Traditional Chinese Medicine in Regina, Saskatchewan

While menopause is a natural process, many women experience a variety of symptoms which interfere with daily life. Those women may benefit from a Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine formula designed for their individual situation, eliminating the need to assess the risks and side effects of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) drugs.

Night sweats and hot flashes can be disruptive for women. Sleep disturbance and profuse sweating requiring changes of clothing do not make for a restful night.

Insomnia may be related to night sweats but may occur on its own. A racing pulse and anxiety may accompany menopausal insomnia. Ongoing fatigue from disturbed sleep patterns is often the biggest reason for seeking relief from menopausal symptoms. Depression may also be an issue for the menopausal woman as hormonal fluctuations affect mood.

Yin Deficiency Fire is one way in which menopause symptoms manifest in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Blood Deficiency or Liver Fire Ascending are other TCM patterns that are commonly seen in menopausal women. Each of these requires a slightly different herbal formula for best relief.

Diet and Lifestyle Changes Can Help

There is a great deal of information available regarding dietary factors such as spicy foods, caffeine and alcohol each of which can intensify the symptoms of menopause. Getting enough dietary calcium in readily absorbable form is important at this time as declining estrogen levels result in poorer calcium absorption. Exercise and over the counter herbal supplements may be the only menopause remedies needed by some women.

Traditional Chinese Herbal Remedies for Menopausal Symptoms

One Chinese herb that is commonly used in treatment of symptoms of menopause is dang gui (also called dong quai, or tang kuei). This is a Blood Invigorating and Tonifying herb, which makes sense in that women will tend to be Blood Deficient from many years of monthly menses. Blood Stagnation may have occurred as a result of injury or even a difficult childbirth.

But dang gui is not the right Chinese herb for every woman. Dang gui  alone may not be enough in cases where the menopausal symptoms are more severe. The good news is that there are over 4000 herbs used in Chinese herbal medicine so there is bound to be a combination that will be right for each woman.

A Traditional Chinese Medicine Doctor will be able to design a formula to treat more severe menopausal symptoms without having to resort to hormone replacement therapy with its potential risks and side effects.. This is especially true for those that don't respond to simple diet and lifestyle changes combined with over the counter herbal supplements.

For more information, visit: www.drmitchelson.com

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Winter is the season associated the water element in Traditional Chinese Medicine. The winter solstice is approaching: darkness abounds and the purifying action of the northwest rains reminds  of the power inherent in the water element. The quiet stillness and rain of the winter nourish the seeds of the life that will bloom again in spring. Hence, the water element provides the deep nourishment for all activities of life, birth, and growth. In the darkest period of the year, the fire that blazes in the summer is born.  In the stillness of the Water element, we build the reserves needed to fulfill our function and destiny. Without the water element’s nourishment, we often burn out and lose touch with our original purpose. Water contains the seeds of our “curriculum” in this lifetime. Water holds the blueprint of our souls’ life purpose.

The organs associated with the water element are the urinary bladder and the kidney. The urinary bladder stores our body’s fluids and maintains our energy reserves. The kidneys balance and distribute fluids in our bodies. The kidney contains the well of vital life essence that we are born with called “Jing” in Traditional Chinese Medicine. When the water element is depleted we may experience exhaustion and total depletion. Chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia are often manifestations of a water element imbalance. For men, impotence and a loss of libido may indicate a water imbalance. For women, infertility is one sign that the water element is disturbed. The water element in Traditional Chinese Medicine governs the entire endocrine system.

The water element nourishes and lubricates every joint in our body. The water element provides the flexibility and fluidity for movement. Stiffness, tightness, and joint pains are often a manifestation of an imbalance in the water element. Degenerative arthritis, low back pain, knee problems, and various joint pains reflect disruptions in the water element.

The emotion associated with the water element is fear. When the water element is out of balance we may experience fear that shows up in every aspect of our lives: relationships, career, finances, and personal growth. An imbalanced water element habitually reacts to fear instead of responding with wisdom and equanimity. Often, the reserves of Jing are continually used up in a desperate attempt to control, manage or run away from fear.

The spirit associated with the water element is willpower that guides us to take steps in life that are congruent with our soul’s purpose. It is the commitment to live the highest virtues in life even when we are faced with fear and extraordinary difficulties.

Ironically, when we overuse this will through habitually reacting to fear, we end up exhausted and depleted. In order to find balance with fear, we must cultivate wisdom. The importance of the development of authentic wisdom cannot be overemphasized. Wisdom guides us to respond to life and utilize our resources appropriately.

Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are remarkable in their ability to help with exhaustion, fatigue, back pain, joint pain, arthritis, and various hormonal imbalances. In addition, Traditional Chinese Medicine as discussed in this article can be an indispensable tool in reconnecting to your deeper purpose of life while developing new strategies and resources for living life to its fullest.

For more information, visit: www.drmitchelson.com

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What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an ancient form of Chinese medicine involving the insertion of solid, single-use, sterilized, stainless steel acupuncture needles into the skin at specific points on the body to achieve a therapeutic effect.  Acupuncture is used to encourage natural healing, improve mood and energy, reduce or relieve pain and improve function of affected areas of the body.

Acupuncture stimulates the body to produce its own pain relieving chemicals called “endorphins”.  These chemicals mimic morphine, a natural pain reliever made by the body.  Acupuncture has been shown to stimulate the immune system, affects the circulation, blood pressure, rhythm and stroke volume of the heart, secretion of the gastric acid, and production of red and white blood cells.  It stimulates the release of a variety of hormones that help the body to respond to injury and stress.

How does Acupuncture work?

Thousands of years ago, Doctors of TCM mapped out a series of pathways within the body called meridians.  Meridians travel throughout the entire body on the front and back, connecting every organ and gland.  Along these meridians are acupoints.  Each acupoint effects the body and mind when stimulated.  Together, these pathways, points and organs, form what we call the Meridian and Organ network.  Within this network flows the essential energy called Qi (pronounced “chee”).  Qi is the spark of energy that animated and brings life to the body.  It’s a substance that provides energy, nourishment, and support for every cell, tissue, muscle, organ, and gland.  Qi travels through the body in precise and predictable ways, from one organ system to other, providing nourishment for the body and mind to function and work optimally.   Meridians are like great rivers flowing inside each and every one of us.  If there is a restriction in the way Qi flows in the body, much like a dam were placed in a river, everything downstream will not receive proper support and nourishment to keep the body and mind healthy and flourishing.  Qi becomes restricted or blocked, an imbalance will occur, and eventually our well-being can become compromised.  When a particular meridian is blocked and out-of-balance, a variety of symptoms and signs will appear.  Acupuncture stimulates and promotes the flow of Qi.  Dr. Nicole Mitchelson’s goal is to discover where Qi has become restricted, blocked and out-of-balance.  Once she uncovers this problem, she will then use certain acupuncture methods to remove the blockage, uncover the root cause of the problem and facilitate the free flow of Qi. 

What does TCM and Acupuncture treat?

• Women’s health: menopause, irregular menstruation, amenorrhea, painful periods (dysmenorrhea), menorrhagia, PMS, infertility, low libido, etc.
• Digestive complaints: IBS, GERD, ulcerative colitis, ulcers, constant diarrhea, constipation, gastritis, etc.
• Pain management: rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, low back pain, knee pain, headaches, shoulder pain, carpal tunnel, sciatica, tendonitis, TMJ, neuralgia, etc.
• Mental: stress relief, fatigue, insomnia, depression, headache
• Skin: acne, eczema, psoriasis
• Respiratory: frequent colds, allergies, sinusitis, asthma, bronchitis.

Does Acupuncture hurt?

Nope!  When the needle is inserted into the skin, the patient might feel a mosquito bite sensation.  Most patients are unaware when the needles are inserted.  Once inserted, Dr. Mitchelson may manipulate the needles depending on the condition.  A dull, tingling, heavy sensation may be felt, yet never painful.  Many find acupuncture so relaxing that they fall asleep on the table while the needles are in!

How many treatments do I need?

After the initial assessment and treatment, usually Dr. Mitchelson asks a patient to commit to 5-10 treatments.  One treatment every week for 7-10 weeks consecutively.   Everyone reacts differently to the treatments, and each patient’s situation is unique, therefore a set amount of treatments cannot be guaranteed. Generally, acute conditions take a shorter amount of time to treat, whereas chronic conditions take a longer amount of time to treat.  After the desired therapeutic effect is accomplished, patients book once a month or as needed for “maintenance” treatments.  Take note that Traditional Chinese Medicine is not a “quick fix” (although it can be with aches and pains), but rather a slow gradual process that leads to long lasting results.

Does my health insurance cover Traditional Chinese Medicine?

Most private health insurance companies and work plans provide a set amount of money for acupuncture. Please check your own insurance policies to see if coverage is provided.

Is Traditional Chinese Medicine regulated in Saskatchewan?

No.  Currently there is no regulation for acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine in Saskatchewan.  In order to receive a safe and effective treatment, it is important to see a licensed or registered practitioner (L.Ac or R.Ac). A licensed acupuncturist must complete a graduate program in Traditional Chinese Medicine (approx. 3000 hrs.) and pass provincial board exams in Acupuncture and TCM. In Canada, some other medical practitioners may practice acupuncture with as little as 0 to 200 hours of training, which is clearly not a sufficient amount to ensure a proper diagnosis and safe treatment.

Dr. Nicole Mitchelson is a licensed, registered acupuncturists (L.Ac/R.Ac) by the province of Alberta.  She took her 5 year Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine degree at the Calgary College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture: www.cctcma.com, and passed the Alberta Health Disciplines board licensing exam.  Patients are encouraged to check an acupuncturist’s credentials before beginning a treatment regime.

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No.  Currently there is no regulation for acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine in Saskatchewan.  In order to receive a safe and effective treatment, it is important to see a licensed or registered practitioner (L.Ac or R.Ac). A licensed acupuncturist must complete a graduate program in Traditional Chinese Medicine (approx. 3000 hrs.) and pass provincial board exams in Acupuncture and TCM. In Canada, some other medical practitioners may practice acupuncture with as little as 0 to 200 hours of training, which is clearly not a sufficient amount to ensure a proper diagnosis and safe treatment.

Dr. Nicole Mitchelson is a licensed, registered acupuncturists (L.Ac/R.Ac) by the province of Alberta.  She took her 5 year Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine degree at the Calgary College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture: www.cctcma.com, and passed the Alberta Health Disciplines board licensing exam.  Patients are encouraged to check an acupuncturist’s credentials before beginning a treatment regime.

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