Blog | Wellness Insights and Naturopathic Advice

Transition to Fall with Traditional Chinese Medicine

by Matthew Richardson, R.Ac With summer winding down and the days beginning to get shorter we can all feel fall just around the corner with its cool temperatures and windy days. The seasons in Chinese medicine are not events that are separate from us, but are integrated into our lives along with the internal changes of our mind and body (organ systems, emotional selves and habits we have formed). The change in our external environment reflects our internal changes in health and balance. “In ancient times those people who understood Tao (the way of self cultivation) patterned themselves upon the Yin and the Yang (the two principles in nature) and they lived in harmony” The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine – approx. 475-221 BC […]

By Innate Wellness|2024-06-12T02:54:59-04:00September 5th, 2015|Cold and Flu Season, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture|Comments Off

The Family Breakfast Smoothie Recipe

By Dr. Kathleen Regan, ND Looking for a quick, simple, healthy, delicious breakfast solution for the whole family? A breakfast smoothie is a great way to boost breakfast nutrition and get the family off to a great start! Understand the nutritional benefits and enjoy! […]

By Innate Wellness|2024-06-13T02:49:09-04:00July 25th, 2015|Nutrition, Recipes|Comments Off

4 Tips to Reduce Exercise-Induced Inflammation

by Dr. Jon Cartile, DC Summer is upon us and we should all take this time to get outside and get moving. We are designed to be creatures of motion, so while we have the longer daylight hours we should be taking advantage. With exercise we are overloading the body and breaking down tissues - this is part of how we loose fat and build muscle. With tissue breakdown comes inflammation. Controlling and minimizing inflammation in our body is one of the most important things we can do to maximize our benefits from training and to prevent injury. In the long run this adaption to training is what makes our body healthier and fitter and more able to adapt to other stressors in our life. In the long run, it will actually lead to a reduction in overall body inflammation. The important thing is to help your body optimally deal with the overload using the following basic tips: Warm up – Start with dynamic movements of the activity you want to do in a controlled manner. So if you are going to run, start with leg swings, standing jumps and slow jog. If you're going to golf, start with slow body twists and arm swings. This increases the pliability of your tissues and decreases the amount of micro-damage. Drink water – This is straight forward, anytime you increase activity you will lose moisture. This will keep better blood flow and move the tissue waste created from exercise. Omega 3 – Omega 3 is important for our bodies own anti inflammation production. It's important that we get our omega 3,6 and 9 in the right ratio, unfortunately most of us our diets are high in omega 6, [...]

By Innate Wellness|2024-06-25T03:41:21-04:00June 27th, 2015|Uncategorized|Comments Off

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