Cupping Therapy

Michael Phelps credits cupping therapy for speeding up his recovery at the OlympicsAthletes all over the world from Wang Qun in the 2008 Olympics to tennis pro Andy Murray and more recently, the Mets, all talk about how cupping therapy has helped them perform better. Mets’ players like Daisuke Matsuzaka, Matt Harvey, Bobby Abreu, and Jacob deGrom reveal how the therapy when used in combination with other forms of treatment has helped them heal from injuries and also speed up the recovery process after they have had surgery. Nick Paparesta who acts as the trainer for the Oakland Athletics admits that cupping therapy not only alleviates muscular stiffness, but also helps erase scars from surgery.

Removing Toxins

Cupping therapy is highly effective in helping athletes recover from the strenuous training they subject their bodies to. During intensive training, the athletes develop micro tears in their muscles and tissues. As these tissues heal, they help boost stamina and performance. However, the stress also leads to a buildup of toxins like cholesterol, calcium deposits, uric acid, and lactic acid in the muscles. If not cleared, these toxins can hamper the healing of the tissues. Cupping can break down the chemical structure of the compounds into simpler forms that can be expelled from the body by natural processes. For example, uric acid converts into ureates that can be easily eliminated by the urinary system.

Aleviate Inflammation

In addition, cupping therapy can help heal the inflammation and stiffness in the joints. The reverse pressure exerted during cupping works to pull the tissues and muscles off the bones. The vacuum thus created fills with fresh blood and lymph that is rich in oxygen and nutrients. These infusions flood the affected area and cause it to heal. The lymph brings with it compounds that boost the body’s immunity besides aid in the healing process. While conventional medicine aims at suppressing inflammation, cupping therapy works to remove the causes of the inflammation. In this way, it speeds up healing and also removes pain and stress in the tissues.

Relief from Plantar Fasciitis

Myofascial decompression or cupping can help provide relief to athletes suffering from plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a ligament or a flat band-like tissue that connects the toes to the heel bone. Plantar fasciitis is a condition where the plantar fascia becomes inflamed and weak and as a result the patient feels an excruciating pain and is unable to set the foot down. Cupping can help relax this inflammation and thus, relieve the pain.
Cupping as Myofascial Decompression

Cupping therapy can also help relieve hamstring strains, and myofascial restrictions even if they result from training and not from some injury. The treatment helps increase flexibility so athletes can train longer and harder. When the procedure was performed on athletes, they noted better a better range of active flexion and extension movement. Cupping can also treat musculoskeletal injuries and relieve the spasms athletes suffer when undergoing intensive training.

Cupping therapy is an excellent form of noninvasive treatment that can help athletes enhance their performance and train better. If you would like to try the treatment, take care to look for a certified practitioner who is trained in myofascial decompression or cupping therapy. Many athletic trainers and physical therapists also take training and courses in the therapy. Make sure you choose one who has the required licensing and has the testimonials of other athletes that have taken the sessions with successful improvements.

Cupping Therapy is provided at Endurance on 8th Health Centre by the following practitioners:

Dr. Limin Lo

Katrina Brisebois, RMT

References:
1. http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-16791/3-reasons-everyone-should-try-cupping.html
2. http://www.johntsagaris.co.uk/2014/06/what-is-cupping-therapy-the-alternative-it-trend-explained/
3. https://breakingmuscle.com/video/breaking-muscle-video-cupping-demonstration-explanation
4. http://breakingmuscle.com/mobility-recovery/new-methods-of-myofascial-decompression-cupping-for-athletes
5. http://morganmassage.com/2012/04/01/sports-and-orthopedic-cupping/
6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3853699/

Food Sensitivity Testing

IgG Food Sensitivity

Food sensitivities are delayed reactions to specific foods that are triggered by IgG antibodies.

In an IgG reaction, the IgG antibodies attach themselves to the food antigen and create an antibody-antigen complex. These complexes are normally removed by special cells called macrophages.  However, if they are present in large numbers and the reactive food is still being consumed, the macrophages can’t remove them quickly enough.  The food antigen-antibody complexes accumulate and are deposited in body tissues. Once in tissue, these complexes release inflammation causing chemicals, which may play a role in numerous diseases and conditions.

Why test IgG Food Sensitivity?

There is a growing body of evidence to support the clinical benefits of eliminating IgG reactive foods from the diet. IgG food sensitivities have been implicated in migraine headaches and irritable bowel syndrome (alternating diarrhea and constipation).  Bloating and indigestion are also common food sensitivity reactions, as is fatigue.  Continued consumption of reactive foods may contribute to weight gain and/or difficulty losing weight.  Eczema is also commonly associated with food reactions. Because IgG food reactions take hours or days to develop, this makes it difficult to determine which food is responsible for the reaction without doing testing.

What can I expect after receiving my food sensitivity test results?

You may schedule an appointment with our practitioners to design a customized nutrition plan that takes all of your food sensitivities into consideration.

SIGNS INCLUDE:
CONSTIPATION        BRAIN FOG
BLOATING                NAUSEA
RASHES/HIVES        BLOATING
CROHN'S                    IBS  
HEADACHES             FATIGUE
INFLAMMATION       JOINT PAIN
INSOMNIA                 GAS  

TESTING IS EASY!  
CLICK HERE TO CONTACT US TODAY FOR MORE INFORMATION.
OR CLICK HERE TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY!

Naturopathic Medicine

What is Naturopathic Medicine:

Naturopathic Medicine is a distinct primary health care system, which emphasizes prevention, treatment and optimal health through the use of modern and traditional therapies. Naturopathic Doctor’s attempt to find the root cause of disease or illness and base treatments on each patient’s individual needs.  

Naturopathic Doctors (otherwise known as Naturopaths or NDs) can act as sole primary care providers or can be apart ones total health care team. NDs offer access to specialized lab testing such as food sensitivity panels, nutritional panels, hormone testing, gastrointestinal health panels and environmental exposure assessments.

Dr. Shabnam Saran uses a variety of natural therapies when working which patients including: clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture, homeopathy, hydrotherapy and Injection therapies.

When To See An ND:

Naturopaths address all forms of health concerns from pediatric to geriatric. Many patients seek out Naturopathic Doctors when looking for disease prevention and health promotion strategies. Some look for Naturopathic support when dealing with chronic health conditions that they have been unable to address on their own or with the help of conventional medicine. NDs also offer alternative health options to patients looking to combine conventional and Naturopathic therapies for optimal health.  

What Conditions Are Addressed:

Digestive Disorders, Fatigue, Hormone Imbalances (thyroid, adrenal etc.) Autoimmune Conditions, Detox, Weight Management, Women’s Health (menopause, PMS, Menstrual Irregularities etc.) Fertility, Migraines, Stress Management, Arthritis (OA, RA) and many more.

What To Expect During A Visit:

First visits consist of an in-depth review of a patient’s current health concerns and health history along with a complaint oriented physical exam, if needed. After gathering all the necessary information and assessing for potential causes of health concerns, Dr. Saran will discuss an individualized treatment plan including diet, naturopathic therapies and lifestyle options available.

Learn more about our Naturopathic Doctor, Dr. Shabnam Saran

JOIN OUR TEAM! Click HERE to learn about the current career opportunities at Endurance on 8th Health Centre! 

Nutritional Counselling

Our Doctors of Chiropractic and team of Nutritionists provide one-on-one nutrition assessment, consultation, counselling and support for:

• digestive problems
• increasing energy and performance
• nutritional imbalances
• allergies
• detoxification and cleansing
• healthy weight 
• preventative nutrition, healthy aging and wellness
• nutritional guidance for athletes and fitness competitors

Our nutritional experts work in a one on one setting with each client, and communicates with our personal trainers and team of practitioners to create a complete, holistic, personal dietary plan to improve your overall health and fitness goals.

JOIN OUR TEAM! Click HERE to learn about the current career opportunities at Endurance on 8th Health Centre! 

Traditional Chinese Medicine

More than ever, people across North America are returning to more natural methods of improving their health. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) focuses on:

• Health promotion
• Illness prevention and treatment
• Natural remedies such as Acupuncture, and Chinese herbal medicine

The practice of TCM brings together traditional and modern views of health, and eastern and western approaches to health care. TCM has served over a quarter of the world's population for thousands of years and repeated clinical tests have proven its effectiveness in fighting many diseases.

What is Acupuncture? 

The term acupuncture describes a family of procedures involving stimulation of anatomical points on the body by a variety of techniques. The acupuncture technique that has been most studied scientifically involves penetrating the skin with thin, solid, metallic needles that are manipulated by the hands or by electrical stimulation.

What does Acupuncture feel like?

Acupuncture needles are sterile, single use, metallic, solid, and hair-thin. People experience acupuncture differently, but most feel no, or minimal, discomfort as the needles are inserted. Some people are energized by treatment, while others feel relaxed.

Learn more about our Doctor

Dr. Limin Lo 

JOIN OUR TEAM! Click HERE to learn about the current career opportunities at Endurance on 8th Health Centre!