Wishing everyone a happy and healthy holiday season!

Moms-to-be! Let's turn that baby around!

Breech presentation can occur in the 7th or 8th month of pregnancy which means that the baby is in any number of positions other than the optimal head down position. In most cases, the baby turns around naturally by the 35th week, but in some cases the baby is born breech usually via cesarean.  C-sections require a longer recovery time and may come with complications.

Some natural options  include; Chiropractic Webster technique, an external cephalic version performed by an Obstetrician, or by the simple use of a Moxa stick!

Moxibustion (Artemesia vulgaris or ai ye) works wonders turning the fetus around (prior to the 39th week), when applied to the last point on the Urinary Bladder meridian. UB67- which is located at the outside corner of the little toe right next to the nail. A moxa stick is held close to the point, not on the skin, to heat the point. This shouldn't be painful or excessively hot. Have a birthing partner do this, as most mothers will be beyond touching their toes! Two times daily for 5 minutes each time should be sufficient to turn the baby around. Once movement is felt, stop the moxa immediately upon confirmation from a midwife or obstetrician that the baby has indeed turned.

Why does this work? Possibly due to the idea of circulating blood in the pelvic area and the uterus. Moxa may not be for everyone and is not recommended without sufficient air ventilation. Always consult with a Registered Acupuncturist first.

Why I LOVE Moxa!

'Moxa', 'Moxibustion', or 'Moe Kusa' in Japanese which translates to 'burning herb' is-- that exactly! -- a herb that is burned to heat a specific area of the body for the purpose of treating disharmony.

Moxa is Mugwort or chinese Wormwood that comes from the 'sage' family and is also called Artemesia vulgaris or Artemesia argyi. It is wonderful to use as it is the most readily available combustible that does not flame and can provide a temperature of 670 degrees centigrade. Recent analysis indicates the chemical richness includes; protein, sodium, potassium, calcium, iron, aluminum, magnesium, adenine, choline, and Vitamins A,B,C and D. Crazy!!

Moxa is awesome for: warming cold conditions, expels dampness, opens up the meridians and boosts Qi (energy) and blood! Excellent for conditions like; arthritis, asthma, vomiting, diarrhea, rheumatic and abdominal pain. Awesome for menstrual cramps! Moxibustion directed towards UB67 (corner of the nail on the baby toe) has good results in correcting breech presentation with expectant mothers.

Moxa can be found in; cones, sticks, moxa box, or in it's loose form. Moxa doesn't hurt, it is very soothing and excellent for cancer patients.

Ask your Registered Acupuncturist more about this wonderful, warming herb that has a multitude of uses.

Seasonal Allergies & Acupuncture

Spring time!!! And with those lovely cherry blossoms that line the streets with pink, also start a vicious cycle of allergies in many people, that can potentially last from early Spring until the late Fall. What constitutes an allergy? Essentially it's the body's over-reaction or sensitivity to an allergen. Typically in Spring it involves airborne particles from trees and weeds -- pollen. What's really happening? While the body's response is to produce IgE antibodies that attach to white blood cells, when these cells are stimulated they release histamine causing allergic symptoms such as; runny nose, sinus congestion, itchy/watery eyes, and sneezing. Western medicine treats allergies with antihistamines like Benadryl or Chlortriplon or allergy shots by injecting small amounts of an allergen and gradually increasing to desensitize the body's response. While these methods are effective at treating the symptoms, there are also side-effects (drowsiness, urinary retention, dry mouth, blurred vision...etc.) Acupuncture is a natural alternative that works not only to relieve irritating symptoms but also to help build up a tolerance to the allergen. Acupuncture treatments before spring starts, will also help diminish the hypersensitive allergic response and help build-up the body's immune system.

Acupuncture Treatment for Chronic Sinusitis

Chronic Sinusitis is a condition that affects millions of Canadians each year. It is a condition that involves inflammation of the paranasal sinuses due to; infection (bacterial, viral or fungal), allergies, or autoimmune disorders. Symptoms may include; nasal congestion, facial pain or pressure, headaches, tightness or fullness of the sinuses, pain when bending foward, and dizziness lasting longer than three months.
Chronic Sinusitis is typically treated with antibiotics, cortico-steroids or even surgery, but natural alternatives like acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine have proven to be very effective.
Regular acupuncture treatments can help ease the symptoms snd clear the root cause. Points located near and around the nasal cavity, aided with supplemental points are well known to dispel congestion and get the energy flowing more freely. Another technique known as 'Guasha' is also effective in helping ease and prevent chronic sinusitis.
Ruling out dietary sensitivities/allergies such as dairy or wheat may prove to be useful, as well as environmental factors such as temperature variations (damp cold) and mold.
With the use of a 'neti pot' , a small teapot helps to flush out the nasal cavity with a saline solution, by clearing congestion and aiding in breathing. The use of essential oils can be beneficial when doing a steam inhalation. Eucalyptus and Japanese Mint oil are well-known to improve sinus congestion, Thyme oil is excellent as an anti-sinusitis oil and is known for having anti-bacterial properties as well. Place five drops in a bowl of hot water. Place a towel over the head, inhale the steam and allow the sinuses to clear for approximately five minutes.
Natural alternatives can provide lasting relief from chronic sinus pain, which doesn't result in harmful side-effects. Contact your Registered Acupuncturist for more information.

Acupuncture-- A Natural Choice for Seasonal Affective Disorder

Do you find that as the days get shorter in the Fall months, lack of sunshine, colder temperatures, bring you down? Experience symptoms such as; anxiety, palpitations, insomnia, high blood pressure, decreased libido and excessive sweating? You may suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder or S.A.D, but acupuncture can help!

S.A.D. effects approximately 2-3% of Canadians, and people with S.A.D make up 10% of all depression cases. Women are 8 times more likely to be effected than men, and typically those who are under 50.

Your family Doctor can provide a diagnosis to rule out thyroid dysfunction or other forms of depression. Light therapy and antidepressants are often prescribed, but often with dangerous side-effects.

Acupuncture is one natural treatment option that works by releasing noradrenaline and serotonin in the body with a series of treatments. Acupuncture is also safe enough to use in conjunction with medications to help decrease side-effects. It works by stimulating specific points along the meridians to help balance energy, regulate hormones, and to help address the underlying problem with no side-effects! It is also important to factor in proper dietary measures, ensure that you are getting a minimum of 20 minutes of outdoor activity daily, and to try going to bed and awaking early to maximize time spent in natural day light.

If you or someone you know is feeling depressed there are many types of treatment and many resources for natural treatment options. If you looking for a natural alternative, try acupuncture and start enjoying winter again!

Acupuncture can Ease Shoulder & Neck Tension

It seems like this is the time of year when muscles are more prone to contract, pain in the upper back and neck region sets in. Whether it's due to colder temperatures causing us to bring our shoulders up around our ears, or forgetting to close windows at night allowing muscles to contract when the body temperature lowers as we sleep, or stress that compounds in that area-- neck and shoulder tension sets in!

Acupuncture is a great tool along with a lot of different modalities for easing musculo-skeletal pain in the upper body.

*Acupuncture itself helps to release local Qi (energy) and blood stagnation which can manifest as neck rigidity and tension, compromising movement.

*Cupping techniques allow for more oxygen to flow through the area and improve circulation of the tissues to release tension.

*Moxabustion aids by warming the needle and bringing more energy into the tissues to also help release tight muscles.

*"Tuina" is a form of massage that manipulates soft tissue in the area, increasing blood flow, easing tension and allowing for more movement.

All of these techniques help ease pain and also work as a preventative measure, especially when used in combination with regular stretching, breathing techniques and exercise.

Contact your Registered Acupuncturist to help ease neck soreness and muscle tension.

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Are you ready for Cold & Flu Season?

Fall is a great time of year, the leaves change color, the sun sets earlier and the air gets a little cooler. Fall is a time when our bodies become more introverted or 'Yin' in nature--as we tend to spend more time indoors, making soups and stews, preparing for a cold (or wet!) winter. It is typically in Fall, that are bodies may be more susceptible to illness and our immune systems weaken as we adapt to colder temperatures. In chinese medicine, external pathogenic factors are responsible for invading the body when the immune system is down and make us more susceptible to viruses and influenza.

This is a perfect time to come in for an acupuncture treatment. A treatment can help build up the body's natural defense mechanisms, expel pathogens and help relieve that 'run-down' feeling. In chinese medicine, the Common cold is often seen as 'Wind- Cold invasion'. Symptoms of fever and/or chills, sneezing, white sputum, aches and pains usually arise. When this developes further to influenza -- this is often catagorized as 'Wind-Heat invasion' accompanied by symptoms of fever, sweating, flu, yellow sputum, sore throat and cough. Not only is it beneficial to come in prior to illness setting in but by coming in as soon as symptoms set in can also help expel it out of your system, alot faster.

Acupuncture, moxabustion, guasha and cupping are all techniques used to make one feel healthier, as well as Chinese herbs like; Yin Chiao (Honeysuckle and Forsythia Clean Toxin Pill) or Blue Poppy's 'Cold Quell' both are well-known cold formulas to help people get back on their feet. For more questions, ask your Registered Acupuncturist.

Klinik's (first ever) Open House!

Everyone Welcome!
To: Klinik, A Health Collective's Open House

Sunday, October 3rd 1-4 pm
#101 225 East 17th Avenue (Main St. & 17th)
604.876.8764


Please visit the website for details.
http://www.klinikvancouver.com/
Refreshments will be served!