Belly Massage with a Bear

We recently had a chance to go to one of our favourite holiday spots along the Cowichan River in Vancouver island. Here is a routine for abdominal massage for gas and bloating.

FernFest Fundraiser

We had a wonderful time at FernFest 2012 and were able to raise some money for a good cause. Thanks to all of our Volunteers!

STEVE

ANN

LISA

TROY

VICTOR

ViVi Therapy's Massage Routine For Fundraiser

This is a video we produced to train our volunteers to give 15 minute massages
at our FernFest Medieval Castle on June 23rd 2012.  This is an extension of our
last years MEM project (see videos under older posts Feb & Mar 2011) MEM is
short for Massage Exchange Movement!  Please use this video with the intention
of spreading a touching message of human kindness to those around you.

ViVi Therapy's Foot Massage Recipe

Benefits of Foot Massage

Learn to massage - The Fine Art of Massage

Bamboo massage table demo

Bones for Life interview with Gail French

How to sit at a desk Part II

How to sit at a desk Part I

Hot towel warmer demo

Acupuncture & Allergy Relief

growing = pollen

The most common symptoms of allergies are the runny nose (rhinitis), sneezing and itching eyes. These symptoms may be seasonal when certain grasses, flowers, trees or molds shed pollen or spores (Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis or SAR). Some individuals are plagued with these symptoms nearly continuously regardless of the season. These people may be sensitive to dust, animal dander or other common materials. How it Works! The twelve regular and eight extra meridians help to maintain a balance of Yin (substances which nourish the body such as blood and body fluid) and Yang (related to activity and function) within the body. However, if a particular energy pathway is obstructed, its corresponding organ's function will also be affected and the body's yin and yang will become unbalanced. This imbalance will ultimately affect the functioning of the body as a whole. Acupuncture works by removing energy blockages in the meridians and regulating the overall flow of energy so that the body can return to a state of balance and health. Self help for allergies  No "Icy" food, like ice water, cold beer and ice cream.  No greasy, spicy and deep-fried food -Keep Body warm -Exercise, yoga, swimming -For temporary relief of nasal congestion and itching...  A few common acupoints can be massaged for a few minutes several times a day with the fingertips: Yintang (located right between the eyebrows), Yinxiang or LI 20 (located on the nasolabial groove adjacent to the nostrils), and finally Hegu or LI4, (located on the back of the hand between the thumb and index finger).

Why Try Acupuncture

-Acupuncture may help to increase the volume of blood flow, and regulate the immunological function of the human body, thus giving therapeutic effects for allergic rhinitis. -Acupuncture involves the use of hair-fine needles to stimulate specific points on the body along the meridians. Acupuncture works by removing energy blockages in the meridians and regulating the overall flow of energy so that the body can return to a state of balance and health. - In the case of allergic rhinitis, the blockage of energy is situated in the lung meridian, for which the nose is considered an extension. Under normal conditions, the lungs can control respiration and ensure that one breathes freely through the nose and with an acute sense of smell. In Chinese Medicine, the lungs are also responsible for dispersing energy throughout the body and for preventing pathogenic factors from invading the body.  The ideal time to treat seasonal allergic rhinitis using acupuncture is at least one month before symptoms normally begin.   Seasonal Symptomsneed 3 treatments, once a week, 3 weeks in total. Sinus Self Help  springs bounty Self Help Tips  For Acute Symptoms: Use herbal or natural antibiotics in a spray form after steaming the nasal passages in a hot shower or over a pot of hot essential oil infused  steam.  Common antiviral and antibiotic essential oils to use in the steam are eucalyptus, menthol, lavender, wintergreen and cloves.  Put 2-3 drops in a pot of hot water and lean over it while covering your head with a towel.  Steam for up to 20 minutes to loosen mucous material and clear the nasal passages.  Once passages are clear spray your herbal antibiotic into nose to work further into the sinus cavities. Ayurvedic healing practices uses an application of Ghee (clarified butter) into the nasal passage to combat infection and inflammation. Relief of Chronic Symptoms: For long term sinus infections using a nasal wash a few times a day over a prolonged period of time will eliminate built up mucous and sinus blockages.  Continuing to do this for a week or two after your breathing is clear will help to avoid recurrence. Use a drug store bulb syringe to flush the nasal passages with a solution of 1 cup warm water, 1/2 tsp. salt and pinch of baking soda.  Hold one nostril closed while squeezing the solution up the other nostril.  The flush will come out of the mouth.  You can also purchase a kit called Neil Med from the drug store which has the container and cleansing mix in sachets.  Either way this nasal wash is based on the same principles as the Ayurvediic Netie Pot but possibly more user friendly. Other things you can do are: - Avoid dairy and wheat as they are mucous forming - avoid any known allergens - Use herbal formulas that contain Thyme and Fenugreek to clean out mucous. - do everything you can to improve your digestion.  Taking enzymes is one example.