Welcome Meera Dossa BSc, ND

With a major in Nutritional Science from the University of British Columbia, I completed my studies at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine and am a registered licensed Naturopathic Doctor. My clinical experience has been based on the concept of healing the body from within by means of restoring the function of the gastrointestinal tract. This is achieved primarily through lifestyle modification, nutritional counseling and therapeutic hydrotherapy sessions. I have treated a variety of conditions including hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, IBS, IBD, seasonal allergies and autoimmune conditions, with a special interest in gastrointestinal issues. My passion lies in bringing patients’ awareness to their body’s innate and powerful ability to heal itself by applying the principles of naturopathic medicine.

A New You for the New Year
Meera Dossa BSc, ND

The aftermath of the holiday season, which represents a time of social gatherings and indulgence, can leave us feeling rather sluggish and out of sorts. Just as any room in a house can easily reach a state of chaos if we put off cleaning and keep adding to the existing mess, so too can our digestive system. Similar to throwing more clothes on heaps in a bedroom, we throw sugar-dense, nutrient-depleted, ethanol-infused substances at our bodies as we bring in the New Year. The end result: a gastrointestinal tract that has been converted into a huge waste dump, leading to an increased toxic burden on our already overworked detoxification system. The answer: detoxification!

Beginning from the mouth and ending in the large intestine, everything we put into our bodies goes through the gastrointestinal system, as nutrients are absorbed and waste is eliminated. However, in order for this system to function optimally, it must be kept clean and supplied well with beneficial bacteria. Unfortunately, during the holiday season especially, this ideal environment is far from existent because of our eating habits. The high intake of processed and low fiber foods along with a few celebratory drinks play a role in disrupting normal flora and thus, bowel function.

As a result of this seasonal assault, many of us accumulate an assortment of intestinal bacteria, with the bad outnumbering the good. These unwanted critters cause fermentation and putrefaction of toxins leading to sometimes untimely and embarrassing bodily productions such as burping, bloating, gurgling and flatulence! Some other common signs of toxicity can be decreased energy, headaches, constipation and skin eruptions. As bowel function continues to deteriorate, more serious symptoms can appear.

This takes us back to the idea of detoxification. Just as all of the garbage needs to be thrown from the house after the big Christmas and New Year’s parties, so too does all of the garbage that has accumulated in our bodies. This can be achieved by making dietary changes, avoiding ‘empty calorie’ foods, supplementing beneficial bacteria and using water. Yes, using water!

Constitutional hydrotherapy, or ‘water therapy’, has been used since the early 1900’s for its therapeutic benefits, but most importantly, for its ability to detoxify the body. Through the alternating applications of hot and cold towels to the surface of the skin, the body becomes subject to many beneficial outcomes, which include:

• increasing in the body’s white blood cell count, which helps improve immunity
• enhancing general blood and lymphatic circulation
• increasing the production of digestive enzymes
• enhancing digestion and nutrient stimulation
• increasing oxygenation to the tissues
• enhancing the elimination of waste and toxic material from the body

What is moxibustion?
Tim H. Tanaka, Ph.D., D.Ac., RMT, RNCP, BCIAC
Director

Moxibustion is a form of heat treatment that stimulates specific acupuncture points of the body. The term is derived from the Japanese ‘mogusa’ meaning herb (mugwort) and the Latin ‘bustion’ meaning burning.

Moxibustion has been an integral part of the original concepts of acupuncture. It has been used in tandem with acupuncture to treat a variety of diseases throughout Asia for thousands of years. The actual Chinese character for what we routinely call acupuncture is (Shin Kyu in Japanese). Translated literally, it means ‘needle-moxibustion’.

From a physiological perspective, acupuncture and moxibustion are known to work differently. While acupuncture is considered to induce a response through action on the nervous system, moxibustion (more specifically indirect moxibustion) is thought to act more directly on the circulatory system. The combination of the two methods, which act through different physiological pathways, can greatly intensify the potential benefit of treatment. Many traditional acupuncturists tactically combine these two methods in a variety of ways depending on the patient’s constitution and presented conditions.

It is well known that people who live in certain climates are prone to developing certain health conditions. Chinese medicine, which involves acupuncture, moxibustion, massage (tui-na), and botanical medicine was developed and practiced differently depending on the region in China. Acupuncture, for example, was developed and more widely practiced in the southern and eastern part of China in order to deal with acute infectious and inflammatory diseases, which were common in the region. Moxibustion came from the northern part of China and Mongolia, where it was used to treat various circulatory related illnesses and chronic degenerative diseases. From this perspective, moxibustion is an ideal treatment method to aid in perseverance through the long, cold Canadian winter.

It should be noted, however, that at The Pacific Wellness Institute, almost all of the patients receiving acupuncture are simultaneously treated with moxibustion therapy throughout the year. Most people today are in fact manifesting a ‘cold constitution’ much more so than in the past. Due to widespread use of air conditioners and refrigerators in recent decades, many illnesses and injuries, even during the summertime, are triggered or aggravated by exposure to cold winds and over cooling of our system with icy beverages.

Moxibustion is used to warm the meridians and to enhance the smoother flow of blood. We have been achieving many clinical successes using acupuncture-moxibustion therapy for a variety of illnesses and conditions.

(The above photo shows Mini Stick On Moxa, a form of indirect type moxibustion. Visit www.acupuncture-treatment.com/moxibustion.html for more information about moxibustion and to see photos demonstrating the different moxibustion methods).

As many of you probably know through media reports, legislation regulating the practice of acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) was passed on November 23, 2006. 

Although this is just the beginning and there are many issues yet to be discussed over the upcoming years, our acupuncturists at The Pacific Wellness Institute are very excited about the news.  While Quebec, Alberta and British Columbia along with close to 50 American states already regulate acupuncture, it is certainly a long awaited legislation in Ontario.  Since 1989, Dr. Tanaka, the Director of the Pacific Wellness Institute, has been the Board Member of the Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Association of Canada which was one of the main organizations which supports the bill.  Ontario Health and Long-Term Care Minister George Smitherman, has stated that "This legislation regulating traditional Chinese medicine will help ensure that Ontarians who choose alternative health care like TCM and acupuncture are receiving safe, quality care from practitioners who have recognized skills and training."

New CD Release! Calming Massage designed by Dr. Tanaka

Over the years, Dr. Tanaka has been incorporating HRV Biofeedback based breathing technique in his clinical practice and has been successfully treating a wide variety of health concerns.  The newly released CD Calming Massage, designed by Dr. Tanaka, fully reflects the concept.  For further information about the CD, contact The Pacific Wellness Institute.

“Calming Massage is no ordinary relaxation music. Besides being an ideal album to complement massage treatments, it is an album that encourages specific breathing rhythms and proactively trains the modulation function of the nervous system….” From the CD cover.

Mushrooms: The Medicinal Fungi
Karen Nguyen BSc, ND (Candidate)

Ever wonder how fungi can benefit your health?  Well, the answer lies in a common fungus that has been around for thousands of years…mushrooms.  Mushrooms come in many varieties with the more popular ones being white button, portabello and shitake. 

Traditionally, they have been known to promote good health and vitality.  Even the Greeks believed mushrooms provided strength for warriors in battle.  Aside from their historic benefits, mushrooms are a great addition to any dish because of their low caloric content and high sources of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.  Specifically, they contain vitamin D, potassium, riboflavin and selenium.  Current studies have also found mushrooms to contain compounds that boost the immune system and support the adrenals in times of stress.  Their ability to enhance immune functions has also led to promising contributions in cancer research.  Mushrooms are very versatile and add flavor and texture to any meal.  Try this simple and easy recipe to get your intake of fungal foods.  Enjoy!

Ingredients:

16 medium sized mushrooms (white button, portabello or shitake)
2 tbsp olive oil
2 finely chopped bacon strips
½ cup bread crumbs
1 clove garlic, crushed
2 finely chopped scallions
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
2 tbsp parsely or dill
1 egg lightly beate

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 475 degrees
• Remove stems from the mushrooms and chop into small pieces
• Heat oil and add bacon to pan, cook over medium heat for 3 min and stir
• Add chopped mushroom stems and cook over high heat for 2 min
  
• Remove pan from heat and add bread, garlic, scallions, cheese, herb of choice, and egg
  
• Stir all the ingredients until combined then press mixture into mushroom cap
• Bake for 12 min or until tops are crisp.