In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, we often overlook the power of something as simple as our breath. Yet, the way we breathe can significantly impact our overall well-being. Today, we're going to embark on a journey into the world of Buteyko Breathing and explore how it can work wonders for your mind and body. Calming the Nervous System Feeling stressed or anxious? Buteyko Breathing can be your secret weapon! This technique is all about focusing on slow, controlled breaths through your nose. It's like a soothing balm for your nervous system. By practicing Buteyko Breathing, you activ ..read more

Have you ever heard of something called "vagal tone"? It might sound like medical jargon, but understanding and enhancing your vagal tone can have a significant impact on your overall health and well-being. In this article, we'll break down what vagal tone is and explore some straightforward methods, including the Basic Exercise by Stanley Rosenberg, which incorporates eye positioning, to increase it. What is Vagal Tone? The vagus nerve, also known as the "wandering nerve," is one of the longest nerves in your body, running from your brainstem down through your chest and into your abdomen. Thi ..read more

Pain, whether acute or chronic, can significantly impact one's quality of life, making even the simplest tasks feel like monumental challenges. While traditional pain management techniques offer relief to many, the world of medical science is ever-evolving, giving rise to innovative approaches that aim to alleviate discomfort more effectively. One such breakthrough in pain management is Microcurrent Point Stimulation (MPS), a non-invasive and drug-free therapy that has garnered attention for its remarkable benefits in pain relief. Understanding MPS: A Brief Overview Microcurrent Point Stimulat ..read more

Neck pain or lack of mobility is one of the most common reasons people come in for treatment. The cause of neck pain can stem from all sorts of things ranging from poor posture, incorrect biomechanics, muscle imbalances (weakness or tightness), to previous neck traumas such as a whiplash force or an impact, long hours looking down at devices and this is only a few possibilities. At some point, everyone has suffered from neck pain. Most people do a few quick stretches, take an OTC med, apply some ice or heat and hope that it goes away quickly. A few may even seek out short term treatment such a ..read more

Motherhood is an exciting time but can come with unexpected challenges such as having a C-Birth. Nearly one-third of births in Canada are performed by cesarean section or C-section. Yet outside of infection prevention suggestions, very little post surgical care is offered to women. C-section scars can come with traumatic feelings and emotions which can activate your body’s stress response. This can impact how your body heals, creating tightness in the surrounding muscles or tissues and reduced circulation. Overtime, cesarean scar tightness and scar pain can impact abdominal muscle strength and ..read more

Most people experience tension but do not always recognize how to make it go away. A deep tissue massage is beneficial to reduce stress and pain in affected areas.  A deep tissue massage involves applying continued pressure with slow, deep strokes to a targeted area. This type of massage is excellent for chronic muscle problems, soreness, tension, or imbalance.    The work is focused on where the strain or injury occurs to reach the inner layers of muscles and connective tissues. The scar tissue that typically forms after a ..read more

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a joint that is prone to dysfunction, but is also commonly overlooked in manual therapy. TMJ dysfunction can cause headaches, jaw pain, ear pain, neck pain, clicking, popping, locking, and other discomforts. Did you know that masseter, the muscle in our cheeks that helps us chew, is the strongest muscle in our body? Not only does it help us break down our meals, it is also a muscle that commonly holds stress (try unclenching your jaw as you read this now – that’ll give masseter a much needed break). Grind your teeth at night? Same thing, the jaw and it ..read more

Swollen ankles during pregnancy are a reasonably common occurrence. It’s not necessarily a sign of a life-threatening event, more of an annoyance. Still, it is caused by the body’s circulatory system coming under increasing stress as the body retains more water. MLD, or manual lymphatic drainage, can help treat swollen ankles during pregnancy and is a non-invasive option for many moms.   How does MLD help treat my swollen ankles? Manual lymphatic drainage, more commonly known as MLD, is a particular form of gentle, light touch massage which helps with improving the efficiency of the body ..read more

Prenatal or pregnancy massages in Calgary have become more prevalent in recent years. Pregnancy massages are particularly beneficial and are a great way to relax and unwind from the stresses of pregnancy. However, it’s essential to know how pregnancy massages differ from typical deep tissue massages. The top three differences between pregnancy and regular massage therapy are listed below.  Modified Positioning  The techniques used during a pregnancy massage are different from regular massage therapy to accommodate the changes that women undergo during the course of pregnancy and to a ..read more

The NADA (National Acupuncture Detoxification Association) Protocol used in Community Acupuncture consists of 5 acupuncture points in each ear that together promote stress relief, addiction recovery, and overall balance in the body.  But each of these 5 points has its own unique benefits - encompassing both biomedical and Traditional Chinese Medicine functions.  Let's take a look at what each one does!  Sympathetic:  - Promotes a balance between the sympathetic (fight or flight) and parasympathetic (rest and digest) branches of the nervous system.  - Soothes emotion ..read more