The benefits of a Meridian Head Massage.

It’s more than just any old head massage. The Meridian Head Massage is rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine’s basic theories of Yin/Yang, Five Elements, and the Meridian System. The basis of Traditional Chinese Medicine is to activate and supplement the body’s innate healing capacity to restore biological balance and harmony.  This type of head massage targets – with specific techniques – key areas of both head, face and shoulders to influence the 12 meridians (pathways) of the body.

According to Chinese Medicine, there are 12 primary meridians (pathways) that are linked to the body’s organs. Each meridian consists of multiple acupuncture/acupressure points that
when needled, pressed or stimulated – it may help to regulate any imbalances of the body.

This meridian head massage has been known to assist with sleep disorders related to stress and tension. There are specific points related to the digestive system as well. Specifically, the stomach, small and large intestines, gall gladder and bladder meridians are located on the head and face.  With a combination of gentle and firm pressure techniques, this meridian head massage can boost the immune system, ease migraine or headache pain, lower blood pressure, regulate hormones, improve circulation to your head and neck, and promote hair growth.

It is recommended that this meridian head massage to be performed in combination with your acupuncture treatment for a full “head to toe” body treatment. The effectiveness of both
needles and head massage will be enhanced as a result.

Tracie Smith is a Registered acupuncturist at Naturopathic Living clinic. She is sought out for her meridian head massage that assists in balancing hormones to reduce stress and easing insomnia. This type of head massage can help to rejuvenate the whole body as well.

Book your initial appointment today or if you’re unsure, book a complimentary discovery call to see how a Meridian head massage and acupuncture treatment may help you.

To book an appointment, click on this link:  https://natliving.janeapp.com/#/staff_member/46

or if you would like more information – contact me!

Warm regards,

Tracie Smith, R.Ac

Hi Friends,

Most people think of acupuncture as a great way to decrease pain for muscular- skeletal issues, but did you know that there is widespread use of acupuncture for weight loss? 

Recent research developments have shown that acupuncture combined with traditional methods of weight loss (proper food & daily exercise routines), patients have lost more weight.  The recent report was done by Pacific College of Oriental Medicine.  According to this study, as little as 3 acupuncture weight loss sessions were safe and effective in assisting people to achieve weight loss goals.

Acupuncture is an ancient Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practice that involves inserting sterile thin needles into very specific points on the body. The acupuncturist creates a prescription of acupuncture points to stimulate specific meridian systems in the body help to improve/increase the flow of qi (pronounced CHI) – life energy- and blood through the body.  According to TCM, this Qi flow helps with the regulation of energy and metabolism, as well as the stimulation of many other systems in the body that affect one’s health.

Acupuncture can help with weight loss by regulating hormone production, improving metabolism, optimizing digestion, reducing inflammation, suppressing appetite, lessening water retention and optimizing other bodily functions that are related to obesity and weight loss.

There are 6 ways in which Acupuncture can help with Weight Loss:

1. Improves Digestion – there are specific points along the stomach and kidney meridians that will assist in promoting the proper function of the digestive system. These points are used to promote a healthy gut, prevent sluggish digestion and ultimately relieve constipation, bloating or any other gastrointestinal issues.

2. Reduces Inflammation – Inflammation in the tissues of the body (gut, muscles and other) can slow down metabolism and put a strain on the immune system. Acupuncture for weight loss is excellent in regulating the body’s immune response to stress (like inflammation) and can assist to optimize the body to lose excess weight.
3. Reduces Water retention – There are acupuncture points that assist with the “water passages” of our bodies. When these points are needled, it can help by preventing the body from storing excess water – which is an effective way to lose weight.
4. Balances Hormones – Acupuncture can help balance hormones. These are the same hormones that can affect digestion, mood and sleep.  When these hormones are out of balance it is difficult to lose weight despite all other efforts.  This is why Acupuncture for weight loss is effective.
5. Boosts Metabolism – There are specific acupuncture points that can directly affect the pituitary gland which affects metabolism for weight loss.  If these points are properly used, it is said to increase the rate of fat-burning from workouts and daily activities.
6. Improves Mood – Acupuncture for weight loss is effective because acupuncture can positively affect the release of endorphins in the body.  These are “feel-good” hormones that assist in reducing stress and anxiety.  It is common for people to overeat when their levels of stress are high.  Acupuncture can assist with curbing those food cravings and help balance out negative moods.

Weight loss is a commitment.  It is always recommended that you compliment your Acupuncture weight loss program with proper diet and regular exercise for the most effective results.

Finding an experienced acupuncturist is an essential first step in determining a treatment plan focusing on stimulating weight loss.  A registered acupuncturist (like me!) can advise on proper food therapies to help with your weight loss goals.  If you’re interested in speaking to me at Natliving Solutions to assist you in achieving your goals that include a healthier and more active life, contact info@natliving.ca or book in initial appointment:  https://natliving.janeapp.com/admin#schedule/staff/46

Sources:

https://yourpainspecialist.com/8-effective-ways-acupuncture-can-help-in-weight-loss/

https://www.pacificcollege.edu/news/blog/2014/11/05/acupuncture-can-help-weight-loss

Thyroid disorders fall into two categories. There is hyperthyroidism characterized by an overactive thyroid gland that produces too much thyroid hormone. Typical symptoms of hyperthyroidism include high blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, moist skin, increased sweating, tremor, nervousness, increased appetite with weight loss, diarrhea, and/or frequent bowel movements.

The other category is hypothyroidism that is characterized by an under-active thyroid gland. The symptoms are quite different for each category.  Typical symptoms of hypothyroidism include a hoarse voice, slowed speech, puffy face, drooping eyelids, sensitivity to cold, constipation, weight gain, dry hair and skin, and depression.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) regards both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism as imbalances of the yin and yang energy of the body.  According to Chinese medicine, everything that exists in our universe has both yin and yang aspects.  Therefore, in relation to the body, we can use yin and yang aspects to understand what is happening to the body.  For example, when yin and yang are in balance we are healthy and able to protect ourselves from disease, but when yin and yang become imbalanced, illness and or pain develops. 

When treating hypo or hyperthyroidism, your TCM Practitioner or Registered Acupuncturist will use acupuncture, dietary therapy and advise on “energy” movements (like qi gong, tai qi and or yoga) to rebalance the individual’s yin and yang. 

Registered Acupuncturists, practitioners with the designation R.Ac, have the ability to assist in rebalancing the body functions.  There have been a few studies that have looked at the effectiveness of acupuncture and thyroid disease.  According to the World Health Organization, acupuncture can be used to treat thyroid diseases.

In addition, the “British Acupuncture Council” cites numerous ways in which acupuncture has been potentially useful for treating thyroid disease symptoms:

• Increasing levels of thyroid hormones in the people with hypothyroidism
• Lowering levels of thyroid hormones in patients with hyperthyroidism
• Reducing sensitivity to pain and stress, as well as promoting relaxation by acting on specific areas of the brain
• Increasing the release of the chemical adenosine, which decreases sensitivity to pain
• Improving muscle stiffness and joint mobility by increasing blood circulation in small blood vessels, which aids dispersal of swelling
• Reducing inflammation by promoting the release of vascular and immunomodulatory factors

Acupuncture treatments can be useful as well as complimentary to your current medical treatment plan.  I offer these  alternative acupuncture treatments. 

Book your initial appointment today or if you’re unsure, book a complimentary discovery call to see how acupuncture may help you.

References:

https://www.chinesemedicineliving.com/acupuncture/the-thyroid-in-chinese-medicine/

https://www.pacificcollege.edu/news/press-releases/2015/05/14/traditional-chinese-medicine-and-thyroid-disease

https://www.verywellhealth.com/chinese-medicine-for-thyroid-disease-3231507

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2095496418300992?via%3Dihub