July 2004

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

• Recent Publication
• Dr. Tanaka's Trip to Japan
• Shiatsu Coverage
• Fight the Bite!...Naturally
• Acupuncture Success with Infertility
• Sweet Potato: Delicious and Nutritious
• Shiatsu Meridians (Stomach and Spleen)

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 

Recent Publication

Dr. Tanaka has co-authored a research paper entitled “Effect of massage on blood flow and muscle fatigue following isometric lumbar exercise”. The paper can be found in the May 2004 issue of Medical Science Monitor, International Medical Journal for Experimental and Clinical Research.

Dr. Tanaka’s Trip To Japan

Dr. Tanaka recently returned from a successful trip to the 53rd Annual Meeting of the Japan Society of Acupuncture, held in Chiba, Japan. One of the highlights of the three day conference at Makuhari Messe, was Dr. Tanaka’s hour-long lecture entitled “The Effect of Acupuncture on Muscle Function and EMG Activity”. The presentation was overwhelmingly received by an audience of about one thousand people. The presentation was followed by an engaging onstage discussion with two other renowned professors in the field. Dr. Tanaka also had the honor of co-chairing one of the scientific sessions at the conference. A summary of his academic presentation at the conference is scheduled to be published soon in a professional journal. Dr. Tanaka strongly believes that his ongoing research will provide new insights into the treatment and prevention of sports and occupational-related injuries.

Following the conference, he visited the newly established Shinjuku Acupuncture and Bone Setting College in Tokyo. In front of many highly motivated students and instructors, he made a presentation, introducing the activities here at The Pacific Wellness Institute. 

Shiatsu Coverage

We have recently heard that Shiatsu Therapy treatments when performed by a Certified Shiatsu Therapist (CST) are covered by the following companies: -0 Hydro One -1 Retired Teachers of Ontario *Please note that coverage may vary according to each plan.*

Fight the Bite!...Naturally
By Eevon Ling, B.Sc., ND

Summer is here! (Finally!) And with summer comes the rain, the sun, the warm weather and… mosquitoes. Already there have been reports of dead birds found with the mosquito- borne disease West Nile Virus (WNV) quickly followed by Health Canada’s campaign to “Fight the Bite”. The campaign emphasizes the importance of avoiding and preventing mosquito bites, including using products that contain the chemical repellent N,N-diethyl-m-tolumide, or simply, DEET. Although no one wants to become infected by WNV, how safe is DEET? And are there any effective natural alternatives to DEET for repelling mosquitoes?

Facts About DEET

What is it?
DEET is a common chemical used in pesticides as well as in insect repellents. The mechanism of action is unknown, but the main theory is that is disrupts the mosquito’s ability to locate humans. DEET does not kill mosquitoes. It just keeps them away.

What are the concerns regarding DEET?
As with any scientifically tested chemical there are conflicting findings. There are studies that show that skin applications of DEET are safe, even for small children and pregnant women. Although it may be deemed safe for human skin, DEET destroys plastics and other synthetic materials. DEET is absorbed through the skin and enters the bloodstream. Once in the body, the liver metabolizes it.

On the other hand, there are studies that indicate DEET is toxic. DEET is definitely toxic if it is swallowed or absorbed through mucous membranes (such as the eyes and lungs) or enters broken skin. In rats, topical applications of DEET caused problems in brain function and behaviour. In a study of healthy men, external exposure to DEET resulted in lowered sperm counts. And there have been case reports of seizures in adults and children with DEET exposure.

What about DEET on children?
Children are usually outdoors more than adults, making them the biggest users of insect repellents. Despite claims that DEET is safe, both Health Canada and the Canadian Pediatric Society advise against the use of DEET on children under 6 months of age. Children aged 6 months to 2 years should be limited to one application per day. Children aged 2-12 years should be limited to 3 applications per day. The maximum concentration should be 10% or less and only the smallest amount of product should be used. Practically speaking, these limited applications of DEET containing products are not enough to protect small children for extended periods of time, especially if the child goes swimming or applies sunscreen.

What about DEET and pregnant or lactating women?
Studies of DEET use on these women have not shown any birth defects or toxicity to both the mother and baby (Studies followed the child to 1 year of age). However, DEET does get absorbed through the skin and enters the bloodstream and breast milk. It even crosses the placenta of pregnant women.membranes (such as the eyes and lungs) or enters broken skin. In rats, topical applications of DEET caused problems in brain function and behaviour. In a study of healthy men, external exposure to DEET resulted in lowered sperm counts. And there have been case reports of seizures in adults and children with DEET exposure.

What are natural and safe alternatives to DEET?
Natural products that have been tested and shown to repel mosquitoes, as well as other biting insects, tend to be highly aromatic plant oils such as citronella, soybean, eucalyptus and lavender. Studies have shown varying degrees of effectiveness when compared to DEET. But the general guideline when choosing a natural product is to buy a high quality product that contains at least 10% of the botanical oil. Products containing multiple types of plant oils may be more effective for different types of mosquitoes and insects.

From my own personal experience, products that contain 10% citronella oil work as well as DEET products.

Also keep in mind that these things will lower the effectiveness of any insect repellent:Sunscreens
Sweat, swimming and rain
Time: once the product has been absorbed into the skin or the scent has worn off, it is no longer effective.

Why are mosquitoes and insects biting me anyway?
You are food for the mosquito. But mosquitoes are also picky eaters. In fact, you may notice that some people seem to attract mosquitoes more than other people. Here is a list of factors that may make you a preferred mosquito target:
Dark clothing
Carbon dioxide: You give off more CO2 when you are hot or have been exercising. Burning candles and fires give off CO2 and can be ways to lure mosquitoes away from you.
Lactic acid: You release lactic acid when you have been exercising or eating certain foods, such as salty or high potassium foods.
Floral or Fruity fragrances: from perfumes, lotions, hair products or soaps may attract mosquitoes (although lavender seems to repel mosquitoes).
Skin temperature and moisture: Different mosquitoes prefer different temperatures, but they do seem to prefer the extremities, pulse points (wrists and ankles) and moist humid areas of the body.

Eventually I’m going to get bitten anyway, so what else can I do?
Just as you can’t avoid coming into contact with bacteria and viruses, you can’t escape all biting insects. Most people who get bitten by a WNV carrying mosquito have no or very mild flu-like symptoms. It is those with less than optimal immune systems, such as the elderly or chronically ill, that are at risk of developing a potentially deadly illness.

Therefore, keeping your immune system healthy is an important part in preventing illness. Eat fresh, nutrient dense foods. Drink plenty of water. Get plenty of rest. Avoid eating processed foods, especially refined sugars (which depress the immune system). Manage your stress and anger (both of which depress the immune system). Take extra precautions with mosquito prevention when you are sick or have allergies. And finally, if you are using or exposed to many types of chemical products such as insect repellents, pesticides, lawn fertilizer, allergy medications and sunscreens all summer long, a liver detox may be indicated to optimize your health and lower your body’s toxin load.

Acupuncture Success with Infertility

There have been a growing number of patients coming for acupuncture treatments for fertility issues at The Pacific Wellness Institute. As of this year, we have been collecting official data tracking the success rate of these patients. From the period of January 1st to June 28th 2004, there have been fourteen reported pregnancies. Considering that only a portion of our patients come for infertility and many others come for treatments of many other health-related issues, we are very proud of these results. We are particularly encouraged with some of the successful pregnancies that were presented with complicated medical backgrounds. It will be necessary to collect data from a greater number of cases before meaningful statistics can be produced. All of the success cases were treated with Dr. Tanaka’s innovative approach using Japanese acupuncture in combination with specific HRV biofeedback breathing exercises. This approach focuses on stress management while optimizing female reproductive health. More information will be made available soon on our website at www.acupuncture-treatment.com.

SWEET POTATO: Delicious and Nutritious
By Haruko Ishihara, RNCP, CNP, CR.

Many people are aware that it is essential to include fibre in your regular diet. The most famous benefit from fibre consumption is probably reducing constipation. Fibre can bring you not only a healthy colon by promoting regular bowel movements and friendly micro flora in the intestine but also many other benefits. It reduces absorption of cholesterol, which may reduce risks of cardiovascular diseases. It regulates blood sugar levels and therefore is considered to be beneficial for the prevention and control of diabetes. What many people may not know is the great news that fibre also helps in weight control as it makes people feel full quicker.

Unfortunately, it is true that it’s not very easy to consume a large amount of fibre on a regular basis. How should we increase our consumption of fibre? How about eating whole foods? Instead of white bread or white rice, try to include more whole wheat or brown rice in your diet. Besides the benefits of fibre, they are more flavourful and nutritious. Beans, nuts and seeds are also great sources of fibres. And naturally, vegetable and fruits provide you with a good amount of fibre.

Among all the great whole foods, I would particularly like to recommend sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes are great sources of fibre and are also rich in excellent nutrients including well-known anti-oxidant nutrients such as beta carotene, vitamin C and E as well as B vitamins and potassium.

Sweet potatoes are a very versatile food. There are many ways to enjoy them: boiled, steamed, roasted, baked or even as a drink. You can use them for a main dish, cooked with other vegetables and fish or meat. You can use them as a side dish, like mashed sweet potatoes, and as a dessert. Recipes for this issue are sweet potato porridge and roasted sweet potato with miso and goma paste.

Sweet potato porridge (4 people)

Ingredients:

1cup brown rice (half cup of white rice and half cup of brown rice): wash and drain water. Leave drained for more than 30 minutes

8 - 12 cups water

1 sweet potato, peeled and cut into small piecessmall amount of salt .

1 small piece Kombu (optional)

Method:

1. Put the rice and sweet potato in a pot with 8-12 cups of water
2. Add Kombu (optional)
3. Cook at high heat. Reduce the heat once it’s boiled and simmer for 40-50 minutes or until most of liquid is gone.
4. Turn heat off, add salt and mix lightly. Cover pot and leave for several minutes.

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

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Shiatsu Meridians 
(Part 2 of a 6 part series)
By Emily Robinson Dipl. ST, CST, CR

Stomach and Spleen = hunger and satisfaction

Together the stomach and spleen meridians are responsible for the intake, digesti on, and assimilation of food and thoughts for nourishment.

The spleen meridian includes organs that secrete digestive enzymes and also has a relationship with the mammary glands and ovaries in women. The cerebral cortex is also connected to this meridian by the way it digests thoughts.

The stomach meridian incorporates the entire digestive tract from the mouth to the upper part of the small intestine. This meridian also controls appetite, lactation, ovary function as well as the muscles of the four limbs.

Shared meridian imbalances include: not getting enough exercise leading to easy fatigue with the urge to nap, and legs feeling heavy with chills below the knees. The over-digestion of thoughts combined with worrying is another symptom that can give rise to tension in the neck and shoulders.

Stomach meridian imbalances usually involve food cravings, especially sweets as well as increased hunger with a decrease in gastric juices, and/ or a mouth that feels sticky and dry.

Spleen meridian imbalances can include over-eating that is usually paired with increased belching, hyperacidity, and/or stomach distention. There is also a tendency for prolonged colds with sinus congestion and coughing. Sores at the corner of the mouth can also represent inflammation of the stomach lining.

Meridian exercise

Note: to prevent possible pain or injury, only progress to the next stage if comfortable.

Stage 1
Kneel on a cushioned surface, breathe deep into your belly, leaning your torso back as you exhale (your palms should be flat on the floor facing behind you), relax your neck and your head. You should feel a stretch in your chest, throat, face, knees, shins and feet. Return to the original position as you breathe out for the fourth time, or continue if flexible enough.

Stage 2
On the next exhalation, lean back further on your elbows keeping the neck and head still relaxed. Take two deep breaths and feel this meridian stretch deepen toward the groin. Return to the original position on the next out-breath, or continue.

Stage 3
If you can, on your next exhalation lay back on the floor with your arms, palms facing up, above your head. Take two deep belly breaths and feel the stretch in the thighs, hips, and rest of the body. Return to the original position slowly and on the out-breath.

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