Why do we leave you and your needles for 30 minutes? There are a number of reasons that it’s 20 to 30 minutes; From our classical texts involving the breaths and the circulation of Qi + blood to more recent studies on the analgesic (pain relief) effects happening at the 15 to 20 minute mark. While not all patients, conditions and even styles require 30 minutes of retention (some more, some less) it is important that you are still, calm, warm and undistracted to allow your body to be fully in its parasympathetic state and receive the healing mechanism that is your needles!
Inflammation + Acupuncture
Inflammation is an important defense mechanism in the body, but through many contributing causes or factors inflammation can be the cause of many diseases or the result of many dysfunctions. Acupuncture is recognized as a highly effective modality to reduce and manage inflammation and in some cases potentially correct the cause.
Whether we are treating a recent ankle sprain, delayed onset muscle soreness or more serious or chronic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or multiple sclerosis, regulating and reducing the inflammatory response is paramount in many health issues.
There is a number of past and emerging studies providing insight on the mechanism of acupuncture and its ability to regulate or reduce inflammation. Studies also looked at its affects on the functions of immune cells, including macrophages, granulocytes, mast cells, and T cells. Reducing oxidative stress, free radicles, as well as its ability to convey sensory signals to the spinal cord, brainstem – stimulating multiple neuro-immune pathways, ultimately releasing crucial neurotransmitters and hormones.
Acupuncture is incredibly powerful and effective in reducing inflammation in the body.
Electro Acupuncture
Electro Acupuncture or E Stim is when electricity is applied to an acupuncture needle by way of a small electrode. The electrode gives off the effect of your acupuncturist activating the point by hand and ensures you get the right amount of stimulation during your whole treatment.
It may sound intimidating but its comfortable and effective in treating a vast variety of health conditions. The obvious being musculoskeletal issues or sports injury, but estim can be used in the treatment of autoimmune conditions, incontinence or prolapse, bell’s palsy, neuropathy, digestive disorders, endocrine disorders, sleep, stress reduction and so on!
When trained, your TCMD can apply estim when and where appropriate to help achieve your health and wellness goals.
Dr. Steph Yip is highly experienced in the use of electrical and has had it as a part of her practice for over 10 years. Book with Dr. Yip and ask if electrical acupuncture is right for you.
Post Partum Recovery
The post partum period of recovery is vital to a mother's longevity and future wellbeing.
Unfortunately our society often neglects our new mothers and unrealistic, unhealthy standards and goals are expected.
The 4th trimester- first 40 days or the golden month is a crucial time of recovery, replenishment and the transition into motherhood. The supportive and individualized nature of Traditional Chinese medicine is incredible in the recovery process of pregnancy and birth.
While this stage can look different for many there are a few factors that remain consistently important for all:
Rest – Literally stay in bed for as much as humanly possible – if able use all the offered support to take care of other little ones and household responsibilities. Sleep, feed, repeat.
Massage & (if accessible) Acupuncture to promote healthy circulation and healing. The placenta leaves a dinner plate sized wound internally, you would never be up and exercising with a wound that size on your body if you could visually see it.
Warmth - keep the body warm! No cold feet, no baths, stay indoors if it’s cold outside – the immune system is vulnerable and pathogens can enter easily so keep cozy! Warm abdomen to encourage blood flow to the uterus, warm oils, warm showers, heating pads.
Nutrient dense, easy to absorb foods that build yin, blood + Qi. It’s vital to replace lost nutrients, help the body heal the uterus and vagina, support milk production and supply a source of warmth to the body – NO COLD SMOOTHIES OR RAW FOODS – think bone broth, high quality protein and complex carbohydrates. Keep up with your prenatal vitamins and ensure you are taking your vitamin D.
Dr. Steph Yip has a love for working with post partum women and helping support them in their recovery.
Book in for your post partum, Traditional Chinese Medicine consult or follow up.
Have you ever wanted to learn how to read your Akashic Record?
Join Khym on Sunday September 10th for an in-person workshop on how to access and read your own Akashic Record.
This workshop will be a fun and informal get together introducing you to your Akashic Record. During the workshop, Khym will guide you on what the Akashic Records are, how to locate your own record and how to ask questions directly from your personal record to receive guidance and support from your highest self.
You will spend approximately 90-120 minutes together and you will need to bring a pendulum. A take home workbook will be provided so you get to just show up and have fun. If you do not have a pendulum Earth Gems on 17th Ave. sells a variety at really great prices.
Spots are limited so book yours soon. Investment $35.
Suan Zao Ren - Sour Jujube Seed
Suan zao ren is one of the best Traditional Chinese Medicine herbs to calm the mind, nourish the heart and sedate the spirit.
It helps with irritability, insomnia, anxiety and palpitations.
It’s a strong soothing and nourishing support to the body and can be very valuable to take 30 min before bedtime.
When the Heart is out of Balance
Although heart season can feel like a time of lots of connection, bliss and vitality, for some people it can feel out of balance. The following symptoms are all indications that your Heart may be out of balance:
Anxiety
Palpitations
Irritability
Insomnia
Dream disturbed sleep
Night sweats
Heaviness in the chest
The best way to nourish the heart is through meditation, time in nature and breath work.
Sweat
Now is the time for vigorous exercise. Our bodies are more vibrant with the longer days and warmer weather. Long days in the summer heat doing activities that are rewarding on many levels.
Bike, run, hike, kayak, swim.
Support your body during Heart season, book your Traditional Chinese Medicine appointment now
Lavender Essential Oil
The essential oil that is best for the heart is lavender.
It helps to calm the mind, restore the spirit and bring peace. Lavender is the perfect essential oil to rub on point Heart 7 (located at the wrist, in line with the pinkie finger), make sure to apply it on the point and up and down the meridian line.
As it's summer, take advantage of any fresh lavender you can get your hands on too and place in your bedroom or kitchen.
Acupressure point for Insomnia
Point Heart 7 - Shenmen, is located at the wrist on the pinkie finger side.
HT7 is an amazing point to calm the mind, stop insomnia, palpitations and heaviness in the chest.
A great point to put some lavender essential oil on if you are having trouble sleeping or feeling lots of anxiety.
Heart Season
The heart is the element of fire.
It is responsible for the functions of our circulatory system and produces blood for the entire body. The heart reigns over our sleep and is linked to the emotion of joy.
This season is all about love, joy, circulation and bliss. Think of the sunset on a warm summers night.
Summer Solstice - Season of the Heart
June 21st is the summer solstice, the longest day of the year.
We are now in heart season, the element of fire.
You may feel the energy of the season:
more vitality
the need for less sleep
lots of movement
the desire to be in space with others
Embrace the season of connection and joy.
Further support yourself in living in harmony with the season, book in for a Traditional Chinese Medicine consult or follow-up
The Organ Between Seasons - The Spleen
While each season has a different organ reign during the transition between seasons, the Spleen is the strongest organ. During these times (like right now before the summer solstice) people often experience :
digestive issues
overthinking and worry
tight sore muscles
fatigue - especially in the afternoon
craving of comfort foods - sweets, carbohydrates and cheese
Help curb some of these symptoms with fermented foods, room temperature water and some grounding in the earth.
Book your Traditional Chinese Medicine consultation or follow up
Lump in your throat?
An interesting yet very common symptom of Liver Qi Stagnation is something called Plum Stone Qi.
This is when you have a sensation of something caught in your throat but there is nothing physically there.
When we break up stagnation and release stuck emotions this sensation goes away. Techniques used in Traditional Chinese Medicine such as acupuncture, herbs, cupping etc. can be an effective way to break up the stagnation and relieve the sensation in your throat.
Neck and Shoulder Tension/Headaches
The liver and its paired organ the gallbladder run through the neck and shoulders. Often our response to stress is carrying the "weight of the world” on our shoulders.
We can feel tension between the shoulder blades, on top of the traps, along the neck and headaches behind the eyes and at the base the skull.
Traditional Chinese Medicine can help alleviate this tightness by utilizing techniques such as acupuncture and cupping.
Bowen Technique and Massage Therapy are also an effective way to treat these areas.
Water + Liver Season
We are still in the season of the liver as we move through spring.
The simple and easiest way to support your body through this time is water; 2L minimum per day, 3-4 if you are active that day.
Water is the perfect match to inflammation, detoxification and creation of flow in the body.
Anger? Frustration? Resentment?
Anger, frustration and resentment are the emotions of the liver. As the liver strives to find its balance and smooth flow you might notice some of these emotions come up.
No emotions are good or bad, they only become pathological when we don’t release or express them in a healthy way. Part of detoxing means the emotional detox as well.
Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture along with somatic practices such as breathwork can help move stagnant emotions.
We are looking to expand our Collective!
The Way Holistic Collective was created on the foundation that everyone follow their unique path. We are an open and welcoming space that encourages you to share your unique gifts surrounded by a support system that facilitates growth and connection.
If you think you would be a perfect fit for our team we would love to connect with you. RMT, Acupuncture, TCM, Energy Work, Therapy, Counselling, Etc.
Please email your resume directly to Rose: drrose@thewayhc.com
Herbs to Support the Liver
Milk Thistle
In addition to the afforementioned chai hu, chamomile and lemon, some other potent herbs during this season are anything that supports a slight detox process in the body;
Milk thistle
Dandelion root
Chlorella
Apple Cider Vinegar
All of these are very supportive and beneficial to the functioning of the liver.
Book your Traditional Chinese Medicine Consultation or Follow-up
Acupressure Point for Headaches and Dizziness
Liver 3 - LV3, Tai Chong, Supreme Surge is located between the big and index toe where the tendons merge. Used for a wide range of symptoms - headaches, dizziness, anger, insomnia, pain, emotional imbalance. This is the best point to break up liver qi stagnation.
Chamomile or lemon essential oil are both very complimentary to use on this point; remember to rub the point itself and up and down the meridian line.
Book your Traditional Chinese Medicine Consultation or Follow up Appointment.