by | Jan 29, 2018 | Uncategorized
Dr. Alisha Rawji BSc, ND
The NADA protocol stands for the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association protocol which promotes detoxification and aid and recovery of addictions, smoking as well as mental calming (and relaxation), using auricular, or ear, acupuncture. Five standard points are used in the outer ear, which systematically and energetically correspond to organ systems in the body, and thus, help promote and engage detoxification pathways.
The points used are: Shen Men, Kidney, Lung, Liver and Sympathetic. These auricular points correspond with the various organ system, based on their location on the ear. Because of this, practitioners differ in their administration of the treatment; some will needle both ears in one treatment, others will needle one ear at each treatment (switching sides each time), and both variations have been proven to be effective.
What the points do:
1. Shen Men is also known as the ‘spirit gate’ point in Chinese medicine. It is the central grounding point, calms the mind, and centres the core of the person.
2. Kidney: Encourages trust, self-worth, inner confidence, will power, and calming of fears.
3. Lung; Balances and encourages healthy lung function, as well as helps with feelings of grief and letting go.
4. Liver: Regulating and harmonizing adequate Qi and blood flow, for detoxification. It also aids in promoting acceptance, smooth energy flow, depression, and feelings of stuck or frustration.
5. Sympathetic-it is meant to balance the autonomic nervous system, and the immediate stress reaction known as the fight or flight response.
A typical treatment will last roughly 30-45 mins, on a weekly basis for about 6-8 weeks. Patients who receive the treatment report feeling lighter, and more energized, and a reduction in cravings and anxiety, improved sleep and greater optimism towards quitting. It is most effective when used along with other treatment protocols or smoking cessation programs.
Naturopathic Doctors Calgary
In naturopathic medicine, herbs such as Passiflora, Avena Sativa, and Lobelia for example, are used to both relax the mind and reduce cravings. Also, when used alongside already existing protocols, have high rates of long-term success. CBT or Cognitive and Behavioral Therapy such as daily thought records are also fundamental pieces to treatment to be used alongside acupuncture and botanical medicine, especially for understanding stressors and triggers.
Acupuncture use for additions has been longstanding for many years, dating back to the 1970s. The NADA protocol was developed and at this time, at the Lincoln Hospital in New York. It was originally used for drug and opioid addiction, and still is used as a detoxifying program today. It was known afterwards as the Lincoln Detox Center, and now as the Lincoln Recovery Centre. It was developed within the Acupuncture Clinic and Substance Abuse Division of the Department of Psychiatry at this established hospital. It was soon realized that it was a highly effective treatment for smoking cession as well, in addition to drug and opioid addictions, and is still used prominently today.
It has also been shown to be used in the adjective care of post-traumatic-stress-disorder for the US Department of Defence and Veterans Affair (2010), as well as recognized by the US Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (2007). Guidelines and best practices of this protocol have been recognized by the United Nations (2006).
The NADA protocol has been shown to increase effectiveness of existing treatments as well, especially when on a smoking cessation protocol or support group. Often times, NADA has been known to be used in a group setting or at group therapy sessions as well as support groups. In addition, working alongside an established practitioner can enable individualized care and progress and to make sure that all aspects of the person’s experience is being accurately assessed and thoroughly investigated for maximum success. However, group settings do offer a sense of support and accountability amongst groups of individuals who are determined to quit together. Having accountability, whether it be in the form of a clinical or practitioner, or from peers, family and friends, or other support systems, is highly valuable and highly recommended for the greatest success in quitting and for long-term and lasting results.
References:
http://www.acupuncturetoday.com/abc/nadaprotocol.php
https://northshoreacupuncturecenter.com/benefits-of-nada-ear-acupuncture-include-stress-relief-and-fewer-cravings/
https://www.phoenixmd.co.uk/shop-home/drug-detox
https://acudetox.com/phocadownload/Research_Summary_2013%20(2).pdf
https://www.acudetox.com/the-lincoln-story-2
Start your smoke-free life with Docere Wellness Centre. Contact us for more info!
by | Jan 22, 2018 | Uncategorized
By Dr. Michelle Hagel, ND
We live in a toxic world in fact we are born toxic, as chemicals can cross through the placenta and umbilical cord from mother to child. We are then exposed to unavoidabletoxins daily, toxins from environmental pollution, food sources exposed to pesticides, even toxic thoughts that we have about ourselves. Toxin build up can cause symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, weight gain, headaches, joint pain, skin and digestive issues. Toxins contribute to many diseases such as dementia, Parkinson’s, chronic fatigue, infertility and other mental disorders. Children with increased toxic burden showed changes in mood, aggressive behavior, problems with attention and focus, sleep problems and reduced intellectual performance. Toxins change our health dramatically, increasing our risk of disease, impact our hormones and altering our appetite signals leading to weight gain.
What is detoxification and how does it work?
When we get down to the physiology it all starts with the mitochondria, these are cell components that provide energy for the body by converting from our food stores. Mitochondria are the metabolism engines of the body. Toxins can damage these components, resulting in buildup of fat and poor energy or exhaustion. When we detoxify we eliminate the toxins and wastes from our body so we can promote the mitochondrial function. This helps reduce the burden on the body specifically through 5 elimination pathways. The number one organ of elimination is the liver, the liver deactivates toxins and then eliminates the toxins. Second are our kidneys which filter and eliminate toxins through urination. We can eliminate through our skin through sweat. Lastly our lungs and circulatory system including blood and lymphatics will flush toxins out of the body. Supporting all these systems we can increase the body’s healing ability, improve immune system and live to our true ability.
Overweight = Toxic
Signs of toxic overload according to environmental medicine expert Dr. Walter Cinnion include: if you are more than 25lbs overweight and suffer from: allergies, asthma, autoimmune disease, bone marrow cancer, chemical sensitivity, chronic fatigue, chronic infection, diabetes, fibromyalgia, infertility, or Parkinson’s. Toxic burden will make us tired, make us sick and make us fat. Studies have shown a strong correlation between toxic burden, elevated body weight and increase risk of diabetes. It is more difficult to lose weight than it was 100 years ago, as our toxic burden has increased. We accumulate fat because fat acts to protect us from fat soluble toxins, it stores the toxin in fat cells. By detoxifying you allow your body to release the fat it has been holding on to protect itself from the toxins. Detoxification is vitally important for weight loss, as fat-stored toxins are factors in becoming overweight. When you break the fat down (lipolysis) you allow the toxins to be released into the blood stream, which can cause headache, low energy or flulike symptoms. Individuals that lost 46% body weight loss showed an increase in pesticide level of 388%, because these toxins are no longer held in protection by our fat cells. It is important to lower toxic burden to avoid these symptoms and once you eliminate the toxins you can watch the fat melt away. Detoxing will help your body burn fat and reduce inflammation. Detoxing will also align the good bacteria in the gut, and these healthy bacteria will contribute to a healthy weight and appetite. Unfriendly bacteria or dysbiotic flora will cause sugar cravings and weight gain.
Healthy Detox Calgary
How to safely and effectively detoxify?
The goals of detoxification are to stop new toxins from accumulating in our bodies and get the current toxins out. Clean up home environment, diet and improve elimination. We can do this by:
– Supporting the liver by reducing/eliminating alcohol, smoking, and refined sugar.
– Pee your way to good health by increasing filtered water consumption and urinating every hour.
– Ensure adequate fiber and filtered water intake to ensure regular bowel movements.
– Exercise will increase circulation, lymphatics and lung function as well the toxins can be eliminated through the skin by sweating. It is important to wipe the sweat away within 15 minutes of workout to ensure those toxins do not get reabsorbed into the skin.
– One of the easiest techniques for detoxification is breathing, all too often we breath shallowly especially in a stressful state, so take a deep breath in and exhale out those toxins.
– Avoid exposure in the diet by eating clean (organic- especially dirty dozen), filtered water, using organic personal care products and cleaning supplies. Do not use anything topically that you wouldn’t consider consuming internally, consider that these ingredients are absorbed through the skin.
– Incorporate phytonutrient rich foods especially flavonoids- broccoli/cabbage, parsley, strawberries, blueberries, kale, and onions.
– Reduce stress, as stress is held in the gut, inhibiting our ability to properly digest our food which can increase toxic burden.
– Ensure healthy gut bacteria, with probiotics or fermented foods.
– Add some air purifying plants in your home: Spider Plant, Lucky Bamboo, Aloe Vera, Peace Lily, Rosemary to name a few.
– Speak with a naturopathic doctor about supplementation to aid in detox process, avoid low quality vitamins.
We are offering a $99 detox meal plan with kit. There are 2 options for kits one is a combination of both herbs and supplements. While the other is a complex homeopathic kit, both very effective addressing all the important organs of detoxification. Ask your Naturopath which would be best for you. Contact us today!
by | Jan 15, 2018 | Uncategorized
We are excited to introduce another injection to the clinic, Liportropic injections. These injections contain essential nutrients to promote natural fat burning process to help meet your weight loss goals. We have been using b vitamin injections for a long time to boost the body’s metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins, this injection combines other nutrients to get a greater effect.
Weight Loss Guide Northwest Calgary
What does a lipotropic injection contain?
Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin) as explained above b vitamins specifically B12 helps boost the body’s metabolism!
Chromium is a mineral that is often used with diabetics to control blood sugar. Modulating blood sugar levels will lower cravings, decrease appetite and help loose weight.
L-Methionine is an amino acid that helps stimulate the body to burn fat and reduces fat deposits in the liver.
Inositol is a carbohydrate that helps modulate blood sugar levels, by improving our insulin sensitivity. It also promotes happy/calming neurotransmitter production. When inositol is taken with the next ingredient choline it makes lecithin which can further help the body break down fat.
Choline is a macronutrient that can lower cholesterol, while nourishing the brain and liver.
Come see us TODAY, for a natural alternative to weight loss!
We are thinking $20/ml as a special which normally they would be $23
by | Jan 9, 2018 | Uncategorized
Happy New Year!
This month Dr. Hagel and I teamed up to help you get started on your post-holiday wellness habits. You can start small (this often works the best) and build in more healthy habits over time as you get more experience with it.
My article will give you an introduction to thinking about how to create healthy habits for your overall lifestyle, which can be applied to any area of your life you want to work on.
Dr. Hagel’s article discusses how to deal with nutrition habits and get back on track after holidays full of eating decadent foods high in sugars, refined grains and unhealthy fats. Outside of turkey and our faithful nutcrackers, we often see the dietary ratio of processed foods and sugar to outweigh our intake of healthy proteins, fats and green vegetables.
Health Tips Calgary
4 Steps to Bring Routine to Healthy Eating
Dr Michelle Hagel BSc, ND
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can be difficult, which is why many people yo-yo. Here are 4 steps to ensure that you maintain your healthy eating routines.
Meal prep. The number one problem with having people stick to healthy eating is people don’t have time. If you get into the habit of planning and prepping your meals ahead of time, you won’t have to hit the drive thru during your crazy week. Pick a day and time, I generally suggest Sunday morning or evening. Prepare a shopping list, stick to it. (this will save your time, money and waist line) Then spend a couple hours making some food for the busy week ahead. Also get the whole family involved especially the kids. Make it a time in the week you look forward to. Play some music, and assign each person a task. Even let the kids make some food suggestions like snacks.
Snacks. Speaking of Snacks make sure they are good ones! I am a big advocate of healthy fats and proteins. If your meals are well balanced with good fats and proteins your blood sugar will be stabilized and your meals will sustain you until the next. Meaning you will not feel that crash after a meal or before the next meal. You also won’t be tempted to reach for the potato chips or chocolate bar to sustain your energy levels. In the event that you do get hungry between meals, prepare some healthy snacks. Nuts and seeds are some of my favourites, veggies and hummus, kale chips or homemade protein balls with nut butters.
Kick the sugar. In my experience even the cookie monster can kick sugar if he is able to eliminate it for a 3 week period. Sugar causes highs and lows in our blood glucose levels which can affect our mood, energy and overall health. If you are able to completely eliminate sugar (even some fruits) for a good chunk of time your tastebuds will adapt and you will start tasting your food again, not just the sugar. You will appreciate other flavours and that sugar doesn’t taste as good as you once thought. Again my favourite tool to kick the sugar is to satisfy your appetite with healthy fats and protein.
Take out temptation. I generally recommend a cleanse every 6 months for most people. But, now I’m talking about cleansing your house of those tempting items. If they aren’t there you won’t think about them. Chocolate, chips, sugar, corn syrup, processed foods get them out of your house. If these things aren’t good for you they aren’t good for your family. For healthy routines it is best if you get the entire family on board with these changes not just one person. You can do it step by step it doesn’t have to be a huge leap.
Create a healthy mindset and start your year towards healthy living. Contact Us for more info about healthy habits.
by | Jan 3, 2018 | Uncategorized
Happy New Year!
This month Dr. Hagel and I teamed up to help you get started on your post-holiday wellness habits. You can start small (this often works the best) and build in more healthy habits over time as you get more experience with it.
My article will give you an introduction to thinking about how to create healthy habits for your overall lifestyle, which can be applied to any area of your life you want to work on.
Dr. Hagel’s article discusses how to deal with nutrition habits and get back on track after holidays full of eating decadent foods high in sugars, refined grains and unhealthy fats. Outside of turkey and our faithful nutcrackers, we often see the dietary ratio of processed foods and sugar to outweigh our intake of healthy proteins, fats and green vegetables.
4 Steps to Creating your Health Routine in 2018
By Lisa Lin, RMT, HHPR
Establishing health and wellness requires effort, dedication and consistency. In order to make this happen, health promoting activities must be practiced on a regular basis. Exercising once a month or eating a healthy supper once a week is better than nothing, but it isn’t going produce the results you want. A regular, habitual routine will make that happen.
Whenever we experience change or transition in life it throws us out of the familiar and into the unknown – we have no routine, schedule or system during those times. Usually the first things to go are: exercise, healthy nutrition and sleep. Think of times when you experienced this: exams at school, starting a new job, Christmas activities, illness, travel, moving, personal losses, new additions to the family. We adapt, change and adjust in response to each situation. What often happens to our energy and sense of wellbeing during those times? Upside down and depleted. It is part of life that we experience times we can’t plan for and there is a need for flexibility. This article is looking at the other times when we CAN create and participate in a healthy routine. This is key in building health. We can create and improve our health through many means – physical activity, nutrition, social support, learning new activities, sleep, play and mindfulness to name a few.
And I know you’ve got this ability within you, no matter how dubious you are feeling at the moment!
The Magical 4 Steps To Creating A Healthy Lifestyle Routine
1. Ask yourself what you value most about health. Why do you want to make changes?
2. Prioritize what you want. START SMALL. PICK ONE THING.
3. Schedule it in (realistically, don’t set yourself up for perfection here)
4. Check in with yourself after a period of time and be aware of how this activity has benefited you.
Here is an example from my life, following those 4 specific steps:
1. I value the power of my mind in making a huge impact on my health. I want to be able to think clearly and use my intelligence. I want to learn to still the mental chatter of my busy days.
2. I want to start meditating 5 minutes a day. With an app on my phone to keep my mind focused instead of it wandering off. A friend emailed me a link to short meditation routines I could use.
3. I will do this in the evenings after I put the kids to bed and the house is quiet. I am committing to 4-6x per week,then will reevaluate after 2 to 4 weeks to see if I want to continue.
4. I did notice that life seemed a bit more zen and I was more mindful of my emotions and triggers. I will keep this habit in place and see how it grows over time.
Health and Wellness Calgary
Need some support to get you going and help you come up with your own plan for health? Come see us at Docere Wellness Centre and we can help you along as much or as little as you need. In a massage appointment, during the initial intake and after the massage session I provide recommendations and answer questions about health promoting lifestyles customized to a person’s needs. For those who are super keen and want to talk about it during the massage I am always there for that too. If you need additional resources and education outside of my scope of practice, I can provide guidance on where to find more information or refer you to a different practitioner who can meet those needs.
Think simple and consistent routines for making your health happen in this new year of 2018!
Do you have plans in getting more healthier this year? Book your session today with Docere Wellness Centre!
