Statistics show eight out of 10 people will experience low back pain at some point during their life. Seeking medical treatment for back pain is very common. Typically back pain is fleeting and can be easily resolved with rest, heat and an occasional anti-inflammatory like ibuprofen. However, once the damage is done, the recurrence of back pain can be as high as 50 percent. Part of this is because as we age, things like muscles and tendons become less flexible and pliable. It

In traditional Chinese medical theory, one of the best ways to stay healthy is to live in balance with the seasons. Balance, in this context, means mindfully crafting your diet and certain aspects of your lifestyle based on what season it is. An easy way to think about this is with fruits and vegetables: we are lucky these days to have grocery stores stocked year round with fruits and vegetables from every corner of the globe at all times of year. That makes it possible to en

Happy New Year! It has been quite some time since I have written a blog post. Since moving my practice to my home in Sherwood Park this past spring, my schedule has become jam packed with people wanting to find wellness in body, mind, and spirit. For this I am incredibly grateful, though it is my intention for 2019 to be a bit more consistent in communicating with you all through blog posts and newsletters. Speaking of intentions, do you have any? Notice I said intentions NOT

There are four main types of headache: tension, cluster, sinus and migraine. And, there are varying triggers for these headaches, such as food, stress, hormones, dehydration and weather. Fortunately, eliminating the triggers and finding natural ways to prevent and help an ongoing headache are possible. Tension : Tension headaches are the most common and are the result of impinged blood flow due to muscle tightness and contraction. Tension headaches are mild to moderate and ar

Sports injuries are an incredibly common reason patients first seek out treatment with Traditional Chinese Medicine. From a TCM perspective, there are numerous energetic imbalances that may have predisposed someone to a particular injury, or may now be affected by the injury. A trained practitioner will look at the location of the injury, the depth of the injury, and the pathology of the injury. A sports injury anywhere on the body may have the following components: Blood Sta

Everybody knows you should see your family physician at least once a year and your dentist at least twice a year. But not everybody knows about acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine and the many benefits it can provide for you. If you start incorporating acupuncture into your health and wellness regime, you may not have to rely on the family physician so much for those minor little issues. Let’s look at how getting regular acupuncture treatments can help you stay happ

Winter, in most places, is a time of colder, shorter days. So naturally, when there is less reason to be outdoors, the body tends to want to stay inside where it is warmer. The body’s metabolic rate will be slower, which means eating foods full of sugars can become detrimental over time. When the metabolic rate slows, the body naturally holds onto fat and we gain weight. Just as most animals hibernate throughout the colder winter months, so too should human beings take the in

I can't believe it has been a year since I opened my clinic in Sherwood Park! This year has surpassed all my expectations and I owe it's success to you, my clients. Without your support, I wouldn't be able to do what I love: Helping YOU! So many of you have been happy to share the benefits of acupuncture with your friends and family, and I want to thank you for it from now on. When you refer a friend, tell them to put your name in the referral box when they book online and a

One of the most common frustrations for those suffering from depression is the lack of motivation to do regular daily activities, an inability to find enjoyment and an overwhelming amount of negative thoughts. Depression cannot be simply cured by “mind over matter”, but that does not mean it can’t be treated and improved significantly. Depression is not an illness that one should have to suffer through alone, treatment and therapy can be crucial to the healing process back to

Irritable Bowel Syndrome, otherwise known as “spastic colon,” is a common disorder that affects the colon and causes many disruptive symptoms. Many of these symptoms can be managed with a simple change in diet and lifestyle. Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture may be able to help. IBS symptoms may include gas, bloating, alternating constipation and diarrhea, pain, mucus, an uncomfortably full feeling and abdominal cramping. Most of these symptoms develop over time, and t

If you are suffering from insomnia or unable to get a good night’s rest, you are not alone. Around 60 million Canadians experience insomnia and sleep related problems on a daily basis. Prescription sleeping pills are one of the most highly overused medications and can lead to side effects and addiction. Acupuncture is a centuries-old practice that has been proven to help sleep disorders without the risk of addiction or putting chemicals in the body. How acupuncture works Acup

At Inner Essence Wellness, we believe in a collaborative approach to health and wellness. Acupuncture and floating work together to help relieve pain, calm the mind, and promote a deep sense of wellness. Book today to find your inner zen. To book please call either Drift Float Studio at 780-467-7636 or Inner Essence Wellness at 780-232-4259 and mention this special. For online booking please use the link below, select your desired acupuncture session and type Acu+Float into t

One of the things I have found most valuable when dealing with my own PTSD and panic disorder, is learning to dance with my pain. I can hear the "WTF's" now... I had a major softening towards my own struggles when I started to look at healing as a dance. Sometimes it's a two-step: one step forward, two steps back. Other times its a rapid, raging, heart-pounding, adrenaline inducing, head banging, mosh pit of emotions. And still in other moments, it is a slow, gentle sw

Today is Winter Solstice, the darkest day of the year. Or as it is known in Traditional Chinese Medicine, The day of upmost yin. (I like to refer to it as the Yin-iest day of the year) In TCM Yin represents darkness, winter, cool weather, death or transformation, rest, the solid material aspects of our being, and the divine feminine energies. As uncomfortable as this darkness my feel, there is a loving, nurturing quality to Yin. It calls us to go within, to recognize,

Keep a routine It is especially easy to lose your normal routine during the holidays due to festivities and the special occasions that tend to happen this time of year. Don’t abandon your healthy habits, keep your usual routine of diet and exercise, which is especially important when holiday foods and drinks come around. Try keeping a calendar to keep better track of your schedule. Prioritize It is easy to take on too much during this time of year. On top of your normal sched

Do you ever feel your life's a ride that won’t ever stop? How many nights do you wait for Mr. Sandman to magically appear? How often do you truly take time for yourself? Do you have aches and pains almost daily? Are over-the-counter or prescription medications controlling your life? When was the last time you actually felt at peace? If any of these questions resonate with you, then it might be time to look at Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture for an answer. People

I have been sick for over 5 days now. From sore throat, fever, coughing, head and body aches to a sneezing, runny, raw, red plugged up nose. I've got it all. and nothing seems to be touching it. I have had to call in sick at work more than once this week and today I was so exhausted from it all that I was late for a meeting. It's been so inconvenient!!! But if there is one thing I have learned from living with a chronic autoimmune disease, it's that healing is not convenient.

I put this idea out there, I asked friends, colleagues, and family members. Everyone said that it is probably not the best idea. So I decided to do it. I've always been a bit of a rebel. What is it you ask? Well, it's this. If you have been following my blog, you have probably noticed it's a whole lotta shop talk. Really that's all it has been. Sharing acupuncture studies, treatments, and successes. Sharing lists of tips and tricks to stay healthy is one thing, but I have dec

Fall or autumn is a favorite season for many people. The weather is getting a little cooler, things are starting to slow down and preparations for the holidays are in full swing..... For many others, fall is not so festive. Many people tend to get sick during the fall months, allergies can flare up for some, and many don’t like that the hours of sunlight decrease steadily, sometimes leading to seasonal depression. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, fall is the season associa

Tips to keep your kids healthy as they head back to school It’s that time of year again. The new school year is upon us. Amidst your frantic trips to the store to buy school supplies and new clothes for the kids it’s easy to forget about staying healthy. And if you think you are the only one this happens to, don’t worry you’re not. Within the hustle and bustle of everyday life it is easy to forget about nourishing your body the right way sometimes. Here are a few tips and tri