The monthly period. It is a pivotal marker for a woman’s fertility, and the body’s constitution and state of health have significant influence on how smoothly the body will undergo the menstrual cycle.
For some, the monthly period is just a minor inconvenience. But for many, the monthly period is a time of agonizing pain, cramping and other bodily discomfort that is met with dreaded anticipation every single month.
When women experience strong painful cramping before, during or just after the menstrual period, that is referred to as dysmenorrhea.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine there are five primary causes for painful periods:
1. Qi stagnation and blood stasis: seen as abnormal circulation or flow of energy and/or blood in the body
◦ Distending abdominal pain
◦ Pain aggravated by pressure
◦ Pain occurs just before or during onset of menstruation
◦ Often restricted menstrual flow during the first day
◦ Dark purple blood with clots or large pieces of decomposed tissue
◦ Breast tenderness
◦ rib/flank pain or discomfort
2. Cold-dampness coagulation and obstruction: seen as abnormal cold in the lower abdominal area
◦ Cold pain in lower abdomen just before or during menstruation
◦ Pain that worsens with pressure, but is relieved by warmth
◦ Light menstrual flow
◦ Dark purplish blood with clots
◦ Loose stools or diarrhea
◦ Dislike cold temperatures
3. Qi and blood deficiency: seen as lack of energy and blood in the body
◦ Persistent dull pain during or after menstruation
◦ Pain relieved with pressure
◦ Heavy or very light flow
◦ Pale thin blood with no clots
◦ Tendency for fatigue, dizziness and palpitations
4. Insufficient Liver and Kidney: seen as overworked or exhausted Liver and Kidneys
◦ Dull pain in lower abdomen after menstruation
◦ Light flow
◦ Dark blood with no clots
◦ Aching lower back and knees
◦ Tinnitus or ringing in the ears
◦ Occasional feverish sensation
5. Down Pouring Damp-Heat: seen as abnormal heat in the lower abdominal area
◦ Pain or burning sensation in lower abdomen during menstruation
◦ Pain is worsened by pressure
◦ Distending pain the lower back
◦ Thick dark red blood with clots
◦ Frequently have yellowish vaginal discharge
◦ Frequent low fever
Acupuncture and TCM herbal therapy have a long history in aiding reproductive health. They can help harmonize and correct your body constitution to alleviate painful periods.
If you are experiencing painful periods just recently, it is advisable to go see your family doctor or gynecologist to check for any functional or structural abnormalities first before seeking alternative therapies.
Book your appointment at Vitality Clinic at 604-687-7678, or contact myself ([email protected]) to see if acupuncture and TCM would be right for you.
Have a great day,
Clarissa Low, RTCMP
Vancouver Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner
You can see the tell-tale marks as more and more people sport large circular bruises on their bodies. You are starting to see them on athletes and celebrities in the media. Maybe you have noticed those marks peeking out of a friend or coworker’s shirt collar. What on earth are those marks, and why are people getting this done to their bodies?
“Cupping” is the name of this technique used to produce these marks and is an excellent method in the Traditional Chinese Medicine scope to help treat pain and facilitate healing. It uses small circular cups of various sizes applied strategically onto the skin with suction. The primary concept of this method is to increase local blood circulation to stimulate the local area and treat or prevent disease.
The lifting and stretching actions the cups have on underlying tissues help with breaking up stagnation to the channels/tissues, assist in draining excess fluid and cellular waste that may be trapped within the fibres causing tightness or inflammation, and invigorate the local areas with increased blood circulation to nourish and repair tissues.
It is interesting to to note only injured tissues or channels will show bruising with cupping. Healthy tissues may become pink or flushed with the vacuum-action, but that will fade very quickly after the cups are removed. Injured tissues, on the other hand, may show bruising ranging from bright red, brownish-red, purple, to even blackish-purple. The intensity of the colour often indicates the severity of the injury and will change over the course of several treatments (ie. darker bruising will eventually become lighter in colour and density with repeat treatments). The bruises typically take about 7-10 days to completely fade away, and during that time the skin may be tender. Massaging locally can ease the bruising, but no other special care is normally required after treatment.
Common applications for cupping include arthritis, chronic headaches, lumbago/lower back pain, shoulder pain, neck pain, and general muscle joint pain.
Those with infected, ulcerated or overly-sensitive skin, or edema should AVOID cupping. Pregnant women should also AVOID cupping over the abdominal or lumbosacral areas.
If you are interested to know if cupping is right for you, please contact Clarissa for more information at [email protected] or call 604-687-7678 to book your appointment today!
Clarissa Low, RTCMP
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Everyone experiences poor sleep from time to time. Often it is occurs when the mind is overly preoccupied by a stressful situation and the insomnia can resolve itself when the stressor is removed or circumstantial conditions improve. However, some people suffer insomnia that persists regardless of major lifestyle and evening routine changes, and the goal to achieve deep, uninterrupted sleep seems to be an unending challenge.
How does TCM approach insomnia?
From a TCM perspective, insomnia is seen as a condition stemming from internal imbalances that affect the body’s ability to sleep soundly. In fact, TCM categorizes insomnia into 5 groups and identifies the heart, liver, spleen, stomach, kidneys, and gallbladder as the possible organs affected. The heart is the governing organ for the body’s spirit and mind, so not surprisingly, it is responsible for the more common forms of insomnia.
Each type of insomnia has its own set of distinctive symptoms that allows the TCM practitioner to determine which organs are affected and need balance restored.
1. Heart blood deficiency
For this type of insomnia, it is difficult to fall asleep, the person wakes up easily throughout the night, and frequently has many dreams. Physical symptoms may include heart palpitations, forgetfulness, weak limbs, pale complexion, dizziness, blurred vision, and/or sweating easily with minimal exertion.
2. Heart and Gallbladder qi deficiency
This type of insomnia is distinctive with the occurrence of many dreams while sleeping, being easily startled awake, and generally being easily frightened or timid. Physical symptoms may include heart palpitations throughout the day or night.
3. Heart and Kidneys miscommunication
This type of imbalance, aka water-fire disharmony, is understood as the heart and kidneys not working properly in tandem to balance the fire and water elements of the body. This form of insomnia manifests with irritability, brief periods of sleep but easily woken up, and heart palpitations with a sense of uneasiness. Physical symptoms may include dizziness, tinnitus, nocturnal emissions, night sweating, sore waist and knees, feverish chest, palms and feet, and/or dry mouth/throat.
4. Spleen and Stomach disharmony
This form of insomnia is typically seen as general poor sleep with a feeling of chest fullness, and/or focal distention (below the sternum). This disharmony between the spleen and stomach is usually linked to irregular/excessive eating.
5. Liver yang uprising
This form of insomnia exhibits itself as difficulty to fall asleep, with irritability, and tendency to get angry. Physical symptoms may include dizziness, rib pain, reddish eyes, bitter taste in the mouth, constipation, and/or reddish urine.
Treatment
Acupuncture can be an effective method to help correct the internal imbalances and help the body achieve better sleep. Different points are selected to address the specific type of insomnia and to help the body achieve normal sleep. Sometimes herbal formulas are also used to assist the body to normalize and calm the mind and spirit.
If you are experiencing insomnia, acupuncture and herbal formula may be suitable for you to help you achieve sound and restful sleep.
Good night and sweet dreams!
Clarissa Low, RTCMP
Acupuncture Nutritional Injections
The Fat Burner, Liver, Bowel Support Injection
The MIC Injection is formulated to assist the body to promote the natural breakdown of fat cells in the liver, which will increase the body’s ability to metabolize fat.
MIC stands for:
Methione: An essential amino acid that assists in the breakdown of fat and detoxifies the liver. It acts as an antioxidant and helps to maintain healthy skin tone.
Inositol: Breaks down fats in the body and promotes healthy hair and skin. It also participates in regulating the neurotransmitter serotonin that controls mood and appetite.
Choline: Helps to control weight and cholesterol levels. It helps maintain the nervous system and aids the liver to metabolize fats.
Other ingredients include:
Folic Acid: Assists the brain neurotransmitters in their daily functions.
Vitamin B12 Methylocobalmin: Provides energy and has a mild diuretic effect. It also stimulates the utilization of proteins, fats and carbohydrates.
Vitamin B6: Influences hormonal balance and acts as a natural diuretic. It supports the immune system and influences protein metabolism.
Having regular abdominal acupuncture treatments are also a great way to accelerate this process.
When combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise, it is reported that people feel more energetic, have an increased metabolism, increased weight loss, and a stronger immune system.
For the best results, it is recommended to have injections once a week for at least 4 weeks.
Julianne Petersen is a Registered Acupuncturist and certified in Acupuncture Injection Therapy.
]]>Biopuncture (also referred to as Acupoint or Acupuncture Injection Therapy) is an acupuncture therapy using biological products to work through and activate the lymphatic system (the body’s garbage collection system).
The majority of the products used are vitamins; Homeopathic remedies from Pascoe; and Procaine 1 % a nontoxic local anesthetic. They are injected into the skin or muscles of affected area, trigger points, or corresponding acupuncture point to relieve pain, promote healing, regulate hormones, and stimulate the immune system.
Biopuncture is both safe and effective. The products used are sterile, naturally and readily absorbed, and given in ultra-low doses. The fine needles are similar to acupuncture needles so they will not cause trauma. After treatment, the area may feel achy and tight for a day or two but is relieved with a hot bath and gentle stretching. These reactions are considered a positive outcome as your body’s own natural healing process will have been activated.
Biopuncture or Acupoint Injection Therapy can be an effective treatment for:
• Sports Injuries
• Low Energy
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Tendonitis
• Arthritis
• Muscle & Ligament Tears and Sprains
• Seasonal Allergies
• Menopause, PMS, Endometriosis or Dysmenorrhea
• Anxiety
The number of treatments will vary depending on the condition but, generally for a new injury, 2 treatments the first week and then once a week for a few weeks is the recommended treatment plan. Chronic conditions and degenerative conditions may take longer due to the length of time the body has been dealing with it.
Have a great day,
Julianne Petersen
Vancouver Registered Acupuncturist and Certified Acupuncture Injection Therapist
We are electro-magnetic beings made up of energy that creates and runs our body systems, and our body has the amazing ability to heal itself but it needs to be free flowing to do this work. The electro-magnetic fields within and all around our bodies are governed by 7 energy centers or Chakras. These Chakras can become blocked or congested due to stress, trauma or injury thereby causing various forms of emotional and physical distress.
Bio-Energy Healing is a health modality that focuses on the body’s bio-magnetic energy field of the body to relieve physical pain and the effects of stress. When the body is able to restore it’s natural free flow of magnetic energy, a new health and wellness blueprint can be attained.
The effects of stress build up in the body and it’s energy field, this can cause poor sleep, a feeling of being ungrounded, being emotionally upset or even being unable to deal with the smallest tasks. Bio-energy can help you feel better.
Pain that returns without a re-injury can also be due to congestion within the body’s energy field. Bio-Energy techniques focus on removing this congestion to reduce and eliminate pain.
As a Practitioner I perform a series of hand techniques around the client’s body while they stand or sit depending on the technique being used. The series of techniques will open and clear stagnant congestion or blocked energy caused by stress, trauma or injury so that your body and mind can function at a higher frequency level.
Based on the severity of illness, some clients may benefit from a second course of treatment. It is also advised to continue monthly sessions for health maintenance and and in order to achieve new levels of health.
The protocol is based on 4 sessions once a week with a 5th session follow up 4 weeks later.
Conditions treated include:
* Back Pain / Body Pain
* Headaches
* Arthritis
* Depression
* Irritable Bowel Syndrome
* Eczema
* Emotional Distress
*Effects of Stress
* Lack of Purpose
Julianne Petersen
Registered Acupuncturist
Practitioner of Bio-Energy Healing
Many people suffer from ongoing headaches and having acupuncture treatments are a great way to treat them.
Headaches can be triggered for many reasons however, an imbalance of hydration fluids, stress, trauma, joint and muscle imbalances, and diet are usually the culprits.
Living in a fast paced environment we are easy to have an imbalance of the autonomic nervous system, specifically the parasympathetic nervous system, which governs our response to stress. Regular acupuncture treatments to harmonize the nervous system and can help bring back balance in your body and mind to reduce and eliminate headaches.
Acupuncture treatments have been shown to stimulate the immune system. Acupuncture also affects the circulation, blood pressure, secretion of gastric acid and the production of red and white blood cell. Acupuncture also stimulates the release of a variety of hormones that help the body to respond to injury and stress.
Many people would assume that inserting a needle into the skin would be painful. However, a variety of sensations such as warmth or pressure may be felt as the energetic sensation of having acupuncture differs from pain. Clients often comment that my treatments are pleasant and relaxing, like pressing the restart button.
Have a wonderful day, and remember to hydrate throughout the day to plump up those blood vessels.
Julianne Petersen
Vancouver Registered Acupuncturist
Need an advantage to help you achieve your New Year’s Goals ?
Acupuncture works to help your body and your mind work to it’s highest potential. There are many points (365 regular points) that each have their own unique properties.
One such point is ShenMen, (Mind Door, Spirit Gate), Heart 7
It is found on the inside of the wrist, in a depression on the baby finger line, close to the small hand bone that you rest your hand on when you are using the mouse.
This is one of the best point to use to calm and regulate the spirit and the mind. When the spirit and the mind loses harmony, there is restlessness which gives way to anxiety, fearfulness, poor memory and concentration as well as poor sleep. This state can make it very difficult for you to assert your will power and overcome certain situations. When your spirit and mind are calm, you feel your power and you know in your heart you are going to accomplish your goal.
So when you are feeling anxious, a little acupressure on this point can help you calm down and carry on.
Have a wonderful day !
Julianne Petersen, RAc
Vancouver Acupuncturist
Acupuncture and cupping are very powerful treatments to combat the risk of getting a seasonal cold by building up your immune system keep your body strong. For people already suffering from a seasonal cough and cold, acupuncture treatments and cupping will help you recover sooner rather than later so you can get on with your day to day responsibilities.
When the lungs, the sinuses and the stomach are compromised with a non-stop cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and upset stomach, the whole body is affected. Sometimes people will even throw their backs out while they are coughing (The Chiropractors here at Vitality are fantastic for helping alleviate this!) Lack of sleep from being up coughing, or unable to breath because the sinuses are either running out of control or just plain blocked can run a person down very quickly, making it difficult to recover.
Traditional Chinese Medicine recognizes that each person’s common cold experience is different from another therefore, the treatments are always based on the individual’s specific symptoms.
Traditional cupping treatment is a great way to help clear the lungs of phlegm, open up the airways so the lungs can relax, and allow them to breath more deeply.
Acupuncture treatments will target the person’s organ systems most affected by the cold, to open up the nasal passages, relax the lungs, eliminate the heat from the throat, and calm the stomach.
Always drink a lot of warm to room temperature water when you are dealing with a cold. You may want to drink cold water because your throat is on fire, but drinking cold water will slow your digestion down and thereby keep the bugs inside. Your stomach is the like the cooking pot in the body, if you dump cold things in it, the pot will get cold, and once it gets cold, the cooking stops. You want to keep it warm all the time so it can process all the food and liquids allowing the small intestine to absorb the nutrients and send the waste to the large intestine to be eliminated from your body.
Be proactive to help your body recover so that your body can build itself up again. Sometimes people will feel as though they just get over one cold when another will hit them. Having Acupuncture and Traditional Cupping treatments will help your immune system recover sooner and be stronger.
Have a great day,
Julianne Petersen,
Vancouver Registered Acupuncturist
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Foods to Boost Your Immune System
Strategies To Improve Immune Function
Detox your body and your mind simultaneously with cupping therapy and ear acupuncture as they are both considered detoxification treatments.
The benefits include:
– Improved energy flow throughout the body.
– Relief of muscle pain and improved circulation.
– Relaxes and re-energizes the mind.
In Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory, all the body systems are represented on either side of the spine, as well as the gall bladder and small intestine channels. Therefore, cupping therapy on the back is done along the muscle lines. This therapy assists in the detoxification process by increasing circulation of blood, fluids, and vital energy known as Qi. Each organ system is stimulated by the suction of the cups along the skin surface to release and let go of stagnation brought about by our summer indulgences of food, alcohol, and lack of sleep. The lungs are stimulated to release congestion and allow for more open breathing. In fact, cupping is a great way to speed the recovery of the end of summer common cold.
The whole body is represented on the ears. Using ear acupuncture to work closely with the cupping therapy is an additional boost of stimulation for the body to release and eliminate stagnation. Ear acupuncture has the added effect of relaxing and re-energizing the mind. The detox protocol is practiced all around the world following human tragedies such as hurricanes, floods, fire, and other trauma.
Ear acupuncture treatments provide a rebalancing of the sympathetic nervous system and calming the mind by reducing stress hormone release into the blood. It has a strong relaxant effect on the internal organs by dilating the blood vessels to further aid in the cleansing process. Having regular ear acupuncture treatments is known to relieve anxiety, depression, insomnia, and excessive sensitivity.
If you would like to book an appointment, please call the clinic.
Have a great day,
Julianne Petersen
Registered Acupuncturist
EFT is a scientifically proven technique used to heal emotional issues of disease, and harmonize the body and the mind.
EFT consists of Self Energy Tapping while addressing a;
– Belief (depression, anxiety, poor sleep)
– Physical Manifestation (pain, discomfort, skin reactions)
– Performance Issue
– Goal (school, job, competition)
The points used for tapping are specific Acupuncture points. When you initiate the technique, you will be given a picture of the points to use. They are tapped in a specific sequence while dialoging or speaking the truth about how you feel at that moment in time, moving toward choosing how you would like to feel using a 0-10 grading. With this grading system, ten refers to the most negative of feelings and zero is not feeling that way anymore.
I have used EFT for the past 15 years for all kinds of things that have caused me to have emotional reactions and stress. If you would like to learn to use it, I am happy to help.
If you learn how to use this tool, you will be learning how to give yourself freedom from emotionally triggered suffering.
Enjoy your day,
Julianne Petersen R.Ac.
Here are a number of reasons to consider booking an appointment with our Registered Acupuncturist!
Have a great Day,
The Vitality Team
]]>Are you aware our resident Registered Acupuncturist, Julianne, offers laser therapy treatments? Laser light is a great way to enhance any treatment. Research demonstrates laser affects the mitochondria (the cell’s power house) thereby enhancing the production and synthesis of ATP (the cell’s energy.) This allows the body to optimize healing and growth. It does so by “injecting” billions of photons of visible and/or invisible laser light deep into tissue structures. This chemical energy is utilized by the tissue to significantly accelerate the healing process and reduce pain in the body naturally.
Laser therapy can assist with:
age spots,
acne,
skin ulceration,
soft-tissue damage,
sports injuries (sprains, strains, and contusions), and
arthritis pain.
The healing process increases the strength of healed tissue, reduces swelling, increases blood flow, increases lymphatic activity; reduces inflammation, and increases cellular metabolism which speeds up the repair process. The results are accumulative.
Call the clinic to book your treatment today!
Have a great day,
Dr. Crysta Serné
Vancouver Chiropractor and owner of Vitality Clinic
Intramuscular stimulation, or IMS has become a popular method of relieving chronic and acute muscle pain and spasticity. IMS is extremely useful in treating skeletal muscle trigger points, or areas of shorted, contracted skeletal muscle that contribute to pain and dysfunction. Acupuncture needles, as opposed to much larger needles typically used for injections, are inserted directly into trigger points. This direct stimulation of the trigger point often precipitates fasciculation or muscle spasm, and relaxation of the affected muscle, leading to pain relief.
Specifically, IMS is used to treat neuropathic pain, resulting from skeletal muscle “supersensitivity”. According to Dr. Chann Gunn, a pioneer in the method of IMS and pain pathophysiology, supersensitivity is the process by which nerves become over sensitive to stimuli causing an increased perception of pain. “Super sensitive” muscles cannot be seen via medical imaging, and may only be identified via a combination of palpation, and patient history. Some deep muscles that aren’t easily palpated must be assessed via the insertion of acupuncture or IMS needles. If the suspected muscle is not functioning appropriately and contains trigger points, the patient will feel an odd, deep aching sensation. If the muscle is healthy and contracting appropriately, this deep aching sensation will not be experienced.
Once a trigger point has been identified and needled appropriately, the affected muscle will either start to spasm immediately, or tightly grasp the needle for a period of time. This “grabbing” sensation is a result of muscle stimulation and is transient, but is often perceived as a deep intense muscle ache that may radiate to bony attachments. As the trigger point begins to relax, the deep aching sensation subsides. If a muscle contains many trigger points, multiple treatments are often necessary – typically patients see complete relief with 8-10 sessions, but often benefit greatly after a single treatment.
Historically, the needling of muscular trigger points has contributed greatly to the treatment of pain and muscle dysfunction in traditional Chinese medicine. Traditional acupuncturists directly needle what are known at “ashi” points, or points of muscle tenderness and pain, with predictable referral patterns. Traditional acupuncturists will also typically needle additional points with therapeutic properties based on the patient’s presenting concerns and systemic health pattern.
Therapeutic IMS is an incredibly effective adjunct to chiropractic care and massage therapy, and is currently offered at Vitality Clinic.
Have a great day,
Dr. Kaleigh Anstett, ND
In light of Julianne’s first day at the clinic on Thursday, April 3, 2014, we thought we would compile a list of some reasons you should consider seeing her!
Have a great night,
Dr. Crysta Serné
Chiropractor and owner of Vitality Clinic
]]>In Chinese Medicine, Spring is the Wind’s time and wind always brings change. The elements of cold, heat, and dampness like to “hook up” to the wind’s energy and take a ride, sometimes right into our bodies. That’s why it is so important to be aware of the wind. You can love it, as I do but take precautions. In the Spring, the wind blows in all directions. It can be warm one minute and cool the next. When it’s sunny and warm, we leave our winter coats at home, only to be caught off guard when the cool breeze flows in from the north.
The breeze becomes wind, and next thing you know, you have a headache, stiff neck, a pulled hamstring, and lower back pain. This is the power of the wind! To combat this, dress in layers, keep the back of your neck protected, and wear socks. Sip warm-hot water even when you are in the sun, this protects your throat from the inside and keeps your blood warm so it circulates with ease. Cold blood leads to stagnation and stagnation leads to pain of all sorts.
The weather elements can find their way into your body through the body’s natural doors and pores, which can result in the Common Cold. When the Cold hitches a ride on the tail of the wind it can bring on a stiff neck, a headache, coughing, and body aches, then turning to Heat when trapped inside the body causing a sore throat, red itchy throat or eyes, restlessness and sneezing; then a bit of Dampness for a poor appetite, nausea, lassitude, heaviness of chest, or dizziness among other things. Acupuncture and cupping are very good remedies for all these symptoms of the imbalanced body. They work to restore and encourage the body’s own natural healing energy.
Our environments, whether it is our day to day commitments, our self induced stressors or; experiencing the wonders of nature, they all affect our emotions. The spring corresponds to Wood, and Liver Qi, which have to do with our growth and vitality. Liver Qi moves suddenly, like the wind. Managing our emotions can be a challenge for all of us. Having regular Acupuncture is a great way keep the emotions running smooth and help you, to be more able to manage the stresses of life and enjoy the spring.
Julianne Petersen,
Registered Acupuncturist
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