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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 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.
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 commentCombination 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.
Acupuncture and Neck and Shoulder Stiffness
Published July 1, 2009 | 
By Lori MacKay, RMT
Acupuncture can be a very effective solution when treating most neck and shoulder problems. Neck and shoulder muscle tension and stiffness are very common concerns, especially of people who work in an office. Sitting in front of a computer and typing for extensive periods of time causes a lack of circulation in the tissue and fatigue of the muscles involved. Neck stiffness can be also aggravated by other common reasons, many of which can be effectively treated with acupuncture.
At the top of your neck, just below the hairline, there is an important acupuncture point called fuchi (GB20) which has been known to be closely connected to the eye. If you watch a computer screen or television for long periods of time and continuously strain your eyes, tightness can develop in this area, and sometimes a tight muscle mass forms. This area can also become quite tense with prolonged periods of thinking or mental concentration.
As a result, tightness at the top of the neck can influence autonomic nervous functioning and prolonged period of tension can cause a various symptoms such as headache, lack of concentration, poor memory, insomnia or irritability.
Other common sites of muscle stiffness that can be treated with acupuncture include the large muscle between the neck and the shoulder joint (the upper trapezium) and the muscles between the shoulder blades.
To book an appointment for Acupuncture, call the Centre at 613-225-1127 or visit the Holistic Health page and book online (upper right corner).
Summer Sports
Published June 1, 2009 | 
By Shane Clark, RMT
With the return of summer we are now getting out of our winter hibernation and heading back to the sports we enjoy. Here are some important tips to remember in order to minimize potential injuries.
- Hydrate – Water is an essential component to muscle function and without it strains are more common and athletic performance decreases. It is important to realize that you should be drinking water before you feel thirsty because unlike our hunger mechanism our thirst response takes effect after we are partially dehydrated.
- Use Sun Block – With the return of summer we need to pay extra special attention to preventing damage to our skin from UV rays. Many products on the market are tailored to the athlete with sweat proof sun blocks offering sun protection without the worry of it getting in your eyes. Remember; repeated sun burns can lead to a variety of health problems later on in life
- Proper Warm Up – many people simply jump into an activity without allowing time for their muscles to prepare for the event ahead. A warm up of 10 minutes can help prevent injuries and improve performance.
- Proper Cool Down – As with warming up, many people skip the cool down aspect of an activity which can leave them more prone to muscle spasms. Allowing 10 minutes at the end of an activity to slowly cool down with light activity allows the body to return a relaxed state.
- Rest – Pushing through an injury can turn a minor injury into a more serious one that in the long term can decrease performance and can lead to other health issues.
- Ice – For acute injuries ice is best to reduce inflammation and pain. Despite this, most people reach for heat which in the initial injury phase and it actually worsens the inflammation response therefore increasing pain and lengthening healing time.
- Compression – Various injuries respond well to compression as it minimizes swelling and pain and a variety of wraps are available which can provide the proper support your tissues need.
- Elevation – To increase flow back to the heart, the injured area can be elevated reducing prolonged swelling such as in the case of a sprained ankle.
As always in case of an injury it is advisable to seek out the medical advice of a trained professional as soon as possible in order to minimize longer term injury. Following these simple guidelines can help you enjoy a summer season that is free of injury and pain which both you and your teammates will appreciate.
Postpartum and Massage
Published March 1, 2009 | 
By Tara Hagan-Fields, RMT
The joy of having your new baby in your arms is finally here. You have spent the last 280 days/ 40 weeks/ 9 months, preparing for this moment. The hard part is over…. OR is it? You will continue to change physically, emotionally and mentally. How can postpartum massage treatments help? After the baby is born, postpartum massage can alleviate the musculoskeletal complaints of new mothers and provide emotional support and nurturing during this life transition.
Postpartum women need help re-orientating their bodies. Structurally, in the last 9 months, the pelvis and shoulders have adapted to an anterior position. This can lead to pain of the neck, upper and lower back. The abdomen has stretched. Massage immediately after birth can help to minimize the distortion of connective tissue layers that often follow pregnancy. There may be the presence of spinal headache due to epidural anesthesia. Lymphatic drainage can help to pump excess fluids and residual anesthesia into general circulation for elimination. After the immediate supply of colostrum, the breast will start to swell and produce milk after 72 hours. Massage can help with the discomfort, ease the engorgement, help prevent blockage of milk ducts, and help avoid infection. Postpartum afterpains (uterus shrinking through muscle contractions) may be present for weeks. Relaxation massage and guided breathing can help to decrease such pains so you can enjoy your time more with baby.
Birth is elating. It can last for hours, sometimes days. All women eventually go through postpartum emotional adjustments. Hormonal changes are presented as increased mood swings, emotional intensity and exhaustion. Add to that altered sleep cycles, eating patterns, work schedules, other children/family; the postpartum mom can develop negative thoughts, fear, worry, sadness, anger, blame and powerlessness. These feelings can be described as the "baby blues". Massage can provide a safe, calming, non-judgmental environment. A nurturing touch can relax a new mom so she feels safe to unburden negative feelings about the birth and about postpartum life. Being allowed to tell her story, honestly, can be healing.
An educated massage therapist has the opportunity to share with you a skilled therapeutic touch, reassurance and education. Massage can help the postpartum mom cope with this life transition so you can enjoy this new life, to the fullest!