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How Acupuncture Boosts Immunity by Jennie Cheung, Naturopathic Medicine

The effect of acupuncture and moxibustion on strengthening the body’s defense systems is the topic for this week’s health tip.  Acupuncture has been shown to be effective in treating and preventing a multitude of conditions from the common cold, asthma, hepatitis, to food poisoning.

Many are unaware that acupuncture also directly assists in the treatment of both acute and chronic inflammatory conditions such as laryngitis, appendicitis, gastritis, conjunctivitis, otitis media, mastitis, and much more.  Studies have shown that biological markers for immune function such as leucocytes, neutrophils, phagocytes, antibodies, immunoglobulins and other serum proteins were strengthened during treatments with acupuncture and moxibustion.  Hence it is no wonder that this clinical choice of treatment can be extremely significant in achieving favourable results.

In summary, the three main effects of acupuncture and moxibustion-analgesic, regulatory, and immunological-are interdependent and interrelated.  The body’s ability to regulate function and to provide resistance encompasses the main treatment goal of acupuncture therapy.  When I am able to incorporate this mode of therapy in my practice I draw upon its many clinically proven affects in the body from nerve stimulation, blood circulation, cellular immunity or endocrine restoration.  Acupuncture  remains one of my top health treatments in fighting off disease.  For any further information on whether you may benefit from acupuncture, please contact us at 905-604-9355 or jcheung@formfunctionclinic.com.

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Spring Clean your Diet!

Spring is the season to “declutter”. Why not step it up and declutter your diet.
Make a transition from the dense winter foods that comfort you from the cold temperatures. Shift your diet to include more fresh fruits, vegeatables, salads, smoothies and vegetarian proteins(nuts, seeds, lentils, quinoa and tofu).
Choose foods that are in season and locally grown. Keep a food log and review it on a regular basis. Aim to have 50-60% of your diet fresh and seasonal. A sping clean up will not only boost your erergy levels, it will clear out your digestive system.

By Dr. J 0 Comments Health Tips

Tip of the Week: Treating Arthritis with Phonophoresis and Zeel

This month is Osteoarthritis(OA) month at Form & Function.  Part of our extensive OA treatments includes using phonophoresis to drive in a homeopathic joint formula called Zeel  directly into the joint to reduce pain, improve joint function and stimulate normal cartilage performance.  Zeel comes in both a topical cream and tablet form.  Zeel has been scientifically shown to reduce pain as effective as  COX 2 inhibitors Celebrex® and Vioxx®.  Being in the same family as Traumeel (a well known natural anti-inflammatory), Zeel has all the above pros with little to no side effects.  Talk to your health care professional at Form & Function about trying Zeel or any other Heel products.

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Osteoarthritis awareness

Within a joint there is a very smooth fibrous connective tissue, known as articular cartilage. This covers the areas where each bone comes into contact with one another.
In a normal joint this articular cartilage allows for smooth movement within the joint as well as acting as a shock absorber.
Osteoarthritis is the degradation and degeneration of this articular cartilage.
In addition, the bones themselves become thicker and may form bony “spurs”.

Causes of Osteoarthritis in the knee

•               History of injury to the knee
•               Pro-longed and excessive use of the knee joint.
•               Previous fracture at that site of the knee.
•               Obesity
•               Genetic factors.
 
Symptoms of arthritis in the knee

•               Deep aching pain in the inner knee that is worse after exercise.
•               Stiffness particularly in the morning, lessening with movement.
•               Swelling of the knee.
•               Clicking or cracking noises when moving the knee.
 
Treatments
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis, come and see us for an assessment and we will holistically help you achieve your personal and functional goals.

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Naturopathic Medicine and Acupuncture by Jennie Cheung, Naturopath

In this week’s tip of the week, we carry on with our discussion regarding the acupuncture effect.  Acupuncture has the ability to regulate many of the body’s physiological mechanisms in nearly all systems from the cardiovasular and respiratory, to the digestive and nervous.

In heart disease and blood pressure studies, the positive effects of acupuncture are extensive.  ECG results post-acupuncture treatments typically show improved coronary circulation, greater left ventricular function, and normalisation of premature heart beats along with other arrhythmic patterns.

In addition, acupuncture has a dilating effect on blood vessels, primarily through vagus nerve stimulation, thereby a definite treatment consideration for high blood pressure and anginal pain. 

One of the main goals in naturopathic medicine is to restore what has been impaired and bring the body back to operate as a normally functioning and thriving entity – it is about living well, not just being symptom-free.  Acupunture is an excellent therapeutic and natural treatment tool that helps the body to achieve that re-balance.

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The 2 D’s of Weightloss

Are you struggling to shed a few pounds? Eating all the right foods and exercising with no results? Diet and exercise are critical when trying to lose weight. However, the 2 D’s, DIET & DETOXIFICATION combined are necessary for weightloss results.
Your metabolism is connected to the level of toxins in your body. Call me today for your free weightloss consultation!

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Importance of Choosing Comfortable Footwear for Your Feet

In order to make sure your new footwear is an adequate size for your feet, make sure you choose your new footwear at the end of the day.  This is because your feet are achy, tired and most swollen at the end of the day.  Make sure that you are able to fit at least one index finger behind the heel to ensure that the footwear is not overly tight.  Last but not least, make sure that you can wiggle your toes within the new footwear to ensure that there is sufficient room at the front of the shoe.

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Introduction to Acupuncture and Moxibustion

Acupuncture and moxibustion treatments aim at activating circulation of the body’s “qi” thereby restoring normal function of the organs and tissues.  By treating acupoints, disease and disorders including heart disease, asthma or gastritis may be treated.

The acupuncture effect can be classified into three main categories:  analgesic, regulatory, and immunological.  Research has shown that “acupuncture anesthesia” is achievable via many mechanisms, from raising the pain threshold, to blocking the conductivity of pain fibres in peripheral nerves, to inhibiting pain sensitive cells of the midbrain.

In the next upcoming entry of this column, we will discuss the other two main effects of acupuncture on the body: regulatory and immunological.

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Spring Time Sprain Prevention

March is fast approaching, which brings out the early spring time athletes who have been hibernating over the long winter. Spring time is very much associated with increase in foot and ankle sprains.

Anyone who injures their ankle should seek medical advice, however in the meantime should use P.R.I.C.E. (Protect, Rest, Ice, and Compress the ankle while Elevating the leg above the heart). This will limit swelling and pain till the ankle is properly evaluated.

To prevent ankle sprains:

1) Perform warm-up stretches and sport specific exercise before playing the sport.

2)Wear the correct footwear for the sport. ie: running shoes are not appropriate for lateral movement sports like basketball or tennis.

3)Wear an ankle brace if recovering from injury or have a history of ankle sprains.