Eric Stretch DTCM, R.Ac

10/07/2018

Had an absolute blast at the game last night! Some sweet sweet Canuck revenge boys.

10/03/2018

Got those sudden winter flu blues? This is the crew that I use. If the bug doesn't get you, the taste sure will. I'm looking at you oil of oregano.

04/10/2017

03/25/2017

02/17/2017

Evolve team kickin some ass at spin class!

01/19/2017

Considering how small needles are, it's pretty awesome that we can get such huge effects!

01/17/2017

This is such a cool photo from
Start your week with YinTang ☯️😌

01/16/2017

Everyone has to start to start somewhere, take one of these and try to integrate it into your life.

01/09/2017

Interesting article I came across the other day as a follow-up to the one I wrote about how acupuncture treating depression. Statistically, females are 2.5 times as likely to take antidepressants as males, and birth control seems to be a contributing factor.

Do you use the pill or some other form of hormonal contraception? Recent studies suggest that it may increase your risk of developing depression. Read on to learn how these contraceptives change your body, the association between hormones and depression, and natural alternatives to hormonal birth co...

01/06/2017

Acupuncture and Depression

Recent studies done at the University of Alberta by the Malykhin Lab have been making some interesting connections between psychological depression and activity of the amygdalae. The team at the Malykhin Lab are observing fluctuations in both the size and activity of these fancy little, almond shaped structures in a depressed person’s brain.

The reason I bring this up is that it happens to tie in nicely with some other research being done on acupuncture and depression. A randomized controlled trial done on 614 patients with depression in Northern England found consistent acupuncture treatments to be significantly more effective than usual care over a period of 3 months and 12 months.(1) Plus, another research review has demonstrated that certain points can actually have positive changes to the amygdalae specifically, which might be contributing to what’s known as the acupuncture effect.(2)

Of course, this is not the first time that acupuncture has been touted for its positive impact on those suffering from mental illness.

In 2012, a research study out of Hong Kong showed electro-acupuncture stimulation also reduced the severity of depressive symptoms to help patients dealing with depression recover faster using alternative methods.

I find it endlessly interesting that we’re finally developing the tools to gradually figure out what effects acupuncture treatments have on the mind and the body as a whole. When it comes to mental illness and more specifically depression and/or anxiety the combo of acupuncture and herbal medicine can provide a different approach to promoting general relaxation and calming that “fight or flight” reaction. I think that one of the aspects of TCM that people tend to appreciate the most, especially when it comes psychological problems, is the possibility of having someone listen to you and form the treatments around you and you only.

1. http://journals.plos.org/plosmedicine/article?id=10.1371/journal.pmed.1001518
2. http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0032960

01/04/2017

What is cupping?

Cupping is an ancient technique that involves placing jars on the skin, suctioning out the air and creating a vacuum. The underlying tissue is raised, or sucked, partway into the cup. The purpose of cupping is to enhance circulation, help relieve pain, remove “heat,” and pull toxins from your body’s tissue. Cupping is particularly good to help alleviate fascial adhesions causing muscle pain and to aid in recovery from hard exercise. You could think of cupping as the literal opposite to massage where instead of pressing down on the muscles, we’re lifting them up in order to separate the layers and bring in as much circulation as we can.

You usually feel a tight sensation in the area of the cup which will often feel good and relaxing for your aching muscles. Cups are generally left in place for 5-20 minutes, or we move them around in a pattern in order to address large areas of discomfort. Cupping causes the skin to temporarily turn red, blue or purple, especially if there is an energetic blockage under the cups. It’s common to get some mild bruising from the initial breaking of tiny blood vessels called capillaries. The skin discoloration may last anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks.

I have had particularly good results for patients with the flu, colds, back pain, muscle pain, red itchy skin conditions, allergies, fevers, aches and pains. I’ll often do cupping for patients that don’t have any major complaints and just need something to help them relax and loosen up the muscles a bit, it’s a fantastic de-stressor.

Give us a call to come try it out for yourself!

12/28/2016

FAQ's about TCM #6
Is acupuncture painful? What does it feel like?
Acupuncture is usually a very comfortable treatment. Needles are very fine, metallic and as thin as a hair, making them quite painless upon insertion. Everyone experiences acupuncture differently, but most feel no pain or very minimal pain as the needles are inserted. You may experience a mild aching sensation or warmth around the needle site. Needles are left in place for 15 to 30 minutes during which time the practitioner may manipulate the needles in order to strengthen or reduce the flow of Qi.

12/28/2016

FAQ's about TCM #5
How many treatments will I need?
Many people start to see a significant difference within one to two treatments but some take longer to respond depending on the condition being treated. On average, treatments will be twice a week for 3-4 weeks and then transitioned into a maintenance schedule if need be. Although depending on the condition, there are times when 10-12 treatments are required.

Acute injuries are treated as soon as possible and sometimes even daily at first. Chronic conditions will often need repeat maintenance treatments to maintain the momentum after an initial period of frequent treatments. Post treatment exercise and discipline in diet is extremely important for continued improvement and recovery.

Generally, treatments every second day (Mon, Wed and Fri) or twice per week would be considered frequent. Maintenance treatments could range from weekly to monthly or when symptoms begin to recur.

12/28/2016

FAQ's about TCM #4
How does acupuncture work?
Acupuncture is the stimulation, by insertion of needles, of specific points on the body which have the ability to alter various biochemical and physiological conditions in order to bring about the body's natural ability to heal and regulate. Acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins, which are the body’s natural pain-relieving neurohormones. Acupuncture also affects the functioning of the hormonal system, promotes a decrease in inflammation, increased circulation and relief from pain.

Therapeutic effects include:
• Pain relief
• Increased energy
• Improved mood
• Improved body function

There has been a tremendous amount of research done on what mechanisms drive the efficacy of acupuncture with theories ranging from endorphin release to the "gate-control" theory to the "nerve-reflex" theory. Ultimately, we know that a reduction in inflammation is a large part of it and also why it is applicable to such an array of conditions.

12/28/2016

FAQ's about TCM #3
Is Acupuncture Safe?
One of the most striking aspects of acupuncture is the almost complete absence of adverse effects and complications from its use. Most patients find that the treatments are relaxing and cause minimal discomfort. Acupuncture is a safe technique, provided that practitioners are properly trained and follow appropriate techniques. Trained and registered practitioners use single-use, sterile disposable needles and have extensive training regarding precautions and contraindications to acupuncture. The York Acupuncture Safety Study, a prospective study of 34,407 acupuncture treatments found no serious adverse effects and only 43 cases of minor adverse effects, the most common of which were nausea and fainting.

It is important to inform the practitioner of your medical history, medications and if you are pregnant or could possibly be pregnant, as acupuncture treatment may have to be modified or may not be appropriate.

12/28/2016

FAQ's about TCM #2
What types of treatment are used?
A TCM practitioner will determine what form of therapy is best for you upon completion of the initial intake process. There are different techniques that a TCM has at their disposal, but they will often include acupuncture in it's various forms, including traditional, medical or electro, massage, cupping, gua sha and herbal therapy. Typically, treatments will be composed of a couple techniques, with the most common being acupuncture and herbal therapy.

12/28/2016

FAQ's about TCM #1
What does acupuncture treat?
Acupuncture is a gentle and safe treatment that’s suitable for all ages—children to seniors. It’s used to treat a wide range of conditions.

Pain: Acupuncture is used to treat a vast number of painful conditions, with some examples being:
Acute injuries
Chronic pain
Sprains and strains
Back and neck pain
Tennis elbow
Sciatica
Headaches
Migraines
Arthritis
TMJ

Psychological Disorders, including:
Stress
Anxiety
Depression
Insomnia

Ear, Eye, Nose and Throat Disorders, including:
Sinusitis
Hay fever
Dizziness
Tinnitus

Gastrointestinal Disorders, including:
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Colitis
Constipation
Diarrhea
Abdominal bloating

Gynecological/ Genitourinary, including:
Fertility
PMS
Menstrual problems
Prostatitis
ED

Respiratory Disorders, including:
Asthma
Bronchitis
Colds and Flu

Cosmetic Acupuncture
Combination of acupuncture, cupping and massage done on the face to help with wrinkles, fine lines and other imbalances.

This is not a comprehensive list. If you don’t see your condition listed here, speak to your practitioner.