Healthy Mind

How does Acupuncture Work?

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acupunctureWhen I recommend acupuncture, one of the most common questions I get is “how does acupuncture work or how will it help?”. Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to aid with so many different health concerns. Over the course of that time, many studies have been conducted to determine how this therapy causes effect, and what it can be used for. The following presents a list of both actions that can take place in the body and the potential conditions or symptoms it can help to alleviate.

How Does Acupuncture Work?

Acupuncture works via many different pathways which cause:

  • Release of endorphins – resulting in decreased pain
  • Relaxation of muscle
  • Stimulation of neuronal activity and brain tissue
  • Secretion of hormones and neurotransmitters
  • Promotes blood flow
  • Stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system which causes reduced stress

What Can Acupuncture Help with?

Acupuncture can help with many surprising conditions/symptoms including:

  • Pain – joint and muscle
  • Arthritis – including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis and gout
  • Muscle tension
  • Sports injuries
  • Stress
  • Fertility
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Headaches/ Migraines
  • Insomnia
  • Menstrual irregularities
  • Coughs and colds
  • Asthma
  • Sinusitis
  • Weight loss
  • Fatigue
  • TMJ syndrome
  • Tinnitus
  • Smoking cessation
  • Heartburn
  • Digestive disturbances such as constipation and diarrhea
  • Concerns during pregnancy
  • To ease discomfort and aid during delivery

How Does Dr. Elisha Cook ND Use Acupuncture?

My approach to acupuncture is based more on Chinese medicine than on Western medicine. What I mean by this is that I do not simply put a needle where it hurts, but rather look at the body as a whole and attempt to support the whole system. As I often tell my patients, you are not your disease and you need to be treated as such. This implies that you are a unique individual with unique presentations results in you needing certain points over others. So for example, two individuals come to me looking for acupuncture for fertility. I will not use the exact same points on these two individuals and the points chosen will not be only around the stomach/uterus area. I also do not use solely acupuncture on a patient. In my opinion, it is best to use the acupuncture while allowing diet, lifestyle, botanicals, and supplements to boost deficient areas. However, all of this is determined at the patient’s comfort level and I work with you where you are at (for example if you only want acupuncture, then we only do acupuncture).

If you are interested in trying acupuncture, feel free to contact the clinic by calling 519-537-7058 and book your appointment today!

Have you benefited from reading this blog? Know someone that would benefit as well? Share, Like, Comment, or Tweet this article, and let me know what you think.

Some of the information provided above may not be appropriate for everyone, please consult with your doctor before trying any of the above. If you are interested in Naturopathic Medicine and wanting a different approach to your health care needs, contact Dr. Elisha Cook ND by calling 519-537-7058 and book your appointment today!

 

Grounding or Earthing and How it can Help You

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earthing-groundingGrounding or Earthing is a technique that has been practiced traditionally by many cultures, and some even practice it today without recognizing the therapeutic value it has to offer.

Grounding/Earthing

In terms of electricity, grounding involves the connection of an electrical conductor to the earth. As humans, we can hold charges and so, can be considered an electrical conductor as well. With that being said, grounding ourselves, i.e. placing our bodies in direct contact with the earth, can be beneficial. Some individuals choose to expose their whole bodies to the earth, but the benefits of earthing can be seen with just placing one’s bare feet in contact with the earth. Some organizations have made various mechanisms to connect blankets and the individual with the earth via cords etc., but for those less inclined to technology, walking barefoot on the earth is sufficient.

Benefits of Grounding/Earthing

  • Increases white blood cells (factors that improve immune system functioning)
  • Decreases inflammation
  • Decreases pain
  • Decreases blood clotting
  • Decreases cardiovascular risk
  • Normalizes sleep and circadian rhythm
  • Decreases stress
  • Decreases tension
  • Increases relaxation
  • Improves mood and sleep quality
  • Decreases blood sugar

How much is enough

The benefits of earthing can be seen in just as little as 30 minutes of barefoot walking. However, any time spent out in nature can be beneficial. For more information on what the health benefits of simply being in nature, please see my previous blog: https://www.plattsvilledoctor.ca/nature-cure-health-benefits-of-nature/

Have you benefited from reading this blog? Know someone that would benefit as well? Share, Like, Comment, or Tweet this article, and let me know what you think.

Some of the information provided above may not be appropriate for everyone, please consult with your doctor before trying any of the above. If you are interested in Naturopathic Medicine and wanting a different approach to your health care needs, contact Dr. Elisha Cook ND by calling 519-537-7058 and book your appointment today!

References

http://www.scirp.org/journal/PaperInformation.aspx?paperID=58836

http://encompass.eku.edu/swps/2016/undergraduate/15/

http://online.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/acm.2011.0820

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/James_Oschman/publication/274644091_The_effects_of_grounding_earthing_on_inflammation_the_immune_response_wound_healing_and_prevention_and_treatment_of_chronic_inflammatory_and_autoimmune_diseases/links/555b14d708ae6fd2d8286cd1.pdf

 

How to Help a Sad/Depressed Friend or Loved One

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Depression - Narrative photoIf you have been watching or listening to the news, you may be aware of the recent string of suicides that have happened in Oxford County. Many individuals in the community feel as though there are currently not enough adequate resources to help those suffering from mental health concerns. To take it a step further, there is also not a lot of resources available for those who are living with or care for individuals suffering from a mental illness. It is the hoped that this article would provide you with more information as to how to best support individuals struggling with mental illness as well as support yourself through these times. Though this article is focused on depression and sadness, much of this information can be transferred to support for those suffering from other mental health illnesses such as anxiety.

Signs and Symptoms of Depression

To provide the best possible support, it is important to be able to recognize what depression may look like. That being said, depression can look very different depending on each individual. Provided below are some possibly signs and symptom that you may witness.

  • Sadness
  • Feelings of guilt
  • Anger
  • Anxiety
  • Nervousness
  • Restlessness
  • Increased or lack of sleep
  • Increased or lack of appetite
  • Feelings of hopelessness
  • Lack of concentration
  • Irritability
  • Fatigue
  • Decreased happiness or pleasure from things that used to be pleasurable
  • Isolation from others
  • Self – harm

How you can Help a Friend or Loved One

The following list was adapted from the author as well as http://www.helpguide.org/articles/depression/helping-a-depressed-person.htm. For more information, please contact CMHA or the website provided above.

  1. Listen: One of the best things you can do for someone who may be suffering from a mental illness or mental health concern is to offer a space for them to be heard. Feeling heard can provide a great relief and often the support one needs. You do not have to fix the problem and often times you can’t. However, providing space for someone to vent can be powerful.
  1. Support: Offer your support by letting them know you are there for them and letting them know that you are there to help if they need it. It is important to set boundaries in this area so that your morals are not compromised and so your health is not put into jeopardy. Support can also look like supporting a loved one through treatment and various treatment options. Checking in with them and seeing how their treatment is going can allow them to know you are still there and support their progress. Support can also look like praying with an individual or even going to appointments with them if they wish. Remind the loved one or friend that you love them and show them that you care in the ways that they will be receptive to.
  1. Encourage: Encourage your friend or loved one to seek help. If they are struggling with their mental health, it is important that they get proper care and attention. Encourage them that they are not alone and that resources are available for them to get help. If they do mention consideration over ending their life, do not let this go unnoticed and get help immediately.

How to Help Yourself

While helping others, it is important to understand your own limitations and set necessary boundaries to protect yourself. At the end of the day, you need to be reminded that it is not your responsibility to solve the problem. You are not a trained health care professional, and ultimately leave it to them. The best you can do is provide support within your own limits. It is also important to make sure that you are caring for your own health care needs and managing stress as well as you can. If you need help, do not be afraid to ask for it and seek help.

Have you benefited from reading this blog? Know someone that would benefit as well? Share, Like, Comment, or Tweet this article, and let me know what you think.

Some of the information provided above may not be appropriate for everyone, please consult with your doctor before trying any of the above. If you are interested in Naturopathic Medicine and wanting a different approach to your health care needs, contact Dr. Elisha Cook ND by calling 519-537-7058 and book your appointment today!

6 Reasons Why Fish Oil is Beneficial for Health

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Fish OilFish Oil supplements are one of the main supplements you will find on the market today. Many people take them simply because “I know it is good for me”, but do not fully understand the benefits to their health. This article is meant to bring to light some of the research on the supplement, and some ins and outs that are important to know for choosing the right supplement. Of course, when in doubt, please consult a naturopathic doctor to determine what supplement would best help you with your specific health needs.

Ratios

If you are a patient of mine, you already know that I think ratios are important when it comes to fish oil. In short, children need more DHA as their brains are developing, and adults need more EPA to sustain it. As a result, the ratio of EPA to DHA needs to be 2:1 or higher depending on your particular health concerns. For example, if EPA is 200mg is a capsule, I would like to see DHA at 100mg or less. Some individuals may want to try to obtain omega 3s through vegan sources such as flax and hemp, but these sources tend to not be able to obtain the same ratio of EPA:DHA that fish oil can.

Sourcing

Ideally smaller fish sources, such as sardines, act as a better source for omega 3’s due to the lower mercury content in these fish. However, all supplements have to meet a standard in regards to mercury content, and so, if you are purchasing a high quality fish oil supplement made in Canada, they need to comply with this standard.

6 Health Benefits

  1. Joint Health

One of the main uses of fish oil is for pain. Specifically, it can be beneficial for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, etc. Fish oil helps to lubricate your joints and decrease inflammation, both leading to decreased pain.

  1. Heart Health

Fish oil can be quite beneficial for overall heart health by firstly improving the function of the heart muscle itself. In addition, fish oil may help to increase HDL (good) cholesterol, decrease triglycerides, decrease blood pressure, decrease atherosclerosis (i.e. plaque build-up), and prevent stroke.

  1. Weight Management

Fish oil may help to improve weight by decreasing central adiposity when taking with exercise. It has also been shown to aid with conversion of muscle to lean muscle mass.

  1. Mental Health

As mentioned above, EPA and DHA both have a role to play in brain development and health. In short, fish oil may be beneficial for the following conditions: depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and dementia.

  1. Skin Health

Fish oil can be beneficial for various skin conditions through its beneficial properties in addressing inflammation. That being said it may provide some relief to those suffering from acne, psoriasis, SLE, and eczema.

  1. Reproductive Health

In general, fish oil can help women who are trying to conceive, have conceived, and women who are not conceiving. In regards to pregnancy, fish oil may help increase chances of conception. Fish oil can also help to decrease inflammation overall which may contribute to premenstrual tension issues such as cramping. In addition, fish oil may prove to be beneficial for men experiencing erectile dysfunction due to is beneficial properties in heart health – specifically related to blood pressure, cholesterol, and atherosclerosis.

Have you benefited from reading this blog? Know someone that would benefit as well? Share, Like, Comment, or Tweet this article, and let me know what you think.

Some of the information provided above may not be appropriate for everyone, please consult with your doctor before trying any of the above. If you are interested in Naturopathic Medicine and wanting a different approach to your health care needs, contact Dr. Elisha Cook ND by calling 519-537-7058 and book your appointment today!