension and creates emotional anxiousness and agitation. Worse yet, chronic stress can cause potentially serious disruptions throughout the body, including a lowered immunity and a heightened risk of heart attack, stroke, autoimmune flare-ups, cognitive, reproductive, weight, and digestive issues. For these reasons, it’s wise to take stress seriously and establish a healthy stress relief strategy to help mitigate its adverse effects.

Mitigating the Harmful Effects of Stress

While periods of stress are nearly impossible to avoid, there are things you can do to help mitigate its adverse effects on our mind and body, including: 

  • Exercise: physical movement, done in moderation, can uplift mood and mitigate the detrimental effects of chronic stress. You can double up on the positive effects of exercise by getting outdoors and asking a friend to join you. 
  • Meditation, breathing exercise, or prayer: stillness, breathwork, prayer, and self-reflection can restore calmness and help you focus on the things you can do that are within your control. 
  • Time with pets and friends: even though stress can make you want to withdrawal from social obligations, making time to talk or visit with a trusted friend can go a long way in making you feel optimistic and supported. 
  • Addressing root causes of stress: sometimes, what triggers stress is evident and temporary. Other times, stress is the result of lifestyle choices requiring change. Toxic workplaces, being burdened with other people’s conflicts, and being overtaxed with too many obligations can all lead to physical and emotional burnout. Stress will become chronic unless and until the root causes are adequately addressed. 
  • Simplifying your schedule: It’s tempting to take things on while feeling overly optimistic about our time and energy reserves, but having too many obligations and–even enjoyable activities–scheduled can leave you feeling stretched and strained. When in doubt, schedule less and leave more time for spontaneity and quiet time as needed.
  • Self-care: often the first thing to be pushed aside when stressed, self-care is vital, even if it’s just making time for an afternoon nap or a relaxing bath with your favourite essential oils and soft lighting. The key is to pay attention to the signs your body sends you that rest is needed. 
  • Stress relief treatments: lingering pain and tension induced by stress often require therapeutic treatments to resolve, such as massage therapy, acupuncture, physiotherapy, and chiropractic treatments.

When Stress Relief Treatments Are Needed

Sometimes, therapeutic intervention is warranted after repeated bouts or long periods of stress, especially when considering how stress-induced tension and inflammation can aggravate pre-existing conditions and old injuries or cause new ones. Postural imbalances, nerve pain, tension headaches, neck and shoulder pain, TMJ disorders, sleep disturbances, chronic muscle tension, and circulation issues are some of the most common physical manifestations of stress that professionally administered stress relief treatments can remedy. 

Therapeutic stress relief treatments can address the compounding effects of stress via several unique approaches. For example:

Acupuncture is a natural and effective way of bringing stress-induced hormones back into balance, restoring a much-needed sense of calm. 

When stress contributes to misalignment and aggravation of pre-existing conditions or past injuries, tailored chiropractic care and physiotherapy treatments can work wonders restoring strength, mobility, muscular balance, and optimal alignment while helping alleviate nerve and joint pain.

For stress-induced muscle tightness and circulation concerns, scheduling a registered massage therapy treatment will effectively release tension and immediately increase oxygen and nutrient-rich blood flow to the areas treated. 

The positive effects that physiotherapy, chiropractic care, acupuncture, and therapeutic massage have on improving oxygen-rich circulation also helps aid the body’s natural healing and detoxification process by increasing the movement of lymphatic fluid via massage and myofascial release. The combined benefits of releasing muscle and fascia tension and improving circulation and lymphatic flow explain why people typically feel lighter and even notice a nice glow to their skin following stress relief treatments such as massage therapy and acupuncture. 

Regardless of which stress relief treatments you receive, the healing benefits of addressing stress-related tension are both an act of self-care and an investment in your health and wellbeing. 

Book a Therapeutic Stress Relief Treatment Today

Experience the healing, calming, and restorative benefits of a therapeutic stress relief treatment. Give our team of practitioners at Diversified Health Clinic a call today at (250) 382-0018 or book an appointment online. 

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Acupuncture Allergy Treatments: Natural Relief From Achoos! 

Acupuncture Allergy Treatments: Natural Relief From Achoos! 

Do you suffer from seasonal allergies? Are you searching for a natural alternative to antihistamines for treating your allergies? Whether you suffer from bouts of seasonal allergies, indoor allergies, or allergic reactions year-round, here’s how acupuncture allergy treatments help deliver relief.

Spring and summer are favourite seasons for many, but higher pollen counts can wreak havoc on seasonal allergy sufferers. At the onset or worsening of allergy symptoms, many allergy sufferers rely on antihistamines to get them through the season. Unfortunately, antihistamines can come with unwanted side effects, including drowsiness. Because of this, many allergy sufferers look for more natural, long-term allergy treatments. 

Regardless of what triggers your allergies, you deserve relief, and acupuncture allergy treatments are a natural option worth considering! Acupuncture allergy treatments can provide immediate and long-term relief from many allergy symptoms, including itching from eczema and urticaria. And, unlike medication, acupuncture doesn’t come with side effects–unless you consider relaxation one of them. 

How Acupuncture Allergy Treatments Work

If you’re new to acupuncture, it helps to know what acupuncture is. A practice that’s over twenty-five hundred years old, acupuncture’s ancient origins belong to a methodology known as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Traditional Chinese Medicine has evolved over thousands of years and includes various treatments that address both the physical and psychological aspects of the body.

A key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine is the concept of life-energy referred to as qi (pronounced “chee”). According to TCM, our bodies contain energy channels referred to as meridians, which carry qi and connect our organs and tissues. When qi is out of balance or blocked, pain and ailments arise. Conversely, when qi is rebalanced, pain and ailments are relieved. 

The practice of acupuncture involves the strategic placement of thin needles at specific meridian points along the body to stimulate and restore the balanced flow of qi. Acupuncturists know which acupuncture points to stimulate according to your allergies and symptoms. Acupuncture also takes into account that two people may have the same ailment while experiencing different symptoms, therefore requiring tailored treatments for effective relief. 

What to Expect

The stainless steel needles used for acupuncture are extremely thin and are rarely felt when going in, placed at shallow depths at targeted meridian points. While many patients find acupuncture treatments relaxing, you may experience occasional discomfort when specific meridian points are stimulated, best described as a feeling of heaviness or pressure, which your practitioner will adjust to ensure your comfort throughout your treatment. 

Immediately following treatment, you may feel energized, extremely relaxed, or slightly sleepy. For this reason, It’s best to allow yourself a few minutes after treatment to relax and enjoy a glass of water or cup of tea before driving and resuming your usual activities.

There is no downtime required following acupuncture, but depending on your treatment plan and objectives, your practitioner may make personalized recommendations to ensure you receive the most benefit from each treatment. 

How Many Treatments are Required?

While a single acupuncture allergy treatment can help relieve allergy symptoms, the best results are often seen from multiple treatments to maintain results. 

Do Acupuncture Allergy Treatments Come With Any Risks? 

It is vital that you only pursue acupuncture treatments from registered acupuncturists to avoid infection or complications. 

Other rare but possible side effects include:

  • Potential bruising, temporary redness, or itching where a needle was inserted
  • Allergic reaction to needles
  • Muscle twitching or spasms

Your acupuncture practitioner will go over these risks with you. 

Take the Next Step

Get relief from allergies—book your first acupuncture allergy treatment at Diversified Health Clinic today, or contact our clinic to learn more.

Your first appointment will include a health assessment that will help your practitioner tailor your treatments to your specific needs and objectives and allow you to ask any questions you might have. 

When you call to book your appointment, let our front desk staff know if you are on a health benefits plan that covers naturopathic/acupuncture treatment. We offer direct billing and can help process your claim. 

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Acupuncture for Immunity

Acupuncture for Immunity

As we are now in the midst of cold and flu season you may be looking for new ways to boost your immune system and stay healthy. Did you know that acupuncture can help?

Acupuncture and the Immune System

Common colds and influenza are viral infections that affect our respiratory system. It is important to distinguish between bacteria and viruses as we sometimes see patients taking antibiotics which do not treat viral infections. Not only that, but overuse of antibiotics can also deplete your healthy bacteria, making you less resistant to infections. On the other side of things, over the counter medications (ex: Advil Cold and Flu, etc) may alleviate some symptoms temporarily but they will not eradicate the virus. Acupuncture can help reduce both the symptoms and the duration of both colds and flu.

Notice what your early red flags are when your immune system is feeling low. Common early symptoms may include:

  • Slight chilliness
  • Sniffly or a few sneezes
  • Sensitivity to wind or drafts
  • Feeling a little sweaty
  • Scratchy throat
  • Achy neck and shoulders

Normally, the time to come in for a treatment is at the very first sign of not feeling well. However, in the midst of a pandemic, this is no longer recommended. Instead, clear your schedule, crawl under the covers and rest. Once it’s safe for you to come into the clinic, you can book in for an acupuncture treatment and your acupuncturist will come up with a treatment plan for you that will relieve any lingering symptoms as well as boost your immunity.

Prevention

Prevention is key to warding off colds and flu. We all know by now to wash our hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds each time. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth when possible.

In Chinese medicine, our outer defense system, known as wei qi, helps to protect us from pathogenic influences, like viral infections. If you’re someone who gets sick easily and often, it would be beneficial to book in for weekly acupuncture treatments before flu season to boost your immune system and strengthen your wei qi.

And do not forget to stay bundled, especially around your head and neck. All the acupuncture texts describe wind as potentially harmful as it is the carrier for airborne pathogens that affect our respiratory system. Wearing a scarf is a simple way of protecting the neck from the cold wind.

At-Home Relief

Here are some dietary and lifestyle recommendations which you can do at home:

  1. Make your own soups and stews. If you eat meat, soups and stews made from bone both are wonderful for combating a cold, with electrolytes in the broth, aromatic onions and garlic to produce a light sweat and chicken or beef for nourishing qi.
  2. Get plenty of rest. Yes, life is busy but find ways to sneak in little snoozes. Be cautious around screen time before bed, invest in a pair of blue light glasses and make time for naps where you can. We all know this, but it bears repeating, sleep = wellness
  3. Keep warm: take a hot shower or epsom salt bath. Wear warm clothes and protect not only your head and neck but wrists and ankles too, as cold is thought to invade the channels in these vulnerable places.
  4. Stay hydrated, drink warm liquids and tea: try boiled water with a few sprigs of rosemary, thyme and a squeeze of lemon. Thyme and rosemary both have antiviral and antibacterial properties, while lemon has a high content of immune system boosting Vitamin C. Maybe drizzle some honey in to sweeten things up and soothe the throat.
  5. De-stress: when we catch ourselves overthinking or worrying too much it can undermine our health.

Experience the Benefits of Acupuncture Treatment at Diversified Health Clinic

Take the first step on your road to recovery and better immunity by booking an appointment with our acupuncturist today at (250) 382-0018 or book an appointment online. We offer direct billing and weekday and weekend appointments. Please view our hours of operation and location details here.

 

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Cupping: Its Ancient Origin and Modern Benefits

Cupping Origins and Benefits

Cupping is an ancient technique used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and practiced throughout history in many countries, such as Greece, Russia, and Thailand.

How It’s Performed

Cupping involves placing a glass or silicone cup on the skin, and creating suction that gently pulls up the skin and fascial tissue to break up adhesions, improve blood flow and oxygenation, and to clear cellular debris. It is sometimes thought of as a “reverse massage” that pulls up tissues rather than pushing them down into the body.

Cupping Benefits

There has been a recent resurgence and increased recognition of the benefits of this practice in North America. High profile athletes, such as Michael Phelps, have used cupping for pre and post-workout recovery, reportedly enhancing their performance and recovery.

In TCM, cupping may be used alone or with acupuncture. It stimulates acupuncture points and meridians, promotes the flow of blood and Qi, and eases muscle pain and tension. It is also recommended for respiratory conditions such as asthma, stress, anxiety, migraines, and some digestive disorders.

Treatment Specifics

Depending on the practitioner’s diagnosis and treatment, cups may be left in one place, or oil may be applied and the cups moved along muscle groups or meridians. Cupping should not be painful, but can leave temporary marks called ‘sha’ that vary in color from yellow to dark purple and fade within a week. The suction often immediately relieves tension and pressure, like a deep massage.

Cupping must be performed by a trained practitioner to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment, and may be contraindicated for certain conditions.

cupping victoria bc

Book a Treatment for Yourself

Our Clinic Acupuncturist, Sara Bjorkquist offers cupping as just one of the many therapeutic options available at Diversified Health Clinic.

For more information or to book your treatment, please contact the clinic at 250-382-0018 or online here.

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How to Conquer Seasonal Allergies

seasonal allergies

Spring may be beautiful, but there are many who live with seasonal allergies who look upon the return of flowers, blossoms and other beautiful blooming plants with trepidation.

An ‘allergy’ is a sensitivity to something in your body that is usually harmless. When your body encounters a foreign substance inside your nose or air ways, the allergic reaction begins. Seasonal allergies are the same thing.

An allergic reaction is what happens in your body following exposure to allergens.  The tissues inside your nose respond to allergens by releasing substances such as histamine. Histamines then trigger sneezing, runny nose, itchy, watery eyes and itchy throat or nose.

What is Hay Fever?

Seasonal allergic rhinitis, or “hay fever”, affects millions of people every spring. Symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, sore throat, coughing, itchy watery eyes, congestion etc.

Allergies are your body’s reaction to allergens (mold, dust pollen), a sign that your immune system is working overtime.

Allergies are your immune system trying to defend itself. You immune system identifies pollen, dust etc. as an invader or allergen. Your immune system overreacts by producing antibodies called Immunoglobulin E (IgE). These antibodies travel to cells that release chemicals, causing an allergic reaction.

Pollen and Mold Both Trigger Allergies

Pollen are tiny particles that are released from trees, weeds, and grasses. The weather can affect the amount of pollen in the air at any time.

Molds are tiny fungi that thrive in moist warm conditions; with their spores floating in the air, much like pollen.

Allergy testing can verify whether you’re reacting to mold, pollen, dust mites, or pet dander. Every person is different in what they react to.  Just because you haven’t reacted to something currently, doesn’t mean you won’t react to it in the future. Anyone can become sensitized at any time.

5 Simple Steps to Manage Seasonal Allergies

There are some simple steps you can take to limit your exposure to the pollen or molds that cause your symptoms:

  1. Keep your windows closed
  2. Try to stay indoors when the pollen counts are highest, typically between 5am and 10am
  3. When you return indoors, take a shower and change clothes
  4. Avoid chores that stir up pollen and molds such as gardening, and lawn mowing
  5. Keep the relative humidity in your home below 50 percent; this also helps to discourage mold

Acupuncture Can Help With Seasonal Allergies

While allergy medications can temporarily alleviate the symptoms of hay fever, acupuncture addresses the underlying imbalance that’s causing the symptoms in the first place.

Acupuncture looks at allergies as a general disruption of a person’s defensive mechanisms. Instead of accepting the over reactive immune response and suppressing it with antihistamines, acupuncturists look at why the person’s immunity is compromised.

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Spring is in the air! Allergy Season Relief with Acupuncture

Spring is in the air! Allergy Season Relief with Acupuncture

If you suffer from seasonal allergy symptoms, you might want to consider visiting an acupuncturist. The goal of the acupuncturist is to develop a plan which addresses the person’s acute symptoms and provides relief while addressing the underlying immune system imbalance which is thought to be at the root of the person’s allergies.

Symptoms of Seasonal Allergies

  • Sneezing
  • Coughing
  • Watery eyes
  • Nasal congestion
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Postnasal drip
  • Ear congestion
  • Itchy sinuses, throat, eyes, or ear canals
  • Adenoid swelling – this occurs when the lymph tissue that lines the back of the throat swells
  • Dark circles under the eyes – caused by swelling and discoloration from the congestion of small blood vessels beneath the skin in the eye area.

If your allergy symptoms persist for more than two weeks, you should see your allergist or an acupuncturist for proper testing, diagnosis and treatment. Finding and treating the source of your suffering can also clear up other unwanted symptoms. Less-common allergy symptoms may include: headache, shortness of breath, coughing, or wheezing.

Decreasing Your Spring Allergy Triggers:

  • Try to stay indoors whenever the pollen count  is high – Pollen levels tend to peak in the morning
  • When the day is windy, pollen can counts surge
  • Vacuum often and clean air filters regularly
  • Keep your doors and windows closed to keep allergens out, and use an air purifier
  • Wash bedding and rugs in hot water to eliminate dust mites and other allergens
  • Shower, and change clothing after going outside to wash away pollen

If these steps still don’t provide any relief, and before turning to over-the-counter antihistamines, decongestants, nasal sprays and eye drops, speak with your healthcare practitioner to discuss all your options for treatment, including acupuncture.

Acupuncture treatment plans for allergies will vary greatly from person to person. The possible results will range from temporary relief to complete remission. Acupuncture frequently relieves nasal congestion and sneezing as soon as the needles are inserted.

If you suffer from seasonal allergies please contact our Registered Acupuncturist for more information on how she can help with your allergy symptoms.

 

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Seasonal Affective Disorder

What is SAD?

While those of us on Vancouver Island have been enjoying a recent spell of Autumn sunshine and mild temperatures, it is still that time of year when the usual weather takes a turn for the darker and colder variety. With that, comes the reminder for many people that Seasonal Affective Disorder is right around the corner.

Seasonal Affective Disorder , commonly referred to as SAD, is a mood disorder subset that predominantly affects people who have otherwise unaffected mental health throughout most of the year. People who have SAD however, exhibit depressive symptoms at the same time each year, most commonly in the winter. Although it is generally thought of as a strictly winter time affliction, SAD can occur at anytime of the year with mood variations always causing seasonal or summer depression. The seasonal mood variations are believed to be linked to sunlight exposure or lack thereof.

SAD is a type of depressive disorder and sufferers may exhibit a wide range of associated symptoms which can include: loss of interest in activities, isolation and withdrawal from social interaction, sleep disruption, appetite problems, difficulties with concentrating and making decisions, decreased sex drive, a lack of energy, irritability and anxiety. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and can affect many areas of a person’s life. Research has shown that variations in symptoms do occur based on which season the sufferer usually experiences SAD. Summer or springtime SAD symptoms tend more towards insomnia rather than over-sleeping and a decreased appetite and weight loss rather than the winter SAD usual of increased appetite and weight gain.

Not all people who live with SAD experience intense symptoms however. A milder form of SAD, Subsyndromal Seasonal Affective Disorder (SSAD), is common in some form or another in many people over the winter months especially.  SSAD sufferers can often find relief from symptoms of low energy or a feeling of being “down” through regular exercise and increased outdoor activity, particularly on sunny days, which increases exposure to sunlight, helping to alleviate symptoms.

Treatment and Management

Treatment options for more severe cases of SAD can include a number of different methods. As a first step, consult with a medical practitioner to discuss your symptoms and any underlying disorders that you may have. SAD has many of the same symptoms as a number of other disorders and a professional consultation is necessary to make an accurate diagnosis.

Light therapy, also known as phototherapy, is one of the most widely used treatments and is often times sufficient in mild to moderate SAD. In light therapy, the person uses a specially designed light box or lamp which mimics natural outdoor light, affecting the brain chemistry. It is usually done for up to an hour, first thing in the morning for the most benefit. Light boxes are usually seen as the first step in treatment, along with regular outdoor exercise and consistent sleep patterns.

Medications and psychotherapy may be used as well in more severe cases or in patients that do not respond as well to light therapy. A medical professional can assist in determining if those options are needed.

Other effective options for alleviation of symptoms can include mind-body practices such as meditation, yoga, music or art therapy as well. Acupuncture has been shown to have a strong impact on SAD symptoms, helping to minimize mood swings and stabilize sleep patterns and appetite disruptions. At Diversified Health Clinic, our Acupuncturist has many options that can help with symptoms of SAD and SSAD.  

There are numerous directions to look into for treatment and help in managing Seasonal Affective Disorder and the outlook is positive as research shows that it can be managed effectively and successfully. One important factor is to educate yourself about your own specific range of symptoms and what works for you.

 

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New Acupuncturist at Diversified Health!

SARA BJORKQUIST M.A., R.AC Acupuncturist

We would like to welcome acupuncturist Sara Bjorkquist to the Diversified Health Clinic team!

With our acupuncturist Erica Fynn, off on leave to enjoy the new addition to her family, we are thrilled to have Sara joining our team at Diversified Health.

As a health care professional, Sara is a Registered Acupuncturist with the BC College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists. She holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Ontario universities, and a Diploma in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine from Pacific Rim College in British Columbia.

Originally from Ontario, Sara spent a decade living overseas and working in the health policy field, and now enjoys being settled in Victoria.

acupuncturist
Sara works on a broad range of conditions, including: acute and chronic injuries and pain; stress, anxiety, and depression; chronic fatigue; digestive issues; sleep disturbances; and fertility and gynecological problems. In addition to acupuncture, she often incorporates fire cupping, tui na (traditional Chinese massage), and nutritional therapy into her treatments.

Acupuncturist in Victoria at Diversified Health Clinic

Sara is available for appointments at Diversified Health Clinic on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Give us a call at 250-382-0018 or email at info@diversifiedhealth.ca to book now.

Learn more about how an acupuncturist can be a part of your wellness plan.

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