Tag Archive for: Acupuncture

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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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Acupuncture Allergy Treatments: Natural Relief From Achoos! 

How to Conquer Seasonal Allergies

Spring is in the air! Allergy Season Relief with Acupuncture

Acupuncture for Immunity

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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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How to Conquer Seasonal Allergies

Spring is in the air! Allergy Season Relief with Acupuncture

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What to Do When Holiday Stress Takes the Jingle Out of Your Jangle

When Holiday Stress Takes the Jingle Out of Your Jangle

Is holiday stress giving you a case of the bah humbugs? You’re certainly not alone! North Americans report experiencing increasing stress levels approaching the holidays, resulting in muscle tension, fatigue, and burnout. Thankfully, there are things you can do to immediately reduce stress and tension and find ways to enjoy the holiday season again.

According to survey results outlined by newswire.ca, even as of 2018 (before COVID complicated things), one-third of Canadians were already feeling more holiday-related stress than they had reported 5-years prior. These survey results reflect outcomes from other, similar surveys conducted in Canada and the United States, revealing a trend: the holidays are becoming increasingly stressful instead of joyous. A lot of it comes from feeling physically, emotionally, and financially overspent. 

What’s especially concerning are the potential health ramifications of stress. All this stress goes somewhere, resulting in restlessness, sleeplessness, burnout, skin and digestion issues, headaches, and muscle tension.

Signs & Symptoms of Holiday Stress

  • Lack of enthusiasm or “holiday spirit.”
  • Feeling overwhelmed by commitments and everything you think you need to do. 
  • Loss of interest in holiday activities you typically enjoy doing. 
  • Feelings such as guilt and dread when considering obligations. 
  • Fearing disappointment or disaster. 
  • Experiencing muscle pain, tightness and/or tension (notably in the back, neck, and shoulders)
  • Feeling buried in tasks and loose ends.
  • Feeling tired but wired, even after a good night’s sleep.

Common Causes of Holiday Stress

Additional survey results reveal that one the most common causes of holiday stress is the feeling of having too much to do and not enough time or money to accomplish it all. Between holiday shopping, wrapping and decorating, cleaning the house, and preparing the perfect holiday meal and experience, it’s no wonder why more people are headed towards holiday season burnout.

Other contributing factors to holiday stress include:

  • Feeling overstretched physically and financially.
  • Concerns about family getting along well when everyone gets together. 
  • Feeling obligated to attend and participate in holiday festivities.
  • Experiencing feelings of guilt when turning down an invitation.
  • Physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion from being “on” all of the time. 
  • Fearing the holiday experience won’t live up to expectations. 
  • Placing unrealistic expectations on yourself and others–trying to find the perfect gift and create an ideal holiday experience. 
  • Overstimulation from crowded shops, traffic, lights, and music. 
  • “When demands exceed our ability to cope.”

Treating & Preventing Holiday Season Burnout

Rest to Prevent Holiday Season Burnout

Remember how fun and exciting the holiday season was for you as a kid? Recapturing some of that lightheartedness and fun again is possible, but it requires surrender: relinquishing the urge to “do more” and establishing coping effective coping strategies. You can start lowering stress by mitigating it at its source (as much as possible) while treating the symptoms. This could mean:

  • Planning in advance how many obligations you will agree to: giving yourself permission to opt-out of some invitations and obligations. 
  • Being more realistic about your time and energy: which may mean cutting back on shopping, baking, and decorating. 
  • Sticking to a list and budget: Resist the temptation to go overboard to find the perfect gift for everyone. 
  • Being realistic about expectations: basing your expectations on what family gatherings have been like, and remember that things don’t have to be perfect to be fun and meaningful. 
  • Reserving time for rest: this year, find ways to make rest & relaxation part of the holiday celebrations. Something may have to give to make more time and space for rest, but no one will miss the extra string of lights or fussy side dish. 
  • Asking for help and accepting support: For some people, asking for help is hard to do but worth it! Everyone benefits from having a bit of support. You can make your holiday workload lighter by delegating and adopting a teamwork approach. You can even make it fun by throwing a holiday decorating, tree trimming, or baking party with your kids or besties. 
  • Making self-care a priority: You aren’t going to have a lot of energy and enthusiasm to share if you’re not replenishing your energy stores. Don’t scrooge when it comes to making time for self-care. This can include making time to decompress, maintaining good sleep-hygiene, fitting in some light exercise, and booking yourself a tension-releasing massage or acupuncture treatment. 

For a Much Needed Reprieve From Holiday Season Tension in Victoria, BC. 

Restore and recharge yourself this holiday season with registered massage therapy or acupuncture treatment that releases tension, increases circulation, and helps you feel well-rested and ready to shine again. 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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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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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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Acupuncture Can Help with Seasonal Allergies

For those who suffer from seasonal allergies, springtime can be a mixed blessing. The warm weather, the flowers, versus the allergy symptoms: runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, headaches, fatigue, and difficulty breathing.  Left untreated, allergies can lead to sinus infections, feeling groggy, headaches, depression, and in serious cases, allergies can be fatal.

Allergy medications temporarily alleviate these symptoms, while acupuncture addresses the underlying imbalance that’s causing the symptoms in the first place.

An allergen enters the body through the skin or is inhaled. The immune system identifies the substance as potentially dangerous and creates antibodies to attack it. The IgE antibodies in turn affect mast cells throughout the body and cause the release of histamines.

The body produces too much histamine when it has an allergic reaction. An allergic reaction is an overreaction of the immune system to certain substances that normally do not affect most people. This heightened immune response, which causes histamine to be released leads to the allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, itchy throat, and itchy watery eyes.

With acupuncture, seasonal allergies are not isolated to the histamine response.  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 medication (antihistamines), acupuncturists look at why the person’s immunity is compromised.

During a treatment, acupuncture points are selected for healing the symptoms and bolstering the underlying imbalance.  Depending on the specific symptoms, many additional points are also used.

The systems that are most commonly involved in chronic allergies are the lung, kidney and spleen. Treating the underlying imbalance as well as the symptoms helps to optimize immune function and prevent future allergic reactions.

Seasonal allergies are something many people have come to accept as an inevitable part of springtime, a trade off of sorts for the warm weather. It doesn’t have to be this way.  Acupuncture can relieve and prevent seasonal allergies, without negative side effects.

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How Acupuncture Can Help with a Cold or Flu

Treatment by acupunctureCan acupuncture help with a cold or flu?  The answer to that question is a resounding yes!

Acupuncture regulates the function of the immune system to give you a fighting chance against the common cold and flu. Acupuncture invigorates the organs of the body with fresh blood and body fluids, cleansing and helping to protect us by fortifying the body’s defensive barrier against foreign invaders such as viruses that cause seasonal illness.

The common cold and flu can occur during any time of the year, but is most prevalent during the fall and winter months Typical symptoms are headache, coughing, stuffy and running nose and body aches. Cold and flu are differentiated by their symptoms and treatment.

According to TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine), there are three types of cold: wind cold, wind heat, and damp heat.

 Wind Cold:  Strong aversion to cold, minor fever, soreness and pain in limbs, itchy throat, white and thin phlegm, runny nose, clear nasal secretion and sneezing are symptomatic of wind cold.

Wind Heat:  Radiating headache, fever, running and stuffy nose, aversion to wind, sweating, sneezing, thirst, sore and swollen throat, coughing out thick, yellow phlegm and dry mouth are typical symptoms of wind heat.

 Damp Heat:  Headache, tiredness, stuffy or pressing sensation in the chest, nausea, and poor appetite,  are normally present with a damp heat cold.

Flu:  Flu can be spread rapidly through viral or bacterial infection in upper respiratory tract and gastrointestinal system.  The symptoms appear quickly, beginning with chills, then fever followed by the feeling of “achyness”. The flu can be accompanied by  symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection, including severe headache, red eyes, body aches and pain, fatigue, low energy, sinus congestion, running nose, sore and swollen throat, coughing and shortness of breath.

Prevention is the key to everything and TCM is no different. Patients will benefit much more from being treated prior to the onset of flu symptoms. However, if you start to exhibit symptoms of a cold or flu, then early intervention is the key to effective treatment. The sooner treatment is received for flu-like symptoms the faster and more effective acupuncture is.

To find out more about acupuncture and if it’s right  for you,  please contact Diversified Health Clinic.

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Erica Fynn, Acupuncturist at Diversified Health

Erika-2Erica is our newest practitioner to join the Diversified Health Team.  Erica was born and raised in the Kootenays where she developed a love for the outdoors and a natural way of living.  She moved to Vancouver island to receive her B.Sc in psychology from the University of Victoria; and upon completion: spent time traveling and completed her yoga teacher training. It was during this time she developed a passion for an energetic, hands on healing approach.

Acupuncture is an ancient form of Chinese medicine involving the insertion of solid stainless steel acupuncture needles into the skin at specific points on the body to achieve a therapeutic effect.  Acupuncture is used to encourage natural healing, improve mood and energy, reduce or relieve pain and improve function of affected areas of the body.

Erica attended Pacific Rim college for acupuncture and nutrition, and after receiving her Diploma of acupuncture in 2015, she traveled to Mexico and worked at a yoga/acupuncture studio.

Erica strongly believes in a well rounded lifestyle approach to healing, drawing from acupuncture, yoga and nutrition. Her practice has involved treating many physical ailments such as back pain, sciatica, tendonitis, stiff neck/back, frozen shoulder, and general body aches, pains and injuries. She has also focused on treating fertility and menstruation issues, allergies, digestion, sleep issues, stress, and depression.

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