Interpreting Your Blood Pressure

What does the reading we receive from a medical professional mean?  Often we don’t know what this number represents, or even the actual reading, we are simply told our blood pressure is high, low, or nothing to be concerned about, but seldom are we told what it represents, or why it is important to monitor.  Your blood pressure is the force created by the pumping of the heart as it moves blood from its lower left chamber out into the arteries of your body.  If your blood pressure reading is high this means the heart is working too hard and the force it has to exert will cause a stressor on your whole body.  If the blood vessels in your body are constricted, this will increase your blood pressure.  Your blood pressure will fluctuate with every heartbeat; as well anxiety levels, physical activity, the time of day, your diet, and many other factors.  Due to all these factors that will influence your reading, it is important to have your blood pressure checked on a regular basis in order to get an accurate reading of what is normal for your body.

To Understand What The Number Mean, Let’s Look at an Example

120/80 (which is the optimal blood pressure reading)

The 120 in this reading represents what is called the Systolic reading, it indicates the pressure in mmHg (millimeters of mercury) which the blood exerts against the aorta as the heart Contracts.  The systolic pressure is influenced by the stroke volume of the heart, the speed of ejection, and the amount of elasticity in the walls of the blood vessels themselves.  If the stroke volume or speed of flow increases, this will result in an increase in the BP, also if the aorta is less elastic or the blood meets increased peripheral resistance.

The 80 in the above reading represents what is called the Diastolic reading, it indicates the pressure in mmHg (millimeters of mercury) which the blood exerts against the arteries as the heart Relaxes.  The diastolic pressure is influenced by the elastic qualities of the blood vessels, the functioning of the aortic valve (preventing back flow of blood back into the heart), as well as peripheral resistance.

Some Definitions

Therefore an individual’s blood pressure is primarily based on a person’s

• Stroke volume:  amount of blood ejected into the aorta with a single contraction
• Heart rate: number of contractions per minute
• Peripheral resistance: the amount of resistance met by the blood as it enters the arteries

How Does High Blood Pressure Do Damage?

The body can tolerate changes which happen with elevated blood pressure before any signs or symptoms are detected.  This is why hypertension is often given the name “the silent killer”, because the transition from health to illness is often asymptomatic (“without” symptoms).  Sometimes an individual will experience headaches, dizziness, or shortness of breath to start and gradually over time more serious complications will arise. The heart is essentially getting an “extra” workout.  The muscle of the heart over time will enlarge and require more oxygen, as does any muscle in the body that is overworked. At first the body can adapt to these extra demands but over time the continuous stress may lead to heart failure as the overall functioning of the heart is challenged.

The extra push which is exerted by the heart as it pumps the blood out against the arterial walls can also lead to hardening and narrowing of the arteries.

Prolonged high blood pressure, or hypertension, will increase the risk of:

• Stroke (rupture or obstruction of blood vessels in the brain)
• Heart attack (presence of blood clots or narrowing of the arteries that supply the heart)
• Congestive heart failure
• Arteriosclerosis (thickening of the arterial walls and a loss of elasticity)
• Atherosclerosis (a form of arteriosclerosis which affects the medium and large arteries and can lead to a reduction or obstruction of blood flow and hardening of the arteries)
• Peripheral vascular disease (affecting the blood vessels of the limbs)
• Pulmonary congestion (congestion in the lungs due to thickening in the chambers on the left side of the heart)
• Kidney failure.

These are a Few Things to be Aware of in Understanding the Importance of Monitoring Your Blood Pressure

Lifestyle Risk Factors

• Smoking – this causes plaque to build up in the arteries.  Smokers are 2 times more likely to have a heart attack or stroke than non-smokers.
• Stress and anxiety, which have a cumulative effect. Long-term stress will chronically elevate blood pressure as it puts the body in the “flight or flight” (sympathetic nervous system) mode which causes constriction of the arteries.  One of the many reasons it is so important to take time out of our busy and stressful lifestyles to relax and break this stress cycle.
• Oral contraceptives can contribute to high BP
• Obesity
• Excessive alcohol intake
• Inactivity
• Men over 45 and women over 35 are at a higher risk for developing hypertension
• Caffeine, cough/cold medicines and pain relievers will also temporarily elevate blood pressure.

Interpreting the Readings

Pop quiz! What is the difference between food intolerance, food allergy and food sensitivity?  If you don’t know, read on. If you do, then read on as well.

Food Intolerance

Food intolerance is simply a bad or negative reaction from the gastrointestinal (“GI”) tract and does not involve the immune system at all.  Usually caused by the body’s inability to digest a certain food (that is, when the body is deficient in one or more enzymes), the GI tract ends up producing symptoms like gas, bloating, vomiting, diarrhea and/ or indigestion.  The reaction may be instant or it could take up to 30 minutes or more to occur depending on the level of the intolerance.

Food Allergies

Unlike food intolerance, a food allergy can be quite severe and DOES involve the body’s immune system.  In order for the immune system to get involved, food particles must somehow enter the bloodstream through any food-exposed surface in the GI tract.  First off, to understand this concept, you must be aware that your GI tract is simply a tube from your mouth to your anus and therefore is an EXTERNAL environment.  If any part of the GI tract is not healthy, food can pass through tiny perforations in the intestinal lining and enter the bloodstream.  When this happens, the immune system immediately notices a foreign substance (food) WITHIN the body and starts sending ‘troops’ to attack, immobilize and destroy the foreign substance.  After the food particles are destroyed, the immune system ‘memorizes’ the food in order for the attack to occur more quickly and with more force every time the specific food object is detected in the bloodstream.  This is why people with serious food allergies tend to have stronger and more severe allergic reactions every subsequent time that they eat the food that they are allergic to.  Though food allergies can be quite severe and potentially fatal in some situations, the reactions are fairly acute and usually are limited to few foods like nuts and seeds (although other food types can also cause allergic reactions).

Food Sensitivities

Last but not least, food sensitivities – the most common of the three.  Food sensitivities are usually chronic conditions with symptoms that include headaches, diarrhea, respiratory congestion (mucus/phlegm), fatigue, brain ‘fog’, body pain as well as several other unpleasant symptoms..  Similar to food intolerances, the immune system is not involved with food sensitivities and food sensitivities may take up to several days or more to present symptoms.  Because of this delay, they are usually unnoticed by the individual, especially since most of the symptoms are mistakenly associated with causes  other than food.  You might think that food sensitivities should be the lesser of the three ‘evils’ listed in this article, however, this is not true.  There is a huge movement which believes that food sensitivities are actually the cause of many chronic conditions like migraines, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, eczema, psoriasis, arthritis and a host of others.

In all three cases, the best solution is to find out whether or not certain foods could be causing your current health conditions or making the situation worse.  Meridian Stress Assessment (MSA) is one excellent way for you to find out what types of foods are causing imbalance within your organ systems and help you determine an optimal diet plan based on your unique situation.  Give us a call today to book your appointment.

So, did you pass the quiz?  Congratulations if you did, but don’t worry if you didn’t – the important thing to know is that you have got a Team of experts at Inspired Life Health Centre ready to help when you need it.

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For many people, summer is a time to get out and enjoy the open air with family and friends. And although outdoor activities can be a lot of fun, it’s always a good idea to be prepared ahead of time in case of injury. One safety measure is to have a comprehensive first aid kit available during the season. The diagram on the right outlines some of the main homeopathic remedies used when first aid events occur and adding these to your conventional first aid kit is an excellent idea.

Other items that you will want to have on hand during the summer are aloe gel (in case of sunburn), calendula cream (for healing cuts and scrapes) and apis gel (for mosquito and other insect bites).

And remember, you should drink plenty of water to stay well hydrated throughout these hot summer months! Adding electrolytes to your water will also help prevent heat exhaustion and muscle cramps.

Please click here to view a completed view of the ‘injured man’ and find out which remedy is the #1 remedy for ALL summer time injuries.

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Did you know that over 5 million Canadians are living with high blood pressure but an estimated 40% of them are not even aware of their condition?

High blood pressure, also referred to as ‘hypertension’, occurs when the force of the blood against the walls of the blood vessels is too high. High blood pressure occurs when the blood is pumped with great difficulty against the arteries by a person’s heart which over time begins to damage the lining of the blood vessels. Chronic high blood pressure can cause damage to vital organs like the heart, brain and kidneys when the condition is not managed.

There are many natural ways to prevent and control high blood pressure including a change in lifestyle choices such as physical activity and exercise, reduced salt intake, eating a healthy well balanced diet, minimizing and/ or eliminating alcohol and smoking and maintaining a healthy body weight.

One natural supplement that you can look into for reducing your high blood pressure is garlic. Studies show that garlic can lower elevated blood pressure levels by as much as 10% by reducing systolic and diastolic pressure. (Your ‘systolic’ reading is the top number and your ‘diastolic’ is the bottom number when you receive a blood pressure reading – e.g. 120/80.) Aside from garlic, other natural treatments for high blood pressure are Coenzyme Q10, fish oils, folic acid and hawthorn.

Although it sounds like garlic could be an easy answer to high blood pressure, one must also be aware that garlic is also a blood thinner and that it should not be combined with prescription blood thinners or other natural blood thinners like vitamin E. Also, you should definitely not supplement with garlic for 4 to 5 weeks after surgery due to its blood thinning properties.

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Did you know that strokes are the 3rd most common cause of death and the second most common cause of neurological disorder among adults (Merck Manual, 17th edition)?  According to Health Canada, between 40,000 and 50,000 Canadians are hospitalized each year for stokes, and about 15,000 of these are fatal.  In 2003, about 272,000 Canadians 12 years of age and older were living with the effects of having a stroke (Health Canada stats). As people age, the risk of having a stoke increases, and after the age of 55 the risk doubles every 10 years – which is why educating yourself about the risks, causes and warning signs are critical. My story comes from a personal experience of a stroke, which helped to shape my foundation of understanding this debilitating condition. In 1995 my dad had a stoke, which originally left him completely paralyzed on the left side of his body, this is called Hemiplegia and is a common effect following a stroke.  He is still unable to function in many ways as he did prior to the stroke; his whole life was completely changed.

A stroke is also known as cerebrovascular disease, resulting from an injury or interruption in the blood vessels supplying the brain. Strokes generally occur due to 2 major causes:  Ischemic stokes (80%); which means they happen due to an interruption of blood flow to the brain due to narrowing of the arteries, or a blood clot.  The clot is basically formed from a build up of plaque in the arteries (fats, calcification, scar tissue), which acts to narrow the arterial pathway or creates a clot in the blood, which travels towards the brain and blocks the blood flow. Prognosis for recovery is generally better with an ischemic stroke, as compared to the other major type; hemorrhagic (20% of cases).  Hemorrhagic strokes are caused from uncontrolled bleeding to the brain, which will in turn cause brain cell death.  The two types of hemorrhagic stroke are uncontrolled bleeding on the surface of the brain (subarachnoid), or the rupture of an artery deep within the brain (intracerebral).  The individual, who suffers a stroke of either type, will present with symptoms based on the area and amount of the brain affected and the extent of damage to the brain cells, which is why the symptoms an individual will present with vary to such a degree from person to person.

The brains motor functioning affects the opposite side of the body, as in the case of my father, his right side of the brain was damaged which caused alterations to the left side of his body.  The paralysis he suffered was luckily temporary, following the initial stroke; he regained partial movement and sensation within 1 month.  It took 3 months for him to be able to walk again, after extensive rehabilitation.  It was a very difficult process to have to relearn these basic skills again as an adult, such as walking, and holding a pencil or a glass in his left hand.  Today, he has a permanent contracture (muscle shortening) in his left hand and arm, limited movement and strength in his left shoulder, both of which leave him with altered function in this limb. He also has a limp and weakening of his left leg. As the day progresses, and his brain becomes tired, he stutters more, his mouth on the left side begins to droop, and his physical symptoms on the left side of his body become more pronounced.  He has also become more emotional since the stroke, with an exaggerated response to sadness.  He has been left with changes in his personality, has a difficult time learning new skills, is unable to be in places where there are crowds, he gets confused easily, and due to all these changes suffers from depression.  It is sometimes difficult to know how to support these changes, even 12 years later. I have been fortunate to do some therapy with my father, helping through massage to offer supportive touch, to ease some of the contracture in the muscles, and to help to stimulate the opposing muscles, which have lost their muscle tone.  I know it helps physically, even if only temporarily, and emotionally it helps him to accept his body as it is now – accept himself with all the changes the stroke has left him with.  For treatment, my dad has to take a blood thinner called warfarin as well as a ¼ aspirin a day, for the rest of his life, to help prevent another reoccurrence of a second stroke as the elementary cause was due to an embolism (a clot which has traveled to the arteries of his brain).

I want to leave you with a list of warning signs of a stroke, adapted from the health Canada website.  The quicker you can recognize these signs and get an individual help, the less severe and permanent the effects will be, as well as a decreased risk of death.  A person would present with sudden weakness, numbness and/or tingling in the face, arm or leg.  They will have a sudden temporary loss of speech or trouble understanding speech, sudden loss or alteration of vision, sudden severe or unusual headache, and/or they will have a sudden fall or unsteadiness.  Know these signs and educate yourself, as a stroke may happen to you, or someone you love – which will impact your life forever.

For more information please go to the Health Canada and Heart and Stoke foundation websites. They have a wonderful resource center with helpful links, suggestions for minimizing your risks as well as identifying risks, and an abundance of information.

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(As printed on the Victoria Cancer Resource Center Website www.cancer-vcrc.org, Spring 2007 edition)

Human touch is one of the most sacred ways we can connect as human beings; it allows us to move beyond the physical barriers we create and respond to each other in a deeply nourishing and healing way.  As the number of cases of cancer increase, there also exists an increased need to connect on this very human level.  Touch given in a therapeutic and intentional manner can affect an individual physically, emotionally, and spiritually; it can soothe physical pain; and it can also create space for the mind to come to a place of stillness and acceptance.  Through simply being present with an individual and offering comfort, not ignoring their pain or trying to fix their condition, an environment for a deeper level of healing is fostered.

When I began giving massage therapy to individuals with cancer, it increased my understanding of human suffering and the ways in which it is a shared suffering.  I have also witnessed the incredible impact touch can have on an individual when one meets them in this place of suffering.  My hands have made contact with a person and the separation between us seems to dissolve. I have physically felt and seen peoples bodies soften and rest into the support of the massage and my hands.  I have watched their breath become deeper and more restful as they respond while the massage helps to soothe their pain – on a physical and an emotional level.  It is in these moments that I truly understand the phenomenal power of touch.

Massage is a safe therapy to receive with cancer, however this does not negate that there are important considerations when receiving treatment.  Scientific research has shown that metastasis, or the spread of cancer in the body, is a complicated process, which involves more than increased circulation or mechanical stimulation.  It was a long held belief that massage could contribute to the spread of cancer, however over the last decade, many studies have been done which support the use of massage therapy, as a complementary therapy specifically for an individual who has cancer. Debra Curties explores and discusses this area of concern in depth in her book Massage therapy and Cancer, 1999.  With careful modifications, a well-trained and educated therapist can provide massage during a cancer diagnosis, during medical treatment, when in remission, through palliative care with a terminal diagnosis and through survivorship.  The benefits, which I have seen first hand, are invaluable. Reflecting on my clinical experience, as well as reference to the studies that have successfully been done, massage has helped people with cancer with pain management, anxiety, depression, disconnection from the body and/or from people, self esteem, body image, muscular tension, stiffness and pain, nausea, fatigue and feelings of isolation or loneliness. It can also help with the emotional impact of a diagnosis of cancer on the mind.

When receiving massage therapy, your therapist would need to be aware of the location of the cancer, as deep techniques directly local to a tumor are contraindicated and inappropriate. It is a massage therapist’s goal to reintegrate the body and to work gentlyand with caution.  Your therapist would need to plan your treatment avoiding any local or regional pressure, in areas affected by cancer. Another very important consideration is any medical treatments you are undergoing. Such as; surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy, and adapt the treatment according to your energy levels, side effects, sites of involvement, and where you are in your treatment.  General guidelines of important areas to discuss with your therapist are as follows: (adapted from Tracy Walton’s “Massage therapy for people with cancer:  Fear and Healing”)

• Whether/how/where cancer is currently manifesting
• Current or past cancer treatments (surgery/radiation/chemo/bone marrow transplant/etc.), side effects, complications, and discuss how this will be considered in the massage treatment
• Discuss lymph node involvement and risk of lymphodema
• Discuss medications and their effects, cancer and non-cancer related
• Discuss if dialogue with your medical doctor would be appropriate and necessary, based on your health history, status, and stage of cancer.
• A continued update to any changes in your health is essential, and it is also necessary to check your response to every massage treatment to ensure it is not adversely affecting the body or it’s ability to heal

This is a simplification and a general look at some key areas that need to be covered when you have cancer or a history of cancer and you’re seeing a massage therapist for the first time. Not all areas noted above will be relevant to everyone, and in other people there will be a need to expand on the complexity of the above information.  When these concerns are discussed openly and honestly between you and your therapist, there will be a greater sense of trust and the treatment can proceed with more confidence, from both the therapist’s and the patient’s point of view.

Often it is important to open up the lines of communication between you, your massage therapist and your medical doctor, simply to provide you with the best possible care.  The most important element is your comfort discussing the changing needs of your health with your therapist so that you will receive the most benefit from your treatments.  Any type of illness will affect the energy levels of an individual. Gayle MacDonald, (who is a wonderful source of information on massage and cancer) calls this a “new normal” of energy.  I have seen this first hand, as the body goes through an adaptation phase, and its innate resources focus on the illness and the changes in the body.  What may have been okay for your body before the cancer was detected, may not be okay now, even if you have completed a course of treatment and your cancer is in remission.  Treatments will generally start quite conservatively, to understand and get to know your bodies “new normal”, gauging your response after each and every session.  It is vitally important to be patient with your body as it will be continually adapting to the disease process and the treatments administered.

The considerations I have mentioned are not meant to frighten an individual from seeking massage, but rather it is my hope that they will encourage more people to consider thoughtful forms of bodywork to assist the healing process. Massage has time and time again been revealed to be a truly beneficial complementary therapy as part of a totally supportive cancer care plan. However, the considerations do need to be taken seriously, as cancer is a very serious and real condition. The impacts on an individual both, physically and mentally can contribute to one of the scariest, most taxing and dehumanizing times in a persons life. The main focus of massage for someone with a cancer diagnosis is to offer a safe place to rest, to offer comfort, to offer positive and very human care, and to help with symptom relief specific to the individual.

Every person is unique, and every person’s story is unique, which needs to be deeply honored regardless of the type of cancer or the type of treatment a person is going through.  The experiences and the stories I have been privileged to share with people through my hands and my heart have shaped me as a massage therapist and also how I look at life.  The gift of touch is shared, as is the suffering, and connecting in this way can pave the path for true compassion and healing.  It is my hope that we as a society will not continue to embrace the fear of the unknown or the fear of illness, but rather embrace the mystery and humanness of life.  There is a sacred element in sharing this journey with others through touch, and in times of serious illness the power behind this sacredness has the potential to grow.  The people that I have worked with have allowed me to integrate the beauty and the intuition of massage, but also to deeply respect the science behind massage, the body and disease and to see how massage can positively affect a person when the bridge between the science and the intuitive element of massage are joined in a mindful way.  I hope through reading this article that more people will seek out massage to help them on their journey through cancer.  In my own clinical practice I have only witnessed the benefits for the body, the mind and the soul.

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Reproduction of this document or any portion thereof without prior written consent is prohibited.

• MacDonald, Gayle. Medicine Hands: Massage Therapy for People with Cancer, Findhorn, Scotland:  Findhorn Press, 1999
• Curties, Debra. Massage Therapy and Cancer. Moncton, NB:  Curties-Overzet Publications, 1999
• Curties, Debra.  “Could massage therapy promote cancer metastasis?” Massage Therapy Journal, Fall 2000, 39 (3): 83-88
• www.tracywalton.com (Tracy Walton is a huge inspiration to me in my practice.  She has written many articles, contributed richly to the massage therapy profession and teaches courses to massage therapists on massage therapy for individuals with cancer, she is also actively involved in research in helping to support massage therapy as a treatment for individuals with cancer)
• Hernandez – Reif M, Field T., et. al. “Natural Killer cells and lymphocytes increase in women with breast cancer following massage therapy”. International Journal of Neuroscience 2005; 115 (4): 495-510
• Cassileth, and Vickers “ Massage therapy for Symptom Control: Outcome study at a major cancer center”, J. Pain Symptom Management 2004; 28 (3): 244-249 (Sloan Kettering Cancer Center – massage created a decrease in pain, fatigue, anxiety, nausea, depression)
• Hernandez – Reif M, Ironson G., et. al. “Breast cancer patients have improved immune and neuroendocrine functions following massage therapy “. Journal of Psychosomatic Research 2004; 57: 45-52
• Post-White, et. al. “Therapeutic Massage and Healing Touch improve symptoms in cancer”.  Integrative Cancer Therapies 2003; 2(4): 332-344 (230 patients – decreased anxiety and the use of pain medications)
• Smith, Reeder, et. al.  “ Outcomes of touch therapies during bone marrow transplant”.  Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine 2003; 9(1): 40-49 (massage showed decreased neurological complications with chemotherapy, and created increased comfort to patients during treatment)
• Grealish et al.  “Foot massage: a nursing intervention to modify the distressing symptoms of pain and nausea in patients hospitalized with cancer”, Cancer Nursing, 23 (3): 237-243, 2000

Breast health is an important consideration when looking at overall body wellness.

The breast tissues have very specific needs, needs that are often overlooked and neglected in our day-to-day life.  Breast tissue can be compromised with many musculoskeletal complaints, breast specific procedures (excision, reduction, implants, post cancer treatment), hormonal changes, posture, as well as the simple consideration of wearing a bra.

Our breasts receive optimal tissue movement from the rebounding action of the tissues when we walk, jump, or when actively manipulated/massaged.  Garments we choose to wear for support of our breast tissue actually hold the breast and it’s important lymphatic drainage system tight and compacted against our bodies, which as a result compromise the natural drainage system creating congestion, pain, discomfort and possibly contributing to further breast conditions down the road.  Breasts are specialized glands that are comprised of specific lobes and ducts, as well as soft tissues and a rich lymphatic supply.

One of the most important considerations on breast health is the breasts drainage ability, which is dependent on the tissue health and overall movement of breast tissue.  Tight fitting clothes and bras impede are bodies naturally ability to allow this drainage to occur in an optimal manner.

Breast massage, either self-treatment or administered by an experienced therapist, can assist in optimizing the drainage patterns and contribute to the complete health of our breasts.  In many bodies the borders of the breast tissue run from the lower edge of the collar bone (clavicle), the breastbone (Sternal) midline, into the lateral axillary region (including tissues running into the armpit), and it extends to an area approximately 1 inch below the visible breast contour (Debra Curties, Breast Massage).  These borders are important to consider in thinking about manipulation of the tissue, muscles that can contribute to breast pain, as well as the impact of bras (underwire, tight fitting, incomplete coverage).  Breast massage can assist with; removing drainage obstruction, increasing overall relaxation, decreasing restrictions from breathing disturbances, it can also be a healthy way of monitoring your breasts for changes or concerns that may arise.

The hormonal adaptations that a woman’s breasts go through in menstruation, pregnancy, and through menopause can create intense deep pain and congestion through the various ducts in the breast tissue, breast massage can greatly decrease the pain intensity and can also prevent future problems. With the increasing incidence of breast cancer, as well as benign breast conditions, there is also an increasing need to respect the needs of our breasts as we would any other tissue or concern in our bodies.  Often there is a large amount of discomfort in communication around breast tissue, either due to emotional factors, societal views, or the fear of disease.

Getting to know your breasts more can help to decrease that fear, and perhaps encourage a healthier relationship, both physically and emotionally, with our bodies as a whole.  Breasts are part of a woman’s body that need to be honored and cared for, learning more about breast massage can be a way to start this process.

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Have you ever suffered from any of the following health issues?

• fatigue
• headaches & migraines
• Premenstrual Syndrome
• anxiety & depression
• decreased memory & concentration
• dry skin & hair loss
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• sensitivity to coldcold hands and/or feet
• difficulty losing weight

Have you ever been told that your thyroid is fine, despite your symptoms?

If so, you may be suffering from Wilson’s Temperature Syndrome (WTS).

WTS is a stress related, reversible dysfunction of the Thyroid system (the thyroid gland plus the rest of the body’s cells that interact with thyroid hormones) that can lead to the symptoms listed above.  It often follows major stress(es) in life and can persist for years.

Unfortunately, WTS is not diagnosable with blood tests.  In fact, thyroid blood tests are often normal with WTS patients.  WTS can only be diagnosed by a thorough case taking and by tracking body temperature.  A history of any of the above symptoms and a consistently low body temperature are indicative of Wilson’s Temperature Syndrome.

Fortunately, there are many great natural treatment options available.  Patrizio Nardini, ND, a licensed Naturopathic Doctor, is certified in the diagnosis and treatment of Wilson’s Temperature Syndrome.

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Massage therapy provides a source of both physical and emotional comfort for an individual who is living with a chronic illness, such as Cancer, HIV, Fibromyalgia, or Parkinson’s.  It can help a person to cope with the diagnosis as well as some of the physical and emotional side effects of the medical treatment and the condition.

Massage therapy can be a complementary therapy in the treatment and wellness program; it supports the bodies’ natural ability to heal itself. The systems influenced by massage include the muscular, circulatory, respiratory, immune, and nervous system, as well as the emotional, mental and energetic elements of an individual.  Working with a skilled and knowledgeable therapist can safely provide massage to an individual during the diagnostic process, when in remission, in active treatment, at end of life, or through survivorship.

How Can Massage Help?

Many research studies have been performed supporting the benefits of massage for individuals with a variety of different types of chronic illness.  Massage has been successful in assisting with:

• Providing a positive sense of touch
• Nausea
• Anxiety
• Pain management
• Depression
• Insomnia
• Fatigue
• Muscular pain/stiffness
• Respiratory difficulties
• Scar tissue
• Edema
• Increasing overall comfort; emotionally, physically, spiritually
• Decreasing feelings of loneliness and isolation
• Stress Management

Your massage therapist will help you to better understand your body and how the massage treatment will affect your health.  After filling out a health history form, you will be given the opportunity to discuss any questions you have with your therapist, and you are encouraged to communicate any concerns before, during and after the treatment.

When planning your massage session your therapist will give special consideration to the following based on your individual needs.

Surgery / Radiation / IV / Ports / Catheters / Energy levels / Medications / Chemotherapy / Skin conditions / Pain / Edema / Nodal involvement / Tumor involvements / Injections / Stage of disease / Progression / Intestinal concerns / Bone involvement / Blood cell count

In some cases communication with your Medical Doctor may be necessary to ensure you receive the safest and most effective care.  Your therapist’s primary focus is to support you through your illness.

If you would like to talk to a therapist to discuss any concerns you may have, or to book an appointment please call Inspired Life Health Centre today at 416-461-8688.

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Do you want to have the best chances of keeping your children healthy this winter?

Keep your kids healthy this winter – Naturally!  Great! So, let’s get started. First off, we have to remember that what we are achieving is PREVENTION – why get sick and then start working on it? Why not do your best to prevent it in the first place?  Well, if you already see the signs of sickess, get started immediately to minimize the duration of the illness.

Children generally react positively to herbs, relatively quickly and with minimal to no side effects. For cases where the doctor usually prescribes Tylenol, herbs can easily be utilized to take care of the situation. Not only will the herb clear up the mild illness but the illness may likely return less often and with less severity in the future. Plus, remember that the herb also has less potential side effects and causes less damage to the internal organ systems within the body.

Without further ado, here is a list of herbs which you can safely administer to your children this and every winter!

Stevia

This is a plant based, natural sweetener and alternative to sugar. Sugars (including those naturally found in fruits) suppress the immune system by raising the  insulin level within the body and thus inhibiting the release of certain growth hormones. An influx of sugar into the bloodstream upsets the body’s blood-sugar balance, triggering the release of insulin which the body uses to keep the blood-sugar at a safe, constant level. Besides supressing the immune system, sugar can also upset the body’s mineral balance, contribute to hyperactivity, anxiety and depression, promote an elevation of harmful cholesterol and increase the risk of coronary heart disease.

Astragalus

An immune boosting herb, Astragalus is often used for common colds and sore throats. It can also be used for the treatment of infections, Alzheimer’s disease and as an adjunctive support for persons undergoing chemotherapy. Research conducted by the M.D. Anderson Hospital in Houston, Texas, confirms this herb’s immune-potentiating actions. Astragalus appears to restore T-cell (a specific type of white blood cell that is part of the lymphocyte family) counts to relatively normal ranges in some cancer patients.

Echinacea

This herb has been used by Native Indians for centuries to treat colds, flu, and many other ailments.  Hundreds of scientific studies have documented the chemistry, pharmacology, and clinical applications of echinacea. The most consistently proven effect of echinacea is in stimulating phagocytosis – encouraging white blood cells and lymphocytes to attack invading organisms. Specifically, echinacea increases the number and activity of immune system cells.

Elderberry

This herb contains anthocyanins which enhance immune function by boosting the production of cytokines. These unique proteins act as messengers in the immune system to help regulate immune response, thus helping to defend the body against disease. Elderberry is useful against both viral and bacterial infections and can be used long term.

Oregano

Not to be confused with the standard oregano spice found in your kitchen, concentrated Oregano extract is a highly effective herb which will help keep your body in tip top condition this winter. Oregano is one of the best anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral products in the world. Usually found as a concentrated oil or in capsule form (but also as a juice), Oregano should be kept easily accessible in the household as it can be used to disinfect cuts and scrapes, sore throats, treat internal and external infections and more. Just make sure to not get any Oregano in your eyes and do your best to keep it from touching your mucus membranes as it is a very spicy herb.

Olive Leaf

The main constituent of olive leaf is the phytochemical oleuropein, which breaks down to elenolic acid, and has a powerful anti-bacterial effect, plus the ability to interfere with critical amino acid production essential for viruses.  Olive leaf extract is often used to treat the common cold, flu, cold sores (herpes), ear infections, eye infections, nose and throat infections and a host of other viral and bacterial infections.

All of the above herbs can be used to treat viral, bacterial and fungal infections in your children (and adults too!).  Length of administration would generally continue  until 2 days after the symptoms are gone.  If your child puts up a fuss and doesn’t want to take anything you are giving them, you can safely add any of these products to their food or drink.

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