When it's right, it's right.

After a year in my new space, it felt like exactly the right time to expand the services offered by this little healing home.

Of course, as these things happen – two talented healers appeared on my path. And I can’t wait to introduce you to them.

They both provide supportive, individualized, healing services (and only one of them will lick your face, if you're ok with that sort of treatment 😂).

Jamie Lee Mock

Certified Craniosacral Therapist

Holistic Nutritionist

Jamie Lee is a certified Craniosacral therapist, registered holistic nutritionist and the Co-Founder & Facilitator of Wild Embodied Women.

Her journey to embodiment began with the practice of yoga and quickly grew as she discovered the power of meditation and manifestation practices. Though, it wasn’t until she awakened and embraced her inner feminine knowing—her intuition—that her life began to change drastically.

Along her journey, Jamie has explored many healing modalities from sound healing and plant medicines to Traditional Chinese Medicine and Reiki. 

Providing safe space, support and healing is her deepest purpose and calling.   

Book in with Jamie for a Craniosacral Therapy session or Holistic Nutrition Counselling session.

Meet Doggo 

Wonderpup Extraordinaire

Trained in the deep and wise tradition of the wolf, and steeped in the loyal, abiding and non-judgemental nature of the pack animal, Doggo first discovered his life’s purpose while still a tiny puppy in the mountains of Pemberton.

Doggo is all heart. With a magical, inexhaustible well of love, Doggo provides comfort, support, joy and play to those who visit the space.

His future plans include becoming a registered therapy dog, giving lots of kisses and getting his big boy teef!

Can the Dog Days of Summer Actually Prevent Seasonal Illness?

 

 

 

The short answer is: yes.

During these gorgeous, long days of summer, all of those annoying seasonal illnesses seem to be a lifetime away - as it should be. But the ancient wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine says that we can actually harness this current state of health and use it to bolster ourselves against the barrage of fall, winter and spring issues.

Known as San Fu Moxa, this preventative treatment harnesses the abundant Yang energy of the summer with the purpose of carrying it through to help us during the darker days of winter.

“As a teacher I work long hours, easily 50-60 hours a week, and am regularly exposed to children with colds. Every year of my career I have had at least three colds with symptoms that would last weeks because I have asthma. Last summer I received the San fu Moxa treatments and have not had a cold or any asthma symptoms all year. It was such a gift getting acupuncture treatments from Delphine. I have felt so much stronger this year”

— A.D.

San Fu Moxa: How Does it Work?

The actual treatment involves applying small ‘patches’ of a blend of ground herbs to special acupuncture points on the back. These poultices are left on for several hours, and the process is repeated on the three most Yang days of the year, which are determined by the Chinese Celestial Calendar.

The special celestial dates for 2018* are:

Tuesday * July 17

Friday * July 27

Monday * August 6

Thursday * August 16

(*Applications can often be performed on nearby days as well.  However, an interval of 7-10 days should be maintained between the 3 consecutive applications.)

Special Note: Last year, I had a few patients who could only make it for one application, not on the correct day, and still showed benefits… so some is still better than none… let’s strive for perfect but embrace what’s possible!

Does it Work? (enthusiastic YES)

I have been curious about this treatment method since hearing about it over 10 years ago, while studying at International College of Traditional Medicine of Vancouver. Last year, the first summer in my new little clinic, I gave this treatment to some of my regular patients who fit the profile for San Fu Moxa treatment. The benefits I’ve observed this past fall, winter and spring have been nothing short of impressive! So of course I want to share it with all of you.

Who Should Check it Out

If you are the type of person to struggle with asthma, seasonal allergies, sinusitis or just seem to be particularly vulnerable to every passing cold (all that coughing!), you’ll definitely want to book in. San Fu Moxa is for you.

Make an Appointment

You may add San Fu Moxa at the end of your regular treatment - on or as close as possible to the special dates - or please sign up for the drop in times when you will need just 5 - 15 minutes to come in and have them applied.

Traditionally, a doctor of Chinese Medicine would only receive payment as long as their patients remained healthy. The name of the game is to prevent illness. So join the revolution of preventative care, starting with the brilliant ancient tradition of San Fu Moxa. (Have I mentioned lately how much I love my job?).

My Gift to YOU

This year’s San Fu Moxa patches are a gift of gratitude. It’s my way of saying thank you for a beautiful first year in my clinic! My healing home is your healing home.

Spring Has Sprung! Time to Emerge, Protect and Cleanse - Tips from an Acupuncturist

Spring has finally arrived on the west coast, breezing in with her trademark lightness and brightness, all blossoms and renewal. For many of us, spring can feel both sweet and difficult. After a long winter hibernation, many are ‘stumbling out of their cave’, and although those brilliant shafts of spring sunlight feel nurturing and soft, it can also be somewhat of a rough transition. As we dust ourselves off from our heavy winter slumber and heave toward the door, the bright light can be almost searing. Interestingly enough, Spring is the season that correlates with the Wood Element, which relates to seeing clearly and having clear vision. In Chinese Medicine, the Wood Element also relates to energies peaking in the Liver and Gallbladder.

That infusion of fresh energy you’re experiencing? That is the rapid rise of energy levels in these two key organs. The Liver is referred to as the General, whose job it is to keep things moving smoothly. In spring, the Liver will guide and direct your energies. Not surprisingly, the eyes are the opening of the Liver. The combination of the Wood Element and the Liver bring increased focus on seeing things as they really are, having a clear vision and dropping any blinders you may have on.

Opportunity: New Beginnings. Budding

WIth both the Wood Element and the Liver in play, you can take advantage of this time to evaluate your perception of things in your life and experience a clarity in vision. Be gentle as you explore this new view though, it can sometimes be jarring to see things as they really are. The beauty in this clarity is the opportunity to create new beginnings. This is the time to plant the seeds of the things you want to grow in your life this year.

So take some time to walk in the fresh air and contemplate what you wish to nurture in your life - the time to plant those seeds is now.

Threats: Injuries and Allergies - Wind, Toxins, Pollens

As we begin to emerge from our winter bodies, it may be tempting to go for that three hour hike that we’ve been dreaming of all winter or a long run. But, it’s easy to overexert ourselves and wind up with an injury, so it is important to emerge gently. Begin moving with ease and always be careful to take the time to warm up, hydrate and stretch. Get back to your peak mobility incrementally to avoid a strain or injury. Like the trees, we are most resilient when flexible and hydrated, so we won’t snap in the wind.

Just like physical injuries, this seasonal transition can also leave us vulnerable to catching cold. Spring, with its sunshine and flowers, can sometimes trick us into thinking it’s warmer than it actually is, and the weather changes quickly here on the west coast. So when you’re out enjoying the warmer weather, be careful to remove layers slowly to keep yourself protected from sudden changes in temperature. If you’re caught out in clothing that’s too light, it can lead to neck pain or catching a cold.

And finally, I don’t have to tell anyone with seasonal allergies that this season may be a challenge. Extra allergens in the air challenge our system. If we are already “full” then the symptoms will be more intense. Avoiding phlegm producing foods will be an essential tool to triumph through this allergy season. Phlegm producing foods include dairy, alcohol, processed sugars and flours, spicy, shellfish and too much meat. Start each day with a tall glass of warm water with lemon and/or apple cider vinegar. This kickstarts the cleaning process, fulfilling the mind and body’s intention to clean the system.

Protection: Cleanse

Out with the old! Now is the time to let go of things in our life that are no longer serving us. Spring is a transition season and as such it’s a perfect time to cleanse. So go for it: cleanse the body, the soul, the home. Decluttering with a less rich diet, more water, even an official internal cleanse if you will; will help you move freely into the new season. If you feel like you need some extra support during this time, book an appointment. Acupuncture is a wonderful way to help with many of the common and not so common symptoms of spring renewal.

Feel Good This Winter, Acustyle

Winter getting you down? Look to Chinese Medicine for the Power of Slowing Down and Charging Up!

One of the big challenges of winter here in the Northern Hemisphere (besides all of this lovely Vancouver rain) is the long hours of darkness. Add in the dampness and cold it’s no wonder that winter can sometimes have a negative impact on our emotional wellbeing. If you’re suffering with the ‘winter blues’, learn about the Chinese Medicine approach: it is possible to get to the root of these feelings and support yourself in feeling your best this winter! 

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a complex and powerful system to understand and address health in a truly holistic and personalized approach. We not only consider the symptoms in question, but include the underlying root and your personal constitution to understand and diagnose the full picture.

If you’ve been sick – take care to complete the process of healing

So you suffered through this year’s wicked flu, or came down with a cold that lasted forever. But after a few days you were back into your normal schedule, because who has time to be sick, right? Be careful not to minimize the importance of completely expelling the sickness from your body. It’s how we feel whole again.

Could you still be fighting an illness that is lingering?

A common cold can become a bigger problem if we don’t take care to get rid of it. The illness can transfer from our external layers into our deeper, vulnerable organ systems if we allow it to linger, especially if there is a predisposing deficiency. This lingering illness can block up organ systems and disturb our Shen (or spirit), leading to all sorts of unbalanced (and unmanageable) feelings.

If you are feeling out of sorts, but can’t really put a finger on why, this may be part of what is going on.

Stay Warm and Dry (Your mom was right!)

Dressing for the weather is essential to good health in the winter. Being active outdoors is also important, but do take care to dress appropriately. Cold and dampness can be dangerous elements, causing many types of pain and weakness, exacerbating arthritis, and impeding circulation … all of which can lead to a gloomy mood.

When we’re young and strong the effects of cold and damp may not be as apparent. But as we get older, and especially if our health is already compromised, the cold and damp can exacerbate and worsen our issues. Some signs that you have cold trapped in the body include: many types of pain, digestive problems, menstrual pain, headaches, and depression … just to name a few. However, the most common symptom of too much cold is pain. Pain can be intensely frustrating and limit our lifestyle - all of which takes a toll on our feeling of wellbeing.

Balance is Key: Get Enough Sleep, Rest and Activity

The sleep, rest, activity balance is a key aspect of life, but it’s tricky to get it right. Our requirements are not only unique to each individual, but they also change, depending on our current state of health. And it also changes from season to season, which definitely keeps us on our toes!
Feel like hibernating? During the winter months, we actually should sleep a little longer and rest a little more. However, it is also important to still get active, outdoors and social, to our own individual needs. Consider these aspects of your life and if there is room for improvement, you know what to do. You’ve GOT this.

Food is My Medicine

What’s going on in our gut has a strong effect on our mood. So take care to eat seasonally, locally, relevant foods. If you eat well, your mood will reflect It!  Even though there is a ton of confusing literature about diet, it really isn’t all that complicated:

Eat real food.

Eat food that feels good in your body.

Eat a variety of foods.

In Chinese Medicine we recommend eating and drinking warm, cooked foods and drinks in the winter months. This warms your body and spirit from the inside out. Soups, stews and  bone broths are especially good for you during the cold months. Play around with your favorite ingredients; things that make you feel good when you eat or drink them. Talk to your Chinese Medicine practitioner, Holistic Nutritionist or Naturopath to brainstorm some specific food approaches to help your constitution. There is no one miracle diet that works for everyone, because we are all unique beings with unique constitutions. Get to know your internal environment to understand how to help yourself on a daily basis.

A Final Question to Ask Yourself

Are your feelings relevant to what is happening in your life?

Sometimes life can feel incredibly hard. If you’re walking through some difficulties, be kind and gentle to yourself. But, also be honest with yourself. If your feelings do not match up to life events, it may be time to dig a little deeper. Sometimes when we get stuck in a particular mindset for too long, it can become pathological. Chinese Medicine is a viable and effective option to help you get back in balance and feel better.

In Chinese Medicine, no two treatments are exactly the same. Ten different people suffering with ‘winter blues’ can all have ten completely different Chinese Medicine Diagnosis and treatment plans. An Acupuncturist who is fully trained to understand this system can be an important asset to your health care team. If you are feeling that your moods are out of sync with your life events, I encourage you to book a session sooner than later.

And remember: Spring is just around the corner! … When it will be time to cleanse and move a little more, to plan and to organize. So, enjoy your powerful, quiet, recharge time this winter.

Chinese Medicine Lifestyle Tips to Beat “the Common Cold” this Fall Season

In Chinese Medicine, the fall season corresponds to the element of Metal, which rules the health of our lungs and large intestines - and their respective meridian systems. Fall is also the time that our Protective Qi, or energy, takes center stage.

You can think of Protective Qi as a ‘bodyguard’, working hard to prevent the invasion of external pathogens. If your Protective Qi is healthy, you can glide through fall enjoying all the beauty it has to offer. Crisp, clean air to fill our lungs, beautiful colors in the trees and a changing world around us. You’ll feel the sense of shift and change and have inspiration for a new cycle ahead.

If on the other hand, your Protective Qi is weak, you’re more likely to ‘fall sick’ with seasonal head and upper respiratory colds - and the body aches that come along with them.

With this very sudden shift from summer to fall in Vancouver, I’ve been seeing a lot of people already struggling with seasonal cold and flu! If you’re one of them, here are some useful tips to help you get back on track and enjoying the fall season.

Sick with a Cold? Use Your Energy Wisely

The first sign of feeling sick is the best time to take action. At this stage the bug is only in the surface, or exterior level, of the body. We still have a golden opportunity to quickly kick it out before it sinks in on a deeper level and takes hold.

Slow Down and Bundle Up  - We all have a limited amount of energy. When our body is busy trying to fight a bug, you can help by conserving and redirecting your energy. Slow down, rest, bundle up with extra clothing and blankets – and be sure to take in lots of extra fluid to help your body flush it out.

Food as Medicine – You may be craving sugars for a quick energy boost, but it’s important to stick to healthy sweets such as honey or maple syrup. Processed sugars and the processed flours that accompany them are very sticky and phlegm producing. Sticky phlegm will lodge pathogens in the body for a longer time and cause a lot of problems, like sluggishness, foggy head and increased pain symptoms - especially where arthritis is involved.

Your Fall Food MVPs: Pears, Apples, Almonds, Carrots, Squashes, Soups and Broths

The key foods for preventing and beating fall season cold and flus are clean, hydrating, pungent and aromatic. Food cure is admittedly a bit of a ‘rabbit hole’. It can quickly get confusing because we also need to consider our own constitution and the bug involved. Such as whether you run hot or cold. But in general, think fresh ginger, garlic, onions, radishes and herbs and spices such as cinnamon, peppermint and basil. They work in concert with your immune system to help push out the bug.

Or try this home remedy ginger tea with simple modifications to suit your own personal needs:

Ginger, Honey and Lemon – Oh my!  

This homemade tea will help to build Qi and restore health. Better yet, drink it during the entire season as a preventative measure. It’s actually delicious! Simply boil slices of fresh ginger root for 10 to 15 minutes, squeeze in fresh lemon juice and honey to taste. Repeat as necessary.

• Body Aches & Cold Hands and Feet? Add Cinnamon – If you have body aches it may be a sign that the cold has penetrated deeper into your body. The cinnamon will help to warm and nurture your tissues and relieve aches. Boil a cinnamon stick along with the ginger.

• Phlegm? Orange Peels Can Help – Orange peels, especially when combined with ginger, area a great way to break down phlegm. Be sure to wash the peels and boil with the ginger (and cinnamon if appropriate).

• Sore Throat? Mint, Please – Mint, with its wonderful aroma, helps to push out the bug. It also has a cooling effect on the heat pathogen that is causing your sore throat. (Add mint in the last few minutes of the boil, or pour hot tea over a mint tea bag to steep. This gentle aromatic loses its dispersing and cooling properties if boiled too long)

May the Qi be with you this fall season as you harvest your vibrant summer energy!

Stay tuned for tips about the important Metal nurturing activity of letting go and purging this fall - a key aspect of staying healthy this season and to prepare for the seasons to follow.