Blog | Wellness Insights and Naturopathic Advice

Banish Stubborn Cellulite with Traditional Chinese Cupping & Acupuncture

With Matthew Richardson, R.Ac. Unwanted cellulite can be very tricky to get rid of. It occurs as a result of a build up of fatty tissue closer to the surface of the body that creates an uneven or dimpled appearance on the skin. This tissue commonly accumulates on the hips, thighs, abdomen and on the back of the upper arms. We are often looking for the right cream or exercise that can change the tone of the skin and remove the uneven look but it can be very difficult to find a cream that is actually effective. How is it treated? […]

By Innate Wellness|2024-06-19T03:17:08-04:00May 27th, 2015|Detoxification/Cleanse, Skin Hair & Nails, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture, Women's Wellness|Comments Off

Let Your Qi Flow with Shiatsu

with Giuliana Di Paola, RMT & Certified Shiatsu Therapist Shiatsu is a form of Japanese body work based on the theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). TCM looks for the true root cause of an illness by understanding the patient physically, emotionally,psychologically and spiritually. This requires a scope of knowledge that goes beyond anatomy and physiology and delves into the concept of energetic flow, or Qi, throughout the body. Shiatsu is a holistic approach to healing that also takes the energy concept of Qi into account. Qi is our life force that flows through us via channels in our body know as meridians. When Qi is blocked problems both mental and physical arise. Shiatsu massage works to remove the blockages by realigning the acupressure points along the meridians to help restore the smooth flow of Qi. Shiatsu is a non invasive form of therapy that uses deep penetrating pressure with the use of thumbs,fingers,palms and elbows to open up these channels of energy and promote blood circulation to nourish internal organs, glands, muscles and nerves. Shiatsu promotes the bodies own ability to heal by providing a gentle, relaxing and restorative form of massage. Shiatsu is just as effective as acupuncture but adds another element, a healing touch. By merging both western and eastern views, Shiatsu can treat a variety of conditions such as insomnia, anxiety and depression, headaches, digestive disturbances, menstrual dysfunction, low resistance to infection as well as muscular tension. If the flow of Qi through the body is smooth, balance is restored and the individual is on the path of healing.

By Innate Wellness|2024-06-19T03:19:48-04:00May 2nd, 2015|Massage Therapy, Mind Body Medicine|Comments Off

Relieve Allergies with Acupuncture

with Matthew Richardson, R.Ac. It’s finally that time of year where April showers start turning into May flowers. It is also the beginning of Allergy Season, which for many of us is the start of dealing with symptoms such as runny nose, sinus congestion, itchy eyes, sore throats, headaches and possibly skin reactions. We often suffer silently or stock up on anti-histamines from the pharmacy and try to get through it for another year. But, there is an alternative and most importantly a more permanent solution that won’t require another trip to the pharmacy. […]

By Innate Wellness|2024-06-26T06:01:20-04:00May 2nd, 2015|Allergies, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture|Comments Off

The Immune Boosting Power of Massage

with Dr. Kathleen Regan, ND Why might a naturopathic doctor recommend massage therapy? Most people think of massage for musculoskeletal pain or stress as it has long been known that massage can lower perceived stress, blood pressure and cortisol while regulating vagal tone. But did you know that massage has a hug impact on the immune system? From pre-term infants to immune-compromised adults, research shows that a weekly massage helps to enhance immune function via natural killer cells and lymphocytes. […]

By Dr. Kathleen Regan ND|2024-06-11T10:07:18-04:00April 21st, 2015|Cold and Flu Season, Massage Therapy, Self Care|Comments Off

Breast Massage for New Moms

with Patti MacGregor, RMT The postpartum period is a time of many physical and emotional readjustments. After childbirth, a woman’s body undergoes many structural and physiological changes in order to heal from the rigors of labour. Adapting to life with a new baby that demands 24 hour care can be extremely difficult, for a new mom often this means little to no time to look after herself. Though it may seem impossible this is the time that massage therapy can be most beneficial. A mom who takes regular care of herself through massage is also better able to care for her baby. When the mother feels good herself, it is easier to meet the needs of her newborn. […]

By Innate Wellness|2024-06-24T08:33:36-04:00April 21st, 2015|Massage Therapy, Post Natal Care|Comments Off

Meet the Massage Therapy Team!

At Innate Wellness, our Registered Massage Therapists are skilled and unique. From general relaxation to complicated medical conditions, our therapists are trained in a range of techniques to help you achieve wellness. Xiu Hong “Nicole” Peng, RMT Nicole is amazing at getting into painful areas and releasing tension. You will walk out with increased mobility and decreased pain after her treatment sessions! Nicole has experience in the treatment of neck pain, frozen shoulder, muscle tension and pain caused by stress, arthritis, carpel tunnel syndrome and occupational-related strains. Her other specialties include: Swedish Relaxation Deep Tissue and Myofascial Release Trigger Point Release Tui na Shiatsu Technique Lymphatic Massage Giuliana Paola, RMT Giuliana provides an elegant blend of eastern and western techniques. She has a Shiatsu styled practice inspired by the healing principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Guiliana is a Certified Shiatsu Therapist and Registered Massage Therapist who strives to help her clients find balance, mind, body and spirit. Swedish Relaxation Deep Tissue and Myofascial Release Shiatsu Tui na Chinese Cupping Acupressure Patti MacGregor, RMT Patti has been in practice 8 years. Her technique is confident and deeply relaxing. Her knowledge in women’s specific massage techniques is extensive. Patti is also trained as a Doula and Lactation Consultant. Her passion for all things ‘women’s wellness’ is evident. Swedish Relaxation Deep Tissue and Myofascial Release Fascial Stretching & Release Breast Massage Lotus Palm Thai Massage (Levels 1 &2) Mercier Therapy (gynovisceral manipulation) About Our Different Massage Techniques Massage therapy is as ancient as any form of medicine. There is archeological evidence of massage in cultures as diverse as China, India, Japan, Korea, Egypt, Rome, Greece, and Mesopotamia. This explains why there are so many different [...]

By Dr. Kathleen Regan ND|2024-06-24T08:34:22-04:00April 10th, 2015|Massage Therapy, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture|Comments Off

Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture

with Matthew Richardson, R.Ac Facial Acupuncture is a safe and painless, non-surgical method of reducing the signs of aging, swelling and redness. It uses very thin needles placed around the face and body to treat acne, remove puffiness, moisten the skin, and reduce swelling or darkness from around the eyes, mouth and jaw line. Sometimes referred to as Cosmetic Acupuncture, it is much more than just a simple face treatment. Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncture can not only revitalize and nourish your complexion, but will also treat the internal issues that are the root or cause of your skin condition and health. The ‘local’ treatment will directly address any facial symptoms you may be concerned about, while the more internal aspect will address hormonal imbalance, digestive problems or emotional stress affecting your skin. This means, you will experience a more permanent, longer lasting change to your skin condition as well as feelings of increased energy, relaxation and well-being. […]

By Innate Wellness|2024-06-24T08:49:13-04:00March 30th, 2015|Skin Hair & Nails, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture|Comments Off

How Will You Prevent The Flu This Season?

With Dr. Angelina Riopel, ND The immune system is our body’s main system of defense, protecting us from getting sick, as well as aiding our recovery. A holistic approach to flu prevention considers supporting the whole person, which in turn will support and boost the immune system. This approach includes a healthy diet and life style, rest and stress management and therapeutic interventions such as herbal medicine and specific nutrients, when indicated. By improving the health of the whole person we are able to support our ‘natural immunity’, which effectively and safely will prevent the flu and other infections. From a conventional perspective, the flu vaccine has become the primary form of flu prevention that the public and media focus on, although research demonstrates positive effects in a healthy population are small and safety research is poor and inconclusive. […]

By Dr. Angelina Riopel ND|2024-06-21T03:20:13-04:00February 26th, 2015|Cold and Flu Season|Comments Off

The Secret to Heart Medicine from Ancient Tradition

with Dr. Kathleen Regan, ND Heart disease is one of the western world’s most prevalent diseases. The Heart and Stroke Foundation rates it as the number one cause of death in Canada. If you look on the Heart and Stroke Website you will see listed the following preventative strategies for heart disease: Maintain a healthy weight Consult a dietician for help with creating a balanced diet, monitoring fat intake, increasing complex carbohydrates such as fruits and vegetables, reducing alcohol consumption Quit smoking or maintain a smoke-free environment Remain Physically Active Decrease stress All great suggestions that we give out as naturopathic doctors every day… lifestyle, lifestyle, lifestyle! But, our patients protest, ‘it is so hard to change!’ WHY? One of the BIG reason we have difficulty maintaining lifestyle is stress. Our bad habits make us feel really, really good – for a really short period of time. Yet, many of our global authorities on heart health have a hard time directly connecting emotions with heart health – or at least they have a hard time talking about it. Yet in ancient times, this connection was well understood. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) one of the biggest blocks to mental and spiritual wholeness is that between the heart (feeling) and the mind (thought). Somewhere along the way, our western minds came to believe that feelings and thoughts are separate. While in eastern medicine, the relationship is so important that a block or separation between heart and mind is considered a precursor to disease. In TCM the ‘Heart-Mind’ is the residence of memory, thinking, consciousness, mental activity, emotions, sleep and is said to be the home of the spirit or, ‘the [...]

By Dr. Kathleen Regan ND|2024-06-12T02:30:41-04:00February 6th, 2015|Cardiovascular Health, Mental Clarity, Mind Body Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture|Comments Off

Renew this New Year with Tuina Massage

with Matthew Richardson, RAc. Tuina is good for anyone! It stimulates the bodies energies and blood to benefit the skin, muscles, tendons, joints and organs. 'Tuina' translates to “push – grasp” and is a traditional form of hands on body work with its roots in Chinese medicine. But, it is much more than just a simple massage for relaxation. Tuina is based on the same points and lines as acupuncture, with the same diagnostic methods. This means we use our hands to stimulate the appropriate acupuncture points and areas that will benefit each individual the most. No two treatments are the same as everyone comes into the clinic with their own unique life experiences. These experiences are stored in the body. We walk around with all that we have done during our lives inside of us. We define ourselves from our experience, and this experience in turn defines our body and how it functions. Tuina therapy considers the whole body, the whole individual and forms a treatment that captures your needs in the moment. Tuina is performed by a trained acupuncturist. If you are coming for acupuncture, don’t worry you won’t miss out! Acupuncture and Tuina are often done together to give a complete internal/external, yin/yang treatment of the body. This is a great treatment, and you leave feeling well grounded with renewed energy. One of the unique aspects of Tuina is the practice of Self-Tuina. This can be a complete set of techniques to treat yourself or just a few simple tips to get you through the day. There is nothing better than being able to treat yourself at the exact moment you feel your symptoms coming on! Frequently Asked Questions: Is Tuina for [...]

By Innate Wellness|2024-06-11T09:45:43-04:00December 16th, 2014|Massage Therapy, Pain and Fatigue, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture|Comments Off