Zen Shiatsu Therapy

My birthday just recently passed and it got me to thinking... I need to take better care of myself! I care for others and I suggest they care for themselves. I suggest that they go for massages, take vacations and take care of their health: body, mind and spirit.
The truth of the matter is however, that I've been so busy with work and life that I've been neglecting myself. I needed to re-connect with my own needs and tune into that quiet voice inside. I needed to listen to my own body and its needs - and my body said 'Shiatsu'!

I've never had a Shiatsu treatment but have always been curious. My good friend Mai Cao is a Shiatsu therapist so I booked in to see her.
She works in this beautiful Dojo, Kokoro Dojo in Toronto. It is a hidden gem tucked away down an alley just off Dupont St. Her space was warm and inviting and I was treated to a little tea before my treatment. Shiatsu therapy is the stimulation of acupuressure points on the body through light and deep touch to help the flow of qi or life energy. It also is a form of massage therapy, and although it isn't a traditional massage per se, it is fabulous.

My treatment lasted a blissful hour and I went home feeling light and fuzzy. I slept better than I have in weeks.

Huge thumbs up to my talented friend Mai! Book in to see her, you won't regret it.

Feeling the effects of Fall? Try Vitamin B12

Feeling lethargic, tired, depressed? Maybe you're also experiencing episodes of dizziness or even slight memory loss.

Well there may be a solution to your woes. You may be B12 deficient!

If you're a non-meat eater, you're at an even greater risk of developing a Vitamin B12 Deficiency as high sources of B12 are mostly found in meat.
It should be noted that there are non-animal sources of B12 such as: tempeh and miso, algaes and sea vegetables, however these forms of B12 have been found not to have the same activity as the real meaty B12.

The B12 content in fermented foods may be different - but the key difference depends on how that food is produced.

Traditionally produced tempeh is loaded with B12 because it contains healthy bacteria which produce it. In North America, however, large scale production and improved sanitation has decreased these bacteria, and therefore the amount of B12.

Your B12 status can be easily measured with a blood test, but since it is a water-soluble vitamin, supplementation within a healthy range can't hurt.

Your ND can give you a quick Vitamin B12 injection next time you're in the office; a great way to boost your energy!

In good health,

Dr. Stacey Welton, ND

Kickstarter

I was reading an article in the New York Times yesterday and I stumbled onto Kickstarter.

Kickstarter is this amazing website focused on supporting creative ideas by giving them an accessible platform. Artists, filmmakers, musicians, designers, writers, illustrators, explorers, curators, performers....anyone with an idea can apply.

Here's the lowdown:
Every project has a funding goal (any dollar amount) and a time limit (from 1 - 90 days) set by the project creator. When the deadline is reached, there are either of two results:

1. Funding Successful: If a project has met or surpassed its funding goal, all backers' credit cards are instantly charged and funds go directly to the project creator. Project creators are then responsible for completing the project and delivering rewards as promised.

2. Funding Unsuccessful: If a project has not met its funding goal, all pledges are canceled. That's it.

The best part is all the money raised for a particular project goes directly to the project creator. Kickstart doesn't take a single penny!

What an amazing, creative positive thing to put out into the world.

In good health,

Dr. Stacey Welton, ND

If you don't know, now you know...

Body Blitz!

If you haven't been yet and live anywhere CLOSE to the Toronto area I highly suggest a trip.


A hydrotherapy spa for women right in the heart of downtown Toronto, body blitz is situated in an 11,000 sq. ft. warehouse space. With a dead sea salt pool, hot green tea pool, cold plunging pool, aromatherapy steam room and infrared sauna it is one of the most relaxing days I have spent in a long time!

Try the ' hydrotherapy circuit'; in addition to a tailored detoxification protocol of supplements and herbs prescribed by your ND, it is an amazing additional way to detoxify the body at a cellular level.

With a $38 all day deal on Tuesdays, you have no reason not to give it a try!

In good health,

Dr. Stacey Welton, ND

EBOOST

I recently discovered a great new supplement called EBOOST.
Packed with Vitamin C, B6, B12, Zinc, and more... this orange flavoured effervescent tablet is a great afternoon pick-me-up!

So, okay, it has a bit of caffeine in it...but skip that afternoon espresso and get the same boost with the added bonus of helpful vitamins and minerals.

Here's what you call a 'happy medium'. I like it!

Please use caution if pregnant or breastfeeding (as with most supplements!)

Skin Deep: Are your cosmetics toxic?

I recently stumbled across a GREAT resource - and oddly enough Global Television was airing a segment on them the very next night!

"Skin Deep" is part of the Environmental Working Group's Cosmetic Safety Database. The short of it? - You can take a look at the toxic content of the skin cream you apply, the toothpaste you brush with, or *gasp* the hairdye you use.

If you can't find the product you're looking for in their extensive list of cosmetics, you can enter it in yourself and the website immediately generates you a report - - which you can save by creating a free profile!

For Example: Did you know that 'Colgate Flouride Toothpaste Regular' is rated as less toxic than its popular counterpart 'Colgate Total Toothpaste'??

Visit: Skin Deep and give it a try!

In good health,

Dr. Stacey Welton, ND

New Practice Location!

Hello All,


I hope this Summer has been an enjoyable and relaxing one and that each of you have found the time to get outside in the fresh air and sunshine.

I wanted to let everyone know that effective September 1st 2010, I will be moving my Medical practice to The Health Loft; a beautiful multidisciplinary clinic located in the Thompson Hotel at King and Portland in Toronto, ON.

I am thrilled to be joining such a vibrant clinic and to be practicing in the downtown core once again!



I will be available for appointments on the following days:

Mondays: 2pm - 8pm
Tuesdays: 2pm - 8pm
Wednesdays: 8am - 2pm
Thursdays: 8am – 2pm

Please visit www.thehealthloft.ca for more information - while on our website follow the links to book an appolntment in 'real time'!


Best of health to all in this transition season,

Dr. Stacey Welton, ND