Shiatsu (“finger pressure”) is a hands-on therapy that originated in Japan. Similar to acupressure and other forms of Asian bodywork such as tuina, there are no needles involved in shiatsu. Shiatsu therapists use finger and palm pressure to stimulate pressure points with therapeutic intention to restore harmony and balance to the recipient.

Over 20 years ago, the Pacific Wellness started as Shiatsu Acupuncture Clinic on Yorkville Ave.  The tradition of strong emphasis on shiatsu remains at the Pacific Wellness today, having several premier therapists with the highest level of shiatsu training and qualifications:

• Yoshio Toyama (holds national licence in Japan)
• Joanna Rogowska (diploma in shiatsu and RMT)
• Emily Robinson (diploma in shiatsu and RMT)
• Martyna Modzelewska (diploma in shiatsu and RMT)
• Tim Tanaka* (holds national licence in Japan and RMT)

* Currently, not accepting shiatsu clients.

With only 4 months left until the end of this calendar year, you may wish to plan booking your massage and shiatsu appointments now.  If December marks the end of insurance year and you still have some unused coverage dollars for this year, why not spare yourself the stress of squeezing in appointments at the end of this year?

To arrange your appointments please call our front desk at 416-929-6958.  We will be happy to assist you.

Acupuncture literally means needle-puncture. Moxibustion is a form of heat therapy on acupoints.  In countries such as Japan and China, the practice of acupuncture is referred to as shinkyu (or zhenjiu), meaning AcupunctureMoxibustion (one word).  Acupuncture and Moxibustion have been administered in tandem since ancient times.  In Ontario, however, not many people have been treated with moxibustion, partly due to the fact that many acupuncture training programs offered locally were taught mainly the needling part, not moxibustion in depth.  It is traditionally believed that acupuncture used in conjunction with moxibustion profoundly enhances each modality’s effects. Learn more about Moxibustion.

By Melissa Lee BSc. (Hon.)

As we head into September, our lives seem to pick up once again: work gets a little busier; our children or we as students go back to school; or our vacations have ended.  With active schedules, it is important to consume nutritious foods which nourish us as the season changes.  To help with this transition, try this delicious, wholesome fiber rich cookie.  

Directions:

1. Set the oven rack in the middle and preheat to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Mix the dry ingredients together and set aside.
3. Mix the wet ingredients together in the order listed and set aside.
4. Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients.
5. Add the cranberries, nuts, and chocolate chips to the mixture.
6. Using a tablespoon, spoon the dough onto a cookie sheet.
7. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 12- 15 minutes or until brown.
8. Makes 24-30 cookies. 
9. Enjoy with a nice cup of coffee in the morning or a glass of almond milk.

Don’t be a Prune!

Plums are harvested in mid-August and are dehydrated into prunes.  Prunes can be a delicious snack or further processed into purees, juices, paste and powders.  Adding prunes or its purees and juices can have many health benefits.

For instance, prunes support gastrointestinal health.  They contain both soluble and insoluble fibers (6g-16g of fiber per 100g of prunes), which help soften the stool and increase its bulk to enhance mobility.  Prunes also contain a sugar called sorbitol.  In excess, sorbitol can cause flatulence and diarrhea, but in the right amounts it helps to absorb water to also soften the stool.  Despite its known laxative effects prunes also have a role in bone health.  With a mineral content of 50mg calcium, 80mg phosphorus, 2.2mg of boron in 100g of fruit, prunes are a great snack to support bone structure. On top of that, prunes benefit the cardiovascular system as well.  Since prunes contain the soluble fiber pectin, prunes can assist in lowering plasma LDL cholesterol concentrations. 

These are just a few benefits of prunes, so the next time you’re snacking or baking, add a little prune in your life.

Baking tip: prune puree can be used to add moisture and sweetness; but also replace fat.

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Melissa Lee is currently a 4^th year intern at the Robert Schad Naturopathic Clinic (which is based out of the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine).

References

Stacewicz- Sapuntzakis, M., Bowen, PE., Hussain, EA., Damayanti-Wood, BI., Farnsworth, NR.  Chemical Composition and potential health effects of prunes: a functional food? Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition (2001); 41(4): 251-286.

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 am very happy to have found The Pacific Wellness Institute.  I have a medical condition and since I started having massage therapy my emotional and physical well being have improved dramatically.  I highly recommend this clinic to anyone who is looking to improve their health.”

Monica

“The atmosphere at Pacific is very professional and at the same time comfortable + relaxing.  Although my plan was to search for a new RMT, I chose to return to Pacific because of the atmosphere + the excellent work of the therapist.”

JP  (re:  Rahel)

“I had the best massage so far in my life from Martyna.  She made me feel very comfortable, asked me all the right questions and performed the massage accordingly.”

Go-Go Gmams

“Excellent service.  Going back in 3 days!”

Troy Fullerton, J

“Truly an amazing experience, I feel so much more refreshed and relaxed thanks to my reflexology treatment.  My feet are feeling the best that have ever felt!”

Justice  (re: Emily)

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

CONTRIBUTORS FOR THIS ISSUE  Melissa Lee, HBSc., ND (Candidate)

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

Vol. 23 May 2011 Issue

In this issue:

1. Get in Shape for Summer with UltraMeal Special
2. Irritable Bowel Syndrome
3. Massage Therapy and Gestalt Therapy
4. Dr. Tanaka Presented His Paper at The ICMART 2011 World Congress
5. FAQ – Do you have other locations?
6. Seasonal Recipe
7. Comments

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Buy 4 containers of UltraMeal and get
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“Do It Yourself 8-Week Body Shaping Program” will energize you and help you shed off those extra few pounds!  It is easy as 1, 2, 3:

1. Buy 4 containers of  UltraMeal
2. Book your 2 free Body Composition Tests:  one at the beginning and one at the end of the program
3. Follow the guideline booklet provided with UltraMeal

Or sign up for our complete weight management program:

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