 When treating a health issue with acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine typically uses points on the body and/or face to address ailments. Over the past few decades, modern medicine in neurology has adopted acupuncture on the scalp to assist with stimulation of the cerebral cortex (the outermost layer of the brain). The points used in scalp acupuncture are based on the brain’s anatomy and function. It uses the meridian system to link points into lines where acupuncture needles are placed. Scalp acupuncture is thought to increase cerebral blood flow by using the natural magnetic field. Acupuncture needles are inserted in the loose connective tissue of the scalp. It is important to manipulate the needle every 10-15 min for 1-3 minutes to stimulate the area of the brain. Typical ailments that benefit from scalp acupuncture include: ● Stroke ● ADHD ● Stress ● Alzeimers ● Epilepsy ● Parkinson’s ● Bronchitis ● Asthma ● Glaucoma ● Molecular degeneration ● Cataracts ● Other eye diseases A typical session of scalp acupuncture may include body points as well. Strong stimulation of each needle is required to see a result. In some cases of paralysis, patients may see an immediate improvement with scalp acupuncture. It is imperative for the patient to do movements or exercise while the needles are inserted. Explore all the options of Scalp Acupuncture with Tammy, our Registered Acupuncturist by booking an appointment at Dalhousie Health & Wellness.
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 Hypothyroidism, Hyperthyroidism and the Prevalence of Autoimmune Thyroiditis
An autoimmune disorder is characterized as a malfunction of the immune system where the body produces antibodies that attack the body’s own cells and tissues – the thyroid gland being the most commonly affected organ. Although the reasons for this dysfunction are complex, we understand that many environmental and endogenous factors are associated with autoimmunity of the thyroid. Hashimoto’s vs Graves’ disease: Both Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis are autoimmune disorders of the thyroid. They are both conditions where the immune system (immune T and B cells specifically), infiltrate the thyroid gland and produce autoantibodies leading to abnormal function – under-function or overstimulation of the thyroid gland in Hashimoto’s and Graves’ respectively. Testing for these conditions involves looking at the presence of anti-TPO and anti-TG antibodies in the blood. Usually easy to detect, these antibodies may precede diagnosis of clinical symptoms by 2-7 years. Usually, the presence of anti-TG antibodies is not enough to make a definite diagnosis – as these antibodies can also be elevated in other conditions, including arthritis and type 1 diabetes. However, most patients with Hashimotos will have elevated anti-TG antibodies which is very characteristic of this disorder. Possible risk factors/ contributors It is now believed that an interaction between genetic and environmental factors can lead to an autoimmune thyroiditis condition. Some risk factors include: recent or past infections, gender (females being more affected) and iodine intake. Environmental factors that can contribute to the development of these conditions include over-exposure to pesticides, heavy metals, halogens, polyhalogenated biphenols and various nutrient deficiencies or excesses. For example, although iodine is recognized as essential for thyroid functions, overconsumption can increase the risk of thyroid dysfunction in susceptible individuals, therefore levels should be monitored in at-risk and diagnosed individuals. Treatment: Once testing has confirmed a diagnosis of Hashimotos or Graves’, there are several options for treatment. First and foremost, thyroid replacement hormone (Levothyroxine) may be prescribed for Hashimoto’s (hypothyroidism). For Graves’ (Hyperthyroidism) – anti-thyroid medications, radioactive iodine or surgical removal (partial or full) of the thyroid gland may be needed. There are effective treatments which may be used to help treat autoimmune thyroid disorders. Addressing specific deficiencies such as vitamin D deficiency can help address some of the problem – with adequate levels having an immunomodulatory effect. In addition, botanical anti- inflammatory agents such a blue flag, selenium and rosmarinic acid which can target the thyroid preventing an auto-immune reaction are used in specific doses. Knowing when to use the right botanical and at what dose is key to reducing damage to the thyroid gland, returning balance to the immune system and eliminating symptoms. Conclusion: There are several compounds with varied mechanisms of action which can support thyroid function and prevent auto-immune damage. Some mechanisms involve T cell modulation and cytokine response. In addition to these therapies, it’s also important to consider stress reduction options, improving digestion, and absorption through adequate nutrition and avoidance of triggering foods known to interfere with proper thyroid function. Finally, incorporating exercise helps induce 5′-deiodinase – an enzyme that helps stimulate production of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4). When treated multi-factorially, patients usually experience the best outcomes and can often significantly improve their thyroid health. -Dr. Michael Michna, Naturopath Sources: Hutfless S, Matos P, Talor MV, et al. Significance of prediagnostic thyroid antibodies in women with autoimmune thyroid disease. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2011;96:E1466-E1471. Gallagher CM, Meliker JR. Mercury and thyroid autoantibodies in U.S. women, NHANES 2007-2008 Environ Int. 2012;40:39-43. McLeod DS, Cooper DS. The incidence and prevalence of thyroid autoimmunity. Endocrine.2012;42:252-265. Vanderpump MP. The epidemiology of thyroid disease. Br Med Bull 2011;99:39-51.  Here at Dalhousie Health & Wellness our naturopathic Doctors are trained to help you with Insomnia. When you have insomnia, you’re never really asleep, and you’re never really awake. With insomnia, nothing’s real. Everything is far away. Everything is a copy of a copy of a copy. (Chuck Palahniuk, Fight Club).😩
- Tossing and turning at night and the inability to sleep can be one of the most frustrating things experienced by an individual! In addition, disrupted sleep can affect our health in many ways – including an increase in appetite, weight gain, depressed immunity, low energy, decreased attention span and many more. 😕 - Insomnia and sleep issues should not be considered normal and ought to be addressed before they begin to negatively affect our health. Surprisingly perhaps, insomnia also occurs more frequently than most would imagine. In fact, a study in the Canadian Journal of psychiatry showed that within the tested sample - over 40% of participants in a randomized survey presented with at least 1 symptom of insomnia (trouble falling asleep, staying asleep or morning awakening for a minimum of 3 nights per week in the previous month. 🕛 - The causes of insomnia are numerous and oftentimes the cases may have multiple sources. From a naturopathic perspective, insomnia can be very treatable once the actual cause is addressed. Normally, once secondary organic causes (like menopausal hormonal shifts, thyroid dysregulation etc) are eliminated or treated – the treatment focuses on identifying sleep hygiene and regulation of circadian rhythms (our sleep/wake cycle), regulating melatonin levels, stress hormones (adrenaline and cortisol) and investigating the individuals microbiome health. New research for example, illustrates strong evidence to suggest that 80% of our serotonin (a neurotransmitter that is responsible for metabolism, mood and sleep) is produced in the GUT by commensal (healthy) bacteria. That is why creating a healthy GUT environment is crucial for restful and uninterrupted sleep. 🌘 Dr. Michael Michna, Naturopath  One of the most frequent uses of acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is for fertility. In TCM, acupuncture is an extremely effective tool when diagnosing cases of infertility due to deficiency of ‘yang’ (function) or deficiency of ‘yin’ (material) in the body. In addition to inquiry upon in-take, your acupuncturist will use tongue and pulse diagnosis to get a clear picture of what could be possibly hindering a successful pregnancy. Many factors can lead to infertility, however a common reason is due to stress. In order for anyone to conceive healthily, the body must be in a homeostatic state–well rested without any stressors. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the heart must be full and ready; heart qi (energy) must be able to flow. Causes of blockage within the heart's energy system include unresolved emotional disturbances and stress. Acupuncture can address any stuck emotions and alleviate symptoms of stress to elicit a calm, relaxed or grounded state of being. Typical treatment for fertility includes one treatment per week for 12 weeks. For females, we use acupuncture to prepare the body for implantation. Different acupoints are used at different points in the menstrual cycle to ensure that blood, yin and yang are replenished. In males, addressing issues with the kidney organ system–the system responsible for reproduction in TCM–can encourage healthy sperm and libido. Acupuncture may be used in conjunction with intrauterine insemination procedures, in vitro fertilization or natural conception to encourage all the stages required to conceive. If you or your partner is struggling with fertility, acupuncture may be the answer you’ve been missing! Explore the option of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture for fertility with Tammy, our Registered Acupuncturist by booking an appointment at Dalhousie Health & Wellness!  There’s been a surge of talking about perimenopause and menopause in the last 5-10 years as women are going through the change and realizing - it’s not all it was promised to be. We don’t stop menstruating and just go into bliss; hot flashes, low sex drive and vaginal dryness or bladder leakage - they’re real. Not to mention the mood changes and sleep concerns!
I don’t know about you, but when I feel like people are lying to me, I get pissed. And perimenopause has been fraught with some uncomfortable untruths that have been quietly hidden. I don’t think this was intentional, but I think we can support ourselves more fully, body, mind and soul. We’re not betraying the matriarchal lineage that came before us by not fully expressing that fears and discomfort in this time of change, and we have more resources and research than the ladies we came before us. This is also a season of grief before peace- realizing you’re aging can make you feel isolated and alone. We can be heard and we can get help! Here are some truths you can expect and some ideas to reach out to your health professionals for help regarding: 1. Your period ending is not the end, it is the beginning. Menopause begins when you haven’t had a period for 1 year. You can approach that time for up to 10 years. That’s perimenopause. As a result, there is a significant period of time where adrenaline and cortisol are shifting around in response to this shift as your hormones decrease, and will likely add to the turmoil in this time. 2. Estrogen loss creates a lot of symptoms many years before it’s evident in blood tests. You are not going crazy, your body doesn’t like the change. Estrogen receptors exist in the joints, tissues, brain, all over the body. Makes sense why this feels like a full-on assault. 3. Estrogen loss isn’t the only hormone that affects you in menopause. Little progesterone? Sleeplessness. Low testosterone? Challenges with energy and mood and libido. Low DHEA? Issues with energy and vaginal dryness. The importance is finding the right balance for you specifically - your friend will have different recommendations. It’s wonderful to commiserate, but remember your symptoms are likely different. 4. Hot flashes don’t have to be full of sweat. I’ve heard people having a hot leg, a feeling of panic coming over them in waves, getting warm to full out stripping. If they come out of nowhere and you’re not in active grief or crazy stress, it’s probably a hot flash. It’s okay to not like them, and have them supported. 5. Hormone replacement isn’t the terrifying thing that it was originally positioned to be. This is mostly because the wrong doses were applied, in the wrong form, in the wrong way, to the wrong people. Here’s what we know: - Oral estrogen taken alone leaves women vulnerable to blood clots and strokes. We don’t do that anymore. - Oral estrogen with progesterone or progestin is protective against endometrial cancers and give benefits including improved bone density, reduced/eliminated hot flashes, improved energy, improved joint pain, better sleep, supported anxiety and depression. Ladies with high blood pressure, are overweight, and have diabetes and are over 60 are not often given oral estrogen with these risk factors. - Transdermal (on the skin) estrogen with progestin or progesterone gives lower risk of stroke and clots, which still protects the uterus and other cancers, but gives the benefits of the oral as well. - Vaginal estrogen (estradiol, estrone, or estriol) has even fewer risks than all of the above and really helps with dryness vaginally which improves sexual health and reduces instances of UTI and bladder issues. So can vaginal DHEA for vaginismus, lichen sclerosis, vulvovaginal atrophy and sexual arousal disorders. 6. There are herbs that mimic estrogen, progesterone, testosterone and DHEA. Are they as strong as hormones? No, but for people who can’t do hormones that can be a great avenue to try. The body does respond to them. The hormone receptors feel happy! It’s a win-win. Note: Not all herbal formation is the same. Each one has different ratios of estrogen-like, progesterone-like…yadda yadda, you get it…herbs and so sometimes your body would prefer more estrogen-like help or other hormones. So in this way, seeing a herbalist or ND for this knowledge is important. 7. Letting go of a timeline is important. When we don’t rush ourselves to be on the other side to be “all better” then we can support our symptoms right here, right now. Who cares when menopause is over? All that matters is that you live a healthy and happy life, which means supporting your body’s symptoms. 8. You might gain weight. It will be in your mid-section first, then probably your hips. Yes, it blows. This has to do with #1 (see above). Your solution? Supporting your hormone symptoms, lifting weights, managing your diet to be more Mediterranean in nature. Reduce your carbs, increase your protein. Make sure your sleep is supported, that helps a lot. 9. You will change in personality a little, and your needs will shift. This is also normal. You are in a phase of life women recognize as “no Fs to give” or “it’s about me”. Don’t be surprised if you start to shift away from things you used to tolerate. This is also normal. Embrace the change, and love yourself in the acknowledgement that you deserve a happy and peaceful life. You will still be a wonderful you at the end of all of this. If you want all of the scientific data, check out the NAMS (North American Menopause Society) website nams.org. There are a bazillion books on the market, here are a few good ones: The Menopause Handbook - North American Menopause Society The Menopause Manifesto - Dr. Jen Gunter The New Menopause - Mary Claire Haver The Natural Menopause Handbook - Amanda McQuade Crawford Reach out if you need support from your health care professionals at Dalhousie Health & Wellness. Educate yourself and trust your symptoms! Remember, you’re not crazy, it’s just peri- and regular menopause. ~Dr. Aoife MSc, ND  Spring is that time of the year where the Earth awakens to new growth of trees, plants, grass, shrubs; being reminded that the flurry of bees and flies are back in town. We may notice bird nests or the new hustle and bustle of activity. This is the start of the “Yang” part of all the seasons in the Northern Hemisphere. We all know too well how being stuck indoors during a Canadian Winter can drag out! If you are still feeling like you are in hibernation mode, want to stay in bed, feel ‘numb’ or have been diagnosed by another practitioner with clinical depression, Acupuncture may assist with enhancing the mood and brightening your spirit. It is always recommended that you also speak with a licensed therapist during acupuncture treatments. This allows the brain and body to work with the stuck ‘qi’ or energy. Acupuncture may relieve symptoms of anxiety, feeling ‘low’, heart palpitations, insomnia, overthinking, mood, anxiousness, fear, frustration or melancholy. A proper treatment plan will be discussed for each individual case. An initial visit starts us off with your own individual diagnosis through tongue and pulse examination, which will assist us in diagnosing the correct Traditional Chinese Medicinal pattern. Life is about balance and the body is no different. A good walk in nature, movement/exercise, diet considerations and breathwork can all abate feelings of anxiety. Acupuncture can leave a person feeling relaxed, sleepy, rested or grounded with an overall sense of well-being. Perhaps it’s time to consider acupuncture as part of your health plan! Explore all the options of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture with Tammy, our Registered Acupuncturist by booking an appointment at Dalhousie Health & Wellness! Did you know that acupuncture at Dalhousie Health & Wellness can be used as an aid in digestion? Or that it can assist with eliminating weight gain? By stimulating the body’s nervous system, we can nudge our sluggish digestion system to perform optimally. By inserting thin needles into certain ‘acupoints’ on the body, the bowels and lymphatic system respond by eliminating stuck energy or ‘qi’. With proper diet and exercise, acupuncture could be considered when attempting to shed excess weight. Oftentimes, weight gain is attributed to a clogged lymphatic system, slow bowel movement or excess water that has not been filtered by the kidneys. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, diet and movement are particularly important in digestion. In fact, the Chinese have invented an organ clock that prescribes at which time one should eat, move and rest. Acupuncture may relieve symptoms of digestive pain, vomiting, nausea, indigestion, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, heartburn and incontinence. Explore all the options of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture with Tammy, our Registered Acupuncturist by booking an appointment at Dalhousie Health & Wellness! Hypopressives for Pelvic Health, Postpartum Recovery, Diastasis Recti & Urinary Incontinence2/5/2024  Hypopressives are becoming more popular and now available with Dr. Meredith Hodges at Dalhousie Health & Wellness. Hypopressives aim to reprogram the automatic function of the core, while helping to support the pelvic floor. The technique involves breath work, breath on apnea (a breath hold technique to lift and activate the deep core) and postural poses.
The Hypopressives technique is a series of poses and breathing exercises that were originally created to help with postpartum recovery and pelvic health (pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence). The technique has grown into a fitness program for everyone to enjoy. The benefits go beyond the postpartum body and span to everyone from the high level athlete, seniors and of course helpful in postpartum recovery. The technique aims to train the pelvic floor muscles, transverse abdominals, diaphragm and multifidus. This group of muscles can become weak or, simply not function at the proper time. When one or more of these deep core muscles isn’t functioning optimally we end up with injury (hernias, low back pain, disc herniations, sciatica, pelvic organ prolapse, urinary incontinence, diastases recti…and the list goes on.) Hypopressives are a gentle and safe way to train the weakened deep core, allowing you to get back to the activities affected by pain, hernias, pelvic organ prolapse and the postpartum body. One of the most popular benefits of training with the technique are flattened abdominals, improving the gap associated with diastasis recti and a decreased waist size- or help correct the “ mummy tummy”. People often notice less urinary leakage and a decrease in prolapse symptoms with a consistent program. The benefits extended to decreased pain (in the hips, back, pelvis and sciatica) and improved sexual function. If you would like to improve your pelvic health, prevent injury and ease recovery then Hypopressives may be a great option for you. At your next visit with Dr. Meredith Hodges at Dalhousie Health & Wellness, you can look forward to exploring the benefits of hyporessives and discussing if they are the right fit for YOU. Reflux is a common term we hear and a common concern among parents. But what actually is reflux? Let’s start at the beginning and discuss types of reflux in babies, the causes, common signs and how chiropractic care can help manage its impact on the body. In short, reflux means the movement of liquid the wrong way through a valve. This means stomach contents are coming up the wrong way into the esophagus. In general reflux is normal for the body and is an important function for our bodies to be sick when needed. There are two main types of reflux in babies:
Reflux almost always has a cause, and in many cases it is multifaceted. Some common causes are;
Currently, there is no one single test that can diagnose reflux as it is often a combination of physical assessments and diagnostic testing. As discussed earlier there are two types of reflux, GERD and GER. The distinction between these two conditions can be difficult, especially in infants. However, the correct distinction and diagnosis is key to treating the condition. What do chiropractors assess for in a baby with reflux? After a thorough history of your little ones signs and symptoms, we will do a detailed physical exam. We assess the whole body for tension and pay special attention to the diaphragm, neck, back and abdomen, we assess spine for restricted joints and we assess tongue and jaw function to ensure proper latching happens during feeding. Reflux in babies can be challenging, but with the right information and strategies, parents can help their little ones find relief. Remember, every baby is unique and having a team of health care professionals that work together to help you find the root cause is key for you and your baby. Supporting babies and families is something I’m passionate about, let me know if you have any questions. See you at your next appointment at Dalhousie Health & Wellness.  It’s January - time to get crazy and cut into the cutting edge of the best person you want to be, right? Wink… I have something else to suggest. Many people (including myself) felt that 2023 was very depleting. January 2024 many are recovering from a tough year, many illnesses in the fall of 2023, and being mentally and emotionally depleted. In chatting with many of my patients, we’ve been looking at the things that deplete deep sleep and deep rest…and tackling those things can be a major game changer to making the right decisions this year. What could be the right decisions?
So the real reason you’re still reason, is how do we get deep rest? It’s a combination of moderating our hormones (the cortisol-adrenaline pathway) and allowing ourselves to be in a state of rest, on purpose, once a day. It’s hard to know this without testing (hint, hint..we do this) however there are a few tell-tale signs that your cortisol might not be distributing properly:
So now you have some ideas. While you’re waiting to see your local ND, we also need to work on activities that calm your body and mind because as we know, the mind-body connection is vital for health and well-being. Think of a time where you know you will have few distractions and it’s all about you. Whip out a colouring book, a great novel you have been wanting to finish, a cozy blanket, or a meditation or podcast that makes you feel relaxed. Give yourself 20-30 minutes where you don’t have to do anything, and if your brain tells you to feel guilty, remind yourself that this is part of your deep sleep time. Next, it is time to track your sleep. Head to instagram where we posted all about the deep sleep cycle and how you can maximise your deep sleep time. Hope these ideas help. Need guidance? Book an appointment at Dalhousie Health & Wellness and we’ll chat further. - Dr. Aoife |
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