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By Dr. Aoife Earls Naturopathic Doctor at Dalhousie Health & Wellness, make an appointment with Dr. Aoife here  Have you ever walked into a room and completely forgotten why you went there? Or found yourself searching for a familiar word, rereading the same paragraph several times, losing your train of thought during a conversation, or struggling to concentrate on something that normally feels easy? You may be experiencing what many people describe as brain fog. Brain fog isn't a medical diagnosis. It's a term people commonly use to describe changes in mental clarity, memory, concentration, processing speed or attention. And while it can be frustrating—and sometimes frightening—it can also be useful information. Brain fog has many possible contributorsThe brain doesn't operate in isolation. Cognitive function can be influenced by sleep, stress, nutrition, medications, illness, blood sugar regulation, thyroid function, iron status and many other aspects of health. This is one reason it can be helpful to resist the temptation to immediately assume that brain fog has one single cause. Instead, consider asking: What has changed? 1 Has your sleep changed? 2 Has your stress increased? 3 Have your energy levels changed? 4 Are you eating regularly and getting adequate protein and nutrients? 5 Have you started or changed medication? 6 Have your menstrual cycles changed? 7 Are you experiencing other symptoms at the same time? 8 Looking at the pattern can tell us much more than looking at one symptom in isolation. What about hormones?Hormonal changes are an important consideration, particularly for women in the postpartum, perimenopausal and menopausal years. As estrogen levels fluctuate during the menopausal transition, some women notice changes in memory, concentration and mental clarity. Research has found associations between the menopausal transition and subjective cognitive symptoms, although the experience varies considerably from person to person. The postpartum transition can be another time when significant hormonal shifts, sleep disruption, nutritional demands and the enormous adjustment of caring for a new baby can contribute to changes in memory, concentration and mental clarity. That doesn't mean that brain fog is always caused by hormones. It also doesn't mean that cognitive symptoms should simply be dismissed as “part of getting older.” Instead, hormonal changes can be one piece of a much larger picture. For someone experiencing brain fog alongside changes in their menstrual cycle, sleep, mood, or temperature regulation, it may make sense to consider whether the hormonal transition is contributing. Brain fog can be a clueOne of the most useful questions we can ask when a symptom appears is: “What is this symptom telling me?” If your cognitive function has noticeably changed, that may be a reason to look more closely at the factors that influence brain health. Depending on the individual, this might include looking at: • Sleep quality and quantity • Stress and nervous system load • Nutrition and meal patterns • Iron and other nutritional factors • Thyroid function • Medications and supplements • Hormonal changes • Mood and mental health • Other underlying health conditions The goal isn't simply to find something to blame. The goal is to understand the pattern. You don't have to simply live with itBrain fog can be particularly unsettling when you feel like your mind isn't working the way it used to. But experiencing changes in concentration or memory doesn't automatically mean something is seriously wrong—and it doesn't mean you have to accept feeling this way without investigation. Your symptoms are worth paying attention to. Sometimes the most useful starting point isn't asking, “How do I get rid of this symptom?” It's asking: “What changed, and what might my body be asking me to look at?” If you're experiencing persistent or significant changes in memory, concentration or cognitive function, speak with your healthcare provider. New, severe or rapidly worsening cognitive symptoms should be medically assessed rather than assumed to be related to hormones or aging.
Naturopathic Doctor, Aoifa Earls at Dalhousie Health & Wellness in St. Catharine's can help you with your brain fog symptoms and get you back to living well and loving life!
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 Having a baby brings significant physical changes to the body. Pregnancy, labour, delivery, breastfeeding, carrying your baby, and the demands of everyday parenting can all contribute to new aches, pains, stiffness, and changes in how your body moves. Osteopathic manual therapy can be a gentle, individualized approach to supporting the body during the postpartum period. At Dalhousie Health & Wellness in St. Catharines, osteopathic manual practitioners assess the body as a whole rather than focusing solely on the area where you feel discomfort. How Does the Body Change After Pregnancy?Your body continues to adapt for months after giving birth. Your posture and movement patterns may change as you spend more time feeding, holding, lifting, and carrying your baby. You may notice: • Low back or pelvic discomfort • Neck and shoulder tension • Mid-back stiffness • Hip discomfort • Rib or chest tension • General muscle tightness • Changes in posture • Increased fatigue or feelings of physical strain These changes are common, but that doesn't mean you have to simply live with discomfort. How Can Osteopathy Help Postpartum?Osteopathic manual therapy takes a whole-body approach to assessment and treatment. Rather than focusing only on the location of your pain, your practitioner may look at how your spine, pelvis, hips, ribs, shoulders, and surrounding tissues are moving and interacting. For example, if you're experiencing low back discomfort, your practitioner may also assess the hips, pelvis, legs, and upper body to better understand how you are moving as a whole. Treatment is individualized based on your symptoms, stage of recovery, and goals. Supporting Your Body Through the Demands of MotherhoodPostpartum discomfort isn't always caused by the birth itself. Repetitive daily activities can place significant demands on your body. Feeding your baby in the same position for extended periods, carrying your baby on one side, lifting a car seat, getting up and down from the floor, and interrupted sleep can all contribute to muscular tension and stiffness. Osteopathic treatment may help support comfortable movement as your body adjusts to these new demands. What About the Pelvis and Core?Pregnancy and childbirth can place significant demands on the pelvic floor and abdominal wall. While osteopathic manual therapy does not replace pelvic floor physiotherapy or medical care, it can be part of a broader postpartum care plan. An osteopathic practitioner may assess the surrounding structures and how the pelvis, spine, hips, ribs, and breathing mechanics are functioning together. If you're experiencing symptoms such as pelvic pressure, urinary or bowel changes, pelvic pain, or concerns about your pelvic floor, a pelvic health physiotherapist may also be an important part of your care. When Can You Start Osteopathic Treatment After Birth?There isn't one specific timeline that applies to every postpartum person. Your recovery depends on factors such as your delivery, any complications, your symptoms, and how you are feeling physically. If you've had a more complicated delivery, significant tearing, a C-section, or other postpartum concerns, it's important to follow your healthcare provider's recommendations regarding your recovery. An osteopathic assessment can then be tailored to your individual needs. You Don't Have to Wait Until Something HurtsPostpartum care isn't only about addressing pain. It can also be an opportunity to reconnect with your body as you gradually return to your usual activities and begin rebuilding strength. Whether you're returning to exercise, spending long days caring for your baby, or simply trying to feel more comfortable in your body again, individualized hands-on care may be a helpful addition to your postpartum routine. Postpartum Osteopathy in St. Catharines and the Niagara RegionAt Dalhousie Health & Wellness, osteopathic manual therapy is available for postpartum patients in St. Catharines and throughout the Niagara Region.
Your postpartum body has been through a significant physical experience. Osteopathic care can provide individualized support as you navigate the transition into this new stage of life. Acupuncture can be used to alleviate mild-moderate acne, and works well with conventional treatment.  Here's how acupuncture may help:
● May reduce inflammation: Acne is an inflammatory condition. Some studies suggest acupuncture may influence inflammatory pathways and reduce certain inflammatory markers. ● May reduce stress: Stress can worsen acne in some people by affecting hormones and increasing inflammation. Acupuncture may help some people feel more relaxed, which could indirectly reduce stress-related breakouts. ● May influence oil production: Acupuncture affects the nervous and endocrine systems, potentially helping regulate sebum (skin oil) production. ● May improve overall well-being: Better sleep, reduced anxiety, and improved mood are commonly reported benefits of acupuncture. While these don't directly treat acne, they may support overall skin health for some individuals. Can it be used alongside conventional treatment? Absolutely! If performed by a licensed practitioner, acupuncture is generally considered safe and can often be used alongside standard acne treatments, such as: ● Topical retinoids ● Benzoyl peroxide ● Azelaic acid ● Prescription antibiotics (when appropriate) ● Hormonal treatments ● Oral isotretinoin for severe acne It should not replace treatments that have strong evidence butrather assist those treatments. This is especially true if you have moderate to severe acne or acne that is causing scarring. What a typical treatment looks like Tammy, a registered acupuncturist, places very thin needles at specific points on the body, including the face. Sessions commonly last 20–30 minutes. Many treatment plans involve multiple sessions over several weeks. In addition to needles, your acupuncturist may suggest cupping and moxibustion as part of the therapy. Smokeless moxa is used to “dry” up the fluid of the acne or any other ‘dampness’ in the body. Tammy will discuss minimal nutritional options and discuss certain pathogens to avoid.The goal is to bring the body back to balance in order to eliminate the root cause of the acne. Some treatments will be on the front of the body, and others on the back of the body. Because we are always looking at balancing the body, treatment will look differently each session. What to expect During your first acupuncture appointment with Tammy, she will ask a series of questions about your diet,digestion, lifestyle, sleep quality, medical information, history and concerns. She will then take a look at your tongue, check your pulse and palpate the front body for tenderness. With this information, she will diagnose a Traditional Chinese Medicine pattern. This helps her decide which meridian or acupoints to target. Traditional Chinese Medicine believes that acne comes from stuck energy (qi), dampness or blood stasis. Depending on the severity of the acne, it may be necessary to receive 8-10 sessions. Expect to feel relaxed, calm, centered, lighter or even sleepy during and after your treatment. Most patients report having a good night’s sleep immediately after acupuncture. There may be some bruising at the site of the needles, however there are no contraindications to acupuncture (except during pregnancy). Acupuncture is a great add-on to other treatments that you are receiving for acne. Explore your options by booking an acupuncture treatment with Tammy, a registered Acupuncturist, at Dalhousie Health & Wellness today! Covered by most extended health benefit plans. Acupuncture not a highly effective stand-alone treatment for weight loss– but it certainly helps!6/24/2026 Let Me Explain Why?
Acupuncture is rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine which looks at the whole mind, body and spirit. If something is off balance, we see symptoms such as “weight gain”. The good news? Not all weight gain is fat. Sometimes the body is sluggish in digestion, or there is slow movement of the intestines causing food stagnation. There are acupoints for that!Additionally, fluctuating hormones, water retention, stress, cravings, blood stasis can all be underlying reasons why we are retaining ‘material’ of the body. In TCM, there is yin and yang. Yang represents warming, function, movement, brightness, flow and energy. Yin on the other hand, is dense, material, storage, fluid, blood, water and cold. Your acupuncturist will look at your tongue and pulse to determine if there is too much yin, not enough, too much yang or not enough. Then we come up with a treatment plan to balance your body as an individual. How it might help Acupuncture may indirectly support weight management by: ● Reducing stress and anxiety, which can contribute to emotional eating. ● Improving sleep quality. ● Helping some people feel more mindful about eating habits. ● Potentially affecting appetite-regulating hormones. ● Reducing water retention ● Increasing digestion What to expect ● Expect to feel relaxed, experience improved sleep patterns, have deep rest ● Your acupuncturist will provide you with a suggested list of foods to include in your diet, and possibly, foods to avoid ● Improved digestion and increased bowel movements Safety Acupuncture is generally safe when performed by a licensed practitioner using sterile needles. Possible side effects include: ● Minor bruising ● Soreness at needle sites ● Lightheadedness Other effective options For meaningful and sustained weight loss in addition to acupuncture, your acupuncturist will advise of: 1. Nutritious food according to your constitutional body type 2. Discuss the nature of foods 3. Regular physical activity such as walking, yoga, meditation, tai chi or qi gong Book with Tammy today at Dalhousie Health and Wellness! Who should receive acupuncture:● Natural fertility: if you are just starting your fertility journey, acupuncture can assist with bringing blood flow to the uterus, regulating hormones and calming the nervous system. For males, it can enhance sperm motility and quality. ● IVF and assisted reproduction: like natural conception, the body must be in a healthy condition to receive the IVF treatment, and therefore acupuncture can help to calm the mind, relax nervous system, regulate the menstrual cycle, shed the lining of uterus and supply blood flow for an optimal transfer of embryo ● Conditions such as PCOS/PMOS: studies suggest acupuncture may help regulate menstrual cycles or reduce symptoms, optimizing fertilization Potential benefits of AcupunctureAcupuncture works with your body to optimize fertility. It can also, ● Reduce stress and anxiety ● Improve relaxation and sleep ● Help manage chronic pelvic pain or menstrual discomfort ● Support overall well-being during fertility treatment When it may be worth consideringYou might consider acupuncture if:
Researchers have proposed several ways acupuncture might affect fertility:1. Influence on stress and the nervous system ○ Acupuncture may promote relaxation and reduce perceived stress. ○ Chronic stress can affect hormones involved in reproduction, so some researchers hypothesize that reducing stress could indirectly support fertility. 2. Effects on reproductive hormones ○ Some studies suggest acupuncture may influence the release of hormones through the brain's hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis. ○ This could potentially affect ovulation and menstrual cycle regulation, though the exact mechanisms remain uncertain. 3. Changes in blood flow ○ Researchers have proposed that acupuncture may increase blood flow to the uterus and ovaries. ○ The theory is that improved blood flow could support the uterine lining or ovarian function 4. Management of fertility-related conditions ○ Acupuncture has been studied as a complementary therapy for conditions associated with infertility, such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome/Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS and Endometriosis. ○ Some people report improvements in symptoms 5. Support during assisted reproductive technologies ○ Acupuncture is often used around IUI or IVF cycles. ○ Acupuncture might improve implantation rates or pregnancy rates ○ Acupuncture may increase sperm motility and quality On your journey and needing some guidance? Book today with Tammy at Dalhousie Health & Wellness!
Written by Krysta Robazza, Osteopathic Manual Practitioner - BOOK AN APPOINTMENT WITH KRISTA. If you've recently experienced a concussion, you may be wondering what you can do to support your recovery. While medical assessment and concussion management should always be the first priority, many people continue to experience symptoms such as headaches, neck pain, dizziness, and fatigue long after the initial injury. This often leads people to ask: Can osteopathy help after a concussion? While osteopathy does not treat the concussion itself, osteopathic treatment may help address some of the musculoskeletal issues that can develop alongside a concussion and contribute to ongoing discomfort. For many individuals experiencing post-concussion symptoms, osteopathy can be an important part of a collaborative recovery plan. What Is a Concussion?A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury that occurs when a blow, jolt, or sudden movement causes the brain to move within the skull. Concussions can result from:
Common concussion symptoms include:
Common Post-Concussion SymptomsEvery concussion is unique, but some of the most common symptoms that persist after the initial injury include:
Why Neck Pain and Headaches Often Occur After a ConcussionA concussion rarely happens in isolation. The same force that affects the brain can also impact the neck, jaw, upper back, and surrounding muscles and joints. For example, a sports injury, fall, or motor vehicle accident may create strain throughout the cervical spine (neck), leading to:
Because neck pain after a concussion is common, addressing musculoskeletal restrictions may play a role in improving comfort and movement during recovery. How Can Osteopathy Help After a Concussion?Osteopathic treatment focuses on the body's structure, movement, and function. During a post-concussion assessment, an osteopath may evaluate:
Many patients seek osteopathic care for:
Osteopathy for Post-Concussion HeadachesOne of the most common reasons people seek osteopathic treatment after a concussion is persistent headaches. Post-concussion headaches may be influenced by:
Osteopathy for Neck Pain After a ConcussionNeck pain is frequently reported following sports concussions, falls, and motor vehicle accidents. The forces involved in a concussion often place significant stress on the cervical spine and surrounding tissues. This can result in:
Is Osteopathic Treatment Safe After a Concussion?Before seeking any treatment after a concussion, it is important to be evaluated by a qualified healthcare professional. Once serious complications have been ruled out and you have been medically assessed, osteopathy may be incorporated into a broader recovery plan alongside recommendations from your physician and other healthcare providers. Every concussion is unique, and treatment should always be tailored to the individual's symptoms, medical history, and stage of recovery. A Team Approach to Concussion RecoveryConcussion recovery often benefits from a multidisciplinary approach. Depending on your symptoms, your care team may include:
When Should You Seek Medical Attention?If you experience any of the following symptoms after a head injury, seek immediate medical care:
Can Osteopathy Help After a Concussion?While osteopathy does not treat the concussion itself, it may help address neck pain, headaches, muscle tension, and movement restrictions that commonly occur after a concussion or head injury. If you are experiencing ongoing physical discomfort after a concussion, an osteopathic assessment may help identify musculoskeletal factors contributing to your symptoms and support your recovery as part of a collaborative healthcare approach. Osteopathy for Concussion Recovery in St. CatharinesIf you're looking for an osteopath in St. Catharines for post-concussion symptoms, osteopathic treatment may help address neck pain, headaches, stiffness, and movement restrictions that can occur after a concussion. Whether your concussion resulted from a sports injury, fall, motor vehicle accident, or workplace injury, osteopathic care can be integrated into a collaborative recovery plan alongside recommendations from your physician and healthcare team. Here at Dalhousie Health & Wellness, Krysta Robazza provides individualized osteopathic assessments to help patients throughout St. Catharines and the Niagara Region address the musculoskeletal challenges that can accompany concussion recovery. Through a thorough evaluation of movement, posture, and areas of restriction, osteopathic treatment aims to support comfortable movement and help you return to your daily activities with greater ease. If you are experiencing headaches, neck pain, stiffness, or other post-concussion symptoms, osteopathy may be one part of your recovery journey. Jaw Clenching, Pelvic Floor Tension, and Stress: How Osteopathy Can Help | St. Catharines & Niagara Region By Krista Robazza, Osteopathic Manual Practitioner at Dalhousie Health & WellnessMany people seek osteopathic treatment for jaw pain, TMJ dysfunction, pelvic floor tension, or chronic stress without realizing these concerns may be connected. From an osteopathic perspective, the body functions as an integrated unit, meaning tension in one area can influence function elsewhere. At Dalhousie Health & Wellness in Port Dalhousie, St. Catharines, Krista Robazza provides osteopathic care for patients throughout the Niagara Region experiencing jaw clenching, pelvic floor dysfunction, chronic muscle tension, and stress-related symptoms. Understanding the Osteopathic Connection Between Jaw Clenching and Pelvic Floor TensionWhile the jaw and pelvic floor may seem unrelated, osteopathy recognizes that breathing patterns, posture, nervous system regulation, and fascial connections can influence both areas. Jaw clenching and pelvic floor tightness often represent a broader stress response within the body rather than isolated conditions. The Osteopathic View of Stress and Muscle TensionOsteopathy views the body as a dynamic system that constantly adapts to physical, emotional, and physiological stress. When stress becomes chronic, the nervous system may remain in a prolonged protective state, leading to: • Increased muscle tension in the jaw, neck, and shoulders • Reduced diaphragm and rib cage mobility • Abdominal gripping or poor core coordination • Pelvic floor tension and dysfunction • Changes in posture and movement patterns Rather than treating these symptoms separately, osteopathic treatment aims to identify the underlying patterns contributing to dysfunction. The Jaw–Pelvis Connection: An Osteopathic Whole-Body Approach |
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