Sheela Szymkowiak, Reflexologist and Pregnancy/Post Partum Doula will be offering FREE Acupressure demonstrations at the Innate Health Centre Open House, Saturday September 22nd. Limited spaces! Sign up now  - info@innatehealthcentre.com or call: (416) 760-9424 Getting to Know the Season of Late Summer and the Earth Element In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the goal of this late Summer season is about returning to our central core to nourish, generate, and continue to ripen our life force (or Qi), as the body at this time is most attuned with the Earth element. The Earth element is related to the organ and meridian system of the Spleen and its partnered organ, the Stomach. On a mental or emotional level, Earth is in charge of 'digesting' our thinking and thoughts, and thus governs learning and analysis. This element and energy system is also in charge our tissues, muscles and the sense organ, the mouth. How to Nourish the Earth Element Within    As we transition from late Summer into early Autumn, it is wise to pay attention to which foods will assist us to remain strong and healthy at this time. The element of Earth is associated with the taste of full sweet. Our bodies need nourishment that includes Whole protein and complex carbohydrates such as beans, whole grains, root vegetables (yams, potatoes etc) and some meat protein. These categories of foods are considered nutritionally dense and will tonify all bodily tissues. In Chinese Medicine, the spleen and stomach are associated with Late Summer. The stomach's function is to prepare food for transportation through the digestive system by breaking it down. The spleen prepares foods and liquids for absorption in the body, raises our (Qi) energy up, controls blood circulation and [...]

By Anna Lubaszka, Classical Homeopath If you have ragweed allergies, you’re all too familiar with uncontrollable sneezing, runny nose, stuffy nose, itchy & inflamed eyes, nose and throat, watery eyes, and coughing.  You probably don’t experience all of the above symptoms, but nonetheless, even one of them can affect your life during this season.  If you suffer from severe ragweed allergies, you may also experience headaches, asthma attacks, chronic sinusitis and disturbed sleep. HERE IS WHAT'S HAPPENING… The pollen released from a ragweed plant interacts with the immune system and, for those with this allergy, the body overreacts, identifying the pollen as an invader.  This leads to the release of histamine as well as other chemicals which then leads to the typical symptoms listed above. HOW HOMEOPATHY HELPS Homeopathy works well for allergies and it does so in a unique way. It ‘treats the person’, meaning that although 10 people may be experiencing ragweed allergies, each person will require a different remedy based on their unique symptom presentation.  The correct remedy will alleviate the symptoms and will also help make sure that future episodes are less frequent and less intense. In homeopathy, symptoms are used as guides that lead to the most appropriate remedy – it does not suppress the symptoms. For example, someone who presents with watery and burning eyes, watery nasal discharge, intolerable itchy eyelids, and sneezing may benefit from the remedy Ambrosia.  It is advised to have a proper homeopathic consultation in order to determine the correct homeopathic remedy for you. WHAT YOU CAN DO TODAY In the meantime there are things you can do right now that will help you during this allergy season. Increase your intake of Vitamin C which [...]

You may not have given this a lot of thought, but making a smart choice about your child’s backpack can be an important part of a happy back-to-school experience.  Wearing a backpack that is not properly adjusted or is too heavy for your child can lead to poor posture and injury, including neck pain, mid back pain, low back pain, headaches and even nerve damage. I’ve put together a quick list to get you headed in the right direction: 1) Choose the Right Pack Look for a back pack made of lightweight material, such as canvas or vinyl.  Leather bags can be heavy and add unnecessary weight. Pick a bag with two wide and adjustable shoulder straps, and a waist belt.  This allows the weight to be distributed evenly across the back. Look for packs with multiple pockets to distribute the weight, rather than one large pocket.  You’re your child how to keep smaller, lighter things in the smaller pockets. Choose a pack with a padded back to provide additional comfort. Make sure the bag is proportionate to your child’s body size.  The bag should be the same width as your child’s shoulders and back.  It should sit between the top of the hips and the top of the shoulders.  Once packed, the bag should not hang more than 4 inches below the waistline. 2) How to Pack Properly The heaviest items, like textbooks or electronics, should be packed closest to the back. The lighter or smaller things can be distributed in the additional pockets. The total load of the bag should not be heavier than 10-15% of your child’s weight.  It’s helpful to weigh the bag to see how heavy it is - you [...]

From Elizabeth K Dawson, Holistic Health Coach   This is my current favourite recipe for these hot summer evenings, taken from the Moosewood Collective 'Celebrates' cookbook.  It makes a great simple supper,  and travels well to potlucks, kitchen parties and BBQs.  So yummy! Keep up with Elizabeth on twitter @elizabethkdaws Serves 4-6 You need: 1 lb. firm tofu*, cubed MARINADE 1/4 cup soy sauce 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice 1 tbsp sesame oil 1 tbsp rice or white vinegar 1 tbsp brown sugar, packed 2 tbsp grated fresh ginger root 1 tsp chili paste SALAD – these are suggestions… feel free to play with the salad components and substitute your own favourites!  I've added sliced peppers, celery, broccoli... really anything that's in the fridge or good looking seasonal veggies. 8 oz. uncooked soba noodles (1/2 lb) 2 cups shredded bok choi or other chinese cabbage (even Ontario green cabbage works well!) 1 cup finely shredded mustard greens (or any greens – like spinach or arugula) 2 cups mung bean sprouts 2 cups shredded carrots 1/4 cup radish , grated 1/2 cup natural, unsweetened peanut butter 1)      Bring 3L of water to a boil in a large pot. 2)      Meanwhile, place the tofu cubes in a single layer on a pie pan, glass dish etc. Whisk all marinade ingredients together and pour on the tofu. Set aside. 3)      When the water boils, cook the soba noodles until al dente (about 8min). Add the shredded cabbage for the final 1-2 minutes of noodle cooking. Drain the noodles and cabbage, rinse with cold water and drain again. 4)      In a large bowl, toss together noodles, cabbage, greens, sprouts, carrots and grated radish. 5)      Reserving the marinade, scoop up the [...]

By Tannis McLaren ND The dog days of summer are here and if you haven’t noticed, it’s HOT out there! We've heard one too many reports of people leaving their pets in cars and it's sad that we even have to remind people not to do it. The heat can be harmful to your pet and even fatal so here are some tips to help keep your pet cool. Never leave your pet in a car! If it feels cool outside, temperatures in cars can still reach as much as 49 degrees Celsius (even with windows down). Pets need sunscreen too. Although they have fur, they can still get burned just like you and I. Keep your pet out of the sun between 10a.m. and 4p.m. Water, water, water. When you are both indoors and out, your pet needs plenty of fresh water. Check water bowls throughout the day and always carry water on walks. Be cautious on humid days. Humidity interferes with animals’ ability to rid themselves of excess heat. Bring them inside. Animals should not be left outside unsupervised on long, hot days, even in the shade. Stay off the asphalt. While the pads of dog’s paws are tough, they are not tough enough to handle the prolonged exposure to hot asphalt without burning! Reach down, place your palm firmly on the ground if you can not hold your hand there without it hurting then it’s probably too hot. Keep an eye out for heatstroke. Just like humans, pets can get heatstroke which could be fatal. The signs to look for are: Panting Staring Anxious expression Refusal to obey commands Warm dry skin High fever Rapid heartbeat Vomiting Collapse

By Anna Lubaszka, Classical Homeopath Did you know that homeopathy is a safe, green and ecologically sustainable medicine? The production of homeopathic medicines creates little if any toxic waste. Homeopathic medicines are produced with little equipment and very small amounts of natural resources.  This considerate manufacturing process leads to preservation of natural resources and a small carbon footprint. Only a small amount of the original substance is required to produce homeopathic medicines. Homeopathic medicines never exhaust natural resources; there is negligible environmental impact and no question of over-consumption. Compared to the waste stream produced by pharmacological manufacturing and by hospitals, the waste produced by a homeopathic pharmacy is infinitely small. No chemicals are added or used in homeopathic remedies and therefore very little waste (in the form of alcohol and botanical or biological matter) is biodegradable. Homeopaths do not test remedies on animals or sick people. Instead, they rely on healthy people who willingly participate in the homeopathic proving process.

By Dr. Randi-Lee Joy, Chiropractor Summer is here and most everyone has increased their activity and exercise routines.  That totally great!  That said, do you know how important it is to have good shoes to decrease your chance of foot, knee, hip and low back pain? First, if you haven’t purchased a new pair of shoes in over a year, it is time to treat yourself to a new pair.  Most standard running shoes are supposed to be replaced after 500 miles or 800 kilometers.  Wearing your shoes for too long is a common cause of injuries like shin splints, heel spurs and plantar fasciitis.  If after six months to a year you start to feel more aches and pains in your feet and knees, it’s time for a new shoe. Consider the following tips before you purchase your next pair of athletic shoes: 1) It is important to wear the shoe that is specific to the sport you are playing. Running shoes are great for heel to toe strike but do not provide the lateral support needed for aerobic class or tennis.  For these sports you need side-to-side stability and less flexibility from heel to toe.  Find a shoe that is specific to that these sports or, if you can’t, a cross-trainer will work.  Walking shoes allow the foot to roll naturally and have a much more rigid arch and stiffer heel support for stability. 2) Go to a store that specializes in athletic shoes.  The staff is usually trained to help support you in finding the shoe that is right for you.  They will be able to recommend a shoe that matches your foot type, activity and gait. 3) When shopping for shoes, [...]

By Tannis McLaren, ND and Natural Health Expert Quinoa Chickpea Salad This is a great salad for the summer.  It's light, refreshing, and won't heat up the kitchen! 1 cup Quinoa 1 ½ cups Water 4 Carrots, shredded 4 stalks Celery, chopped 1 cup Cherry tomatoes, cut in half 1 can Chickpeas, drained and rinsed ¼ cup Extra virgin olive oil 1 tbsp. Apple cider vinegar 1 tsp. Dijon mustard ½ cup Parsley, roughly chopped 1 whole Lemon, juiced 1 tbsp. Zest of lemon 2 Green onions, chopped ½ cup Almonds, toasted Sea salt and pepper Place the quinoa in a large saucepan, fill with water, and stir the quinoa with your hand to clean it. Pour the water out through a fine mesh strainer. Repeat until the water is clear and there are no bubbles forming. Place the quinoa back into the saucepan, cover with water and bring to a boil. Turn heat to low, cover and allow to cook for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to sit for 10 more minutes. While the quinoa is cooking, place the carrots, celery and chickpeas into a large bowl. In a small bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, zest of lemon, parsley and green onions and whisk until there are no lumps. Once the quinoa is cooked, remove lid and fluff with a fork and mix it into the large bowl of vegetables and chickpeas. Pour the dressing over the mixture and mix until thoroughly coated. Add salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped tomatoes and toasted almonds.  

Many people are out in their gardens now that this great weather has arrived, but gardening can put strain on your back and your joints. Here are some quick tips to help you avoid injury when gardening: Warm Up and Stretch Do at least 5 -10 minutes of light cardio exercise to warm up the body and get the blood flowing, such as taking a walk or marching on the spot. After the warm-up it is important to stretch the muscles before gardening. Make sure you stretch your back, quadriceps, hamstrings, calves, shoulders and arms. Alternate Your Tasks Alternate your light gardening tasks with your heavy tasks. Take Frequent Breaks You should be taking a short break every 10-15 minutes. Staying in one position for too long can lead to injury. Kneel Instead of Bending Bending over can put strain on your back. By kneeling it takes pressure off your back. Use knee pads or a kneeling mat to protect the knee joints. Drink Lots of Water It is important to stay hydrated during the hot months. This will also allow you to take more breaks. And don’t forget to protect yourself against the sun. Break Up Your Gardening Spread out your tasks over multiple days. Do a little every day instead of trying to tackle it all in one day. Buy Ergonomic Tools Treat your body right with equipment that is easier on your body. There are new tools out there that are made for proper alignment and different body sizes.  We do it for our desks and offices, so why not get better equipment for your garden? If you have any questions, would like to know specific stretches for gardening or would like [...]