Vol. 27 May 2012
In this Issue

• Massage Therapy Can Help You!
• New Acupuncture Research Coauthored by Dr. Tanaka
• Overactive Bladder and Acupuncture
• Seasonal Recipe
• Dr. Tanaka Has Co-Authored a Textbook of Massage Therapy (the Second Impression)
• Comments

Massage Therapy Can Help You!
Nicole Basque, B.A. RMT

As a Registered Massage Therapist I feel that a thorough treatment includes educating my clients about their bodies. Most people are curious to know how massage can help, and what suggestions I have for them as their health care professional. I am always eager to suggest different ways my clients can maximize their massage therapy experience, and work with me towards well being. Here are a few tips I like to share:

Our bodies react and adapt to repetitive actions

It may sound bizarre, but muscles have memory. The more you put your body through a motion, the easier it will become to perform that motion. For example, as soon as you learn how to walk, you practice and practice, and it eventually becomes automatic. Other examples of muscle memory include learning to play a sport, learning to play a new instrument, or writing.

Many of us have been trained to sit at a desk for five to eight hours a day, allowing us to be at ease in the seated position. As a result, standing becomes difficult, and at times even painful. Performing any activity for more hours than not on a daily basis creates habits in your body. These habits manifest as constant muscle contraction, and can perpetuate even when you aren’t performing specific activities. The most active muscles in the body therefore tend to remain contracted even at rest.

Our bodies crave balance

Simply, the muscles in our body can be categorized as pushers and pullers. Ideally, both groups are equally strong, and can compensate for each other. Commonly, one set is overused, the other underused or even weak.

If the pullers work hard all day, the pushers become lazy. When it is time for the pushers to take over, they are unable to do so properly. This usually causes pain, improper motion, and can trigger other unrelated muscles to become involved.

Our bodies are adaptive, so muscles will constantly compensate for each other. This can continue until the root problem resurfaces and we are forced to seek treatment.

Massage Therapy can help you

Swedish Massage Techniques (which most RMTs use as base techniques), aim to increase circulation, decrease anxiety and increase well-being. The strokes flow from the origin and insertion points of the muscle towards the heart so that the muscles can be brought back to their resting length. Massage calms tense muscles and helps the client feel centered within their body.

The goal of massage therapy is to help return the muscles of the body to their resting length. It can help remind the body that it should be at ease with its muscles working in balance.

Massage can also help with anxiety. Stress is often the main cause for muscle tension. Massage therapy is a way to calm the muscles manually, which in turn will help ease the mind. The increase in circulation helps you feel refreshed and soothed. The dissolved muscle tension helps you feel connected to your body.

YOU can help yourself too

Self care is the key for massage therapy to be fully effective for clients. Because massage therapy appointments are generally an hour every 2-6 weeks (depending on the condition), the rest of the healing is mainly done by the client at home. Suggested strengthening and stretching exercises are paramount in helping clients maximize the benefits of massage therapy. It doesn’t take very much time to do (usually 15-30 minutes a day, maximum), and it will help you achieve your pain-free goals quickly.

Attitude is also essential in helping yourself deal with physical pain. If stress is the main cause of muscle pain, find the cause of stress and deal with it. It is never too late to create a happy life for yourself.

Massage Therapy is a great, natural way to get to know your body, and to take care of it.

Nicole Basque has been working at The Pacific Wellness Institute since November 2009. She loves to treat the body as a whole and believes in holistic wellness. She is experienced in many treatments including simple relaxation, injuries, chronic conditions, and pregnancy.

New Acupuncture Research Coauthored by Dr. Tanaka

A study entitled “Is there any difference in human pupillary reaction to acupuncture between light- and dark-adaptive conditions? ” was published in the Journal Acupuncture in Medicine of BMJ Publications in March 2012.

This is the series of the third research paper evaluating effects of acupuncture stimulation on human autonomic nervous system through pupillary observation. A specific acupuncture technique used in this research has been shown to induce a favorable response in our autonomic nervous system (the nervous system that regulates most of our internal organs).

Mori, H., Kuge, H., Tanaka, T. H. et al. Is there any difference in human pupillary reaction to acupuncture between light- and dark-adaptive conditions?  Acupunct Med doi:10.1136/acupmed-2011-010106

Overactive Bladder and Acupuncture
Tim H. Tanaka, Ph.D.

Acupuncture has traditionally been utilized to treat a variety of urinary bladder dysfunctions and symptoms.

Research studies have suggested that acupuncture may be effective in treating chronic prostatitis and chronic pelvic pain syndrome, preventing recurrent urinary tract infections, and relieving recurrent cystitis and overactive bladder. The exact mechanisms by which acupuncture works for certain individuals with urinary symptoms are unknown. However, it has been suggested that acupuncture elicits autonomic responses that exert a modulation effect on the nerves that control bladder function. In addition, acupuncture has been shown to positively influence the immune system and psycho-emotional status, and these effects may also benefit certain individuals with urinary symptoms. Here, I primarily discuss how acupuncture works in the management of overactive bladder symptoms. Read the full article on AcupunctureMoxibustion.com.

Seasonal Recipe
Pacific Rim Stir Fry
Susan Oi-kwan Wong, D.Ac

Tofu is a soybean based food that has been made in China for thousands of years.  With a high nutritional content of protein and calcium, tofu (made with non- genetically modified soybeans) is an excellent addition to your daily cuisine.

As tofu absorbs many flavours of spices and marinades, it is complementary to many dishes.  That’s why there are many different ways tofu can be prepared.  Tofu can be prepared in a “silken” form, in which it has a softer and smoother texture making it great for desserts (like vegan baking).  It can also be prepared as a “firm” form, where it is denser and holds its shape well.  This makes firm tofu well suitable for being fried, steamed, baked or grilled, as a meat alternative.

As tofu gains popularity in our Western culture, tofu is available in many markets.  But make sure to use fresh bean curd quickly, as it can go bad.

Pacific Rim Stir Fry

Ingredients:

• 1 Package Medium Firm Tofu, well drained and cut into ½” cubes
• 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
• 1 clove Garlic, chopped
• ¼ cup Onion, chopped
• ½ cup Green and/ or red peppers, chopped
• ½ cup snow peas
• 1½ tbsp Black bean sauce (can buy a small package in the supermarket)
• 1½ tsp Light soy sauce
• 1 tsp Fresh ground chili (option)
• ¼ cup Water
• 1 tsp Sesame oil
• Cornstarch solution: 1 tbsp. Cornstarch 1½   tbsp Water

Method

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or frying pan over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and stir-fry until you begin to smell aroma.
3. Add onion, peppers, and snow peas and then stir fry for 1 minute.
4. Add firm tofu and continue to stir fry gently for 1-2 minutes until tofu is heated through (do not overcook).
5. Add your black bean sauce, soy sauce and ground chili.  Mix well.
6. Then stir in ¼ cup water, letting it simmer.
7. Add your cornstarch solution to tofu and vegetable mixture, and bring to a boil.
8. When sauce thickens, add sesame oil.  Mix well and serve immediately with rice

Susan Oi-kwan Wong, D.Ac, is a certified acupuncturist and member of the Canadian Association of Acupuncture and Traditional Medicine.  She has been working at The Pacific Wellness Institute as a clinical assistant since 2010. 

Dr. Tanaka Has Co-Authored
a Textbook of Massage Therapy

The textbook was originally published in Japan in 2006. Since then this textbook has been widely used as one of the main texts in registered massage and shiatsu schools in Japan. This book has been also translated into other languages to be published in countries such as Taiwan.

A second impression of this book was released in February, 2012. The new printing expanded Dr. Tanaka’s chapter, which discussed the current evidence of massage therapy on circulatory, muscular, immune, nervous and hormonal systems.

Tanaka, TH. Mori H. Anma, Massage, Shiatsu no Kouka, (Efficacy of Anma, Massage, Shiatsu: Comprehensive Review of Touch Therapy Research). In Anma, Massage, Shiatsu niyoru Zenshinchosei (in Japanese), Ishiyaku Publishers, Tokyo, Japan, March 2012 (the 2nd Impression of the 1st Edition)

Thank You for Your Comments

Here are some of the comments we received recently from our clients.  We would like to express our thanks for their positive feedback and their kind publishing permission.

I had a 40 minute session with Nicole and found the experience very enjoyable.  She was very professional and knew what she was doing.  I was able to get some relief for my bad neck and back.

Shamien Nazareth

It truly is a relaxing experience you’re given at The Pacific Wellness Institute.  The relaxation music in the foyer, spring water on offer, friendly staff.  I’ve been really pleased with the Swedish massages – they are done by true professionals.  They also offer discounts which is fantastic if you intend to see them regularly.  I stumbled across the wellness institute through on online search.  It’s worked out well for me!

Michelle S.D

Amazing.  The staff are knowledgeable and friendly.  The location convenient and office lovely.  Wonderful experience!

M.E.

Monica is a great attentive RMT!

Shannon Teekah

___________________________________________________________

PUBLISHER  The Pacific Wellness Institute, Tim H. Tanaka, Ph.D., Director

CONTRIBUTORS FOR THIS ISSUE  Nicole Basque, B.A. RMT

Susan Wong, D.Ac,

THE PACIFIC WELLNESS INSTITUTE  80 Bloor Street West, Suite 1100,

Toronto, Ontario,
M5S 2V1

T. 416 929 6958 F. 416 929 6365

info@pacificwellness.ca  www.pacificwellness.ca

If you would like to treat your Mom to a therapeutic massage, shiatsu or reflexology session, we can help.  You can purchase a gift certificate in person at the clinic or by phone if paying by credit card.

Vol. 26 January 2012 Issue

In this issue:

1. Happy New Year from Pacific Wellness
2. Lessons from Dr. Mayer’s “Ten Quick Ways to Kill Your Husband”
3. A New Year Resolution Worth Adding to Your List
4. New Moxibustion Research Coauthored by Dr. Tanaka
5. Coconut Cream Seafood Chowder
6. Let Us Help You Achieve a Healthier 2012
7. Seasonal Recipe
8. Comments

Happy New Year

As we welcome year 2012, we would like to wish you optimum health in the new year, expanded awareness of your body needs, intuitive connection of mind-body and many happy visits to Pacific Wellness.  We are here to assist and support you on the journey of looking after your health.