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Celebrating Mom on Mother’s Day
Published April 20, 2012 | 
Moms are typically those kind souls who love to nurture and give of themselves unselfishly. Their focus is on pleasing others, solving everyone's problems and making sure their family members have all their needs meet. However, in the process, many moms lose sight of getting their own needs and wants met. There is a sense of guilt if they take time out for themselves, as if it is somehow selfish to put themselves first.
With this sense of self-sacrifice and self-neglect, many moms suffer quietly with the kinds of repressed emotions and unreleased stress that can lead to emotional eating habits, lack of physical activity and sleep problems, all serious contributors to overweight, obesity and many weight-related health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, some forms of cancer and more.
Therefore, the most important thing you can do this Mother's Day is finding that special way to honor your mom or someone who has been like a mother to you. And, if you're a mom yourself, it could also mean allowing for your loved ones to spoil you rotten.
Having already lost my mother to cancer, perhaps my take on Mother's Day is a little bit different. I would give anything to have my mom back to make her feel special and appreciated. It's not about how expensive the jewelry, or how fancy the restaurant or how big the box of chocolate. Sure, those things are nice, but it's about the time, love and attention that you give. It is about the thought, meaning and genuine feelings of appreciation behind it all.
The bottom line is moms just want to feel special and appreciated by others, the same way they make others feel. But equally important, moms need to learn how to make themselves feel special and appreciated. They need to learn how to do this for themselves by learning to let go of guilt and how to be selfish in a positive and productive way. This means re-defining the word “selfish”. They have to learn to be kinder, more nurturing and giving to themselves and learn to reach out for and ask for what they themselves need and want.
So, if you're looking for a gift for Mother's Day, why not do something to help your mom show herself some appreciation. Here are some suggestions:
Take her shopping and help her pick out a new outfit. Encourage her to try a new colour or style that makes her feel great about herself. Sometimes we all need a little boost to give us the courage to get out of our comfort zones.
Take her to the spa and let her pick out the treatments she would like to have. For example, you may want to surprise her with a manicure, but maybe she's never had a massage and with a little encouragement would want to give that a try instead.
Take her to brunch or dinner at a restaurant that she's always been wanting to try, but has never had the opportunity. Ask her where she'd like to go, or make a few suggestions. Or, if you prefer, why not prepare a special brunch at home for her with her favourite foods. Be sure to set the table with your best table linens and silverware to make her feel extra special.
Take your mom on an outing to something new and different that she never would have gone to otherwise. This could be a new movie in town, a special exhibit at the local museum, a wine tasting, or some unique event that is going on in your city. Check your local paper to see what's going on.
Cherish every moment you have with your mother. Make this an extra special Mother's Day by giving her your time, attention and appreciation. But don't forget, the flowers and jewelry are appreciated too! Enjoy your Mother's Day celebrations.
Posted in Holistic Health Care, Massage Therapy, Nutritional Counseling | 
gift, gifts, massage, Mother's day, present | 
5 CommentsSpring Cleaning for Your Body!
Published April 17, 2012 | 
Have you been plagued with colds all winter? Are you dreading the arrival of spring knowing your allergies are on their way? Are you always tired? Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired? If you answered yes, it’s time to give your body a spring cleaning!
A healthy immune system works by responding appropriately to threats posed to the body. It’s obvious that the immune system is weak and under-reacting when our body is unable to control a virus and allows it to turn into a full blown cold or infection; or is over-reacting when an allergic reaction occurs in response to dust and pollen causing all kinds of unwanted symptoms. When a virus enters the body, the immune system is supposed to launch an attack to keep it from multiplying and spreading out of control. Or when dust or pollen enters the lungs, the immune system is supposed to clear out the allergen without any noticeable symptoms.
BodyTalk is a consciousness-based healthcare system that balances accumulated stress and resulting disease within the bodymind. By reconnecting lines of communication within the body, its internal mechanisms are able to function at optimal levels, thus allowing the body to repair and prevent disease while rapidly accelerating the healing process. When all parts and systems of the body communicate with each other, healing happens naturally. This process is shown by the healing sequence that occurs automatically when we cut our finger. However, the stresses of everyday life can cause communication breakdowns, resulting in discomfort and disease. BodyTalk works by identifying these breakdowns and using a light tapping technique to restore overall communication, thus helping the body heal itself.
When we have a healthy immune system, we are better equipped to fight off invasive substances that enter the body. When our immune system is weak or when our body is out of balance, we get sick more often, allergies arise out of thin air, and we feel as though we’re always tired. If you’re feeling like this, it’s time to give your body a spring cleaning and get it back on track to healing!
For more information please contact kristin@filosofi.ca.
Posted in Body Talk, Holistic Health Care | allergies, body talk, runny nose, sneezing, spring | Leave a commentSalmon Orzo Salad
Published April 16, 2012 | 
Salmon Orzo Salad is a delicious manin dish salad recipe perfect for the warm days of spring.
Time: 28 min.
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients:
1/2 c three cheese Italian salad dressing
1/2 c plain yogurt
3 tbsp milk
1/4 c grated Paremesan cheese
1 (16-ounce) package orzo pasta
1 or 2 cooked salmon fillets or steaks
2 c grape tomatoes
1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 c diced Havarti or Muenster cheese
1 c frozen baby peas
Preparation:
1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. In a large bowl, combine salad dressing, yogurt, mayonnaise, milk and Parmesan cheese and mix well.
2. Flake salmon and add to dressing mixture along with tomatoes, bell peppers and cheese and stir gently. Top with peas; do not stir.
3. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and add to salad in bowl; stir gently to combine. Cover and chill for 2 – 3 hours to blend flavours before serving.
Posted in Holistic Health Care, Recipes | healthy recipe, recipe, salmon, salmon salad, spring recipe | 2 Comments2011 Laser Therapy Highlights
Published December 7, 2011 | 2011 has revealed many new insights regarding treating a variety of conditions with laser therapy, benefits of concurrent therapies and protocols for rehabilitation.
Going forward, we are more able to help a variety of conditions successfully with laser therapy.
From a professional standpoint, the highlight of 2011 for me was attending the 6th International Laser Conference in
The foundation of how specific laser light interacts with tissue is established. In the words of Dr Fred Kahn, the potential for the application of laser to treat various pathologies is “immense”. This is based on legitimate peer reviewed research conducted at universities and various clinics worldwide.
Some highlights of the future include laser stimulation/modulation of stem cells, laser stimulation to regenerate injured/diseased nerve tissue and the initial stage work of using laser in the treatment of various cancers.
One of particular interest to me was using laser therapy transcranially (over the head) to treat the acute and chronic effects & symptoms of concussions. I’m virtually convinced that many chronic pain syndromes and common symptom profiles are the result of accumulated head injuries.
This is particularly true with car accident victims and for many others who suffer with various vague symptoms with no “known cause”.
2012 holds some exciting potential. Shane Clark is in the process of becoming a certified laser therapist. This will open up new treatment hours and help to fully integrate his massage work with laser therapy.
Laser therapy is used to resolve inflammation, decrease pain and improve function. If you have a chronic or acute joint or soft tissue related problem, it is in your best interest to consider laser therapy. It is clinically shown to be the most effective & efficient form of therapy.
If you have any questions about a particular condition or would like further information, please consult our website or email me dreric@filosofi.ca
I wish you the most Merry Christmas and the fullest 2012.
Pumpkin Turkey Chili
Published November 30, 2011 | "A Chili for autumn! Turkey, pumpkin, and traditional chili ingredients go together well in this spicy concoction."
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1c chopped onion
1/2c chopped green bell pepper
1/2c chopped yellow bell pepper
1 clove garlic, minced
1 pound ground turkey
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
2c pumpkin puree
1 1/2 tbsp chili powder
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1 dash salt
1/2c shredded cheddar cheese
1/2c sour cream
Directions:
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat and saute the onion, green bell pepper, yellow bell pepper and garlic until tender.
Stir in the turkey and cook until evenly brown.
Drain and mix in tomatoes and pumpkin.
Season with chili powder, pepper and salt.
Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer 20 minutes.
Serve topped with cheddar cheese and sour cream.
From allrecipes.com
How to Avoid Getting Shin Splints
Published September 1, 2010 | 
By Shane Clark, RMT
- Proper footwear - Make sure you get a good pair of running shoes as they are your first line of defence against shin splints. Make sure you also change your shoes every 3 months of training to make sure they maintain their proper support.
- Gradually increase your distance and intensity - Doing this will minimize the strain on your body and reduce the chance of injury. An increase of 10% per week is reasonable for most people to progress with a minimal chance of injury.
- Rest and recovery - Your body needs approx. 24-48 hours to recover properly from training. Your hydration and nutrition will also have a major impact on the quality of your recovery. Making sure you get approx. 2-3 litres of water and eating a balanced diet will help ensure your training goes smoothly
- Running surfaces - In the city we tend to only being able to run on asphalt or cement but it is important to try and get training on softer surfaces like grass or gravel to reduce strain on the shins.
- Stretching and warming up - It is vital to properly stretch the muscles before starting and after finishing your run. Warming up is important as well with a 5 minute run at slow speed to allow the body to prepare for heavier training.
Posted in Holistic Health Care, Massage Therapy | massage therapy, pain, shin splints, sports injury | Leave a commentPutting Your Best Foot Forward
Published May 1, 2010 | 
By Dr. Eric Wiens
Most people come to me with common conditions such as low back pain, sciatica, knee pain, neck pain and shoulder pain to name a few. I also see a lot of foot related problems such as plantar fasciitis, achilles tendonitis and ankle sprains.
Many times, people come with several conditions. The question is, are they related, and if so, how do you help someone as quickly as possible with the best chance for long term success?
From a mechanical perspective, looking at the feet and how you stand, walk and move makes a whole lot of sense. It is vital to take into account your entire kinetic chain to give the best chance for success. This is especially true if your health complaint is related to your spine, pelvis, hips or any part of your legs.
Laser therapy is about kick starting tissues to heal and function in a normal physiological way. Many get some device stuck in their shoe or spend many dollars on fancy shoes, but never get the benefit because the physiology of the tissues is never changed. Laser is the most effective way to do this.
Correcting mechanical problems increases long term stability and potentially decreases the chance of a problem coming back.
Dr Gauthier our pedorthist, is a specialist in analyzing your feet and kinetic chain (feet, ankles, knees, hips & low back on up) both statically and dynamically. That is both standing and moving.
He is also a specialist in determining appropriate footwear and prescribing orthotic devices. Sometimes the best advice given is that you don't need anything other than a more appropriate pair of shoes. Working with him offers another perspective but also a better probability of a longer term solution to your health problem.
Dr Gauthier offers a complimentary consultation and analysis to see if your feet are a component of your health problem.
Combination Therapies
Published April 1, 2010 | 
By Dr. Eric Wiens
At Filosofi, we are a collection of practitioners offering solutions to health problems. There is no secret as to why we work together. This is because the real magic happens when therapies are used in combination to get quicker, longer lasting results.
Each of us has a unique background in our training and experience in different sports and activities. Often times to get look at and treated by more than one practitioner offers different therapeutic benefits, but also offers another opinion or insight.
Laser therapy combined with massage creates a two-pronged approach. Laser is a biochemical stimulus that triggers cellular and tissue processes on a molecular level to initiate the healing. Massage is a physical stimulus that stimulates tissue repair. Both can be used as stand alone treatments, combined they enhance the therapeutic benefit each has to offer.
Nutrition should always be considered. Are there certain things you consume that promote inflammation or slow the healing process? Are you missing a key nutrient?
Regaining health is a process that involves a sequence of events with the correct ingredients. Working in collaboration with the different practitioners at Filosofi can help provide the best approach to regaining and maintaining your health for a lifetime.
Tis the Season
Published November 1, 2009 | 
By Judy Ariagno, RMT
Tis the season! Dare I say it, it is true, the holidays are fast approaching. This joyous season brings many wonderful moments. Enjoying time with family and friends, great food and hopefully the great outdoors!
While this time of year should be enjoyed to the fullest, it is easy to be distracted by the demands so many of us put on ourselves and others. Financial demands, trying to find that perfect gift, or make sure everything is prim and proper just in the nick of time. We tend to forget about good posture, proper breathing technique and to simply take care of ourselves in the process.
At this time of year especially, it is imperative that we take time out of our hectic schedules and focus on ourselves.
The rush of the season can place strain on our bodies which are different for each individual. Muscle tension, headaches, anxiety, gastrointestinal concerns, and chronic fatigue are some of the more common conditions we suffer with, often needlessly.
There is something to be said about taking time out for you.
As a Registered Massage Therapist I can tell you that for some people, massage therapy is a luxury, but for most of us it is a necessity. Massage therapy is a preventative method of health care. Whether you have a muscle strain, an annoying trigger point or simply need a way to relax. Regular massage treatments can minimize pain, and maximize performance, no matter what your game is, and keep you on track to do all the other things in your day you need to get done.
All too many of us let our benefits for massage therapy lapse or maybe we are not even aware we have coverage. Take the time today to look at the details of your benefit plan. If you do not have coverage for massage therapy or if you extend beyond your benefit allowance, keep your receipts to include with your year end taxes.
Taking care of yourself is not simply one more chore on the list. It is preventative health care to keep you running smoothly through this holiday season and the rest of the coming year.