How Acupuncture can Help with Addiction

Today, there appears to be new hope for those who suffer from addictions to food and substances harmful to their health. Acupuncture is rapidly increasing in popularity as an effective aid in the control of many addictions. Acupuncture protocols are being practiced in more and more hospitals, prisons and addiction treatment centres across North America every year.

From overeating and nicotine, to alcohol and drugs, excellent clinical evidence supports the use of acupuncture for addiction control. Patients report a marked reduction in cravings, relief from withdrawal symptoms, improved sleep and feelings of relaxation.

The physiological research has shown that acupuncture raises the level of endorphins in the nervous system. Resembling opiates in structure and function, endorphins are the body's natural pain killers and are responsible for the phenomenon called "runner's high"---a feeling of euphoria experienced by long-distance runners. The cravings and withdrawal symptoms experienced by people giving up an addiction, are alleviated by raising the level of endorphins in the nervous system.

If you are struggling with an addiction of your own, call us for a free consultation and find out how acupuncture can help and empower you to make a commitment to change your life TODAY.

-Ronen Pomeranc B.A. M.T. D.Ac.

Ever wonder what is in your Bug Spray?

The spray you spray on your skin kills insects, not just keeps them at bay. DEET (N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide) is a chemical that was patented by the US Army in 1946 and is still widely recognized as an effective mosquito repellent. Most commercial insect repellents are made of varying concentrations of DEET. Currently, DEET is used in up to 230 different products in concentrations of up to an astounding 100%. DEET sprays can melt plastic bags and fishing lines. Does that make you wonder what it can do to you? Exposure causes neurons to die in several parts of your brain -- including areas that control muscle movement, memory, concentration and learning. Heavy exposure to DEET and other insecticides can cause eye and skin irritation, memory loss, headaches, weakness, fatigue, muscle/joint pain, nausea, tremors and shortness of breath. Symptoms can appear months or even years after use.

Our Bug Spray is chemical-free, plus, it's not harmful to the environment. It's formulated for effectiveness against mosquitoes, fleas, chiggers, ticks, and other biting insects -- giving you back your freedom to enjoy the great outdoors.

Ingredients: Distilled water, witch-hazel, Essential oils of Eucalyptus, peppermint, lavender, basil, sage, catnip.

Available at Source Centre
Samples $1
$2 first refill
$4 refills thereafter

May 2009

Digestive enzymes aren't just for digestion anymore!
Aches and Pains got you down??

Studies have shown that those digestive enzymes you've been taking can be used for managing muscle pains and inflammation. 

Bromelain and other enzymes derived from pineapple have long been used as natural digestive aids. They are what is know as 'proteolytic enzymes'. 
These enzymes help your body break down protein. A lesser known fact, however, is that Bromelain also acts as an anti-inflammatory, reducing pain and increasing mobility! 

People generally take their digestive enzymes with meals to aid in bloating, gas and general indigestion. Taken away from food, however, digestive enzymes have shown to be effective in pain management.  

Eat that pineapple!

Dr. Stacey Welton N.D.

April 2009

Your Health: Are you going to allow our government or your
Insurance company decide when you are healthy?

We as Canadians, have in general,  had the good fortune of enjoying the benefits of having a universal health care system that covers emergency medical care, tests, imaging and that once covered preventative care such as chiropractic and optometry. At some point our government decided that reducing the amount of funds allocated to preventative care was the best way to safe guard our country’s health. Instead, they poured this money and additional dollars from provincially imposed health taxes, into sick care, focusing on people who already have illness. The rationale being, we must help these ill people first. But what about the people who are considered borderline ill, or who might be well right now, but who may be slowly developing high blood pressure or diabetes?  The approach with these individuals is often, lets wait and see, or come back and when your blood pressure is high enough and you are sick enough a medication that will control your symptoms can be prescribed to you. Any individual, who wishes to be well, will not likely get there with our current universal health care system. Instead, people often look elsewhere and decide to see a chiropractor or naturopath in order to help them on their quest to wellness.  Many insurance companies are now providing extended health care services to many Canadians. This has become one of the most attractive options for Canadians seeking health care outside of the current universal health care model.

The first question that I often encounter as a chiropractor is “are your services covered by insurance?”  And rightfully so, in these times of money woes, people do need to spend wisely and carefully consider what they are spending their hard earned money on.  Consider this though. The amount of money often allocated through insurance plans is only really intended to help you get started with your care, not begin and end. I have been witness to the binding nature of insurance coverage. A patient may begin to see some results but decides to drop out of care because their insurance has been used up.  Sadly a few weeks or months later their pain, symptoms, tension and stress have returned with a vengeance and they are suffering yet again.  In some cases these individuals decide to return and then begin the whole process OVER again, or if you can imagine, wait an entire year until their insurance kicks in again until they resume care! 

In order to enjoy life you MUST be healthy. Our health care as it stands now is not a system which fosters prevention or wellness. It is a system based solely on providing you symptom care when you are desperately ill and chasing these massive fires using teaspoons filled with water and hoping that we will somehow win!  The grim reality is that our “health care for all” notion is no longer the envy of the world. So I ask you, are you going to allow our government or your extended health coverage decide when you have had enough care or when you are healthy? Or, are you going to decide for yourself what you need to do to be healthy? Your health is in your hands.

Dr. Biljana Durickovic BSc (Hons), DC

March 2009

Your Children Are What You Think

‘As the heart, so is the life. The within is ceaselessly becoming the without. Nothing remains unrevealed.’ - James Allen, Out from the Heart

In my practice of the BodyTalk System, one young two-year-old client (I will call him George) had a huge impact on my awareness of the power that we have on our loved ones' health.

Several years ago, George’s mother brought him into my office for a BodyTalk session. He had been exhibiting very angry outbursts, and waking up in the middle of the night. His mother was visibly concerned, and very tired.

For George’s sessions, we decided to work through his mother as a surrogate, while he played with his cars and drew pictures.  During his second BodyTalk session, his innate wisdom directed us to his father’s unexpressed anger and slanderous language towards a woman that he worked for. The mother was surprised, as George’s father had never mentioned anything about this in the home, or in the presence of George. Yet, this young child had been feeling his father’s powerful angry emotions and intuitively understanding specific slanderous language regarding his father’s boss. His father’s unexpressed emotions were a cause of George’s behavior.  

This awareness has created a strong desire in me to share with my clients and others the responsibility we have to continually seek to improve our  wholistic health, through health modalities, meditation, breath work, and additional self-improvement activities. It has influenced the direction of my practice, as well as the knowledge of my responsibility to myself and those around me.  Simply put, we are not in this alone.

The power of our thoughts and emotions impact those around us, for good or for ill. My experience has shown that children are particularly susceptible to the unspoken expectations, thoughts, and reflected emotions of those around them. We often refer to children as sponges. This work with my young client clarifies how open to influence children are. However, sensitivity to others in our environment is not limited to children. We all have susceptibility to those within our environment, and we also have the ability to impact the health of those in our environment through our beliefs, behaviors, expectations, and unexpressed emotions.

I am grateful to George and his family for this deep knowledge. I have chosen to respond to this through challenging my beliefs and attitudes, and creating healthy outlets for expressing my emotions. I have found that breathing and meditation practice, as a gentle daily discipline, create more awareness within, and release stored emotions. This gives me the ability to respond to life’s challenges with more compassion, both to myself and others, interact with greater clarity, and connect with others on a deep and peaceful level.                                                                                                       Linda Marlene Eales

Linda Marlene Eales is the facilitator and creative director of PureSpace Meditation. She has a private referral practice in Toronto, practicing Conscious Medical Intuition, Intuitive Coaching and the BodyTalk System.
Linda has been involved in the study and development of intuition techniques and self-growth philosophy for many years. Her training background is comprised of diverse disciplines, including the Humanities, systems theory, Orthopedic evaluation, Consciousness, Parama Breakthrough, Parama MindScape, Warrior/ Eastern Philosophy, OpenSpace Technology (collective mind collaboration), and Permaculture as an applied socio-economic philosophy. Her personal health journey continually challenges her to develop her intuition and self/universal trust; this has opened her heart and mind to create innovated methods to share with others.  Linda enjoys active community work within social/environmental areas, having a passion for increasing the holistic health of our internal, as well as our external, environments.
Her book on intuitive development, philosophy and exploration is currently in preparation.

Health Benefits of Lavender Essential Oil

• Nervous System: Lavender essential oil has a calming scent which makes it an excellent tonic for the nerves and helps with headaches, anxiety, depression, nervous tension and emotional stress. Its refreshing aroma removes nervous exhaustion and restlessness and increases mental activity.
• Sleep: Lavender essential oil induces sleep and hence it is often recommended for insomnia.
• Pain Relief: Lavender essential oil is also an excellent remedy for various types of pains especially muscular aches. Massage with lavender oil provides relief from pain in the joints and muscles.
• Respiratory Disorders: Lavender oil is extensively used for various respiratory problems. The oil is either used in the form of vapor or applied on the skin of neck, chest and back. It is also added in many vaporizers and inhalers used for cold and coughs.
• Skin Care: The health benefits of lavender oil for the skin can be attributed to its antiseptic and antifungal properties. It is used to treat various skin disorders and inflammations. It heals wounds, cuts, burns, and sunburns rapidly as it aids in the formation of scar tissues.

• Add 10 drops of lavender oil to your bathwater to relax and calm your mind.
• If you’ve had too much sun exposure, add several drops of lavender oil to coldwater and spritz on skin. Also great applied directly after any other burns.
• If you’re having trouble concentrating or are feeling irritable, place a few drops on a tissue and inhale to scent to regain mental balance and clarity.
• To relax  add a few drops to lavender oil to the melted wax of  a burning candle
• Freshen bedding with a spray bottle spritzer with several drops of lavender to a water bottle.
• Insects and mosquitoes dislike lavender- place lavender around doorways and windowsills.

Health Benefits of Peppermint Oil

• Indigestion: Peppermint oil is very helpful in digestion. Often people put a few drops of peppermint oil in a glass of water and drink it after their meal due to its digestive properties. It is carminative and therefore helps in removing gas. Peppermint oil is a good tonic for those who have a low appetite. It also helps during motion sickness and upset stomach.
• Dental Care: Peppermint oil, due to its antiseptic properties, is useful for dental care. It removes bad breath and helps teeth and gums deal with germs. No wonder, it is added in numerous toothpastes. It is also useful for treating toothaches.
• Respiratory Problems: Menthol, which is present in abundance in peppermint oil, helps in clearing the respiratory tract. It is an effective expectorant and therefore provides instantaneous, though temporary, relief in numerous respiratory problems including nasal congestion, sinusitis, asthma, bronchitis, cold and cough. As a result, it is used in numerous cold rubs. When these cold rubs are rubbed on the chest, they remove nasal and respiratory congestion immediately.
• Nausea and Headache: Peppermint oil is a good home remedy for nausea and headache. Applying peppermint oil in diluted form on the forehead and hairline is known to remove headache.
• Stress: Like most other essential oils, peppermint is able to provide relief from stress, depression and mental exhaustion due to its refreshing nature. It is also effective against anxiety and restlessness.
• Hair Care: Peppermint oil is very useful for hair care as it gives a cooling effect to the head, and removes dandruff and lice.
• Skin Care: Peppermint oil contains Menthol, which is good for skin. It gives a cooling effect. Further it nourishes dull skin and improves oily skin.

• Burners and vaporizers: In vapor therapy, peppermint oil can help to increase concentration and to stimulate the mind, as well as sorting out coughs, headaches, nausea and also has value as an insect repellant.
• Blended oil  in the bath
• Mouthwash: A mouthwash with peppermint oil included can help with bad breath and gum infections.

• Apply directly to hairline to reduce headaches.

Health Benefits of Eucalyptus Essential Oil

• Respiratory Problems: Eucalyptus essential oil is effective for treating a number of respiratory problems including cold, cough, running nose, sore throat, asthma, nasal congestion, bronchitis and sinusitis. Eucalyptus oil is antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial, antiviral, anti inflammatory and decongestant in nature Gargles of eucalyptus oil mixed with warm water are effective on treating sore throat. Dilute with cream or oil and rub onto chest.
• Wounds: Eucalyptus essential oil is a good antiseptic owing to its germicidal properties. On its exposure to air, ozone is formed which is a well-known antiseptic. Hence eucalyptus oil is used for healing wounds, ulcers, burns, cuts, abrasions and sores. It is also effective on insect bites and stings.
• Muscle Pain: Eucalyptus oil is useful as a warming oil when used for muscular aches and pains, rheumatoid arthritis, sprains and poor circulation. The oil is massage in circular motion on affected areas.
• Mental Exhaustion: The Oil has a refreshing and stimulating action on the mind, helping to improve concentration.
• Dental Care: Eucalyptus essential oil is very effective against cavities, dental plaques, gingivitis and other dental infections due to its germicidal properties.
• Skin Care: Eucalyptus oil is often applied topically to treat skin infections.

One should take care while using eucalyptus oil. If taken internally in large quantities, eucalyptus oil is toxic. It may also interfere with homeopathic treatments.

• Few drops in boiling water or a vaporizer for steam bath to clear sinuses and respiratory ailments.
• Few drops on Kleenex and place in pillow case to clear sinuses
• Add to body lotion and rub onto chest for a natural vapour rub.
• Used neat or dab on with a bud: Eucalyptus oil can be used neat on the skin for insect bites or wounds, but care should be taken when doing so.
• Gargle: When very diluted eucalyptus oil is added to a gargle, so it can be used for soothing a sore throat.
• Add to a spritzer as a room freshener
• Add a few drops to a sauna.

Health Benefits of Tea Tree Essential Oil

• Anti Bacterial, Anti Microbial, Anti Viral and Anti Septic: It can be applied directly on the wounds, boils, sores, cuts and certain eruptions, as well as insect bites and stings, to protect them from infections. It is as good as any anti biotic, but without its adverse side effects. Great directly applied to cold sores and boils.
• Expectorant: It gives relief from cough, cold, bronchitis and congestion.
• Fungicide: The Tea Tree Essential Oil is as effective against fungal infections as it is against any bacterial or microbial infections. It inhibits fungal growth and helps diseases like dermatitis, athlete’s foot etc.
• Insecticide: Rub some Tea Tree oil onto your body to deter parasites and other insects like mosquitoes, fleas, lice, flies etc.
• Stimulant: This essential oil has stimulating effects on hormones secretions, circulations and mental fatigue. It boosts your immune system and acts as a shield against infections.
• Sudorific: Tea Tree Essential Oil, being a Sudorific, increases sweating and promotes removal of toxins like uric acid. It also helps remove excess water and salts from the body.
• Other Benefits: Gives relief from muscular pain, aches, sprains.
• Few Words of Caution: No potent threats, except that in some rare cases it may be sensitizing to few people.

• Burners and vaporizers: In vapor therapy, tea tree oil helps with colds, sinusitis, bronchitis and any other respiratory ailments
• In wash or applied neat: When it is added to the water for washing it has great value to treat abscesses, bed sores, acne, boils, lice, dandruff, wounds.
• Mouthwash: Tea tree oil can be used as a mouthwash for gum infections, mouth ulcers, throat infections and tonsillitis.
• Cream or lotion: add Tea Tree to help to clear up any fungal, bacterial as well as viral infections such as boils, abscesses, acne, dandruff and other scalp disorder.

How to Use Essential Oils….

1. Add essential oils to a bath or beauty product. You can enhance your own personal lotions, body oils or massage oils by adding Essential Oils
2. Inhalation: Add a few drops to a tissue or a cotton ball and inhale for a few minutes
3. Add a few drops to running bath water. If you are looking for a relaxing way to end your day, add a few drops of essential oil to your bath.
4. Add essential oils to a personal spritzer. This is a great way to take a break during a busy day to relax or energize. Simply add a few drops (eight to ten) to some distilled water in a small squirt bottle and spritz yourself.
5. Diffuse essential oils into the air of a room. Add oil to a burning candle or diluted in an oil burner.

December 2008

Supporting Your Kidneys

Winter comes as the last of the seasons. As the days become colder and the sun sets earlier our warmth is directed inward, our bodies store up physical energy as a few extra pounds and our minds become introspective. In the tradition of Chinese Medicine, a system of health care used for milennia, the winter months are related to yin and to the
natural element of water. In both Chinese and Western medicine, the kidneys and bladder are the organs ruling water and since the kidneys are a yin organ they may thus be considered the winter organ. Beyond water regulation the kidneys play a major role in many of our body’s functions including bone formation, blood formation, vitamin D production, blood pressure regulation and electrolyte regulation to name a few.
Not to mention its proximity and relation to the adrenal glands, which also helps our bodies regulate water and electrolytes as well as manage stress.

During the cold, self reflective and yin months of winter, make sure to nourish your kidneys with hearty soups, whole grains such as millet and barley, small dark beans, seaweeds such as arame,
hijiki, nori and wakame, and steamed greens. Naturopathic medicine of fers several ways to aid the process of detoxification. Tailored nutritional programs, herbal remedies
and homeopathy can support this important organ.

Vegetarian Moussaka

1 package St Ives Veggie
Ground Round
1 Onion
3 cloves of garlic
1 large carrot
2 cups slices mushrooms
2 cups sliced zucchini
5-6 med to large potatoes
2 tablespoons olive oil
salt and pepper to taste

Using 1 tablespoon of olive oil, sauté, onions, garlic, mush- rooms, carrots and zucchini.
Then add veggie ground round when vegetables are almost cooked.
Sauté for about 5 more minutes.
Slice potatoes, and place in bowl. Add a drizzle of olive oil and coat potatoes.
Lightly grease a deep casserole dish.
Spread a layer of slices potatoes, then a layer of the veggies and ground round mixture. Use about 1/2 of the mixture.
Then layer another layer of sliced potatoes.
Add the remaining veggie and ground round mixture.
Layer the top with sliced potatoes, cover and place in preheated 400 F oven.
Bake for about 45 min.
Near the end of the cooking time, remove lid and allow to brown slightly.

LET IT SNOW!! Tips for conquering the winter

1. Warm-up. Before beginning any snow removal, warm-up for five to ten minutes to get the joints moving and increase blood circulation

2. Removing small amount of snow on a frequent basis is less strenuous in the long
run.

3. Pick the right shovel. Use a lightweight, non-stick, push-style shovel.

4. Push the snow to one side and avoid throwing it.

5. Bend your knees. Use your knees, leg and arm muscles to do the pushing and lifting while keeping your back straight

6. Watch the ice. Coarse sand, ice salt, ice melter, or even kitty litter can help to give sidewalks and driveways more traction, reducing the chance of a slip or fall

7. Wear proper footwear. Shoes and boots with solid treads on the soles can help to minimize the risk of slips and falls.

8. Take a break. If you feel tired or short of breath, stop and take a rest. Make it a habit to rest for a moment or two for every 10 or 15 minutes of shoveling. This is especially important if the snow is wet and heavy. Stop shoveling immediately if you feel chest or back pain. If you are still experiencing back pain after 24 hours, you should make an appointment with Dr. Sutherland or Dr. Durickovic

November 2008

Rake without the Ache!
-fall back tips

1. Stretch before you start.

2. When lifting, keep your load close to your body, bend at the knees and use your legs.

3. Keep your back straight. Don’t twist your spine when you are lifting or moving something.

3. Use a proper rakes and shovels for the job, and make sure they are the right size for you.

4. Remember to take frequent breaks and drink lots of water.

Autumn Goodness

Autumn is a time of harvest. During this season everything in nature pulls into itself to preserve and consume energy for the coming winter months. Trees lose their leaves, sap returns to the roots, grass loses its green colour, pushing its vitality inward. Squirrels and chipmunks begin collecting nuts and food for hibernation and birds head south as the temperatures become crisp.

We humans find ourselves pulling on sweaters, flipping up collars and curling into ourselves on cooler breezy evenings. In the kitchen, our appetites change too. Melons are traded for apples and pears, barbeques for roasts and cold soups for warmer and heartier fare. Butternut squash is a winter squash. This means it has a hollow centre filled with seeds and a tough, thick skin which helps it keep longer. Winter squash, by nature, gives us more of the energy we require in colder weather through higher sugar and carbohydrate concentrations than those found in such summer squash as zucchini. The squash delivers a punch of Vitamin A as well as significant amounts of vitamin C,
B1, B3, B5 and B6, manganese and potassium.

Butternut Squash Soup

1 med-sized butternut squash
1 large onion chopped
3 medium garlic cloves chopped
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
3 cups chicken or vegetablebroth
1 tsp salt and Pepper to taste
Preheat oven to 400F (200C).

Poke holes in squash on all sides. Lay baking paper or tinfoil on baking sheet and bake squash whole until tender. (About 50min.)
Remove squash and let cool to touch.
In the meantime, sauté chopped onion in 2-3 tablespoons of chicken broth in large soup pot until transparent. Add garlic and remainder of soup stock. Bring to a boil then place on simmer.
Remove skin, guts and seeds and stem from cooled squash. Cut squash into cubes. Add to simmering mixture, allowing squash and soup to simmer for 3 more minutes. Add pepper and nutmeg.
Use blender to blend soup in batches, or use hand-held blender
Serve hot!