Wellness Waves

Vitamin B-12 for Nerve Pain and Memory

2010-04-30T15:16:00.000-07:00

Have you ever heard of B Vitamins? I have heard some people refer to them as Vitamin B while others correctly call them Vitamin B Complex. There are actually 11 vitamins which compose a B complex. These Vitamin B-1 (Thiamin), B-2 (Riboflavin), B-3 (Niacin), B-5 (Panthenol), B-6 (Pyridoxine), B-12 (Cobalamin), Choline, Inositol, PABA, Folic Acid and Biotin.

I will refrain from describing the complex biochemistry in which B vitamins are required but I will mention that B vitamins are extremely important for carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism, and energy production. B vitamins are often depleted in those who take certain pharmaceuticals (ex: birth control and antacids), the elderly, alcoholics, some vegetarians and vegans, and those under stress.

B Vitamins are water soluble which means that they leave the body when taken in excess and are not required. The absorption of B vitamins in the digestive system is limited and thus taking excess levels orally may not be therapeutically effective. Your naturopathic doctor will often suggest the administration of B vitamins through injection into veins or muscles to achieve blood levels which are therapeutic.

Now let's focus on Vitamin B-12. Numerous case studies and controlled trials on www.pubmed.com indicate that the rate of progression of dementia may be slowed or reversed in cases of B-12 deficiency when B-12 is administered regularly. Cobalamin, which is the chemical name for vitamin B-12, is also extremely important in healthy nerve functioning from a sensory perspective. If a patient is experiencing neurological pain, which can include stinging, shooting and sharp pain, or numbness and tingling in their extremities, they may request that their Vitamin B12 status be assessed through a blood test.

Note that there are three forms of vitamin B-12: cyanocobalamin, hydroxycobalamin and methylcobalamin. If a patient is using vitamin B-12 for the improvement of neurological function, neurological pain, or sensory changes, they should be using methylcobalamin. The most effective methods of administering methylcobalamin are sublingual, intramuscular, subcutaneous, and intranasal. My preferred method is intranasal due to high absorption and proximity to the brain. Doses range from 1000mcg per day to 5000mcg per day depending on the goal of treatment.

For further questions on Vitamin B complex or Vitamin B-12 specifically, please contact Dr. Kennett at Ocean Wellness. 604.986.9355.

Craniosacral Therapy and the Mind-Body Connection

2010-04-30T15:13:00.000-07:00

Considering the number of people walking around with restricted cranial bones and sticky dural membranes as a result of sports injuries, I initially thought I would write an article singing the praises of Craniosacral Therapy (CST) as the primary therapy for this type of injury. However, as luck would have it I have been having so much fun exploring the body- mind connection with clients this past month, I have decided to postpone the topic of sports injuries for another issue of Wellness Waves.

For those of you that don’t know, Biodynamic Craniosacral therapy ( BDCST) is especially effective in restoring the heart-brain connection, normalizing trauma and supporting the body's ability to regenerate. This approach posits that we are, in a sense, all perpetual embryos, and that our bodies are far more fluid and capable of self-repair and reorganization than appears obvious. When BCST is combined with its’ sister therapies magic can happen.

One of the tools a well-schooled Craniosacral therapist uses is Self Regulating Therapy (SRT). SRT is a leading edge method of dealing with trauma (www.cftre.com). How does it work? Well, you know how you feel better when you are relaxed? What is the first priority in order to relax? If you said SAFETY, you are spot on. After establishing rapport, your therapist will encourage you to identify places and situations where you have felt safe or where you could imagine yourself feeling safe as an initial step. Activities that help you feel joyful and happy are a good place to start. These resources are essential to allow the body to process past trauma.

Einstein said that knowledge is great, but imagination is greater and I am inclined to agree with him. Even if you have rarely felt safe in your life, it is quite possible to create a safe place in your mind. And do you know what? When you have that safe place imagined and firmly ensconced, miracles can happen. Through tracking sensation we are able locate and release trauma that may even be from an in-utero or preverbal time. Moving between the sensation of the trauma and the sensation of the resource; fear, anxiety and depression begin to transform in a way never before possible.

Therapeutic Imagery and Dialogue may be part of the SRT process and in addition it is an effective tool in its own right. Therapeutic Imagery and Dialogue often includes role playing. Role playing, when used to explore the conflicted aspects of our physical bodies, is a sophisticated, highly effective, playful, creative way to access subconscious material.

Say you have chronic back pain and it just isn’t getting better. You have had massage, chiropractic and physiotherapy and acupuncture. All of these therapies help but aren’t quite getting to the root of the problem. A role playing approach would invite a conversation with the area that is troublesome. You might choose to call it “Bob” or “Ouchie”.

After the client has given a name to the area, I would begin a conversation with “Bob” asking the client to use his/her own voice to speak with me.

I might ask “Bob”, “How are you doing today?”

I might ask “Bob”, “What shape are you? If you were a colour, what colour would you be?”

I might ask “Bob”, “Do you remember a time when you weren’t around?”

I might ask “Bob”, “What helps you feel better?”

These questions are asked with a curiosity and openness that will allow the subconscious an opportunity to express the root cause of the pain. After all, our bodies are very good at managing overwhelming situations and packing pain, frustration and fear into our tissues to be dealt with at a later date. The later date usually comes along when further trauma breaks the proverbial camel’s back. By this time, our conscious recall has usually faded and we are left with, “This hurts!” and “I don’t understand what is going on!”

My job is to be curious and provide a safety net for the client, so that whatever comes up we are able to elegantly hold that space for healing, tracking sensation, noticing the breathing and referring to that safe place when appropriate. As the client, you do all the work! Being empowered is a good thing. Tracking sensation is the critical piece that opens the door to change.

Once the subconscious has an opportunity to show us the scope of the problem, we need only negotiate a resolution. There may be a disconnection where “Bob” is not aware that holding tight in the low back is causing the rest of the body excruciating difficulty. We might negotiate with “Bob” to find a new job. “Bob” may be tired of keeping the back tight. Maybe “Bob” would prefer to remind the body to improve it’s posture? I just ask and reflect back the responses to the client until they have found their way through the maze.

Craniosacral therapy and its adjunct therapies offer a sophisticated process to resolve body pain and discomfort. We have the resources to change our lives and the change begins right here inside our minds. We just have to make the decision to start.

Next time I will talk about sports injuries! Promise!

April is Cancer Awareness Month

2010-04-01T11:28:00.000-07:00

Canadian Cancer Statistics 2009: In Canada the number of new cancer cases is expected to approach 171,000 in 2009 which is about 470 Canadians diagnosed each day, or one every three minutes. Many cancers can be prevented through healthy lifestyle and dietary choices. The prognosis for cancers improves with early detection. Routine complete physical exams through a medical or naturopathic doctor are essential for detection of early signs of cancer.

Ban of Pesticides: The district of North Vancouver, along with 140 communities across Canada, has recently banned the use of pesticides for cosmetic use on lawns and gardens. This will account for a 5% reduction of pesticide use across Canada. Pesticides are known carcinogens. Please write a letter to your local member of parliament to encourage further bans on pesticides use in community and provincial parks where children are often found playing. This is a very positive step in the quest to reduce the number of early childhood cancers such as leukemias and lymphomas.

Vitamin D: There is evidence linking low levels of vitamin D to colorectal cancer. The recommended dosage for supplementation is 1000iu. Infants who are breastfed require 400iu vitamin D per day. In its natural form Vitamin D is an oil and thus Dr. Kennett's preferred method of supplementation is via liquid drops rather than white tablets.

Pain: pain is a common symptom of malignancies. Cancer pain is caused by compression of vessels and nerves. Be sure to have your pain assessed by a qualified healthcare practitioner before labeling it as a general ache.

Breast Cancer and Metals: Mercury, cadmium and lead are confirmed breast carcinogens. Aluminum activates estrogen receptors. For information on how to assess the heavy metal retention in your body please contact Dr. Kennett at Ocean Wellness.

Estrogen Replacement and Cancer: "Steroidal estrogens are known to be human carcinogens based on sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in humans, which indicates a causal relationship between exposure to steroidal estrogens and human cancer. Human epidemiology studies show that use of estrogen replacement therapy by postmenopausal women is associated with a consistent increase in the risk of uterine endometrial cancer and a less consistent increase in the risk of breast cancer. Some evidence suggests that oral contraceptive use also may increase the risk of breast cancer." National Toxicology Program, Department of Health and Human Services.

SCREENING GUIDELINES

Colon Cancer:

The Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) accepts convincing evidence that the death rate from colorectal cancer can be reduced significantly if this screening takes place widely among the Canadian population.

Men and women age 50 and over must have a fecal occult blood test (FOBT) at least every 2 years. FOBT testing helps identify polyps before they become cancerous.

Follow-up for a positive test could include a colonoscopy, double contrast barium enema (an x-ray of the large intestine) and sigmoidoscopy.

Prostate Cancer:

Prostate cancer can be detected early using a PSA test and a digital rectal exam. However, research does not clearly show if the benefits of testing for prostate cancer outweigh the harms. Talk to your doctor about your risk for prostate cancer and about the benefits and harms of early detection if you are 50 years old or if you have symptoms of prostate cancer.

Breast Cancer:

If you are 40-49 years old you should have a clinical breast exam by a trained healthcare provider and discuss your risks of developing breast cancer with a doctor.

If you are 50-69 you should have a clinical breast exam and a mammogram every 2 years by a trained healthcare provider.

If you are 70 or older you should talk to your doctor about how often you should be tested for breast cancer

Cervical Cancer:

Once you become sexually active you should have a PAP test every 1-3 years depending on the results of your test. This applies to women who have had a hysterectomy or who are post-menopausal as well. Young women who have had the vaccination against HPV, a form of warts virus that is a risk factor for cervical cancer, should not neglect regular PAP screening.

Skin Cancer:

A complete skin exam should be preformed by a trained healthcare provider one time per year during routine physical exams. Suspicious skin changes should be photographed in natural light with a digital camera using an object of reference, such as a nickle coin, in the photo for comparison. Remember that the ABCDE of skin cancer assessment is an acronym for Assymetry, Border, Colour, Diameter, and Elevation.

HIGH-DOSE INTRAVENOUS VITAMIN C

High doses of vitamin C are administered intravenously for the treatment of cancer from qualified naturopathic doctors. This treatment is thought to work through cancer cell destruction via generation of hydrogen peroxide molecules within the cancer cell. Normal cells are unaffected. Doses of intravenous vitamin C begin at 25 grams and increase to as much as 75 grams.

ANTI-CANCER RECIPE:

Dr. Kennett's Swamp Water:
1 c Psyllium husks
1 c Oat Bran
1 c Ground flax (buy whole and grind yourself)
1.5 tbsp ground turmeric
1.5 tbsp ground cinnamon
1.5 tbsp organic matcha (green tea powder)
Mix all ingredients together and store in a glass container in your refrigerator. Take 1 tbsp of this mixture 2 times per day either in 4-6 oz cold water or sprinkled over your cereal or salad. Note that fibre can impede the absorption of pharmaceutical drugs and natural supplements. Also note that this recipe may be contraindicated in certain bowel diseases. Consult with a naturopathic doctor if you have bowel disease for an alternative recipe.

References are available upon request from Dr. Kennett at Ocean Wellness. Should you have any questions regarding the material please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Kennett at 604.986.9355.

Craniosacral Article in HANS journal

2010-01-14T09:35:00.000-08:00

What Is Craniosacral Therapy?

Last November, at a garage sale auction to raise money to deliver water to a small village in Thailand, Sean Jigolyk bid on a gift certificate for a craniosacral session with Brenda Pulvermacher. After several motor vehicle accidents, including accidents with skidoos and motorbikes, that resulted in no less than 13 extended hospital stays, Sean had seen everyone from neurosurgeons to Indian medicine men to deal with his back problems, but after beginning his sessions with Brenda, he now relies on craniosacral therapy ( CST) as his main form of healing. Sean claims that craniosacral therapy helps him energetically on a cellular level. "It's a full body energy experience," he explains. "I have less back pain, less general body pain, and peace of mind. It is some of the strongest medicine."

So what is this medicine and how does it work? Craniosacral therapy is the practice of gently manipulating the spine and skull in order to realign the bones and enhance the cerebral spinal flow. Beneficial especially for those who have suffered head injuries, motor vehicle accidents, or migraines, craniosacral therapy is intended to restore vital resources and rebalance the nervous system. The sessions last approximately one hour and are performed while the patient is fully-clothed, lying down. Afterwards, patients report feeling relaxed and calm. "It's about gently inviting the body to open up where the flow is restricted," Brenda Pulvermacher explains. "It's about noticing where the body is healthy and inviting the body move toward the health rather than the dysfunction."

But with considerable anecdotal evidence such as Sean's to suggest the efficacy of craniosacral therapy, the craniosacral field of study is still relatively new, and has ignited controversy among the scientific community. Do the bones of the skull move? Is there a craniosacral rhythm, and if so, can this rhythm be detected?

Craniosacral therapy began in the early 1900s, when a physician named William Sutherland observed that the bones of the skull were bevelled like the gills of a fish, indicating their ability to act as a respiratory mechanism. He then deduced that the sacrum moves in synch with these cranial bones. Since Sutherland's findings, many have countered the basis of craniosacral therapy, asserting that the cranial bones cannot move because they fuse in early adolescence.

"I suppose some people are sceptical." Brenda acknowledges. "And I think it is clear from the results that there is merit in the approach". It was Brenda's interest in science that drew her to craniosacral therapy. After obtaining a degree in biology, Brenda trained with The Upledger Institute, a worldwide recognized craniosacral teaching centre based on the teachings of John E. Upledger, who, in the 1970s, continued the investigation of the craniosacral pulse that William Sutherland previously observed, then went on to incorporate emotional and psychological elements into the process. Becoming especially interested in these aspects of the therapy, Brenda later sought training in the holistic approach of biodynamic craniosacral therapy ( BCST) with massage therapist , author, lecturer and somatic psychologist, Dr. Michael Shea. A student of the Dalai Lama, Dr Shea is know for his integrative teaching style which incorporates embryology, pre and peri-natal psychology, leading edge trauma resolution and shamanism. Brenda's multi faceted approach may also include Shiatsu - therapeutic pressure point massage, Qi gong - energy based therapy, and Self-Regulating Therapy ( SRT )- a therapy that helps the client to track sensation, moving their focus from activation to relaxation several times until the nervous system settles.

Business consultant, Wanda Morris, first sought craniosacral treatment from Brenda at the recommendation of her massage therapist. Also seeing a therapist and a physiotherapist at the time, Wanda's craniosacral sessions with Brenda included dialogue, and resulted in what Wanda describes as: "immediate relief from emotion trapped in the body." "Brenda is a healer," Wanda says, though Pulvermacher sees it as collaboration.

But beyond satisfied patients, where does science stand on craniosacral therapy? Although Italian anatomists have been convinced of the mobility of the cranial bones since the 1900s, British and North American anatomists contend that these bones fuse into a solid mass likened to a helmet early in life. In the early 1970s, when animal testing was less controversial, John E. Upledger attempted to observe the movement of the plates of the skull by fastening antennae to the skulls of primates, then tracing the amplitude and frequency through the radio waves. There is now wide concurrence that these rhythms do exist, although some hypothesize that they belong to the cardiovascular system, not the craniosacral one. "There are many rhythms within the system," Brenda explains, "biodynamic craniosacral therapy tracks what we call, primary respiration which has a 100 second cycle and is a fundamental force for wellness in the body. Upledger CST is working with a faster rhythm with six to ten cycles per minute."

The next question asked by craniosacral sceptics is whether this rhythm can be traced and manipulated by a practitioner. A study from the British Columbia Office of Health Technology Assessment found evidence for a craniosacral rhythm, but determined that this rhythm could not be manipulated by an examiner. Chiropractor and craniosacral patient, Benita Basra, disagrees. "The cranium is so sensitive that it doesn't need aggressive movement to put it back into place," she explains. "The light, therapeutic touch sets the cranial bones into their proper position at a physiological level."

With advanced training in craniosacral pediatrics, Brenda often treats infants. Craniosacral therapist Janice VanDusen describes a natural childbirth as "the first craniosacral treatment", and for those who have missed this experience due to suction procedures, forceps, or caesarean births, craniosacral theory purports that the compression of the skull bones can affect a child's development. Registered massage therapist, Joanne Hum, has received craniosacral therapy from Brenda and has also sought treatments for her children. Joanne describes the results in for herself as a sense of calm followed by a good sleep, but says she noticed a dramatic difference with her children. Her older son's previous behavioural issues dissipated, and her new baby - fussy and irritable prior to his first craniosacral session - left Brenda's office serene. "Even adults who had difficult births can benefit from craniosacral therapy," Brenda explains.

Like many areas of science, sometimes explanations lag behind results, and as of now, the positive results achieved by craniosacral therapy remain open to interpretation. Craniosacral therapy is currently gaining rapid acceptance among health practitioners as an effective form of full-body healing, which can, in Brenda Pulvermacher's words: "calm the mind, relax the body, and open the heart."

Brenda Pulvermacher, clinical supervisor of the Langara College Craniosacral Therapy program has been practising craniosacral therapy for 18 years. She currently practices at Ocean Wellness on Lonsdale Avenue in North Vancouver. Article written by Michelle Lauren Kay.

For more information about Brenda Pulvermacher and Craniosacral Therapy, contact Ocean Wellness at (604) 986-9355 or check out the web at www.oceanwellness.ca/brenda.html.

Kinesio Taping Method Now Available at Ocean Wellness

2009-12-14T19:18:00.000-08:00

What does Kinesio Taping do?

Kinesio Taping gives support and stability to your joints and muscles without affecting circulation and range of motion. It is also used for Preventive Maintenance, Edema, and Pain Management.
Kinesio Taping is a technique based on the body's own natural healing process. This Kinesio Taping exhibits its efficacy through the activation of neurological and circulatory systems. This method basically stems from the science of Kinesiology, hence the name "Kinesio". Muscles are not only attributed to the movements of the body but also control the circulation of venous and lymph flows, body temperature, etc. Therefore, the failure of the muscles to function properly induces various kinds of symptoms.

Consequently, so much attention was given to the importance of muscle function that the idea of treating the muscles in order to activate the body's own healing process came about. Using an elastic tape, it was discovered that muscles and other tissues could be helped by outside assistance. Employment of Kinesio Taping creates a totally new approach to treating nerves, muscles, and organs. The first application of Kinesio Taping was for a patient with articular disorders.

For the first 10 years, orthopedists, chiropractors, acupuncturists and other medical practitioners were the main users of Kinesio Taping. Soon thereafter, Kinesio Taping was used by the Japanese Olympic volleyball players and word quickly spread to other athletes. Today, Kinesio Taping is accepted by medical practitioners and athletes in Japan, United States, Europe, South America and other Asian countries.

The Kinesio Taping Method is applied over muscles to reduce pain and inflammation, relax overused tired muscles, and to support muscles in movement on a 24hr/day basis. It is non-restrictive type of taping which allows for full range of motion.
In contrast, traditional sports' taping is wrapped around a joint strictly for stabilization and support during a sporting event obstructing the flow of bodily fluids... an UNDESIRABLE side-effect.

Kinesio Tape is used for anything from headaches to foot problems and everything in between. Examples include: muscular facilitation or inhibition in pediatric patients, carpal tunnel syndrome, lower back strain/pain (subluxations, herniated disc), knee conditions, shoulder conditions, hamstring, groin injury, rotator cuff injury, whiplash, tennis elbow, plantar fasciitis, patella tracking, pre and post surgical edema, ankle sprains, athletic preventative injury method, and as a support method.

Is it the Kinesio Tape or the Kinesio Taping Technique that gives such great results?

Without a doubt, the Kinesio Taping Technique is unique. However, the full benefits were not possible until Kinesio® Tape was developed.

The Kinesio Taping method requires a tape that is skin friendly, possesses optimum elastic qualities, the same thickness as the skin, and is durable enough to stay on multiple days even through sweat and showers.

Kinesio Tape is an elastic hypoallergenic tape, which works with the fascial, lymphatic and musculoskeletal systems. Kinesio Tape is the only one of the 3 medically accepted tapes in North America to provide the unique features that are essential to the Kinesio Taping Method.

Kinesio Tape Technique:
Without getting too technical, Kinesio Tape is applied over the affected area with the muscles in a stretched position. Then the Kinesio Tape is applied from one end of the muscle to the other with varying amounts of stretch to the tape.

How to get a Kinesio Taping?
Caradean Shariff, RMT is a Kinesio Taping Practitioner. After an assessment and massage treatment, the Kinesio Tape is applied and can stay on for up to 5 days. If you are training for an event with pain or your about to compete on race day, Kinesio Tape will help. If you have chronic pain or a recent injury Kinesio Tape will help you too!
Call Ocean Wellness to book an appointment.