Page not found – Synergystix Partners in Health https://synergystix.com Massage Therapy for Health Mon, 24 May 2021 17:34:57 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.8.9 Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) https://synergystix.com/manual-lymphatic-drainage-mld/ Mon, 24 May 2021 17:32:24 +0000 https://synergystix.com/?p=3371 What is MLD? MLD is a massage technique that involves gentle, precise movements over the skin that stimulate the lymphatic system. This technique is always performed pain-free, and has a calming effect on the nervous system. It helps to speed up the flow of lymph, reduce inflammation, promote relaxation, and decrease edema (too much fluid […]

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What is MLD?

MLD is a massage technique that involves gentle, precise movements over the skin that stimulate the lymphatic system. This technique is always performed pain-free, and has a calming effect on the nervous system. It helps to speed up the flow of lymph, reduce inflammation, promote relaxation, and decrease edema (too much fluid and waste products in the connective tissue).

It is a thoroughly researched massage therapy method, and has been demonstrated to decrease recovery time after surgery, decrease healing time from trauma, reduce and maintain lymphedema, and aid in managing pain resulting from a variety of acute and chronic health issues.

What are some conditions that MLD can treat?

  • Arthritis
  • Lymphedema (primary and secondary)
  • Venous Insuffiency
  • Acne/Rosacea
  • Wounds, scars, and burns
  • Muscle, ligament, and tendon injuries
  • Orthopedic Surgery recovery
  • Headaches, including due to sinus irritation
  • Concussions
  • Stress and insomnia
  • Digestive issues including constipation and irritable bowel
  • Pre-operation procedures
  • Postoperative swelling after essential or elective procedures
  • Cystic Fibrosis

What is Combined Decongestive Therapy (CDT)?

CDT is the comprehensive treatment of lymphedema using Manual Lymphatic Drainage, compression bandaging, skin care, and remedial exercise. Before treatment begins, a thorough examination is conducted to ensure that the treatment plan is tailored to each client’s individual needs. Once the treatment plan is agreed upon by both the therapist and client, treatment is performed in two phases: the Initial Phase and the Maintenance Phase. The Initial Phase involves intensive MLD and compression bandaging to reduce the edema, as well as remedial exercise to be performed at home. Once the volume reduction has stabilized, a custom compression garment is prepared, and treatment progresses to the Maintenance Phase. At this point, the client continues to wear the garment, perform home exercises, and return for MLD sessions as needed (typically every few months).

For more information about the Vodder method of Manual Lymphatic Drainage, please click here

For more information about lymphedema and its treatment, please click here.

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Time to Listen https://synergystix.com/time-to-listen/ Sat, 16 May 2020 18:12:57 +0000 https://synergystix.com/?p=3060 Listen To Your Body, It’s Talking To You With the World quickly shifting due to the recent Pandemic, it seems that we all have a lot more time on our hands. And I say this a bit tongue in cheek, as my work relied on my hands and now that has been paused. For most […]

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Listen To Your Body, It’s Talking To You

With the World quickly shifting due to the recent Pandemic, it seems that we all have a lot more time on our hands.

And I say this a bit tongue in cheek, as my work relied on my hands and now that has been paused.

For most of us, time has been a precious commodity.

In the past, we have yearned for time to take up a new hobby, time to learn a new language, more time to spend with ourselves and perhaps the kids.

Over the past few weeks, we have all had to stop, pause and stay home.

This has been challenging for a lot of us, who are used to staying busy, filling our days with work, classes, meetings and dinners out.Woman In Forest Nature In Vacation

My Suggestion – don’t worry about making the most of this time.  Focus on Listening.

Listen to what you need.  If you need to learn a language, there are so many online courses and apps for your phone to help.

Listen to your body. If you need to sit for 10 minutes and breath deeply – that’s great too! Adding in a few simple stretches each day can really give you a new focus.

Listen to your heart. It’s ok to give yourself time to sit, to have a bath, to read a book, to garden. Make a meal and drop it off to a local senior.

Remember we are all in this together. It’s time to Listen.

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The Benefits of Massage for Tendonitis https://synergystix.com/the-benefits-of-massage-therapy-for-tendonitis/ Sat, 16 May 2020 18:08:00 +0000 https://synergystix.com/?p=3048 Massage Can Restore Mobility & Relieve Pain Tendonitis is an unpleasant inflammatory condition that affects most people at some point in their lives. Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow are well known examples of tendonitis but contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to play tennis or golf to suffer from these. Whether tendonitis is caused […]

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Massage Can Restore Mobility & Relieve Pain

Tendonitis is an unpleasant inflammatory condition that affects most people at some point in their lives. Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow are well known examples of tendonitis but contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to play tennis or golf to suffer from these.

Whether tendonitis is caused by a sports injury, the overuse of a muscle, or poor muscle strength, it can be quite painful and difficult to diagnose.

In this article, I will discuss the principal causes of tendonitis, where it commonly occurs, and how it is treatable with massage, an effective technique called frictioning, and remedial exercises.Tennis elbow diagram showing a detail of the damaged tendon tissue

Tendonitis is the inflammation of a tendon, which is a thick fibrous band that attaches muscles to bones. When clients come in seeking treatment for an acute burning pain near a joint, that worsens with activity, I begin an assessment with tendonitis in mind.

The most common cause is overuse through repetitive actions. These can  occur at work (computer desk, assembly line, construction) playing an instrument, recreational sports, outdoor seasonal work, and even playing video games. Through overuse, the tendon is repeatedly pulled, causing an inflammatory response.

The rotator cuff of the shoulder, the biceps, the elbows, the wrists, the front of the knee and the back of the ankle are predominant sites where tendonitis is  likely to occur. It develops over time and can last many years if left untreated. The pain and tenderness can become so unbearable that a sufferer may alter movements, resulting in further joint disfunction.

Fortunately, once tendonitis is identified, treatment can begin. The road to recovery may take time, but I have seen incredible results and significant improvement through massage and a highly effective technique called frictioning.

Frictioning is a manual technique used to reestablish the length and elasticity of compromised tissue fibres by stimulating their realignment. It is performed on the tendon while the muscle is in a relaxed, stretched position. The therapist will locate the site of acute tenderness, apply a downward pressure, then move back and forth for a few minutes with their finger pad. This technique can be painful, producing a sharp sensation that should never exceed a client’s tolerance level. Afterward, the therapist will hold the muscle in a stretch. Ice should later be applied to reduce inflammation.

Before frictioning can commence, the area where tendonitis is present and its surrounding tissues must be carefully addressed. Massage itself is an important assessment tool for investigating the integrity of surrounding tissues and in identifying how to proceed during the course of a treatment plan.

While frictioning is highly effective, it may be too aggressive to use during a first or second visit. A minimum of four massage treatments is required to properly address tendonitis and help reestablish the health of surrounding structures. Deep tissue massage is often necessary as the muscle can become quite tense and knotted.

Homecare and rest are essential components of the recovery process.  Reducing activity is required and where possible, modifying repeated movements should also be addressed. A registered massage therapist will go over your daily routines and assist you in making any necessary changes. They will also  prescribe remedial stretches and strengthening exercises to accelerate healing. Additional self care exercises that are aimed at maintaining the affected area and restoring range of motion should also be discussed. If necessary, a massage therapist may also recommend complimentary therapies such as physio or ultrasound treatment to enhance recovery.

I have addressed a countless number of tendonitis cases ranging from chronic tendonitis spanning years to newly developing cases. Many sufferers were surprised and delighted to experience relief from tendonitis while many experienced a full recovery. All it takes is a willingness to commit to a treatment plan, undergo frictioning and follow homecare instructions.

Léanne Hodgson RMT

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Boost Your Immune System https://synergystix.com/boost-your-immune-system-with-this-key-acupoint/ Mon, 09 Dec 2019 21:32:35 +0000 https://synergystix.com/?p=442 Boost Your Immune System With This Key Acupoint With the arrival of the Winter weather (deep sigh), you may have noticed a few more people coughing, or blowing their nose lately. Perhaps you have school aged children and you can sense that the spread of colds and flus is on the way. Now is the […]

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Boost Your Immune System With This Key Acupoint

With the arrival of the Winter weather (deep sigh), you may have noticed a few more people coughing, or blowing their nose lately. Perhaps you have school aged children and you can sense that the spread of colds and flus is on the way. Now is the right time to give your immune system a boost. That’s where the acupuncture point Lung 7 comes in.

Lung 7 is located on the thumb-side edge of your wrist. To find it, make a thumbs-up sign. When you do that, you’ll see a depression at the base of your thumb (referred to as the anatomical snuffbox). From that depression, Lung 7 is located approximately two finger widths up your arm. Slowly glide your finger up until you feel a slight depression between two tendons (see picture below). That’s Lung 7.

Lung 7 Acupuncture PointLung 7 is a key acupuncture point for treating early stage cold and flu symptoms, including cough sore throat, chills and fever, nasal congestion, headache, and stiff neck. Better yet, it is ideal for keeping your immune system strong so you can win the battle over the ever present cold and flu viruses.

As an Acupuncturist, I will frequently add this acupuncture point to treatments at this time of year to help keep my patients strong and healthy.

The good news is that now that you know where this point is, you can boost your own
immune system with self-acupressure. Just press the point firmly with your finger or the blunt end of a pen, holding for 1-2 minutes (remember to repeat on the other arm). Repeat 2-3 times per day, or hourly if you feel like you’re getting sick. This point works best when you’re just starting to feel a little tired or run down. If you have a full blown cold or flu, then Lung 7 is not strong enough and it’s best to come in for an acupuncture treatment and herbal prescription. If you have a stiff neck associated with the early stages of a cold or flu this is your go to point. That’s because Lung 7 is also a command point for the neck.

What else do we use Lung 7 for? Because of where Lung 7 is located, it is a great point for
treating thumb and wrist pain. Do you text too much or have wrist pain due to repetitive strain? Massage Lung 7 regularly to keep pain at bay, and keep your thumbs and wrists in working order.

As you can see, Lung 7 is an important point frequently used in the clinic for various reasons. But it does not replace a healthy lifestyle. As hard as it may be, try to keep your sugar intake low during the holiday season to keep your immune system functioning at full steam. Nothing replaces eating and sleeping well, getting exercise and fresh air. Enjoy the good things in your life and our immune system will love you for it!

Be well!

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Essential Oils and Massage https://synergystix.com/essential-oils-and-massage/ Wed, 04 Dec 2019 21:36:39 +0000 https://synergystix.com/?p=438 Essential Oils Enhance Massage Essential oils have been around for hundreds of years and were the go to for most illnesses before the advent of modern medicine.  We first heard about them from ancient Egypt.  Egyptians cultivated the plants and used the oils extensively in religion but also used them for medicinal purposes.  Essential oils […]

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Essential Oils Enhance Massage
Essential Oils image

Essential oils have been around for hundreds of years and were the go to for most illnesses before the advent of modern medicine.  We first heard about them from ancient Egypt.  Egyptians cultivated the plants and used the oils extensively in religion but also used them for medicinal purposes.  Essential oils are gaining worldwide recognition for their versatility, but their use is not new.

Did you know we use essential oils when requested during massage?  Our most popular oil by far is lavender.  Lavender essential oil promotes feelings of calm and fight occasional nervous tension when inhaled but did you know it is also good for your skin?

We also use eucalyptus essential oil.  Eucalyptus globulus helps to relieve headaches and symptoms of cold and cough when inhaled.  Did you know that is it also good to help relieve joint or muscle pain associated with sprains, strains & rheumatoid arthritis?

Essential oils have so many uses that all the information can be a little overwhelming but their benefits are amazing!  A little research and you can open up a whole new world of self-care.  Wouldn’t it be fantastic to treat symptoms of illnesses without causing the harmful side effects that come with most modern medicines?

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Wait – Muscles are Organs? https://synergystix.com/wait-muscles-are-organs/ Wed, 06 Feb 2019 21:11:22 +0000 http://www.synergystix.com/?p=382 Movement Keeps Them Healthy Di Belzil, RMT, CDT/MLD If you stopped a random person on the street and asked them to list off all the organs in the body, you’d expect to hear: stomach, heart, brain, liver, et cetera. Maybe a few who payed attention in Biology class might list the pancreas, gall bladder, or […]

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Movement Keeps Them Healthy

Di Belzil, RMT, CDT/MLD

Running Man

If you stopped a random person on the street and asked them to list off all the organs in the body, you’d expect to hear: stomach, heart, brain, liver, et cetera. Maybe a few who payed attention in Biology class might list the pancreas, gall bladder, or spleen. And they’d be right, of course: these are all internal organs of the body, also known as the viscera.

What many people don’t realize, though, is that the skin, bones, and even your muscles are also on that list. An organ is simply a collection of tissues that work together to perform bodily functions. Skeletal muscles (the ones you have worked on during a massage) are organs that consist of muscle tissue, blood vessels, lymphatics, tendons, nerves, and the fascia that wraps around and within the organ. All these elements work together to ensure that the muscles can contract and relax on command so that our bodies can move—not bad for an organ that often gets left off the list!

In order to do this work for us, each muscle requires a constant inpouring of nutrients from the blood and outpouring of waste products into the lymphatic system. If this flow in and out of the muscle is impacted in any way, it will develop dysfunction just like any other organ would.

The primary way that the body maintains this flow in and out is through movement. Take, for example, feeling like your leg’s “fallen asleep” if you sit at your desk for hours without moving. What’s happening there? Well, your nerves, just like your muscles, need a constant flow of blood and lymph in order to function. If this gets lowered due to a postural stress (like sitting uncomfortably), then a tingling sensation—paresthesia—occurs. This tingling is the body’s way of letting us know that a nerve is not getting the nourishment it needs. The same can be said for a feeling of stiffness or achiness in the muscles. If you keep a muscle tightened up or stretched out for a long period of time, the blood and lymphatic vessels leading to and from the muscle will be impeded.

What is the universal solution to a leg that’s fallen asleep? Start moving! While it’s an uncomfortable sensation at first, after a few minutes of movement the circulation is restored and the tingling is gone. The same can be said for tired and achy muscles resulting from postural stress. Afterall, muscles are movement organs and they require movement to stay healthy.  

It can be scary to have a muscle, or group of muscles, suddenly start hurting. Muscle pain can be extremely debilitating and, if a resolution is not found, can reoccur chronically for years. Remembering that muscles are simply our movement organs can help to allay some of the fear that comes from muscle pain. After all, its only natural that a muscle held in the same position for most of the day would need to be exercised regularly to maintain healthy circulation and function. If this need goes unmet for long periods of time, it follows that dysfunction would occur.

Finding the time, space, and energy to move our bodies can be difficult in our society, particularly during busy times of the year. Massage Therapy and other health modalities are a useful supplement to regular exercise and can help get you back on track when your body has not had the chance to move as much as it needs. At the end of the day, though, the most important thing is to eke out some time on a regular basis for enjoyable movement.

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Women Need Chinese Medicine https://synergystix.com/why-women-need-traditional-chinese-medicine/ Wed, 06 Feb 2019 20:59:03 +0000 http://www.synergystix.com/?p=378 Why Women Need Traditional Chinese Medicine By Amy Lipsett, R.Ac, R.TCMP, FABORM Of all the women’s health issues that are successfully treated by Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), three repeatedly walk through my clinic doors; fertility issues, pregnancy, and menopause. Fertility issues plague many couples trying to conceive. The process of getting pregnant can filled with […]

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Why Women Need Traditional Chinese Medicine

By Amy Lipsett, R.Ac, R.TCMP, FABORM

Woman's Health



Of all the women’s health issues that are successfully treated by Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), three repeatedly walk through my clinic doors; fertility issues, pregnancy, and menopause.


Fertility issues plague many couples trying to conceive. The process of getting pregnant can filled with medical interventions, hormone therapy, financial loss and emotional turmoil. Acupuncture and TCM help couples conceive naturally, and can boost the effectiveness of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) such as In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). Studies have shown that conception rates increase when acupuncture is performed both before and after embryo transfer. Now, many fertility clinics offer
acupuncture services.


The goal of Chinese medical therapies is to not only improve the chances of conceiving, but to improve a women’s overall health. Whether the barriers to conception are irregular periods, high FSH, endometriosis, PCOS or recurrent miscarriages, TCM treats the underlying causes of infertility by improving circulation to reproductive organs, balancing hormones, and regulating the menstrual cycle. Increased stress levels are common when undergoing conventional fertility treatments. However, high stress levels are known to reduce fertility. Acupuncture naturally decreases stress hormones, boosts immune function and provides women with a greater sense of calm and relaxation.


Pregnancy and Acupuncture is a match made in heaven. The benefits are plentiful and the risks are minimal. Acupuncture is a safe, non-pharmaceutical way to alleviate the common issues suffered by women in the first trimester, such as morning sickness, heartburn, fatigue, anxiety, insomnia and headaches. Simple dietary changes, acupuncture and homemade ginger tea is often all that’s needed to alleviate nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy. As a pregnancy reaches the third trimester, the focus of treatment shifts to alleviating body aches and pains, turning breech babies, labour preparation and induction. Acupressure can be taught to patients and their partners to facilitate labour, and ease pain
during delivery.


Menopause is a natural process of changing hormone levels and the cessation of a women’s menstrual cycle. Some women sail through shifting hormone levels virtually symptom free, while others suffer through mood swings, hot flashes, night sweats, fatigue, depression, palpitations and weight gain. Diet and lifestyle changes can help reduce symptoms, while acupuncture and Chinese herbs can safely regulate hormone levels, ease insomnia, and slow the signs of aging. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and anti-depressants, sometimes prescribed to ease menopausal symptoms, come with some significant risks. Professional custom formulas with herbs such as rehmannia, moutan, anemarrhena and dioscorea can be taken with little risk of side effects, to ease the transition of menopause.


From adolescence to menopause and beyond, Traditional Chinese Medicine offers women symptom relief, safe alternatives to pharmaceuticals, and time tested advice. So, what are you waiting for?

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Maintaining Health with Self-Care https://synergystix.com/maintaining-health-with-self-care/ Wed, 06 Feb 2019 08:34:30 +0000 http://www.synergystix.com/?p=359 Look After Yourself by Léanne Hodgson RMT “As the health benefits of mindfulness based practises such as yoga, meditation and tai chi are receiving more recognition, so is the term “self-care”. Self-care is more than a catch phrase. It is essential in maintaining emotional, psychological and physical health. It can also act as a preventive […]

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Be Good To Yourself Heart

Look After Yourself

by Léanne Hodgson RMT

“As the health benefits of mindfulness based practises such as yoga, meditation and tai chi are receiving more recognition, so is the term “self-care”. Self-care is more than a catch phrase. It is essential in maintaining emotional, psychological and physical health. It can also act as a preventive measure against poor health and stress related illness, especially during cold and flu season.

What is Self-Care?

Self-care is defined as “health care provided by oneself without the consultation of a health care professional”.  It is largely based on personal needs and intended to accommodate an individual’s current state of health, schedule and resources. Many people that I’ve discussed developing a self-care routine with have openly admitted that they have never made themselves a priority and don’t know where to start, or that they are overrun with responsibilities and simply don’t have the time. Often self-care practices are first taken up when a person becomes critically ill or injured, is forced to take a time-out and prioritize themselves. It can be a challenging and painful process but usually results in the development of a self-care routine that eventually becomes a preventative measure against further illness or injury. 

Getting Started

The first step in self-care requires creating an internal dialogue that is focussed on your well-being. To do this, set aside a few moments daily to ask yourself some key questions. “Have I eaten a good meal yet today? Do I feel rested when I wake up/how is my quality of sleep? Are there tasks on my to-do list that I can eliminate or save for another day? Can I ask someone to help me with any of these tasks? When did I last spend time with a friend or had a good laugh? Am I getting outside and/or exercising regularly?” It is key to start small, keep it simple and cost effective.

Developing a self-care practice also means prioritising activities that routinely bring you joy and calm. If  you can take five to fifteen minutes a day just for yourself, whether it be to sit in silence, read a book, put on your favourite music, take a hot bath, candle gaze, journal, practice deep diaphragmatic breathing, or take a nap, you will feel more rested and reduce your stress levels significantly. If you are able to set aside more time, some great self-care activities include taking a class that leaves you feeling refreshed, scheduling regular massages, planning a vacation or a day trip, spending time in nature, or developing a hobby.

Benefits

The goal is to find activities that reduce stress. When you are calm, you activate the parasympathetic nervous system, a branch of the autonomic nervous system that triggers a relaxation response which decreases heart rate, reduces blood pressure and slows breathing, counteracting the fight or flight response. The more you engage your parasympathetic nervous system through self-care techniques, the more you will have increased energy levels, improved sleep quality and  immune function. 

As you spend time cultivating a self-care routine that suits your lifestyle, you will also develop an awareness of your body and mind, knowing when and what you need at the appropriate time. As your build upon your routine, you will be able to meet life’s challenges with more ease. Self-care can begin as a small commitment but if you stick  to it, you will see an improvement to your overall health and well being.

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Breastfeeding Posture Is Important https://synergystix.com/breastfeeding-posture/ Fri, 19 Oct 2018 08:56:33 +0000 http://www.synergystix.com/?p=329 By Jennifer Reuby, RMT From September 29-Oct.5th 2018 Peterborough celebrated world breastfeeding week. To stay with that theme here are some quick tips on posture while breastfeeding. Breastfeeding can have long term affects on posture because of the forward and protective positions the body goes through in order to nourish the baby. Whether that’s sitting […]

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By Jennifer Reuby, RMT

From September 29-Oct.5th 2018 Peterborough celebrated world breastfeeding week. To stay with that theme here are some quick tips on posture while breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding can have long term affects on posture because of the forward and protective positions the body goes through in order to nourish the baby. Whether that’s sitting in a chair, on the floor or laying in bed nursing it’s important to ensure good posture to avoid discomfort while feeding your child.

To help prevent long-term problems resulting from these forward, curled in positions here are some things that can help:

  • Use a breastfeeding pillow to help prop the baby in order to sit taller.
  • Try chair extensions – finding a chair that touches just below your shoulder blades and lean
    back while supporting your head. This will help put you in the opposite direction of what you’ve
    been doing.
  • Look up and give your neck a break from looking down.
  • Gather everything you need so you don’t need to get up and re-find your position.
  • Remember, both you and your baby need to be comfortable

This article lists 11 different breastfeeding positions that you can try so you can find a comfortable arrangement:
11 Breastfeeding Positions

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About Dehydration https://synergystix.com/dehydration/ Fri, 19 Oct 2018 08:55:27 +0000 http://www.synergystix.com/?p=327 Dehydration…A Common Problem of Many Conditions When the body’s cells do not receive enough water for metabolic processes, they are in a state of dehydration. The body gets dehydrated for various reasons including; stress, cooked foods, GMO foods, toxins in the environment, excess exercise, overeating, excess weight gain, frequent consumption of food or substances that […]

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Dehydration…A Common Problem of Many Conditions

When the body’s cells do not receive enough water for metabolic processes, they are in a state of dehydration. The body gets dehydrated for various reasons including; stress, cooked foods, GMO foods, toxins in the environment, excess exercise, overeating, excess weight gain, frequent consumption of food or substances that are stimulating e.g. meat, chocolate, hot spices, very salty foods, artificial sweeteners, narcotic drugs, energy drinks, sodas, nicotine, and of course sugars. As well most pharmacological drugs, lack of movement, regular consumption of coffee, alcohol, black tea which have a dehydrating effect on the body. Decaffeinated coffee and tea are extremely acidic and are more harmful than regular coffee and tea, and of course lack of water intake cause dehydration.

All of the above factors force the cells to give up water and thicken the blood. Substances like coffee, sodas, tea, contain nerve toxin compounds and when taken in excess they are a toxic irritant and stimulate the adrenals to secrete stress hormones. Stress hormones are highly toxic compounds that alter the blood chemistry, and cause damage to the nervous and immune system.

Through this weakening, the body becomes increasingly susceptible to other ailments. A weakened and suppressed immune system cannot detox the body of the nerve toxins. The body has to produce 2-3 cups of water just to remove stimulants, which is a luxury the body cannot afford. Stimulants have very strong dehydrating effect on digestive secretion, bile and blood. Therefore on should take care to have enough water intake. One should drink half their bodyweight in ounces of water per day.

Dehydration always accompanies chronic diseases and many diseases are caused by it. Bacteria and viruses cannot thrive in well hydrated body. A steady sufficient supply of water is vital to our brain in order to maintain all its complex and efficient processes, it requires more water than any other part of our body, consisting of 85% water.

Some facts:

  • 75% of people are chronically dehydrated.
  • A 2% drop in water can trigger short term memory trouble with basic math etc.
  • Slight dehydration will slow metabolism by 3%.
  • In 37% of people the thirst mechanism is mistaken for hunger.
  • Not drinking enough water is the number one cause of daytime fatigue.
  • Research shows, that drinking 8-10 glasses of water, could significantly ease joint and back pain for up to 80% of suffers.
  • Drinking 5 glasses of water decreases the risk of colon cancer by 45%, breast cancer by 79% and bladder cancer by 50%.

So drink up and stay well hydrated to keep yourself well oiled and running steady.

To your good health

Silvia Engels C.T.

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Not All Swimmers Are Made The Same https://synergystix.com/not-all-swimmers-are-made-the-same/ Fri, 19 Oct 2018 08:53:18 +0000 http://www.synergystix.com/?p=325 Improve Your Chances of Pregnancy When it comes to male fertility, plentiful, strong, fast moving, straight swimming sperm win the race! In Canada, approximately 16% of couples suffer with infertility, 30% of which are due to male infertility. As well, 30-40% of early miscarriages are due to genetic abnormalities related to sperm defects. The focus […]

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Improve Your Chances of Pregnancy

When it comes to male fertility, plentiful, strong, fast moving, straight swimming sperm win the race!

In Canada, approximately 16% of couples suffer with infertility, 30% of which are due to male infertility. As well, 30-40% of early miscarriages are due to genetic abnormalities related to sperm defects. The focus of infertility treatment tends to be concentrated on women, however the goal of having a healthy baby is equally dependent on both egg and sperm quality.

So what’s a man to do? Lifestyle factors can play a big part in improving sperm quality and quantity. If you’ve had semen analysis results that are less than optimal, take a critical look at your diet, lifestyle and exposure to toxic substances. Making changes over a 3 month period can make a significant difference in your reproductive health.

Here are a few things to consider….

Keep them cool! Testicles hang outside of the body for a reason. Sperm production is best at a cooler temperature, so avoid excessive heat to the testicles. That means avoiding hot tubs, saunas, long drives with heated seats, hot yoga and obesity (fat insulates).

Give them space! Squishing your testicles against your body will increase the temperature in
the scrotum and reduce circulation. Avoid tight fitting pants, sitting for extended periods of time
and long bike rides.

Limit your exposure to toxins. Cigarette smoking is a big factor in low sperm counts, low motility (how well the sperm swim), and poor morphology (how sperm are shaped). Quit smoking if you can (easier said than done but worth it), or at least dramatically reduce how much you smoke if you’re a moderate to heavy smoker.
Avoid recreational drugs and limit alcohol (no binge drinking!)
If you’re regularly exposed (i.e workplace) to toxic chemicals, paints, solvents, radiation, exhaust fumes etc., protect yourself and look for ways to limit your exposure.

Feed your sperm! A healthy body is the best way to create healthy sperm. Eat a wide variety of fresh vegetables, fruits, lean meats, and healthy fats. It’s best to avoid overly processed and deep fried foods. Certain nutrients are known to help with sperm production, such as antioxidants (vitamins E and C), zinc, selenium, vitamin D, and L-Carnitine to name a few. There are many good supplements for male fertility on the market.

Exercise your sperm! Well, exercise your body to improve your overall health and pump more blood around your body, including your testicles.

Get acupuncture! Don’t worry no needle and testicle shall meet! Acupuncture (and in many cases herbs) have been shown to benefit sperm production and quality. A usual treatment course is 10-12 acupuncture treatments in 6-12 weeks. Here’s some research https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0015028205005911

For more information about male infertility and acupuncture contact me at Chinese Medicine Peterborough. www.chinesemedicineptbo.com

Amy Lipsett, R.Ac, R.TCMP, FABORM
Fellow of the American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine

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Treating Pain https://synergystix.com/treating-pain-from-a-biopsychosocial-perspective/ Fri, 19 Oct 2018 08:50:11 +0000 http://www.synergystix.com/?p=323 Treating Pain from a Biopsychosocial Perspective Diane Belzil, RMT, CDT/MLD Pain is a tricky thing to understand, and in some ways the treatment of persistent pain (pain that continues for three months or more following an injury) has been moored to incorrect assumptions for decades. Luckily, it is becoming more and more common to find […]

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Treating Pain from a Biopsychosocial Perspective

Diane Belzil, RMT, CDT/MLD

Pain is a tricky thing to understand, and in some ways the treatment of persistent pain (pain that continues for three months or more following an injury) has been moored to incorrect assumptions for decades. Luckily, it is becoming more and more common to find reference to the biopsychosocial model of pain, which takes into account how our psychological and social environment impacts our biology, and vica versa.

Keeping this model in mind allows the person in pain and their health care professionals to better understand why pain behaves the way that it does. Have you ever noticed that a painful spot on your body becomes more painful when you’re tired? What about when you’re stressed? Another, more subtle, example is that the pain associated with a motor vehicle accident often increases when the person returns to the site of the accident. All of these are examples of how our psychological and social environment impacts our biology—in these cases, by increasing the amount of pain experienced.

In my discussions with clients, I often hear them express the fear that their pain is not real, that they are imagining it or need to “just get over it.” Our culture is so heavily saturated with phrases like “no pain, no gain” and “mind over matter” that many of us assume that it is our own weakness that continues the pain cycle—that if we could simply “suck it up” the pain would go away.

Pain is always real and, though it may have begun at the time of an injury, it can continue beyond the presence of any tissue damage. This can be confusing and frightening for the person in pain, especially if they are told by health professionals that there is nothing wrong with them. As Lorimer Moseley and David Butler lay out in their excellent series Explain Pain, pain is a protective mechanism designed to prevent injury, and, just like any other mechanism in the human body, it can become overactive and thereby overprotective. In fact, to complicate matters even further, tissue damage can often be asymptomatic (meaning no pain is experienced!). Dr. Moseley neatly lays out this incredible phenomenon in a TedTalk he gave a few years ago.

Much of the current clinical approach to treating persistent pain involves the teasing out of pain from injury, and educating the public about the difference. Australia is currently at the forefront of this new approach, with programs like Tame the Beast and Pain Revolution offering practical, holistic approaches to the treatment of persistent pain for Australians.

Thankfully, the message is quickly spreading around the world, with more courses being offered for health professionals in Canada and more books like Explain Pain available for professionals and the public alike. I’ll be headed to Toronto this Fall for a course on this topic —stay tuned in the next newsletter for an update on what I’ve learned.

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The Lymphatic System and Why It Matters https://synergystix.com/the-lymphatic-system-and-why-it-matters/ Fri, 25 May 2018 01:13:53 +0000 http://www.synergystix.com/?p=263 The Lymphatic System is a Waste Management System Bodies are a lot like cities. A central core, a network of connecting pathways that get smaller as they move outward, even a governing body that watches over the system and ensures that everything functions properly. The metaphor works surprisingly well, even down to the parts of […]

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The Lymphatic System is a Waste Management System

Bodies are a lot like cities. A central core, a network of connecting pathways that get smaller as they move outward, even a governing body that watches over the system and ensures that everything functions properly. The metaphor works surprisingly well, even down to the parts of bodies and cities that we forget—or simply never knew existed.

The average person does not know much about what happens to the garbage and recycling left out on the curb, or the water that runs through their pipes and into the sewers. When pressed, many of us could scramble together some details about landfills, recycling plants, and water processing facilities, but the reality is that most of us get foggy about the specifics of one of the most important functions of the cities we live in.

The Lymphatic System

The same thing is true about our bodies. Where do used up proteins go when cells are finished with them? Where are body fluids sifted through to make sure there aren’t any dangerous invaders like bacteria and viruses? How do bruises and swelling get reabsorbed?

When asked to answer these questions most people will think of the blood in the circulatory system. The truth is that the circulatory system only does half the job. Thanks to the heart, blood is pumped through the arteries and veins, bringing with it important hormones, nutrients, and fluid needed to keep tissues healthy. The nearby tissues then make use of these newly arrived substances, and, just like we do with our black bags and blue bins every week, these tissues throw out what they can’t use. The circulatory system is not equipped to reabsorb the vast majority of these waste products, so the body needs a separate system to meet that need: the lymphatic system.

Essentially, the lymphatic system functions as a drainage and filtration system for fluid and waste products. The lymphatic vessels, much like veins, shuttle the lymph (made up of fluid, waste products, fats, and immune cells) along through a series of lymph nodes, which filter the lymph and monitor it for any parasites and foreign substances. In this way, the lymphatic system is important for fluid balance, waste removal, and immune function.

Ever seen what happens when waste management workers go on strike? With that image in mind, you can get a pretty good idea of what can happen when the lymphatic system is not functioning optimally. Furthermore, build-up of waste products can develop even in a healthy lymphatic system that’s being challenged by, for example, a sprained ankle or a particularly nasty bruise.

Luckily, fluid movement through the lymphatic system can be sped up on your own using deep breathing techniques, and with the help of a therapist trained in Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD). An MLD session involves gentle, repetitive movements across the skin in specific patterns designed for maximum efficiency. This technique helps to move fluid from the interstitium into the lymphatic vessels, and to increase the force and rate of vessel contraction. While MLD is most well known for its treatment of primary and secondary lymphedema, the ubiquity and importance of the lymphatic system makes this technique useful for a wide variety of issues. It is particularly helpful in cases of acute non-infectious inflammation (like that sprained ankle I mentioned earlier), chronic congestion and digestive issues, and skin conditions including acne, scars, and burns. Generally, giving the lymphatic system an extra boost also helps to improve sleep, decrease anxiety, speed up healing, and promote relaxation.

Not bad for a system that many people haven’t heard of, eh?

Di Belzil, RMT Synergystix Partners in Health

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Acupuncture Improves IVF Treatment https://synergystix.com/6-ways-acupuncture-can-improve-ivf-treatments/ Fri, 25 May 2018 01:12:59 +0000 http://www.synergystix.com/?p=258 6 Ways Acupuncture Can Improve IVF Treatments With Mother’s Day having just passed, it struck me how often we as a society can take for granted the miracle of conceiving a child. Infertility, and difficulty getting or staying pregnant is an increasing problem. In Canada approximately 16% of couples struggle to create a family and […]

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Sperm swimming to egg

6 Ways Acupuncture Can Improve IVF Treatments

With Mother’s Day having just passed, it struck me how often we as a society can take for granted the miracle of conceiving a child. Infertility, and difficulty getting or staying pregnant is an increasing problem. In Canada approximately 16% of couples struggle to create a family and many look to In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) technology to help. Anyone who has used

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) can attest, that this is not an easy path to conception. IVF is an expensive, time consuming, stressful and at times physically demanding procedure. However when successful, it is simply amazing! Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine can be used with ART and specifically IVF to improve fertility and optimize outcomes. Here are 6 ways Acupuncture may help you on your fertility journey, along with some links to research articles.

1.Reduce stress and anxiety

The stress and anxiety that couples feel as they navigate IVF treatment is real and acute,
and in part inherent in the process. All steps necessary should be taken to help lower
this natural stress response to IVF treatments which may include regular exercise, yoga,
meditation and mindfulness practise and increased family support.
Acupuncture is good at down regulating the nervous system, creating a greater sense of
calm, improving sleep quality, and levelling out the emotional highs and lows that go
along with fertility treatments.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2904299/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24043383

2. Improve your body’s response to IVF medications

This is especially true for women of advanced maternal age, or who have diminished
ovarian reserve. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine used as a pre-treatment to
IVF may increase your ovarian response to fertility hormones and medication. This is
best done 3-6 months in advance of starting IVF. Creating a healthier environment and
increased blood flow to the ovaries assists in the early stages of egg development and
can increase sensitivity to hormonal influences.

3. Reduce the side effects of medications

Common medication side effects such as headaches, bloating, fatigue, lower abdominal
pain, and digestive upset can be diminished with the use of Acupuncture. This is a safe
form of treatment that does not negatively interfere with the IVF process. Herbal
medicine is not commonly combined with IVF medications but specific diet and lifestyle
recommendations may be used to reduce negative side effects.

4. Improve uterine blood flow and uterine lining thickness
A thick, receptive endometrial lining is key to a successful embryo transfer and
implantation. A trilaminar (three layered) 8+ mm uterine lining is optimal, and
acupuncture has been shown to increase blood flow to the uterus and assist in creating
a thick juicy lining. Multiple treatments often with electro-acupuncture are necessary to
affect growth of the uterine lining. Herbal medicine in addition to acupuncture may
improve results as well.
http://www.lotuscenter.com/pdf/pcrs07.pdf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=chinese+herbal+medicine+uterine+liing

5. Increase chance of a live birth

It seems obvious to say that at the end of fertility treatments you want a take home
baby. However, it is not uncommon for women to narrow their view towards a positive
pregnancy test, and stop seeing the whole picture. I have seen many women go ahead
with an embryo transfer when their uterine lining was marginally thick enough, when
their stress levels were through the roof, and they felt exhausted and unwell.
Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine have a long history of safely caring for
women in early pregnancy and optimizing health and well being. Healthy Mom and
healthy baby is the goal!
https://www.fertstert.org/article/S0015-0282(14)01755-5/abstract?code=fns-site

6. Reduce miscarriage rates

Miscarriage rates vary based on age, with rates increasing with advanced maternal age.
Women under the age of 40 years have a 12-26% miscarriage rate. Genetic
abnormalities with eggs and sperm increase with age, which is one of the main reasons
for increased infertility, and miscarriage rates (38-52%) in women over 40 years of age.
Approximately 50% of miscarriages are due to genetic abnormalities which generally
take place in the first trimester. Many factors can lead to miscarriage and acupuncture
is showing promising results in reducing miscarriage rates that are not due to genetic
abnormalities.

Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture can be used in preparation for IVF treatments.
How many treatments recommended in advance of an IVF cycle will vary with each individual,
however, as a general rule 3 months of preparation is ideal. In addition, many fertility clinics
have an onsite Acupuncturist to provide pre and post-embryo transfer treatments, which have
been shown to significantly increase IVF success rates.

To find out more about how Traditional Chinese Medicine can support you in your quest to create a family, contact Amy Lipsett, R.Ac,
R.TCMP.

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Fitness Instructors Are “Heart Wise” https://synergystix.com/trainers/ Fri, 24 Nov 2017 20:20:50 +0000 http://www.synergystix.com/?p=231 Nancy Smyth and Amanda Johnson Now”Heart Wise Exercise” Personal Trainers Synergystix Fitness is happy to announce that Nancy Smyth and Amanda Johnson have taken the course, passed the exam, and met all the requirements to be recognized as “Heart Wise Exercise” personal trainers Amanda says that this course has given them a far better understanding […]

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Nancy Smyth and Amanda Johnson Now”Heart Wise Exercise” Personal Trainers

Synergystix Fitness is happy to announce that Nancy Smyth and Amanda Johnson have taken the course, passed the exam, and met all the requirements to be recognized as “Heart Wise Exercise” personal trainers

Amanda says that this course has given them a far better understanding of working with people with chronic heart problems or those who have experienced a cardiac episode and have been given medical clearance to exercise.

Initial consultations are always free with no obligation. 705-7425128 Ext 2

Nancy Smyth

Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology
Heart Wise Exercise
Cancer Smart
Bone Fit
Canadian Professional Trainers Network

Amanda Johnson

Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology
Heart Wise Exercise
Older Adult Fitness Specialist
Can Fit Pro

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The Myth of “Good Posture” https://synergystix.com/myth-good-posture/ Fri, 24 Nov 2017 20:18:03 +0000 http://www.synergystix.com/?p=227 Good Posture Takes Effort Di Belzil, RMT Synergystix Partners in Health When most people think about posture, they hear phrases like “sit up straight,” “tuck in your chin,” or other catch-all correctives that many of us were told growing up. Over time, this creates an understanding of posture that involves holding the body in ways […]

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Good Posture Takes Effort

Di Belzil, RMT Synergystix Partners in Health

When most people think about posture, they hear phrases like “sit up straight,” “tuck in your chin,” or other catch-all correctives that many of us were told growing up. Over time, this creates an understanding of posture that involves holding the body in ways that feel unnatural, sometimes even painful. In fact, if you ask the average person to show you “good posture,” they will over-straighten the spine, puff out the chest, and stand with stiff, unbent knees. Standing like that is hard work, and as soon as your focus shifts elsewhere, so does your body.

The reason that it is so hard to change posture is that it is set by parts of the brain and spinal cord that aren’t under our conscious control, and is determined by a wide array of factors including mood, history of injury, and the posture of those we grew up with. The brain and spinal cord set posture based on information on joints, muscles, emotions, external surroundings, and body history. And, it does all of this without you having to be conscious of any of it!

Image shows both good and bad posture

For the most part, this is extremely useful: imagine how exhausting it would be if you had to consciously maintain posture every minute of every day, relaxing some muscles and contracting others so that you wouldn’t fall over! There is simply too much information contributing to posture for us to be in conscious control of it. Whether we like it or not, posture has to be a “mindless” enterprise so that we can focus our minds elsewhere.

In general, the postural system is designed to correct itself when necessary—consider how you instinctively shift your weight while standing in line, or stretch out after sitting for a long time. However, postural strains can develop if this correction is prevented from occurring, whether due to the person ignoring the signal to change position, or due to external circumstances like an uncomfortable office chair. To make matters even more complicated, some people are more likely to develop postural strains than others, and everyone’s vulnerability increases with age.

For these reasons, postural correction is not a simple process, nor is it something that every person needs. Figuring out if postural correction is the approach for you, and then going about actively addressing the issue, involves three key factors: client engagement, creativity, and, most of all, time.

1. Client Engagement
The first step in determining if postural correction is the right approach to you, is determining the relationship between the pain that you’re feeling and the ways that you hold your body day-to-day. Does your job require you to sit or stand in one position for long periods (such as sitting at a desk, or working on a factory line)? Or do you have to perform repetitive movements throughout the day (such as typing, lifting, or twisting)? Some of these factors can be easily eliminated through ergonomic adjustments, and some require more in-depth solutions. Learning to suss out what movements, positions, and parts of your body are playing a role in your pain is crucial to eliminating it.

2. Creativity
There is no such thing as a singular “good” or “correct” posture: each person has their own version of a comfortable and easy way to hold their body up, and even this is not always attainable due to injury and/or disability. Postural correction is a unique process for each person, and often the best solutions are found through a creative approach. With the help of your massage therapist and other health care practitioners, you can experiment with different homecare exercises, treatment approaches, and changes in habit to find the best solution(s) for you.

3. Time
Last but not least, it is important to remember that what takes a long time to build up, takes a long time to take down. This is especially true with postural changes, as posture tends to be firmly rooted in deeply held beliefs about ourselves and our environments. Though postural changes are often easy to maintain once they have “sunk in,” establishing these changes takes hard work and a commitment to the process from both the therapist and the client.
At the end of the day, the goal is to find your best posture, one that accommodates any sites of injury or disability, and allows for the freest joint movement possible. If there is such a thing as “good” posture, it should be mindless, easy, and unique to each person.

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