Discover the CORE to FLOOR Program by BTL

A Revolution in Wellness with EMSELLA and EMSCULPT Neo

When it comes to achieving total-body wellness, few approaches address the importance of core strength and pelvic health as comprehensively as the CORE to FLOOR Program by BTL. This innovative treatment plan combines two cutting-edge technologies—EMSELLA and EMSCULPT Neo—to target areas often overlooked in traditional fitness and wellness routines.

What is the CORE to FLOOR Program?

The CORE to FLOOR Program is designed to strengthen your core and pelvic floor muscles simultaneously, delivering transformative results for overall strength, posture, and confidence. It’s perfect for anyone seeking improved muscle tone, enhanced mobility, better bladder control, and increased physical performance.

Here is how EMSELLA and EMSCULPT Neo work together:

EMSELLA

EMSELLA is redefining pelvic health with a non-invasive treatment that uses High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic (HIFEM) technology to stimulate the pelvic floor muscles. Often referred to as the “Kegel Throne,” this chair-like device helps rebuild muscle strength and improve neuromuscular control.

Key benefits of EMSELLA:

EMSCULPT Neo

EMSCULPT Neo combines HIFEM and radiofrequency technology to simultaneously build muscle and reduce fat. This dual-action approach makes it one of the most effective body contouring treatments on the market.

Key Benefits of EMSCULPT Neo:

Why Combine EMSELLA and EMSCULPT Neo?

The pelvic floor and core are interconnected, forming the foundation of your body’s strength and stability. Weakness in either area can lead to poor posture, discomfort, and reduced physical performance. By addressing both simultaneously, the CORE to FLOOR Program offers a holistic solution.

Combined Benefits:

Who Can Benefit from the CORE to FLOOR Program?

This program is ideal for:

What to Expect During the Program

Each session is simple, non-invasive, and completely pain-free. You’ll begin with EMSELLA to target your pelvic floor and follow up with EMSCULPT Neo for core strengthening and fat reduction. Sessions are quick—usually under an hour—making them easy to fit into your weekly routine.

Transform Your Wellness Today

The CORE to FLOOR Program is more than a treatment—it’s a lifestyle upgrade. By strengthening your core and pelvic floor, you’ll not only look and feel better but also experience a renewed sense of control and confidence in your body. Ready to take the next step in your wellness journey?

Contact AST today to learn more about EMSELLA, EMSCULPT Neo, and how the CORE to FLOOR Program can transform your life.

EMSELLA

Chiropractic Care: Separating Fact from Fiction

Written by: Dr. Evan Steinke, B.Sc. DC

Chiropractic care is a diverse health practice that has been around since the 1890’s. Since its founding it has been under intense scrutiny and the subject of many misconceptions. This can lead to confusion, misinformation, and make new patients unsure of where to begin. So, let’s discuss the big three myths about chiropractic care and the actual research that debunks them.

Myth 1: Chiropractic manipulations are dangerous

There is a common misconception that chiropractic care, particularly the chiropractic
manipulation, is dangerous. Over the years there has been an increasingly large pile of
evidence to state that spinal manipulations are safe and effective. In the case of chronic lower back pain, which is the leading cause of disability globally, the World Health Organization released guidelines in 2023 that recommended treatment with spinal manipulative therapy. Additional research has repeatedly shown that spinal manipulations are safe and do not impose an increased risk of mild or moderate adverse effects (1). In a separate study investigating stroke risk with chiropractic visits compared to primary care, they found there was no evidence of excess risk associated with chiropractic care compared to primary care (2).

World Health Organization Report: https://www.who.int/publications
Alberta Health: https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/


1) Pankrath, Natalie et al. “Adverse Events After Cervical Spinal Manipulation - A
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials.” Pain
physician vol. 27,4 (2024): 185-201.
2) Cassidy, J David et al. “Risk of vertebrobasilar stroke and chiropractic care:
results of a population-based case-control and case-crossover study.” Spine vol.
33,4 Suppl (2008): S176-83. doi:10.1097/BRS.0b013e3181644600

Myth 2: Chiropractors are not considered doctors

Most often people are familiar with MD’s or Medical Doctors such as their family physician, however, other doctors have different abbreviations. In the case of chiropractors, their title is Doctor of Chiropractic, and their abbreviation is DC. Most chiropractors begin with a four-year undergraduate degree often with courses including biology, chemistry, physics, anatomy and more. From there they can apply to a chiropractic graduate program which on average is an additional four years of education covering topics from rehabilitation, neurology, and biomechanics to name a few.

Additionally, significant time is spent on the development and training of manual adjustment techniques. From there graduates undergo an additional layer of testing to become certified in their province or state which includes both written and in-person skill examinations. In Alberta, these certification requirements are enforced by the College of Chiropractors of Alberta, which also requires additional training to be performed every year to keep chiropractors current and up to date.

Source: https://www.theccoa.ca

Myth 3: Chiropractors only treat the spine

Chiropractors are perhaps best known for their treatment of the spine and are most often sought out for low back pain. However, chiropractors are trained in all areas of the body and are considered muscle, nerve, and bone specialists. Additionally, manipulations can be provided for more than the spine and can include the hips, knees, wrist, ankle and more. Therefore, if you’re experiencing anything from carpal tunnel syndrome to jaw pain you can ask your chiropractor for advice and treatment!

In conclusion, understanding the facts about chiropractic care can empower you to make informed decisions about your health. If you're seeking professional support, we invite you to experience the expertise of Active Sports Therapy's chiropractors.

At AST our Unified Team is dedicated to providing safe, effective treatment tailored to your individual needs, whether you're dealing with spinal issues or other musculoskeletal concerns.

Don't let myths hold you back—schedule a today and discover how chiropractic care can enhance your well-being!

You can find Dr Evan Steinke at AST Westman Village.

Chiropractic Consultation

What is a Chiropractic “Adjustment”? And Why Does It “Crack”?

Written by: Dr. Evan Steinke, B.Sc. DC,

Chiropractors often will use the term adjustment (aka manipulation) when discussing treatment options with their patients. While I often explain this to people new to chiropractic treatment, both new and old patients need to understand what this treatment is and how it is effective in the treatment of various conditions.

Firstly, an adjustment refers to a manual therapy technique in which the chiropractor applies a force to a patient’s joint. The force applied is quick but shallow and is referred to as a high-velocity low amplitude force. The application of this controlled but precise force is aimed at specific joints that the chiropractor has identified as problematic. For many joints this force will lead to a rapid movement and a “pop” or “crack” sound may be heard. While the sudden sound may seem alarming it is quite harmless and is not the sound of bone hitting bone.

So where does the sound come from?

In most joints, the two bones come in close approximation and are held in place by a fibrous capsule. This capsule contains cells that fill the cavity between the bones with synovial fluid, a viscous fluid that acts like a lubricant. When the chiropractor applies a quick force to either side of this joint it causes the fluid inside to drop in pressure and form little bubbles called cavitations. As these bubbles collapse, they result in the familiar-sounding “pop” or “crack” of a joint.

However, this sound is merely a side-effect of an adjustment as the therapeutic effect is found by how it changes the tissues surrounding the joint. In fact, continued research into chiropractic manipulation as a treatment for conditions such as neck pain and back pain is very supportive of its effectiveness. Therefore, chiropractors may use an adjustment as a form of treatment if they identify that a joint is or is contributing to the patient’s condition. These problems may include if the joint has restricted ranges of motion, is misaligned, is compressing a nearby nerve, or is contributing to the patient’s pain.

Ultimately, chiropractic adjustments are found to be both a safe and effective treatment technique for a wide range of injuries. By applying the appropriate force precisely to joints it can bring about relief, increase mobility, and improve overall well-being.

Experience the benefits of regular chiropractic adjustments by contacting Active Sports Therapy today. You can find Dr. Evan Steinke at our Westman Village location.


Perimenopause is the Cause

Written by: Dr. Fiona Lovely, Chiropractor, Functional Medicine Practitioner and Menopause Doula at AST


Many times, I am asked by women feeling the impending menopause experience, “What can I do now to help myself” for those years?  It’s a great question and there is much you can do.  

First, let’s talk terms.  Menopause is the time when you have been 12 months without a menstrual period.  The 10-ish years before that are what is now referred to as perimenopause.  As the typical age for menopause is 52, it is likely you have entered perimenopause by the time you are in your early 40s.  For some women, it’s at 35. Let the math be fluid on this, as every woman is different.  

How do you know you are in perimenopause?  The early signs are the change in quality and length of sleep and a change in moods.  You may not be easily able to elevate your mood to match the environment.  Anxiety can show up or worsen.  Same with depression.   Perimenopause is a neuroendocrine transition which means the brain is signalling the hormones to create a new normal.  This transition can be long, so its helpful to know you can expect change. 

For many women in their late thirties and early forties, you may be in your child-birthing years and brush these early symptoms off as a lack of sleep, or the baby-blues or stress.  These things may in fact be caused by the hormonal shifts of perimenopause. Your levels of testosterone and progesterone do a slow decline towards menopause.  Estrogen levels can be quite high or low and can swing wildly.  You can feel moody, sleepy, less strong, less sharp mentally and your cycle can get shorter, meaning you can bleed every 25 or 26 days instead of 28-30 days.  

In the forties, women can experience the more classic signs of menopause like hot flashes, dryness, lack of libido, deepening insomnia, feelings of low self worth, low confidence, anxiety and/depression.  This is a delicate time for a woman as she can easily be misdiagnosed with a mental health disorder instead of being treated for perimenopause.   You may not have even had a hot flash or a skipped period at this point.  

On a list of the top ten most common symptoms of perimenopause, hot flashes are number 10.  Many women never have a hot flash, so please don’t wait to assume you are in perimenopause only when your periods change or you experience a hot flash! 

Reducing stress, recognizing your symptoms are a result of changing hormone levels, getting enough rest, nutritious food, outside light and daily enjoyable movement are important for preparing yourself for a gentle perimenopause.  Eating enough daily protein and strength training for maintaining muscle health is important too. 

In short, if you are a woman between 35-55 years of age and something recently has changed with your health, it’s likely related to perimenopause!   It begins long before you miss a period.  Look for great practitioners who can coach you through this transition.  Perimenopause can be a chaotic time where the help is thin on the ground. 

Have you considered speaking with a Menopause Doula?  We can help guide the way forward to better sleep, a peaceful mind and a calm and cool physical self.  

Contact AST Willow Park to schedule an appointment with Dr. Fiona Lovely today.

Not ready to make an appointment but want to learn more, head to Not Your Mothers Menopause Podcast. Hosted by Dr. Fiona Lovely.

Discover the Power of EMSELLA by BTL: A Revolutionary Solution for Pelvic Health

A Revolutionary Solution for Pelvic Floor Health

Pelvic health is an essential yet often overlooked aspect of overall wellness. For many, issues like urinary incontinence, weak pelvic muscles, and sexual dysfunction can significantly impact daily life. Traditionally, these conditions have been managed through exercises, physical therapy, or even surgery. However, there’s now a non-invasive, cutting-edge solution that’s transforming the way we approach pelvic floor health: EMSELLA by BTL.

What is EMSELLA?

EMSELLA is an FDA-cleared, non-invasive treatment specifically designed to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and improve urinary incontinence. Using high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) technology, EMSELLA stimulates deep pelvic floor muscles, inducing thousands of supramaximal contractions in just one 28-minute session. These contractions are much more powerful than what can be achieved through traditional exercises like Kegels, making EMSELLA an incredibly effective treatment option.

How Does EMSELLA Work?

The science behind EMSELLA is rooted in its ability to target and engage the entire pelvic floor. When you sit on the EMSELLA chair, the HIFEM technology penetrates deep into the pelvic region, stimulating muscle contractions without any discomfort. These contractions re-educate and strengthen the muscles, leading to better bladder control, reduced symptoms of incontinence, and improved overall pelvic health. One of the most remarkable aspects of EMSELLA is its convenience. The treatment is entirely non-invasive—there are no needles, surgery, or even undressing required. You simply sit fully clothed on the chair, and the technology does the rest. A typical treatment plan involves six sessions, spaced out over a few weeks, with each session lasting approximately half an hour.

Who Can Benefit from EMSELLA?

EMSELLA is ideal for both men and women who are struggling with pelvic floor issues, particularly those experiencing urinary incontinence. This condition is more common than you might think, affecting millions of people worldwide. Whether it’s stress incontinence (leaking during activities like coughing, sneezing, or exercising) or urge incontinence (a sudden, intense need to urinate), EMSELLA offers a solution that is both effective and non-invasive.

In addition to addressing urinary incontinence, EMSELLA has also been shown to improve sexual health by enhancing pelvic floor strength, which can lead to better sexual satisfaction and function.

The Benefits of Choosing EMSELLA

-Non-Invasive: No surgery, needles, or recovery time required. EMSELLA offers a pain-free experience with no downtime, allowing you to return to your daily activities immediately after treatment.

- Efficient: Each session lasts just 28 minutes, and a full treatment plan typically includes six sessions. Many patients notice improvements after just one or two sessions.

- Comfortable: The treatment is performed while you remain fully clothed, and most patients report that the experience is comfortable, describing the sensation as a tingling or muscle contractions.

- Effective: Clinical studies have shown significant improvement in urinary incontinence symptoms, with many patients reporting a substantial reduction in leaks and increased confidence in their bladder control.

Is EMSELLA Right for You?

If you’re tired of living with the inconvenience and embarrassment of urinary incontinence or other pelvic floor issues, EMSELLA could be the solution you’ve been waiting for. It’s safe, effective, and convenient—making it a game-changer in pelvic health.

To learn more about EMSELLA or to schedule a consultation, contact Active Sports Therapy today. Our team is here to answer your questions and help you take the first step towards a stronger, healthier you.

By choosing EMSELLA, you’re choosing to invest in your health, confidence, and quality of life. Don’t let pelvic floor issues hold you back —experience the transformative power of EMSELLA by BTL today.

Understanding Active Release Techniques and Its Many Benefits.

In the world of physical therapy and sports medicine, Active Release Techniques (ART) have emerged as a powerful method for addressing soft tissue injuries. Developed by Dr. P. Michael Leahy, DC, ART is a patented, state-of-the-art movement-based massage technique that treats problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, and nerves. This unique approach has gained popularity among athletes and non-athletes alike for its effectiveness in resolving various conditions that can hinder performance and daily activities. In this blog post, we'll delve into the types of injuries that ART can treat and how it helps in the recovery process.

What is Active Release Techniques (ART)?

ART is a hands-on therapy that involves the practitioner using their hands to evaluate the texture, tightness, and movement of muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments, and nerves. By combining precisely directed tension with specific patient movements, ART aims to break up adhesions and scar tissue that cause pain and restrict movement. The technique is highly specific, and each treatment is tailored to the individual’s needs.

The Types of Injuries That Can be Treated by ART:

1. Muscle Strains and Sprains

   - Hamstring Strain: Common in athletes, a hamstring strain can cause significant pain and limited mobility. ART helps by breaking down scar tissue and promoting proper healing.

   - Shoulder Strain: Often seen in activities involving repetitive overhead motions, ART can relieve shoulder pain by addressing issues in the rotator cuff and surrounding muscles.

2. Tendonitis

   - Achilles Tendonitis: Inflammation of the Achilles tendon can be debilitating. ART helps reduce inflammation and promotes healing by improving blood flow and breaking down adhesions.

   - Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis): This condition is caused by repetitive stress on the elbow's tendons. ART targets the affected areas to reduce pain and restore normal function.

3. Nerve Entrapments

   - Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: This condition arises when the median nerve is compressed at the wrist. ART can alleviate symptoms by releasing the entrapped nerve and reducing inflammation.

   - Sciatica: Characterized by pain radiating along the sciatic nerve, ART can help by addressing muscle and fascia tightness that may be compressing the nerve.

4. Fascial Restrictions

   - Plantar Fasciitis: This common cause of heel pain results from inflammation of the plantar fascia. ART helps by releasing tension in the fascia and promoting healing.

   - IT Band Syndrome: Often seen in runners, this condition involves inflammation of the iliotibial band. ART can reduce pain and restore proper movement patterns by breaking down adhesions in the IT band.

5. Post-Surgical Scar Tissue

   - Knee Surgery Recovery: Post-surgical scar tissue can limit the range of motion and cause pain. ART helps by breaking down scar tissue and improving mobility.

   - Rotator Cuff Surgery: After shoulder surgery, ART can assist in breaking down adhesions and restoring normal shoulder function.

How Active Release Techniques Work:

ART works by isolating specific muscle groups and applying tension while the patient actively moves the affected area. This combination of movement and pressure breaks up adhesions and scar tissue, which can restore normal function and reduce pain. The practitioner’s hands-on approach allows for precise treatment, targeting the exact areas of dysfunction.

Benefits of Active Release Techniques:

- Pain Relief: ART effectively reduces pain caused by soft tissue injuries and nerve entrapments.

- Improved Mobility: By breaking down adhesions and scar tissue, ART restores normal movement patterns.

- Enhanced Performance: Athletes benefit from improved range of motion and decreased injury risk.

- Quick Results: Many patients experience significant improvement in just a few sessions.

Active Release Techniques (ART) is a versatile and effective treatment for a wide range of soft tissue injuries. Whether you're an athlete dealing with repetitive strain injuries or someone recovering from surgery, ART can offer relief and expedite your recovery process. If you're experiencing pain or restricted movement, consider consulting an ART-certified practitioner to explore how this innovative technique can help you get back to your best self.

Please contact the front desk to book an appointment to experience Active Release Techniques for yourself.

Active Release Techniques, shoulder

Naturopathic Recommendations for Allergies

By Dr. Gayle Maguire, B.Sc, ND

It's allergy season and many of us find ourselves reaching for medication for our itchy eyes and runny noses! When it comes to an ND's perspective, most natural approaches to allergies should begin prior to the season, as we hope to soothe and cleanse necessary functions in the body.  When these functions become overwhelmed, we see a worsening of allergy symptoms.  This also explains why many adults "grow into" allergies.

Many patients are surprised to experience hay fever for the first time, wondering why they never had allergies as a child or young adult.  The question is usually "Don't we grow out of allergies?".  It would appear that stresses to proper immune response, such as stress in particular, throw off our body's natural response to pollen, snow mould, and more.  This may even include food allergies and sensitivities too.

It becomes really important to look at your diet going into your worst allergy season.  Try a "break-up" with coffee, sugar, and for some, dairy products.  If stress has been high, work diligently on stress reduction and talk to your naturopathic doctor about supplements to help.

Quercetin, a flavonoid antioxidant found in many vegetables can be purchased as a supplement and seems to calm the immune system very effectively for some.  Nettle, as a tea (provided you are not allergic to it!), can be an effective anti-inflammatory and immune stabilizer due to its quercetin content.  This can interact with several medications so talk to your pharmacist or naturopathic doctor first.  Probiotics and Vitamin D are other important nutrients for stable immune responses.

For more information, book a free meet-and-greet session with Dr. Gayle Maguire at AST Willow Park, 4032781405.

*This blog is not intended to officially establish a physician-patient relationship, to replace the services of a trained physician, naturopathic doctor, physical therapist or chiropractor or otherwise to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Learn The Benefits of Traditional Chinese Medicine Herbal Formulas.

Written By: Dr. Wanda Duong, DTCM

For over a thousand years, herbal therapy has been used all over the world to address a range of health concerns. Looking to nature, those who studied Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), utilized different plant parts to improve and support health.

Many plants and plant parts have unique therapeutic properties that can help support our body’s health and encourage our body’s natural healing abilities. These unique therapeutic properties can be combined to create a balanced herbal formula where the main active ingredients are used to address the primary symptoms, other ingredients to address secondary symptoms, and some ingredients to harmonize and create a balanced formula. TCM herbal formulas are used to address not just symptoms, but the potential root cause of those symptoms. TCM herbal formulas, similar to TCM acupuncture, treat the entire human being by addressing the potential underlying root cause of a symptom(s) and aim to support the body’s own natural ability to sustain health by encouraging certain biochemical reactions to take place.

The therapeutic properties of herbs are often described as their “nature” and their “flavor”. In general, herbs can have a thermal nature that is cold and cool, or hot and warm. This means that herbs which have a cold nature are great to cool the body by combatting heat and toxicity while herbs that are hot in nature are great to balance coldness and warm the body to promote physiological functions. For example, peppermint has a cooling effect and can be found in a formula used to address symptoms of menopause like hot flashes. On the contrary, cinnamon bark is warming and may be found in a formula to warm the body and increase circulation. Another example is including peppermint in an iced tea to help cool the body on a sunny day and in the winter we often find cinnamon in hot ciders to help warm the body. Though the therapeutic properties of these two plant parts are different, they may be found in the same herbal formula, with other ingredients, to create a balanced formula that has a cooling, invigorating, and warming effect.

Herbs will also display a certain flavor profile of sour, bitter, salty, pungent, or sweet and each of these flavor profiles is associated with a therapeutic action. Finally, herbs may have a therapeutic movement influence of directing downward, to address acid reflux for example, or to direct upward to support lifting like in prolapse. All of the properties of a plant part are taken into consideration when herbal formulas are created.

TCM herbal formulas should only be prescribed after a consultation with your TCM practitioner as each herbal formula is specific to address the potential underlying issues causing a symptom or pattern of disease. For example, two individuals with the same diagnosis may be prescribed a different herbal formula because the type of symptom they are experiencing, in addition to

potential underlying root causes, dictates a specific herbal formula that is best for their individual condition. This is similar to two individuals seeking treatment for lower back pain by a physiotherapist, massage therapist, or chiropractic. These two individuals will receive an individualized treatment plan that is specific to which muscle groups are involved, underlying conditions at play, inflammation or structural issues, etc., and both may receive very different treatments even though they both experience low back pain.

Because TCM herbal formulas, similar to pharmaceutical prescriptions, take on a specific role and address very specific underlying issues, it is important to consult with your Active Sports Therapy TCM practitioner to find the best herbal formula to address your condition. You may book a TCM herbal consultation for advisement on a herbal formula that may be appropriate for you, or you may also discuss herbal formulas at your next acupuncture session with your Active Sports Therapy TCM practitioner. Before a herbal formula can be prescribed, the TCM practitioner will ask for a detailed health history including past and current illnesses. They will ask questions related to different body systems and may also inquire into current medication you are taking. This is important because, though herbs are generally quite safe, the TCM practitioner wants to ensure that there will not be any adverse reactions between your pharmaceutical prescription and the herbs, and vice versa. It is also safe to take a herbal formula while also taking a pharmaceutical prescription, though both should be taken at separate times. Continue to take your prescribed medication even if a TCM herbal formula has been prescribed to address a similar symptom. TCM herbal formulas should not be seen as substitutes for medical care, but as a supplement to support holistic health.

TCM herbal formulas are available in different forms, from raw, dried herbs, to powder, to capsules and tablets. They can be used to address current symptoms, or used as a preventative approach for health. TCM herbal formulas can be used to address acute symptoms for 1-2 weeks, such as a cold, or longer standing health problems that are chronic in nature in which case an individual may be advised to take a herbal formula for a few months. Your Active Sports Therapy TCM practitioner will always follow up with you when taking herbal formulas and before prescribing additional formulas. Herbal formulas often have little to no negative side effects as their ingredients are found in nature, most often plant-based. However, it is important that your TCM practitioner is aware of any allergies or sensitivities you may have.

TCM herbal formulas, in addition to TCM acupuncture, are only a small part of the holistic approach we take towards health here at Active Sports Therapy. Together, we are united to give you the best care we can so that you can enjoy all aspects of your daily life.

Book in with Dr. Wanda Duong at AST Willow Park to experience how Traditional Chinese Medicine Formulas can help you live your best life.

Hydration

Written by: Kira Greasley, Certified Holistic Nutritional Consultant

With the warmer weather around the corner, I thought it would be important to revisit one of the principal components of all bodily fluid and function, WATER. The human body is composed of approximately 70% water and most people only consume enough liquid to quench a dry or parched throat but not enough to cover normal water loss. Adults can become dehydrated quickly, as the percentage the body reserves drops with age, and as we age, our sense of thirst dulls.

Did you know, by the time your body is letting you know you need water, you are already dehydrated. Some signs you are dehydrated include sluggishness, fatigue, headache, loss of appetite, feeling excessively hot, light headedness, and nausea. Filtered water is the
best way to hydrate but get creative! Add some lemon or cucumber to help with the body’s detoxification process. Go one step further and add a granule or 2 of pink Himalayan Sea salt and you have an easy electrolyte drink! Adding some berries is a great way to add natural flavour and to receive your natural sugars to help assist with those glycogen (sugar) stores.

You should try to make it a habit to drink filtered water even when you are not feeling thirsty. On average we need about 12 cups, almost 3 litres of filtered water each day to stay hydrated as we lose water daily through our skin, urine, bowels, and lungs. But keep in mind, we can obtain some of our water requirements through the food we eat such as celery, cucumber, and watermelon to name a few, as well as the water that is released when our food digests. Additionally, proper water intake assists weight loss because if not enough water is consumed, the body cannot metabolize fat, which leads to water retention and weight gain.

Find water boring? Here are some water infusion ideas to help you jazz things up.

• Strawberry and Basil (Basil can assist with pain relief, immune booster, blood vessel health and antioxidant)
• Cucumber and Mint (Mint is a digestive aid, headache relief and nausea relief)

• Lemon and Rosemary (Rosemary stimulates the appetite, aids digestion and circulation, can assist with nasal and chest congestion as well as chronic circulatory problems)
• Orange and Ginger

• Blackberry and Lime
• Citrus and Cilantro (Cilantro helps to relieve indigestion, gas and diarrhea) • Grapefruit and Thyme (Thyme can help clear mucus from the lungs)
• Pineapple and Sage (Sage can help clear mucus from the lungs)
• Kiwi and Strawberry
• Watermelon and Mint
• Raspberry and Lime
• Honeydew Melon and Mint/Ginger and Pear

The benefits of drinking enough quality water are endless, in fact, it is vital to your health. Without water, life would end in 3-5 days, so bottoms up!

Kira Greasley is AST's Holistic Nutritional Consultant. Kira’s passion is helping you achieve your health goals and maximize your health potential through personalized nutritional guidance based on your unique needs and objectives. Kira is dedicated to promoting, inspiring and educating her clients, at any age and stage of their life to thrive. Call (403)278-1405 to book a consult.

How Traditional Chinese Medicine can help with a Cancer Diagnosis

Written by: Dr. Vikki McGuire, DTCM

We are all affected by Cancer. Whether you have been diagnosed or a close family or friend has, we have all struggled under the weight of this far-reaching disease. 

The majority of people who get diagnosed go through a series of emotions: fear, confusion, self-doubt and STRESS. 

In our society, we have not completely integrated all available therapies.  A patient may become unclear about which treatment journey to follow. It can be daunting as there are so many choices without much support from Oncology outside of their scope of practice.

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a great therapy for your whole system when undergoing cancer treatments and post-treatment. It works on the mind, body and spirit through needling, cupping, exercises (like Tai-Chi Qi-Gong), Herbal and Nutritional support. 

Dr. Vikki has been working with Cancer patients (and their families) for 10-plus years. During that time, she has learned the process of Oncology and how valuable holistic medicine is through all stages of cancer and beyond. She treats symptoms of cancer such as:

Anxiety/depression

Cognitive Issues (sometimes called chemo brain) 

Dry Mouth

Fatigue

Hot flashes

Lymphedema

Ileus (intestinal blockage)

Immune system recovery

Nausea

Neuropathy

Pain 

Post-operative pain

Dr. Vikki can help navigate the holistic system and guide patients to the right providers at the right time to aid in Cancer treatments and recovery. It can be a confusing, sometimes costly and frustrating process finding the right team for yourself. 

Just because your conventional cancer treatments have ended, your healing hasn’t.  This is where TCM can be a lifeline. Dr. Vikki can help you get back to your pre-cancer health. Chemo can take up to a year to leave your system and the damage it does to the good cells takes time and support to repair. 

Whether you are recently diagnosed, part way through Western treatments or looking for post-treatment care – give Dr. Vikki and Traditional Chinese medicine a try. 

Dr. Vikki McGuire works at AST Willow Park and is currently taking new patients. Call 403-278-1405 to book your appointment today!

Traditional Chinese Medicine