There are numerous reasons people experience low back pain—a sedentary lifestyle, poor posture, poor technique with activities (ie. lifting) and weak core muscles are some of the most common contributors. With a physiotherapy assessment, a customized rehabilitation treatment plan can be created to help address the symptoms of low back pain and prevent recurrence. Treatment typically includes a combination of manual therapy and mobility and strength exercises. Current research supports exercise as the most effective treatment option for lower back pain. Physiotherapists are exercise prescription experts and can help low back pain patients feel better and avoid future injury.

Ozone is a supercharged form of oxygen that contains an extra atom. During treatment, this extra atom breaks off after 20-30 minutes inside the body and can bind to and destroy any viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites, molds, yeasts, or abnormal tissue cells it finds in the body. These abnormal cells hate ozone, so treatment can be effective in combating disease. Once these abnormal cells are oxidized and eliminated from the body, they are replaced with healthy cells. Ozone therapy, in conjunction with injection therapy, is used to treat and eliminate chronic pain resulting from nerve injuries, degenerative joints and ligaments.

Toe tapping can relieve insomnia, tension, and fatigue. It restores a state of “Water Up, Fire Down” in your body by bringing fire energy from your upper body into your lower body and core, so your body relaxes. Lie down comfortably with your feet together. Keeping your heels together, swing your feet outwards and inwards so that you tap your big toes together and then the outsides of your feet toward the floor. Start with 5 or 10 minutes. If desired, work your way up to 15 or 20. When you finish, let your body breathe comfortably as you feel subtle vibrations and energy sensations running through your body.

February 23. Coldest Night of the Year! Fundraiser Walk. The Comox Valley Transition Society and Dawn to Dawn are teaming up for our second annual Coldest Night of the Year Walk to end homelessness. This family event will take place in downtown Courtenay. For event details or to volunteer, walk by yourself, join a team or start a team at CNOY.org/location/comoxvalley

Research shows that on a conventional and scientific level that we can communicate with trees. To communicate with a tree, using your hands, connect with its energy field. With your heart ask permission to spend time with it. Place your hands on the tree, smell, feel and touch it’s leaves. Stand and hug or sit with your back against it’s trunk. Sit quiet and connect with the spirit within you. Ask a question and breathe in your answer. Thank the tree before leaving. This takes practise but overtime your communication will intensify.

Thinking about some resolutions for the New Year? Quitting smoking may be the most important change you can make to improve your health. There are numerous immediate benefits to quitting smoking including reducing your blood pressure and heart rate, improving your sense of taste and smell, and improving your circulation, making it easier to exercise. With every year that you are smoke free, your risk of stroke and lung cancer decreases. After 15 years, your risk of a heart attack is the same as someone who has never smoked. (source: www.quitnow.ca). Talk to your healthcare professional today about quitting. It’s never too late!

There are athletes and non-athletic types alike who consume kombucha regularly, not only for improved digestion and energy, but because they find it supports their mobility and speeds their exercise recovery. Many lab studies have confirmed that properly brewed kombucha contains several specific constituents that can directly improve joint health. Among these important substances, we find glucuronic acid, which is a detoxification agent otherwise only found in a healthy liver. Additionally, kombucha contains tissue-rebuilding enzymes such as chondroitin sulphate, heparin, hyaluronan, mucoitin sulphate, and the more well-known glucosamine, which is a primary building block of tendons, ligaments, and cartilage.

Most conventional skincare products contain irritants like alcohols, sulphates and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives. These chemicals strip the skin of its natural oils, dissolve beneficial bacteria, and irritate the skin, leaving it sensitive, reddened and inflamed. By stripping the natural oils in your skin, your sebaceous glands either start to overcompensate, producing excess oils which results in an oily complexion, or become overly dehydrated, leading to dryness, sensitivity, and premature wrinkling. Oil cleansing is a gentle alternative to using conventional cleansers. Plant-based oils gently bind to and remove dirty oils and makeup from the surface of the skin, replacing them with nourishing oils. Great for all skin types!