Flourish Clinic

04/16/2025

CIRS & Fibromyalgia: When the Root Runs Deeper

Ever feel like your fibromyalgia diagnosis doesn’t tell the whole story?

Let’s talk about CIRS (Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome) — a condition triggered by biotoxins that causes your immune system to stay in a constant state of overdrive.

Sound familiar?
Chronic pain. Fatigue. Brain fog. Sleep issues.
Symptoms that overlap almost perfectly with fibromyalgia.

Here’s the connection:
CIRS isn’t “just” inflammation — it’s neuroimmune chaos. The biotoxins trigger inflammatory pathways that mess with your nervous system, hormones, detox pathways, and even pain perception.

In many with fibro, CIRS might be the underlying driver. And until you address that root cause, symptom management can feel like a losing game.

The good news? With the right testing and root-cause approach, many people start to reclaim their lives.

Don’t settle for “it’s just fibromyalgia.” Ask why your body is screaming.

04/15/2025

MCAS & CIRS: The Hidden Connection

Did you know Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) and Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) often go hand in hand?

MCAS is when mast cells (your body’s allergy + immune defenders) go rogue, releasing too many chemicals at the wrong time — causing symptoms like itching, brain fog, GI issues, and fatigue.

CIRS is a complex immune response triggered by biotoxins (like mold) that your body can’t clear — leading to widespread inflammation and dysfunction.

The Link?
Both involve immune dysregulation, chronic inflammation, and often share symptoms. Many with CIRS also experience MCAS because mold toxins can activate mast cells, making the inflammation spiral worse.

If you’re treating one, don’t forget to explore the other. Healing is layered — and understanding these root causes is key. At Flourish Clinic we specialize in treating CIRS - which can be the root cause of so many unexplained illnesses, including MCAS.

Are you affected by MCAS or CIRS? Click the link in our bio to book a complimentary call with one of Canada’s only Shoemaker Protocol practitioners today!

10/23/2022

Hi again!
I thought I'd let our new massage therapist Steph tell you a bit more about herself.
~ Ali

Hi, I’m Steph! Recent graduate and newest addition to the Flourish team. I have been at Flourish for a few months now - and honestly, I'm learning something from every client.

Last month I had a client who couldn't touch his toes. He complained of low back pain, overall back tension and headaches. Using what I learned in school, I felt confident and after treatment asked the client to touch his toes. To my disappointment, he only got as far as his mid calf. After the next treatment, I was a bit nervous but to my amazement, he was able to touch his toes! In two treatments, this client had no back pain or headaches!

Another client often mentions how stress is overtaking her life. She can’t focus on simple tasks, gets daily headaches and her muscle tension is high. She’s unsuccessfully tried a variety of methods to calm her nervous system down. After the interview with her, I wasn't sure I could help. School taught us about muscles, not the nervous system. But after doing a few hours of research, and chatting with the wonderful Ali, I began using what I learned. The results were mind blowing! Headaches disappeared, she could focus on work tasks again, and her pain decreased. I gave her home care to manage her stress and calm her nervous system down in between appointments. She is so happy to be able to focus at work!

As I learn more, I am starting to integrate my understanding of everything trauma and stress affect. My clients find these treatments help with:
Brain fog, headaches, and feeling sluggish,
Chronic muscle pain,
Decreased muscle tension,
Mood improvement,
Coping and managing stress.

In return, my clients give me improved confidence and the desire to keep learning! Every day brings something new and I look forward to learning so much more.

You can book with me here:
https://flourishclinic.janeapp.com/ #/staff_member/14

I hope to meet you soon,
Steph

01/11/2022

12/23/2021

12/06/2021

Did you know that after years of eating a food that doesn't agree with your body, your body is going to start sending out warning signals?

This could show up as a chronic injury that just won't go away, no matter what treatment you try.

It's one of the reasons Mark and I developed The Flourish Project. Our goal is to teach you how to become healthy.

Your doctor's office deals with illness and gives you a fix for whatever issue is bothering you. It's the same with your other health practitioners - including your acupuncturist and massage therapist :) They provide a band-aid solution for what is currently bothering you.

To be clear, we're not against band-aid solutions. When you put your back out, you want a band-aid solution that gets you out of pain as fast as possible. But if your back goes out regularly, no matter how many times you've had acupuncture or massage, there's probably more to your issue.

Want to learn more? Click here:
https://fatiguetoflourish.com/the-flourish-project/

Hugs,
Ali