Massage therapy is undeniably effective at getting people tapped into 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
October Trivia
1. What antioxidant in pumpkins helps reduce inflammation and supports eye health? 2. Studies show that exposure to cooler autumn temperatures can boost which type of fat that helps burn calories? 3. Which flavonoid found in apples has been linked to improved brain function and memory?
October Book Club
The Whole-Food Guide for Breast Cancer Survivors: A Nutritional Approach to Preventing Recurrence by Edward Bauman, Helayne Waldman, Helayne L. Waldman. As one of the best preventative measures known to doctors and nutritionists today, a robust, cancer-fighting diet is vital to your personal plan for breast cancer prevention. An essential guide for every woman seeking to understand the effect of nutritional deficiencies and environmental factors on her overall health and wellness.
October Trivia Answers
1. Beta-carotene 2. Brown fat 3. Quercetin
Did You Know?
Did you know? Arthritis isn’t just one disease—it actually refers to over 100 different types of joint conditions, each affecting the body in unique ways.
Clean Eating Recipe
Sweet Potato Brownies. Preheat oven to 350°F and line an 8×8” baking dish with parchment. Cook sweet potatoes until soft, cool and puree. In a bowl, mix sweet potato puree, ½ cup peanut butter, ⅓ cup maple syrup, 2 eggs, and 1 tsp vanilla until smooth. In another bowl, combine ⅔ cup whole wheat flour, ½ cup cocoa powder, 1 tsp baking powder, and ¼ tsp salt. Stir dry ingredients into wet, then fold in ⅔ cup chocolate chips. Spread batter in dish and bake 20-25 minutes until set.
Book Club:
The Holistic Rheumatoid Arthritis Guide: Take Control, Find Relief and Thrive. By Dr. Ananta Subedi, MD, MPH. A step-by-step guide to reversing inflammation, easing joint pain, and embracing a healthier, vibrant life. Whether you’re struggling with symptoms, or searching for a natural and effective approach to relief pain from rheumatoid arthritis, this book delivers what you need.
Everyone Has One
Everyone has one… a shadow that is! The darker more hidden side of oneself which is not yet conscious, that we try our best to hide and not show to others in fear of not being liked or accepted. We do our very best to push it down and hold it at bay as it exposes our vulnerabilities and imperfections. Eventually, over time, for better or for worse, it raises itself and seeps out into our longer-term relationships. Dr Carl Jung, wisely said” if we don’t embrace our shadow, our shadow embraces us”. The more we can recognize and take ownership of our shadow parts…the healthier and less defensive our relationships both with ourselves and others become.
Understanding Histamine Intolerance
Frequent headaches, flushing, digestive upset, or allergy-like symptoms without a clear cause may point to histamine intolerance. Histamine is a natural compound involved in immunity, digestion, and nerve signaling. It’s found in certain foods and produced by the body, then broken down by enzymes like DAO and HNMT. When histamine builds up faster than it’s cleared, symptoms occur. Common signs include headaches, rashes, nasal congestion, bloating, diarrhea, and anxiety. Causes may include low DAO activity, gut imbalances (like SIBO), mold exposure, or high-histamine foods such as aged cheeses, fermented products, alcohol, and processed meats. Identifying triggers and supporting healthy histamine metabolism—often with diet and gut support—can bring significant relief.
Grandparents Day
This year, Grandparents Day is Sunday, September 7. This is a great time to reflect on how your grandparents impacted your life.
What are three things they taught you? What were they like? Are you lucky enough to still have them present? Honour your grandparents, whether they are with you or not, with memories and special moments that you can all cherish as time goes by. Share stories, look through old photographs, or cook a favourite family recipe. These acts help keep their legacy alive, strengthen family bonds, and remind us how their love and wisdom continue to shape us.
Music & The Brain
Why is it that music has such power? Because music is processed in the brain in nearly every area! Not only is the auditory cortex activated, but so is the amygdala and hippocampus (music and memory), the limbic system (pleasure and motivation) – releasing dopamine, and the motor system! A lot is happening, and often at the same time. There is improved communication between different brain regions, making music therapy a wonderful alternative therapy for those with brain injuries and other neurological conditions. For example, music therapists might work on improving motor skills, communication, and cognitive function after strokes.
