April 2004

This newsletter is not to be used as a substitute for medical advice

• Acupuncture and Migraine Headaches - New Research
• Privacy Policy
• Allergies and Naturopathic Medicine
• Shiatsu Meridian Exercises
• Healthier Choices for Eating Out
• Shiatsu History
• Healthy Japanese Cooking

The Pacific Wellness Institute
80 Bloor Street West, Suite 1100
Toronto, Ontario, M5S 2V1
Tel: 416-929-6958
Fax: 416-929-6365
e-mail: info@pacificwellness.ca
website: www.pacificwellness.ca

Newsletter 

Acupuncture and Migraine Headaches
New Research from the BMJ

Information published online in the British Medical Journal (BMJ), demonstrated the effectiveness of acupuncture in the treatment of chronic (migraine) headaches.

The clinical study involved a randomized, control study of 401 participants over a period of 3 months, where half the participants were either assigned to an acupuncture treatment group or to the control group which consisted of standard medical treatment, including medication. The acupuncture group received a series of 12 treatments. The study found that those in the acupuncture treatment group used 15 per cent less medication, made 25 per cent fewer visits to their medical doctors and 15 per cent had fewer sick days. The long term effects of the acupuncture treatment also appeared to continue even after acupuncture treatments had stopped, as researchers noted that the acupuncture group was less likely to have had headaches for up to a year after the trial.

If you are interested in accessing the entire research article, as well as seeing our unique approach for migraines, please visit:
http://www.acupuncture-treatment.com/acupuncture_headache_migraine.html

Privacy Policy

Due to the recent changes in privacy laws, we have established a new privacy policy here at The Pacific Wellness Institute. During your visit, you will be asked to sign privacy consent forms in adherence to the privacy law requirements. If you would like to view these forms, the entire Pacific Wellness Institute privacy code can be seen at our website:
http://www.pacificwellness.ca/privacy_policy.html 

Allergies and Naturopathic Medicine
By Eevon Ling, B.Sc., ND

Achoo! Scratch, scratch. Allergy season is here! For some, allergies may occur as early as February to as late as October. Pollens, molds and mildew cause symptoms such as itchy red eyes, skin rashes, sinus and nasal congestion, asthma or breathing difficulties that can hinder the enjoyment of spring, summer and fall. But allergies aren't restricted to seasonal changes. For many, every day of the year can be a problem due to chemical, animal, food and household mold, mites and dust allergies. And the range of allergy symptoms is so wide that many people may not even be aware that they, in fact, have an allergy.

What causes allergies?
Allergies are reactions of the immune system towards an allergen, or trigger substance. Everyday, the body meets with potential allergens on the skin, nasal, oral and digestive surfaces through what we ingest, breathe and wear. Then, the immune system has the overwhelming task of determining which substances are familiar and safe and which molecules are foreign and dangerous. When the immune system encounters an allergen, a chain of events occurs and one of the following allergies takes place:

Atopic or immediate allergy: Commonly known allergies such as hay fever, pet allergies, moderate drug and food allergies etc, have an immediate allergic response that is easily linked to the offending substance. This kind of allergy develops even if there is infrequent exposure to the allergen.

Chronic exposure or delayed allergy: Usually associated with food allergies and sensitivities. Frequent exposure to a substance causes a gradual accumulation of allergen-antibody complexes. These complexes are then deposited into tissues and promote inflammation processes. The allergy may go unrecognized because the symptoms may not occur until days after exposure. Do you suffer from any of these non-specific symptoms? Chronic sinus congestion, frequent headaches, unexplained tiredness, indigestion and diarrhea, insomnia, ringing in the ears, frequent sore throats or hoarseness etc…If so, you may have an underlying allergy.

Anaphylaxis: The most serious and potentially life threatening. An immediate hyperactive and hypersensitive immune response towards an allergen occurs even after the initial exposure (E.g. bee stings, severe nut and shellfish allergies).

Autoimmune reactions: The immune system reacts against your own cells (usually to an organ or particular type of tissue), causing destruction and decreased quality of life.

How does an allergy affect my overall health?

Allergies give clues about the status of both the digestive system and the immune system. Individuals with allergies often also suffer from arthritis or chronic pain, acne, PMS, depression or anxiety, diabetes etc. Thus, treating the underlying cause of the allergy may also improve any other co-existing health problems.

What can naturopathic medicine do about my allergies?

Naturopathic medicine will address and consider all conditions and factors that are impacting your health. Through comprehensive discussion of current and past medical history, lifestyle and dietary habits, physical exam and appropriate lab tests, an individualized plan will be created to:

• Uncover underlying allergies or sensitivities
• Remove the allergy and/or reduce the symptoms
• Normalize the immune system and replenish necessary nutrients
• Repair cellular damage

What about conventional medications for allergies?

Conventional treatments for allergies are usually anti-histamines, anti-inflammatories or corticosteroids, all of which serve to reduce or inhibit the immune system. None of these address the reason why the immune system is reacting in the first place. And long-term use of these medications can lead to eventual ineffectiveness or digestive problems (anti-histamines and anti-inflammatories), to bone and collagen degeneration, skin changes or increased infections (corticosteroids). In the case that you must use these medications, naturopathic medicine can help your body deal with the side-effects.

Shiatsu Meridian Exercises
By Emily Robinson Dipl. ST, CST, CR

In the ancient oriental healing arts, 'meridians' are thought to be the pathways for the circulation of Qi (energy) which exist in everyone. The central concept in oriental medicine incorporates the belief that all physical problems are a result of an obstruction in Qi flow. Restoring circulation can 'cure' disease. Meridian exercises integrate the body and mind and are designed to strengthen Qi in their corresponding meridians. They also aid in creating body awareness. In doing these exercises one can learn to release tension and increase flexibility in order to increase Qi circulation, therefore, balancing basic body function. Shiatsu Master Shizuto Masunaga said, "The most important feature in life is not the external form but the internal dynamics which create and sustain the form.

A few things to keep in mind while doing these exercises:

1. The stretches are best done in a peaceful/ calm atmosphere.

2. The focus should be on the slow quiet out breath without effort (like air leaking out of a balloon).

3. When breathing in during a stretch be aware of the lines of tension that will occur along a meridian - detecting Qi flow obstruction.

Lung / Large Intestine = exchange and elimination

The Lungs take in the Qi of nature and the Large Intestine eliminates unnecessary substances. Meridian imbalances often start to occur during depression and grief. This deceased zest for life usually leads to lack of physical exercise that promotes insufficient Qi intake and elimination.

Decreased exercise often causes constipation, chilled limbs due to poor circulation, chills in the lower abdomen causing diarrhea, respiratory tract disease, excessive sighing, heaviness in the head, back and shoulder stiffness.

The Large Intestine meridian is supposed to clear Qi obstruction. Imbalances here often include: lack of motivation, with-holding emotions, difficulty in psychological release usually paired with shallow breathing. A release of gas can be a symbol of emotional release.

Lung / Large intestine meridian exercise:

Stand with feet one shoulders width apart (knees unlocked), and link your thumbs behind your back. Breathe deeply into your belly and as you stretch your fingers out - imagining your body filling with energy to your fingertips. Bend into the illustrated position as you exhale. Relax and keep the fingers stretched out. Focus on letting go of all tension and thoughts for another cycle of breath in this position. Feel your body letting go - the stretch will deepen naturally. As you breathe in once more deeply into your belly imagine your body taking in new energy, as you breathe out you 'let go' further. Once more, breathe in deeply again slowly coming to an upright position as you exhale.

Shiatsu History

What is Shiatsu? Over 5000 years ago, India and China placed emphasis on massage using hands for therapeutic purposes. Shiatsu is a Japanese "finger pressure" healing therapy based on ancient Chinese medical practices.

There are several styles of Shiatsu that arise from various founders of Shiatsu - one of whom is Tokujiro Namikoshi.

Tokujiro Namikoshi Sensei was responsible for taking shiatsu out of Japan and promoting its benefits to western cultures. He was the founder of the Japan Shiatsu College and described the effects of his treatments in western medical terms, creating what has evolved into Neuro-Muscular Massage. In 1953, He became a recognized figure in the United States after the successful treatment of Marilyn Monroe, during her visit to Japan with husband Joe DiMaggio from the New York Yankees. Marilyn had become extremely ill while in Tokyo, and when Western medicine failed to work, Namikoshi Sensei was summoned. He treated her daily at her hotel for one week. Surprising the western medical community, she recovered, and Namikoshi Sensei became instantly famous.

To find out more about Shiatsu, its philosophy and history, the various styles and founders and how it may help you, please visit our website at http://www.pacificwellness.ca and go to 'Services' à 'Shiatsu', or you can just click here and go directly there.

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Healthy Japanese Cooking 
Haruko Ishihara, RNCP, CNP, CR.

TOFU DRESSING SALAD

Spring is just around the corner. You may soon feel like having light tasting fresh foods after having heavy meals during the cold weather.

This pleasantly flavoured salad provides you with abundant vitamins and minerals as well as a plant nutrient called isoflavone, which occurs in soybeans and soy products such as tofu.

Isoflavone is now famous for its positive health potentials. It contains an estrogen-like property that encourages the body to reduce risks of hormone related conditions including breast and prostate cancer. Isoflavone has also been proven to help relieve menopausal symptoms and to reduce cholesterol levels in the body that can lead to a healthy heart. Moreover, it may be beneficial in preventing osteoporosis. Tofu is rich in calcium, potassium, and magnesium, which promote the increase of calcium storage in bones.

Tofu is a versatile food and can be eaten fresh, cooked, mashed as a sauce or creamed. Depending on how it is cooked, tofu changes in texture, as you will find in the following recipe.

Let's include tofu in your regular diet and be healthy.

Ingredients

Green chard, Spinach, or Arugla

5cm Daikon radish:
Cut into julienne strip

1/4 small carrot:
Cut into julienne strip

3 Shiitake mushrooms:
Toast lightly and slice thinly.

Sprinkle small amount of sake and soy sauce

1/2 Tofu: Place tofu on a cutting board, put a plate on top and leave for few hours

For dressing: 1tbsp sake, 1 tsp light colour soy sauce, pinch of salt, (optional: ½ tsp lemon juice)1 tsp lemon zest

Method

1. Gently boil the green leafy vegetable and put under running water. Squeeze out water and cut into 2 cm length.

2. Strain tofu and smooth in food processor

3. Combine all ingredients and lightly mix

Haruko practices reflexology and nutrition consultation at The Pacific Wellness Institute.

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