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It is uncertain exactly when acupuncture began to be used as a treatment for illness, but hieroglyphs and pictographs have been found dating back to the Shang Dynasty 1600-1100 BC. In the second century BC, stone and bone needles were replaced with metal. The earliest written record of acupuncture dates to 200 BC in the Yellow Emperors Inner Canon. In Europe, examination of a 5000 year old mummified body contained 15 groups of tattoos, some of which were located on areas now seen as acupuncture points. Acupuncture is based on the premise that the body contains 12 major meridians and 8 minor meridians or channels in the body, that correspond to the major organs and tissues. Energy or Qi flows through each of these meridians, and any disruption in this energy flow is believed to be responsible for the development of disease states. Acupuncture is a family of procedures designed to correct imbalances in energy flow in the meridians by stimulation of specific anatomical points on the body on or under the skin. The most common mechanism of stimulation is the use of very thin acupuncture needles that penetrate the skin. The primary acupuncture points are found at specific locations along the meridians, secondary points are outside of the major meridians and have specific therapeutic properties, and a 3rd type of acupuncture point called “Ah-shi” have no fixed location but represent extra points that can be used in the treatment of pain. In modern times, there are 670 points as well as points in the ear that are also used.
In traditional Chinese medicine, disease is perceived as disharmony or imbalance between Yin and Yang and/or interactions between the body and the environment. Treatment is based on identifying patterns of disharmony, and in the meridians invasions with wind, cold, heat, and damp cause imbalances. In order to determine which patterns are affecting the patients health, pulse, tongue, and general appearance of the body are analyzed, along with other signs such as sound of the voice, appearance of the skin, quality of breathing, smell of the breath, and appearance of the eyes. Chills and fever, thirst, taste, defecation, urination, pain, sleep, perspiration, appetite, and menstruation are all important factors in Chinese diagnosis. As well, physical signs seen on the body such as blood pressure, skin sensation, tender points, and pulses on both sides are important. In traditional Chinese medicine, the concept of disease does not differentiate between cause and effect, however there are internal, external and miscellaneous factors that are considered in making a Chinese diagnosis.
Acupuncture treatments are highly individualized based on philosophy, intuition, signs, symptoms, and patterns, and not on controlled scientific research. A typical session can last from 10-60 minutes, and involves a consultation, history taking, physical examination, and needling of appropriate acupuncture points on the body, and ears. Acupuncture can be used to treat a wide variety of conditions, and is very helpful in smoking cessation, pain management, anxiety and depression, relaxation, musculoskeletal issues, menstrual problems, neurological problems, and stroke rehabilitation. It has also been used very effectively as an adjunct in addictions. There is a large body of research showing that acupuncture is effective in treating migraines and other types of headaches, neck disorders, joint arthritis, and different types of pain. It is also used to treat various heart problems, acute back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, nausea and vomiting, and fertility and childbirth issues. Dr Maureen has been doing acupuncture for over 18 years in her naturopathic practice. To book your acupuncture appointment with Dr Maureen, call 613-476-5444 or email me at drmaureennd@gmail.com.

Garlic (allium sativum) use as both a food and a medicine dates back as far as 2000BC in China, and even further in may cultures world-wide. Its origin has not been established, but it appears to be descended from the species Allium longicuspis, which grows wild in central and southwestern Asia. In Europe, there are a number of species that have Protected Geographical Status, including several in France, Spain, and Italy. Bulb garlic is available in many forms, including fresh, frozen, dried, fermented, and in tubes or jars in olive or other oils.
Garlic is fairly easy to grow, and grows year-round is mild climates. In colder climates, the cloves are planted in the fall about six weeks before the soil freezes, and harvested in late spring. Garlic plants are very hardy, and are not attacked by many pests or diseases. They repel rabbits and moles. Garlic also lends itself very well to container gardening as well. Garlic is grown globally, but China is by far the largest producer with approximately 23 billion tons grown annually, which accounts for 77% of the total world crop.
Garlic is used in culinary applications around the world for its pungent flavour as a seasoning or condiment. The bulb is the most commonly used part, and can be divided into cloves which can be used whole, chopped, ground, raw, or cooked. The leaves and flowers can also be eaten as well, and the skin and root cluster are totally inedible.
Medicinally, garlic has many beneficial properties. In in vitro studies, it has been found to have antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. It is widely used in prevention and treatment of heart disease including atherosclerosis, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. Studies have shown that concentrated garlic supplements can reduce plaque deposits and accumulation of cholesterol on vascular walls, which can help to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. It has been found to be superior to placebo in reducing total cholesterol and triglyceride levels, as well as reducing the stickiness of platelets.
Garlic is used in combination with other herbs to help regulate blood sugar levels. Regular use of therapeutic amounts can lower homocysteine levels, and is also used to prevent some of the complications of diabetes. People taking insulin however should not consume therapeutic amounts of garlic without consulting their MD or ND.
Garlic cloves have been used as a treatment for infections, digestive disorders, and fungal infections such as thrush. It enhances thiamine (B1) absorbtion, and was used in the past to prevent beriberi. It has also been used in AIDS patients successfully to treat cryptosporidium infections in China, as well as to treat toxoplasmosis, a protozoal disease.
Garlic supplementation has been shown to boost testosterone levels along with a high protein diet. Garlic may interact with blood thinners, blood pressure medications, some antibiotics, and some hypoglycemic drugs as well. Please check with your MD or ND to make sure it is safe for you to use garlic at therapeutic levels if you take any of these medications.
The Bottom Line on garlic is YES YES YES!!

Saraswati Nutritionals is MOVING!!!! As of Tuesday November 20th we will be located at 177 Main St. We will be sharing space with our friends at Design Planet. We will continue to provide you with the same great service and selection. We appreciate your business!!

Dr Maureen-The County Naturopath

Flu season is again upon us and many of us are scrambling to find ideas on what to do this year to prevent us from coming down from the flu, or strategies to alleviate the symptoms once they start. Seasonal flu generally occurs in fall and winter, with peak times in January and February. It can however occur as early as October, and as late as May. The 3 virus families that typically cause the flu are Influenza A, B, and C. Despite higher numbers of people affected during flu season, the viruses are transmitted year round. Each year, the flu is generally attributed to one of the viral families. It is contagious, and is spread via droplets containing the virus from person to person by sneezing, talking, or direct contact. It is also spread by touching a surface or object that has been contaminated with the virus and then touching your mouth, eyes, or nose. People at a higher risk for the flu are seniors, children especially younger than 2, and people with chronic health conditions or immune problems. Some of the complications of the flu include pneumonia, ear or sinus infections, dehydration, and worsening of other chronic health conditions. Most healthy adults with the flu can infect others one day before symptoms develop, and 5 to 7 days after symptoms appear. Some people, especially children or those with weakened immune systems may be contagious for a longer period.

How can we best prevent the flu? Hand washing as often as possible (or at the very least using an alcohol based hand cleaner is probable the easiest and most forgotten preventative tool we have. Wash for at least 20 seconds with soap and warm water, before and after eating, after using the washroom, after coughing and sneezing, and after touching surfaces that might have been contaminated. Sneeze into your arm not your hand. If you use a tissue, dispose of it immediately.  Keep common surfaces such as keyboards, telephones, and light switches clean and disinfected. Viruses can live up to 48 hours on hard surfaces. If you get sick stay home.

How can we treat it when it happens? Naturopathic medicine has several options. Homeopathics such as Oscillococcinum, Gripp Heel and Engystol are fantastic medicines that can be used both for prevention and for treatment. Oscillococcinum for example can be taken once a week to once a month throughout flu season, and can be used not only preventatively but dosing can be increased if one contracts the flu to lessen the intensity, severity, and duration of the symptoms. Vitamin C should be an integral part of any winter supplement program, and dosing of 1 or 2 grams a day is an excellent preventative dose. Plant sterols such as Moducare can also be helpful as they protect the immune system by stimulating the production of T cells and natural killer cells which help to fight infections. As well, managing stress is important, as stress can increase the production of immune cells that actually reduce our resistance to infection. Adequate rest, lots of fresh fruits and vegetables in the diet, relaxation, and exercise all help to increase our immunity. As well, for the past 15 years, we have been offering a homeopathic flu shot as an alternative to the conventional flu shot. We use a broad-spectrum anti-viral medicine that is not specific to 1 family of viruses to give protection. There are no side effects to the homeopathic flu shot.

Lipoic acid was originall isolated from potatoes in the 1930′s. It was called the “potato growth factor, but the name was changed when it was discovered that it was an essential coenzyme involved in energy production. In 1988, researchers saw that it was a potent antioxidant.

What makes lipoic acid unique?

Alpha lipoic acid is a very small molecule, is efficiently absorbed, and crosses cell membranes easily. It is both water and fat soluble, and can eliminate free radicals both inside and outside the cell. Lipoic acid can help other antioxidants to regenerate after they have eliminated other free radicals, allowing them to be effective for longer periods of time. Vitamin C and glutathione are directly recycled by lipoic acid, whereas Vit E in indirectly recycled by it.

What does Lipoic acid do?

Lipoic acid helps to convert the food we eat into energy that our cells can use. This activityd occurs in the mitichondria or the power plant of the cell, inside the cell membrane. It is essential to blood sugar control, and increases the breakdown of sugars into glucose which is used by the cell for energy. It also improves nerve conduction and slows the progression or cataract development in diabetics. Studies show that it works via its antioxidant activity, and imporves blood sugar metabolism, reduces protein glycosylation, and improves blood flow to peripheral nerves, and can stimulate the regeneration of nerve fibres.

In one study, 80 diabetics were given either 600mg of lipoic acid, 100mcg of selenium, or 1200IU of natural source Vitamin E for 3 months, symptoms of neuropathy improved significantly with all 3 antioxidants, but not in the control group. The study reaffirms that oxidative stress causes or contributes to many of the complications of diabetes.

Anti-Cancer?

Well-established research confirms that the occurrence of cancer increases when the levels of antioxidants are low. Antioxidants keep free radicals in check before they can impair the immune system or damage DNA. Oncogenes are genes that cause cancer, and normally play a role in growth and proliferation of cells. When they are altered in some way for example by NF-kappa-B or a carcinogen, they cause the cell to become malignant. Lipoic acid can enter a cell and protect NF-kappa-B from activation by radiation, free radicals, or even sunlight.

Although lipoic acid is made in the human body, there is usually little left over for antioxidant protection after the majority is used up in its usual cellular fucntions. Additional amounts are needed for proper antioxidant protection.

Dosage

Doses range is 200-600mcg (micrograms) per day. Diabetics taking lipoic acid should monitor their blood sugar closely as it may reduce the need for insulin or other sugar lowering medications. Although it has no carcinogenic or teratogenic effects, it should not be taken in pregnancy without the advice of a licensed naturopathic doctor.

Dr Maureen -The County Naturopath