Most often people associate going to a chiropractor for the treatment of low back and neck pain. Although chiropractors do effectively treat pain in the neck and low back, they also address your health through a preventative-holistic model. Your treatment from the chiropractor will often include manual therapy, exercise, diet and other healthy lifestyle modifications to keep you strong and functioning at your optimal levels. 

Pain is only a small fraction of the big picture and is the body's natural defence mechanism to alert the brain about a deeper problem occurring somewhere else in the body. Pain does not necessarily tell you what or where the problem is, it only tells you there is a problem hence, using a pain-based model is not an accurate measure of health. The job of the chiropractor is to find the root cause of what is eliciting the pain and address the problem by altering or eliminating the pain mechanism.

How do chiropractors find the root cause of your problem?

            Through the process of history taking and a physical examination, a chiropractic doctor will gather clinical information about a patient's presenting symptom(s) with the end goal of formulating a diagnosis. The diagnosis will provide the clinician with a big picture of the patient's general health and presenting complaint(s).

The identification of a spinal joint dysfunction or vertebral subluxation is one of the chiropractor's primary goals. A spinal subluxation is a misalignment of the vertebrae in your spine which leads to altered tissue, abnormal motion, compensation, pain, and poor nerve function.

Pain and dysfunction(s) arise in the body when these subluxations are present. They result in a less efficient nervous system, causing a diminished immune response which can lead to an increased likelihood of getting sick or worse, disease. Think of your nervous system or nerves as a water-hose; water/ electrical flow is best when the hose (nerve) has no impedance. Contrary, when a kink (vertebral subluxation) is present, the flow becomes weakened and compromised.

The central nervous system is the most important domain to a healthy functioning body. Your nervous system is composed of your brain and spinal cord and has influence on most bodily functions, such as awareness, motor movement, sensation, organ function, speech, and memory. It is important to have free-flowing communication between these structures and nerves in order to have a strong-responsive body.

By finding and addressing these spinal subluxations, chiropractors invariably improve nervous system function via an adjustment. A decrease in pain is a direct result from a better functioning nervous system.

Chiropractic treatments are guided by simple rules of science, whereby an external stimulus from a chiropractic adjustment will cause an internal response and reorganization of bodily systems. This reorganization is a direct result of neurological input to the central nervous system which promotes adaptive change and restoration in health. Chiropractor's do not 'fix' the spine, rather we provide the stimulus that your body needs in order to facilitate its own healing process.

Some Benefits of chiropractic and spinal manipulation include,

~ increased mobility
~ improved immune function
~ increased energy and vigour
~ decreased pain
~ greater mind-body connection
~ increased proprioception and awareness
~ reduced pressure off nerves to promote enhanced nerve conduction
~ reduced stress and enhanced relaxation
~ quicker recovery time
~ increased circulation and nutrient supply
~ improved sleep

Ideally establishing a preventative and proactive lifestyle before pain arises, is the course one should strive for. Take an active approach to your health and book your spinal check up.


By:  Albert Huang, DC

The 4 Super Detox Spices you need to feel lighter, more energy and your best self!

By: Piera Bonventre H.D, C.N.C, C.P.T

Cleansing the body and “doing a detox” may seem like the new cool trendy thing to do.  However it has been an ancient healing practice, given to us by the great healers of the past.  Eastern medicine in particular relies intensely on the principles of using the natural fruits of our earth like herbs and spices to help the body release harmful toxins.  Toxins in our air, water, and food impedes the body's functions, the mind's thought processes and the entire energetic system. 

The earth has given us powerfully healing substances like spices and herbs which are potent and concentrated plant source medicines.  The best spices for cleansing are those that have a warming effect, which encourages elimination, assimilation and regeneration of all the cells in the body.  Warming herbs also increase the metabolism and augment the weight loss affects of a good cleansing detox.

The following 4 super spices are included in the Spice Trader's Detox Kit.  These work synergistically to help the body eliminate toxins in a gentle, and healthy way.  Remember that a detox must include a healthy diet composed of mainly fruits, veggies, and plenty amounts of filtered water and herbal teas.  This allows the body to channel all energy into elimination and not into the actual digestion of food.  Best results are also seen when all caffeine is cut out as well.

Cayenne Pepper:

The power of this spice lies in it's content of capsaicin, a potent stimulating phytochemical.  It stimulates the digestive system and in particular the main detoxifying organ – our liver!  By aiding this organ to do it's own natural thing, we assist the body to eliminate toxins, excess fats, and increase the enzymatic functions of the liver.  Also Cayenne is a high source of Vitamin C, and as an anti oxidant it will help neutralize any free radicals released and strengthen the immune system while your body is going through the cleansing process.

How to use it best:  Every morning, and before breakfast, consume a warm glass of water, with a pinch of cayenne and a spritz of fresh lemon juice.  Wait at least half hour before eating your first meal of the day.  Cayenne is great because it can also be added to the cleansing diet, which tends to be somewhat bland.  Sprinkle it in your veggies stews, in brown rice or quinoa pilafs or on avocado for a hot treat.

Ginger: 

I love this herb! It is rich in nutrients that help feed the body and protect it from inflammation, digestive upsets like nausea, and helps release toxins stored in the colon.  The reason the Japanese combine ginger with raw sushi, is that it helps break down the protein and helps kill any possible  bacteria present in the fish.  So it's obvious how this anti bacterial property is so complimentary to our efforts to cleanse old stored toxins and debris from our bodies.  Ginger also will help diminish any potential side affects that come with a cleansing program like nausea, or digestive upset due to the detoxifying effects. 

How to use it best:  A pinch of ginger daily added to your morning cayenne water is ideal.  The ginger will help the digestive system rev up and be ready for the day.  Ginger can also be added to a green juice drink, like kale and cucumber as a great revitalizing snack between your main meals of the day.  Use ginger after a meal as well, to help digest and break down your food thereby helping your body during the cleansing process. 

Rosemary:

This is a powerhouse herb! It is antibacterial, anti fungal, antiviral, and has a profound decongesting affect on the liver.  The liver can become congested with toxins from an unhealthy diet of processed food,  alcohol, nicotine, and overeating of sugars and fats. Our colons can also be a breeding ground for nasty bugs and fungus.  Rosemary will ensure these are kept in check.  It will also stimulate the circulation thereby shuttling out waste out the colon more efficiently.   Also noteworthy is it's ability to increase the circulation to the brain. This is quite helpful when on a detox because we can often feel mentally foggy from the effects of releasing so many toxins at once.

How to use it best:  Rosemary can be added to many foods like soups and casseroles during cooking. Also it gives a nice aromatic lift to a green smoothie or juice drink. 

Tumeric:

Tumeric deserves huge high fives all around.  I'm a big promoter of this herb to my clients because it is immensely effective for combatting joint and overall systemic inflammation. It's high anti oxidant content fights free radical damage and gives you more youthful skin.  It also supports the liver by increasing  its enzymatic activity, so you can lose those excess pounds more efficiently.  The active ingredient is curcumin and scientific research substantiates it's beneficial effects for healing arthritis, muscle and joint pains from injuries, overuse or from being overweight.  Curcumin being a great anti inflammatory will also aid those with cardiac conditions and heart disease.  It heals the walls of the arteries and helps keep them free of inflammation.   Less inflammation in the body means you can help your body prevent illness or chronic disease. 

How to use it best:
 
The golden colour and deeply aromatic nature of Tumeric lends itself best to simpler dishes and meals. This makes transitioning to a new healthy diet much more pleasing because you won't sacrifice the flavour and can make some delicious tasting dishes.  Add into simmering veggies stews, brown rice and quinoa dishes and especially goes well with plain tofu giving it a more robust flavour.  Use small amounts as a little goes a long way.  Also the pungency of tumeric intensifies the longer it is cooked. To help increase digestion after a meal, and as a cleansing tool add a ¼ teaspoon to a warm glass of water, and also add a pinch of ginger, and squeeze of lemon juice.

The key to wellness and great health is in prevention.  By using the herbs and spices in this kit, you will nourish the body and help it detoxify in a more gentle but effective way.  Remember to drink plenty of filtered water, and eat a “clean” diet by eliminating animal products (including dairy), wheat, sugar, and all processed foods.  Without a solid and healthful diet the cleansing effects will be lost.  Enjoy spicing it up and many wishes of wellness to you all.

So many of us indulged.  Some more than others. And why not? We work hard, and we need to play hard sometimes too. So no guilt trips here.  I'm all about balance my friends.

But you may be feeling a little out of sorts. Maybe low on energy?  Do the jeans feel a little tight? A little foggy and having a hard time getting out of bed in the morning?

Well a good detox will alleviate the post holiday bloat and help get that metabolism revved up to lose the extra pounds you might have piled on. 
   
     Have no fear, Piera the detox Queen is here! Let's DETOX!
 
My Detox plan will :

 - Give you MORE ENERGY! And who doesn't need that? Less toxins means less of a burden to your body,  therefore freeing up more energy for you to feel awesome VITALITY!

- Allow you to clean out your colon which means better absorption and assimilation of vitamins, and minerals. So you actually get more out of your food without eating more food,  which lessens cravings and promotes a healthy weight. 

- Improve mental Focus!  Accumulated toxins in the body contribute to a lack of concentration, and poor brain function overall.  Also ailments like chronic fatigue,sleep disturbances and anxiety or depression can be healed by lessening the toxic load and getting your system clean.

 - Help prevent disease!  Cleansing helps us to eliminate toxic chemicals, and old stuff that may be hanging out in our digestive tract.  When stuff hangs out too long in the colon, it creates a breeding ground for bacteria to multiply and digestive disease and inflammation to result.  A healthy gut = a longer, more heathy life.

For a full consultation that will address your particular detox needs book an  appointment with me at Platinum Health & Wellness www.platinumhealth.ca.  I will provide you a tailored and individualized detox program that includes:
 
- A specific "clean diet" so that you can prepare your digestive system for a full cleanse/detox without shocking your body, and allowing you to avoid huge withdrawal or detox symptoms.  I want this to be a safe and gentle experience. Cleansing can cause discomfort, however there are ways to make the  journey a less bumpy ride ;)
 
- A protocol of specific herbs to cleanse the colon.   

- A specific protocol of supplements that will assist the body to detox, and support your vital organs (mainly liver, gallbladder, kidneys and colon) throughout the process.

- Exercise, water, and other therapy recommendations to assist the cleanse/detox process.  
 
- Breath work instruction to assist the release of toxins and help you connect to your own healing potential.
 
If you have any questions and to book your appointment you can reach me at:

Piera Bonventre, H.D
647-351-7282
http://platinumhealth.ca
 
Here's to a cleansed, energized new you in 2013!!!
 
Namaste