Acupressure Routine to manage Seasonal Allergy symptoms

With the trees and flowers in full bloom, there is a ton of pollen in the air and you may be experiencing seasonal allergy symptoms such as congestion, difficulty breathing, headaches and hives.

A Daily ritual of acupressure and gua sha can aid in the management of these symptoms.

Stimulate and massage the following points for 20 - 30 seconds each
(see diagram for location)

Large intestine 4
Lung 10
Large intestine 20
Bi Tong
Yin Tang

Repeat as needed.

You can also use a gua sha tool and scrape down along the inside of each arm to stimulate the lung meridian to help move congestion and free flow of qi. This will also help strengthen immunity.

Prevention is always better then reaction - an herbal formula taken daily and regular acupuncture visits can drastically improve symptoms related to seasonal allergies. It's never too late to improve so if you're already suffering and hate compromising your immune system further with chronic use of antihistamines, Traditional Chinese Medicine can help!

Book your TCM consultation

What is hypnosis and how can hypnotherapy help?

Hypnosis is an incredible tool that can be used to help lessen and even alleviate negative feelings such as anxiety and bolster a sense of calm and connectedness.

Hypnosis is very similar to a guided meditation, where the practitioner will bring you into a relaxed state by use of guided imagery. In this relaxed state, we work directly with your subconscious mind. Contrary to popular belief, you are still very much aware of what is going on.

Jaclyn specializes in emotional regression where you follow a feeling back to the very first time it occurred. Your subconscious shows you where you need to go and what needs to be dealt with naturally comes up. When working with the memory, space is created for you to feel through all of the emotions that were present, and you are able to support yourself in a time when you needed it most.

It’s like going back to reclaim a part of yourself that got stuck, and as a result you will experience more clarity and find an increased capacity for self-compassion.

Jaclyn is a trauma informed, certified hypnotherapist and holds a certificate in integrative somatic trauma therapy. She brings her vast knowledge of how the mind and body work to create a safe, non-judgmental, healing space.

While Jaclyn's main focus is to use hypnosis as a tool to help you reconnect with yourself, she has also worked with clients to find lost items, or to instill confidence in areas such as public speaking. She also offers past life regressions.

How can hypnotherapy help?

What to expect from a Reiki treatment

What to expect from a Reiki treatment

pictured: Cyndi during a Reiki session

Reiki is an intuitive, energetic treatment where universal energy is channeled through the practitioner's hands.

At the beginning of the treatment you will likely chat with the practitioner about the process and any intentions you may have for the session.

You will lie down on the treatment table and have the option to use a blanket. During the session, your comfort is key.

Depending on your practitioner, before they begin with the treatment they may use a pendulum to read your chakras and check where your energy may be out of balance. This helps them know where you may need a little more focus and attention.

The practitioner will move their hands around your body and the treatment may include light touch or no direct touch at all. It's possible that you may experience sensations in the body such as tingling or changes in temperature, or you may not feel anything at all. Sometimes you may even have memories or images come up, this is a natural response as energetic blocks get cleared during the treatment. Just allow whatever arises to come up without focusing on it too much.

Reiki is an incredibly relaxing experience and is a wonderful treatment to help manage stress and help you feel more calm and at ease.

There are 3 members of the collective that offer Reiki: Cyndi offers reiki on its own or as an add-on to massage, Leslie offers reiki on its own and Kyhm offers Celtic Reiki.

Can Traditional Chinese Medicine help cure eczema?

Traditional Chinese Medicine & Eczema

Irritated, dry, itchy, red, rash and bumpy skin- eczema can be such an unpleasant experience.

Whether your eczema tends to flare up during the spring in reaction to increased pollen and allergens in the air, or it's year round and connected to stress or exposure to other irritants, Traditional Chinese Medicine can help provide relief.

Some cases involve a pathogenic factor - Wind Heat, Damp Heat or Toxic Heat. It can also be more of internal deficiency - blood deficiency creating dryness.

The cause of eczema is unique to each person, so your TCM Doctor will assess and treat each case on an individual basis. A combination of acupuncture to address any underlying imbalances and a variety of herbs and salves may be prescribed.

With consistent and regular treatment, flare ups will be less frequent and the severity of symptoms will be greatly reduced, and may even disappear completely.

Can Acupuncture help with seasonal allergy relief?

Acupuncture and Allergies

Can Acupuncture help with seasonal allergy relief?

As spring arrives in Calgary, for some of us it also means the arrival of the itchiness, swelling, runny nose, sneezing and watery eyes that comes with increased pollen in the air.

If you suffer from hay fever and allergies, acupuncture can help ease your symptoms. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is understood that a deficiency in defensive qi can cause the typical allergic reaction symptoms. By stimulating the Lung and regulating the Liver, regular acupuncture both helps to relieve symptoms and strengthen the body by treating any underlying disharmonies.

This means you can get back to spending time in nature & enjoying the bliss that comes with the warmer weather.

TCM + acupuncture for anxiety

A term many of us didn’t use or understand as viscerally until a few years ago. Anxiety can be something very physical experience with heart palpitations, heaviness in the chest, fatigue, shaking, lack of appetite, increased heart rate. It can also be very mental and emotional with overthinking, worry, fogginess, poor memory insomnia, dream disturbed sleep, fidgeting, mania, depression and irritability. We are what we THINK.


Acupuncture has been proven to have incredible benefits on helping people move through anxiety.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine anxiety comes from a deficiency in the Heart. The emotion of the heart is JOY. When we are out of balance we either have too little joy (sadness) or too much joy (mania/anxiety). The energy behind the heart is not stable and we feel it. Emotional ups + downs, lack of appetite, fatigue, physical sensations in the chest.
Through tcm, acupuncture + Chinese herbs we calm the mind, strength the heart and calm the spirit.
Essentially bring the heart back to where it functions its best - when joy, happiness and love are its pure expression and flow more organically.

TCM + Acupuncture for Anxiety

Prenatal Massage

Prenatal Massage

Prenatal massage therapy helps provide regular blood flow to the uterus, placenta and fetus, promoting the delivery of oxygen + nutrients while accelerating the removal of toxins + waste in the body. It differs from regular massage with anatomical techniques applied that will in no way harm the mother or baby.

Prenatal massage therapy is also great for the mama to be - reducing joint pain, enhancing mobility, circulation, reduces edema [swelling], relieving headaches, anxiety + even helping sleep better.

Its typically safe and recommended to align your massage visits with your specialists once a month for the first 27 weeks + up to two sessions until 36 weeks. Always consult with your physician first + ensure your practitioner is made aware of your pregnancy. It seems there’s not a lot a massage can't help when growing a new life into existence + we want to be there to support you every step of the way.

Cosmetic Acupuncture

Cosmetic acupuncture fosters incredible benefits cosmetically + medically. Through hyper focused needling, facial cupping, gua sha + facial massage you release congested qi [energy] in both the body + face.

These protocols help draw blood to areas of stagnation, increase your natural collagen circulation, tissue + lymphatic detox, break up scar tissue, increase cell regeneration all while reducing inflammation simultaneously.

Cosmetic acupuncture + facial massage can be about more than how we look, it’s how we feel and tend to our exterior in ways we let the good shine from the inside.

Cosmetic Acupuncture

Acupuncture for Scars

Acupuncture for Scars

sᴄᴀʀ / sᴄᴀʀʀɪɴɢ — acupuncture is an effective and powerful tool to treat all aspects of scars & wound healing.

Aesthetically, Traditional Chinese medicine enhances overall scar quality; improving circulation in connective tissue, softening, lightens + can reduce size and thickness in the tissue.

Acupuncture can help with pain & tension associated with scars, both acute and chronic, mobility of surrounding tissue, pruritis or itchy and dryness due to the scars tissue.

Electro - acupuncture especially helps significantly with hypertrophic scar formation and wound healing.

Scars can create dysfunction by negatively influencing the surrounding tissues. This can result in sometimes seemingly unrelated ailments or symptoms, which if left untreated can potentially become chronic in nature.

It can disrupt the natural flow of qi & blood, channel and organ system functions.

The size, age and nature of the scar, as well as your overall health, will dictate the length of time and treatments needed. Your practitioner with your commitment can create a plan + work to reach your goals.

Reflexology

Reflexology is the application of pressure to areas on the feet (or the hands). The theory behind reflexology is that areas of the foot correspond to organs and systems of the body through your energetic + nervous system.

Reflexology helps to align the unbalanced meridians throughout your entire body; helping your parasympathetic system to reset. The feet and hands [even ears in Chinese medicine] are maps of your body, by focusing on certain points you can help support the many different systems in your body; by using the reflex response + secrete relaxation, aids anxiety, arthritis, fatigue, and bring healing to corresponding regions of the body and overall harmony.

This is offered by our experienced RMT Cyndi Fehr + can be covered through massage benefits.

Reflexology

Bowen Technique

Bowen Technique

An alternative technique or application founded in Australia by Thomas Ambrose Bowen, similar to the look or experience of osteopathy; Bowen Technique / Therapy is typically a treatment with clothes on, applying pressure to points along your entire energetic meridian system.

Horizontal threading of your body’s fascia, tissue + ligaments enables the body to cue its innate healing response even relieving inflammation in joints.

Bowen gently relieves pain, helps anxiety, muscle tension, enhances relaxation + posture. You may feel disruptions and these are the body’s signs of healing when breaking up stagnation in treatment.

If you’ve ever been interested Bowen is offered at The Way HC every Saturday by Leslie Bendig.

Homeopathy

An alternative health practice based on the bodies energetic system and it’s ability to heal on it’s own prompt with homeopathic doctors alongside comforting remedies + tinctures.

Homeopathy is based on three principles: law of similars, finding source root remedies that suit the patients needs. Single remedy treatment at a time. Relieving suppression.

This modality is known to help with fertility, injuries/pain management, gout, allergies, mental health, molluscum, sun + heat stroke, eczema and more.

Bookings with Kylie Ward our resident Homeopath is available every Wednesday at The Way HC.

Homeopathy

Herbs - Herbology - Tinctures

Herbs - Herbology - Tinctures

Capsules, solutions, granules however they come these supplements play a huge role in your body’s function when otherwise offset from exterior elements at play. They can help with a wide range of displaced toxins, lodged symptoms + stagnated Qi.

Frequent herbs in rotation or usage for modalities offered within the clinic are…

Astragalus: regularly used to support the immune system, lowering blood pressure, preventing colds + fighting infections in the upper respiratory infections as well as liver support. [ wonderful antibacterial + inflammatory properties ]

Dong quai: used frequently as an oral blood purifier this super herb can help manage hypertension, joint pain, ulcers, anemia, constipation as well as being preventative for allergen attacks. Its also a wonderful tool for menstrual cramps, PMS or menopausal symptoms. [ stimulating and relaxing these muscle groups in session ]

Ginger: An ancient potency for a host of ailments, it is rarely used alone in TCM or other holistic approaches. It’s usually applied to amplify effectiveness in formulas for coughs, chest pain + general metabolism diagnosis. [ Offers strong effects to the stomach, spleen + lung meridians ]

Kudzu: Originally from Japan this loved herb from studies is known for its anti inflammatory properties + neuroprotective qualities. Frequently used in cases involving heart disease, diabetes, fever, common cold, neck + even eye pain. Sometime used in combination with other herbs.

Licorice: Best for tonifying and cleansing Qi. Clears heat, dispels toxicity. There are sweet, neutral + cooling properties that help calm all 12 of the bodies energy channels. [ great for harmonizing many herbs in utilization ]

Panax Ginseng: Used in cases to promote the body’s strength, increased blood volume, body weakness, deficiency in qi, promoting life source + appetite. [ The cooling properties represent the ease of yin in usage ]

Schisandra: This is a herb with a range of benefits … analgesic [pain relief] , antibacterial, cardio tonic [heart prompting] , antitussive [suppressant], central nervous system + uterine stimulant among other talents… commonly called on for liver conditions, stomach disorders, fatigue, sleep + an overall terrific adaptogen. [ Best used if you’re experiencing too much cold in the body ]

*All herbs referred to are best used in accordance to your practitioners guidance + directions based on diagnosis and lifestyle.*

Spring, the liver + gallbladder

Spring has sprung [ even if we’re waiting on the warmer days ] and thus the season of the liver + gallbladder.

This seasons elements is symbolized by the wood element and our fast moving brightly lit yang energy [Qi] . A wonderful time for both organ’s cleansing and reinvigoration through healthy / soulful regimens.

Our liver is responsible for the fluid motion of Qi [ energy ] through the body while the gallbladder “our decision maker” has the authority to act + regulates the bodies digestion and breaking down of fats.

Emotions associated & disharmony within these organs can be show up as anger, frustration, depression + agitation. No stress necessary, as diet and lifestyle [ even an acupuncture / acutonics visit ] can help soothe flare up’s this time of year.

Focus on light YIN yoga or soft movement to help balance + promote proper flow of Qi. Foods best to focus on integrating into your diet + consuming this time of year are dandelion root / tea, leafy greens, chlorella, apple cider vinegar, kiwi’s, strawberry, peppermint, garlic, bee pollen, lean meats such as fish and radish’s are all amazing supports for the liver + gallbladder.

Step into a new season, new clarity, the harmony of you.

Book in for a TCM consultation

Spring, the liver + gallbladder

By Design Day

By Design Day

Accessible Care

Upcoming By Design Day Dates in 2022 - May 29th, September 25th + November 27th

By design day is our initiative based operations day, where services are offered on a cash donation basis where cost is solely what the patient can afford and is placed in a closed treatment room basket for anonymity. Practitioners donate their time, talent, and passions while The Way HC provides a safe housing space for these provisions.

Our aim is ensuring accessible care to individuals who have lapsed benefits + require regular attention + those who don’t have coverage or haven’t yet had the privilege of holistic medicine in their lives due to circumstance or lack of knowledge.

This can be the perfect stepping stone to try something new + safe for chronic symptoms, stresses or unwanted surfacing you feel in the body.

Modalities offered range from tcm, acupuncture, massage therapy, reiki, bowen therapy, homeopathy + energy work

[ monthly dates and rotation dependent + subject to change]

Auricular Acupuncture

A traditional chinese medicine diagnostic is used to help regulate the body through stimulation of points located on the ear. *similar to reflexology

This balancing simulation helps to communicate with your sympathetic + parasympathetic nervous systems. Tending to symptoms such as relaxation, calming of nervous system, fears, nausea, headache, insomnia, dizziness, focus, pain, organ health, detox and more if you can believe..

Typically ear seeds are made of vaccaria seeds from the plant that is associated with the liver + stomach meridians in traditional chinese medicine. There’s also surgical metals used as seeds and our favourite 24k gold — all prompting a different amount sensation.

Recommended wear for these magic seeds is typically 2-5 days + can reapply as needed. Available in our boutique for directions & purpose.

Auricular Acupuncture

aka ear magic

New Dawns - Birthday + New Year

New Dawns - Birthday + New Year

Lunar New Year 2022

It’s been a transitional and wonderful time in the clinic as we’ve embarked on February.

The start of this month marking our second birthday hosting the gifts of our collective and you, our valued + resilient patients conjured with a new lunar year + cycle to delve into.

We remain committed to your health of mind, body + spirit and celebrating the basis of elements, cognitive inspiration and belief of self that can carry us into this chapter of abundance.

We’re working furthermore on making care accessible within this field, connecting with community initiatives + outsource programs while maintaining to elevate your experience each time you step foot in these walls.

What are some hopes, goals, thoughts you’ve set for yourself moving through this season of life and into new? Jot them down, marinate + take foot.

Book in with one of our practitioners