Health & Wellness

We currently have the following Health & Wellness Services available. (Please click on the words to learn more)

Chiropractic Services
Acupuncture
Registered Massage Therapy
Tibetan Acupressure
Reiki
Homeopathy (Homeopathic Medicine)
Bowen Therapy

Chiropractic Services

Consult / Initial Assesment $80
Chiropractic Therapy Session $40/session

Dr. Anthony R. Battel B.Sc., D.C.
Dr. Battel obtained his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Waterloo and his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College. He did post graduate studies in Acupuncture and is a member of the Acupuncture Council of Ontario.

 

Chiropractic
Chiropractic includes a drug-free, manual approach to care of the musculoskeletal system. Along with patient assessment, diagnosis and treatment, therapeutic exercises may also be included. Spinal manipulative therapy, or adjustments, is a non-invasive manual therapy to the spine or other joints to restore proper joint function and reduce pain. Commonly treated conditions include neck and back pain, headaches and general muscle and joint pain.
More than 1.2 million Ontarians rely on chiropractic every year to help them get back to work and back to doing the things they enjoy. To become a Doctor of Chiropractic, one must study four years at an accredited chiropractic institution, receiving more than 4,200 hours of specialized clinical training. Studies include anatomy, pathology, biomechanics, diagnosis, and adjustment techniques.

Typically, initial visits are 30 minutes, with subsequent visits about 15 minutes in duration.
Chiropractic care commonly consists of manual therapies, such as an “adjustment” which is a precise movement usually applied by hand to joints of the body, such as the spinal joints. Adjustments move the joint to restore proper movement and function. Sometimes an audible popping sound is noted with the adjustment, this is due to gas within the joint.

A chiropractor has training to determine if your problem will respond to chiropractic care, or if you require referral to another type of health care provider.

CHIROPRACTIC TREATMENT SPECIALTIES

Back Pain
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Whiplash
Sciatica
Neck Pain
Stress
Headaches
Subluxation
Disc Problems
Scoliosis
Custom Orthotics
Children
Seniors

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Acupuncture

Acupuncture $40/session

Acupuncture involves inserting fine sterile disposable needles into specific points in the body to help in a variety of ailments such as musculoskeletal problems and headaches. Current approaches relate neuro-anatomical and biochemical influences by inserting needles at certain points or pathways/meridians.

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Registered Massage Therapy

30 Minutes $45
45 Minutes $65
60 Minutes $80

Massage is one of the oldest, simplest forms of therapy and is a system of stroking, pressing and kneading different areas of the body to relieve pain, and to relax, stimulate and tone the body. Massage often does much more than create a pleasant sensation on the skin. It also works on the soft tissues (muscles, tendons, and ligaments) to improve muscle tone. Although it largely affects those muscles just under the skin, its benefits may also reach the deeper blood circulation and assists the lymphatic system (which runs parallel to the circulatory system), improving the elimination of waste throughout the body.


Some Benefits of Massage:

Relaxing
Soothing
Healing
Reassuring
Eases tension, stiffness, and pain
Improves breathing
Improves circulation
Enhances well-being

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Manual Lymphatic Drainage


What is manual lymphatic drainage?
Manual lymphatic drainage is a form of massage therapy in which the practitioner tries to manipulate lymph flow. The practitioner does this by using gentle and rhythmic pumping techniques on the skin. They will do this to the skin in the direction that lymph flow should be.
This is very important because the lymphatic vessels carry substances that the body needs to properly function and defend itself against disease and illness.


What are the benefits of manual lymphatic drainage?


There can be many benefits that occur in result of manual lymphatic drainage, ranging from immediate to long term. These benefits can include the following and more:

Promotes healing - this can include healing of acute injuries, such as sprains and fractures, as well as long-term illnesses, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Prevents illnesses - manual lymphatic drainage can not only heal illnesses and injuries that currently exist in the patient’s body, but it can also help the body prevent illnesses from occurring in the future.

Relaxation - as with most forms of massage therapy, manual lymphatic drainage is a very relaxing therapy for the patient.

Helps with pregnancy - many pregnant women receive manual lymphatic drainage while they are pregnant because of the benefits it offers-it can reduce swelling and pain caused by carrying a baby.

Helps heal the skin - it can do this in a variety of ways, including helping to heal burns and scars, as well as reducing stretch marks.

Promotes overall well-being - by reducing swelling, reducing pain, increasing immunity, and healing or helping many illnesses, manual lymphatic drainage is thought to increase the overall well-being of its patients.

What happens during a manual lymphatic drainage session?


Usually, the first session of manual lymphatic drainage will consist of a consultation with the therapist, at which time the therapist can determine how many treatments you will need as well as how those treatments will need to be focused.

Once it is determined by the therapist how many treatments you will need, and how often, those treatments will be scheduled. They will most likely each last an hour, and it is important to stick to the schedule of treatments in order to experience the optimal results that manual lymphatic drainage has to offer.

Whether you are looking for deep relaxation and overall well-being, or you have a chronic illness you are hoping to improve, manual lymphatic drainage has a lot to offer. Start experiencing the wonderful benefits of this massage therapy by scheduling a consultation today.

Trigger Point Massage Therapy


Ever wonder what can be done to help headaches, neck stiffness, and carpal tunnel like symptoms, tennis elbow, bursitis, frozen shoulder, back pain, low back stiffness, sciatica, and even shin splints? 

Muscle influences the quality and longevity of our lives. Muscle pain can make us less active, more tense or fatigued. Everyday pressures and stresses, overused injuries in athletes, whiplash trauma and conditions like fibromyalgia or arthritis can produce muscular or "soft tissue" pain often characterized by what many medical professionals call "trigger points."


Trigger points can present themselves as referred patterns of sensation such as sharp pain, dull ache, tingling, pins and needles, hot or cold, as well as can create symptoms such as nausea, ear ache, equilibrium disturbance, or blurred vision. These small, hyperirritable sites in the muscle tissue sometimes refer pain to other locations as in headaches or sciatica.

 
Trigger Point Therapy may be the answer.  It is a type of massage therapy which examines and treats muscles and muscle attachments in layers.  It addresses surface muscles and connective tissues and deeper ligaments and connective tissues. It is closely aligned with the eastern technique of acupressure massage. The treatment techniques are very similar; the guidelines for applying acupressure apply to most Trigger Point Release applications. 


It is a therapy that you can do to yourself. However, due to the location of many trigger points, performing trigger point therapy on yourself can be awkward at best, without the use of tools.
Trigger points usually occur up and down your body along the length off the muscle.  They are most common in the axial muscles (muscles that control movement of the body from side to side), especially those used to maintain posture, but can be found throughout the body.  Trigger points generally occur in more than one location. See the trigger point chart below


Referred Pain
Trigger points cause referred pain in specific areas called pain reference zones.  These areas have been charted and are predictable, consistent, and usually the pain is experienced in areas located away from the trigger point.  The referred pain is often described as dull, aching, and deep, and it can be constant or occur off and on. Manipulating a trigger point elicits referred pain and often slight nausea.


Active and Latent Trigger Points
Trigger points can be classified as either active or latent. Active trigger points cause ongoing, persistent pain; latent trigger points are pain free until pressed. Both create a local twitch response when pressed. They are often associated with decreased range of motion, weakness in the affected muscle group, and decreased ability of the muscle to stretch. Often, active trigger points can cause "satellite," or secondary, trigger points in the reference zone that respond because of the increased stress to the involved muscle groups. For example an active trigger point in the back can create pain and eventually and satellite trigger point in the shoulder.  Treating the shoulder trigger point will not have a lasting effect without treating the originating trigger point in the back.

Focal or regional autonomic dysfunction may occur with palpation of a trigger point. Skin temperature decreases have been noted at trigger points, and skin temperature can decrease in pain reference zones.

Origins of Trigger Point Therapy
Trigger point therapy is one of the largest and fastest growing muscle therapies today. Janet Travell, M.D., the White House physician under former President John F. Kennedy, and Dr. David Simons initially coined the phrase "trigger point therapy" to describe their then cutting edge treatments involving saline injections into muscle, stretches and heat therapy to resolve trouble spots. Travell used these techniques to treat JFK’s back pain. In the 1970’s Bonnie Prudden advanced Travell and Simons’ methods by developing a system of non-invasive techniques, which are widely used today by professional athletes, massage and physical therapists, and prescribed and recommended by medical doctors.

A Typical Treatment Session
A thorough physical examination should be performed, with a focus on the area of pain and discomfort. The therapist should start by observing the patient's movements and posture, looking for poor posture, muscle strain, pain that increases guarding, and increased pain in other muscle groups. Trigger points cause muscle shortening with secondary weakness and decreased range of motion which can be observed. A musculoskeletal exam with strength testing and relevant neurological assessment is often preformed.

To facilitate the identification of trigger points, you should be as relaxed as possible. Trigger points can be felt by palpating the muscles; trigger points will consist of tender, hard (or ropy) knots or nodules surrounded by what feels like normal muscle tissue. Once a trigger point has been found, the local twitch response may be elicited as muscle or skin twitching. You should feel sour or numb, but not knife-cut like pain when the trigger point is pressed. The trigger points are usually between or beside the bones and tendons or ligaments, on a depression, never on the bones or blood vessels. Next, the patient should be evaluated for referred pain. Knowledge of reference zones is essential to the diagnosis.

Trigger point is a pain-relief technique to alleviate muscle spasms and cramping. The therapist locates and deactivates `trigger points', which are often tender areas where muscles have been damaged or acquired a re-occurring spasm or `kink' that worsens painfully when aggravated. The major goals are to reduce spasm inducing new blood flow into the affected area. The spasms are partly maintained by nervous system feedback (pain-spasm-pain) cycle.

Spasms also physically reduce blood flow to the trigger point area (ischemia), reducing oxygen supplied to the tissues and increasing the spasm. Pressure is applied to trigger points, for a short time (between about 7 to 10 seconds per point), which can be momentarily painful but is greatly relieving.

It is common to hit the same trigger points several times during a session, but you won't be leaning into a sore spot for several minutes. Often ice or another cooling agent is used to reduce nervous system response, making the area easier and more comfortable to work. Then the muscles are gently stretched to complete the relaxation process.
 
The drawing below should be used only as a general indication of possible locations for trigger points.  People vary greatly and gentle experimentation is the best route to developing a map of your own tension points.

Trigger Points - How they are created
Trigger points are clustered areas of pain in or around muscles that usually radiate pain in a predictable pattern. When a muscle, or group of muscles, incurs injury, it automatically contracts around the painful site to support and protect the area. If pain is resolved quickly, the muscles can relax. If pain persists, muscles can become habitually contracted. Sometimes contractions press on nerves causing tingling, numbness, and more pain. Like a sponge that is squeezed, a contracted muscle can’t hold much blood. Blood transports oxygen and nutrients to the muscles and carries away waste products. When a muscle is deprived of healthy circulation, it doesn’t receive enough oxygen and nutrients, and waste products accumulate. This can result in fatigue and soreness. It can also irritate nerves in the area, causing pain to spread beyond the congested area.

Finding the Real Source of Pain
Most trigger points are easy to detect by locating the pain, applying pressure and experiencing the subsequent release, however, in some cases, the real source of pain may be an originating trigger point located quite a distance from the "satellite" trigger point (pain site). For example, an originating trigger point for the wrist, forearm and hand is frequently located in the region of the shoulder blade. Thus, pain associated with the wrist, forearm and hand may require treatment of both the originating trigger point and the localized satellite point. The "Healthy Body Ball , Pressure Pointer and the BackNobber  all come with User’s Guides, containing more information on how to locate the appropriate trigger points.

The Pain-Spasm-Pain Cycle
The "pain-spasm-pain" cycle is a complete chain of events, which is reinforced by each event in the cycle. Pain often begins with injury, illness, inadequate stretching before sports or physical activities, or overuse of a muscle. Each event, especially stress, can add to or even start the cycle. The pain cycle involves these major events: pain, which leads to muscle tension and pressure on nerves, causes reduced circulation and muscle shortening. Reduced circulation and muscle shortening results in restricted movement and causes trigger points to form. Trigger points cause more stress and more pain. Any single event in the pain cycle can set off the complex chain of events that ultimately leads back to pain. Treating trigger point pain interrupts the pain-spasm- pain cycle without drugs or negative side effects. Sometimes, pain can be so severe, persistent or wide spread that it requires radical medical intervention. In many cases, however, pain management clinicians and medical researchers have found that trigger point pain often responds to non-invasive, firm, physical pressure, deep in the muscle tissue.
 
In addition to Trigger Point Massage this treatment approach may be referred to as "ischemic compression," "myofascial release" "neuromuscular therapy," "acupressure", "myotherapy" and deep tissue massage among many other terms. All of these and related disciplines typically involve deep, sustained pressure directly on trigger points. Such pressure usually causes the muscle to relax, making it possible to stretch and eventually exercise back to pain-free fitness and health.

Tibetan Accupresure

Tibetan Acupressure $80/session

Tibetan Acupressure is based upon a system of control points using the vibration of healing energy to heal, relieve pain, and to remove the symptoms as well as the cause of illness. The system originated in Tibet many thousands of years ago long before acupuncture was discovered. It was incorporated into the healing modalities used by the shamen of the Tibetan medical traditions.

What Kinds of Health Problems can be treated with Tibetan Acupressure?

Virtually all chronic conditions, particularly chronic pain, benefit from Tibetan Acupressure treatment. The pressure points are used to rebalance subtle energies as well as to relax and rejuvenate the mind, body and spirit. The treatments assist the body in the recovery from present conditions and strengthen the immune system for the future.

Some common health conditions that can be treated with Tibetan Acupressure include:

*Chronic Pain
*Insomnia
*Depression/Anxiety
*Mental and Emotional Stress
*Shoulder and Back Tension
*Chronic Fatigue syndrome
*Women’s Issues: PMS and Menopausal Conditions
*Digestive conditions: Reflux, Heartburn, Constipation, IBS
*Environmental Allergies
*Fibromyalgia
*Sciatica
*Dizziness/Tinnitus
*Headaches
*Circulatory conditions
*Cancer – to reduce pain

How is the Tibetan Acupressure Treatment carried out?

A typical Tibetan Acupressure treatment takes between 45 minutes and an hour. The classical treatment is performed with the client sitting in a chair, fully clothed. There are no needles or instruments used, just pressure applied by the fingers of the practitioner.

Pressure points on the feet, legs, hands, arms, back, neck and head are stimulated to rebalance the energies in the body.

Do Tibetan Acupressure Treatments cause Physical Discomfort?

Typically, the client experiences deep relaxation and frequently, a peaceful meditative state. The pressure is applied with one of the first two fingers of the hand and in some areas the thumb. The pressure is never held, but rather released immediately. It may be reapplied several times to obtain the desired release. There is no rubbing or holding of the point.

Since the pressure points used during the treatment correspond to body parts, organs and systems, there may be temporary, mild soreness in the associated areas of the body after treatment.

What can I expect from a Tibetan Acupressure Treatment?

Clients often feel very relaxed and calm after a treatment. Any chronic pain may diminish or completely disappear. They may experience other beneficial phenomenon such as a clearer mind, calmness, elation, alertness, finding colours are brighter or their sight may become clearer. Clients will often experience a peaceful sense of well-being which may continue for several days.

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Reiki

Reiki $80/session

Reiki is a holistic laying-of-hands energy healing originating in Japan. Reiki rebalances and supports the normal flow of ki (life force energy) throughout the body, which enhances and accelerates your natural healing ability. The practitioner uses a series of hand positions to channel energy to the client.

The word Reiki, pronounced “Ray-Key” is made up of two Japanese words which mean “universal” and “vital life force energy”.

What Kinds of Health Problems can be treated with Reiki?

Reiki energy heals the whole person. A typical one-hour session of Reiki has benefit equal to 3 or 4 hours of deep relaxed sleep. It increases the oxygen supply to the blood and cells of the entire body.

The session relieves pain, stress and tension, helps with emotional trauma, grief and fear.

Reiki treatment speeds up the body’s natural healing processes, stops bleeding, relaxes and emotionally calms the receiver. It can lower blood pressure, balance charkas and aura energy, and re-establishes energetic harmony in the body, promoting a sense of well-being.

If someone is terminally ill, Reiki is useful in easing the process of passing, offering relief from pain and reducing the anxiety of the dying person. It is also helpful to those grieving the loss of a loved one by providing comfort and emotional healing.

Some health benefits of Reiki include:

* Relieving Pain
* Reducing Effects of Stress
* Strengthening the Immune System
* Increasing Mental Clarity
* Creating a Sense of Inner Balance and Well-being

How is the Reiki Treatment carried out?

The practitioner places the hands gently on different areas of the body, or holds the hands several inches away from the body. The muscles and tissue do not need to be manipulated, so the hands remain still for most positions. The treatment can be done with the client sitting but preferably lying on a healing table. Unlike a massage, the client remains fully clothed. A Reiki treatment usually lasts about an hour.


Does Reiki hurt? Is it Safe?

During a Reiki session, the client usually experiences deep relaxation. It is common for the person being treated to feel a sensation of heat or tingling, radiating from the practitioner’s hands. The client may enter a meditative state and the mind becomes quiet. The client’s breath may slow down and often a feeling of well-being and centeredness are attained. Reiki not only relaxes the mind, but also helps the body rebalance the subtle energies in a safe and effective way.


How are Crystals used to Support Healing?

Crystals have been used from ancient times to help balance energy, aid healing and offer protection.

Crystals can be used during a Reiki session or during meditation to enhance the presence of subtle fields. They can either repel or absorb negative energies, or strengthen positive ones.

The crystals are placed on or around the client during the treatment session. They can also be held by the client.

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Homeophatic Medicine

Homeopathy $80/session

Homeopathic medicine is a gentle and effective method of healing.

The remedies are prepared from plant, mineral, and animal extracts that are highly diluted in a specific way that eliminates side effects and, at the same time, increases their potential to cure.

 

What will the consultation be like?

The initial consultation will take from one to two hours. A detailed interview and the nature and history of the patient’s complaint will take place.

The homeopathic system assumes that all symptoms are related; special attention will be given to any factors that influence symptoms, such as time of day, weather, foods, sleep, and emotions.

This total pattern of symptoms is the main focus of homeopathy. Your homeopath will analyze these and match the signs and symptoms to the correct remedy and dosage.


What will the treatment be like?

You will be prescribed a remedy shortly after the initial consultation. The response to the remedy is assessed at follow-up visits.

What can I expect to happen?

After taking the remedy, you should notice some changes taking place. Most of the time, the patient will experience a gradual improvement. Sometimes, changes will be sudden, and symptoms may temporarily appear more intense, followed by rapid improvement. This is the remedy taking effect, and it is the body’s way of “spring cleaning”.

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Bowen Therapy

Bowen Therapy $80/session

The original Bowen Technique is a gentle form of bodywork in which very subtle moves performed over the muscles and connective tissue send messages deep into the body, retrieving cellular memory of a preferred, relaxed, balanced way of well-being.

The technique addresses not only the musculoskeletal framework, but also the fascia, nerves and internal organs. The body’s integrated response improves circulation and lymphatic drainage and aids in the assimilation of nutrients and elimination of toxins.

There are frequent but very essential pauses throughout the session that allows the body time to respond and begin the healing process.

Bowen Technique should be considered for:

* Back pain and sciatica
* Digestive and Bowel problems including Irritable Bowel Syndrome
* Earache, Ear Infections and Migraines
* Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
* Knee, Ankle and Foot problems
* Menstrual and Hormonal Irregularities
* Neck, Shoulder problems, including Frozen Shoulder
* Groin Pain, Pelvic Tilt and Uneven Leg Length
* Respiratory problems and Hay Fever
* Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Tennis Elbow
* Sports and Accident Injuries


How does Bowen work?

The Bowen Technique affects the body primarily through two of its main regulatory systems (the nervous system and the energetic system) to bring it back to a state of balance.
Autonomic nervous system rebalancing:

The autonomic nervous system controls over 80% of bodily functions (cardiac, respiratory, peripheral circulation, reproductive, endocrine, gastrointestinal) and its very susceptible to stress and emotional states.

For healing to happen, the organism needs to shift from sympathetic to parasympathetic dominance and for this to happen it needs time and space to literally unwind and digest physical and emotional stress. This is what the Bowen Technique does.

Stretch Reflex:

Most moves are done either at the origin, insertion, or belly of muscles, where the Golgi and Spindle receptors are located, informing the nervous system of the state of tension, length or stretch in the muscles or tendons. These receptors are stimulated during the rolling part of the Bowen move. In case of a pain-muscle spasm loop, the Bowen Technique breaks this vicious loop by changing the stimulus received by the nervous system.

Joint Proprioceptors:

All moves done around a joint are directly affecting the joint and ligaments, which are richly enervated with proprioceptors. Stimulus is received by the central nervous system, inviting normalization of the joint function without the need for forceful manipulation.

Lymphatic circulation:

The Bowen Technique stimulates lymphatic circulation and drainage. There is an overlap between the Bowen moves and the location of neurolymphatic reflex points which regulate the lymphatic system. This explains detoxifying reactions and improved circulation following a Bowen session.

Spinal Reflexes:

Many of the Bowen moves are done along the spine over the erector muscles and produce referred reactions to internal organs. Often people will mention that conditions, other than the one they originally consulted for, were addressed even though the practitioner didn’t know about them (e.g. digestion, elimination, circulation, better sleep).

Trigger Points:

Several Bowen moves overlap recognized trigger points. By clearing these trigger points, referred pain is alleviated and joint mobility and muscle coordination are improved.

Fascia:

The fascia connects everything in the body: muscles, bones, internal organs and central nervous system. It plays a major role in muscle and functional integrity. Each Bowen move disturbs and frees the relationship between the fascia and the nerve, muscle or tendon being mobilized. Acupuncture Points and Meridians: The Bowen Technique stimulates circulation of energy and clears energetic blocks. Several of the moves are located along acupuncture meridians or on specific acupuncture points which are known to stimulate and balance the body’s energy.

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