Massage therapy is undeniably effective at getting people tapped in to their parasympathetic nervous system, which is more commonly called ‘rest and digest’. Unfortunately, many spend most of their days in ‘fight or flight’! When the parasympathetic nervous system is in charge, blood pressure and heart rate lower, breathing is fuller, oxygen and blood make it deeper into the body, tissues repair themselves, organs do their jobs better, and overall, mental health is much more relaxed and content. It’s not hard to understand why being in ‘rest and digest’ is more conducive to recovery, management and being better prepared to handle what life throws at us!
Community News
Healing with Reflexology
There are reflex points on your feet that relate to specific organs and glands in the body. Through the application of pressure on these reflexes using specific hand and finger techniques, reflexology therapy can relieve tension, improve blood circulation and support the body’s efforts to function optimally. The benefits of reflexology include its ability to stimulate nerve function, increase energy, boost circulation, induce a deep state of relaxation and eliminate toxins from the body. Your feet will love the pampering and you may feel calm and a sense of well-being.
Wellness Tea of the Month
SAINT-V Tea. Sweet apple and soothing chamomile make SAINT V-Tea the perfect night-time blend. With cinnamon bits to add a hint of spice, this tea will bring nothing but sweet dream all night! The chamomile used in this custom blend are Egyptian Chamomile blossoms. This aromatic tea is antioxidant and caffeine-free and has properties that help with sleep and digestion. Apples are considered a miracle food, like the saying says, ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away’. They contain antioxidants, flavonoids and fiber to help you feel better. The Cinnamon infusion gives a sweet-spicy flavor and also contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
Book Club
Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones.
No matter your goals, Atomic Habits offers a proven framework for improving–every day. If you’re having trouble changing your habits, the problem isn’t you. The problem is your system. James Clear, one of the world’s leading experts on habit formation, reveals practical strategies that will teach you exactly how to form good habits, break bad ones, and master the tiny behaviors that lead to remarkable results.
Clean Eating: Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups milk or milk substitute, 1 1/2 cups water, 2 1/2 cups quick oats, 1 15-ounce can pumpkin puree, 1/2 cup chopped pecans, 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup, 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp vanilla, 1/2 tsp salt. Direction: Bring the milk and water to a boil in a saucepan that’s large enough to prevent boil-overs. Reduce the heat to low. Add the oats and then stir in all other ingredients. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until oats are done and oatmeal is thickened to your liking. Enjoy!
Words to Live By
“Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. The fearful are caught as often as the bold.” – Helen Keller
Clean Eating Recipe: Maca Hot Chocolate
This healthy superfood hot chocolate is great for winter mornings! Ingredients: 2½ cups almond milk, 2 Tbsp cacao powder,1 Tbsp maca powder, 2 Tbsp maple syrup, ½ tsp coconut oil, pinch of cinnamon, pinch of sea salt. Directions:
In blender, mix almond milk, cacao powder, maca, maple syrup, coconut oil, cinnamon and salt. Transfer to medium saucepan and heat. Adjust the sweetness if desired. If too thick, add a little bit more almond milk. Serve with coconut whip and shaved dark chocolate, optional.
Words to Live By
“Life begets life. Energy creates energy. It is by spending oneself that one becomes rich.” – Sarah Bernhardt
New to Yoga?
The first step is to determine your heath goals through a yoga consultation, and then decide if therapeutic yoga is right for you. Since the practice of therapeutic yoga is modified to suit the individual, the person does not need to meet any requirements of fitness, age, or health to start practicing. Common benefits experienced by many students include improvement in quality of sleep, elimination of pain, and reduction in stress. As teachers, we are instructing our students on how to support the functioning of their parasympathetic nervous system, which in turn supports healing.
Support for Dystonia
Dystonia is a neurological movement disorder characterized by involuntary muscle contractions, which force certain parts of the body into abnormal, sometimes painful movements or postures. Approximately 50,000 people in Canada have dystonia, which is the third most common movement disorder following essential tremor and Parkinson’s. Dystonia can often be misdiagnosed for extended periods of time. The Dystonia Medical Research Foundation (DMRF) Canada is the only charitable organization that is dedicated to supporting dystonia patients, and their families, in Canada. The DMRF Winnipeg Support Group is here to help you: [email protected],
Physiotherapy for Headaches
Most of the people who read this will have suffered a headache. The most common type of headache and one that generally responds well to physiotherapy treatment is called a cervicogenic headache. Physiotherapists can help address some of the key causes of cervicogenic headaches. The major contributing factors include poor posture, stiffness of the joints in the neck and upper back, muscle imbalances (muscle tightness and weakness), and previous neck trauma (whiplash, sports injury). Treatment methods include neck mobilizations, modalities, soft tissue/trigger point release, acupuncture, and home exercises. So, if you suffer from headaches, see a physiotherapist!
