Laser Therapy and Brain Injury

Imagine a world where light could heal your brain. It sounds like science fiction, but it’s not. Welcome to the fascinating world of photobiomodulation (PBM), a cutting-edge therapy that’s showing incredible promise in treating brain injuries. Photobiomodulation, also known as low-level light therapy (LLLT), is a form of treatment that uses specific wavelengths of light to penetrate tissues and promote healing. Unlike the ultraviolet (UV) light that can cause skin damage, PBM uses red or near-infrared light, which is safe and non-invasive. This therapy operates on a cellular level, enhancing the cells' ability to repair and regenerate. It is able to do that through its ability to stimulate the mitochondria - the powerhouse of the cell - to produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy currency of the cell. When the brain is injured, its cells can become energy-starved, and the mitochondria become damaged. PBM helps by increasing ATP production, reducing oxidative stress, and promoting the release of growth factors that aid in cellular repair.

Brain injuries can be devastating, affecting everything from memory and cognition to motor skills and emotional health. Traditional treatments are limited and focus on managing symptoms, but PBM offers a potential pathway to healing. Studies have shown that PBM can reduce inflammation and promote neurogenesis (the growth of new neurons), helping the brain recover more effectively.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

In cases of TBI, whether from accidents, sports injuries, or falls, the brain suffers physical damage that can lead to long-term impairments. It’s a broad term that is used to describe a wide array of injuries that can happen to the brain.

Stroke

A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, leading to cell death and loss of function. PBM has been found to improve neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections. This can significantly enhance recovery outcomes for stroke survivors, improving functions like speech and movement.

PBM can be delivered in various ways, including:

• Transcranial: Light is applied directly to the scalp using specialized helmets or devices.

• Intranasal: Light is delivered through the nasal passage, a method known to reach deeper brain structures.

Each method is designed to ensure optimal penetration and therapeutic effect, depending on the nature and location of the brain injury. In the clinic, you will be experiencing more transcranial applications.

The field of photobiomodulation is still evolving, with ongoing research aimed at fine-tuning protocols and maximizing benefits. With its non-invasive nature, and promising mechanisms of action, it is a therapy to watch as more studies are done, and our understanding grows. There is potential for PBM to become a standard treatment for brain injuries and beyond.

Photobiomodulation represents a beacon of hope in the treatment of brain injuries. Its non-invasive nature, coupled with its potential to promote genuine healing, makes it a compelling option for those seeking alternatives to traditional therapies. While more research is needed to fully unlock its capabilities, the future of PBM shines brightly—illuminating a path toward recovery and better brain health.

~Dr. Charmagne

Related Blogs:

• Photobiomodulation (AKA Low-Level Light Therapy)

• Accelerating Recovery: The Impact of Manual Osteopathic Treatments After a Motor Vehicle Accident

References:

Thunshelle C, Hamblin MR. Transcranial Low-Level Laser (Light) Therapy for Brain Injury. Photomed Laser Surg. 2016 Dec;34(12):587-598. doi: 10.1089/pho.2015.4051. PMID: 28001759; PMCID: PMC5180077.

Jan F, Naeem A, Malik AN, Amjad I, Malik T. Comparison of low-level laser therapy and interferential current on post-stroke shoulder pain. J Pak Med Assoc. 2017 May;67(5):788-789. PMID: 28507373.

Lim L. Traumatic Brain Injury Recovery with Photobiomodulation: Cellular Mechanisms, Clinical Evidence, and Future Potential. Cells. 2024 Feb 23;13(5):385. doi: 10.3390/cells13050385. PMID: 38474349; PMCID: PMC10931349.

Ma H, Du Y, Xie D, Wei ZZ, Pan Y, Zhang Y. Recent advances in light energy biotherapeutic strategies with photobiomodulation on central nervous system disorders. Brain Res. 2024 Jan 1;1822:148615. doi: 10.1016/j.brainres.2023.148615. Epub 2023 Oct 14. PMID: 37783261.

Hamblin MR. Shining light on the head: Photobiomodulation for brain disorders. BBA Clin. 2016 Oct 1;6:113-124. doi: 10.1016/j.bbacli.2016.09.002. PMID: 27752476; PMCID: PMC5066074.

Thunshelle C, Hamblin MR. Transcranial Low-Level Laser (Light) Therapy for Brain Injury. Photomed Laser Surg. 2016 Dec;34(12):587-598. doi: 10.1089/pho.2015.4051. PMID: 28001759; PMCID: PMC5180077.

Elevating Self-Care: The Power of Manual Osteopathic Therapy

In our ongoing pursuit of holistic well-being, exploring complementary therapies to enhance self-care becomes imperative. Building upon the benefits of therapeutic massage, manual osteopathic therapy emerges as a powerful ally in fostering a balanced and resilient mind-body connection. Let's delve into how this specialized form of therapy can further elevate your self-care routine.

Understanding Manual Osteopathic Therapy:

Manual osteopathic therapy is a holistic approach to healthcare that focuses on restoring balance within the body's musculoskeletal and nervous systems. Osteopathic practitioners use hands-on techniques, such as gentle manipulation, stretching, and massage, to address imbalances, alleviate pain, and enhance overall function. This therapy aims to optimize the body's self-healing mechanisms, promoting natural and lasting well-being.

Improved Joint Mobility and Flexibility:

One of the key benefits of manual osteopathic therapy is its emphasis on joint health. Osteopathic practitioners target specific joints to improve mobility and flexibility, addressing any restrictions or misalignments. By restoring proper joint function, you can experience enhanced range of motion, reduced stiffness, and a greater sense of ease in your movements. This is particularly beneficial for those struggling with chronic pain or stiffness in specific areas.

Balancing the Body's Structure:

Manual osteopathic therapy considers the body as an interconnected whole, recognizing the interplay between structure and function. Practitioners assess and treat not only the area of discomfort but also the related structures and systems that may contribute to the issue. This holistic approach seeks to rebalance the body, ensuring optimal alignment and coordination. As the body's structure harmonizes, the potential for improved function and overall well-being increases.

Addressing Root Causes of Pain:

While therapeutic massage is excellent for relieving muscle tension, manual osteopathic therapy goes a step further by addressing the root causes of pain and discomfort. Osteopathic practitioners assess the entire body to identify any structural imbalances, misalignments, or restrictions that may be contributing to your symptoms. By addressing these underlying issues, manual osteopathic therapy offers a more comprehensive and lasting solution to pain management.

Enhanced Nervous System Function:

The nervous system plays a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions, including pain perception, immune response, and overall well-being. Manual osteopathic therapy aims to optimize nervous system function by releasing tension and restrictions that may impede the flow of nerve signals. This can result in improved neurological communication, leading to a heightened sense of relaxation, reduced stress, and enhanced overall nervous system efficiency.

Integrating Manual Osteopathic Therapy into Your Self-Care Routine:

To incorporate manual osteopathic therapy into your self-care routine, consider consulting with a qualified and experienced osteopathic practitioner. Work collaboratively to identify your specific health goals and address any areas of concern. Integrating manual osteopathic therapy with therapeutic massage can create a synergistic effect, providing a comprehensive and personalized approach to your well-being.

As we continue our journey toward optimal self-care, manual osteopathic therapy emerges as a valuable modality to complement and enhance the benefits of therapeutic massage. By addressing structural imbalances, improving joint mobility, and optimizing nervous system function, manual osteopathic therapy offers a holistic approach to fostering a balanced and resilient mind-body connection. Embrace the power of this complementary therapy as you elevate your self-care routine to new heights of well-being.

~ Derek Chiu, MOT, RMT

The Healing Touch: Unlocking Your Body's Potential through Therapeutic Massage

In our fast-paced and hectic lives, it's easy to overlook the importance of self-care. The demands of work, family, and social commitments can leave us feeling stressed, fatigued, and disconnected from our own bodies. However, taking the time for self-care is crucial for overall well-being, and one powerful way to achieve this is through therapeutic massage. Let's explore how the healing touch of a skilled massage therapist can provide the self-care needed for your body to function at its highest potential.

Stress Relief and Relaxation:

One of the primary benefits of therapeutic massage is its ability to alleviate stress and promote relaxation. The gentle manipulation of muscles and tissues helps release tension, reduce cortisol levels, and trigger the release of endorphins – the body's natural mood enhancers. As stress melts away, you'll find yourself more grounded and present, allowing your body to enter a state of deep relaxation.

Improved Circulation and Oxygen Flow:

Therapeutic massage also plays a crucial role in enhancing blood circulation throughout the body. As the massage therapist applies pressure to specific areas, blood vessels widen, promoting better blood flow. Improved circulation means that oxygen and nutrients can reach your cells more efficiently, aiding in the removal of toxins and waste products. This increased oxygenation is essential for optimal bodily function, providing your muscles and organs with the resources they need to operate at their best.

Muscle Tension Release:

Whether you're an athlete pushing your physical limits or someone experiencing the strains of a sedentary lifestyle, muscle tension is a common issue. Therapeutic massage targets these tension points, using various techniques to release knots and tightness in the muscles. This not only provides immediate relief but also contributes to long-term flexibility and mobility. By addressing muscular imbalances, a regular massage routine can help prevent injuries and improve overall physical performance.

Enhanced Immune System Function:

The connection between massage and immune system function has been a subject of scientific study. Research suggests that regular massage can boost the activity of natural killer cells – a vital component of the immune system. Additionally, the reduction in stress hormones achieved through massage contributes to a stronger immune response. By fortifying your body's defense mechanisms, therapeutic massage supports your overall health and well-being.

Mind-Body Connection:

Beyond its physical benefits, therapeutic massage nurtures the mind-body connection. Taking the time to be present in your body, focusing on the sensations experienced during a massage, promotes mindfulness. This mental clarity can extend beyond the massage session, helping you manage stress and make more conscious lifestyle choices. The mind-body connection fostered by therapeutic massage contributes to a holistic approach to self-care.

In a world that often glorifies hustle and productivity, taking time for self-care is a revolutionary act of prioritizing your well-being. Therapeutic massage offers a profound way to connect with your body, alleviate stress, and unlock your body's potential for optimal function. Incorporating regular massages into your self-care routine can be a transformative journey toward a healthier, more balanced life. Remember, investing in yourself is not a luxury but a necessity for a fulfilling and vibrant life.

~ Derek Chiu, MOT, RMT

Practicing True Self Care

The past few years have led some people to believe practicing self-care looks like shopping, avoiding things you don’t want to do, taking bubble baths, drinking wine, watching TV, etc. Though some of these could be considered ways of taking care of yourself, in the long run, they don’t ‘fill your cup’ the same way taking care of yourself would. For example, shopping every time you want to practice self-care, could easily get you spending more than you should, causing you more stress in the long run.

Practicing self-care should be able to rejuvenate you. Great examples of these would include eating nutritious meals, making sure each meal has enough protein to support your energy and blood sugar regulation (20-30 g/meal), making sure you get enough sleep (8 hours on average), making sure you are well hydrated (not over or under hydrated), getting some movement into your daily practice, etc. Another way of taking care of yourself, is not avoiding the things you don’t want to do - this doesn’t necessarily mean you have to finish it. Breaking up overwhelming things into small bite size pieces can make it easier for you to finish some of it at a time, verses never working on it and getting more stressed as the deadline comes closer.

My favourite ways of getting regular movement include: yoga, walking (10, 000 steps a day), weight training, and partner dancing. Getting daily movement to move your body is a great way to support it physically. Our bodies are designed to move, and sitting down all day is not conducive to making sure our joints are well lubricated and our circulation is supported. Our veins don’t have muscles helping it to bring the blood back up to our hearts. The contraction of our skeletal muscles is what supports the blood flow back out our heart. So make sure you are getting some movement throughout the day. Enough to get you to increase your heart rate a bit and to cause you to sweat.

Procrastination is something that people do, especially when they are feeling overwhelmed by a particular task. So the best way to combat this is by splitting that task into smaller tasks that are easier to handle. This way you are able to progress with the task and not be overwhelmed by the size of it. It’s about moving in a forward direction. You are not asking for perfection. Perfection isn’t possible, nothing is perfect. If what is causing you to be stuck is perfectionist tendencies (trust me, I get it. I’m a recovering perfectionist), then reflecting on that and getting additional help (eg. psychologist, EMDR, hypnotherapy, etc), can help you in the long run, because perfectionism often stops more goals just from cause you to become stagnant. So turn larger goals or projects into smaller tasks, and take it one step at a time. This is about taking small steps towards your goals or projects, so that you are decreasing your workload in the process (instead of letting it accumulate).

Lastly, this wouldn’t be one of my mental health blogs without including positive self talk. You have to learn to be your own cheerleader, because sometimes it can feel like the world is against you, but you can be your own best friend and listen to what you need, and to out and get it. For example, I know when I need to hang out with my friends to decompress and get a different perspective. So in addition to being your own cheerleader and best friend, understanding where you are is important. Has your nervous system been hi-jacked? Do you always feel on edge or have a racing mind that can’t turn off? Maybe you need to support your nervous system with activities like yoga or meditation to calm your nervous system down, and get you out of the Fight-or-Flight setting. This is also where you fill your cup. Find the activities that bring you joy, that make you feel alive, and try to incorporate those activities as regularly as you can. These activities can be things like: crafting, running, jogging, playing with your pets or children, being with friends, dancing, etc. So explore different activities and see which ones fill you with joy.

To practice self care, you are prioritizing your needs (sleep, nutrition, movement, stress management, etc), helping your future self by taking small steps towards your project or goals regularly, and being your own cheerleader.

“I believe depression is legitimate. But I also believe that if you don't exercise, eat nutritious food, get sunlight, get enough sleep, consume positive material, surround yourself with support, then you aren't giving yourself a fighting chance.”

~Jim Carrey

~Dr. Charmagne

Supporting Healthy Brains

January is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month in Canada, and as such, it makes sense to talk about ways to support a healthy brain throughout life. Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most common forms of dementia that is progressive and results from the formation of tau proteins in the brain that form tangles in neurons. Neurons are like the superhighways of the brain and nervous system - it’s the pathways that information is transported throughout the body. Tangles, on the other hand, would be akin to blockades, blocking the conduction of that nerve and stopping the movement of information. This disease causes the brain to shrink as a result of brain cells dying.

There are 7 Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease according to Penn Medicine. They are as follows:

1. Before Symptoms Appear - which is often called ‘pre-clinical Alzheimer’s disease.’ This happens 10-15 years before people have symptoms.

2. Basic Forgetfulness - when the person experiences memory lapses. This can often look like normal-aged forgetfulness. Eventually, this continues to happen more frequently.

3. Noticeable Memory Difficulties - examples include difficulty remembering recent reading material, difficulty planning and organizing, and having challenges in social settings. This can be accompanied by anxiety by the person experiencing these symptoms, along with denial that anything is wrong.

4. More Than Memory Loss - this is often the stage where there is damage to the brain that involves other aspects than memory - including language, organization, and calculations. They can experience disorientation, increased risk of wandering off and/or getting lost, changes in their sleeping patterns, and difficulty choosing appropriate clothing for the day. They can often feel moody or withdrawn in social gatherings. This can also be attributed to the loss of hearing that occurs before this time. Some experts think hearing loss also contributes to the brain atrophying (shrinking) since it is not getting as much stimuli.

5. Decreased Independence - can live on their own with no significant challenges, but will have difficulty remembering people that are important to them (eg. friends and family), and struggle with learning new things, and basic tasks might be too much for them. In this stage, they can also start experiencing hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia.

6. Severe Symptoms - they become more dependent on others. Communication may become difficult because it can be harder for them to articulate their thoughts. They may experience an increase in anxiety, hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia.

7. Lack of Physical Control - due to the brain having difficulty delegating tasks, the body may begin to shut down, resulting in reduced mobility and becoming vulnerable to infections.

Reading all of this and having a loved one experiencing all of this can be difficult, and though there isn’t currently a cure for Alzheimer’s, there are ways to promote a healthy brain and decrease your chances of getting this, and evidence states that at least 40% of dementias are preventable. And some experts believe this number is underestimated. This means that there are things that you can do to really decrease the risk of getting dementia. There is a genetic component that has been seen, and the earlier one has Alzheimer’s the more likely it is genetic. However, there is the Nun Study, that showed that some of these nuns had Alzheimer’s disease and were asymptomatic. This means that even though they have all of these tangles, their brain and body can have effective communication. They noticed these people had much more neurons in other parts of their brain as a compensatory mechanism. They found that the higher idea density scores in early life were associated with intact cognition in later life - even with tangles present.

What is an Idea Density? Chand et al. (2012) defined Idea Density as “the only approach that directly measures the ability to use world knowledge to structure propositions in spontaneous speech.” This translates into the number of ideas portrayed every 10 words. Generally speaking, the more ideas, the higher the score. So how well you can articulate your thoughts? This requires a diverse vocabulary to get the nuance of certain ideas, as well as your ability to use these words to articulate your thoughts. This can be aided by reading books to expose you to different words and reflection to be able to articulate your ideas and thoughts.

Other things that also help support healthy brains include social activities that include having to talk and engage with new people, movement, and coordination. An example of this would be partner dancing and racquet sports. The culture of partner dancing is such that you ask another person to dance and to know that ‘language’ of dance. This means that you had to learn the foundations of that dance, as well as how to translate your ideas to your partner without verbally saying it, and to listen to those messages and follow through. If you dance, this makes a lot of sense. The communication occurs between the tension and direction of the frame of the partners. Also, because it is a social environment, engaging in communication learning about other people, and building a social network happens. However, there is also evidence showing that when the cerebellar volume of the brain is maintained, it is better for memory. The cerebella is used hugely with body coordination, and this does include walking - specifically 9000 steps a day. 

Eat healthy. We all know that processed foods are bad for you. This is not new. Nor is the topic of eating whole food diets. The reason this is so important is that processed foods have to be metabolized much more than the body because of all of the additives. This means that the body is getting low nutrition from it, and getting inflamed. This inflammation can lead to several different things but ultimately can cause the brain and body to reap the consequences. Making sure that your diet is full of nutrient-dense foods, will ensure that your body is getting everything it needs to thrive. ALSO, making sure you are digesting and absorbing that food is also important. For more guidance on what to eat, follow the MIND diet.

Lastly, sleep is important for your brain. When you sleep, your body can ‘clean up’ the amyloid beta protein, and ideally prevent them from becoming plaques and tangles. A meta-review saw that there was a significant reduction in total sleep time, sleep efficiency, and percentage of slow-wave sleep and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, and an increase in sleep latency, wake time after sleep onset, number of awakenings, and REM latency in those with Alzheimer’s disease compared to those without. In particular, decreases in slow-wave sleep and rapid eye movement were associated with the severity of cognitive impairment. Basically, those with Alzheimer’s disease took a longer period to go to sleep, had lower durations of sleep, would wake up often, and had a low percentage of slow-wave sleep and REM sleep. This means prioritizing sleep quality and duration can be useful in preventing and as an initial focus when supporting those with dementia.

So in summary, there are things you can do to support a healthy brain and decrease your risk of Alzheimer’s disease. This does require you to be extremely proactive as these tangles can start in the brain 10-15 years before the onset of symptoms and brain damage. Eat a healthy, whole-food diet, and make sure you are digesting and absorbing it. Be socially active, whether it is in partner dancing or something else, and learn and diversify your vocabulary. Speaking doesn’t take much effort, but articulating your thoughts on certain topics does. Being able to do this can allow stronger networks to be made in certain parts of the brain to help our brain compensate if needed. The human design is genius, and part of that is the amount of redundancy in the brain. Some scientists think this is to allow the brain to compensate if other parts of the brain become damaged.

~Dr. Charmagne, with special mention to Dr. Romi Fung

Citations:

Iacono D, Markesbery WR, Gross M, Pletnikova O, Rudow G, Zandi P, Troncoso JC. The Nun study: clinically silent AD, neuronal hypertrophy, and linguistic skills in early life. Neurology. 2009 Sep 1;73(9):665-73. doi: 10.1212/WNL.0b013e3181b01077. Epub 2009 Jul 8. PMID: 19587326; PMCID: PMC2734290.

Zhang, Y., Ren, R., Yang, L., Zhang, H., Shi, Y., Okhravi, H. R., Vitiello, M. V., Sanford, L. D., & Tang, X. (2022). Sleep in Alzheimer’s disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis of polysomnographic findings. Translational Psychiatry, 12(1), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41398-022-01897-y

Del Pozo Cruz B, Ahmadi M, Naismith SL, Stamatakis E. Association of Daily Step Count and Intensity With Incident Dementia in 78 430 Adults Living in the UK. JAMA Neurol. 2022 Oct 1;79(10):1059-1063. doi: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2022.2672. Erratum in: JAMA Neurol. 2022 Sep 9;: PMID: 36066874; PMCID: PMC9449869.

Insulin Resistance and Your Immune System

The body is a complex symphony of different bodily systems. If one system is being affected, it can often affect another system that may seem unrelated. In this case, we’ll be talking about how insulin resistance can cause a weakened immune system.

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas, and it plays a major role in regulating blood sugar levels. It allows cells to take up glucose from the bloodstream, providing them with the energy they need to function. However, when cells become resistant to the effects of insulin, they fail to respond properly, leading to elevated blood sugar levels, and a decrease in uptake into the cells. This is when insulin resistance starts to occur. Let’s imagine that insulin is like a nagging parent. When a parent is nagging too much, eventually you can block them out, and essentially ignore what they are saying to you. The body works similarly to that when too much of a hormone has been released chronically. The receptors start to either become resistant to that hormone or the body starts to decrease the number of receptors on the cell.

Insulin resistance often arises due to various factors, including genetics, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, and poor dietary choices. Oftentimes, our modern standards of eating, and the quality of foods we’re eating are the main contributors to insulin resistance. This is because insulin levels aren’t able to go back to baseline for a decent period of time by the time snacking occurs. Generally, people are eating 3 main meals, with snacks in between. It typically takes insulin 2 hours (University of Rochester) to go back to baseline. So if you’re eating breakfast at 8 am, then snacking at 10 am, and eating lunch at 12 pm and so on, your insulin is not at baseline for very long before it starts to spike again. This makes the ‘area under the curve’ higher than would be typical for non-insulin-resistant individuals.

If this condition is not addressed, it can eventually become type 2 diabetes, which is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels. This disease affects a number of different body systems including, your cardiovascular system, eyes (diabetic retinopathy, which can lead to vision loss and blindness), your kidneys, liver, etc.

The immune system defends our body from harmful invaders, such as bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. It is made up of a network that works together to identify and eliminate threats. A balanced immune response is extremely important for optimal health, and both an underactive and overactive system can lead to various diseases.

Insulin resistance can be a large reason for chronic low-grade inflammation in the body, characterized by an increased level of inflammatory molecules known as cytokines. This inflammation can disrupt the immune system by altering the behaviour of the immune cells such as macrophages and T cells. These cells are important in recognizing and eliminating pathogens, and if they are compromised, their ability to perform this function is hampered. Insulin resistance can also lead to immune response imbalance, by producing pro-inflammatory cytokines and inhibiting anti-inflammatory responses. Inflammation has been linked to cardiovascular and autoimmune disorders, meaning that insulin resistance contributes to these as well.

Lastly the microbiota. Our gastrointestinal tract contains 60-80% of our immune system. This means that the microbiome influences our immune system, as well as many different systems in our body - including insulin resistance and our immune function. Our gut microbiome can influence how well our body responds to the food we are eating, and if we are able to eliminate the waste produced from our food. They also protect us from pathological microbes, acting as a barrier to prevent pathological microbes from finding a home in our intestines.

The body is interconnected, and the different bodily systems communicate and influence each other in ways we are just beginning to comprehend. Having a healthy insulin-glucose balance helps to regulate our immune system, energy, hormonal health, gut health, and more. Ways that insulin resistance affects our immune system by creating chronic low-grade inflammation that influences the way our white blood cells function, as well as influences the components of the microbiome. The microbiome is protective against pathological microbes and influences how our body metabolizes various compounds. So one way you can help to keep a strong immune system is by addressing insulin resistance if you have it.

If you want to work on balancing your glucose levels and addressing insulin resistance, book an appointment with Dr. Charmagne.

Osteopathic Therapy: Gentle and Effective Treatments for Underlying Physical Conditions

When it comes to healthcare, we often seek treatment options that are effective yet gentle on our bodies. Osteopathic therapy is a holistic treatment modality that focuses on restoring balance and promoting the body’s self-healing capabilities. With its comprehensive approach and gentle techniques, osteopathic therapy has gained significant recognition as a valuable option for individuals seeking natural and non-invasive treatments. In this blog post, we will explore what osteopathic therapy is and how it proves to be both gentle and effective in treating underlying physical conditions.

Osteopathic therapy, also known as manual osteopathic treatments (MOT), is a branch of healthcare that is around the belief that the body possesses self-healing mechanisms. Developed by Dr. Andrew Taylor Still in the late 19th century, osteopathic therapy focuses on the musculoskeletal system and its interconnectedness with other body systems, including the nervous, circulatory, lymphatic, fascia, and visceral systems. This approach recognizes that a disturbance in one area of the body can affect the overall health and well-being. 

One of the key aspects of osteopathic therapy is its gentle and non-invasive techniques, which are tailored to each individual’s needs. Manual Osteopathic Therapists (MOT) utilize their hands to precisely palpate and assess the various conditions of the body. By having a clearer image of the body as a whole, the therapist aims to restore balance, improve mobility, and promote healing by addressing any structural imbalances or dysfunctions within the body. The basic foundations of techniques include:

• Osteoarticulation (OA): MOTs can either use precise movements to mobilize the joint, or place your body in very specific positions so that you can use your own muscles to mobilize and realign the joint. This technique helps to reduce pain, improve joint health and function, and restore balance within the musculoskeletal system. This is highly beneficial for individuals suffering from back pain, neck pain, and joint disorders such as arthritis. 

• Myofascial Remodeling (MFR): By applying sustained pressure to the connective tissues (fascia) surrounding the muscles, MOT practitioners aim to release the adhesion collected by the fascia, improve mobility, and alleviate the pain. This is highly beneficial for individuals suffering from limited range of motion as well as alleviates the feeling the being constricted. 

• Craniosacral Therapy (CST): This technique focuses on the gentle manipulation of the cranial bones, the spine, and the sacrum to promote the flow of cerebrospinal fluid and optimize the function of the central nervous system. It is particularly effective in addressing headaches, migraines, and chronic pain.

• Lymphatic Therapy (LMT): By mobilizing the lymph inside the body to a balanced state, we can allow the fluids in the body to flow naturally. Allowing the cells in the body to efficiently fight off bad bacteria and viruses while clearing away congestion, decreasing pain, and increasing the function of the physical body. This is highly effective for improving your natural immunity and decreasing inflammation and swelling thus increasing mobility without pain. 

• Visceral Manipulation (VM): All organs of the body have a natural rhythm of movement called motility. When the organs experience any type of trauma, they try to protect themselves by limiting movement and guarding the area around them, preventing the organs from functioning normally. By releasing the organ from the adhesion and state of alertness, we can bring the body back to rest, allowing its natural state of healing to occur and better movement throughout the body. This along with the other techniques are highly effective in treating both respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases as well as digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome and acid reflux. 

What makes osteopathic therapy truly unique is its holistic approach to healthcare. MOTs consider not only the specific condition or symptom but also the overall health and well-being of the individual. We take into account factors such as lifestyle, stress levels, nutrition, and emotional well-being while formulating a treatment plan. This comprehensive approach helps address the root causes of the condition, promoting long-term healing and preventing future issues.

Osteopathic therapy offers a gentle and effective alternative for treating underlying physical conditions. With its hands-on approach, Manual Osteopathic Therapists can address structural imbalances, improve mobility, and promote the body’s natural healing mechanisms. From musculoskeletal issues to respiratory conditions, from digestive orders to headaches and migraines, MOT has shown promising results across a wide range of conditions through its gentle touch and effective techniques.      

~ Derek Chiu, MOT, RMT

Detoxifying to Support New Beginnings - Part 2

Once your elimination pathways are moving (sweating, urinating, and having a bowel movement regularly (click here for more information)). There’s no concern that once we start supporting with detoxification, that these products will accumulate in your body - it is time to start working on supporting your organs of detoxification! These organs include: your liver and kidneys.

The liver is the organ in charge of metabolizing various toxins from our body, including: hormones, medication, alcohol into something that doesn’t harm our body. It does this through 2 phases of detoxification. It’s constantly working, and with the amount of chemicals we are exposed to regularly, that means our liver has to go on overtime - all the time. So how do we support our liver? We do this by limiting the amount of processed foods we eat, and eat organic, whole foods. If organic isn’t possible for every produce you consume, then avoiding the Dirty Dozen or making sure to get those organic, is a good compromise. The next thing you can do is provide the building blocks (in the form of vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients) that the liver uses in Phase 1 and 2 detoxification.

From Haelan LifeStream Center and Retreat

Though we often focus on supporting the liver to detoxify, we also have another organ that support detoxification - the kidneys. The kidneys filter your blood and is in charge of supporting water and electrolyte homeostasis within the body. As such, it filters through a lot of blood everyday to maintain the proper balance in our bodies. One of the best ways to support your kidneys support your cardiovascular system. This is because it’s what carries the blood to the kidney to filter, and the health of them will determine how effectively the blood is being delivered. This means, that maintaining a healthy blood pressure and supporting the mobilization and elimination of toxins and metabolites by drinking water is important. Other ways you can support you cardiovascular system is to be regularly active, and are eating a variety of vegetables and fruits to get different minerals, vitamins, and phytonutrients into your diet. These will give your body the building blocks it needs to ‘fix parts that need repair’ and protect your body from free radicals, that can cause atherosclerosis, which can lead to high blood pressure, and an increase in cardiovascular events. Also make sure you are not holding your urine, since this can cause weakness in the sphincter between the bladder and urethra and cause damage to the kidneys via increased pressure and replication of potential bacteria.

The number one cause of kidney damage is diabetes - which means that supporting a healthy insulin-glucose balance will also support your kidneys. Diabetes also increases your risk of a cardiovascular events, since it affects your body by increase inflammation and free radicals. All these systems communicate with each other, so supporting one or more systems can help other systems in your body as well.

In summary, to support your liver and kidney, you want to:

• Decrease processed foods to lessen the burden of your liver and kidney

• Eat colourful fruits and vegetable to provide the nutrition and building blocks to maintain a healthy body

• Be regularly active to support your cardiovascular system and allow your kidneys to filter that blood more effectively

• Make sure to stay hydrated - your urine should be a pale yellow - the exception to this is if you’re taking a B complex. Your urine will be neon yellow

• Maintain a healthy blood pressure and insulin-glucose balance

• Don’t hold your urine

~Dr. Charmagne

Photobiomodulation (AKA Low Level Light Therapy)

Photobiomodulation, also known as Low-Level Light Therapy or Laser Therapy (LLLT) is a way to utilize light and it’s healing properties to accelerate healing. It is a pain-free, non-invasive therapy that can be used to treat a number of different conditions. This may sound far-fetched - “light healing” - but it’s true! The medical profession has used light therapy to help treat various conditions. For example, using phototherapy (literally meaning light therapy) to treat babies with jaundice, or UV Therapy to treat eczema. More recently, there are studies looking at using Light Therapy to treat people with alopecia and Alzheimer’s Disease. So it’s not as far-fetched as you may have thought.

The photobiomodulation that I do in the clinic uses a combination of different wavelengths to treat a patient. It uses Red LED (wavelength of 630-680 nm range) for more superficial layers and infrared (810-840 nm) to treat the deeper musculoskeletal layers. These two wavelengths prep the area so that the laser can penetrate deep into the areas that are needing treatment (eg, within the knee joint). After these two types of light, I use an infrared laser probe. This can penetrate the deepest and can reach the bony layers to promote healing.

Video from BIOFLEX

Image from BIOFLEX

The reason photobiomodulation works is because it reaches the mitochondria in the area being treated, and allows them to create more ATP. ATP is the energy currency of the cell, and it is used in every process in the body - including healing. When a tissue is injured, the mitochondira’s ability to make ATP is impaired, causing the area to take a longer period of time to heal. So helping the cell create more energy, accelerates that area’s ability to heal. As a result, photobiomodulation can help treat a number of different conditions including:

• sciatica

• arthritis

• fractures

• keloids

• sprains and strains,

• plantar fasciitis

• nerve pain

• joint pain

• burns, etc.

Treatments are generally recommended to be 2-3 x week or more in acute cases. The number of treatments can vary depending on the patient and can vary from 1-30, with a minimum of 10-15 treatments being recommended. In most cases, there can be some change in symptomology after 3-5 treatments; however, this is not always the case. Acute problems generally respond faster than chronic problems, and each person is different, so this makes it difficult to predict how many treatments you may need. My goal will always be to minimize the length and number of treatments you need, but know that even with that, you will require multiple treatments (especially if a chronic condition flares). Be patient with yourself and the treatments.

To read more about the laser system and science behind photobiomodulation, click here.

~Dr. Charmagne

Improving Skin Integrity

Fall and winter are notoriously dry in Calgary. You can often hear about how people are experiencing dry hands and eyes, eczema flares, and constantly needing to put lotion on. This is a thing we just accept living in Calgary. However, did you know that you could support your skin, so it doesn’t have to feel the dryness that comes every fall through winter?

There are some healthy oils, and vitamins you can be taking to support your body through the fall and winter to keep them nice and hydrated. I’m sure you’ve heard of fish oil by now, and yes, that is one of the healthy oils I’m talking about. Healthy oils are important for you to be taking regularly during this time (and maybe a month before) to maintain the integrity of your cellular membranes. Cellular membranes are made up of fats, these fat produce a boundary that keeps your organelles where they need to be (inside your cells). This boundary is fluid, and moves. If you eat saturated fats, the fluidity of your cell is disrupted, and it isn’t able to operate like it can when it is able to move as needed. This is where the healthy fats come in: fish oil, olive oil, evening primrose oil, GLA oil, etc. The one I generally recommend is fish oil, along with suggesting you use olive oil in your salad dressings.

So now you have a strong, fluid cell membrane. That’s great! But is it nice and plump and hydrated? This is where making sure you are well-hydrated comes into play. Being well-hydrated keeps your cells working optimally, and allows them to eliminate waste effectively. Imagine working in a cramped factory, where you can hardly move. That is similar to what it would be like working in your cell if you aren’t hydrated. So make sure you are drinking your water, especially during this time. You can check if you are well hydrated by looking at the colour of your urine - is it clear, pale yellow, or dark yellow? The goal is to have pale yellow urine. Note: If you are taking a B Complex, your urine will always be dark yellow.

Moisturizing as soon as you are finished with your shower is a quick and easy way to lock in the hydration. Otherwise, your skin will feel dry afterwards, because the water on your skin is evaporating, stripping your skin of moisture. You can either use a lotion or oil (I like to use olive oil with some lavender essential oil when my skin is really dry).

Lastly, a good B Complex can also help keep the integrity of your skin. The different vitamins do different things, but together, they work together to work on a number of things in your body (I also recommend this to patients for an energy boost). Vitamin B1 can be helpful for irritated, acne prone or dry skin, whereas vitamin B2 can help improve your skin tone (fun fact: this is the vitamin that causes your urine to be neon yellow). Vitamin B3 helps your skin retain moisture and prevent water loss. Vitamin B5 also helps to retain the moisture of your skin, as well as helps to heal wounds. Vitamin B7 (aka biotin) is known to be helpful for your hair, skin and nails. Vitamins B9 and 12 help your red blood cells, which are essential for delivering nutrients and oxygen to your whole body. Remember that B Complexes will turn your urine dark yellow, so if you are dehydrated, understand what your body feels like when it’s hydrated, then start to incorporate a B Complex.

This fall, see for yourself how these can help your skin feel much better and more hydrated. Share below if you have other things you do for yourself to keep your skin hydrated during the fall and winter.

~ Dr. Charmagne

Hypnotherapy and Skin Disorders

Have you ever noticed that your skin flares up when you're experiencing a lot of stress? Do you pick or scratch your skin more when you're stressed or nervous? Have you noticed that you experience more pain from the same stimulus when you're stressed? Stress can affect your skin health, especially for those prone to skin disorders (eg. eczema, acne, etc). This is why the term psychodermatology was created to describe the interplay between the brain and skin, mediated by several systems (eg. neurotransmitters, hormones, and cytokines) (Shenefelt, 2021). 

Stress causes our nervous system to release different messengers to talk to our bodies. These messengers can be in the form of catecholamines (ie. epinephrine and norepinephrine from the Sympathetic nervous system) or cortisol from the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis (HPA Axis). Together, these messengers increase skin inflammation, itching, impair skin barrier function and wound healing, and suppress the immune system (Graubard, et al, 2021). Stress also changes how we behave. We may not always be conscious that we are doing or experiencing these things, but we are. It's similar to how when experiencing nervousness, your heart rate, and breathing increase. You don't do that consciously - your body does it for you, but if you were to consciously slow your breathing down, your heart rate would also return to baseline. This is where mind-body medicine can shine because we are working with your mind to heal your body (ie. addressing your stress, behavioural changes, and perception).

Hypnotherapy is wonderful mind-body medicine that can be utilized for a number of different things. In today's blog, we're using it to reduce stress, and support your body to heal. Hypnosis is the intentional induction of trance to access the unconscious mind for a specific purpose (Graubard, et al, 2021). Hypnotherapy is very useful when the skin disorder is related to inflammation linked to stress (eg. eczema, psoriasis, etc) (Shenefelt, 2021). Some uses of hypnotherapy in dermatology include reducing discomfort from itching or pain, changing dysfunctional habits (eg. scratching), promoting healing, and reframing cognitive and emotional dysfunctional patterns related to skin disorders (Shenefelt. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28511826/). Hypnosis allows the mind to accept suggestions that are aligned with the person receiving it (eg. someone can suggest you rob a bank, but you wouldn't). For skin, these suggestions can include reducing pain and itching, reducing harmful behaviours (eg. scratching or picking skin), and aiding in healing the skin (Graubard, et al, 2021).

In a study for hypnotherapy and atopic dermatitis, there was a statistically significant improvement found in scratching, discomfort, and sleep disturbances. They also saw a 60% decrease in the use of corticosteroids in 16 weeks (Stewart, Thomas; 1995). 

If this sounds like something you would be interested in utilizing, click the link below to book a complimentary Meet and Greet.

How to Make a Kick-Ass New Year Resolutions

New Year’s Resolutions are goals that we set for ourselves to accomplish by the end of the year - or at least that’s always how I’ve viewed it. So whether you said New Year’s goal or resolution makes no difference. The point is that you are seeking to become a better person in various aspects of your life. Different aspects that every person has is:

• Physical - your physical body, includes your health, stress, and fitness level.

  • eg. to release 20 lbs by the end of the year

• Mental - relates to your job and wealth

  • eg. to expand my knowledge by going to 3 conferences in areas I want to learn about (relating to your job) by the end of the year

• Emotional - your relationships and communication

  • eg. to have 26 dates with my significant other by the end of the year

• Spiritual - relates to your legacy, leadership, and contribution to community. You are NOT looking or asking for anything in return for this.

  • eg. to volunteer at community events 3 times by the end of the year

You can rate where you are at each aspect of your life out of 10, and work on the ones that scored the lowest, or you can do all 4 of them, which ever one you prefer. I make one for each aspect of my life. If you already have goals to run a half-marathon this year - awesome! That fits under physical goal. Have fun with brainstorming where and how you’d like to improve on these areas.

When you are making a goal, it is useful to use SMART goals.

• S - Specific - exactly what do you want to do

• M - Measurable - to help you track how you are doing, and when the goal is reached

• A - Attainable - should be realistic, otherwise goals that are huge will set you up for failure. For example, if you just started a job, and you’re making minimum, buying a house by the end of the year is not a realistic goal - though a great one. What you can do is have $X amount in my savings, this money can go towards your bigger goal of buying a house

• R - Risky - it should push you

• T - Time frame - these one will be before or at Dec 31, but it will be different for other goals you may have

Look at the goals above. Do you notice how there is a measurable aspect to each of them? This is why. I want to have a better relationship with my Mom is a wonderful goal, but it’s not measurable. So find a way to make it measurable - hang out with my mom every 2 weeks for 1 hr, or talk to her 3 x week. These are measurable. It also allows you to connect with her and leaves it free so it’s not a set thing you’re doing with her.

So have fun making your resolutions, and remember these goals are for you to become a better person as a whole.

Until the end of Jan 2022, Dr. Charmagne is gifting you with a Complementary Empowerment Call to help you make your New Years Resolutions. Click here to book yours today!

Understanding Food Sensitivities

Food Allergies vs Food Sensitivities

They use different immunoglobulins of the immune system causing different reactions, causing different reactions. Food allergies use the IgE immunoglobulin and food sensitivities use the IgG immunoglobulin (side note: Immunoglobulin will sometimes be switched with the word antibodies depending on what you’re reading). IgE reactions tend to occur faster and is also known as Hypersensitvity type 1; whereas, IgG reactions tend to be delayed (can take up to 3 days to get a reaction) and is also known as Hypersensitivity type 3 (PEDIAA, 2019).

IgE Immunoglobulin

• Reaction causes release of histamine

• Itching, hives, anaphylaxis, red skin

• Reactions happen very quickly

• Test: Skin Prick test, IgE Blood test

• Through an Allergist

IgG Immunoglobulin

• Reaction causes release of inflammatory mediators

• Chronic inflammation (eg. eczema, bowel symptoms (constipation, stomach pains, diarrhea, etc), migraines, etc)

• Reaction can take up to 3 days to occur

• Test: Elimination Diet or Food Sensitivity Test

• Through a Naturopathic Doctor

IgG reactions can manifest in different ways, and since they’re delayed, can be a little trickier to track, and therefore has a higher tendency to become chronic reactions. This in turn can lead to chronic inflammation, which can cause a number of other symptoms. IgG immunoglobulins have been seen in patients with allergic-like reactions (Shakoor, et al; 2016, Crowe; 2019)

Gut Health and Your Immune System

Your gut is exposed to the outside world, which makes it a key player in regulating your health. 70-80% of your immune system is found in your gut through GALT (Gut-associated lymphoid tissue) receptors. These are receptors found all over your intestines that communicate to different parts of your body by presenting foreign bodies (eg. bacteria, viruses, etc.) to the immune system to start building up an immune response (Microbe Notes, 2018).

Discovering Your Food Sensitivities

Both of these methods should be monitored by a qualified practitioner

Elimination Diet

• Pros:

  • Understand how your body reacts to different foods

  • 100% accurate with tracking and reintroduction phase

  • Cheaper

• Cons:

  • Requires time and commitment

  • Takes 4-6 weeks of eliminations + the amount of time needed to reintroduce the foods

  • Can be difficult to see if a food causes a reaction if you are not in tune with your body or second guess yourself

Food Sensitivity Test

• Pros:

  • Convenient

  • Good for people who like visuals or are analytical

  • Takes most of the guessing out of it

• Cons:

  • Not 100% accurate

  • Is changeable depending on the health of your gut

  • Expensive

When I work with patients on these concerns, I ask my patients to fill out a questionnaire at the beginning before the eliminate the foods, and afterwards, so we can see things have shifted, and where they’ve experienced an improvement of symptoms. To better understand how to incorporate these into your life to discover your food sensitivities, book an appointment with your Naturopathic Doctor.

~ Dr. Charmagne

Laser Therapy

Summary

Light therapy is a non-invasive therapy that works by increasing the ability of the cell to create energy (ATP) to heal the area being treated. As a result, it can decrease inflammation, swelling, and pain in the area. Research in this area is expanding, with more in-depth research papers linked below for those who would like to learn more.

HIstory

Light therapy has been around for thousands of years and has been practiced in India and is seen in the Hindu texts (News Medical, 2018). In modern days, we still use light therapy, in cases like jaundice for babies, when they receive blue-green light spectrum therapy to help eliminate the excess bilirubin (Mayo Clinic, 2020). There is even evidence that shows that ultraviolet light therapy works on conditions such as eczema and vitiligo (Berthold E, 2019).

History of low-level light therapy

Experiments were testing Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT) - or photobomb modulation as it is often referred to now - after the invention of the ruby laser in 1960. In the first experiment, Dr. Endre Mester, used shaved rats and observing how the laser affected their ability to grow hair compared to the group that was not receiving LLLT. He found that the group of mice receiving LLLT were able to grow their hair back more quickly than the group of mice that didn’t receive LLLT (Hoon C, et al; 2012). In a separate experiment involving mice, he also noticed that LLLT helped to stimulate wound healing. Dr. Mester started to apply these LLLT findings on humans, for nonhealing skin ulcers.

mechanism of action

The word Laser came about as an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. The energy released from the photos in light is referred to as electroluminescence - most of which is absorbed by the tissue and is responsible for the effects (Hoon C, et al; 2012). Though the mechanism of action is poorly understood; what the research has shown is that LLLT works in the cell’s mitochondria to generate more energy or ATP, modulate Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) (which can cause damage to cells), and induce transcription factors (Hoon C, et al; 2012). It has been observed the LLLT has a wide range of effects at the tissue, cellular, and molecular levels, causing an increase in cell number and movement, modulation of cytokines, growth factors, and inflammatory mediators, and an increase in tissue oxygenation (which is different from creating ROS) (Hoon C, et al; 2012).

Basically, LLLT has been seen to speed up healing by creating more energy in the cells, which affects molecular, cellular, and tissue processes by giving them fuel; and increases the body’s ability to decrease inflammation, swelling, and decrease pain through its ability to interact with messengers in the body.

Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT)

This therapy is termed this way to differentiate the difference between the lasers some professions use to cut (eg. in surgeries, or dental procedures). Low-level light therapy is painless, non-invasive treatment. It is used to decrease inflammation, swelling, and chronic joint disorders, reduce pain and accelerate wound healing of nerves and tissues (Hoon C, et al; 2012). In more recent literature, they have changed the term to photobiomodulation therapy, but I’ll be using LLLT for this article.

LLLT has a biphasic response, meaning that lower doses are generally seen to be more beneficial than higher doses. That being said, doses higher or lower than the optimal dose doesn’t affect (Hoon C, et al; 2012). For this reason, it can be difficult to have studies on LLLT with so many parameters. However, what has been seen is that wavelengths between 600-1200 nm have shown benefit in the studies (Thunshelle C, Hamblin M.R; 2016; Huang Z, et al; 2015). So it becomes important to know if the machine that is treating you is providing these wavelengths.

It has also been shown that LED treatment with similar wavelength and parameters to low power lasers produced similar results to LLLT (Hamblin M.R; 2016). Migliario M, et al (2018) noted that red and near-infrared portion of the light spectra can be used for biostimulation, and promote cell survival and multiplication. This was awesome news because that means a larger area can be treated, than just the narrow space that a laser can treat at a time. Some companies combined the two (LED and laser) to provide a more well-rounded treatment since lasers can penetrate deeper than LED and infrared light (Norman Doidge, The Brain’s Way of Healing, 2015).

During treatment, the area that is being treated is exposed to LED light from a BioFlex Laser, which is at 660 nm wavelength, followed by infrared light at 830-840 nm wavelength. Our naked eyes do not see infrared light, so it looks like the machine has turned off - but it hasn’t (fun fact: your cellphone camera can see infrared light). These wavelengths are important because these wavelengths have been seen to be absorbed more by our mitochondria.

LLLT has been used for various conditions, and some awesome studies are displaying their benefits for certain conditions. Below, I will list what has been studied, along with the link to go to the actual study if you wanted to read more about it. Note that there are most likely other conditions that can be treated, and haven’t yet. The research is still expanding!

• Arthritis

  • Huang Z, et al. The effectiveness of low-level laser therapy for nonspecific chronic low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Arthritis Research & Therapy (2015) 17:360

• Chronic pain

  • Hoon C, et al. The Nuts and Bolts of Low-level Laser (Light) Therapy. Ann Biomed Eng. 2012 February; 40(2): 516–533.  

• Lower back pain

  • Huang Z, et al. The effectiveness of low-level laser therapy for nonspecific chronic low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Arthritis Research & Therapy (2015) 17:360

  • Glazov G, et al. Low-level laser therapy for chronic non-specific low back pain: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Acupunct Med 2016;34:328–341

• Nipple pain in breastfeeding

  • Coca KP, et al. Efficacy of Low-Level Laser Therapy in Relieving Nipple Pain in Breastfeeding Women: A Triple-Blind, Randomized, Controlled Trial. Pain Manag Nurs. 2016 Aug;17(4):281-9.

  • Camargo BT, et al.I The effect of a single irradiation of low-level laser on nipple pain in breastfeeding women: a randomized controlled trial. Lasers in Medical Science. 2020. 35: 63-69

• Oral Mucositis

  • Hamblin M.R. Photobiomodulation or low-level laser therapy. J Biophotonics. 2016 December; 9(11-12): 1122–1124

• Shoulder tendinopathy

  • Haslerud S, et al. The efficacy of low-level laser therapy for shoulder tendinopathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Physiother Res Int. 2015 Jun;20(2):108-25

• Stroke

  • Thunshelle C, Hamblin M.R. Transcranial Low-Level Laser (Light) Therapy for Brain Injury. Photomedicine and Laser Surgery. 2016. 34 (12): 587–598

• Traumatic Brain Injury

  • Thunshelle C, Hamblin M.R. Transcranial Low-Level Laser (Light) Therapy for Brain Injury. Photomedicine and Laser Surgery. 2016. 34 (12): 587–598

Happy LASERING!

~ Dr. Charmagne

Insect Repellents

With summer here, people are wanting to go out and explore. This desire is even stronger since we've been isolating, social distancing, and not leaving our houses. Going out and enjoying the national parks by hiking or camping is a great way to get fresh air and a change of scenery. However, with being outside, and tall grasses, comes the potential of getting tick and mosquito bites.

Ticks can transmit diseases like Lyme's disease, and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. These disease can literally change your life for the worse, and even if their rate isn't high, it's something shouldn’t risk getting. Lyme's Disease is incredibly complex, and we are still learning about it today. People who do have it are extremely passionate about educating other about it because of how dramatically their lives have changed. So the easiest way to prevent these diseases is to prevent them from biting you. This is were insect repellent and protective clothing becomes your friend.

In the event that you are bitten by a tick, you should extract all of it, including the head (this means nor twisting it off, because it might leave it's head in your skin). Do not irritate the tick by pouring alcohol, because you may cause it to vomit in you. There are tools you can get to help with this. After you remove it, you should keep it to be tested to make sure it isn't a carrier of Lyme's disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, etc.

I was researching different essential oils (EO) and their effectiveness against mosquitoes and ticks, so that you may be able to make your own. The problems arise because there isn't a lot of research on it, and of the research done, nothing is really definitive. One thing that is important to know if you decide to make your own is that the volatile oils are what makes it effective. So once the scent has evaporated, it is no longer effective. For most essential oils this is between 45 minutes - 2hrs. This means that you are going to have to reapply multiple times throughout the day.

Also, there are some oils that work well together and others that don't. This means they either boost each other's effectiveness, or the decrease the total effectiveness. So knowing which oils to mix together is also important. For example, there are articles that display that Mankua EO works well with oregano EO, while Manuka EO and clove bud EO don't work well together. You are able to combine these essential oils with 'fixer' to make them last longer. The one that pops up often in the studies is vanillin, which can be found in vanilla bean essential oil. It allows the effectiveness of other to last longer.

essential oils

Essential oils that have been shown to have insect repellent properties are the following (Asadollahi A, et al, 2019):

• Oregano + Manuka essential oils - work together to repel mosquitoes. Clove bud oil works against these two oils, making their repellent action weaker (Muturi EJ, et al, 2017)

• 2-undecanone - from the leaves and stems of wild tomato plants. It is able to repel blacklegged and lone star ticks (Cisak E, et al, 2012)

• Carrot Seed essential oil - against mosquitoes, and works well together with DEET

  • Carotol - displays a similar efficacy as DEET (Ali A, et al, 2018)

• Lemongrass +cinnamon bark essential oil - repellent against cool weather mosquitoes (Peach DHA, et al, 2019)

• Lavender essential oil - against mosquitoes (Bedini S, et al, 2018)

• Chinese lovage essential oil - has been found to be comparable with DEET, with complete protection from 9.1-11.5 hrs (Sanghong R, et al, 2015)

Please keep in mind that these are not hard and fast rules about essential oils. There are a number of other essential oils that have studies on them, but it can be difficult researching them with contradictory studies. These are some of the ones that I was able to find, but there are more. There are studies that display mixing too many oils together decreased their effectiveness, so make your mixtures as simple as possible.

Last thing to note, is that the studies were done all over the world, and believe it or not, there are a number of different mosquito species, and not all of them are repelled with the same oils. For example, the mosquitoes in Thailand are resistant to DEET.

Essential oils can cause skin reactions depending on how sensitive you are, and it is suggested that you mix them (can mix them in grain alcohol, I’ve seen people recommend using witch hazel as well), and to do a test patch to make sure that you are not allergic to it.

~ Dr. Charmagne

Self Love

We’ve all heard about self-love. Some people say self-care instead, however, they essentially mean the same thing. If you practice self-love, self-care comes more naturally because you understand that you need it, and you respect and love yourself enough to practice self-care. What do you do for yourself to take care of yourself and lift yourself up? There has been some misconception that self-love looks like having a bubble bath, having a night out with the girls, or drinking some wine at the end of the day. Though these can be parts of self-love, ultimately, it’s doing something you know will help you feel better. This can include sleeping earlier, to make sure you're getting the amount of sleep you need. It can also be enjoying your favourite hobby, whatever that may be, going to the gym, or eating healthy. Everyone should be practicing a bit of self-love every day. We practice taking care of people around us, whether you have children or not, so take the time you need to care for yourself as well. Some of my favourite things to recommend to patients are below.

Do something new at least once a week

Some people, especially when they become parents, lose a sense of who they are. They don’t know what they like, they don’t have any hobbies. Their lives revolve around their family and work - and nothing outside of it. There is nothing wrong with that if you are happy with it. However, if it saddens you that you feel like you have lost who you are, then this is a great way to start to discover things about yourself again. Do you like soccer? You never know until you try. Scared of massages? The worse thing you can do is leave and never come back - however, what if you find out that you actually enjoyed it? Then you got over fear, and found something that you enjoy!

Practice positive self talk

The main thing is to practice talking to yourself as if you were talking to your best friend or loved one. The way we talk to them is often encouraging, sympathetic, and with love - which can be the opposite of how we talk to ourselves.

To read more about how to practice positive self-talk, click here.

Boundaries

We all have boundaries. Some of us know where they are, and others don’t. Knowing where your boundaries are, and staying true to them is a wonderful way to practice self-care. It’s also a practice of self-love because you are standing up for yourself. Are you an introvert, who has been invited to dinner? It’s okay to say no, especially if you need your lone time to recharge. That friend should be fine with meeting up another day, especially it wasn’t for an emergency. This includes saying yes to everything. At some point, people realize that they’re saying yes to too many things, and it’s all piling up on them and wearing them down. Saying no is okay, someone will step up to fill in the gap. It’s impossible to keep giving from an empty cup. You have to take care and give to yourself so that you can give to others.

With all things that come to self, don’t be hard on yourself. Change can be difficult, and building up new habits takes a while. Remember you are human, living and experiencing life. Sometimes, what you are planning doesn’t happen, and you falter. That’s okay. Pick yourself up, and do it again. With enough practice, and awareness, you can notice these things faster, and then you can actively choose if a certain thought is worth fixating on or not (meditation is a great way to practice that).

~ Dr. Charmagne

Start Off the Year With the Right Mind Set

The new years is always so exciting, full of hope and possibility - and rightfully so! Go charge towards your goals and resolutions, and practice shifting that 1% every day, and you will find that you are a different person by the end of the year. At the same time, if you do stumble on the way to your goals, don’t worry about it, and don’t beat yourself down. That happens to everyone - bad habits are hard to break. If they were easy to break, no one would have bad habits. So when you do stumble, pick yourself up, and acknowledge what happened. For instance, one of my goals for the year is to wake up at 5 am in the morning for at least 30 days - and it has not been going well. I’m still adjusting, and it’s taking longer to adjust than I thought it would. However, I have been waking up earlier than I normally would in an attempt to get to the 5 am, and I am still able to be productive during that time, so I am not going to beat myself up for not waking up at 5 am. Not any more. Many have mastered the art of beating themselves up, and making themselves feel terrible. All this does is dampen your mood and make you want to quit - so what good does beating yourself up do?

The other thing is perspective. Everything has perspective. How do you see your world? Is it all negative, positive, a combination? Which do you focus on more? Yes there are terrible things in the world that is happening; however, in your day-to-day world, can your perspective be shifted so that your days are full of gratitude and fulfillment? For example seeing everything as an opportunity instead of an obligation can be one way to shift your perspective. When you go to work, saying to yourself that ‘you get the opportunity to go to work’, can start to shift your perspective, and remind you that it is something to be grateful for.

Gratitude is a wonderful way to encourage a shift in your perspective. Writing down 3 things you are grateful for every day - making sure that they are always different - can be a great way to either start or end your day. There are other ways you can practice gratitude, including writing a letter and hand delivering it to them, or thanking someone mentally, prayer, meditation, etc. Find what works for you, and slowly, you may notice that your perspective of the world shifts.

As one of my favourite teachers use to say: “Be kind and gentle with yourself.” You’ve got this.

~ Dr. Charmagne

Supporting Your Liver

The liver works constantly to detoxify your body from everything from alcohol to hormones in your body. Though the liver does this by itself without any help from the outside, it can be often overburdened, especially in today’s urban environment with pollutants being rampant where ever you go. So how do you care for your liver?

Detoxification of the Liver

From Genetic Life Hacks

The liver has 2 phases of detoxification. Both of these phases require a number of various vitamins and minerals in order to have the pathway within the liver functioning and eventually have the metabolites excreted. The first phase metabolizes the various compounds or toxins that your body has been exposed to into an intermediate form that is somewhat broken down, but can still go through the body and cause damage. This is why some people turn red after they drink alcohol. It is because this phase is generally faster than the second phase or they may be missing an enzyme in this pathway to bind the alcohol properly. Phase 2 then binds these intermediate forms to become water-soluble, so that they can be excreted in your sweat, urine, and feces. Below shows another diagram of the phases, and some of the compounds that each pathway needs to function.

From Haelan LifeStream Center and Retreat

Clean Your Diet

You can get a number of the compounds needed to support your liver through your foods. The first thing you can do, is to decrease the number of processed foods you are eating. This actively decreases the burden you are introducing to your body. For example, eliminating alcohol automatically helps your liver function better by the sheer fact that your liver no longer has to metabolize another thing.

Increasing the amount of Brassica or cruciferous vegetables (eg. broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage, daikon, etc) will support your liver by providing sulforaphane, which is a compound that is needed to create detoxifying compounds in your body like glutathione, and is very important in the detoxification process of the liver. It is also an antioxidant, protecting your body from oxidative damage (Kapusta-Duch J, et al).

Other herbs and vegetables you can add to your diet, include beets and turmeric. Beets contain a compound called betalains, which is used to support phase 2 of detoxification in the liver (Krajka-Kuźniak V, et al), while turmeric supports both phases 1 and 2 (Hodges and Minich).

Ensure You Are Eliminating

As seen in the diagrams above, you also need to be eliminating your metabolites through your sweat, urine, and bowel movements to be detoxifying properly. If you do not eliminate regularly through these routes, you are most likely reabsorbing a certain amount of those metabolites into your body, and that would defeat the purpose of detoxifying. So make sure are you having a bowel movement every day, and that it is a substantial amount (eg. the length of your forearm), if your stool looks like pebbles, you are most likely constipated, and that stool has probably been in your intestines for a few days. To help you go more regularly, drink more water, and eat more fiber. If you clean up your diet, and eat more vegetables, you should get enough fiber to start going more regularly, though supplementing a healthy fiber would also be helpful to ensure adequate fiber intake.

See a Naturopathic Doctor

If you feel like you would like to do more to help support your liver by using herbs and supplements, and you feel like the results you are getting aren’t what you want, find a licensed Naturopathic Doctor who can guide you. You can find your local Naturopathic Doctor here.

~ Dr. Charmagne

When Should I See a Naturopathic Doctor?

A Naturopathic Doctor (ND) is someone who has been trained and educated to become one. To become an ND, first one must have a Bachelors Degree, and meet the scientific prerequisites required to apply to an accredited Naturopathic College. Once accepted, one goes through a minimum of 4 years of rigorous academic studies, where they learn all about anatomy, biochemistry, pharmacology, physiology, etc. (like in Medical school), in addition to learning about alternative medicine (botanical medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, homeopathy, nutrition, etc.). After all of this education, they must become licensed, and write the NPLEX (Naturopathic Physician Licensing Exam), which is a 2-part licensing exam.

That being said, NDs are well equip in supporting you achieve your health and wellness goals. Don’t expect a magic pill that is a quick fix. With the different therapies at the disposal of an ND, these improvements to your health tend to take some time, because most of what is being addressed is lifestyle. This means that it tends to take a while to obtain the results you want; however, the changes are long-term, this benefits you and your life. NDs see more than just your symptoms and diagnosis, they see you for who you are, because you’re the one that is going to be implementing the changes, and if you have habits that get in the way of your goal, that needs to be addressed.

So, when should you see an ND? You should see an ND when you want to become healthier and achieve wellness, and you are ready to take responsibility and take action in becoming healthier. NDs are excellent with working with people with all types of concerns, ranging from chronic illness to preconception care, and everything in between: digestive issues, hormonal issues, stress management, sleep issues, etc. It is amazing to have someone in your corner, wanting you to experience wellness for yourself, so that you can live your life fuller, and really LIVE your life.

People who have talked to their medical doctors and have been told that there is nothing that they can do for them, or people who want to get better, and their doctors haven’t been able to help them also tend to seek out NDs for another perspective. Especially since we look at everything (NDs are somewhat notorious for having extensive intake forms) and have the time to be with you to see how different issues may be tied together.

“Before you heal someone, ask him if he's willing to give up the things that make him sick.” 
― Hippocrates

~Dr. Charmagne

Health Resolutions

Health and weight resolutions are the most common resolutions to start off the new year with. That’s one of the reasons why gyms do so well at the beginning of the year, and the reason they are so crowded. However, within the next month or sooner, the gyms are almost back to normal, and that huge rush of people aren’t there any more.

It’s awesome that people want to become healthier versions of themselves, that is something to be proud of - wanting to become a better version of yourself. But what is stopping you? When February comes rolling in, why do you stop going to the gym, or eating healthy, or drinking as much water as you should?

You obviously want this for yourself, otherwise, you wouldn’t have made it a resolution. It’s funny how we tend to be our own biggest obstacles when it comes to achieving goals. So get out of your way, and stop making up excuses as to why you have given up. Use some tough love on yourself - with love being the key word. You have to be your own cheerleader, and if you need a boost, look at all you have accomplished in your life. These accomplishments can be anything, from finishing high school, developing your talents, having your own business, building long lasting and strong relationships, having your own family, etc. Find and make evidence that you are an awesome person, and you are deserving of your goal.

Your self talk is extremely important when accomplishing your goals, and developing new habits. Start off small, and collect your evidence. If you make incremental changes in your life, everyday, and build them onto each other, you will change the trajectory of your life. And while going on your journey to accomplishing your goal, remember to be kind and gentle to yourself.

This is your life - you only have this one to experience and hold dear. So if you want to live a healthier life, then make conscious decisions to become a person who is healthy. For more inspiration, here is a list of amazing people, who can change your perspective about various things in your life, from habits, resolutions, and relationships:

• James Clear

• Brené Brown

• Joe Dispenza

For further tips and tricks to accomplish your goal, check out last year’s blog: Another Year, Another Beginning.

~ Dr. Charmagne