Introducing The Dolphin

A new proven way method for reducing stress while improving immunity, sleep and digestion

We are excited to announce that Therapeutic Bodywork is now offering the Dolphin Vagal Nerve Stimulator treatment as an add on to a CranioSacral Therapy session for $30.  

The Dolphin, is a microcurrent device that haas been proven in studies to reduce stress, balance the nervous system and increase parasympathetic function of healing, recovery, immunity, rest, digest and repair. The government of Canada has approved the Dolphin device for use in the treatment of acute and long haul COVID because of its ability to improve the body's natural ability to regulate the inflammatory response.

The Dolphin is a passive Vagal Nerve Stimulation treatment which applies direct low-frequency microcurrent stimulation to the ear and throughout the entire vagus nerve track providing deep vagal tone enhancement.  It “mimics” the human nervous system and promotes electrical re-balance of cells. 

The vagus nerve is the major nerve of the parasympathetic nervous system which controls our immune response to inflammation and pulmonary functioning. It represents 80% of the rest-repair-heal cycle in the body. 

If you are experiencing high levels of stress, inflammation, recovering from long COVID or just want to boost your immune system, consider adding the Dolphin to your self-care regiment.

Check out our quick video below where we demonstrate how to use the Dolphin.

Boost Your Immune System with Acupuncture + Herbs

It’s important to have a healthy immune system, no matter what time of year it is. However, late fall and winter, commonly dubbed “cold and flu season,” provides an extra reason to keep your immune system in tip-top shape! Once a pathogen is able enter the body, it’s up to your body’s cells to protect you. Acupuncture helps these disease-fighting cells to work their best and protect you from illness. Acupuncture is proven to increase the amount of your body’s immune cells, such as the red blood cells, white blood cells, and T-cells.

Your immune system relies on your body’s overall health to maintain its effectiveness. Poor nutrition and stress both increase your risk of getting sick. Especially during winter, when your body is handling the cold weather, the busy nature of the holidays, and the surplus of sweet treats, it’s easy to see how this time of year is known as ‘cold and flu season’

The Traditional Chinese Medical diagnosis for these pathogenic invasions almost always involve the presence of Wind. In Chinese Medicine, Wind is capable of invading the body through the channels, mostly at the nape of the neck. Wind may look like a rash, body aches, chill, or itchiness. 

One of the most important and easiest things you can do for your health in the winter is always protect your neck from wind and cold. 

Featured Product:

Yu Ping Feng San

Yu ping feng san, or “Jade Windscreen,” has been used in East Asia for over 800 years, with records dating back to the writings of the scholar Zhu Dan Xi in 1347. As its name illustrates, the Jade Windscreen formula supports and enriches the Wei Qi, or protective Qi, in guarding against harmful influences entering the body.

Three main ingredients:

Huang Qi: Astragalus root- common western herb for augmenting the immune system, excellent for strengthening the spleen and the lungs. 

Bai Zhu: Atractylodes- dries dampness (congestion), and strengthens the spleen. 

Fang Feng: Siler root- releases the exterior (where wind resides) and clears wind. 

I look forward to seeing you on my Acupuncture table this winter to support your body’s immune system and help keep you healthy throughout the winter.

Fondly,

Christina

Book with Christina on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays + Saturdays

Lymphatic Detox Massage

Feeling sluggish, bloated? Or maybe you’ve just recovered from surgery or a vaccine injection. Perhaps you’ve just simply overindulged around the holidays and are looking for a simple way to give your body a detoxification boost. Whatever the reason, there’s no denying that Lymphatic Detox Massage is on the rise and for good reason.

A Lymphatic Detox Massage can support your detox pathways and help to filter out viral debris. It is great for autoimmune disease, acne, rosacea, sinusitis, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, chronic pain, lymes disease and constipation. It is also a wonderful technique for healthy individuals who are wanting to boost their immune function and feel their best.

What is a Lymphatic Detox Massage?

Lymphatic Detox Massage is a very specific technique that works on the lymphatic system by using systemic massage movements combined with sincere intuition. A rhythmic, gentle motion is used, in the direction of the lymph flow to encourage lymphatic movement. This lymphatic system plays a vital role in our health and is essential to our immunity. Unlike the cardiovascular system, your lymphatic system does not have a built-in pump — which is why the lymphatic system needs manual “draining” in order to keep the system humming optimally. When it slows, immune health is compromised.

A Lymphatic Detox Massage can encourage the circulation of lymphatic fluid through your body via pressure and motion, hence increasing detoxification and immunity. Although far from a ‘deep tissue’ massage, this modality can be incredibly effective and healing. The sweeping and rhythmic movements also encourage the response of the parasympathetic nervous system, where deep healing takes place.

Ways to promote Lymphatic Movement:

A good place to start is your physical health and diet. 

● Exercise: Movement is great for your lymph nodes.

● Eat A Healthier Diet: Consume plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits. This keeps your lymphatic system clean (along with the rest of your body). 

● Drink Water: It helps your lymphatic system and other organs function properly. 

● AVOID: Sugary drinks and sweets. These items overwork the system. 

● Walking! Just a 10 minute walk in the fresh air will help to get the lymphatic system moving.

Hope to see you soon for your next immune boosting Lymphatic Detox Massage!

Jackie Lunato is devoted to helping her clients achieve optimum health and balance through a holistic approach to massage therapy, bodywork, energy healing and nutrition. A Licensed Massage Therapist since 2007, Jackie also holds certifications across a broad spectrum of fields including Reiki, Ayurvedic Bodywork, Healing Hot Stone Massage, Prenatal Massage, Aromatouch Technique (using DoTerra essential oils), and Lymphatic Drainage Detox massage. Book with Jackie on Mondays, Thursdays + Saturdays.

Welcome Reflexologist, Sarah Sullivan

We couldn't be more excited to announce the addition of Sarah Sullivan to our Reflexology Team!

Sarah, who has a background in the field of health and wellness, has officially completed Michelle Becz's Reflexology training program and is ready to see clients on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

Sarah's strong, intuitive touch, along with her passion for health and wellness, contribute to a deeply healing and restorative session. She is already receiving rave reviews from her clinical hours and she looks forward to customizing a session specific to your needs.

For a limited time, Sarah is offering a complimentary Sweet Dreams Magnesium Add-On to every 75 and 90 minute session.

Magnesium is an essential mineral for human health and it has been said that more than half of Americans are deficient in magnesium, leading to a myriad of health issues. Adding a topical magnesium can promote deep relaxation and restful sleep, reduce leg cramps and restless leg syndrome, increase detoxification in the body, and improve mood.

*offer expires 10/29/21

*valid on one session/per client

Easing Out of Summer

There are subtle shifts in the air as we begin to move from the intense energy and heat of summer to shorter, quieter days. This season, which runs from the third week of August until the Autumn Equinox, is recognized in Chinese Medicine as Late Summer and corresponds with the Earth element. Even though Late Summer is a short season, it can be marked with intense transformation in nature and within yourself.

This shift from Summer to Late Summer is when we begin our transition from the most Yang (hot, bright, active) time of year to a more Yin (reflective, quiet, still, cool) time of year. The days can still be warm and sunny, but there is less humidity, the temps cool, and nature around us starts to slowly change. It is a time for centering and simplicity and adjusting our lives accordingly. It is time to start slowing down.

This Late Summer season resonate with the Stomach and the Spleen. Together they are responsible for our digestive health and our immune systems. When Spleen and Stomach are in balance, we would expect a healthy and regular digestion, strong immune defenses, good energy, relaxed mood, and well-developed or defined muscles. Conversely, when Spleen and Stomach are weak we often see digestive imbalance, low immune system with frequent colds, flu, or allergies, low energy, excessive worry or anxiety and feelings of being stuck.

Live in sync with the Late Summer season and boost the vitality of your Stomach/Spleen with these helpful tips:

1. Warm It Up: It’s time to move away from the smoothies and cold, raw salads and start cooking your food again. Cold raw food creates dampness in the spleen, which interferes with its role of the transportation and transformation of nutrients and energy, and its ability to produce qi and blood. Warm, nourishing foods are the key this season.

2. Get Moving: Regular exercise in the Late Summer season will help move the blood and circulation and stave off the excess worry that can be associated with the season. Dance, yoga, brisk walking - anything that feels good to your body.

3. Get Outside: Seeing as this season is related to the Earth element - get outside and connect with the Earth. Try just walking barefoot in your yard to soak up some of the Earth’s grounding energy.

4. Eat Yellow + Orange: Yellow and orange correspond to the spleen - so eating foods like squash, sweet potatoes, papaya, pumpkin is incredibly nourishing.

5. Get Your Acupuncture: Using your regular acupuncture sessions to support your Stomach/Spleen will support your digestive system and your immune system and help set you up for a healthy winter ahead. You’ll also feel more grounded and relaxed by supporting these organs through your acupuncture sessions.