 |
 FALL 2004
Welcome to the Autumn 2004 Edition of the Redhawk Healing Arts NewsForum!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
New at Redhawk Healing Arts!
Welcome Dr. Holly Fennell, ND & Steve Medeiros, RMT!
Viewpoint: Stressed Out?
by Jessica Schwey
Feature Therapy #1: What can Registered Massage Therapy do for me?
by Steve Medeiros
Feature Article: A Naturopathic Survival Guide to Cold & Flu Season
by Dr. Fennell
Feature Therapy #2: Homeopathic First Aid for Travelers
by Dr. Blyden-Taylor
New at Redhawk Healing Arts!
Welcome Dr. Holly Fennell, ND & Steve Medeiros, RMT!
HOLLY FENNELL, DOCTOR OF NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE
Holly Fennell, ND, graduated with honors from the University of Toronto in 1998. From there she attended the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine. Dr. Fennell graduated in 2004, the distinguished recipient of the Joyce Vanderburgh Bursary, "given to the student who demonstrates outstanding clinic performance and patient interaction".
Dr. Fennell strives to further patient care by encouraging interaction and education between naturopathic and medical physicians. She brings a great array of interests to Redhawk Healing Arts, with a special focus in the treatment and management of asthma, allergies, cancer, detoxification, weight management, smoking cessation, menopause and family medicine.
STEVE MEDEIROS, REGISTERED MASSAGE THERAPIST
Steve Medeiros, Registered Massage Therapist, is a graduate of Kikkawa College, Toronto. His focus in school was on attaining a deep understanding of the human body, and the profound power that touch has on our lives. He also has training in Hydrotherapy, Myofascial Release and Suikodo.
Passionate about the natural healing arts, Steve also aspires to continue studies in Homeopathy, Craniosacral Therapy and Visceral Manipulation. Steve's previous career was as a Digital Media Artist. Steve welcomes everyone to drop by, call or e-mail questions regarding how Registered Massage Therapy can help achieve balance in your life.
Viewpoint
Stressed Out?
by Jessica Schwey, Clinical Therapist
We have all felt stress before; sometimes it can be extremely overwhelming and sometimes it can act as a powerful motivator. When stress becomes overwhelming there are many things that we can do to de-stress in a positive, healthy way.
1. Relax! It is hard to learn how to relax properly. Sometimes we think we are relaxing, but are really just distracting ourselves. For example, "relaxation tapes" are often used as a distraction. When we get bored of one, we simply switch to another. It is only once we learn how to get past our own boredom that we really start to train ourselves to relax.
2. Take control of your life! It is very important to feel that you have control over your life and your stress level. Keep in mind that no matter what happens you always have choice. Learn how to identify those choices and how to exercise them.
3. Treat yourself well! Pamper yourself, do something nice - just for you. Do what you want to do for a change - stop multi-tasking for 15 minutes and just think about yourself. Treat yourself the way you treat others, and expect from yourself what you expect from others.
To learn more about how you can reduce stress in your life ask about our stress workshops or individual counseling sessions.
Feature Therapy No. 1
What can Registered Massage Therapy do for me?
by Steve Medeiros, RMT
Massage has been present with humanity from a very early age. One of the earliest references to massage comes from The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine, dating from 1000 BCE China. Massage was also promoted by the Greek physician Hippocrates, who noted that the technique of "gently rubbing'' a dislocated shoulder aided in healing.
One of the most documented areas in which massage has proven successful is in the reduction of stress, anxiety and depression. A study on massage and job-related stress found that after a 15 minute massage participants were able to complete computerized problems in half the time, with 50% fewer errors.
It is well known that massage has a positive effect in helping people reduce or manage pain. By increasing circulation to injured tissue and promoting a feeling of general well-being, pain perception can be significantly reduced. In one study of 26 people with muscle tension it was noted that after receiving massage for 30-45 minutes, 10 times in a 4-week period, 21 people showed a decrease in muscle tension.
Massage can effect subtle changes in local circulation leading to improved recovery time for injuries. Massage improves overall circulation in the body by reducing stress and decreasing muscle tone, allowing the cardiovascular system to operate more efficiently. In fact, several studies have shown that massage will reduce blood pressure.
Massage has also been found to increase the flow of lymphatic fluid. Lymph accumulates in body tissue when there is an injury or compromise in circulation. By improving the flow of lymphatic fluid with techniques such as Manual Lymph Drainage, an RMT can reduce pain, remove accumulated metabolic waste, and lower the chance of scar tissue forming in the injured area.
Massage can significantly improve respiratory function by increasing chest expansion and loosening mucous. A study of 11 children with mild to moderate asthma found that after 30 minutes of tapotement (a massage technique) their ability to exhale was increased more than 10%. Massage may also increase the activity of the immune system. One unpublished research paper found that one month of daily massage stimulated the immune system in people who were HIV positive.
Massage can stimulate your body to heal itself without the use of invasive therapy. If you have questions on Registered Massage Therapy and what it can do for you, please call, e-mail or drop by and ask!
Feature Article
Help! I'm Getting Sick!! A Naturopathic Survival Guide to Cold and Flu Season
by Holly Fennell, ND
As evening darkness arrives earlier and the temperature drops we are reminded that cold and flu season is here. Nobody likes to get a cold or the flu. The question is what can you do to protect yourself?
As Naturopathic Doctors we have unique treatments that can help protect you and your family. The first step is listening to your body's signals. It may be a sense of fatigue or a tickle in your throat that serves to indicate an impending illness. Many colds and flu's can be helped with simple bed rest; your co-workers will thank you for not spreading the infection. Think of it as a ticket to a day in bed to rest and read a good book!
While it is important to remain hydrated, it is also important to know what to drink. Avoid drinks high in sugar like pop and sweetened juices. If you drink juice dilute it with water. Ginger tea can help with nausea; peppermint tea may help with an upset stomach. Hot water and lemon will help to break down mucous and phlegm.
Bacteria and viruses love an acidic environment, so start by eliminating acidic foods such as red meat, sugar, alcohol and caffeine. Vegetable broths, vegetarian protein sources (e.g. lentils, beans, tofu) and flaxseed oil help to alkalinize your digestive environment, making it easier for your immune system to fight back. Eating raw garlic has been proven to be very effective against bacteria, viral and fungal infections. Vitamin C is vital in these conditions both to support the immune system and your adrenal glands and to directly fight viral replication. Your Naturopathic Doctor can help you determine how much to take for your specific condition. Hydrotherapy treatments are very effective and easy to do at home - all you need is water and a pair of socks! See the end of this article for instructions.
To book an appointment, or a complementary 10-minute consultation to learn more about Naturopathic Medicine, please phone Redhawk Healing Arts at (416) 481-8031. As your Naturopathic Doctor, I look forward to meeting you and helping you through the cold and flu season. Yours in Health, Holly Fennell, ND.
"Warming Socks" Cold & Flu Treatment
The "Warming Socks" Treatment is a simple hydrotherapy technique that is especially effective for relieving nasal congestion overnight (frequently better than medications and without the side effects). It also stimulates the immune system, improves circulation relieving headache and chills, and deeply relaxes the body to bring on a more restful night's sleep. It is useful with people of any age from infants to the elderly. Clinical data shows that babies who are colicky or having trouble sleeping may benefit from this treatment.
Preparation: This treatment requires a pair of cotton socks and a pair of wool socks. They must be at least 90% cotton and 90% wool, respectively. Most sporting goods stores and some department stores carry wool socks. For small children you can use a rubber band to hold the wool sock on (make sure it is not too tight!) or wrap wool cloth around each foot.
Step 1: Soak the cotton socks in very cold tap water and wring them out thoroughly. Place the socks close to the basin or bathtub used in the next step. Note: If your feet are already warm (e.g., you have already been in bed) you can skip to Step 3.
Step 2: Put your feet into a basin or bathtub of hot water to warm them up. Soak them for a few minutes until they are hot and pink.
Step 3: Remove your feet from the hot water and quickly dry them off. Immediately put on the cold wet cotton socks, and then over them, put on dry wool socks.
Step 4: Go directly to bed and keep your feet covered through the night. The treatment does not work if you or your feet are uncovered, such as when walking around or sitting in a chair uncovered.
Feature Therapy No. 2
Homeopathic First Aid for Travelers
by Kimberlee Blyden-Taylor, ND
This first-aid "repertory" uses a 12 remedy kit.
The main "keynote" indications are listed after each homeopathic remedy. For more information on how to use homeopathy, check the "Links" page soon to appear on our website, or arrange a consult with Dr. Blyden-Taylor.
ACHES & PAINS
* Arnica: Any "bruised" feeling. Great for sore muscles from over-exertion & "black & blue" marks.
* Belladonna: Throbbing pains, especially severe pains. Throbbing, "hammering" headache. Swollen red joints.
* Cantharis: Any burning pains. Great for actual burns or just the sensation of burning anywhere in the body.
* Colubrina: Headache from overindulgence in alcohol, food, or too much work. Classic "hangover" remedy.
* Ledum: Puncture wounds of any type. Bruising with blackness & puffiness (e.g. black eye)
* Rhus tox: Numbness and pins & needles of extremities. Pulled or torn muscles. Hot, painful swelling of joints.
COLDS/ COUGH/ THROAT
* Aconite: Any symptom that comes on very quickly & intensely, esp'ly after exposure to cold, a fright or a shock.
* Apis: Heat, redness & swelling (e.g. sore throat). Any stinging pains.
* Arsenicum: Colds going into chest, with anxiety, restlessness and fatigue.
* Belladonna: Throbbing, cutting, or shooting pains. Severe eye, ear or throat infections; dry cough worse at night.
* Lycopodium: Dry, tickling, lingering cough. Right sided sore throat. Neglected infection.
* Rhus tox: Illness comes on after getting cold & wet. Throat red, sore & puffy. Dry, hoarse cough.
* Sulphur: Any illness that drags on without responding to treatment, or comes back after appearing to improve.
DIARRHEA
* Aconite: Comes on quickly & intensely, esp'ly after exposure to cold, a fright or a shock. Bloody stool, cramping.
* Arsenicum: Anxiety & restlessness with fatigue and weakness. Foul smelling, watery stool. Burning diarrhea.
* Gelsemium: Any illness that causes weakness, trembling & aching. Diarrhea after emotional trauma.
* Lycopodium: Bloating, better for passing very noisy gas. Eating a tiny amount causes fullness. "Acid" stomach.
* Rhus tox: Stool is watery, frothy, bloody, slimy, or like "meat-water". Painful urging without stool.
* Sulphur: Hungry, but can't eat. Very thirsty. Heaviness/ "acid" stomach. Urgent diarrhea, esp'ly early morning.
EMOTIONAL
* Aconite: Use for emotional or physical shock following an earthquake, trauma, accident, etc.
* Arsenicum: Anxiety & restlessness with fatigue and weakness.
* Colubrina: Very irritable & oversensitive. Aggressive & impatient.
* Gelsemium: Anxiety & trembling before on ordeal: exams, flying, etc. Drowsiness.
FEVER
* Aconite: Comes on quickly & intensely, esp'ly after exposure to cold, a fright or a shock. Dry, burning heat.
* Arsenicum: Internal cold, with external heat. Anxiety & restlessness with fatigue and weakness.
* Belladona: Very high fever, with much moaning. Glassy eyes, red face, thirstless.
* Colubrina: Skin hot, but person extremely chilled. Cannot uncover.
* Gelsemium: Chills with aching alternating with heat. Chills up and down back. Thirstless.
* Rhus tox: Aching in limbs during fever. Chill in single parts. Likes to be covered.
SKIN/ BITES
* Apis: Any stinging pains, with redness, heat, and swelling. (e.g. bee sting)
* Arnica: Crops of small boils. "Black & blue" marks; bruising.
* Belladonna: Red, dry, glossy, & hot. Red streaks extending up limbs (i.e. "blood poisoning").
* Cantharis: Any burning pains. Great for actual burns or just the sensation of burning anywhere in the body.
* Rhus tox: Intense itching with moist, crusting eruptions. Chicken pox, poison ivy/oak. Stinging nettles.
* Sulphur: Terrible itching, worse with heat, bathing and at night. Wounds fester & are slow to heal
VOMITING
* Aconite: Violent vomiting that comes on quickly & intensely, esp'ly after exposure to cold, a fright or a shock.
* Cantharis: Vomit that burns throat as it is expelled.
* Colubrina: Sour or bitter vomit from overindulgence. Nausea greatly relieved by vomiting.
* Sulphur: Sour vomiting with heaviness in stomach. Acid stomach
|
|
|
 |
|
| |
